There is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing your new daypack. If you buy a pack that is fit for purpose and will grow with you as your adventures do, you could be set for the next decade or so. Get it wrong and you’ll have an uncomfortable pack that you won’t want to wear.
What makes a good daypack though? The answer really depends on the kind of hiking you plan to do. The good news is that due to the fact there are so many options out there, you can find a pack that fits your specific needs.
Our guide below will take you through some of the most important things you need to consider when about to purchase your new hiking backpack. This, used in combination with our best daypacks for hiking guide will give you everything you need to know to make a confident decision.
Editor’s note: This article is part of our overall guide to the best daypacks, see more in this guide:
You may also be interested in: Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
Types of Daypacks
There are seemingly endless options for daypacks, and so it can of course be confusing as to which to choose. This will largely be determined by how you plan to use your pack and the kind of hiking you do. When making your purchasing decision this should be at the forefront.
Are you planning to go alpine hiking, explore the desert, alternate between commuter/office use and the outdoors? Or is it to also give you a pack that works well for hiking on vacation? We’d advise to forward think as well. As buying a daypack that will grow with you as your goals develop will allow you to get a pack that may well last you over a decade or more.
If you know that you are going to be using your daypack for lighter trips and don’t need a lot of support or a hefty suspension system, you will be able to make use of some of the more streamlined packs on the market. Something like the Rab Tensor 20 or The North Face Basin 24L will work perfectly for you. These both make use of an air ventilated back system for general use and have some padding on the straps for comfort. They do also have a fairly adjustable fit.
Many of the packs in this area are also suitable for everyday use or for causal and travel too. With one particular stand out in this area being the Osprey Daylite Plus – the perfect pack for travel to day hiking.
However, if you are going to be taking on more hefty missions, or need to carry heavy loads, a full on pack is going to be a good bet. With this, the pack will be heavier, but prioritizes a more rigid frame and suspension system to provide a more stabilized experience on the trail. They will of course offer a better comfort experience. Some good options in this category are the Osprey Talon 22 and the Gregory Citro 24.
In terms of size and capacity, you can expect to see a few variances here, with daypacks typically carrying anywhere from 10 liters to a much bigger 35-40 liters. If you know that you will be carrying little to nothing with you on the trail then go for a lighter, smaller pack.
However, in reality, and to keep yourself safe in changing weather and climate scenarios, a pack that is around 18-25 liters is going to be most ideal. This should give you adequate space for everything you’re likely to need from your day hike checklist.
At around 20+ liters, you find that the options for additional features increases, and you will have more space to fit everything you need. You will also have more options in terms of pockets that will let you keep your gear organized well and easy to reach. Whether you should go for a more fully featured pack or something more lightweight and minimalist will again be determined by the kind of hiking you intend to do and what kind of features and access you need.
You should also consider the kind of comfort you need – if carrying a heavier load, go for something with better back suspension. If you’re going on lightweight missions, go for something more streamlined. If you want a balance, go for a hybrid pack like the Osprey Talon 22.
In a nutshell, here is what we would suggest in terms of capacity and size depending on your hike:
- Day hiking and everyday use: 10-24 liters
- Summit hiking: 15-30 liters
- Long hikes and short backpacking trips: 24-40 liters
Daypack Materials
Most backpacks on the market right now generally make use of either polyester or nylon in their construction. Polyester, whilst it does have some good water resistance qualities, does lack longer term durability.
Nylon is often favored as it is more durable and when including a DWR coating, can be excellent for water resistance. You’ll also see that some manufacturers are using a combination of nylon and polyester. This allows them to get a good balance: the durability of nylon with the water resistance of polyester.
Weather Protection
Most daypacks on the market right now offer some kind of protection against water and this is usually in the form of a DWR coating. However, there is no real standard DWR coating so this can vary a lot between different models, price points and manufacturers.
If weather protection is important to you, this is something to seriously consider. In our reviews, we’ve stipulated what kind of water protection each pack has. Some packs are more suited to three season hiking, which means anything other than heavy rain.
However, heavy rain can hit at any time of the year and if you know you’ll be hiking somewhere where rain is a given, then a rain cover and some extra protection will set you up well. This will protect your belongings from heavier downpours. A DWR coating alone will likely not protect you from heavy showers.
