I have about 100 miles on my Hikelite 26 and like it a great deal. I hike in Colorado and always carry the 10 essentials and a bit more, plus a 3-liter bladder. I plan to use my Hikelite much of three seasons, until the colder temps require more layers, snowshoes, or other heavy items.
Nice review. I was lookin at a stuffable. I like the minimalistic aspects, DWR fabric, deep mesh side pockets and shoulder strap pattern w/ minimal padding. Most of all the airspeed ventilation in the back! 😁👍👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the review, I am going to order one for summer use. I have a Gregory Citro 32 with a ventilated back which I love and use in the winter when I carry more but the carrying capacity is overkill for summer. I dayhike mostly in I the great Central Valley and foothills of Northern California where with global warming gets over 100f in the summer. I wouldn’t even consider a pack without a ventilated back although I wish the Hikelite 18 had a outside stash pocket but nothing is perfect. Good channel btw which I will pay more attention to.
Very informative video; much appreciated. I'm looking for a daypack to carry into Florida theme parks, and this looks like the best bang for my buck. How rain-resistant is the fabric, apart from the rain cover?
Just bought this bag as per your recommendation :) I just searched for best hot weather bags and this was the first review to pop up. I hope the blind buy is a good buy haha
Does this make a good everyday backpack? The day lite 13 is too small the day lite plus is an ugly design using cloth material. Is the hike lite good for urban use for laptop etc? Also when I travel I carry a bigger backpack and like to have a light backpack that I can carry on my chest. I am a bit worried about the metal frame in the hikelite if you can still wear it on your chest. What are your thoughts? Cheers!
There's no padding on the hydration bladder sleeve, which you'd probably have to use as a laptop sleeve. I wouldn't use it for a everyday backpack, you'd probably want more protection.
No downside for me so far. Just a solid, small, and kind of simple pack. Liking it but switched back to my Osprey Pro 30 now that the temps are dropping and I'm carrying more layers.
@@Hikingguy nice. I’m out in Hawaii so cold is less of a concern. I’m trying to figure out a good pack strategy. I’m kinda new to hiking, and only have done 2-3 hour hikes thus far. The Talon 22 was working pretty well, but three things are having me reconsider: firstly, my back gets hella sweaty which is kind of uncomfortable, secondly, i’m getting into better shape now and starting to consider longer hikes (Kalalau is a short drive from my house…), and thirdly, I noticed that the 22L pack is like half empty for 1-2 hour easy hikes. Sooooo, I’ve started to look at both smaller and larger packs with ventilated backs. I ordered this Hikelite 18 after watching your video, so we’ll see how it fits when it arrives. It can potentially be my dedicated pack for shorter hikes. However I wonder if this one-size business will work for me, as I found that with my 20 inch torso, these types of one-size packs tend to be _just_ on the cusp of too short for me, meaning hip belt is on my waist… Also wondering about the lack of hip belt pockets, as I do like to have easy access to my phone, airpods, buff, bug spray, etc. I did buy detachable REI hip belt pockets, so gonna see if that might be a solution… Other small bags I’ve tried are the Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 22 (a tad short and narrow on me, same size as Talon but worse organization but i did love the ventilation-returned), the Deuter AC Lite 16L (currently testing, also a bit narrow/short, nice ventilation and convenient side pocket for phone which is a good alternative for hip belt pockets-however no load lifters is a bummer), and currently also considering the Gregory Arrio 18 although I read somewhere that one is also kinda short/narrow on back… I also got a Talon 20 Pro but frankly I don’t see a meaningful value-add compared to my Talon 22 which would make it more ideal for shorter hikes. And then for future longer hikes, I got a Stratos 34, which sits beautiful on me and just seems like a great pack, but I’m conflicted about owning two packs for what is essentially all day hikes. Plus, if I travel, the 34 is not “personal item” friendly, meaning I’d have to forgo my rolling carry-on suitcase which I like to travel with… And finally the last option would be to stick with just one bag, and make it work for everything. And the one that seems to fit the bill best for that is the Stratos 24 which is basically a Talon 22 with added back ventilation and a frame for heavier weight. Although it would be admittedly overkill for 2 hour hikes, at least the ventilation would make me sweat less so maybe I wouldn’t mind as much… So the Stratos 24 is *also* on the way….are you beginning to imagine what my living room looks like right now? I’m swimming in backpacks and can’t decide which ones to return 😅
@@Seanonyoutube Ha nice, yea, I know, in some ways we're spoiled for choices. And for years I just had one pack (a Talon 33) that I used all the time. It's light and in the summer, maybe a little floppy since I don't have so many layers with me, but works great. I think going with something in the 24L range with a vented back for Hawaii is probably fine, unless you're spending a lot of time above 10k feet. Hope the Stratos 24 does the trick for you!
