Osprey Sirrus 36
vs
Osprey Kyte 36
The Sirrus 36 and the Kyte 36 were created especially for women. You can take these backpacks while you are on a big day hike, as it has plenty of room for all of your gear. These backpacks hold 34 to 36 liters of gear depending on the size that you choose. They are large enough that you can take them backpacking overnight.
The Sirrus 36 is the newest of the two, and is made to look more feminine than the Kyte 36. But there are a few other differences to take note of before deciding which one you would like to purchase. This is why we have created this Osprey Sirrus 36 vs Kyte 36 comparison.
You may like to read: Osprey Variant 37 vs Mutant 38
Osprey Sirrus 36 vs Kyte 36
Why These Backpacks are Great For Women
You may have noticed that the Sirrus 36 and the Kyte 36 have a sleeker look than most Osprey backpacks. This is because they are made to look more attractive on a woman’s back. The Sirrus 36 has an especially feminine look with the absence of the stretch mesh front pocket, which is replaced by a vertical zippered pocket. The Sirrus 36 is also more oblong than the Kyte 36. This does not have any particular use other than to enhance the look.
But the Sirrus 36 also has a seamlessness to the backpanel and the hip belt. There is no seam between them, which means that the bag will rest more comfortably on a woman’s sensitive waist.
Osprey Sirrus 36 vs Kyte 36: The Differences
As previously mentioned, the Sirrus 36 backpack is the newest of the two. It has an updated look and is especially feminine. It includes brighter color options than the Kyte 36.
But there are a few other differences between these backpacks:
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Internal versus external hydration sleeve:
While the Sirrus 36 has an internal hydration sleeve, the Kyte 36 has an external one. An external hydration sleeve would be preferable for a couple of reasons. Having your hydration bladder on the outside of the main compartment means that your gear is protected from spills. If your hydration reservoir bursts, and external hydration sleeve will mean that your gear will stay dry. Also, an external hydration sleeve makes it easier for you to refill the reservoir.
Want to make sure that you have enough space for all of your gear? And external hydration sleeve will not take up extra space within your main compartment, leaving room for more of your gear. -
Stretch mesh pocket versus zippered pocket:
The Kyte 36 has a front stretch mesh pocket. It can hold larger items such as your jackets or dirty clothing. Having a mesh pocket that is separate from your other pockets comes in handy when wanting to store wet gear. But it does not keep your small items secure, as they can fall out of the pocket. The Sirrus 36 has a vertical zippered pocket right in the center of the front. Not only does it give a feminine appearance, it also securely holds your smaller items. -
Front panel daisy chain:
The Kyte 36 has a daisy chain in its front panel. This allows you to hold several other items that you can hang off of the front. You could even purchase extra pouches could give you more gear capacity. Oddly, the Sirrus 36 does not have any daisy chains. -
Torso length:
The torso length of the Kyte 36 is 1 inch longer than the Sirrus 36. You are a particularly shorter stature, you may be better off with the Sirrus 36. Either way, both backpacks have adjustable torso fit.
Other Included Features
Much of the design is the same for both of these backpacks. In both, you will find sleeping pad straps and a sleeping bag compartment. They also have an integrated rain cover inside of a pocket at the bottom. Since they allow you to carry plenty of gear, they have side panel access to the main compartment.
If you’re looking for more features, you might want to check out our reviews of some of the best Osprey backpacks.
Osprey Sirrus 36 vs Kyte 36: Price Comparison
To see the differences in price between the Kyte 36 and the Sirrus 36, please follow the links below.
The Verdict
As the Kyte 36 and the Sirrus 36 both have the same gear capacity, the choice between them is be simple. There are only a few features that are different between them. We prefer the Kyte 36 for the fact that it has an external hydration sleeve and a stretch mesh front pocket. External hydration sleeve makes it easier to refill your Reservoir and keeps your main compartment safe from spills. The stretch mesh pocket means that you can store wet or dirty clothing without it getting mixed with your other items.
While the Sirrus 36 is newer than the Kyte 36, its features are not all that different or that much better. But it does have a more feminine style, and will fit shorter females better than the Kyte 36.
After having read this comparison, which of these backpacks do you feel your prefer? Please leave us your comment below.
Thank you for this comparison. I was just about to purchase the Kyte and someone told me that Sirrus was a better pack.
After reading your review I am going to stick with my original choice and go with the Kyte. Main reason is that I quite like a front mesh pocket, I find them very handy rather than a zippered one. I think there is enough little zip pockets for valuables.
I will be using this on my second Camino in Spain next year. Last year I used 45+10 Deuter which was a bit too big.
Thanks again!