Osprey Sportlite Review: Should You Get It?

Having a good hiking backpack can make or break your outdoor adventures. You’re either able to fit everything you need inside the bag and be comfortable while you’re wearing it, or you’re in pain from a poor-fitting backpack. It’s even worse if your bag can’t fit all the items you need, and you have to carry stuff in your hand or get an additional bag.

Osprey Sportlite is an excellent option for several reasons, all of which are covered in this detailed review of the backpack. It’s lightweight, comfortable to wear, and available in multiple sizes suitable for everything from quick afternoon hikes to two-day expeditions! Keep reading to see everything I (don’t) love about the Osprey Sportlite backpack and decide whether it’s a good option for you!

Weight & Materials

The Sportlite collection from Osprey features five backpacks that mostly differ in size. All the bags are manufactured from 100D High Tenacity recycled nylon, and they’re surprisingly lightweight. The material the packs are made from also boasts excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and water resistance, all of which are essential for good performance out on the trails. All the Sportlite backpacks are coated with DWR for excellent performance in wet weather.

The 15-liter pack weighs less than a pound, the 20-liter bag weighs just 1.1 lbs, and the three larger bags all weigh 1.8 lbs. That’s incredibly lightweight for a hiking pack, and it honestly makes these bags even more attractive.

Additionally, I think it’s important to mention that Osprey offers an extended-fit version of the 25-liter Sportlite backpack. It’s an online exclusive, and it’s meant for people with a bigger torso. If the standard size of the backpack doesn’t fit you well and you would prefer something with longer straps, definitely take a look at the extended fit option.

Comfort

AirScape Backpanel

The Osprey Sportlite backpacks feature an AirScape back panel with an Atilon foam sheet for maximum carrying comfort. The back panel has a channel in the middle for optimized airflow, and the entire panel is covered with breathable spacer mesh for really good ventilation.

What this means in practice is that you will sweat minimally in places where the backpack is touching your body. This is an essential feature for hikes in the summer and it significantly improves the overall carrying comfort.

Shoulder Straps

Adjustable shoulder straps are one of the main features of this backpack. They are padded with EVA foam and covered with breathable spacer mesh, for maximum carrying comfort. Also, it’s important to note that adjusting the shoulder straps on Osprey packs is always super simple, and you usually just need to pull the strap towards you if you want to make them fit tighter.

You can easily do this on the move, and it’s just one of many things I love about these backpacks.

Hip Belt and Sternum Strap

All Sportlite packs feature a hip belt, but it’s not identical across all sizes of the bags. The 25- and 30-liter backpacks feature a padded hip belt with pockets, while the two smaller backpacks come with a detachable webbing hip belt.

The padded hip belt is definitely more comfortable, but the webbing hip belt is a great inclusion for the 15- and 20-liter packs. Most people don’t find hip belts a necessary feature on small-capacity bags because the backpack load is evenly distributed without them.

An adjustable sternum strap with a safety whistle is also included in all of the Sportlite packs.

Organization & Accessibility

The Main Compartment

The main compartment is often the most important feature of the backpack, so let’s get into it. The 15-, 20-, and 25-liter backpacks all feature a panel-loading main compartment, while the 30-liter backpack has a top-loading main compartment. That’s because the largest Sportlite has an additional fixed lid compartment.

The main compartment is spacious on all four backpacks, and it accounts for the majority of the bag’s internal capacity. On the smaller packs, the hydration sleeve is inside this compartment, but not on the 25- and 30-liter backpacks.

Front Compartment

All the Sportlite backpacks feature another packing compartment in addition to the main compartment. On the 30-liter backpack, that’s the fixed lid zippered pocket. On the two smallest bags, it’s a dedicated front panel compartment with a key clip.

The 25-liter Sportlite features two additional compartments; a small compartment on the front panel, and a middle compartment with a key clip, internal mesh pocket, and other open pockets for easier organization.

Stretchy Side Water Bottle Pockets

Most Osprey backpacks feature side mesh pockets, and the Sportlite packs are no exception. These pockets are usually surprisingly deep and feature compression straps over them that allow you to make the items inside more secure.

