Where We Test
We believe it’s important to get hands on experience in the locations you’ll be using products in order for us to make informed recommendations to you. Our reputation and your trust means everything to us.
We try to test in as many outdoors scenarios as possible – from hot heat to heavy rain. We will try to make note of any conditions we’ve tested in, and if there are certain scenarios that we haven’t been able to, we will make you aware.
We want you to feel confident in our recommendations, and we live and breathe hiking and the outdoors here. Our team is constantly out hiking, and we always comment and review honestly!
Table of Contents
ToggleEditor’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
Testing Metrics
A daypack is one of your most important pieces of gear- it is what will allow you to bring everything you need to keep yourself safe. The locations you’re using the pack are important too. When testing, we pay great attention to how all of the elements below play into each other and what that means when it comes to the wearability and comfort of any given pack.
An important thing to note is that we don’t treat every pack as equal. Of course, some packs are intended for carrying heavy loads whereas others are more intended for lightweight, and even ultralightweight adventures.
We also take into consideration how a pack feels when it’s being worn full to the brim, and what packing structure is possible within it. These are all areas that are important considerations when it comes to choosing a daypack that is right for your needs.
Materials
We like to look at real world metrics when testing the materials used in a backpack for our overall best hiking daypacks round up. Yes, you can of course get the material metrics from the brand (and we of course supply these to you too in our reviews). But this doesn’t really give the whole picture.
We put all packs we tested for this review through harsh conditions and gave them a pretty hard time when it comes to fabric and materials. We want to be sure that any fabric or materials used are sturdy enough for the job at hand.
Of course, some packs are intended for different conditions and applications than others, and we always make this obvious. If a pack is ultralight weight and quite thin in terms of fabric use, we will make this clear – not every pack should and will be used by the same hiker. We all have different needs and uses out on the trail.
Breathability
You are likely to become sweatier when wearing a backpack – that is just a given, as there can be a lack of airspace between the back and the backpack. Though some backpacks do a better job of creating airflow than others.
We’ve tested the breathability of the backpacks in this review by testing in hotter temperatures and more full on ascents where you would expect sweat to naturally be more of a problem. This allowed us to get a full sense of the level of breathability any given pack in our round up gives to allow you to make the right decision for your needs.
Water Resistance
Not every daypack is built the same when it comes to water resistance and there is a big difference between waterproof and water resistant. Whilst these terms seem to be bounded around quite freely, they have significant impact on the useability of a given pack.
First of all, we look at what the backpack’s claims are in terms of water resistance. If it is a DWR coating only, then we’ll test in as heavy rain as we can to see where its saturation point is. If it comes with a fully waterproof cover, we will also test in heavy rain to make sure that this is working properly. We’ll also make sure there are no areas where water can get into the main pack body.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the pack you buy are pretty important. It can be the difference between enjoying wearing your pack and feeling like it is too big, and too cumbersome for the task at hand. This is especially important when it comes to more petite frames, and if a pack is offered in different versions (for example if it is unisex or gender orientated) we will make you aware of that.
We also like to assess what the pack offers in terms of useability for things like travel, biking and trail running. This can make a big difference if you don’t need to buy a different pack for different applications.
Fit
You’ll notice that pretty much all daypacks fit a little bit different. This can be down to the cut of the design and various different elements that the manufacturer has added which bulk out the shape. We have tested the fit and feel (and how that translates to comfort) on a variety of length hikes in a range of different conditions outdoors to allow us to comment fairly on how a fit feels. Where possible, and especially where a pack is marketed as unisex, we’ve tested on a number of our team to make sure that they hit the mark.
Storage
Depending on what you want your daypack for specifically, storage may be really important. When testing, we’re looking at the different ways you might use your pack. For example, if you need to carry a lot of specialist gear, we’re looking to see what areas can be used for this and any attachment points that are included.
We also take into consideration how the position of storage areas and pockets impacts the overall comfort of wearing the pack. We also like to look at how a pack copes with different levels of being packed and whether this has an impact on its overall performance.
Comfort
We believe comfort is a pretty personal thing when it comes to your daypack. This is determined mostly by what you need to bring with you and will be different for everyone. For example, if you know you’ll need to carry a lot of heavy equipment, such as camera gear or similar, then a pack with stronger and more heavy duty suspension and shoulder straps is going to be more important to you.
This is why when testing we look at each pack holistically to work out what it really is built to carry and make this very clear through our recommendations. Some packs really are more intended as fast and light and shouldn’t be marked down next to something much more full on. It’s not a fair comparison.
In other areas of comfort, we also like to consider how wearable a pack is, or isn’t. How does the product feels over a prolonged period of wear? Are there any rough or rubbing areas? How does it feel on a hot day? These all allow us to decide where a pack fits in terms of the comfort it’ll offer you on the trail.
Features
Every pack we test has something unique about it. What you decide is important to you on a daypack will really depend on how you plan to use it. However, we’re always on the lookout for helpful aids and additions that make your life easier when out on the trail. Things like hydration systems and how these separate (or don’t) from the main section of your pack are important. These features are great, but we need to make sure that this is protected from leakages.
Another area we like to pay special attention to are the fabrics used. We look at how the cushioning will help or hinder any missions you’ll use them on and how well they keep the pack in place. We also look at other areas such as mesh pouches, any straps and stow areas too, to give a rounded idea of the pack’s application and usage.
Durability
Naturally, the durability of your pack is important so we give all the daypacks we test a pretty solid run for their money! We believe it’s only through wear and tear and real world use that you can get a true idea of how well a certain pack is going to keep going over time.
We test in all weathers to get a strong understanding of just what the water resistant claims actually mean of each pack all the way through to how a pack withstands the pressure of a hot day and the sweat wicking it has to contend with.
We also cram each and every pack we test to the brim with hard and bulky items to make sure there are no areas where the pack may have a weak spot. Any scuffs are tested in detail as well as ripstop fabrics.
Price
There are so many barriers to the outdoors for a lot of people and one area that stops many is the price of gear. You do not need the most high end gear in order to get outside. There is nothing wrong with buying what you can afford, and we always treat each product where it’s at rather than comparing to something outside it’s remit.
When testing, we look at what truly gives value for money at the price point offered. Will you need another pack to fit another purpose? Will this keep you going as you grow with your adventures? We want you to feel confident that you’re buying better with your budget and that it’ll last the test of time!
Disclaimer: This article contains Affiliate Links. You won’t pay any more for buying through these links, but we may receive a commission from any purchases made through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to support us by buying through our links, we thank you as it helps us to continue providing the resources we do to help you enjoy the outdoors more!