The Osprey Kyte 46 is a popular lightweight backpacking backpack that is designed specifically for women. With a volume capacity of 46 liters, the Kyte 46 is sized for weekend or multi-day backpacking trips. In this article, we will evaluate if the Osprey Kyte 46 is a good backpack choice for backpacking.
Key Features of the Osprey Kyte 46 Backpack
Here are some of the key features and specs of the Osprey Kyte 46 backpack:
- Volume: 46 liters
- Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
- Torso fit range: 14-17 inches
- Adjustable harness and hipbelt fit
- Removable floating top lid
- Front stretch mesh pocket
- Dual side stretch mesh pockets
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
- Sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Ice axe loop and trekking pole attachments
- Hydration reservoir sleeve
- Compression straps
With an adjustable torso range from 14-17 inches, the Kyte 46 is designed to fit petite to average-sized women. The pack is lightweight at just 2 pounds 10 ounces but still includes many features needed for backpacking such as a removable top lid, sleeping bag compartment, and external attachment points.
Weight
One of the most important considerations for a backpacking backpack is its weight. At just 2 pounds 10 ounces, the Osprey Kyte 46 is very lightweight, especially for its 46 liter volume capacity. The pack is lightweight while still including essential features like a removable top lid, sleeping bag compartment, hipbelt pockets, and trekking pole attachments.
Here is how the Kyte 46’s weight compares with some other popular backpacking packs for women:
| Backpack Model | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey Kyte 46 | 46L | 2lbs 10oz |
| Gregory Deva 60 | 60L | 2lbs 14oz |
| Granite Gear Crown2 60 | 60L | 2lbs 5oz |
| REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 | 60L | 3lbs |
As you can see, the Kyte 46 is very competitively lightweight compared to other similar volume backpacking packs for women. Especially considering its feature set, the Kyte 46 offers an excellent weight-to-capacity ratio.
Fit and Comfort
Finding a backpack that fits your body properly is critical for comfort on the trail. The Osprey Kyte 46 is designed specifically for women with a shorter torso range and narrower harness and hipbelt. The torso length is adjustable from 14-17 inches to dial in the perfect fit.
The Kyte 46 uses Osprey’s LightWire suspension system which incorporates a peripheral frame to transfer weight to the hips. The mesh covered die-cut foam hipbelt and harness aim to provide a comfortable, ventilated carry. An adjustable sternum strap and removable webbing hipbelt complete the system.
Here are some of the fit and comfort features of the Osprey Kyte 46:
- Women-specific harness and hipbelt design
- Adjustable torso length from 14-17 inches
- LightWire peripheral suspension frame
- Mesh covered die-cut foam harness
- Removable webbing hipbelt with pockets
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Integrated raincover
The adjustable components combined with the women-specific design allows most female backpackers to get a dialed-in, comfortable fit with the Kyte 46 pack.
Features and Organization
The Osprey Kyte 46 has a good selection of features and organizational options ideal for multi-day backpacking trips.
The top lid is removable to pare down weight and volume for shorter trips. Inside the pack, a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider provides the flexibility to carry gear in different configurations. For quick access on the move, dual stretch mesh side pockets and dual zippered hipbelt pockets provide storage options.
For gear attachment, the Kyte 46 has an ice axe loop, trekking pole attachments, and a removable sleeping pad strap. The pack also comes with a built-in raincover for weather protection.
In terms of loading and compression, the Kyte 46 has a large front stretch mesh pocket and side compression straps. The side compression straps help stabilize loads and bring the pack profile in closer to your body.
Overall, the well-designed features and storage options of the Kyte 46 provide plenty of flexibility for organizing gear on multi-day backpacking trips.
Volume Capacity
With 46 liters of capacity, the Osprey Kyte 46 is sized for most weekend and multi-day backpacking trips. The volume is capable of carrying the essential gear, food, and water needed for trips ranging from 2 to 5 days generally.
Here are some estimates for gear capacity with the Kyte 46 liter volume:
- Sleeping bag + sleeping pad
- 2-3 days worth of food
- 1-2L of water capacity
- Rain jacket, puffy jacket
- 1-2 shirts, hiking pants/shorts
- Toiletries and essentials
- Cook set and stove
- Tent, tarp or hammock shelter
The 46 liter volume hits a nice sweet spot between being able to carry multi-day essentials but not being oversized for shorter trips. The Kyte 46 offers a great size for most weekend warriors and thru-hikers alike.
Durability
Durability is always a concern when purchasing a new piece of hiking or backpacking gear. You want your investment to last for many seasons of adventures.
