Osprey Daylite Sling Bag - Review 2023

At 6 liters, not much is going to fit in here. But the Daylite is a lightweight bag, not intended for big cargo. On the other hand, it’s really good as a crossbody sling worn on the front to compliment a backpack.

As a camera bag it does well too. Two zips in the front for quick access to gear and the front pocket for keeping your phone separately handy. It doesn’t have the protection that most camera bags offer, so it’s not going to be the professional photographer’s choice. Birders will also appreciate it with their binoculars, to prevent them from dangling about and getting knocked up.

It’s also nice that the should strap can clip onto either end of the bottom of the bag for right or left shoulders.

We tested Osprey Daylite to assess its overall value. While the size is a limiting factor that might make some people turn to a fanny pack option like Cotopaxi’s Baatan or Patagonia’s Atom Sling, Daylite’s quality is premium and the comfort for more active movements is superior.

Small but Reliable Everyday Companion

Keep your essentials within reach. Stay lightweight and handsfree while going about your day with Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling.

From one of the most famous brands in the outdoor industry, Daylite has a six-liter capacity. It’s enough to accommodate small must-haves like your phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, and water bottle.

It seemed to sail through our tests well and still reigns as one of the most helpful shoulder slings for daily use.

Construction and Design

We know how durable and reliable Osprey products are, and they didn’t disappoint us with their Daylite shoulder sling. It comes with 210D Diamond Ripstop Nylon. Like the classic square grid in regular ripstop, thick fibrils interweave into the material as reinforcement. These thicker fibers form the noticeable diamond grid. This material is also known for its lightweightness, high strength-to-weight ratio, water- and tear resistance. Held together by tough and clean stitching, the Daylite shoulder sling serves you with a robust build you’ll find in other Osprey gear.

The YKKs are smooth to use, coupled with large pull tabs to save you more time when accessing the compartments of the Daylite shoulder sling. It’s another adaptation of the outdoorsy Osprey vibes.

Want something more tactical? Red Rock Outdoor Sling Bag has 600D polyester, and an undeniable survivalist EDC look.

Without a doubt, a durable shoulder sling, Osprey Daylite has excellent overall construction. Though its design may not appease everyone, the casual/outdoor look is suitable for daily use. Bonus, you have their All Mighty Guarantee backing you up for a lifetime!

Harness System

Walk with ultimate comfort, almost like carrying nothing, when you use a Daylite shoulder sling. It’s thickly padded and anatomically designed to fit any body frame. Not only that but there’s also an extra lash point and tiny mesh pocket along the strap for extras. You can use a carabiner to attach your water bottle or keep your chapstick in the mesh pocket.

The nylon webbing is easy to adjust on the go. We also noticed the quick-release buckle is hidden, giving this Osprey shoulder sling a clean look. The elastic strap keeper is a plus since we hate excess straps dangling around, whether it’s a backpack, duffel bag, or a fanny pack.

This version of Daylite only works when worn from the right shoulder. It’s a bit of a hassle if you’re right-handed. But! Osprey now has an ambidextrous upgrade, which would be more convenient.

You might also be interested in a hybrid shoulder sling with a convertible strap, i.e., it can transform from a sling bag to a backpack. Some of the best 2-in-1s we tested are Roma Leather Convertible and KL928 Casual Sling Bag.

All in all, Osprey Daylite is nice to carry even for longer hours. The thick padding and easy adjustments make it one of the most reliable but straightforward sling bags.

Not impressed? Click here for more sling bag designs and variations.

Storage

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling provides you with six liters of storage. It’s enough room for a quick hike with your dog, going to the gym, or for work and everyday purposes.

Main Compartment

You’ll be welcomed by a well-organized space when you open the main compartment. It’s one of the valuable features we love about this shoulder sling from Osprey. If you value staying clutter-free, you’ll like Daylite.

Inside, there’s a built-in sleeve at the back section, running as big as the bag. You can place your phone, wallet, and IDs. We wish that this was a zipped pocket for additional security. On the other side of this shoulder sling, you can utilize a couple of equally-sized mesh pockets for charger and USB cords, small fruit bars, and mints. There’s also a key clip, so there is no need to sift through everything looking for your keys.

The remaining space inside Daylite can accommodate a large water bottle. You and your fur baby can stay hydrated during short hikes and walks in the park while using this shoulder sling. Although Osprey is an outdoorsy brand, it could’ve been better if there was a dedicated mesh side pocket outside for water bottles like WATERFLY Sling Bag and OutdoorMaster Sling Bag have.

Front Compartment

The front compartment has mesh face fabric. It helps with visibility to see its content without opening it up. But it’s also a pitfall for this shoulder sling since it can entice wrong hands, so remember not to put essential items here. Avoid pens and pointed things that can puncture through and cause a hole. We’re not that fond of this design, and we prefer safer and more solid front pockets like what we experienced with Leaper Messenger and Maxpedition Sitka Sling.

Overall, you can load up your essentials for your hike or commute to work using Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling with six liters. The internal organization and construction were the primary selling points for us. And we also love how the main compartment is spacious and can fit more than we expected.

But if you need a shoulder sling with more room, Mounteenoo Sling Bag can fit a laptop. Other models like TOPNICE Sling Bag also have a zipped pocket with an RFID blocker.

If Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling didn’t tick your boxes, one of these sling bags will. 

Summary

This shoulder sling model from Osprey is a minimalistic functional option for anyone searching for a quality bag. It’s another statement of the brand’s dedication to the great outdoors, jamming it with robust construction and dependable performance.

We also like the just-right amount of organization in the main compartment. However, a zipped inner pocket would be a valuable add-on for some security.

For roughly $100, Daylite is a bit of a ripoff. But the shoulder sling serves with a straightforward design. It’s not perfect, but if you want a build you can rely on, you won’t regret making it your choice.

Disagree with us? You can check out our main guide for the best sling bags for other models. 

Buy this sling bag if:

• You’re an avid Osprey fan
• Want to stay lightweight and handsfree throughout your journey
• Looking for a fanny pack alternative
• Want to get the most value for your money