I'm taking a trip mid-May to Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. I have been told that it can get a bit cold and windy in Bryce. Will this pack hold enough clothing layers?
Is that from experience with this pack? I've done both and didn't have problems with the SmartWater bottles falling out. But generally I use the bladder because it's just easier for me.
I used a bladder and it caused the back ti bulge and push against the trampoline which cuts off the suspension air flow, this is happening even when the pack is otherwise half empty…have you experienced this? And if not, which bladder are you using?
@@Seanonyoutube Oy, I haven't had that problem, wondering if maybe your trampoline is defective? I'm using an Osprey 3L bladder and haven't experienced that. I'd say that with a full 3L + essentails that pack is pretty much at capacity though.
I have about 100 miles on my Hikelite 26 and like it a great deal. I hike in Colorado and always carry the 10 essentials and a bit more, plus a 3-liter bladder. I plan to use my Hikelite much of three seasons, until the colder temps require more layers, snowshoes, or other heavy items.
I have this exact pack and it is an amazing pack; lots of space, easy to carry, and very lightweight. Thanks for the great review.
Great review of this daypack! Thanks and greetings from Germany!
Nice review. I was lookin at a stuffable. I like the minimalistic aspects, DWR fabric, deep mesh side pockets and shoulder strap pattern w/ minimal padding. Most of all the airspeed ventilation in the back! 😁👍👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the review, I am going to order one for summer use. I have a Gregory Citro 32 with a ventilated back which I love and use in the winter when I carry more but the carrying capacity is overkill for summer. I dayhike mostly in I the great Central Valley and foothills of Northern California where with global warming gets over 100f in the summer. I wouldn’t even consider a pack without a ventilated back although I wish the Hikelite 18 had a outside stash pocket but nothing is perfect. Good channel btw which I will pay more attention to.
thank you for the great review on this bag!
Great review, just ordered one, thanks
Thanks for this review! Purchasing today!
Great review, thanks a ton!
Upgrading to this from the Skarab to get the frame.
Top pocket is safe for your gadget because it is scratchproof until you put a key in the key holder then the scratchproof top pocket is useless.
FYI - that pocket has a smaller inner pocket that fits the key to protect it from other items in the pocket. I saw this in another video.
It can hold your keys, or it can hold your glasses without scratching them. That's not "useless".
Thanks for the helpful video!
Thanks for the video. It'd be helpful if you showed how it fits on your back.
Awesome review
Very informative video; much appreciated. I'm looking for a daypack to carry into Florida theme parks, and this looks like the best bang for my buck. How rain-resistant is the fabric, apart from the rain cover?
Just bought this bag as per your recommendation :) I just searched for best hot weather bags and this was the first review to pop up. I hope the blind buy is a good buy haha
Still loving it in hot weather...
Just bought one on your Amazon link. I'm so tired of my back being drenched on summer hikes. Thanks!
Thanks for the support and hope it works for you. Still using it - haven't found anything that matches it yet.
Think Syncro 12L would be too small? Contemplating between this and 12L
Great review! Does this pack strap have a magnet clip attachment for the reservoir hose?
It doesn't but you can buy it separately for a few bucks - the clips will come with any pack from Osprey that includes a bladder (this one doesn't)
My fav is Kelty riot 15
Read some reviews complaining of the back material causing major pilling and wear on their shirts/jackets. Could you comment on your experience?
I didn't find that it did that any better or worse than any other backpack. A lot has to do with the material of your shirt I think.
Does this make a good everyday backpack? The day lite 13 is too small the day lite plus is an ugly design using cloth material. Is the hike lite good for urban use for laptop etc? Also when I travel I carry a bigger backpack and like to have a light backpack that I can carry on my chest. I am a bit worried about the metal frame in the hikelite if you can still wear it on your chest. What are your thoughts? Cheers!
There's no padding on the hydration bladder sleeve, which you'd probably have to use as a laptop sleeve. I wouldn't use it for a everyday backpack, you'd probably want more protection.
