A great daypack for hiking should be comfortable, easy to use, durable and have enough space to carry everything you need. Simple right? Well, not always. Predictably there are a whole load of other things to consider too like whether it can hold a hydration reservoir, or if it you want it to have good ventilation. Perhaps you need it for other things and not just hiking, or maybe you just don’t know what you want!
Fear not happy hikers. We’ve put together a sparkling list of the best daypacks for hiking that you can get your hands on. So whether you’re after a full-featured, mega-ventilated, super comfy hiking bag, or an everyday, simple but stylish workhorse, we’ve got you covered.
- FAQs when choosing the best daypack for hiking
- The best daypacks for hiking
- What to look for in a great daypack for hiking
- Features of the best daypacks for storage and ease
This quick overview of the best daypacks for hiking gives you a basic idea of which bags are leading the way in the hiking world, with more detailed info on each bag show later in the article. But if you really want to understand what to look for in an excellent daypack then skip down to the section on what to look for in a daypack for hiking.
Summary of the best daypacks in 2020
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| Product | Features | Capacity | Weight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaude Green Core M Backpack | Versatile, great in wet/winter conditions | 30 + 7 litres | 1160g (2.6lbs) | $$$$$$ |
| Deuter Speed Lite 20 | Lightweight, versatile | 20 litres | 530g (1.2lb) | $$ |
| Mammut Crea Tour 25 | Women's fit, very airy, comfortable | 25 litres | 940g (2.07lbs) | $$$ |
| Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry Backpack | Waterproof, climbing specific features | 30 litres | 770g (1.7lbs) | $$$ |
| Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 | Full-featured, comfortable and versatile | 27 litres | 850g (1.87lbs) | $$$ |
| Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL | Women's fit, very comfortable, good for overnighters | 30 litres | 1390g (3lbs) | $$$$ |
| Osprey Talon 22 | Great all-rounder, very comfortable | 22 litres | 810g (1.8lb) | $$ |
| Camelbak Franconia LR 24 | Full-featured with lumbar hydration reservoir | 24 litres | 1200g (2.6lb) | $$$$ |
| Gregory Salvo 24 | Very comfortable, simple design | 24 litres | 1043g (2.3lb) | $$$ |
| Osprey Stratos 26 | Super comfortable, great ventilation in hot weather | 26 litres | 1260g (2.8lb) | $$$ |
| REI Flash 22 | Lightweight, great value, adaptable to everyday life | 22 litres | 411g (0.9lb) | $ |
| Arc’teryx Brize 25 | Stylish, high quality, good for everyday life too | 25 litres | 905g (2lb) | $$$$ |
| Thule Capstone 32 | Full-featured, good for overnighters | 32 litres | 1560g (3.5lb) | $$$$ |
| Kelty Redtail 27 | Good value, lots of storage options | 27 litres | 700g (1.5lb) | $$ |
| Marmot Kompressor Plus | Very lightweight, packable | 20 litres | 370g (0.8lb) | $ |
FAQs when choosing the best daypack for hiking
First up, look for a pack that holds no more than 30 litres of gear, less if possible. Then you need to figure out where and when you will be hiking the most, and what features are important to you. Then you should try a bunch on with weight in them to ensure that the one you choose is mega comfortable and stable on your back.
Take a read of our buying guide for more information on what to look for in a great daypack for hiking.
Much like daypacks for hiking, the best daypack for travelling should feel comfortable to carry and with good storage features. That said, there’s no need for excessive padding, a hip belt or technical support features. It also doesn’t need to be huge and you’ll want to access it’s contents easily. So opt for something simple, lightweight and streamlined.
The best daypacks for travelling on our list are the Deuter Speed Lite 20, the REI Flash 22 and the Marmot Kompressor Plus.
The capacity of the best daypacks are between 20 and 30 litres. However, this depends on the time of year you are hiking (winter means you’ll need to carry more stuff) and also the duration of your day hikes (longer hikes means more food and layers etc). Some people will need something larger — up to 40 litres — whilst others will only need something between 10 and 20 litres.
For a better idea of what size daypack is best for you read the section on the size/capacity of the best daypacks.
The best lightweight daypack on our list is the Deuter Speed Lite 20 which weighs only 530g (1.2lb). There are daypacks that weight less (the REI Flash 22 and the Marmot Kompressor Plus), however, they lack the comfort and support offered by the Speed Lite.
