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Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 Review

A minimalist bag that prioritizes durable materials and ultralight design without skimping on easy-to-use features
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Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35 Review
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Credit: Hale Milano
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Osprey
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 24, 2024
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 16
  • Storage & Protection - 30% 6.5
  • Ease of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Comfort & Fit - 30% 7.0
  • Versatility - 10% 6.5

Our Verdict

When you're getting ready for an adventure, the luggage that you pack in can be an afterthought, and sometimes the budget for a top-of-the-line backpack or carry-on just isn't there. Thankfully, with the Osprey Daylite, you can have a high-quality bag with very usable features for a fraction of the price of other top travel backpacks on the market. The Daylite offers many of the same features as other top-scoring bags in our lineup, such as durable materials, organization pockets, and a supportive back panel. While individually, these features may not be as robust as the leading options, they are well above some of the other budget bags that we tested, making the Daylite a true value buy for your money. After our hands-on testing, we think the Daylite is best for travelers who want a backpack that will last them for many years' worth of adventures and the flexibility to bolster their carry-on luggage capacity as a secondary personal item or occasionally as a standalone bag for shorter trips.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Internal compression straps
Durable material
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't hold its shape well
Not very weather resistant

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Travel Backpack on a Budget
 Best Buy Award
Best Travel Backpack on a Tight Budget
  
Price Check Price at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$48 List
$43.99 at Amazon
$37 List
$29.99 at Amazon
$56 List
$41.98 at Amazon
$39 List
$33.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line This budget-friendly bag is everything that you need and nothing that you don'tThis large bag is good enough for the non-discerning traveler, but we recommend looking at other options firstA convenient, easy-to-use bag that won't break the bank but may not have the same top-tier functionality as other bags in our lineupThis bag is easy on the wallet, but other options perform better at a similar priceThis budget bag doesn't break the bank, but other less expensive options perform better
Rating Categories Osprey Daylite Carr... Amazon Basics Carry... Coowoz Essentials Matein Elite Travel Asenlin 40L Travel
Storage & Protection (30%)
6.5
6.7
6.0
5.5
5.5
Ease of Use (30%)
7.0
6.8
6.0
6.0
5.2
Comfort & Fit (30%)
7.0
6.0
6.5
5.5
2.3
Versatility (10%)
6.5
4.5
6.0
5.5
6.5
Specs Osprey Daylite Carr... Amazon Basics Carry... Coowoz Essentials Matein Elite Travel Asenlin 40L Travel
Sizes Available 26L, 35L, 44L 40L 22L, 27L, 31L, 46L 30L, 40L, 45L 40L
Measured Dimensions (When Full) 20" x 15" x 11" 22" x 15" x 9" 13" x 19" x 8" 20" x 13" x 8" 19" x 13" x 10"
Measured Weight 2.1 lb 3.6 lb 2.8 lb 2.1 lb 2.7 lb
Weight-to-Volume Ratio 0.06 oz/L 1.44 oz/L 1.14 oz/L 0.05 oz/L 1.08 oz/L
Pockets with Exterior Access 5 4 7 7 4
Materials Main: bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 300D polyester w/ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS; Bottom: bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 600D polyester, DWR treatment made without PFAS Polyester Waterproof polyester Water-resistant nylon Polyester
Frame Type Foam padding Foam padding Foam padding with nylon backing Foam padding None
Features AirScape back panel, sternum strap, pass-through suitcase strap, stowaway backpack straps, padded laptop pocket, 2 water bottle pockets, top/side/bottom grab handles, key clip, internal compression straps, external side compression straps, lockable zippers Tuck-away backpack straps, passthrough luggage strap, zippered laptop sleeve, internal compression straps Separate shoe compartment, wet pouch, built-in USB port, anti-theft pocket, passthrough luggage strap, 14" laptop sleeve, external compression straps Shoe compartment, pass-through luggage strap, secure pack-panel pocket, charging port, 2 external waterproof pockets, padded laptop sleeve, Custom packing cubes, 17" laptop sleeve, passthrough luggage strap, water-resistant, umbrella bag, stowable backpack straps, exterior compression straps
Size Tested 35 L 40L 31 L 40 L 40 L

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Osprey Daylite is a true value pick. It has consistently above-average performance in all of our testing metrics and is available at significantly less than other options in our lineup. It has all the baseline features needed to serve as either your standalone or secondary travel backpack and carry on bag, and is made from the same standards and material common in other high-end bags across the Osprey lineup. The Daylite features a single large main compartment and a fold-open design that's easy to use thanks to its simplicity.

