_DSC0948I’m no backpacker, preferring to stay in a cosy hotel rather than a drafty hostel, so when I’m travelling, the majority of things I have with me are in a suitcase. However, I always have a rucksack with me as well and, if I’m flying, this will hold my hand luggage. When I was asked o review one of the new range of Osprey backpacks I selected the Cyber 26L Daysack to best suit my needs.

The Osprey Cyber 26L Daysack,
cost £90

Why I chose this

I didn’t want something that was too big and heavy. This 26 litres rucksack is big enough to fit in everything I might need on a day out, including my large Nikon D700 camera. I also use a rucksack when I visit London for the weekend and, among other things, I’ll have my laptop or my iPad with me. This particular Osprey rucksack would easily hold my 17″ laptop and everything I would need for an overnight stay.

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What I loved

All the different pockets and compartments.

1. At the bottom of the pack is a compartment, perfect for storing my laptop leads etc. For smaller leads and other gadgets, there is also a separate pouch to help keep things organised. I found both really useful. Great idea!

Osprey rucksack

2. The front panel zipped organiser pouch with internal sleeves and key clip is perfect for flight tickets, pens, passport etc. Again this was very helpful when travelling.

Osprey rucksack

3. The zipped pouch that sits at the top of the bag, with a scratch-resistant lining, is perfect for a pair glasses. I never need to lose mine in the bottom of my bag again!

Osprey rucksack

4. The main compartment is big enough for a large camera, cagoule and a whole load of other items. It also has two document sleeves which were useful but it was tricky to put documents in there without emptying the contents first.

5. The fleece-lined, padded laptop sleeve is just right for my 17″ laptop plus there’s an inner zipped pocket for a tablet, which fits my iPad perfectly. Excellent!

Osprey rucksack

Showerproof: I got caught in a shower in London and was pleased that, although the bag was wet on the outside, everything inside remained completely dry.

rucksack review

Comfort: The padded shoulder straps were comfortable and the vented back panel helped keep me cool, even in Mallorca’s midday sun. An absolute godsend.

What I didn’t like

1. Getting confused between all the different pockets and forgetting where I put what, although as I got used to it that was less of an issue.

2. Not having an outer water bottle side pocket.

What I hated

1. Their UK website spells organiser with a ‘z’.

Tips

I think the black version would be more practical than this light gray material covered rucksack, which is liable to show the dirt and might be tricky to clean.

Don’t be tempted to put your mobile phone in the top pocket (3.) which, although makes it extremely easy for you to find and answer before the voice message kicks in, it is also the perfect place for a pickpocket to find it. I learnt the hard way in Italy just how skillful they can be. On the plus side, the loops on the double zips mean that a small padlocked could be used, although that does rather shout “There’s something worth nicking in here!”

Conclusion

Overall I’m extremely pleased with my Osprey Cyber Daysack. As long as I’m sensible about where I put anything valuable, it’s pretty much perfect. It’s well made so should last me a long time and therefore worth the cost of £90.

As approved by Jasmine!

The Osprey Cyber ‘nap’ sack, Kat’s cat approved!

 

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