Osprey Nebula 32 vs. Osprey Hikelite 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Nebula 32 | Feature | Osprey Hikelite 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 420D recycled nylon, PFAS-free DWR | bluesign® APPROVED 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity bird eye nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS |
Osprey Hikelite 26
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×36×31 cm |
| Airline fit | 2% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Osprey Nebula 32 and Osprey Hikelite 26
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Nebula 32; No on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Osprey Nebula 32; 2 on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Nebula 32; No on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
- Rain cover: No on the Osprey Nebula 32; Yes on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 4 accept both. 21 accept only the Osprey Nebula 32, and 0 accept only the Osprey Hikelite 26.
Only the Osprey Nebula 32 fits
Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Osprey Nebula 32 vs. Osprey Hikelite 26: which should you pack?
The Osprey Nebula 32 carries 6L more than the Osprey Hikelite 26 (32L vs. 26L), while the Osprey Hikelite 26 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Nebula 32 fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Nebula 32; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Hikelite 26 is the better call.