Some daypacks come with a rain cover (such as the Gregory Citro 24 and The North Face Basin 24L) included. However, most manufacturers do offer a rain cover that will fit your chosen pack, and if not, a similar size can be bought from most online retailers like Amazon.
Breathability
Due to the fact that when hiking, you build up a sweat, the breathability provided by your daypack is important. If a daypack gets it right, it can make a big difference to your overall comfort on the trail.
The areas to consider when looking at breathability is if there is a full suspension or part suspension system offered on the back. Does the back have mesh panels and breathable strips to allow air flow? How close does the backpack sit on the back? Are the straps breathable too?
Normally, rigid packs will offer more in terms of breathability due to a hardier back suspension system. However, these may not always be what you need, so it’s important to get the balance between how lightweight you want your pack to be and the level of breathability you need for the adventures you plan to go on.
Fit and Adjustability
You’ll notice from our main reviews that we’ve divided up the daypacks by unisex, men’s and women’s. Some manufacturers in recent years have started to make different fits for various genders, but this is more in relation to your frame.
For example, the Osprey Talon 22 is technically a men’s pack, with the Tempest being offered as a women’s specific variant. If you’re more petite, you may find the Tempest a better pack overall. So, it really is about seeing what is right for you. You can do this by looking at the body length, width dimensions and measuring against your back.
Some manufacturers are also offering redesigned packs now to fit different frames and extended sizes. Osprey are a great example of this, with the Talon/Tempest range being offered with redesigned elements that will fit different body shapes better. Aside from this, most packs come with a great amount of adjustability to get the perfect fit. Some manufacturers have much more simplistic systems on their packs for adjusting, whilst others are more advanced.
Areas to pay special attention to when setting up your pack are the load lifters, which are at the top of the pack and can help you find the correct angle or placement as to where your pack sits. You will likely also be able to adjust the stabilizer straps on the hip and shoulder straps. You should usually do this once the pack is in place and any clips fastened.
Pack Weight
It’s probably not surprising to hear that daypacks are offered in a whole variety of different weights. This provides great options for those looking for a daypack for ultralightweight, fast missions and those looking for something more supportive for carrying heavier loads. There are of course packs that sit in the middle too, for general day to day hiking.
It’s a good idea to think about what you want your daypack for before purchasing. If you’re looking for something that will carry a heavier load, then you will likely want to look at a heavier pack to start with. This is because heavier packs make use of more substantial suspension systems and heavier padding. Whereas general, day to day packs and also fast and light packs cut down on materials where possible.
Storage Options and Ease of Access
Most daypacks offer a variety of storage options within your pack. This can be divided into different areas that allow you to stow your belongings in areas that are easy to access. You’ll generally find a main compartment, a front storage section (which can either be zipped or mesh for ventilation and storing layers on the go), and a security section at the top of front of the pack which is zipped. Of course, there are variations to this depending on the look and feel of the pack.
The other areas outside these basic pockets and storage sections that you might find useful are water reservoir storage pouches, areas (usually mesh) to keep a water bottle, attachment points for things like helmets, hiking poles, and ice axes. On some more supportive packs you can also expect to find pockets on the hip belt.
Straps
Straps are one of the most important areas to consider when it comes to your new daypack. You should decide which pack to buy based on how much weight you intend to carry at most times. If this will vary, go for the most supported and cushioned you can to allow you ease of use in all scenarios.
It isn’t all about the cushioning offered though, it’s about the positioning too. For example, even though the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil 20 offers no real cushioning at all on the straps, the position of the straps and wider cut of the fabric does actually make this pack more comfortable to wear.
This is such an important decision, because if you get it wrong, it can mean that you will experience rubbing and chaffing. Even worse, cause damage to your shoulders. It can make such a difference to your enjoyment and overall comfort.
Other straps you will often find on daypacks will be used to control areas such as the suspension system, the hip belt and hold the pack as compressed as possible. You will also likely find straps used to hold in place things like crampons, ice axes and sometimes hiking poles.
Comfort
Comfort is such a personal thing, so it’s important when your pack arrives to try it on, fit the sizing correctly for your frame and fill it up to see how it feels. If it doesn’t feel right, and you can’t get used to it, then you should return it and look for another option that is better suited to your needs. This may even just be a variant by the same brand.