For something with a greater carry capacity, the Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 is a superb lightweight option. It has lots of storage features, plus a supportive and comfortable back panel and hip belt. It weighs only 850g (1.87lbs).
The best daypacks for hiking
Vaude Green Core Backpack
When you’re looking for an eco-friendly day÷pack the Vaude Green Core Backpack is our number one recommendation. Not only does this pack offer an ergonomic fit but also versatility. It features a padded back panel made from recycled materials, adjustable shoulder straps, and removable chest and waist straps. External fixtures allow you to attach a pair of hiking/ski poles or a thermal mat while the stretchy side pocket is a convenient place to store a water bottle or wet clothing. A removable dry bag is another handy feature for wet weather hikes. Inside, the main compartment offers 30 + 10-liters of storage with a tough two-way zipper and roll-top closure.
The main materials in the Green Core Backpack are milk-based felt, castor oil-based plastic, and organic cotton. The end result is a versatile water-repellent backpack suitable for day hikes, skiing, biking, or mountaineering,
Other notable features:
- Expandable capacity
- Small hipwings
- Variable fixation system
- 4 detachable and variable placeable compression straps
- Loop inside main compartment for shovel and probe
- Front zip pocket with organizer
- Key holder
- Back zip pocket
Cons: Rather pricey and on the heavy side
Verdict: A versatile option for wet weather and winter hiking
Find the latest price at:
Vaude
Deuter Speed Lite 20
Despite its seemingly simple design, the Speedlite 20 is a deceptively versatile daypack for hiking and adventures. And although the capacity is only 20 litres, this is a big little bag that holds a surprisingly good amount of stuff. The innovative compression strap system can be used to secure skis and trekking poles on the back of the pack or it can cinch the whole bag down to little more than the size of a hydration pack. There are also four small gear attachment loops that can be used to attach a helmet (attachment sold separately), or you can rig up your own storage solutions if you need to carry extra gear like ropes etc.
Where the Speedlight lacks in organisation pockets, it makes up for it with its easy to use design and the spacious main compartment that provides plenty of room to pack everything you need . It is ideal for those wanting to keep things skipping along quickly on a big day in the mountains.
The 210D ripstop nylon does a great job at making sure the Speedlite will stand up to the rough and tumble of life on the trail, and although the Marmot Kompressor is over 150g lighter, its 70D nylon will struggle to compete when it comes to durability.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap
- Internal key attachment clip
- Lightweight, removable waist strap
- Front mesh pocket with access from both sides
- Two side mesh pockets
- Hydration pocket can hold a 3 litre reservoir
- Hydration port
- Padded back panel
Cons: Lacks pockets for storage, no rain cover
Verdict: Read our full and in depth review of this simple, durable, versatile and lightweight daypack.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Mammut Women’s Crea Tour 25
If you’re looking for superb airflow and comfort on hot summer day hikes then look no further that the Crea Tour 25 by Mammut. This mid-weight daypack features an very airy, trampoline-style back panel that lifts the main body of the backpack completely off your back — ideal in hot conditions or on demanding (and sweaty) ascents. To further add to the overall comfort that this female specific design offers, the waist belt is highly padded with mesh sections for yet more airflow. The body of the bag is also slimmer and shorter than unisex or men’s daypacks, and the adjustable sternum strap sits nice and high up on the chest. When cinched down tightly the bag is super secure with little movement, even when running.
From a storage point of view the Crea Tour is a fairly simple daypack. The front zippered pocket is spacious and useful to store maps and valuables in. Whilst the top pocket is big enough to stuff in an extra layer or some snacks. There is no internal hydration sleeve, just a hose port and a clip inside the main compartment to hang a hydration reservoir from. But the two elasticated mesh side pockets fit Nalgene sized bottles in easily.
This top-loading daypack has an easy to use drawcord into the main compartment, and it also features trekking pole attachment loops on the front of the pack. Look hard enough and you’ll also find a secret pocket on the bottom of the pack that holds a rain cover that is removable via a simple toggle.
Mega comfortable, great looking and super simple. An ideal daypack for lady adventurers looking for style, quality and functionality.
Other notable features:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Adjustable sternum strap with integrated whistle
- Elasticated hose holder on shoulder strap
- Forward pulling waist belt adjustment
Cons: No external gear loops
Verdict: Read our full and in depth review of this comfortable, spacious and sleek daypack.