I’ve used these pockets on my backpack to store everything from a water bottle to a sandwich. They’re truly amazing for stuff you want to keep easily accessible, especially because the compression straps guarantee stuff can’t fall out of them easily.

Trekking Pole Loops

Since this is a collection of hiking backpacks, it’s not surprising that they all feature trekking pole loops on the front panel. Every backpack has two tiny loops at the bottom and upper compression straps, which can make your life a lot easier when hiking. It’s super easy to secure the trekking poles to the backpack, and you won’t even feel it when wearing the pack.

Compartment With Key Clip

Every Sportlite backpack has a key clip in one compartment. On the three smaller backpacks, the key clip is inside the front panel compartment for easy access. The 30-liter pack has an additional top-lid compartment where the key clip is stored.

In any case, you will have easy access to the key clip, and I honestly have to tell you that this is one of my favorite features on Osprey backpacks. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to rummage through my bag just to get to my keys, and once you get used to securing them on a key clip, they will always be at your fingertips.

Hydration Sleeve

Osprey’s Sportlite backpacks are all equipped with a hydration sleeve, but the location and access depend on the size. In the 15- and 20-liter packs, the hydration sleeve is internal with the option to secure the drinking hose to either shoulder strap.

On the 25- and 30-liter backpacks, the hydration sleeve is external. It’s situated right behind the back panel and allows for easy access even while you’re on the move. I prefer an external hydration sleeve simply because it makes it easier to reach the hydration bladder, plus your other stuff is a bit more secure in case of a bladder rupture.

Front Panel Stretchy Mesh Pocket

The Sportlite backpacks are also equipped with a stretch pocket on the front panel. It’s another awesome storage option for items you want easily accessible, or just stuff you remember to pack last minute, when you run out of space inside the bag.

Because the pocket is stretchy, it can fit almost anything. You can use it to store a spare layer, a Tupperware bowl, or just a blanket.

Versatility

Osprey Sportlite is primarily a hiking backpack, but it’s versatile enough that you can absolutely use it for more than just hiking if you want. The only feature it lacks to be an excellent all-around backpack is a padded laptop sleeve, and even that’s something you can improvise.

Blinky Light Attachment

The Sportlite features a blinky light attachment point on the front panel, a feature that is useful in both hiking and cycling backpacks. Whether you’re hitting the trails at night or you’re riding around on your bicycle, being able to attach a light to your backpack is a great feature that will increase your safety.

Hydration Sleeve

I want to make a quick note of the fact that the hydration sleeve is usually a very versatile feature. It can often double as a laptop compartment, especially if it’s an internal sleeve. But only when you’re not using it to store a hydration bladder, and I would never recommend using the same sleeve to store your reservoir and laptop at the same time.

Value For Money

In my opinion, Osprey backpacks are worth every penny. The craftsmanship quality is absolutely there and the backpack will perform as well as you expect it for years. It’s also a very comfortable backpack with loads of useful features, plus it’s backed by an excellent warranty that guarantees you’ll be able to use this backpack for years to come.

Osprey Sportlite: Should You Buy It?

If you want a good hiking backpack you should definitely consider getting the Osprey Sportlite in the size you think works best for you. It’s an amazing backpack with a lot of useful features and it’s very comfortable to wear even for prolonged periods.

Then again, if you’re not looking for just a hiking backpack and would prefer something a little more versatile, just know that there are plenty of other options. Check out our related posts for ideas on other awesome Osprey backpacks. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Osprey Sportlite have a rain cover?

The Osprey Sportlite does not come with a rain cover, but it is possible to purchase a rain cover for this backpack from the brand. Osprey’s rain covers retail for $20-45 depending on the size and style.

Does the Osprey Sportlite come with a warranty?

Yes, Osprey Sportlite is covered with the brand’s All Mighty Guarantee. Osprey offers a great warranty on their products, and while they don’t extend the warranty to cover tears and damage caused by everyday wear, they have been known to send people brand-new backpacks when their old ones fail.

Does the Osprey Sportlite have any security features like anti-theft zippers?

No, the Osprey Sportlite does not have any security features like anti-theft zippers. At most, it has compression straps that could deter thieves by blocking access to the zippers, but you don’t get anything more elaborate on this backpack.