Osprey Kyte 46. One of my top Osprey picks.
As some of you already know, I review Osprey backpacks a lot here in this site.
I've been thinking of comparing Kyte 36 to 46, since Kyte 46 is one of my top Osprey backpacking backpacks - along with Viva 50 and Aura AG 65.
So how does 46 compare to 36?
In summary, unlike Kyte 36; Kyte 46 has (1) an internal compression strap, (2) a vertically zippered side pocket and (3) extra 10 L of volume (duh). 46 is also more comfortable.
Kyte 46 is recommended if you're going to be participating a decent amount of multi-day outdoor activities AND you wouldn't mind checking your pack while travelling.
Kyte 36 is recommended if you're an essentialist, looking for a very simple and more carry-on friendly pack which you're going to be using mostly while travelling.
- #A sidenote here: REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further.
Remember, having the additional space and not needing it is always better than not having additional space but needing it!
If you're looking for a travel backpack, though; then Kyte probably isn't the best option for you. I'd recommend you to check out Osprey Fairview 40 in that case.
Now let's get to the bolts and nuts of Kyte 36 vs 46.
- Bold are my top picks for each group (based on trip length).
- If you tend to pack more or less than the average person, then shift the trip length values accordingly.
- If you're planning to get either one of them, I'd also highly recommend you to check out Osprey's own PackFinder tool as well.
To see the full table and my top picks, visit my post Best Osprey Hiking Backpacks.
Rotate your phone sideways for a better table display.
| Comfort | Features & Organization | Weight (M Size) |
|---|---|---|---|
Trip Length: 7+ nights [>90 L] | |||
10/10 | 10/10 | 5.78 lbs | |
Cell | Trip Length: 5-7 nights [75 - 90 L] | ||
10/10 | 10/10 | 5.61 lbs | |
8/10 | 9/10 | 5.37 lbs | |
Cell | Trip Length: 2-5 nights [55 - 75 L] Sweet spot. Versatile picks. | ||
10/10 | 8/10 | 4.56 lbs | |
9/10 | 10/10 | 5.56 lbs | |
8/10 | 6/10 | 4.3 lbs | |
10/10 | 4/10 | 3.94 lbs | |
9/10 | 9/10 | 5.21 lbs | |
9/10 | 9/10 | 5.15 lbs | |
Volt 60 (Men's) | 8/10 | 6/10 | 4.3 lbs |
6/10 | 5/10 | 3.52 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 1.95 lbs | |
7/10 | 4/10 | 2.58 lbs | |
Cell | Trip Length: 1-3 nights [45 - 55 L] | ||
9/10 | 7/10 | 4.21 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.59 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.68 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 1.85 lbs | |
7/10 | 4/10 | 2.57 lbs | |
6/10 | 6/10 | 3.49 lbs | |
Viva 50 (Women's) | 8/10 | 6/10 | 4.02 lbs |
Cell | Trip Length: 0-1 nights [<45 L] | ||
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.40 lbs | |
8/10 | 8/10 | 3.30 lbs | |
8/10 | 6/10 | 2.44 lbs | |
9/10 | 5/10 | 2.02 lbs | |
8/10 | 4/10 | 2.48 lbs | |
If you're interested in getting a travel backpack, check out my Osprey's top travel backpacks post.