Find the latest price at:
Mammut
Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry
This 30 litre Scrambler Outdry Backpack by Mountain Hardwear is the only waterproof daypack on our list. This is a bit of a game changer when hiking in changeable conditions. It is also one of the larger packs making it the best daypack for winter hikes when you need to carry more fuel, extra layers and specialist winter hiking gear.
Although a superb option for big day hikes in cold weather, the Scrambler lacks some of the comfort and ventilation offered by other daypacks like the Mammut Crea Tour. However, with plenty of features specifically designed with more adventurous hikers in mind, this super robust daypack is named the Scrambler for good reason. The highly durable 400D HD Nylon Plain Weave means that it can really take a battering on the rock, or on the trail. Plus the extra layer of 600D HardWear Tarp 18 TPU Poly Composite fabric covering the top pocket keeps your valuables VERY safe and dry.
Some nice climbing and scrambling specific features include a rope attachment strap over the main compartment, reinforced gear loops on the sides of the pack and trekking pole or ice axe attachment loops.
Other notable features:
- Hydration sleeve
- Side pockets
- Zippered external top pocket
- Stowable waist belt straps
- Compression straps
- Integrated whistle on sternum strap
Cons: Not as comfortable as other packs
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry Backpack.
Find the latest price at:
Mountain Hardwear | Amazon | Backcountry
Lowe Alpine Aeon 27
New to their 2018 range, Lowe Alpine claim that the Aeon 27 is their greatest creation yet. And we’re inclined to agree. It’s comfortable, versatile and relatively lightweight for such a high capacity and full-featured daypack. The pack has some super useful features that make it very much home on climbing, scrambling and biking adventures, as well as for big days hiking. It has a ton of pockets making it highly appealing for the organised hikers out there! And we love the stretchy mesh side and front pockets that hold loads more than you might initially think. The pack also features a MultiLock tool carrier system that is similar to the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler. This carriers hiking poles, helmets, ice tools and extra layers with ease. It may lack the support and ventilation offered by trampoline-style back panel designs, but it makes up for it with a very sturdy and well ventilated hip belt (with pockets!) and a comfortable fit.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap with integrated whistle
- Internal key attachment clip
- Mesh side pockets
- Cargo storage pocket
- Two small zippered top pockets
- Padded hip belt with zippered pockets
- Hydration sleeve with hose loops on the shoulder straps
- Compression straps
Cons: No waterproof cover
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Lowe Alpine Aeon 27.
Find the latest price at:
Amazon | Cotswold Outdoor
Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL
This may be one of the heaviest daypacks on our list, but the Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL is also one of the most comfortable. Specifically designed for women, by women, the SL version of the Trail Pro offers an exceptionally well constructed daypack that molds to the body. The highly padded AirContact back panel provides a ton of comfort and reasonable airflow too. Plus the narrow cut, high sternum strap and shaped shoulder straps contribute to all day comfort and stability, even when fully loaded.
Big enough to hold everything you need for an overnighter, and strong enough to deal with that extra weight, too, this spacious and full-featured backpack is also well-suited to winter hiking and touring when extra gear is needed. The 30 litre capacity is a little on the large side for summer hikes unless you are carrying gear, food, water and clothing for more than one person. Additionally, the good selection of pockets and storage options makes this one versatile daypack for multiple adventures.
Other notable features:
- Hydration sleeve and port
- Stretch side pockets
- Zippered top pocket with key attachment
- Removable rain cover
- Compression straps
- Pole attachment points
- Huge from pocket
- Padded waist belt with zippered pockets
Cons: A little overkill for short summer day hikes.
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL.
Find the latest price on:
Deuter | Amazon | REI
Osprey Talon 22
New to Ospreys already impressive selection of excellent backpacks, the Talon 22 is one of the best daypacks for hiking on the market right now. And it’s not just hitting the trail that this brilliantly designed bag is great for: there is an ice axe loop, should you find yourself chilling out at altitude, and an incredibly useful LidLock attachment to store your bicycle helmet.
Osprey have taken some of the best features of the Escapist, adapted them to be ideal for hikers, and added a bunch more features too. The Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment is one such feature that allows you to store your poles without having to de-bag each time you want to put them away.
