Attention! Kyte 46 is updated in 2019!
So now, we have 3 Kyte 46 packs in the market:
So what's the difference between Kyte 2016 and 2019 models? I contacted to Osprey Customer Service myself to get the answer, and here's what I got:
- Front pocket is now more adjustable (since now it also uses nylon (on the front)).
- Side mesh water bottle holders are now accessible from sides - this was one of my main gripes when I reviewed the 2016 version, so it's great to see it updated.
- More padding used inside the hip belt and shoulder straps.
- Back panel channels are updated and the ventilation is increased.
- Hip belt pockets are now larger
- Lash tabs at the top now protrude more which makes it easier to use and attach external gear
- Buckles are upgraded to be more sturdy
- Design and colors are changed, and the famous Purple Calla color doesn't exist anymore. Instead, now they offer Kyte's in Ice Lake Green - which I think looks VERY pretty.
Here's the screenshot of the answer I got from them:
Click on image to enlarge.
So... does it worth buying the updated version? To me, yes it does. I don't care a lot about the lash tabs, buckles and front pocket - they already worked fine in the 2016 version to me.
But, to me, these 3 updates are very important: (1) more padding in hip belt pockets AND shoulder straps, (2) more ventilation and (3) side mesh water bottle holders are accessible on the go from sides.
In short, to me, it doesn't worth going for the 2016 version at all, so I'd recommend the updated version.
What I really like about Kyte 46 (most recent 2019 model):
- Adjustable harness and very generous padding that provides customized fit and exceptional comfort,
- Side zippered access to main compartment makes your entire items easily accessible,
- 44-46 Liters (XS/S and S/M sizes) of volume which covers both outdoor activities up to 3 days and traveling,
- Superior organization (larger hip belt pockets, removable sleeping bag compartment divider),
- Side mesh water bottle holders offer side access too (in addition to top access).
BONUS: Kyte 46 comes with an integrated rain-cover!
In short, I'd recommend this pack if you have no problems checking your pack in while travelling and planning to use the pack during a fair amount of medium length (up to 4 days) of outdoor activities.
Overview
 | |
Overall Score | |
Pros | Very comfortable as it fits perfectly because of adjustable harness, generous padding, thick straps and hip belt and two size options, Lightweight, Internal compression strap, Zippered side pocket, Side access to main compartment, Integrated raincover |
Cons | Inadequate volume for 4+ days of outdoor activities |
Best for | Those who have no problems checking their pack in while travelling and planning to use the pack during a fair amount of multiday outdoor activities |
Osprey Kyte 46 | |
Comfort Versatility Organization Weight | |
Compartments | Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider |
Access | Top, side |
Pockets | 5 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets |
Compression Straps | 4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well), 1 internal and top entrance |
PRODUCT SPECS | |
Osprey Kyte 46 | |
XS/S Size | Dimensions: 26H X 14W X 14D IN Weight: 3.42 lbs Volume: 44L |
S/M Size | Dimensions: 28H X 14W X 14D IN Weight: 3.55 lbs Volume: 46L |
#Note: As you see, dimensions and volume don't add up. See our post Dimensional Inconsistencies of Osprey Backpacks to learn more. | |
User manual | |
Men's counterpart | See men's counterpart Osprey Kestrel 48 | Price not available |
Harness
Osprey Kyte Series are the women's specific counterparts to men's Osprey Kestrel Series. Kyte Series are identical to Kestrel Series except the harness is designed to fit specifically a woman's body.
Women's specific design.
Thicknesses, paddings, angles, widths, curves, lengths, connections etc. of straps, load lifters, hip belts etc. are all intended to provide the perfect fit for a woman. What's more it has XS/S and S/M size options which allows you to customize the fit further.
Click on image to enlarge.
Osprey's lightweight peripheral frame surrounding the suspension keeps the pack very light at only 3.55 pounds (for larger S/M size). It's designed to provide rigidity and accurate weight distribution.
Suspension
Osprey introduced the AirScape suspension technology[1] with Kyte (and, of course, Kestrel) Series.
