The Hikelite model has been a mainstay within the Osprey range for a number of years and it’s now been updated with an improved fit and aesthetic and new colours too. There are 4 different sizes in the Hikelite range – including 18, 26, 28 and 32L options. I’ve been using the 28-litre version over the past couple of months, most notably on some excursions around Glencoe and Glen Nevis in the Scottish Highlands. Here’s how I got on with it.
What the Osprey Hikelite 28L is Best Suited To
For me, this is the perfect size for big mountain day hikes. It easily caters for your warm and waterproof layers lunch and thermos with room for any extras too. With the amount of ventilation it offers, I’d say it’s more suited to warmer weather than cold.
Fit
The 26L version and the 18 litre version are one size fits all packs while this 28 litre version and the 32 both come in two different back lengths. I’m 5 foot 10, I have a fairly average sized torso, and for me, it fits nicely with no pressure points and a comfortable feel – thanks, in particular, to the slightly stretchy material used right around the harness.
Features and Performance
The harness system, as you’d expect from Osprey, is very comfortable and the pack seems to manage heavy loads well – mainly thanks to the lightweight internal frame. I think Osprey have struck a really good balance here as they’ve allowed for plenty of ventilation while also ensuring the weight of the pack is kept close to your body, creating a stable centre of gravity. The hipbelt fins and shoulder straps have a nice bit of padding, helping to manage heavy loads well. It has a sliding sternum strap, which I always appreciate on a pack as it allows you to make minor adjustments on the go.