Osprey Levity 45L Backpack

2021-05-27T20:00:00

I got this pack for my husband as a gift to replace his old backpack which was the last thing adding significant weight to his load out. Right away he loved it - super comfortable and light, he loves how it carries and the air flow on the back. The lack of hip belt pockets was a non-issue and he actually likes not having them since he is narrow-waisted and so they often got in the way of cinching the straps down. Plus he always hikes with pants that have pockets. However, the lack of being able to remove the brain which he was able to do before was definitely raised as a sticking point. That and the tiny buckles and straps. I know the desire is to keep it as light as possible, but we both agree it seems very counterproductive to not offer a removable brain (an odd choice given the Exos brain is removable) but then have such flimsy buckles which can be hard for some people to use. He also wishes it was offered in a darker color as well but that's more to hide the hiker grime. Overall solid, just a few gripes.

Chels

Originally posted at

2021-01-20T19:00:00

I purchased this when I decided to switch from weekend warrior to long-distance backpacker. My size Large us just under two pounds. There are lighter packs out there, but the suspension on this thing makes up any difference. Airflow across the back is just excellent. Has a brain on top, unlike many of the ultralight packs, which I like. I've loaded it up to 30 pounds and been comfortable, contrary to what is recommended. Only con I can think of: light grey color gets dirty FAST.

Magnet N.

Originally posted at

2020-12-02T19:00:00

The L-45 is lightweight, functional, and comfortable. No need for hip-belt pockets. The external/outer multi-functional pockets (sides and rear) are perfectly designed for limited external storage, security, small water bottles, and/or snacks ? the only zippered pocket is under-lid, top. There is easy and quick access to water located in the internal reservoir sleeve. A number of small, sturdy loops on the pack provides additional means to secure items. The L-45 does NOT include a detachable top: that option will degrade the engineering, comfort, and functionality of the pack. For so-called "thru" hikers demanding a removable top or hip-belt pockets, please choose another pack. This pack requires careful packing of gear to utilize internal capacity. The pack may be rapidly unloaded and reloaded. A BearVault 450 may be inserted into the pack vertically and then turned horizontally in the bottom of the pack. Packing clothes items around the BV 450 will stabilize most of the load to the hips and hip-belt. A seasoned hiker in the high Sierra eyed my L-45 and commented "nice, tight package": almost everything goes inside my L- 45. For those packing a stove, a tent more than 20 ounces, demanding more zippered pockets, packing a heavy load, grumbling about a non-removable top, pouting about no hip-belt pockets, and/or transforming the many thoughtful design and engendering features of the Levity 45 from positives into negatives, this pack may not be suitable for you. If you cannot learn how to keep the L-45 from tipping over in the wilderness, stick to campgrounds with lawn chairs and picnic tables. A number of Osprey packs helped me log over 5,000 miles on the PCT: the L-45 is the best. Osprey: please do not change the design, engineering, functionality, weight of this pack. But please design and sell a ultra light rain cover specifically for this pack.

xyz

Originally posted at

2020-08-11T20:00:00

I do hundreds of miles every summer ticking off section of the PCT. I try to go ultralight as possible. I also love Osprey packs and their customer service. It's a great combo. This pack is good to go, but any hiker will tell you hip belt pockets - enough to fit snacks and a phone - are essential. I don't want to stop on my way to doing 30mi a day, day after day. This pack needs hip belt pockets period. Add them and I'll buy this every single time.

Sam P.

Originally posted at

2020-06-30T20:00:00

This bag has surprised me with how Osprey combined lightweight durability, breathability, and ultralight weight backpacking bag. The load sits primarily on my hips due to the ergonomics and shape of the bag. Narrow at the top, wide tear drop shaped the further down you go which makes it extremely comfortable. It's a niche design for an already niche-niche community of backpackers. To cut to the chase, this bag was perfect for my specific needs, I run hot, I sweat a lot, venting is very important. This bag is ideal for less than 20 pounds. I run about and 18 pound set up for 3 days of long distance backpacking on my days off (Full sleep comfort). I hike a lot. I debated between the 45 and 60. 45 is perfect with about 10-15 liters to spare. I'm 23, I pack my bag to hike. I have a full sleep comfort as mentioned, and only the essentials that's i can tolerate to survive a long time while doing ultralight trips logging in as many miles as I can for the weekend. Attached is a simple YouTube edit of my chick and I visiting Mormon rock and staying the night. Not many miles were logged on that video.

Peak b.

