Osprey Levity 60 backpack travel gear review

This is a gear review post about the new Osprey Levity 60 which is the perfect backpack for lightweight backpacking.

European Autumn can be hit or miss and that’s totally the case with Finland as the weather can be unpredictable. I’ve been patiently waiting for the sun to pop out this season so I could take my new Osprey Levity 60 for a test run in the great Finnish outdoors. Thankfully this weekend the weather played nicely so I went on a little mini hiking break to test out the backpack.

The Levity is light, light and even lighter

I have to start the review by saying how incredibly light the Osprey Levity 60 is. It comes in with a total weight of 0.87 kg, not even a whole 1 kg!

Normally when you cut out weight from the backpack, other aspects may be affected, such as usability or comfort but Osprey have still managed to retain the function and comfort in Levity 60 and keep the weight as low as 0.87 – it’s rather impressive.

They’ve done this very cleverly by reducing the size of clips, straps and fabrics and opting for a stronger and more durable version.

I know that this backpack will be of more interest to ultra-light hikers who like to cut their toothbrush in half to save on packing space, but I also feel this is a wonderful entry level backpack for those wanting to cut down on overall weight as the backpack itself can be a starting culprit when it comes to added weight to your kit.

The Levity model also comes in a smaller 40 version if you’re looking for more of a day bag alternative with all the Levity features. For the women’s version of the Osprey Levity 60, be sure to check out the Osprey Lumina 60 model as this might be a better fit for your frame.

The Levity 60 is a comfortable backpack to wear

The moment you put on the Levity 60 you can immediately feel how incredibly comfortable the backpack is. This is due to the wonderful combination of the light weight peripheral frame, the AirSpeed ventilated trampoline suspended mesh backpanel and the ExoForm mesh hipbelt and harness that all work nicely in unison.

You simply have to try it to believe it.

As you start to move, you feel the frame kicking into action and the hipbelt and harness stay perfectly in place giving you a wonderful freedom of movement, even with a heavy load. This is perfect for lightweight rambling.

The design has been well thought out

By combining supremely advanced fabrics and leading design techniques, Levity represents the pinnacle of performance in ultra-lightweight packs.

Comfortable, supportive, ventilated and durable, these packs are built for the long-distance adventures where every gram counts.

If you’re looking for ultra-lightweight performance without the usual compromise, look no further than Osprey’s Levity 60, it’s a winner across the board.

Key features of the Levity 60

Here are some key features of the Levity 60 for those wanting to know all the details:

– Ultralight AirSpeed ventilated trampoline suspended mesh backpanel.
– ExoForm mesh hipbelt and harness.
– Dual access fabric side pockets with InsideOut compression cord.
– Removable side compression cords.
– Bellowed front fabric pocket.
– Internal hydration sleeve.
– Compatible with Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT Reservoir.
– Cord tie off points.
– Dual front daisy chains offer flexible attachment options.
– Internal key attachment clip.
– Light weight peripheral frame.
– Removable side compression cords.
– Sternum strap with emergency whistle.
– Top lid access.
– Weight: 0.87 kg.
– Maximum Dimensions (cm): 72 (l) x 40 (w) x 33 (d).
– Main Fabric: NanoFly UHMWPE Ripstop x 100D HT Nylon.

Now that’s everything on the tin for you.

A built in water system that works well if you need it

The Levity 60 has a H2O water access system and internal storage mesh which works well with the compatible Osprey Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT Reservoir that are sold separately. The pack also has an adaptable internal hydration sleeve, so the backpack is more than capable of creating a water system that can work well for you whilst you’re hiking out and about. You also have two side pockets that can be used to hold a water bottle in place if you prefer this option.

A look at the backpack storage features

The Osprey Levity 60 is designed only with the essential features in order to minimise weight and maximise performance.

A large main pocket with top drawcord access is covered by a fixed lid which features a spacious zippered pocket, perfect for storing guidebooks and keys.

A front pocket provides space to store gear you can easily access, such as a waterproof jacket. Then two side pockets will perfectly accommodate a water bottle or maps etc.

Loops on the top, front and bottom can be used for lashing excess items to them, such as a helmet, by using rope or a few clips to fit it into place.

Lots of storage solutions for you to choose from. What I would recommend for the core storage space is stuff sacks to compress, easily organise and protect your gear.

NanoFly Fabric technology is what makes the difference

The Levity comes with ultralight NanoFly fabric which Oprey have specially used for this backpack to cut down on fabric weight on the exterior of the pack and to provide impressive durability and abrasion resistance. The combination of supremely advanced fabrics and leading design techniques results into an excellent weight-strength ration.

Thank you for checking out my gear review

If you’re looking for a new lightweight backpack to add to your Christmas shopping list this season then I hope you found my gear review of the Osprey Levity 60 useful and thank you for passing by the blog.

If you have any further questions about the backpack, be sure to send me a tweet or an email and I will be more than happy to assist in the best way I can. Happy travels and backpacking!