AirScape technology spans from the very top of the back panel to the bottom. It's intended to provide;
- Comfort through its ample padding and thickness.
- Ventilation through the blank corridors (colored white) and striped ridged padding structure.
- Accurate weight distribution[2] through withdrawing the pack close to your back and incorporating your largest muscle groups; which are hip muscles as Joseph expained in 2013[3].
Ample, ridged and striped padding in back panel of Osprey Kyte 46 is updated in 2019 and now provides more comfort and weight distribution while keeping your back less sweaty along the way.
Ample mesh and countoured foam together increase the breathability and keep you cooler.
Shoulder Straps
Straps are edgeless - meaning the seams at the backside of straps cover the sides and reach to the front:
The whole contact area of straps are embraced with seams. They won't chafe your shoulders during long distance walks.
Like I mentioned before, the harness is fully adjustable:
The arrow icon at the back panel.
How to adjust it?
- Loosen the load lifters and straps completely.
- See the arrow icon at the back panel (above).
- Pull apart the hook-and-loop closure by sliding a hand between back panel and shoulder harness.
- Move the shoulder harness up and down so that it corresponds to your torso length properly.
- Press down on the ridged foam back panel firmly to re-engage and lock hook-and-loop closure.
Load lifters are attached to the pack at the perfect height to meet the ideal 45-60 degree angle [4].
Contact points of load lifters and the pack are also women specific.
In addition, an emergency whistle is built-in the sternum strap buckle.
Hip Belt
Pockets: There are 2 hip belt pockets on each side
Belt is smaller compared to other packs since it's women's specific.
Hip belt has plenty of padding and mesh. Its pockets are larger than regular size smartphones.
Just like straps, hip belt fits perfectly as well and provides decent comfort. But, here's what I don't like about them: Unlike other Osprey packs like Aura and Ariel, Kyte 46 hip belt pockets are smaller for some of larger smartphones.
Updated in 2019: Hip belt pockets are now larger and can fit any smartphone.
Storage
Compartments
Main compartment
Pockets: No internal pocket
Top lid is buckled to the front surface of the pack and under that the top entrance of main compartment is accessed.
Top entrance of Kyte 46 is very wide. It also contains an internal red compression strap when opened. You can compress and stabilize the load using internal compression strap at the entrance of Kyte 46 and ultimately increase comfort by preventing the pack wobbling at your back.
What distinguishes Kyte 46 from others is the full length side access to the main and sleeping bag compartments at the right hand side of the pack.
The already advanced versatility because of convenient volume, tool attachments and rich features is taken one step further making Kyte 46 very convenient for a multitude of adventures.
Side access to main compartment!
We all know the struggle when you desperately need an item inside the main compartment but it just isn't optimal to dig all the way to the center.
It can happen during a day hike, or while traveling, waiting in the airport/airline security check, or a rainy outdoor activity - even if you stored your frequently used items inside the external pockets.
And most of the time you don't want to waste your time and energy on unpacking all the items, getting the item you're looking for and then refilling the pack.
With Osprey Kyte and Kestrel Series this frustration is cleared away once and for all.
Top and bottom items inside the main compartment are already available with bottom (sleeping bag compartment) and top entrances.
Through side zippered access now you gain access all the items in your pack. They all become readily available.
Sleeping bag compartment
Pockets: No internal pocket
There is a sleeping bag compartment opening from the front bottom of the pack. It's separated from the main compartment by a divider. But you can remove it if you'd like to merge both compartments and utilize the total space for storing long and bulky items like tent poles.
Large entrance from the bottom - the sleeping bag compartment.
Sleeping bag compartment offers plenty of space. If you use a regular size sleeping bag you'll probably have additional space nearby.
In that case, I recommend storing lightweight, elastic, night time items such as sleeping pad, towel or nightwears because
- You make use of the extra space,
- Light items at the bottom don't pull your shoulders down uncomfortably,
- Elastic items at the bottom protect your more bulky inner items from impacts,
- The solid base they form don't change throughout the day since they aren't used until camping.
If you'd like even more space inside, you can easily strap your pad externally with sleeping pad straps.