The AirScape accordion foam backpanel is also an excellent development that combines with a seamless lumbar-to-hip belt body wrap to increase air flow. Combined with an adjustable torso length, this system adds to the overall comfort of the bag by ensuring that the load is spread well across the hips
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zip
- External hydration pocket that holds a 3 litre reservoir
- Internal key attachment clip
- LED light attachment point
- Stretch front pocket
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Stretch mesh side pockets with InsideOut™ compression
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets
- Stretch pocket on harness
Cons: No Rain cover
Verdict: An excellent, lightweight and great value all-rounder daypack that is super comfortable and easy to use.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Gregory Salvo 24
The Gregory Salvo 24 competes fiercely with the Talon in the fight for one of the most comfortable and all-round high performing daypacks for hiking. The Salvo owes its high comfort levels to the FreeSpan ventilated suspension that keeps air flowing very well on tough hikes without encroaching on the interior volume of the bag (like the Stratos). That, coupled with the ventilated lumbar pad, hipbelt and shoulder straps, provides a wonderfully comfortable pack for big day hikes.
It lacks the extra features that make the Talon so appealing for multi-adventurers, but makes up for it with some other excellent and highly user friendly additions, like the sunglasses stash loop on the shoulder strap, and the quick-release buckles on the side and bottom compression straps. It also has trekking pole attachment loops, and an accessories pocket with a soft fabric lining to protect your phone or sunglasses. The large zippered hip belt pockets provide loads of easily accessible storage, and the mesh side pockets are deep enough to not worry about your bottle falling out.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap
- Internal zippered mesh pocket
- Internal hydration sleeve for 3 litre reservoir
- Hydration port
- Hose clip on shoulder strap
- Safety light attachment loop
Cons: No rain cover – but it is water resistant
Verdict: A mega comfortable, simply designed, midweight daypack that is ideal for big day hikes.
Find the latest price on:
Backcountry | Amazon
Camelbak Franconia LR 24
At 1.2kg, the Camelbak Franconia is one the heavier daypacks in this review, and also one of the most pricey. But don’t let either of these factors put you off as this full-featured 24 litre bag offers everything you need in a great day pack with some very cool (and super useful) little extras.
Firstly the Franconia features the new Camelbak Crux LR reservoir that sits at the base of the backpack over your lumbar spine. This placement shifts that extra weight onto your hips to keep your centre of gravity lower and more balanced. As your reservoir empties throughout your hike, you can cinch down the compression straps to prevent the water that is left from jiggling around too much.
The hydration system also features a magnetic tube trap that keep the hose in place when not in use, and easily snaps it back into place once you’re done sipping.
There are two trekking pole attachments, pockets galore, and the trampoline-style Air Suspension back panel provides plenty of air-flow on gruelling climbs in hot weather.
The heavier weight of this robust daypack demands greater levels of support for the wearer, making the padded foam hip belt and load lifters essential to maximise comfort levels.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap
- Internal key attachment clip
- Mesh side pockets
- Cargo storage pocket
- Zippered front compartment with mesh pockets
- Padded hip belt with zippered pockets
- Hydration port
Cons: No waterproof cover, heavy
Verdict: A robust, highly comfortable and full-featured daypack with loads of storage options and a lumbar hydration reservoir.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Osprey Stratos 26
Although the heaviest bag of its size in this review, the Stratos is worth its weight in gold for those hiking in hot conditions and wanting to carry heavy loads. The exceptional levels of ventilation provided by the AirSpeed mesh backsystem and the seamless back panel to hipbelt design (similar to the Talon) makes the Stratos a firm favourite amongst summer hikers who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
This years updated version of the Stratos includes a large front storage pocket with easy access via a vertical zip. And like the Talon, there is a Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment that stores your poles underneath your arm when you don’t need them.
The integrated and detachable raincover is a highly appealing feature that is missing from almost of the bags in this review other than the Thule. And the overall durability of the bag is everything to be expected in an Osprey pack.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top lid
- External hydration pocket that holds a 3 litre reservoir
- Internal key attachment clip
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Adjustable torso length
- External hydration pocket
- Side compression straps
- Single ice axe loop
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets
- Under lid zipped mesh pocket
Cons: The side mesh pockets are small, and the ventilated back panel encroaches on the internal space.
