Osprey Packs Circuit Backpack - 1900 cu in - 2007 BCS

I love lots of pockets, and was looking for a pack that would carry my laptop and also work for day hikes. This bag fits all three requirements. I haven't used it on a longer day hike yet, but I think it'll work fine. I generally use a 2-liter platypus for hydration needs, and this is not hydration compatible, but I'm not too picky about that. The waist strap seems perfunctory, and I have yet to test it. Sometimes if I break into a run to catch the bus, my laptop jiggles a bit in the compartment...minor complaint. It has the slightly curved shoulder straps, which I find very comfortable. I'm a 5'7" woman with an average torso, and find this fits me well, and I am picky about fit. I was doubtful something I ordered online would meet my expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised (I've been shopping about 6 months for a day pack). And what I love most, there's a ton of compartments... a spot for your iPod, a sleeve on the laptop divider for my planner, side pockets (as another said it will only hold a .5 liter Nalgene...I use them for doggy poop bags and such), a quick access pocket for gum, sunglasses, and a pen compartment with extra zipper pouch. This doesn't even cover all the pockets! I also like the external pouch where I keep my ID lanyard with bus pass for commuting. Oh, and I should also mention the fun decals which tell you the recycled content of each part of the pack. Love it!

Not impressed with the shoulder straps on the pack. If the suspension was designed a bit differently then this would be a pretty good pack. It is lacking a good bladder pocket and external water bottle holders. The side pockets will hold a half liter nalgene or travel coffee mug. Not too useful. The rest of the organization is great. The material is strong and the pack is well constructed. I wish it fit better. Then I would keep it. As it is I am sending it back.

Obsessive compulsive and in the market for a new backpack, I ordered this pack, three North Face packs, and the more technical Osprey Atmos 35 to see which one I liked best. Like all Osprey products, the Circuit pack is made incredibly well -- great stitching, zippers, compartment design (including a dedicated semi-firm compartment for a 17" laptop, etc.

But unlike the Atmos 35 (same great quality AND great fit), the Circuit's fit was quite poor. The shoulder straps did not tighten enough for me, causing the pack to sit about 1.5 inches off my back and uncomfortably shift the weight of the books I inserted into my lower back. There was no way around this problem. If you have a wide torso (wide as viewed from the profile), this shouldn't be a problem, but if you have a narrow torso like me, I'd recommend you look elsewhere. (Incidentally, I ended up choosing the North Face Box Shot -- not as well made, not made from recycled materials, but a better fit. Because I needed a more school/work-oriented backpack, I didn't choose the Osprey Atmos 35, but that would have been my first choice for a more technical pack.)

The Osprey Circuit Daypack makes a great backpack and a super carry-on. There are tons of compartments in this thing, and can pack really well. I'd consider day hiking with this but I already have some extremely lightweight day hiking gear, but if I need to jump on an airplane or go on a day trip somewhere, I wouldn't leave home without it.

This pack fits alot...it suited us as a family day pack (2 adults & 2 young kids) on our recent camping/hiking/beach adventure. All of the pockets were very useful, particularly loved the stretchy outer pocket for easy to reach stuff & the top handle. Only our smallest drink bottle fit into the side pockets. We found the fit comfortable. Really great backpack for the money. Green really nice.