Best Daypacks for Hiking: Field-Trialed & Tested [2024 Update]

Which is the best day hiking backpack?

After testing dozens of packs over the years in the Scottish highlands, the Alps, and sections of the Appalachian Trail our team has shortlisted the following as our top picks.

• Osprey Talon 22 (Tempest 20)
• REI Co-op Flash 22
• Osprey Daylite Plus
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak
• Osprey Stratos 24 (Sirrus 24)
• REI Co-op Trail 25 (Women’s Trail 25)
• Deuter Speed Lite 20
• Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil
• Gregory Citro 24 H20 (Juno 24 H20)
• REI Co-op Traverse 35

Hiking Daypack Comparison Table

Product Name	Volume	Hydration Compatible	Weight
Osprey Talon 22 (Tempest 20)	11-55L	Yes	1 lb 14.6 oz
REI Co-Op Flash 22	18-55L	Yes	13 ounces
Gregory Citro 24 H20	24-36L	Yes	2 lbs
Deuter Speed Lite 20	12-32L	Yes	1 lb 1 oz
REI Co-Op Trail 25	25-40L	Yes	2 lbs
Osprey Stratos 24	24-50L	Yes	2 lbs 12 oz
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak	17L	No	1 lb 4 oz
Osprey Daylite Plus	20L	Yes	1 lb 5 oz
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil	18L	No	1 oz
REI Co-Op Traverse 35	32-60L	Yes	2 lbs 9 oz

At a Glance: Categories

Comfort: Osprey Talon (Tempest), Gregory Citro H20 (Juno H20) and Osprey Stratos (Sirrus)
Fit and Sizing: Osprey Talon (Tempest), REI Co-op Trail (Women’s Trail), and Osprey Stratos (Sirrus)
Frame Styles: Gregory Citro H20 (Juno H20) and Osprey Talon (Tempest)
Pockets & Organization: REI Co-op Traverse, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak and Osprey Talon (Tempest)
Ventilation: Osprey Talon (Tempest) and Gregory Citro H20 (Juno H20)
Water Resistance: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak and REI Co-op Traverse

What is a daypack?

A daypack is a backpack designed to carry all the gear a hiker might need for a single day on the trail. In most cases, this means packs with capacities ranging from 7 or 8 liters up to around 25 liters.

How to choose a hiking bag?

When choosing a pack to meet your needs you should consider the following.

• Pack Volume
• Comfort
• Fit and Sizing
• Frame Styles
• Pockets & Organization
• Ventilation
• Water Resistance
• Weight
• Hydration Compatibility

Pack Volume

Pack volume should be your starting point whenever choosing a new backpack.

The capacity of a daypack is measured in liters, and you’ll find packs as small as 5L up to around 40L – there are packs bigger than this, but they’re overkill for a day hike. 

A smaller backpack will be sufficient if you only need to fit a few things, like clothes or food, although most of us need a little more space to carry other items like the 10 essentials. Packs of around 20-30L are the most popular amongst day-hikers.

The capacities of the packs we tested ranged from 17 liters (Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak) to 32 liters (REI Co-Op Traverse). All of the packs, except for the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano and Osprey Daylite Plus, are available in multiple sizes.

The larger packs we’ve reviewed are perfect for short, ultralight backpacking trips or cold-weather adventures. For casual day hikes or if you require less gear, then a bag around 25 liters is your best option and will see you through a variety of outdoor adventures. 

The smaller packs have fewer pockets and may not be as organized as their bigger counterparts, but are lighter and more compressible for storage.

Below are some basic guidelines around planned use and capacity:

• Under 10 liters: These are lightweight packs that can fit only a few bare essentials like your rain jacket, keys, and some snacks. Their slim profile and small capacity make them best suited to trail-running or very short hikes.
• 10-20 liters: These compact packs have a little more storage room and organization, allowing you to pack extra food, gear, and clothes. They’re suitable for traveling or short-day hikes
• 20-30 liters: The sweet spot for day-hike backpacks. This should be sufficient room to fit your 10 essentials and a few extras like a camera or stove.
• 30-50 liters: If you’re heading hiking in the winter, or are heading out mountaineering or climbing, then a larger pack is ideal for the extra clothing and gear you’ll need. These larger packs are also great for ultralight backpacking trips or parents who need to carry their kids’ gear.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the top priorities when choosing a daypack. A well-fitted daypack should distribute most of the pack’s weight at two contact points – your shoulders and your hips.

When looking at the shoulder straps, two things are important – the level of padding they provide and their shape. 

The level of padding is a pretty straightforward check based on the material used and the thickness. Packs that use simple webbing such as the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano are much less comfortable than packs like the Osprey Stratos that have heavily padded straps.

The shape of the straps can also play a role in overall comfort. Many cheaper day backpacks and travel daypacks use straight shoulder straps, while more expensive packs such as the Deuter Lite or the Osprey Talon will use S-shaped straps that are a better anatomical fit for your torso.