Verdict: An excellent quality and highly comfortable daypack for hiking in hot conditions.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
REI Flash 22
The ever-popular REI Flash 22 is a no frills lightweight bag that is ideal for the minimalist hiker. The lack of frame and lightweight nylon construction makes it one of the lightest bags in this review at only 411g. Despite its apparent flimsiness, it still manages to provide just enough padding on the shoulder straps and back panel to be comfortable on big day hikes.
What stands out about this simple daypack is its usability in everyday life. Yes, it performs brilliantly as a daypack for hiking with all the necessary features needed, but it’s not so technical that is overkill as a work bag, or commuter bag. A nice feature is the ability to detach both the waistbelt and sternum strap making it even more suited to a variety of scenarios.
The side mesh pockets are huge and can easily carry a Nalgene bottle in each one if you decide not to use a hydration reservoir. And to top it off, this is the cheapest bag in this review offering really excellent value to those who prefer something simple versatile pack vs full-featured technical daypacks.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top lid
- External hydration pocket that holds a 3 litre reservoir
- Hydration port
- Tool loops on top and bottom of pack can be tucked away when not needed
- Zippered lid pocket
- Zippered pocket on front
Cons: Lacks ventilation and no rain cover
Verdict: A superb value, simple and lightweight daypack for hiking and everyday use.
Find the latest price at:
REI
Arc’teryx Brize 25
Like Osprey, Arc’teryx are renowned for their high quality and well designed backpacks. And the Brize 25 is no different. It offers some great features for hikers and, like the REI Flash, is also highly adaptable to everyday use off the trail – thanks to it’s stylish and streamlined design, amongst other things.
Although over twice as heavy as the Flash, it still only weighs 905g. That extra weight provides stability and comfort that is comparable to the Speedlite. The back panel features Aeroform thermoformed, hydrophobic padding to enhance air flow, and the lightweight hip belt is removable when not needed.
There are some simple and discrete features: the dual daisy chains on the front of the pack, and the SwiftClip bungee straps to secure trekking poles or tools.
What lets this all-round great bag down slightly is the price. It is up there with the most expensive bags in this review. And although you are buying into Arc’teryx quality, better ventilation and a padded hip belt would be welcome additions for the price.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zip
- Sternum strap
- Hydroport™ drink tube passage with internal clip to keep bladder suspended
- Hydration bladder compatible
- Internal security pocket
- Side pockets can carry 1L bottles or trekking poles
- Zippered top pocket with key clip
- Four compression straps – two on each side
- Secures single ice or mountaineering tool
Cons: Expensive, average ventilation, no rain cover
Verdict: A stylish and well designed hiking daypack that is highly transferable to everyday uses.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Thule Capstone 32
Although the heaviest daypack in this review, the Capstone is also the largest with a capacity of 32 litres. New to the Thule line of hiking daypacks, this is an exceptionally well designed bag with loads of innovative features. Together these make it highly suited to big days out in the mountains, or fast and light overnighters.
Thule really have thought of everything. Small details like the button hole webbing on the front of the pack to secure gear. And the simple VersaClick pole holder on the customisable hip belt (compatible with other interchangeable VersaClick accessories (not included)). The small side mesh pockets are also angled nicely to provide easy access when wearing the bag. And the front stretch shove-it pocket can hold extra layers or a jacket.
Like the Stratos, there is an integrated removable rain cover, and further moisture reduction is gained from the highly breathable and ventilated tensioned mesh back panel.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zip
- Sternum strap
- Single large hipbelt pocket
- Zippered top pocket
- MicroAdjust Suspension system lets you adjust your torso length
- Rear hiking pole and ice axe attachments can be stowed when not in use
Cons: Heavy and pricey
Verdict: An innovative, super comfortable and full-featured pack for big day hikes and overnighters.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Kelty Redtail 27
The Kelty Redtail is an excellent value daypack that provides loads of storage options for time on the trail or around town. It is comparable to the Speedlite in weight, price, and comfort, but with more storage options and 7 extra litres of storage capacity.
Like the Speedlite, the Redtail won’t win any prizes when it comes to ventilation. That said, the padded shoulder straps and Hex Mesh back panel certainly do a great job at providing good levels of comfort when fully loaded.
