The Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44L claims to be the perfect blend of a carry-on and a travel backpack. So, does it live up to the hype?
It has that classic Osprey design—minimal but functional. It comes in two different colours; you can choose black for that clean look or the Blue Spikemoss which evokes a 90s nostalgia due to the teal and blue/purple combo. The material feels durable, and the zippers are lovely and smooth. Nothing worse than a bag with flimsy zippers that jam when you’re in a rush at airport security.
At 44 litres, this is at the max size for a carry-on, which is great because it lets you pack a lot without dealing with checked baggage fees (particularly if you are flying with a well-known Irish airline!). The main compartment opens like a suitcase, which I love, it makes packing and accessing stuff way easier compared to a top-loading backpack. Inside, you get compression straps to keep everything secure. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16-inch laptop, plus a front organization pocket for smaller essentials like a passport, cables, or snacks.
For a pack this size, comfort is key. The padded shoulder straps and sternum strap help distribute weight well, but there’s no hip belt available. If you’re carrying heavy loads for long periods, you might start to feel it in your shoulders. Still, for airport runs, city exploring, or quick trips, it’s more than comfortable enough. It is lightweight on its own at just 2.33 lb, and the shoulder straps will tuck away making it easier to stow in the overhead compartments. The top, side and bottom grab handles makes it easier to retrieve as well.
The luggage pass-through sleeve is a nice touch, giving your shoulders a break when attached to a rolling suitcase handle. It also meets most airline carry-on size restrictions, so no worries about it not fitting in the overhead bin.
For short trips, carry-on travellers, or digital nomads, this bag is a solid choice. It’s roomy, well-organized, and easy to travel with. If you need more support for longer treks, you might want a full-frame backpack, but for weekend getaways or minimalist packing, the Daylite 44L is a winner. RRP £120
- No hip belt
- Limited padding for long-distance comfort