Performance Comparison


osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the daylite is a great value-oriented bag, ideal for light packers...
The Daylite is a great value-oriented bag, ideal for light packers or as a quality secondary bag.
Credit: Hale Milano


Storage & Protection


Across our storage and protection metric, we conducted hands-on testing to evaluate the storage capacity, effectiveness, stability, and features to aid in protecting against weather or bumps and dings common in road and air travel. The Daylite was adequate in all of our tests, but didn't wow us in any one area.

In our testing, we found the Daylite offers slightly below average storage and protection capabilities.

We tested the 35 liter Daylite, and there are three size options that this model bag is available in. Depending on how you travel, there's the smaller 26-liter bag or the larger 44-liter bag. During our testing, we felt that the 35 liter was sized appropriately to fit a few outfits and accessories, ideal for 2-3 day trips depending on how light you tend to pack. The single main compartment is a bit on the narrower side, meaning there's not quite as much room to pile clothes high in the bag. We found the two compression straps helpful to both hold everything in place and cinch bulky items down to aid in zipping up the bag.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - during our testing we loved bags with internal compression straps to...
During our testing we loved bags with internal compression straps to help keep clothes cinched in place, no matter how much turbulence you encounter.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Daylite is made from a durable 300D ripstop polyester with a DWR treatment. The fabric is on the thinner side, and with no built-in padding or frame, it tends to collapse easily. This isn't a huge deal, but can make living out of the bag when half-full or packing the bag a bit trickier. During our rain resistance test, where we drenched each bag with a high-pressure hose, we noted an impressive amount of protection through the top and outside of the bag. Unfortunately, we also noted a significant amount of water got in through the bottom of the bag.

The Daylite is pretty good at resisting water intrusion through the outside and zippers, but the bottom leaks quickly, so avoid resting the bag on wet ground.

There is a dedicated laptop pouch against the back panel of the Daylite. This is the only area of the bag that is slightly padded. It'll do a good job of protecting a full-size laptop for casual travel, but it's not the most robust setup we've seen.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the laptop pouch is no frills - a large and moderately padded slot...
The laptop pouch is no frills - a large and moderately padded slot against the back panel of the bag.
Credit: Hale Milano

For additional protective features, the Daylite also boasts locking zippers and anti-theft zipper loops. You can lock the laptop pouch and main compartment, or lock the zippers to straps and attachment points on the bag.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the main compartment zippers can be locked together for extra...
The main compartment zippers can be locked together for extra security.
Credit: Hale Milano

Ease of Use


No matter how much you spend on your bag, you expect it to be user-friendly. After all, the last thing you want to worry about on a vacation is to be fiddling with your luggage in the hotel or airport struggling to get out that must-have item. As a minimalist bag, the Osprey Daylite is easy to use thanks to its simplicity and well-made features.

Due to its straightforward design, the Daylite is easy to use, but won't wow you with any standout features.

While traveling around, we had no issues using the two external organization pouches on the Daylite. There's a larger stash pouch where you can store a book or some snacks, and a smaller pocket with an internal organization system like pen holders and a key clip. Each pocket has its own dedicated space, so even when the bag is full, both of these pockets are usable.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the daylite has two great external organization pockets, capable of...
The Daylite has two great external organization pockets, capable of stashing all the necessities.
Credit: Hale Milano

When it comes to living out of the bag, there are pros and cons. We loved that the back panel fully unzips on three sides, letting it fold open like a suitcase. We also loved the large main compartment and mesh organization pocket that provided quick access to everything you packed. That said, with the thinner material, the bag tends to collapse a bit when you're rooting around, making it difficult to retrieve an item without making a mess of everything. On the bright side, this can help reduce the storage space the bag will take up when not in use.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - though it keeps the weight down, the light material on the body of...
Though it keeps the weight down, the light material on the body of the Daylite doesn't hold its shape well.
Credit: Hale Milano

The zippers and handles are well-designed. We loved the bright and ergonomic zipper pulls; opening the bag was always a breeze, even when jammed full. There are also two large grab handles on the top and bottom of the bag, which help you carry it at your side, hoist it up into an overhead bin, or slide it out from under a seat.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the grab handles are thoughtfully placed to help lift and maneuver...
The grab handles are thoughtfully placed to help lift and maneuver the pack.
Credit: Hale Milano

Comfort & Fit


When you're purchasing a travel backpack, it's expected that you plan to do a bit of walking with your bag, whether that's just through the airport or around town. The Daylite is comfortable to wear and carry, as long as you don't load it with particularly heavy items.

