Summary
This comparison between the Osprey Daylite vs Daylite Plus was written to inform you about the differences between these two similar backpacks. We have written many backpack comparisons with hopes to clarify many of the subtle differences between Osprey backpacks and some other popular brands.
The Daylite Osprey line was made the intention of providing a means for people to lighten up their load when they are just going about the town. Many have purchased Osprey backpacks in order to go backpacking and providing a means to pack plenty of gear. But the Daylite backpacks are for those who just want a simple Daypack that is well organized and robust. These day packs will carry enough gear for maybe half a day.
The other great thing about the Daylite packs is the fact that they can piggyback other Osprey backpacks. The Osprey backpacks that are compatible with the Daylite and the Daylite Plus are the following:
- Aether/Ariel Series
- Volt/Viva Series
- Ace 75
- Shuttle Series
- Sojourn Series
- Farpoint 80
- Porter Series
Although the Daylite packs support the same lines of Osprey backpacks, the difference is in the size of the backpacks that they are compatible with. The Osprey Daylite Plus supports the larger sizes of these backpacks.
There are a few other differences between the Daylite and the Daylite Plus, but we will go over the similarities first.
Similarities between the Daylite and the Daylite Plus
As previously mentioned, both of these day packs are compatible with the same Osprey backpacks. The main difference is that they are compatible with ones that are of different sizes.
Both of these packs are designed with simplicity in mind. As with other Osprey backpacks, they have a padded mesh harness. However, unlike other larger backpacks, they don’t have a padded hip belt or any hip belt pockets. This was made in order to save space, as you will have to put these on to an Osprey backpack if you wish to use them in conjunction.
They have a large zippered panel that gives easy access to the main compartment. In front of the main compartment is a pocket that has a mesh organizer built-in. There is also a clip to attach some of your smaller items.
Overall, much of the design between the two packs are very similar. But there are a few subtle differences.
Differences between the Daylite and the Daylite Plus
The main difference between the two packs is the fact that the Daylite plus is larger than the regular Daylite. While the regular Daylite only holds 13 liters of volume, Daylite Plus holds 20 liters.
Here are some specs that are different between the two:
Daylite:
Volume capacity: 13 liters
Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 9 inches
Daylite Plus:
Volume capacity: 20 liters
Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 9 inches
The other big difference between these two packs is the fact that the Daylite Plus has a front Shove-It pocket. This pocket does not have a zipper, hence the name. You can shove larger items in it, such as rain gear or coats. Don’t know where to put your dirty laundry? Shove it in Shove-It pocket.
The Shove-It pocket of the Daylite Plus also happens to have a vertical zipper leading into its own compartment. This is great if you have smaller items that you want to separate from the main compartment. You can easily access the smaller items through this pocket.
These are the two basic differences; the fact that the Daylite Plus has more room in it and is a bit larger, and the fact that it also has a Shove-It pocket.
Prices
The Daylite Plus only costs about $10 more than the regular Daylite on Amazon. Amazon is where you will get the best prices.:
The Verdict
Between these two backpacks, there is no real verdict to be made. Both are very popular Osprey backpacks that are specifically made for daytime use. They are the mainstay of day packs with Osprey, especially of those that are attachable to other backpacks. The choice between the two partly depends on what size backpack you want it to piggy back. Granted, you do not need to own another Osprey backpack in order to get full use out of the Daylite packs. But if you do on another Osprey backpack that you want to attach to this one, and that backpack happens to be a small size of the models mentioned above, then you would be wise to purchase the regular Daylite pack instead of the Daylite Plus.