Arguably some of the best backpacks on the market, Osprey is a premium brand notorious for superior quality and functionality. This global brand has over four decades of experience in handcrafting backpacks for hiking, school, travel, and more.
Osprey was founded in 1974 by Mike Pfotenhauer. He sewed each of the backpacks himself and grew the company into the powerhouse brand it is today. Mike still oversees every single design, ensuring all Osprey backpacks meet his high standards.
Each backpack has a unique set of features. They differ in size, weight, number of pockets, and accessories. One thing is consistent with each Osprey backpack – they are all premium quality and last a lifetime!
Osprey stands by their backpacks so much that they created the All Mighty Guarantee. It’s a lifetime warranty that will repair your backpack for life.
With a guarantee like this, it’s no surprise Osprey has acquired a loyal following. Although they are more expensive than your average backpack, the quality is well above average.
Osprey’s main competitors include Gossamer Gear, Columbia, Patagonia, Gregory Mountain Products, Fjällräven, Granite Gear, REI, Arc’teryx, and The North Face. If you are looking for an Osprey backpack, here are the best bags for hiking, school, and travel.
Best Osprey Backpacks for Hiking, Fishing, and Hunting
Certain types of hikes may require a different kind of backpack. You’ll need a much larger pack for a 7-day trek in the mountains than if you were on a 4-hour trail hike.
Osprey has many backpacks that are great for hiking, fishing, and hunting. Here are the top three:
1. Archeon 30 Day Pack, $240 at Osprey
This versatile backpack is perfect for portaging or a multi-day adventure through the mountains.
The Archeon 30 has a comfortable backpanel and waist belt. This backpack is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, or hunting as it has all the bells and whistles to carry your gear comfortably.
The Archeon 30 a trustworthy and multitalented pack with a rain cover, reservoir sleeve, webbing lash points, and side pockets
It has a rain cover, dual ax loop, and front-zip access. There is a large lid pocket, a security pocket with a key clip, and four compression straps to keep everything in place.
To keep you hydrated, this backpack is compatible with the Osprey hydration system and has a hydration bladder sleeve and hose opening.
Although it’s not the most lightweight backpack (4lbs), it’s exceptionally durable and well-designed so that you don’t feel the weight. It’s made from highly durable 1880D nylon canvas with chunky zippers and buckles. This backpack is perfect for all seasons and conditions.
2. Hikelite 18 Small Backpack, $85 at Osprey
This smaller, lightweight backpack is perfect for a day trip in the woods. It provides incredible ventilation with its AirSpeed backpanel so summer hikes won’t feel so sweaty.
When out in rainy weather, you can keep your goods dry with the integrated rain cover. The Hikelite also features a trekking pole attachment with strap capture.
Hikelite 18 is an unassuming technical pack that is perfect for day hikes and everyday use
Another great feature is the scratch-resistant organization pocket, so you can keep your sunglasses and electronics safe. Say goodbye to scratched shades!
This backpack is designed for comfort and storage. You can keep up to 3L of water with the interior hydration sleeve, and there are multiple mesh side pockets for storing smaller items.
The hipbelt provides added support but can be removed if desired. There are also upper side compression straps and a sternum strap with a whistle to keep the backpack in place.
3. Exos 58 Lightweight Backpack, $84.95 at Osprey
This is one of Osprey’s most popular backpacks. This versatile bag is excellent for hiking, fishing, and hunting as it’s lightweight, supportive, and allows you to carry all your gear with ease.
One of the best features is the AirSpeed 3-D tensioned mesh backpanel. This will stop your back from sweating and make this backpack much more comfortable. If you are walking long distances, you may want something lighter and the Exos 83 is ultralight!
One of Osprey’s smallest backpacks, this pack excels at overnight and weekend trips for those who enjoy going light
You also have the option to replace the fixed Flap Jacket with the removable floating lid to protect gear from the elements and further minimize weight.
There is plenty of storage space and pockets as well. This backpack has dual access stretch mesh side pockets and a front stretch mesh to store rain gear.
If navigating rougher terrain, there are attachments for trekking poles and an ice ax. There’s also an accessory cord for external gear storage.
Best Osprey Backpacks for School, Work, and Cycling
A long day at school means you need to carry a lot with you – notebooks, computer, textbooks, lunch, water, wallet, etc. The list goes on.
Whether you are walking, biking, or taking the train, you need a backpack that provides a lot of support and can carry all your essentials.
4. Nebula Laptop Backback, $120 at Osprey
When traveling to school or work, you are likely carrying a lot of weight. This can cause pain and injury if your bag isn’t ergonomic. The Nebula is perfect for carrying books, laptops, and more.