Originally posted at

2020-02-06T19:00:00

got this pack for the colorado trail and beyond. at one point carried 7 days worth of food in this little guy. exceeded the load weight by at least two fold, still felt great. for a sub two pound pack, this thing is amazing. surprisingly durable and going strong two years later. for an ultralight pack it doesn't sacrifice comfort, that's why i chose it. for the right intentions and use this pack is far above anything else i have used.

rik

Originally posted at

2019-05-28T20:00:00

I bought the Levity 45 for a week-long hike on the Georgia section of the AT. It was the final piece in my efforts to reduce my pack weight from 40 lbs to 25 lbs or less (I succeeded). I found the Levity more comfortable than the Exos model I had intended to buy, so I bought the Levity, instead. and after purchasing a compression sack for my down stuff (hammock top & bottom quilts), I found the pack was the right size for carrying all my stuff. Things to note: - the front-opening side pockets give very easy access to water bottles, and they seemed the perfect size to stack two 700 ml SmartWater bottles in each pocket. FYI: if your half-empty bottle starts making a sloshing noise, reach back and tilt it up a little bit... problem solved. - while some folks don't like lid pockets or "brains", this one's fine: it's not overly big and is firmly attached to the back of the pack, so it doesn't flop around like some do. Keep some items in it that you want easy access to and that are not too heavy, and you'll probably appreciate having it, too. - the pack's weight tended to ride on the area between my waist and the top of my butt, and if I shifted the weight up, it eventually found it's way back to the same place. It was a comfortable carry, and I think mostly a matter of me being a guy without much in the way of hips, rather than anything to do with the pack's belt, etc.. My hiking buddy had a far more robust pack, and he tended to re-shift his pack weight at least as much as I did. - Fully loaded including food and water, my pack weighed about 25 lbs, and it carried fine. I certainly didn't feel like I needed "more pack" to haul the load. As the contents of my food bag emptied and I was carrying about one liter of water, my pack weight was probably about 20 lbs, or maybe a little less. At that weight, this pack was an absolute dream to carry... it seemed to almost disappear on my back.

Joe M.

Originally posted at

2018-12-24T19:00:00

I am Almost 50 years old , can still get 15 mile days in thanks to the help of this light weight pack . so very comfortable . find no need for extra pockets as I use a hydration reservoir , use side pockets for snacks that you can reach as you hike . My favorite pack for 3 seasons , been a avid backpacker approaching 40 years , can not go wrong with this pack , you have to remember what this pack is designed for , love it.

Danimal

Originally posted at

2018-11-02T20:00:00

I was hoping they would revamp this backpack for 2019 but sadly no. First the good: Ultralight. Love the weight. Very comfortable. Some backpacks hurt my back. Not this one. Now the bad. The brain is permanently attached and does not adjust up. So you can't remove it. Top does not expand up. Bummer for through hikers. No external pockets. They could at least make them an add on accessory. Outer storage is not made of mesh and doesn't expand. This is a real bummer. Takes two people to get your water bottles out. The pack falls over when you set it down. Seams to attach dirt. I took this pack on one hike 3 days, 2 nights and returned it. So comfortable. But when you can't even get your water bottles out. So frustrating. If they made the brain removable, mesh side and back storage, make belt pockets available this pack would go from a good first attempt to a great pack.

Roger

Originally posted at

2018-10-16T20:00:00

I just completed a one week backpack trip in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The pack was the lightest I've ever used. I found it to be adjustable as needed and comfortable beyond comparison. I've been backpacking for over 40 years. This is the most comfortable experience I've ever had with a backpack. I also appreciate knowing that I can call Osprey with questions and speak with a human.

Stick R.

Originally posted at

2018-03-26T20:00:00

This is a nice long-distance/ultralight pack with one Achille's heel. The main packbag is a versatile, common design nowadays. The front pocket and big side pockets are nice for quick access to gear, and surprisingly carry quite a bit. The silnylon, while thin, seems like it will hold up well as long as you pay a little attention to it. The thicker fabric in higher-wear areas inspires more confidence. Overall it carries pretty well, though it has a tendency to slip down my back at the lumbar, and I would gladly trade a couple ounces for a full, more padded/structured hip belt. I've thru-hiked the PCT and AT, and nearly every other thru-hiker I've known gets rid of the top lid on their packs. Very sadly, Osprey doesn't give you that option with this pack, and the fixed lid drives me nuts. I'd much rather save those ounces (and have them in the hipbelt) and have quicker access to the drawstring into the main compartment. It's a shame because otherwise this pack would be perfect. FWIW, I like the color of it too, much preferred to the gaudy Exos series colors.

JOPh

Originally posted at

2018-03-22T20:00:00

Got this guy for a 50 mile hike this summer. Already completed a couple short treks with it and immediately I love how comfortable it is (even with a heavy load). However because of the osprey domed metal frame it definitely sits different compared to any other pack. Was comparing this one with the hyperlight 2400 and a couple others and figured I'd give this one a go. I'm pretty pleased with my decision. However I will say because of the design the pack will always fall over when set down... just a little gripe I have. But given the weight and the breathe ability of this pack I highly would recommend this guy for those looking for a lightweight weekend or week long hike. P.S. Highly recommend the matching osprey waterproof cover for this bag... it's definitely not waterproof by itself like the hyperlight...

pARTyROCKs

Originally posted at