Osprey Backpacks For Women: Which Suits You Best?

The very first blog post on this blog was about the splendid Osprey Farpoint 40 which is dedicated to Men. Now, although it says Men there is no prohibition for Women to use it. But see, the thing is that Men and Women have different physiques. Men are taller and Women are relatively short. So you can’t really expect a backpack built as a unisex to fit both a tall man and a short woman. Which is why in this post we will introduce the Osprey Backpacks for Women. Forget about the unisex and get one that is constructed right for your body. And we aren’t just going to be reviewing the backpacks for backpacking, but for each outdoor activity like hiking, biking, climbing etc. So stay tuned to pick up the best Osprey bag that suits you.

Osprey Kyte- The Trusted Hiking Backpack For Women

• X-small to Medium
• 3 lbs 6.1 oz
• Denier Nylon
• Breathable AirScape ridged foam backpanel 
• Adjustable torso length
• Zippered hipbelt pockets 

Well there is no harm to kick off the list with the most famous outdoor activity irrespective of age and gender. Undeniably the best Osprey hiking backpack for women. To name a few other specs in addition to the ones mentioned above would be, Integrated removable raincover, Zippered sleeping bag compartment with floating divider, Front panel hybrid shove-it pocket and stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment. Oh yeah it also has dual mesh pockets. The Osprey Talon 22 daypack is almost identical to this one.

Perhaps the most attractive feature of this backpack is the light wire suspension system which makes it only to be a little over 3lbs(46L). The weight is methodically transferred from the harness to the hip belt ensuring optimum load distribution across your torso and not fixated on your shoulders.

Also the breathable airscape is to make certain that the air flow across your back is optimum. This in turn keeps the backpack from being unnecessarily warm even if the outside temperature is hot.

You can find the internal compression straps used to hold your goods together in the small(46L) and medium(55L) versions. As for the cons, well the side pockets aren’t the easiest to access when hiking. This is quite a common issue with many backpacks.

So if you want to get our water bottle that is in one of the mesh pockets, you are going to have to take the bag off first. And the top lid can be removed only in the 55L version. This is a bit of a downside as removing this part reduces weight and it would have been nice to have it enabled in the other two versions as well.

But in terms of practicality, the Osprey Kyte is a great backpack for hiking women. You can see that the features speak well for the practical nature of the backpack. It comes in only three colors and is reasonably priced given every feature it offers. Definitely a durable purchase that won’t disappoint you.

Osprey HikeLite-Lightest Osprey Backpacks For Women Who Prefer Longer Hikes

• Denier Nylon
• 1.62 lbs
• AirSpeed Mesh backpanel 
• Internal hydration sleeve
• Trekking pole attachment
• 18L, 26L, 32L in 5 different colors

So how about a smaller backpack for a lengthy hike? Osprey backpacks make use of so many variables in their designs. This one is complete with the essential features that are required from an outdoor backpack, the Osprey HikeLite is the perfect backpack for women that are more outdoorsy and enjoy long hikes with overnight stays.

Just look at the weight of the bag and you won’t resist it. And we only mentioned the most crucial features. It also has a hiking sunglasses/electronics pocket and stretch mesh side pockets and integrated raincover.

The cool thing about the Hikelite is that it can be even used as a regular bag while also utilizing long day hikes. The ventilated AirSpeed back panel makes sure that no sweat is accumulated on your back, no matter how long the hike is. There is also a front shovel pocket, which can be really supportive when hiking.

The surface is abrasion resistant material built hence prolonging durability. So, if you are looking for comfort, ventilation and lightweight packed with functionality, look no further than the Osprey HikeLite.

Osprey Aura AG 50 Backpack For Backpacking Women

• 4.1 lbs
• Denier Nylon
• Removable floating top lid 
• Adjustable harness

The name says the type of the bag. The Osprey Aura is a bit expensive in comparison to the previous two. Now this backpack is built for short backpacking trips as you will shortly notice given it’s size and supportive capacity. Available in three sizes XS, S and M. Some additional specs are Anti-Gravity suspension which is what AG stands for, front stretch mesh pocket, dual zippered top lid pockets, dual ice tool loops and removable sleeping pad straps. The prominent of these features is the AG, which transfers the load of the pack to the hipbelt using the suspension system.

Not only does it distribute the weight evenly, but also provides good ventilation. Plus all these are fully padded meaning you won’t have a sweaty back. The harness can be well adjusted according to your height. Organization is on point with this backpack because of the internal compartments, not to mention the bottom space for the sleeping bag that also contains a removable divider.

However the bag does not sit upright and it might not be the lightest and the colors are of three variations. Nonetheless, it is robust, full of function and durable with maximum comfort and internal organized space.

Osprey Lumina 45 Women’s Ultralight Backpacking Backpack

• 1.78 lbs
• 3.5mm Lightwire internal frame 
• Nanofly fabric material
• Bellowed front fabric for rain gear storage

Now here’s the cheaper, lightweight option packed with functionality. Best for weekend trips and for people who pack lighter with the minimal needs and still want to go further. So these types of backpacks are precisely for the experienced backpackers who are certain of the essentials and don’t require additional pockets.

NanoFly fabric construction is significant here, for its the key that makes this pack last in harsh mountain weathers and be resistant to abrasion. Additional specs include side, front and top compression cords, dual access stretch mesh side pockets and zippered top pocket.

You can attach additional gear to the top using the attachment points. The suspension system isn’t as sophisticated as that of the previous bags on this list. Nonetheless the pack is definitely strong, robust, durable and although extra features have been cut off, optimally functional.