Quick Comparison
  |   | |
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 | Very comfortable as it fits perfectly because of adjustable harness, generous padding, thick straps and hip belt and two size options, Lightweight,
Side access to main compartment, Integrated raincover |
Cons | Inadequate for 4+ days of outdoor activities | Inadequate for 2-3+ days of outdoor activities, No zippered front or side pockets |
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 | Those who are looking for a very simple, more carry-on friendly pack that will be used mostly for short outdoor activities and travelling |
Osprey Kyte 46 | Osprey Kyte 36 | |
Comfort Versatility Organization Weight | ||
Compartments | Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider | Main compartment and sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider |
Access | Top, side | Top, side |
Pockets | 5 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets | 4 zippered 3 unenclosed pockets |
Compression Straps | 4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well), 1 internal and top entrance | 4 at sides (that can be leveraged for front compression as well), |
PRODUCT SPECS | ||
Osprey Kyte 46 | Osprey Kyte 36 | |
S/M Size | Dimensions: 26H X 14W X 14D IN Weight: 3.42 lbs Volume: 44L | Dimensions: 25H X 12W X 12D IN Weight: 3.09 lbs Volume: 34L |
M/L Size | Dimensions: 28H X 14W X 14D IN Weight: 3.55 lbs Volume: 46L | Dimensions: 27H X 12W X 12D IN Weight: 3.2 lbs Volume: 36L |
#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 counterparts | See men's counterpart Osprey Kestrel 48 | No products found. | See men's counterpart Osprey Kestrel 38 | No products found. |
See our men's Osprey Kestrel 48 vs Kestrel 38 comparison. | ||
Volume
The primary difference between these products is obviously 10 liters of extra volume provided by Kyte 46.
In other words, Kyte 46 provides 30% more volume than Kyte 36, which isn't minor.
Considering even 46 liters isn't huge, filling the additional 10 liters is usually easier than you think, and it's better to be on the safer side with extra volume.
If you're worried about ending up not filling the pack completely and hence having it wobble on your back annoyingly - don't. Why?
Because it's not a problem.
Internal compression strap increases stability (available in Kyte 46 only).
Cinch your items down using the internal compression strap at the top entrance and increase your pack's stability.
Besides vertical compression, your load can be stabilized through reversible compression straps.
Available in both products.
In addition to the compression illustrated by the image above, you can compress the load horizontally as well, as the name implies:
Now with that said...
It doesn't mean larger pack is better for everyone.
You'd be better off going for the Kyte 36 either you're:
- An essentialist and will be carrying very few gear most of the time,
- Going to be participating few multiday outdoor activities.
Organization
Kyte 46: 2 top lid pockets, 2 hip belt pockets, 2 mesh water bottle holders, 1 side vertical zippered pocket
Kyte 36: 2 top lid pockets, 2 hip belt pockets, 2 mesh water bottle holders
Yellow arrows indicate the end points of side vertical zippered pocket.
Kyte 46 provides a vertical zippered pocket, which's the only difference in terms of organization.
It's intended to have a bigger portion of your equipment more readily available.
Colors
Both packs are available in same Grey Orchid, Ocean Blue and Purple Calla color options.
Kyte 46 color options.
Kyte 36 color options.
Conclusion
Osprey Kyte 36 and Kyte 46 backpacks are both superior to their competitors in their own category.
No products found.
The difference between them is that Osprey Kyte 46 is more on the versatile side of the fence while Kyte 36 stays on the traveling with a more carry-on friendly pack side.
No products found.
References
- Osprey Europe Women's Hiking Backpacks: Kyte 36. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kyte-36-a
- Osprey US Women's Backpacking Backpacks: Kyte 36. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kyte-36-KYTE36.html
- Osprey Europe Women's Hiking Backpacks: Kyte 46. Retrieved from https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/eu_en/kyte-46-a
- Osprey US Women's Backpacking Backpacks: Kyte 46. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/kyte-46-KYTE46.html
- Osprey Kestrel/Kyte Series Manual. Retrieved from https://www.osprey.com/user_manuals/OM_KestrelKyte_S16_ENG.pdf
Guide: Backpacks
Start here:
Complete list:
- Osprey Atmos AG 50
- Osprey Atmos AG 65
- Osprey Aura AG 50
- Osprey Aura AG 65
- Osprey Aether AG 60
- Osprey Aether AG 70
- Osprey Aether AG 85
- Osprey Aether PRO 70
- Osprey Ariel AG 55
- Osprey Ariel AG 65
- Osprey Ariel AG 75
- Osprey Ariel PRO 65
- Osprey Xenith 75, 88 & 105
- Gregory Baltoro 65, 75, 85, 95 PRO
- Osprey Kestrel 38
- Osprey Kestrel 48
- Osprey Kyte 36
- Osprey Kyte 46
- Kelty Redwing 50
- Teton Sports Scout 3400