 

Hip belts are intended to distribute some of the weight from your backpack onto your hips, relieving some of the pressure on your shoulders. While the majority of hiking daypacks have hip belts, their ability to relieve shoulder strain varies greatly.

For short day hikes or trips where you intend to haul no more than 10 pounds of gear, then a lightweight, small hiking backpack with a thin webbing hip belt such as the Deuter Speed Lite or REI Co-Op Flash should suffice. However, once you get into longer treks with extra gear we recommend investing in a pack with a padded hip belt such as the REI Co-Op Traverse or the REI Co-Op Talon. 

Some models such as the Deuter Speed Lite allow you to remove the hip belt, which can be useful if you intend your pack to pull double-duty for use around town as well.

Most packs have a sternum strap that allows you to connect your shoulder straps. This provides a more snug fit and extra stability on those uneven hikes by preventing the weight in your pack from shifting unexpectedly. The best chest straps are made with elasticity so they don’t dig into your chest while you’re moving.

Fit And Sizing

Fit and sizing is a crucial consideration when choosing a daypack – get it wrong and you’re in for a world of discomfort.

The pack should be the correct size for the length of your torso, and it must tighten around your shoulders and hips correctly in order to carry weight comfortably.

Some packs such as the Osprey Talon or the REI Co-Op Traverse are available in multiple lengths, making it easier to find a better fit for your body.

Before buying, ask someone to help measure the length of your torso by placing a measuring tape starting at your C7 vertebrae (base of your neck) down your spine to a point that is in line with the Iliac Crest (the bony bit at the top of your hips). Compare this measurement against the manufacturer’s sizing chart and select the most suitable option.

To double-check you have the right size, put the bag on and position the hip belt one finger above the top of your hips, and check where the shoulder straps are sitting. If there is a gap then it means that pack is too big for you; if the point where the straps connect to the bag’s body is more than a couple of inches down your back, it’s too small.

Many bags such as the REI Co-Op Flash, Deuter Speed Lite, and Gregory Citro come in a single size. If you’ve got your eye on one of these “one-size-fits-all” bags, then it’s still a good idea to know your torso length as manufacturers typically give length ranges for these packs. 

Knowing your torso length can help you decide between two packs or stop you from selecting a pack that will be unsuited to your physique.

A female’s anatomical structure is different from a man’s, so it only makes sense that packs designed for women are made with the shape of the female form in mind. Women’s-specific versions are made with different measurements to accommodate for a shorter frame, smaller waist, narrower shoulders, and curvier hips than males. 

For simple casual use, a unisex pack is fine but for longer day hikes a women’s model like the Osprey Tempest (Talon) or REI Co-Op Trail makes for a more comfortable adventure.

Frame Styles

When choosing your next daypack, the frame style is a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Larger capacity packs will have a metal or plastic internal frame. The design of the frame is crucial because it keeps the pack’s shape when filled. It does this by creating a semi-rigid structure to prevent sagging, which makes for more comfortable carrying and easier packing. Common designs are U-shaped, hoops, or sheet frames.

The majority of daypacks have a semi-rigid frame sheet giving the bag shape, as well as a layer of foam or mesh on the back panel.

Lower-capacity frameless packs may have a simple padded back panel. This can achieve a similar effect to a frame assuming you are carrying less than 10-15 lbs in weight.

Some ultralight packs, such as the Sea to Summit Nano, may dispense with the padded back panel completely. While this makes the pack lighter and more compressible, it also means you have to pack carefully to avoid your gear poking into your back.

Pockets and Organization

The pockets, compartments, and organizational features in a daypack are well worth considering when choosing.

Depending on the amount of gear you’re taking and your personal preferences, having a variety of interior and external pockets and compartments can be useful for both easy access and storing items.

Different packs offer a variety of organizational features. These range from the ultrabasic – see the Sea to Summit Nano, which only has a single main compartment – to the Osprey Talon, which has hip belt pockets, internal pockets, external stretch mesh pockets, hydration sleeve, and attachments for trekking poles and ice axes.

• Hip Belt Pocket: Packs with padded hip belts will often have a zippered pocket here which is great for storing small items you’ll want at hand such as snacks or your phone.
• Top Panel Pocket: Zippered pocket great for storing important items like your keys and wallet or slightly larger handy items like headlamps or a first aid kit.
• Large Stretch Mesh Pocket: Located on the front of the main compartment this is a great place to stuff wet rain jackets or pants rather than dumping them back in your back. They’re also known as “shove-it” pockets.
• Side Water Bottle Pockets: Located on the side of the pack, these external stash pockets are there to give you easy access to your water bottles.
• Gear Loops: Extra loops, trekking pole holders and daisy chains are great for attaching extra gear like climbing helmets or trekking poles to the outside of your pack.
• Compression Straps: While not actually extra pockets, compression straps help compress your pack, removing excess space and preventing your gear from shifting while you hike.

Most hiking daypacks are top-loading, meaning you access your gear through an opening at the top of your bag. There are three types of closure systems for this type of pack: roll-top lids, zippers, and drawcords. Each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Roll-tops roll or fold down over a stiff material in the neck of the opening, and clip or hook tight. The main benefit of rolltops is the ability to compress your bag down to the exact volume of gear that the interior compartment contains. 