Dual sleeping pad straps at the bottom front of the pack.
You can also remove them anytime:
Top lid
Pockets: 1 external, 1 internal pocket
You can't tailor the top lid of Kyte 46 to your needs (meaning that it's not a floating type). Whether you have large or small amount of load, the vertical location of the top lid will stay fixed.
Floating types are usually benefited by ultralight hikers - so if you're not one of them I don't think it's going to be a problem.
Some prefer them for their long packs to turn them into carry-on friendly - but luckily Kyte 46 is already carry-on friendly.
External zippered pocket that opens to the backside offers plenty of space.
External op lid pocket.
When unbuckled, an internal zippered mesh pocket is accessed underside the top lid. It's smaller than external pocket and contains a keyclip.
Front surface
Pockets: 1 mesh pouch
Osprey Kyte 46 lacks an enclosed front pocket - which is probably the only problem of this pack.
Front mesh pouch of Osprey Kyte 46.
The mesh pouch outside isn't attached to the front surface with a velcro or anything else so it's inconvenient to store valuable items there.
Instead, this kind of pouches can be utilized for storing wet, smelly or dirty items during outdoor activities.
Or you can put some papers like maps, journals or notebooks while traveling.
This pouch is also updated in 2019 and now is also uses a nylon instead of being only mesh - but it was already working fine, so I don't see this as a major update.
Side
Pockets: 1 vertical side zippered pocket, 2 mesh water bottle holders
I did talk about the side zipper that opens to the main compartment.
At the other side of the pack, there is a vertical side zippered pocket.
End points of vertical side zippered pocket are shown with green arrows. Internally it spans all the way backwards to the backpanel, offering plenty of space. Vertically you can fit your tent poles inside - however I'd recommend using this pocket for a more frequenty used item(s).
Side water bottle holder mesh pockets are quite deep and only allow vertical installment. Because of the lack of a horizontal installment you can't use these pockets while wearing the pack (e.g on the go) - which is a major downside for this pack. I don't see why Osprey didn't offer this feature, since they did with their Aura and Ariel models.
Updated in 2019: Side mesh water bottle holders do offer side access now!
There are lower and upper compression straps (4 at total) at both sides.
You can use the reversible straightjacket compression straps to shrink the pack into smaller sizes or to increase the stability.
There are 2 more functions of reversible compression straps;
1. You can collaborate the top compression strap with side mesh pockets to attach long and sturdy gear externally (such as tent poles):
2. You can reverse them as the name implies and compress the pack width-wise at the front.
Or even attach external gear to the front of the pack.
Size, Volume, Weight and Dimensions
Osprey Kyte 46 comes with XS/S and S/M options. The smaller XS/S is 2 liters smaller and 2 inches shorter compared to the larger size:
Volume | Weight | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kyte 46 XS/S | 44 Liters | 3.42 lbs | 26h x 14w x 14d |
Kyte 46 S/M | 46 Liters | 3.55 lbs | 28h x 14w x 14d |
44-46 liters of volume is the sweetest spot for a backpack if you want it to cover a variety of activities.
Except extended camping trips such as 5+ days, you can use Kyte 46 during any activity including camping, hiking, traveling (both as carry-on and check in), day hikes, overnight trips, multiday hikes, climbing, mountaineering etc.
Using Osprey’s very own Size & Fit article [5], you can determine which size is for you. I'm embedding the chart below.
Find Kyte at 9th row once you figure your torso length.
Click on image to enlarge.
McGill stated that[6] on average, a 5'2" woman will have 15" of torso and a 5'6" woman will have 17" of torso. If your torso length is applicable to both sizes I recommend getting the larger pack to utilize the extra 2 liters of space.
Carry-on Status
Most airlines allow up to 45 linear inches (height + width + depth)[7] although there isn't a federal standard.
I strongly recommend checking with your airlines to comply with their recent rules.
Although no-one can guarantee you, my guess is that Kyte 46 would be allowed around 70% of the time as a carry-on pack since usually it's down to individual staff.
