Ospreys specific womens Kyte range has had a complete overhaul for the 2016 season. This range of classic trekking and travel packs has been tidied up and now looks significantly sleeker and more stylish, as well as the improved aesthetics Osprey have upgraded the fabrics and improved the harness carrying comfort.
The Osprey Kyte is designed specifically for women which means that it will fit you properly and is just one of those packs that gets on with the job with minimal fuss and maximum performance. This really is a versatile workhorse of a pack that can cope with long hikes, multi-day trips, lightweight backpacking and world travel; the 46 litre size allows enough room for all your essentials without encouraging you to overload your pack and is all-weather capable thanks to the built in raincover.
Load carrying and stability are taken care of by the well ventilated and fully adjustable AirScape back panel. The main contact area is made up of ridged structural foam protected by a an open mesh creating air channels to help to keep you ventilated and cool whilst providing flexible support. The hip belt and shoulder straps are made from die-cut SpacerMesh foam that moulds to the shape of your body and allows airflow to keep you well ventilated. Torso length can be quickly and easily adjusted as the whole shoulder harness can be moved up or down fit via a simple and reliable Velcro pad that slides behind the Airscape back panel.
Storage options won’t be a problem with the Kyte 46, you get two stretch mesh side pockets, hip belt pockets, a front stretch stash pocket, top pocket and internal mesh security pocket; so plenty of pockets then! With this 46 litre version you get a separate sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider so you can store your sleeping bag or wet damp clothing away from the main compartment; this section has its own zipped entry. There is also a neat zipped entry on the side of the bag so you can quickly access the man compartment without undoing the lid, which is really handy when you need to grab something quickly.
The Kyte 46 is fully hydration compatible with both the Osprey Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT bladders and features a clever external sleeve making replenishing your bladder quick and easy. If you are a fan of trekking poles you'll love the Stow-On-The-Go storage system, this allows you to quickly and easily stash the poles when they are not required; collapse them and tuck them away without having to remove the pack or pester your walking buddies to strap them on for you.
If you haven't filled the Kyte to capacity the reverse StraightJacket external compression system and side compression straps do a brilliant job of reducing any excess room and stabilising the load so the pack will always feel balanced and comfortable.
This top loading pack comes in two sizes with a full adjustable harness for a true custom fit. Stacked with all the usual Osprey features this is a truly versatile pack suitable for all activities.
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Women specific design
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Die-cut SpacerMesh hipbelt and shoulder harness
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Fully adjustable AirScape back panel
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Adjustable torso length
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Integrated and detachable rain cover
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Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
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Single vertical zipped side access point
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Base zip entry
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Top lid access
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Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system
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Single ice axe loop
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Compatible with Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT reservoirs
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Stretch front pocket
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Stretch mesh side pockets
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Sternum strap with emergency whistle
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Side compression straps
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External hydration access
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Twin zipped hipbelt pockets
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Removable sleeping pad straps
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Reverse StraightJacket compression system
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Internal key clip attachment
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.