Would this be a good pack for Grand Canyon single day R2R hike? If not, what would be for Oct. timeframe? Thanks.
Yes, this will be great for that hike.
Nice review. What are the cons of the pack?
No downside for me so far. Just a solid, small, and kind of simple pack. Liking it but switched back to my Osprey Pro 30 now that the temps are dropping and I'm carrying more layers.
@@Hikingguy nice. I’m out in Hawaii so cold is less of a concern. I’m trying to figure out a good pack strategy. I’m kinda new to hiking, and only have done 2-3 hour hikes thus far. The Talon 22 was working pretty well, but three things are having me reconsider: firstly, my back gets hella sweaty which is kind of uncomfortable, secondly, i’m getting into better shape now and starting to consider longer hikes (Kalalau is a short drive from my house…), and thirdly, I noticed that the 22L pack is like half empty for 1-2 hour easy hikes.
Sooooo, I’ve started to look at both smaller and larger packs with ventilated backs. I ordered this Hikelite 18 after watching your video, so we’ll see how it fits when it arrives. It can potentially be my dedicated pack for shorter hikes. However I wonder if this one-size business will work for me, as I found that with my 20 inch torso, these types of one-size packs tend to be _just_ on the cusp of too short for me, meaning hip belt is on my waist…
Also wondering about the lack of hip belt pockets, as I do like to have easy access to my phone, airpods, buff, bug spray, etc. I did buy detachable REI hip belt pockets, so gonna see if that might be a solution…
Other small bags I’ve tried are the Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 22 (a tad short and narrow on me, same size as Talon but worse organization but i did love the ventilation-returned), the Deuter AC Lite 16L (currently testing, also a bit narrow/short, nice ventilation and convenient side pocket for phone which is a good alternative for hip belt pockets-however no load lifters is a bummer), and currently also considering the Gregory Arrio 18 although I read somewhere that one is also kinda short/narrow on back…
I also got a Talon 20 Pro but frankly I don’t see a meaningful value-add compared to my Talon 22 which would make it more ideal for shorter hikes.
And then for future longer hikes, I got a Stratos 34, which sits beautiful on me and just seems like a great pack, but I’m conflicted about owning two packs for what is essentially all day hikes. Plus, if I travel, the 34 is not “personal item” friendly, meaning I’d have to forgo my rolling carry-on suitcase which I like to travel with…
And finally the last option would be to stick with just one bag, and make it work for everything. And the one that seems to fit the bill best for that is the Stratos 24 which is basically a Talon 22 with added back ventilation and a frame for heavier weight. Although it would be admittedly overkill for 2 hour hikes, at least the ventilation would make me sweat less so maybe I wouldn’t mind as much…
So the Stratos 24 is *also* on the way….are you beginning to imagine what my living room looks like right now? I’m swimming in backpacks and can’t decide which ones to return 😅
@@Seanonyoutube Ha nice, yea, I know, in some ways we're spoiled for choices. And for years I just had one pack (a Talon 33) that I used all the time. It's light and in the summer, maybe a little floppy since I don't have so many layers with me, but works great. I think going with something in the 24L range with a vented back for Hawaii is probably fine, unless you're spending a lot of time above 10k feet. Hope the Stratos 24 does the trick for you!
Is Laptop 15’’ fit in it?
I'm taking a trip mid-May to Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. I have been told that it can get a bit cold and windy in Bryce. Will this pack hold enough clothing layers?
Yes, I use mine for everything aside from very cold winter conditions. You'll be fine to carry a shell and/or fleece.
How tall are you? How does the bottom belt fit?
6ft - belt fits okay but not padded - if you want a nice belt check out the Talon - bit.ly/3B7kIXe
What was the thing you pulled out of the bag? The orange thing?
bug head net - bit.ly/3rutauC
How does this compare to the Skarab 18?
The water bottle side pockets are awful. They will not hold a bottle. Use a bladder instead.
Is that from experience with this pack? I've done both and didn't have problems with the SmartWater bottles falling out. But generally I use the bladder because it's just easier for me.
I used a bladder and it caused the back ti bulge and push against the trampoline which cuts off the suspension air flow, this is happening even when the pack is otherwise half empty…have you experienced this? And if not, which bladder are you using?
@@Seanonyoutube Oy, I haven't had that problem, wondering if maybe your trampoline is defective? I'm using an Osprey 3L bladder and haven't experienced that. I'd say that with a full 3L + essentails that pack is pretty much at capacity though.