Sportlite 20L Unisex Hiking Backpack

The real deal-breaker between these two isn't actually the weight—it is the torso length and "barreling." The Osprey Sportlite 25 is a fixed-length pack, so if your torso doesn't perfectly match their template, the weight will sit entirely on your shoulders by mile six. The Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25

Skip the Sportlite for your use case. The Cirto's suspended mesh back panel does better with heavy water loads, and the 3L eberlestock bladders are thicker than most -- the Sportlite's foam panel sits pretty flush against your back, gets clammy on longer day hikes. Osprey's warranty is solid tho, so