The panel loading main pocket is a really nice feature that allows you to fit in larger items and easily see and access your gear. And the front zippered pocket has lots of internal mesh organisation pockets.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zip
- Sternum strap
- Internal key attachment clip
- Hydration pocket
- Hydration port
- Side compression straps
- Top stash pocket
- Angled stretch side pockets
Cons: no rain cover, average ventilation
Verdict: A very good value daypack with lots of storage options for time on the trail or around town.
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Marmot Kompressor Plus
At only 370g, the Marmot Kompressor Plus is the lightest daypack in this review. Like the REI Flash, this simple and lightweight design is ideal for fast and light hikers. It is also well suited to carrying lighter loads in everyday scenarios.
A hugely appealing feature of the Kompressor Plus is its ability to completely pack down into its own top pocket. This can be done once the internal foam back sheet is removed from the hydration pocket. Its highly compressible nature makes it ideal for travelling or backpacking, and the compression straps also help to keep the pack cinched down and stable when loaded.
As with the other lightweight daypacks, the Kompressor Plus isn’t designed to excel at breathability and ventilation. However, the Airmesh shoulder straps and back panel provide ample comfort when loaded.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top lid
- Sternum strap
- Internal key attachment clip
- Hydration pocket
- Hydration port
- Daisy chain
- Trekking pole attachment
- Removable waist belt
Cons: Not as durable as other bags due to the thin (70D) material
Verdict: A super lightweight and packable daypack that is ideal for travelers and backpackers
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
What to look for in a great daypack for hiking
As with almost any bit of outdoor gear, many of the reasons for choosing one excellently rated daypack over another, comes down to how, where and when it will be used. There’s no point spending a fortune on something you plan on using for the odd hike here and there when there are plenty of great value daypacks available, like the REI Flash, that will perform perfectly well without breaking the bank.
So before we get into the details of what to look for, take a moment to consider a few things:
- How far will you be hiking?
- What conditions will you be hiking in? (Rainy, snowy, hot etc)
- Do you like to keep your stuff well organised?
- Will you want to use your daypack for more than just hiking?
- Do you hike with trekking poles?
- How important is comfort to you?
- Do you sweat lots, even in cooler weather?
If you know the answer to most of these questions, then it will make choosing the best bag for you much easier. So with those things in mind, here’s a little more info on what to look for in the best daypacks for hiking.
Size/capacity
The capacity of most daypacks for hiking range from around 10-40 litres. This is a pretty big range, and the size you choose really depends on what sort of hiking you are doing. Here’s a rough guide to what the different sizes are best suited to:
10-20 litre daypacks
Best use: Short day hikes
Your main consideration on short day hikes is having enough room to carry your water, food and an extra layer or jacket. Anything above 20 litres is overkill for a short day hike and it’s likely that you’ll just end up filling it with stuff you don’t really need.
Also great for: sightseeing
20-30 litre daypacks
Best use: Full day hikes in the summer
A big day of summer hiking will require you to carry plenty of water and/or a filtration device, more food than for a short day, and often an extra layer for the cool of the morning and evening.
Also great for: Everyday use and short hikes in the winter
30-40 litre daypacks
Best use: Full day hikes in the winter
A full day out in the backcountry during winter will require you to carry lots more gear than during the summer months: more food, more clothing, a stove, and just as much water despite the cold.
Also great for: Lightweight overnighters in the summer
As always, if money and the environmental implications of excess gear weren’t considerations, we’d all have a selection of daypacks for each different hiking scenario. But they are. So your best bet is to go for something that will be most suited to what you do the most of. And if you’re not sure, then go for something that is around 25-30 litres. This will cover your carrying needs in almost all hiking scenarios, and will be ideal for lots of other outdoors sports and everyday use too.
Weight
Generally speaking, the greater the capacity of your daypack, the heavier it will be. And the heavier it is, the more work you have to do to lug it with you for miles on end. So ideally, getting something lightweight should be considered, especially if you like to hike fast. However, the heavier packs like the Thule Capstone 32 are usually heavier for a reason. They feature padded waist belts, an internal frame, a comfortable and ventilated back panel, and more pockets and storage options. So before you go dismissing anything that weighs over 1kg, you’ll need to consider these things and how important they are to you.
Comfort
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a daypack is how comfortable it is for you. If you’re only doing short hikes and not hauling too much gear then you can get away without it feeling like you’re wrapped in cotton wool. But for longer hikes, choosing something comfortable is key. The following things will increase comfort levels in most daypacks:
Waist belt
This should be more than just a strap and should be fully padded and adjustable. Ideally it should also be breathable to prevent excess sweating.