Some customers however find that the material is too thin and the compression cords a bit difficult to adjust and the lack of a quick access pocket to be frustrating. But the shoulder strap adjustment for any height, stylish nature and especially the ultralightweight is what wins the customers heart.

Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack

• 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop material.
• 3.16 lbs
• Carry-on specific
• Laptop sleeve
• Scratch-free pockets

Now we begin with the best Osprey travel backpacks for women. So why start with the Fairview? Well, as we have mentioned in the specs, it is a carry-on and unlike carry-on luggage with wheels, these work on all surfaces. Plus it is an Osprey best-seller and the women’s version of the Osprey Farpoint 40.

So you get three size variations in this one as well and the smallest one doesn’t have a removable day pack. In the 40L, the access to the main compartment resembles that of a duffel bag. There is a zippered rear flap for protection and the laptop sleeve which can also be used to store a tablet is very protective. As usual the back panel and harness are fully padded and ventilated to enhance breathability and lessen the accumulation of sweat on your back. Also don’t forget the adjustable hipbelt.

And speaking of not forgetting, we really should elaborate on the removable day pack. The capacity is 13L and that is more than sufficient to host the essentials that you need for the day and enjoy your city tours comfortably. As for the customer reviews, they are simply splendid. Users have taken the Fairview on month long European trips, 3 weeks long trips in Asia and the bag held up wonderfully.

They adore the even weight distribution by the hipbelt, the internal and external compression straps plus the ability to keep the zippers hidden. Thereby keeping them away from the eyes of pickpockets. Overall the petite women are the ones who utilized this travel backpack extremely well.

Osprey Packs Celeste Daypack

• 1.96 lbs
• 29 L
• Scratch-free slash pocket
• Pockets: 6 interior slip, 2 interior zip, 4 exterior
• Hipbelt and LED light attachment point

You can definitely count on the Osprey Celeste to use as a casual daypack on an unplanned getaway. Lightweight with plenty of capacity and functionality. The laptop sleeve and grab handle is padded, side compression straps to hold our stuff together, side mesh pockets and front compartment with organizational panel. This bag can even be used for office or college because of the laptop sleeve that can fit a standard size 15” laptop. So you can also call this an Osprey laptop backpack.

Easily accessible and there are plenty of pockets to support the organized nature of this daypack. The LED attachment point is a neat addition and comes in handy if you are traveling at night. Although it isn’t a must in a day pack, the back panel and the harness being padded means you won’t sweat excessively in your back. Ventilation isn’t as sophisticated as in a backpack, but still it is creditable.

The hipbelt as usual deals with balancing the load. Oh! I almost forgot, there is also a tablet sleeve which is suspended. As a final note, the Celeste daypack fits within US and European airline limits for a personal carry-on. In terms of customer reviews, users have both positive and negative feedback on essentially the same facts.

To state the pros, everyone is loving the extra pockets and internal organization, top handle, zipper quality, ample internal space and most importantly the front grab handle. But the one major disadvantage that users complained about were the straps. The fabric inside is a bit more abrasive on bare skin and takes a toll on your shoulders and neck if you are hauling a heavier load. Nonetheless the pros outweigh the cons and maybe for you, the straps mightn’t be an issue.

Osprey Packs Women’s Verve 3 Hydration Pack

• 0.88 lbs, 1.12 lbs
• Light attachment
• LidLock attachment for helmet
• Sternum strap
• Plenty of useful pockets

Final recommendation on Osprey backpacks for women. Remember we said that we will introduce the backpacks specific for each outdoor activity? Well, the Osprey Verve 3, also available as Verve 9 is the Osprey backpack for women who are bikers. It is very minimalistic and on point. You get the upper side compression straps, ventilated mesh back panel, front shove-it pocket, hydration compartment and most importantly the biker friendly features.

To name a few, the hydraulics LT 2.5 liter reservoir with magnetic bite valve retention, internal bike pump storage loops and of course the helmet attachment point. Also the BioStretch shoulder harness is padded and ventilated. The hipbelt isn’t though, it is a basic one just to cut down on the price and it is removable.

You can stash small items like protein bars into the dual side mesh pockets for easy access while riding. Considering the weight and the size plus price of the pack, the features are plenty and certainly aids a biker. The customer reviews are mostly positive and encouraging. It accurately sticks to the definition of an Osprey women’s backpack as it aligns neatly with the posture unique to a woman.

So the ergonomics are good. Great for day hikes as well and works with kids too. Users have found the stylish, durable nature extremely appealing along with the features specific to a biker. However one user complained that the straps were really narrow resulting in them digging to her back and neck.

Summary- Osprey Backpacks For Women

So there you have it. Some of the best Osprey backpacks for women who are hikers, bikers, campers, climbers and overall outdoor enthusiasts. As always there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a backpack. The interior should be roomy with a few pockets to store some items like a passport or batteries.

Also the hipbelt specifically since the bag is intended for a woman. Almost all Osprey women’s backpacks come with well padded, sturdy hip belts that help distribute the weight over the hip and not just the back. Make sure the shoulder straps are on the same page as that of the hipbelt.

You don’t want to have thin unpadded straps that cut into your shoulders during a long hike or walk. Hydration, a well padded back panel which is also ventilated for long hikes. Last but not least, the price tag, design and style, comfort, weight and more importantly the nature of your travel.

Perhaps this should have been the first point. Because all other facts are considered depending on the nature of your travel. For example, the HikeLite is best for long hikes and the Aura AG 50 for shorter hikes. So have your requirements listed out well and make the best choice.