Osprey Hikelite 18 Backpack Black

Osprey Hikelite 18: Airspeed BackpanelA standout feature of the Osprey Hikelite 18 is its AirSpeed back panel, which uses tensioned mesh for excellent ventilation. It keeps your back cool and dry, reduces sweat, and ensures a comfortable fit—perfect for long, warm hikes.

What is the Osprey Hikelite 18?

The Hikelite 18 is an incredibly durable backpack that offers a supportive, comfortable fit for shorter days on the hill. This backpack is also versatile enough for casual errands in town or days out with the kids.

What is it made of?

Both the main body of the pack and the accents are made with bluesign® approved 100D recycled high-tenacity bird eye nylon. This material is incredibly strong and resists abrasion well to last you years of adventures! The bottom of the pack is reinforced with bluesign® approved 420D recycled nylon, which is much more robust and thicker to improve strength where it's needed most.

Both of these materials are treated with PFAS-free DWR (durable water repellent) to encourage water to bead off the fabric and provide reliable water resistance for unpredictable weather; however, please be aware that this doesn't make it fully waterproof! Materials are also recycled, which of course, is much better for the planet, and bluesign® approved. bluesign® approval ensures strict pollution control and consumer safety standards are met through manufacturing.

Which backsystem does it use?

The Hikelite utilises components from their Airspeed™ system to offer premium comfort and support when wearing it.

It features the Airspeed™ Suspension, which uses a LightWire™ alloy frame that creates low-profile air space, optimising pack balance and ventilation and effectively transfers weight from the shoulders to the hips.

The Airspeed™ Suspension Backpanel features 3D-tensioned breathable mesh to provide a more supportive fit while enhancing airflow and ventilation to prevent sweat and moisture build-up underneath the backpack contact points.

A fixed BioStretch harness uses elastic binding that delivers maximum flexibility without compromising stability for dynamic movement when scrambling or hiking steep ascents. Spacer mesh is placed over die-cut foam on the shoulder straps to provide more breathable, comfortable contact points, padded nicely to stop them from digging in.

A removable hipbelt with 25mm webbing enhances load stability to keep you balanced and comfy when moving over uneven terrain.

What are its features?

The Hikelite 18 has a traditional panel loader design and a zip that leads you to the main compartment, which has plenty of room for lunch, extra layers and other essentials you usually take for a day on the hill.

Extra-tall stretch mesh pockets are versatile and secure contents such as water bottles without having them take up valuable room in the main compartment. For those who prefer using hydration bladders, you're in luck! This backpack is also hydration-compatible and has an internal reservoir sleeve with an Osprey Hydraclip and a hose port that runs through the backpanel.

An external access zip pocket keeps small essentials safe yet easily accessible. This pocket also has a handy key clip to attach car or house keys, reassuring you that they won't fall out and get lost halfway along your route.

Dual trekking pole loops allow you to keep your hiking poles out of the way when not in use.

Dual upper-side compression straps feature trekking pole capture and cinch dead space around the top of the pack.

The sternum strap at the front helps keep your pack in place and has a small rescue whistle attached for emergencies.

Last but not least, this backpack includes a raincover made with PFAS-free DWR and bluesign® approved material. It's lightweight and designed for use in wet conditions where you need complete waterproof protection. The cover comes stashed inside a zipped pocket at the pack's base to keep it out of sight but easy to access quickly.

Features:

• Included raincover made with PFAS-free DWR and bluesign® approved materials, stored in zippered pocket at the base of the pack
• Extra-tall stretch mesh side pockets keep contents secure
• External access zip pocket with key clip keeps small, essential items handy
• Dual upper-side compression straps with trekking pole capture
• Dual trekking pole loops
• Internal reservoir sleeve with hose port in backpanel and Osprey Hydraclip for easily hanging a reservoir
• Adjustable sternum strap with rescue whistle
• Traditional panel loader design with convenient zip access to main compartment
• Removable webbing hipbelt

Osprey Hikelite 18 Dimensions Here's a quick breakdown of its dimensions: it stands 51cm high, 27cm wide, and 23cm deep. With a load range of 2-9 kg (5-20 lbs) and a capacity of 18 litres, it's perfect for short hikes or day trips when you don't need to carry too much but want just enough space for the essentials.

Osprey Hikelite 18 Review Trekitt's customers love the Osprey Hikelite 18 for a few simple reasons. First, it's incredibly lightweight and comfortable, which makes it perfect for day hikes when you don't want to be weighed down. The AirSpeed back panel is a big hit because it keeps things breathable and prevents that dreaded sweaty back, even on warmer days.
Customers also appreciate the adjustable fit—whether you've got a light load or need a bit more space, you can easily tweak it for maximum comfort.

Osprey Hikelite 18 vs 26 Choosing between the Osprey Hikelite 18 and 26 comes down to how much space you need. The 18L is great for short hikes with the basics—light and compact. The 26L offers more room, perfect for longer hikes or if you like to pack a bit more.
Want to see how they compare side by side? You can easily use Trekitt’s comparison tool to check out their features, load capacities, and more to find the one that best suits your needs! Compare Hikelite 18 and 26