Osprey Kyte 36L: Kim’s Take-Everywhere Backpack
When Kim purchased her Osprey Kyte 36L, Osprey advertised the Kyte line and the men’s Kestrel version as a “quiver of one.” After seeing how many different trips this backpack has handled, I think that description fits perfectly.
Kim loves this pack. She uses it for light overnight backpacking trips in the summer, ten-mile hikes up mountains, and shorter days on the trail. It stays comfortable whether she has it packed full or is carrying only a few essentials. Its layout also makes loading and unloading easy, with more than one way to reach gear inside.
Main Features
Breathable AirScape ridged foam back panel with adjustable torso length
External hydration reservoir sleeve
Zippered sleeping bag compartment with a floating divider
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
Integrated removable rain cover
Hip belt pockets and sternum strap
Two large mesh side pockets
One of Kim’s favorite features is the separate sleeping bag compartment. She uses a Timbuk2 Snoop camera insert to protect her camera and carry an extra lens or small film camera while we are hiking. The insert fits perfectly inside the lower compartment, giving her quick access to her camera gear through the bottom of the backpack.
Her other supplies fit in the main compartment above it, where she can reach them through the drawstring top or the smartly placed side-access zipper. She does not have to unpack everything just to retrieve an item that has settled farther down in the bag.
Osprey redesigned the Kyte after Kim purchased hers, updating its appearance while keeping the basic idea and many of the features. This version has continued to be a comfortable, practical pack that can move between day hikes, longer mountain trails, and lightweight overnight trips.
2026 Update
More than eight years later, Kim still has and loves this backpack. It remains her first choice for travel and big hikes, which is about the strongest long-term recommendation we could give it. Plenty of other backpacks have passed through our gear collection since this post was written, but the Kyte 36L is still the one she reaches for when she needs a comfortable pack that can carry a full day’s worth of gear.