This backpack features plenty of pockets and compartments to stay organized
It has plenty of storage, pockets, and compartments to keep your items organized and safe. There is a front-panel mesh pocket, superior internal storage, and a TSA-approved laptop sleeve. Inside you’ll also find a document sleeve to keep notes.
You can keep a water bottle in the easy-to-reach side pocket and essential items in the heat embossed scratch-free slash pocket. For extra comfort and support, it has a breathable backpanel and harness.
Nebula features a number of design elements intended to make travel easier
The Nebula also has top and bottom compression straps that stabilize your load.
5. Transporter Flap Pack Commuter Backpack, $120 at Osprey
If you prefer a smaller backpack with fewer bells and whistles, the Transporter Flap Pack is a great option. This backpack has a clean design with a flap top that is secured with an aluminum buckle closure.
Stylish and extremely durable, it is made from nylon TPU-coated fabric that protects your valuables from rain and wind. It is incredibly comfortable as it provides multiple silhouette choices fitting your body and style.
The Osprey Transporter Flap pack makes for a painless and even pleasant commute
Keep your computer or tablet safe in the padded 15-inch laptop sleeve. There is also a separate document sleeve for internal organization. To maintain the sleek appearance, the pockets are all on the inside.
Here, you’ll find a designated water bottle mesh pocket and scratch-free pocket. This backpack is great for bike riders because of the blinker light attachment on the outside of the bag.
6. Women’s Aphelia Laptop Backpack, $100 at Osprey
The Aphelia backpack looks like your traditional school bag but with significantly more functionality and comfort.
Osprey describes it as “stylish and straightforward.” It’s got a relatively simple design and comes in various colors like salmon pink and ethel blue.
This backpack has all the attributes you want in a bag for school. There are multiple pockets, including a side stretch mesh pocket and a dedicated laptop sleeve.
Designed for women, this daypack is streamlined for everyday use it has discreet side pockets
There is also an easy-to-access front-panel pocket to store smaller items like pens, cards, and more. Lastly, there is a discreet mesh water bottle pocket inside.
Best Osprey Backpacks for Travel
More and more people are opting to trade in their traditional luggage with a backpack when traveling. It’s much easier to get around and keep your baggage close when it’s comfortably sitting on your back.
If you are looking to carry all your gear for a month-long trip or need a comfy weekender, Osprey backpacks are perfect!
7. Ventilated and Comfortable Atmos AG Backpack, $240 – $270 at Osprey
Whether you are backpacking through Europe or traveling through Nepal, this backpack is one of the best for traveling. It is comfortable and great at organizing your gear.
It’s also exceptionally durable so that it can handle all the planes, trains, and automobiles on your next adventure. Osprey is known for its superior fit, and the Atmos backpack is an excellent example of this.
The Atmos AG backpacks are designed for traditional backpacking trips up to a week or more in duration
You can easily adjust it to get that perfect fit making it very comfortable for prolonged wear. Adding to the comfort is the protruding foam and flexible mesh that supports your back, lumbar, and hips.
This backpack has a patented anti-gravity backpanel made of mesh for ventilation.
The LightWire peripheral frame connects with the upper load lifters and center core to the hip belt. This spreads the load and makes even heavy loads comfortable to carry.
The Anti-Gravity suspension system features a continuous backpanel of lightweight mesh extending from the top to the hipbelt
When traveling long distances, you need to pack a lot. This backpack is well organized, so you can easily access the various compartments.
It has a top-loading main compartment, a removable floating top lid, zippered hipbelt pocket, an exterior mesh pocket, two ice tool loops and trekking pole attachment, and a bottom sleeping bag compartment.
The large version weighs 4lbs but can carry an impressive 68 liters with 4,150 cubic inches of gear capacity. It’s clear to see why this backpack is great for traveling!
8. Farpoint Travel Pack 55 Trekking Backpack, $180 at Osprey
If you need a backpack for short day trips, exploring a new city, or a well-organized carry-on, this backpack is perfect. The Farpoint Travel Pack is also a great weekend bag or for cycling as there is plenty of room for clothes, shoes, documents, and food.
It has a LightWire frame suspension that transfers weight and a comfortable snug fit thanks to the hipbelt and harness. One of the best features of this backpack is the detachable daypack giving you the option of an even smaller bag.
This travel backpack is the perfect companion for a long weekend
There are plenty of smaller zippered pockets so you can keep all your items organized and accessible. This super comfy lightweight backpack can carry up to 50lbs!