This review of the Osprey Kyte 36 versus the Kyte 46 goes over the main differences between the two so that you can make a decision on your purchase. You may have already realized that both backpacks are very similar in design. Both are very well made, but serve slightly different purposes.
Osprey Kyte 36 vs 46
Similarities between the Kyte 36 and Kyte 46
Integrated rain cover
Not all backpacks for hiking are made with an integrated rain cover. We find this surprising since it is a very important feature, even for traveling in the city. When the rain hits, you don’t want to be left with no means of protecting your important luggage. Instead of running for cover, you can simply slide the rain cover out from the bottom pocket of the backpack and throw it over the entire thing.
Adjustable harness
Osprey backpacks come in different configurations when it comes to harness sizes. Some backpacks come in small, medium or large. But both the Kyte 36 and the Kyte 46 have adjustable harnesses for a complete custom torso fit. This means that they adjust completely to the height of your torso. This is really the optimal situation and a feature that you would definitely want to have in a backpack.
Sleeping bag compartment
As both of these backpacks are made for hiking and camping, they also have an external sleeping bag compartment. You no longer have to attach your sleeping bag to the outside of the backpack using straps, as it comes with an entire pocket that can completely fit the sleeping bag. This means that the sleeping bag comes out completely dry when it is time to go to sleep. As an added bonus, both of these backpacks have straps to hold a rolled-up sleeping pad.
Daisy chains
The Kyte 36 and 46 have a daisy-chain arrangement near the front compartment. This provides for many extra attachment points where you can store external gear such as tools and poles.
Padded torso mesh
Included in both of these backpacks is padding around the torso mesh. This pattern is seamless and very soft to allow for maximum comfort when carrying heavy loads. It has been said that when carrying weight with these backpacks, it feels only half the weight of regular store-bought backpacks of other brands.
Osprey Kyte 36 vs 46 Differences
While there are only slight differences between these two backpacks, they are important to the function that you would be using them for.
Reverse straightjacket compression straps
While both backpacks can be tightened using straps, the Kyte 46 has a special reverse straitjacket compression system. This means that it has compression straps internally and externally. This makes it far easier to compress the contents within its straitjacket walls. In doing so, you add additional stability to the contents of your backpack. This comes in particularly handy if you are going to be filling the backpack only halfway. But it is also handy if you are going mountain climbing and you need extra stability so you can maintain your own. Without using the compression straps, the Kyte 46 also doubles as an overnight backpack while going camping. The compression straps are also useful for camping if packing a lot of gear and wanting that extra stability.
Full-length zippered pockets
Although the Kyte 36 has side zippers, the Kyte 46 has full-length zippered side pockets to allow for better access to the main compartment. This allows you to retrieve your items faster without needing to go through the main compartment from the top.
Packing volume
The Kyte 46 holds about 20% more volume than the Kyte 36. Customers have said that they find this roomy enough to carry survival items for two people at a time. However, the Kyte 36 holds plenty of room for one person. Since the Kyte 46 holds more volume, it is also about 1 inch larger in all directions. It is also heavier by about 0.3 pounds.
Price
Due to the Kyte 46 being slightly more featured, it also costs around $30 more than the Kyte 36. To see current prices for both items, please see the link below:
Osprey Kyte 36 vs 46: The Verdict
As the Osprey company is great all-around with backpacks, it can be difficult to choose between them. Many of them are very similar, but with slight variations. Choosing the Kyte 46 over the Kyte 36 would mean opting for a larger backpack that has a straightjacket compression system. Which of the two you choose depends on how much do you want to pack and how stable you need it to be.