Osprey Daylite Plus vs Gregory Nano 18
Quick take: The Gregory Nano 18 costs $5 less; the Osprey Daylite Plus carries more (20 vs 18 liters); the Gregory Nano 18 is lighter (1.09 vs 1.29 lbs).
| Spec | Osprey Daylite Plus | Gregory Nano 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $75 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (527) | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 20 L | 18 L |
| Weight | 1.29 lbs | 1.09 lbs |
| Max Load | 15 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size, ~15-19 in | One size |
| Material | 300D polyester main with 600D polyester lining | 210D honeycomb CryptoRip nylon with 420D high density base |
| Back Panel | Mesh over vented foam | Perforated CLPE foam |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Osprey Daylite Plus
- ✓The Swiss-army answer for 'one bag for hikes and everything else' — its trail-to-commute versatility drives thousands of five-star reviews.
- ✓At $75 with Osprey's lifetime warranty, the value case is nearly unarguable.
- ✓The panel-loading clamshell opens flat, making it far easier to pack than top-loaders.
- ✓The sleeve fits a hydration bladder or a small laptop — the dual-use feature that defines it.
- ✓It docks onto Osprey travel and Farpoint packs as a detachable daypack.
- ✓The 300D polyester wears like iron; decade-old Daylites are common sights.
- ✓The mesh side pockets actually hold bottles securely at odd angles.
- ✓Light and unstructured enough to stuff in luggage as a spare.
- ✗It's a crossover, not a technical pack — the webbing hipbelt does nothing for real trail loads.
- ✗The foam back gets sweaty on sustained climbs despite the center channel.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets, no pole attachment, no raincover — trail features are minimal.
- ✗Loads past 12-15 lbs hang off the shoulders uncomfortably.
- ✗One-size fit runs small for tall torsos.
- ✗The 20L capacity limits it to mild, short hikes.
- ✗The laptop sleeve tempts overloading for commutes, which the straps aren't padded for.
- ✗Serious hikers outgrow it immediately — it's a lifestyle bag that hikes, not the reverse.
Gregory Nano 18
- ✓$75 with a 420D reinforced base is unusual value; most packs this cheap use one thin fabric throughout.
- ✓17.5 oz is genuinely light for a pack with real fabric rather than ultralight nylon.
- ✓210D honeycomb CryptoRip resists tear propagation better than plain ripstop.
- ✓Perforated CLPE foam gives some airflow without the bulk of a suspended panel.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty applies even at this price point.
- ✓Simple enough to work as a commuter pack as well as on trail.
- ✓Half the price of the Arc'teryx Aerios 18 at the same volume.
- ✓Widely available at mainstream retail.
- ✗No frame or framesheet; the foam pad is the only structure.
- ✗18 L is small for a full day in variable weather.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets and only a minimal waist strap.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗Perforated foam ventilates far less than a suspended mesh panel.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗One size only, with no torso adjustment.
- ✗Basic feature set compared with the Zulu 24 LT at $105 more.