The everyday hiker is generally a day hiker rather than a multi-day backpacker. Most of us do not have enough time to hit the trails and camp under the stars for weeks at a time, as much as we may want to. So a day hike will have to get us by.
Choosing the right day pack can make or break a day on the trail. Typically a day pack needs to be no bigger than 30 liters. Any bigger than that and you are getting to backpacking size packs and you will end up carrying extra weight you don’t need. While there are so many day packs out there to choose from, you may have a brand preference or be looking for a specific type of pack. The bags listed below are just a few of our favorites from durability and personal usage.
While the packs listed below are unisex. Each pack will fit differently from person to person.
Packs listed in no particular order
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Osprey makes great packs and the Daylite Plus is nothing too big that would be geared towards a multi-day backpacking trip, but for that 5-10 mile day hike that can hold enough gear. There is an area in the bag for a hydration bladder but it’s not included so you’ll have to purchase one separately. I’ve had the Osprey Daylight Plus for a couple years now and it has not failed me once. This bag has been with me from small day hikes around my local trails of Indiana all the way to summiting Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains. Osprey has a lifetime guarantee on their packs giving you peace of mind that if anything breaks, they will fix it.
Deuter Speed Lite 20
If you are looking for a super simple yet durable pack the Deuter Speed Lite is for you. This pack has one large pocket compartment with a stash pocket on the very top. There is an area for a hydration bladder, that must be purchased separately. There is also a 16 liter version of this pack which makes it a great day pack for kids.
REI Co-op Flash 22
| Gear Capacity (L) | 22 liters |
|---|---|
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 13 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Similar in size to the Deuter Speed Lite 20, the REI Flash 22 is only 13 ounces in weight. While the REI Flash is frameless, the back is breathable and padded where the back panel can be removed for a sitting pad. This is a simple stuffsack design that has a sleeve to carry a hydration pack. The side pockets are large enough to carry a wide Nalgene bottle which is nice because many daypacks lack deep pockets to carry certain bottles.
Gregory Inertia 25
The Gregory Inertia looks like a normal sized day pack, but can hold a staggering 3 litter water bladder which is included. This is frameless and has a ventilated back that will help keep you dry while also packing lots of room at over 1500 cubic inches. The Inertia also has trekking pole attachments making it a perfect long day hiking pack. This pack also comes in various sizes from a 15 liter to a 30 liter making it perfect for adults and kids.
Outdoor Products (Budget Option)
The best pack choice, is the one you can afford and will use. Don’t let money stop you from hitting the trails. If you cannot afford a day pack from REI there are other retailers to check with. If you have your heart set on a certain brand or a pack listed above, head over to ebay and look for a gently used pack. Another option is head to your local Walmart and find a pack that fits your needs. While the Outdoor Products brand is not the best quality, all you need is a pack to carry your gear and that’s a good place to start.