The amount of comfort you need from your daypack will be determined by how much weight you’ll be carrying. As if you’re carrying too much weight for that particular pack, it may rub and not provide adequate ventilation.
If you know you’ll be carrying heavier loads or hiking over extended periods, always go for a pack with a better suspension system and air vents. Always look for padded straps and support around the hip.
Features
The features you need from your daypack will really depend on how you plan to use your pack and the kind of loads you wish to carry. For some hikers, a really basic pack with a main compartment, mesh section and safety pocket will be all that’s needed.
For other hikers, a hydration sleeve, suspension and straps to attach hiking poles, and other specialist equipment will be more important. We’d advise that you think in detail, and future plan about your hiking goals as much as possible when making your decision. This will allow you to get a pack that will grow with you over time and give you everything you need.
Durability
Not all daypacks are created equal, and you’ll generally find that a backpack that is intended for more full-on missions and carrying heavier loads will be more durable than an ultralight weight pack that is designed for very quick and fast hikes.
This is generally down to the material decisions – with lightweight packs using thinner materials with lightweight denier ratings. It’s also worth thinking about any weak points too – for example if you know you’ll be carrying bulky gear, area there any areas where this may cause abrasions?
Sustainability
One of the most important ways we can improve sustainability when it comes to daypacks is by making sure that the pack you buy is going to be fit for where you plan to use it and for your growing needs. For example, if you’re carrying heavy loads, go for something with a better suspension system. If you know it will rain a lot, make sure you get a rain cover. Buying less is a great way to improve wastage and overall consumption.
Aside from this, many manufacturers are making greater use of recycled synthetics in the construction of daypacks. You can also look out for things like Bluesign approval (which usually is a good sign of a brands commitment to sustainability).
Cost
As you’ll see from our reviews, the price of daypacks can vary greatly, and we’ve made sure to provide options that will suit all budgets. One of the biggest barriers to the outdoors is cost, and we believe that you don’t need the most expensive kit in order to get out and enjoy nature.
Our advice is to always buy the most well featured pack you can with the budget you have available that will grow with you as your adventures do. This investment could likely last you years if you choose correctly!
What Are the Different Styles of Daypacks?
Depending on the type of hiking you plan to do, you would be better served by buying a daypack that fits this. As such, there are a whole variety of different styles of backpacks that are more suited to one style of hiking than another.
You can also find hybrid daypacks that get a good balance and are a great option if you plan on varying your adventures. Below, we’ve outlined some of the different pack styles you can expect to see on the market.
Short Day Hikes
A short day hike pack will generally be a little bit lighter and more streamlined than something intended as a summit pack. This will usually be intended to carry basic hiking gear, layers and water.
Therefore, the back system will generally involve air ventilation technology, but it may not use a full back suspension. The back system will offer some support and you will likely see some padding on the straps. They are generally anywhere from 16L up to 24L roughly in size, on the whole. A pack that suits this category is the Rab Tensor 20.
Everyday Use
An everyday use pack is one that, you’ve guessed it, can be used just as much for hiking as it can for your day-to-day office use. This type of daypack will generally be fairly streamlined and focus on style as well as function for hiking.
You can expect to see a pack in this category be able to switch out the water reservoir for a laptop. You can also expect to see some padding and some use of back air ventilation. A good example of a daypack in this category is The North Face Basin 24L.
Ultralight
Ultralight daypacks prioritize streamlined, lightweight performance over anything else. This usually comes at the expense of padding, protection and suspension as most lightweight packs will make use of very thin fabrics to meet their lightweight requirements.
An ultralight pack can be a great option if you’re backpacking. They generally stash down really small and can be stowed in your larger backpacking pack for day missions from camp to the summit.
It’s important to keep in mind that they are only really intended to carry a few lightweight layers and basic gear and as such offer no real support whilst wearing. A good example of an ultralight daypack is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil 20.
Summit Packs
A summit pack is similar to a day hiking pack with a few exceptions. A summit pack will usually have various compression straps and attachment points that can be used for specialist gear such as hiking poles, crampons, ice axes and helmets.
Due to the fact that the load you’ll be carrying will likely be heavier, they also often use a full back suspension system which is better supportive and also can offer better ventilation. You can also expect hip belts which can offer a better distribution system on the back.