The Osprey Kyte 46 uses high quality, durable materials in its construction. The main pack body fabric is 100D x 100D Shadowcheck Nylon. This is a tight weave nylon that offers good strength and weather resistance. The bottom is reinforced with heavier 210D Nylon for extra abrasion resistance.
Critical areas are further reinforced with Osprey’s Acceleration/AST nylon which has a phenolic resin coating for improved abrasion resistance. High wear points like the side pockets use a heavyweight 240D flex nylon.
All zippers are heavy duty YKK versions, withoversized pulls that can be manipulated easily with one hand. The Kyte 46 is also backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee which provides repair or replacement for any damage or defect.
User reviews affirm that the Kyte 46 lives up to Osprey’s reputation for building packs that can handle years of rugged use. While no pack lasts forever, the materials and construction of the Kyte 46 provide excellent durability for the weight.
Other Versions
In addition to the Kyte 46 liter model, Osprey makes two other versions of the women’s specific Kyte pack:
- Kyte 36 – A smaller 36 liter volume good for quick overnighters or minimalist packing
- Kyte 66 – A larger 66 liter volume for weeklong+ expeditions
Having these other volume options allows you to choose the best Kyte pack based on your typical trip length. But for most weekend to 4-5 day trips, the Kyte 46 hits the sweet spot.
Price
The Osprey Kyte 46 backpack retails for $220 direct from Osprey. Prices from third-party sellers like Amazon or REI can range from $175-$220 based on discounts and promotions.
Here’s how the Kyte 46 price compares to similar women’s backpacking pack options:
| Backpack Model | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Osprey Kyte 46 | $220 |
| Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 SL | $229 |
| Granite Gear Crown2 60 | $200 |
| Gregory Amber 44 | $199 |
At the retail price of $220, the Kyte 46 is very competitively priced when you consider its weight, comfort, and durability. Discounted prices make it an even better value proposition.
Is the Osprey Kyte 46 worth the investment?
Given its excellent combination of low weight, comfort, features, and durability – the Kyte 46 is absolutely worth the investment for female backpackers. The volume is well suited for most multi-day trips, and the women’s specific fit ensures carrying comfort under load. While not the absolute cheapest pack, the Kyte 46 delivers outstanding value at its price point.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Kyte 46
Pros
- Lightweight at 2lbs 10oz but still durable
- Women-specific harness, hipbelt and torso fit
- Removable top lid and sleeping bag divider
- Large front stretch mesh pocket
- Side compression straps
- Mesh covered harness and hipbelt for comfort
- Comparatively affordable price
Cons
- Torso fit limited to 14-17 inches
- Doesn’t include a hydration reservoir
- Side water bottle pockets are small
- No central cinch straps for load control
FAQ
Is the Osprey Kyte 46 good for multi-day backpacking?
With 46 liters of volume capacity, the Kyte 46 is excellent for most multi-day backpacking trips ranging from 2 to 5 days. It provides enough room for gear, food, water and other essentials.
Is the Osprey Kyte 46 comfortable?
The Kyte 46 backpack is designed specifically for the female anatomy, with a shorter, narrower harness, hipbelt and torso range. This women’s specific construction along with the LightWire frame and mesh covered shoulder and hip straps offer a very comfortable, ventilated carry.
What is the total weight of the Kyte 46 fully loaded?
The total weight of the pack will vary considerably based on the gear you carry. But expect a fully loaded pack weight of 25-35 lbs for multi-day trips. The LightWire frame is comfortable up to around 40 lbs.
What is the best way to organize gear in the Kyte 46?
Take advantage of the sleeping bag compartment to store your sleeping bag and pad. Use the removable top lid for items you’ll need during the day like snacks, rain gear or maps. Store your heaviest gear close to your body in the main compartment. Use the mesh pockets for water bottles or other items you’ll need quick access to.
Is the Osprey Kyte waterproof?
The Kyte 46 is made with a durable, water-resistant nylon fabric but it is not fully waterproof. For weather protection in heavy rain, make sure to use the integrated raincover. Important items should be stored in waterproof stuff sacks or plastic bags.
Does the Osprey Kyte 46 come in multiple sizes?
Osprey makes the Kyte series in 36, 46 and 66 liter volumes. The Kyte 36 is good for quick overnighters. The Kyte 66 has more capacity for weeklong or longer trips. The Kyte 46 hits the sweet spot for most weekend and multi-day trips.
The Bottom Line
For female backpackers looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and durable pack for weekend and multi-day trips – the Osprey Kyte 46 is an excellent choice. It combines women’s specific construction with useful features and accessories. At just 2 pounds 10 ounces, the Kyte 46 provides outstanding weight savings without sacrificing comfort or durability. While not the cheapest model, it delivers excellent value for money invested.