Back panel
Look for something with padding around the lumbar area, and trampoline-style suspension to let lots of air flow between you and the back of the bag.
Shoulder straps
These should be padded and breathable, and ideally have load lifters – straps that connect to the top of the pack to draw the bag into the body. This prevents excess movement of the bag and helps keep the weight close to you putting less stress on your back, shoulders and neck.
Sternum strap
Most daypacks for hiking have an adjustable sternum strap that can be tightened to minimise movement and increase stability. Ladies, make sure you are able to fit the strap high enough on your chest to be comfortable whilst still being useful.
Torso length adjustment
Some bags like the Osprey Talon and Stratos allow you to adjust the height of the shoulder straps to fit your torso more specifically.
Durability
This is a tough one to quantify, especially when it comes to buying bags that are new on the market that won’t have been tested for years like older bags. Ideally your daypack should last you a good five years of regular use, or more if you are willing to get it repaired as it starts to get tired.
Generally speaking, the more you spend on your bag the better the quality and durability are likely to be. But that’s not always the case. So look for bags made with ripstop nylon or similar, with a high denier (D) rating.
Features of the best daypacks for storage and ease
When you’re not enjoying wearing your daypack in all its padded comfort, you’ll be using the hell out of all those cool features. For some people, having a ton of pockets is a disaster and they work much better just throwing everything in one compartment and hitting the trail. However, if you like to keep things in order and know where things are, choose a bag with lots of storage options like the Camelbak Franconia. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the usability of a bag, but there are a few things that without a doubt make life much easier when using your bag. These include:
![Hydration pocket on daypack]()
Hydration reservoir pocket
Usually a separate sleeve within the main compartment of the bag (although the Osprey hydration pockets are accessed externally). These often include a clip or loop at the top of the pocket to hold the reservoir in place.
![H2O Port]()
Hydration port
If the bag has an internal hydration pocket then it will also need a port that allows the hose of the reservoir to feed out of the bag and onto the shoulder strap.
![Hose attachment on daypack]()
Hydration hose clip
Having a hose just dangling around at your shoulder can be really annoying, so a good bag should have a loop or clip that holds the hose in place when not in use. The Camelbak Franconia takes this a step further with a magnetised system.
![Carry handle on backpack]()
Top handle
This is an non-essential feature but is very useful when picking up your pack, or hanging it up when not in use.
![Zipper ties on the best daypack for hiking]()
Zipper ties
Having zipper ties that you can actually grab hold of easily is a small but important thing to look for, especially if you are hiking in cold conditions and wearing gloves.
![Rain cover on backpack]()
Waterproof cover
Many daypacks don’t come with their own waterproof cover and have to be bought separately. So it can be a real bonus to have one integrated into your backpack. The Osprey Stratos and Thule Capstone both have rain covers.
![top pocket of daypack]()
Top pockets
Usually fairly small but really useful to organise things that you need to access easily like keys, phone, map, snacks etc.
![Internal pockets of bag]()
Front pocket
This is either zippered and often with internal mesh pockets like the Kelty Redtail, or a stretch stash pocket that you can stuff extra layers into easily, like the Talon or Speedlite.
![Hipbelt pocket of daypack]()
Hip belt pockets
These are great for accessing snacks or your phone without having to take your pack off.
![Side pocket of daypack]()
External side pockets
Usually made of stretchy mesh, these should hold a bottle and ideally should be accessed without having to take your bag off. Some are angled smartly to make this easier.
![Compression straps on the best daypack for hiking]()
Compression straps
These are great to cinch down your pack if it isn’t full to prevent too much movement. They are also great for attaching extra gear to the outside of your pack.
![Gear loops on daypack]()
Gear loops
Having a few extra loops or daisy chains can be really useful for carry extra gear like helmets or ropes etc.
![Trekking pole loop]()
Trekking pole loops
Most good daypacks for hiking will have loops specially designed to hold trekking poles. These are located either on the back of the pack, or on the hip belt, like the Thule and Osprey packs.
Yep, there really are a load of great options to choose from in this wonderful selection of the best daypacks for hiking. With such varied designs and features in each one, at least one of these excellent bags will (hopefully) be exactly what you are looking for.
Happy hiking!
