Osprey Sportlite 25 294 Blue Sky M/L

It’s a nice pack but maybe too much for light day hikes

Great travel backpack, lots of organization areas. Comfortable for day hikes and I like the deep water bottle pockets.

I have used this a few times for day hikes and am pretty satisfied with the features and comfort. I don't agree with Osprey's description of this as "minimalist"; there are three compartments and lots of straps and adjustables. I like the hip belt pocket and the ability to stow trekking poles. There are compression straps for the water bottle holders so the mesh doesn't get stretched out. At this point I can't comment on durability.

I think I got a winner. This is my first backpack for actual backpacking. I like the weight, the fit and the color. The real test is how this baby holds up on my 6 day hike in the Canadian Rockies. I'll know in early Sept.

The hip belt is too long. I bought this backpack specifically because it is a small pack with a hip belt, but the belt does not cinch tight enough. I am NOT a small person (5'9" and 40 pounds overweight if I'm being honest), and even so I can barely get the hip belt tight enough to take the weight off my shoulders. If I lose 10 pounds I don't think the hip belt will do anything. Otherwise the pack is fine, seems to be well made.