In this article, we’ll highlight the greatest features of daypacks, perfect for hikers at any experience level. We’ll show our favourite selections you can get today, and tips to make the most of your day hiking adventures. Happy trails!
TYPES OF DAYPACKS FOR A TYPICAL DAY HIKE
Daypacks are just big enough for key nutrition, hydration, extra clothing, and navigational tools while minimizing the amount of weight you have to tote into the woods.
Before we show off our favourite daypacks, consider some of the features below to find the best match for you.
Shapes
There are daypacks that mirror the size and shape of traditional hiking backpacks. These are multi-use and can accompany you on most day hiking adventures. If you’re a trail runner or ultralight enthusiast, recent pack innovations include a cinched vest-like shape that hugs your body for minimal movement as you run up and down the trail.
Ventilation types
Several premium daypack options have adopted a new ventilation system with the use of a mesh layer on the back panel and straps. The improved breathability of these packs reduces discomfort that perspiration might cause, keeping your hike free from irritation, even in the peak summer months.
Size (what size backpack for day hike)
Generally, daypacks can run from a few litres to a capacity of about 35-40 litres. Anything larger than that is better suited for backpacking, and anything smaller isn’t going to be able to fit your essential gear. A daypack between 15-30 litres is perfect to carry all of your essentials with room to spare for a fully stocked first aid kit.
Weight
Daypacks rarely weigh more than a few pounds; however, for certain activities, weight difference can mean a lot. For example, trail runners and ultralight recreationists need to minimize weight to maximize performance, so they’ll opt for the lightest daypack they can get.
If you’re a casual hiker, then a few extra ounces won’t matter. More material and weight also translates to a sturdier construction, meaning the pack can handle the rigours of the outdoors more effectively. If you love long-distance objectives, a lightweight vest-shaped daypack will support you the most while trimming necessary ounces in weight.
Packability
If you’re travelling far for your hiking excursions, packability matters. Runners’ vests and floppy daypacks have minimal gear capacity, but they’re less rigid so you can roll them up into smaller spaces like luggage.
Rigid packs offer better support and gear capacity but stand as their own piece of luggage. Ultimately, it depends on your hiking preferences and how much or little you wish to carry. For serious trail runners, floppy and light daypacks are the way to go. For exploratory hikers who want to bring a little more gear, such as a camera and binoculars to spot wildlife, or extra nutrition to keep your energy up, a rigid pack will feel better on your back.
Add-ons (rain covers, etc.)
As we all know, weather can be fickle, so there are some critical add-ons that help daypacks handle variable conditions. First and foremost, get a rain cover. Most packs either come with them or have options that fit the litre size of your pack. Make sure to grab one in the right size so it slips over the whole pack and prevents any exposed material from getting wet.
Daisy chains or bungee cord pockets are great for fitting differently sized water bottles. Zippered inside pockets are also useful for storing important items like keys and wallets. If time’s a factor, a hip belt pocket is a practical way to store trash or quickly access items without taking a long break and digging through your pack.
Best Overall Daypack
Osprey has been producing stellar backpacks for decades, and our favourite overall daypacks are the Talon Velocity for men and Tempest Velocity for women. The packs are durable and feature a well-ventilated back panel. They also come with a hydration sleeve, a comfortable hip belt, a large central compartment, a top-zippered compartment, and a stretch front pocket.
It’s a top-loading backpack, which makes for better organization. There are also two water bottle pockets on each side. This kind of pack is a great all-rounder for casual hikes, trail running and bikepacking.
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Best Daypacks for Trail Running
Not surprisingly, Osprey is once again featured, this time for their high-performance daypacks designed for trail runners. The 20 L versions of the Tempest and Talon daypacks are both lighter and more convenient for serious fastpackers. There are two 500 ml soft flask compatible pockets, gear loops, and cinch straps for ice axes, MICROspikes, or trekking poles. You can also slip your phone right into the shoulder strap pocket for easy access while on the go.
The overall weight is also a highlight, with both the men and women versions coming in at just over 1 kg. The front mesh pocket is perfect for quick stashes and is large enough to hold a helmet for biking or mountaineering. Similar to their 26 and 24 L relatives, you also get an external hydration sleeve. The convenience and thoughtful design make these packs amazing for trail running.
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While Osprey is popular for trail running daypacks, true ultralighters may desire more from less. That’s why we’ve chosen the Black Diamond Beta Light as the best daypack for ultralight hikers. This extended-size daypack is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 695 grams, and can handle up to 30 litres of premium gear.
The Beta Light is also customizable with a removable hip belt, which is great for climbers, and the size makes preparing for long adventures a lot simpler. Like most ultralight packs, the central compartment is opened from the top down, so organize your gear in a way that makes pulling out essential items easier.
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Best waterproof DayPacks
Osprey Downburst Series
Back for more, the Osprey Downburst series is perfect for wet weather. Despite modern technological marvels, we still can’t control the rains, so preparing for wet weather should be second nature for any outdoor enthusiast. The Osprey Downburst series not only has a wide variety of capacities ranging from 24-36 L, but they are all fully waterproof as well.
In addition, these packs come with large compartments, internal pockets, and outer pockets. You can also roll up the top compartment like a dry bag to guarantee that moisture stays out. This waterproof daypack series also comes with a high degree of ventilation on the straps and a back panel to help wick away moisture. If you want to play in the rain, grab these packs.
Best Compact Everyday Pack
If you’re looking for a great, compact pack to handle day adventures, the Mammut Lithium 20 L needs to be on your radar. Made from recycled materials and featuring trekking pole carriers and ventilated shoulder pads, it's a great everyday pack. It also comes with a cool removable phone pocket on your hip belt for extra customization.
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Conclusion
While it can be confusing trying to find the right gear for your adventures, there is a perfect fit out there. For the majority of outdoor recreationists, all we need is a durable day pack that can handle a few hours or a full day out on the trail. With any of the options in this list, you can handle the elements, minimize over packing, and bring all your essential gear with you.
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