Summit packs don’t have to be reserved for this use only though, the more technical packs can still be better suited to your day hikes depending on the kind of hiking you do. They’re also great if you know you’ll be carrying heavier loads too (such as camera gear). A good example of a summit pack is the Black Diamond Distance 15 or the Gregory Citro 24.
Commuter Daypacks
A commuter daypack is a bag that you will be able to use for multiple purposes and will take you from home to the office and onto the trail as well. Packs in this category can also be referred to as travel packs too.
Many of the packs in the category of commuter daypacks are designed to also be combined with a wider set of luggage systems too and are intended to be used as a daypack lite for hiking and also whilst traveling through the airport.
Osprey’s Daylite/Plus pack is a good example of this – it has attachment points that can be used within some of their travel systems (Fairview wheeled travel pack) and is (though you should check with your airline first) the right size for cabin baggage.
Tips for Packing Your Daypack
A good way to ensure the maximum comfort whilst wearing your daypack is to make sure that it’s packed correctly. There is no art or science to this, it’s just common sense really. However, packing it correctly can be the difference between not really even noticing your daypack is there half the time and being really uncomfortable. Here are some of our key suggestions for how to pack each area of your pack to make wearing it as comfortable as possible.
Main Compartment
You should aim to put the majority of your heavier items at the bottom of your pack. This doesn’t always work perfectly, especially on more ‘coffin’ shaped backpacks. However, this is a great place to put spare clothes, any specialist gear like extra photographic lenses or similar.
If possible, it’s a good idea to put your extra clothes into a plastic bag that can be sealed, your mid layer, a hat etc. If your backpack isn’t fully waterproof, this can help protect your spare layers against heavy rain. Next, consider how far you’ll be hiking and what your needs are for hydration. If using a water reservoir, add this in next whilst there is still some room in your pack so it can seat correctly.
At the top, put the items you’ll need quicker – waterproof layers, snacks, hat, waterproof rain cover, socks, small first aid kit and sunscreen are all good here. Also, your camera can fit pretty well in this area, but be mindful of making sure your lunch is well sealed to prevent any spillages.
Hip Belt Pockets
Your hip belt pockets, depending on their positioning and size can be a good place to keep things like snacks, sunscreen lip balm, hand sanitizer and sunglasses as well as your phone. Try not to overload the hip belt pockets so that whilst you’re wearing and you unzip, items fall out.
The Lid
Depending on the size of your backpack, you will either have a lid or a zipped pocket near the top. This is a great place to keep your valuables, like your keys, your wallet and other personal items you want to bring with you. Most daypacks will come with a clip in the lid, which is a good place to attach your keys, but you could also add a carabiner for extra safety. This will give you a pretty bullet proof solution to never losing your keys!
Stash Pockets
The stash pockets on your daypack are generally the ones made of mesh and will sit on both sides and also on the front. If you don’t have these, they will often be made of ripstop nylon but we personally prefer mesh ones as they offer more stretch and useability on the trail.
You can use the side mesh pockets for water bottles, but we also usually find that they’re better for attaching hiking poles than the attachment straps provided may be. They are also good if you don’t have attachment points for this. We’d recommend adding hiking poles foot first into your pack with the handles sticking out the top.
You can also use the front stash pocket for any wet layers, or extra layers too if it’s a hot day. They can also be a good place to keep anything like wet wipes or a pee cloth you may need in a hurry.
Using Straps
You’ll notice on most hiking packs that there are straps placed at different angles on the bags surface. These are generally referred to as compression straps and they can be used to tension your pack and keep it feeling comfortable on the trail. Straps can also be there to hold things like ice axes and crampons.
They’re also handy for holding your water bottle in place too. For example, most packs will have a clasp and strap that will sit over the body and go round to the back. These are handy for putting through the handle (if it has one) of your water bottle and just keeps it secure should it slip out.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to buying a new daypack and with the seemingly endless options out there, it can be hard to choose. However, you should always go for a pack that suits the kind of hiking you do and future plan so that your pack grows with you as your adventures develop.
Given that there are options for technical alpine hiking, heavier loads, day hiking, commuters, traveling and ultralight (with many options in-between and hybrid models) there really is something for everyone out there. We hope this guide has made it easier to make the decision of which daypack is right for you! Be sure to also read our best daypacks for hiking guide to help you find your perfect pack.
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