I have a friend who used different airlines in US and Europe and she says that her Kyte 46 was always allowed as carry-on. Also using compression straps, you can shrink the pack further and decrease its dimensions/volume if it's not filled up to the brim.
Durability
Osprey is famous for its extremely durable packs and great customer service. It offers All Mighty Guarantee[9]. Although I never had any problems with their packs, it's good to know that you're 100% safe.
Other
Raincover
Integrated raincover is attached to the pack and comes out from its own zippered pocket at the bottom.
Built-in raincover.
Raincover adds to the versatility of Kyte 46. Its AirScape back panel keeps you cool when it's warm and raincover keeps your items and pack dry when it's rainy.
Raincover of Kyte 46. Distinctive color is meant to operate as a signal when the backpacker is lost or the weather is foul.
Hydration
There is a hydration pouch outside at the backside of the pack that allows up to 3 liters of hydration bladders. Hydration bladder does NOT come with the pack.
Having the pouch outside the pack protects your items against spilling. What's more spilled water is canalized and disposed at the very bottom of the pack through a hole.
Hydration sleeve access.
Another advantage of having the hydration bladder outside the pack is the convenience when replenishing.
If you had it inside, you'd have to unpack first when you run out of water and then refill and repack.
Gear Attachments
Total 10 Gear Loops:
Ice tool loops
Ice tool loops and bungie tie offs make attaching ice tools possible.
Loop and tie off are available on one side only.
Trekking pole attachments
You can stow your trekking poles while wearing the pack through stow-on-the-go attachments.
Stow-on-the-go attachments are available on one side only.
Sleeping pad straps
See the Storage section above.
Compression straps
See the Storage section above.
Daisy chains
Daisy chains can be utilized to attach extra gear[10].
Conclusion
Osprey Kyte 46 is a women's backpack that's designed to be used during a multitude of adventures, and is updated in 2019.
Its versatility results from;
- Volume: S/M and XS/S sizes offer 46 and 44 Liters of volumes respectively. It stays carry-on friendly most of the time while offering a huge amount of volume where you can use during traveling or outdoor activities at the same time.
- Gear Storage: Through a total of 10 tool attachments, this pack fills the bill for a variety of activities such as traveling, hiking, camping, mountaineering and climbing - all at the same time.
- Side Access: There's a zippered side pocket from top to very bottom which enables extra access to main and sleeping bag compartments making all your inner items readily available.
Unless you're planning very long trips (4+ days), I really can't recommend this pack enough.
We hope this review was helpful for finding out whether the new Kyte 46 is for your needs or not. Please comment below to provide feedback or ask questions and I'm happy to respond.
Thank you for reading and happy travels/trails!
References
- Suspension Technology, Osprey. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/sa/en/pack-design-technology/suspension
- Clark, A. How to Pack and Hoist a Backpack, REI. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/loading-backpack.html
- Joseph, E. M. (2013, December). Know the body: muscle, bone, and palpation essentials. Elsevier Health Sciences, p. 346
- The Magazine of Wilderness Travel, Backpacker. 1989, March. Pack Strap Anatomy, p.31. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=7-IDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
- Osprey. Size & Fit. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/fitting-learning/size-fit
- McGill, L. How to Tell if I Have a Long or Short Torso, Healthfully.com. Retrieved from https://healthfully.com/tell-long-short-torso-8251478.html
- Traveling Light, REI. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/traveling-light.html
- Carry-on Size Chart, 170+ Airlines, Travel-made-simple.com. Retrieved from https://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/
- Osprey: All Might Guarantee. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/cl/en/customer-support/all-mighty-guarantee
- Hawbaker, A. (2015, July). TrailTime Tips: Daisy Chain Quick Ties. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html
- Osprey Europe Women's Hiking Backpacks: Kyte 46. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/dk_en/kyte-46-2019
- Osprey US Women's Backpacking Backpacks: Kyte 46. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kyte-46-KYTE46S19_134.html
- Osprey Kestrel/Kyte Series Manual. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/user_manuals/OM_KestrelKyte_S19_ENG.pdf