Due to the lack of opening or zipper on a rolltop, there are fewer weak points for rain to leak in. This also makes it the most secure closure mechanism and unlikely to open itself. The downside is you need to roll/unroll the closure each time you want in your pack, which is not as quick or easy as using a zippered or drawcord system.

Drawcords such as those used on the REI Co-Op Flash are simple, easy to use, and the most lightweight. However, there will always be a gap at the opening no matter how tight you cinch it closed, meaning it’s more likely to leak through than zippers or rolltops. Depending on the quality of the drawcord they will, to varying degrees, slowly untighten themselves while you walk.

Zippers are the most common closure mechanism and they sit in the middle ground between roll-tops and drawcords, striking a good balance between ease of use and security/waterproofness.

Some packs, such as the Deuter Speed Lite, Osprey Talon, and Hyperlite Daybreak, are referred to as panel-loaders. In these packs, the zippers extend further down, allowing the entire front compartment to be zipped open for quick access to the top or bottom (or middle) of your pack. These packs are heavier but useful when you’re on a more gear-intensive trip and don’t want to rummage around or unpack your bag to find the item you need.

Ventilation

No matter what season you do most of your hiking in, ventilation is a key consideration when choosing a new daypack.

Some packs do a better job than others at boosting airflow and reducing back sweat.

Almost all the packs we tested have some form of a ventilated back panel and shoulder straps (usually with mesh padding), which will help a little bit. To really reduce back dampness, though, you need to reduce the contact area between the bag and your back. 

This is achieved in packs like the Osprey Talon, which has an “Airscape” system using ribs of foam under a mesh panel – this allows air to flow between the ribs and reduces areas of direct contact between your back and the bag’s main compartment.

The high-end solution is to have a suspended full-length mesh back panel that has a gap between it and the main compartment, as seen on the Osprey Stratos. This allows even greater airflow and significantly reduces contact pressure on your back. The downside is higher cost, greater weight, and slightly reduced capacity.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is an important consideration when choosing a daypack if you plan on hiking in anything other than bluebird weather. Daypacks are made water-resistant through the use of a DWR coating, which allows them to survive light rain and shower-like conditions. However, if they’re exposed to heavy rain for an extended period of time, then expect your bag to start leaking, particularly through the seams and zippers.

Several of the bags on our list, such as the REI Co-Op Trail, the Gregory Citro, and the Osprey Stratos, come with an integrated or stashed rain cover. The majority of packs don’t and you’ll need to purchase a pack cover separately.

 

Some of the best daypacks for hiking, such as the Hyperlite Daybreak, use Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), which are as close as can be to being completely waterproof. However, be prepared to part with a significant wad of cash if you want to own one!

Weight

Weight is one of the most critical factors when choosing most outdoor gear, and it’s no different with daypacks.

However, while selecting a lighter option for day hikes is a good idea, we recommend evaluating your choice primarily on capacity and overall comfort – it’s rarely worth compromising on these metrics to save a few ounces.

Heavier packs often include more features such as better shoulder straps, hip straps, and back padding/suspension systems in order to better distribute the weight. Ultralight day packs typically have less support but are cheaper and more compressible. 

The lightest pack we tested was the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano, which weighs just 1 oz. The next lightest is the REI Co-Op Flash 22, which weighs 13 oz. The heaviest packs were the Osprey Stratos 24 (2 lbs. 12 oz.) and REI Co-Op Traverse 32 (2 lbs. 9 oz.), both of which have integrated rain covers and significantly more padding in the shoulder straps and back panel. 

Hydration Compatibility

Hydration compatibility is only an important consideration when choosing a daypack if you like to hydrate on the go.

Hydration compatibility simply means that the daypack has some way of storing a hydration bladder, either through an internal or external hydration sleeve next to the back panel. Most daypacks designed for hiking will have a hydration reservoir sleeve.

The reservoir slides into this sleeve and the hose is slipped through an opening either in the top or side of the bag. Many packs have a clip near the top of the bag to attach the reservoir so that they don’t slump down to the bottom of the sleeve under their own weight.

Make sure to choose a reservoir best suited to the size of your backpack i.e. 2L will work better with smaller packs like the Flash 18 whereas you can accommodate a 3L bladder in a larger hydration pack like the Osprey Stratos.

Some packs like the Gregory Citro come with a hydration bladder, saving you a little bit of money and hassle from having to purchase the two separately.

The Best Daypacks: The Verdict

Our testers unanimously the Osprey Talon 22 (Tempest 20) the best hiking daypack in the business after a month of testing in the High Sierra, the Julian Alps of Slovenia, and the English Lake District. This pack scores highly in every metric and lowly in none, making it the most well-rounded option available.

If you’re looking for a cheaper daypack, our list of tested packs has a few options – Deuter Speed Lite, the REI Co-Op Flash, and the REI Co-Op Trail. All three cut few corners to keep the cost down and are well worth considering whether you’re looking for a bargain buy or not.

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