The Osprey Hikelite 28 Backpack is a lightweight, streamlined 28-liter daypack designed for both casual and experienced hikers, offering impeccable ventilation through its AirSpeed SUSPENSION for enhanced comfort on the trail. Its traditional panel-loading design ensures ease of use and organization, while incorporating sustainable materials and practical features for efficient gear management, though specific limitations are not detailed in the product description.
AirSpeed SUSPENSION: Features a tensioned mesh backpanel that provides superior ventilation and carrying comfort, keeping your back cool and dry.
Traditional Panel-Loading Design: Offers convenient zip access to the main compartment, making it easy to pack and unpack your gear.
External Organization: Includes a front fabric shove-it pocket with stretch panels, extra-tall stretch mesh side pockets, and padded hipbelt pockets for accessible storage of essentials like snacks and water bottles.
Trekking Pole Attachment: Equipped with dual upper side compression straps with trekking pole capture and dual trekking pole loops for securely stowing your poles when not in use.
Hydration Ready: An internal reservoir sleeve with a dedicated hose port allows for seamless integration of a hydration system (reservoir not included).
Integrated Safety Features: An adjustable sternum strap includes a rescue whistle for emergencies.
Sustainable Construction: Made with bluesign® approved and GRS-certified recycled fabrics, featuring DWR treatments created without PFAS, contributing to environmental responsibility.
Excellent ventilation keeps you cool and comfortable.
Lightweight and streamlined design for easy carrying.
User-friendly panel-loading for simple access to contents.
Ample external storage options for quick-grab items.
Compatible with hydration systems for convenient water access.
Manufactured with sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Secure attachment points for trekking poles.
Info needed: Specific product limitations or drawbacks are not detailed in the provided description.
Excellent ventilation keeps you cool and comfortable.
Lightweight and streamlined design for easy carrying.
User-friendly panel-loading for simple access to contents.
Ample external storage options for quick-grab items.
Compatible with hydration systems for convenient water access.
Manufactured with sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Secure attachment points for trekking poles.
Info needed: Specific product limitations or drawbacks are not detailed in the provided description.
The Osprey Hikelite 28 Backpack excels in providing comfort and utility for day hikes and light excursions. Its standout feature, the AirSpeed SUSPENSION, ensures that even on warm days or during strenuous activity, your back remains well-ventilated, significantly reducing sweat buildup and enhancing overall comfort. This system creates a breathable space between your back and the pack, promoting airflow.
The traditional panel-loading design makes packing and accessing your main gear straightforward. You can fully open the main compartment to organize your items, unlike top-loading packs where retrieving items from the bottom can be a challenge. For items you need frequently, the backpack offers multiple external storage solutions:
Padded hipbelt pockets: Ideal for small snacks, a phone, or lip balm, allowing on-the-move access without stopping.
Front fabric shove-it pocket: Perfect for quickly stashing a lightweight jacket, a map, or a guidebook.
Extra-tall stretch mesh side pockets: Securely hold water bottles of various sizes, or other long, narrow items.
External access zip pocket with key clip: Provides a secure spot for keys and other small valuables, preventing them from getting lost at the bottom of the pack.
For hikers who use trekking poles, the dual upper side compression straps with trekking pole capture and dual trekking pole loops offer a secure and accessible way to stow your poles when not in use, freeing your hands for scrambling or navigating tricky terrain. The internal reservoir sleeve with a hose port makes integrating your hydration system simple, ensuring you stay hydrated without needing to remove bottles from side pockets. The adjustable sternum strap with a rescue whistle adds an important safety feature for peace of mind on the trail.
Adjust Torso Length (if applicable): While the Hikelite 28 is a fixed torso pack, ensure the shoulder straps are adjusted so the hipbelt rests comfortably on your iliac crest (hip bones) to bear the majority of the pack's weight.
Loosen All Straps: Before putting on the pack, loosen the shoulder straps, load lifters (if present), sternum strap, and hipbelt.
Put On Pack: Place the pack on your back.
Fasten Hipbelt: Cinch the hipbelt first, ensuring it's snug around your hips.
Tighten Shoulder Straps: Pull the shoulder straps down and back until the pack sits comfortably against your back, without pulling too much on your shoulders.
Adjust Load Lifters: (If present) These straps connect the top of the shoulder straps to the pack body. Pull them gently to bring the top of the pack closer to your body, enhancing stability.
Fasten Sternum Strap: Connect the sternum strap across your chest and adjust its height and tension for comfort and to stabilize the shoulder straps.
Hydration Systems: Compatible with most standard hydration reservoirs (not included) via the internal sleeve and hose port.
Trekking Poles: Designed to accommodate trekking poles using dedicated loops and compression straps.
Raincover: Features a dedicated front zippered pocket to store a raincover (raincover not included).
Usage: Ideal for day hikes, short treks, and general outdoor use where a 28-liter capacity is sufficient.
Cleaning: For general cleaning, wipe down the backpack with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach. For stubborn dirt, use a soft brush.
Drying: Always air dry your backpack completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this can damage the fabric coatings and structural components.
Storage: Store the backpack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure it is completely dry before storage to prevent mildew.
Material: Made from durable bluesign® approved and GRS-certified recycled fabrics, with DWR treatments made without PFAS. While robust, proper care will extend its lifespan.