Osprey Daylite Tote Pack Review
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If you are on the hunt for a new and versatile backpack, look no further than the Daylite Tote Pack by Osprey. This tote can do it all—from carrying your office essentials, packing for an overnight stay, or hitting the trails. I have had the opportunity to put it to the test during a wide variety of events and will explain my experience in this review.
Buying Experience
First off, the Osprey website has a plethora of backpacks to choose from. They simplified the buying process by including a Packfinder function that allows the buyer to give details of what they are looking for. The Packfinder narrows down results and makes the best recommendation for the purchaser. This proved to be useful during my decision process for purchasing the right bag.
First Impressions
My first impressions upon arrival were that the bag is super lightweight, sturdy, and has many convenient storage options. I was mainly in the market for a new bag for the office, it was important for this bag to have a pocket for my laptop. I found that my 15-inch laptop fit securely within the main compartment with ample padding to feel safe. Another reason why I opted for the DayLite Tote Pack was the option to use it as a backpack as well as a tote. This versatility is a convenient option when needing to move quickly during the boarding and exiting process on an airplane.
Tote Features
Beyond the two initial needs mentioned above, I was pleasantly surprised to find other options such as a small accessory pouch in the main compartment for pens and essentials, two very secure water bottle holders, and a quick access zipper-free pocket on top which I use to store keys. Here is a full list of the features:
Features
- Top-zip access to the main compartment with tote or backpack-style carry
- Front and back panel shove-it pocket for stashing items on the go or to tuck away tote straps
- Elevated padded laptop/reservoir sleeve, fits most 14″ laptops
- Internal zippered mesh organization pocket with key clip
- Dual water bottle side mesh pockets
- Secure front panel zipper pocket
- Large back panel luggage pass-thru
Fit and Material
The material Osprey uses for the DayLite Tote Pack is not only made from bluesign-approved recycled polyester, but it is also extremely durable, lightweight, and comfortable. For daily use, I pack my laptop, keys, mouse, 24 oz water bottle, multiple papers, folders, and writing utensils. These items average a combined weight of 10 pounds. Even with the extra 10 pounds, the tote pack is comfortable and easy to carry. The breathable harness aids in the carrying comfort, and the straps feel as if they are not there at all.
Although the tote is small at only 20 liters, I was able to pack enough clothing for one overnight stay in warmer Michigan weather. I would not be able to fit bulkier clothing in the cold winter months. The sturdiness of the fabric leads me to believe that this tote will last for years to come. I have had the tote for about four weeks and have used it nearly every day, and it looks just as it did out of the package.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the DayLite Tote Pack by Osprey was an excellent decision. Priced at just $90, this tote offers exceptional value without compromising on quality, functionality, or style. Its durable, lightweight material ensures long-lasting use, and its versatile design transitions seamlessly from the office to the trail. With features like a padded laptop sleeve, multiple secure pockets, and comfortable carry options, this bag meets all my needs and more. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile tote, I highly recommend checking out the DayLite Tote Pack. For more info on this or other Osprey packs, or to check one of these out for yourself, visit osprey.com or amazon.com.
Sarah, Thanks for this review. How packable is this tote backpack? Does it fold up into one of it’s pockets? I need something really lightweight that can pack into my travel backpack. This one looks like it could be a bit on the bulky side. Thanks James
Hi James, Glad to hear you found my review helpful! To answer your question the bag weighs just over a pound and uses fairly soft materials, so you can flatten it down into a suitcase or travel backpack without much trouble. It does not fold into its own pocket or compress into a tiny pouch like ultralight packable bags do.
Thanks for the reply Sarah. One last question if you don’t mind, as there appears to be very little info on this bag online. The Osprey website suggests it has a SECURE front zip pocket. I’m not sure what secure means…..does it have a fabric loop that the zipper goes into so that a pick pocket would have a hard time opening the zipper without threading the zipper through the pull loop? I’m looking to take this bag to Japan and would like a spot to stash the family passports in a pocket that would be hard to open up. I’m comparing this bag to the Fjallraven High Coast Totepack which is very similar but doesn’t have a zippered pocket on the outside that is lockable. Thanks again, James
Hi James, the front zippered pocket isn’t the quickest to access, but since there’s no way to secure the zipper, it could be a bit vulnerable to pick pockets. Removing the fabric loop on the zipper would make it harder for someone to open. There’s also a zippered pocket inside the main compartment that’s a good option for keeping passports secure.