The Daylite is small and, well, light, making it comfortable to carry around moderate loads.

With the smaller capacity, as long as we packed common travel essentials like clothes, toiletries, and some extras, we found the Daylite comfortable. Only when we loaded it up to 20+ pounds did we notice some extra fatigue when carrying it for extended periods. We loved the padded Osprey Airscape back panel; there is great ventilation. The straps and adjustable chest strap are comfortable too. There's no waist strap, which we didn't miss on a bag this size. One complaint that our testers did note is that the shoulder straps sit a little low on the bag, and the fabric can hit the back of the neck or head depending on how the bag fits personally.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - osprey's trademarked airscape back panel is supportive while...
Osprey's trademarked Airscape back panel is supportive while providing enough airflow to keep you comfortable.
Credit: Hale Milano

There's no extra shoulder sling or adjustability in how the Daylite is carried, outside from the two carry handles. There is a luggage pass-through strap, which is fantastic if you're also traveling with a rolling suitcase. It was easy and comfortable to slide the Daylite off our backs and onto the suitcase handle, and our backs thanked us for it.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - if you're pairing the daylite with a traditional rolling carryon the...
If you're pairing the Daylite with a traditional rolling carryon the passthrough strap lets you take some weight off your back.
Credit: Hale Milano

Versatility


Most travel backpacks are purpose-built to excel specifically as your go-to carry on bag for trips. We evaluated the versatility of the Daylite by considering how many different types of travelers and scenarios this bag would be suitable for. Overall, though it's definitely a dedicated travel bag, we think it will appeal to a variety of travelers.

Given its smaller size, the Daylite is moderately versatile, but it's definitely intended to be a travel bag.

The Daylite is available in five different color options, from muted solids and plain black to vibrant and bright colors. Whether you're traveling off on a holiday or a business trip, you'll likely find a bag that matches your needs and personal style preferences.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - handy external pockets are useful whether you're stashing travel...
Handy external pockets are useful whether you're stashing travel essentials for a flight or car ride.
Credit: Hale Milano

While the size of the Daylite — at least the 26-liter or 35-liter options — is small enough to have the potential to do double duty as a day bag for a walk around town, the layout of the main compartment may make this less than practical for your needs. In a pinch, it will work, but there are some more traditional backpacks with standard backpack-style zipper openings that may suit your needs better if you plan to use your bag for travel, day hikes, or other uses.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the design works well for easy access to the entire pack at once.
The design works well for easy access to the entire pack at once.
Credit: Hale Milano

Should You Buy the Osprey Daylite Carry-On 35?


We think that the Osprey Daylite is best for travelers who want to stretch the value of their money and purchase a bag that will last for many years of travel without breaking the bank. This bag is just good enough to get the job done without many complaints and is priced quite appropriately. If you're new to the world of travel backpacks, but looking for an option that won't fall apart after a trip or two, this could be a great pick. The Daylite could also be ideal if you typically travel with a roll-aboard plus a backpack, but want an option that can stand on its own for a short trip if the need arises. Overall, the Daylite is a great step up from the entry-level bags and offers some quality features for a great price.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - the daylite is a great value-minded pick for travelers who want a...
The Daylite is a great value-minded pick for travelers who want a quality option on a budget.
Credit: Hale Milano

What Other Travel Backpacks Should You Consider?


The Daylite offers above-average performance for a below-average price, but for a truly bargain buy, there are some other options to consider. The Coowoz Essentials is our best recommendation for travelers who want to spend the absolute minimum on a carry-on backpack that they can while still getting the performance they need. The Coowoz has all the right features, just to a lesser degree or standard than other bags in our lineup. There are a handful of other budget options in our lineup, such as the Matein Elite Travel, which has very similar features to the Coowoz with just a slightly different style. There's also the Hynes Eagle 40L Carry On that is lightweight and has good organization pockets, but a unique zipper design that may not be to everyone's liking. For a step up in both performance and organization or livability, we love The North Face Base Camp Voyager bag. This model is exceptional for its organization features, including a plethora of laptop, tablet, and electronics pockets, as well as an internal divider to keep your main compartment organized. It's quite reasonably priced as well, so it's another value-minded option to consider.

osprey daylite carry-on 35 - depending on your budget, style, and packing preferences there's...
Depending on your budget, style, and packing preferences there's several different travel backpacks we'd recommend based on our rigorous and hands on testing.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano