10 Best Day Backpacks For Hiking

So you are planning to spend a day hiking on the terrains or woods or outskirts?

Not all backpacks serve the same functions. There are different types and brands of backpacks which are meant for various activities like a day hike, climbing, trail running, and overnight backpacking.

While selecting a daypack for hiking, consider all the factors which make the backpack a suitable and easy one for you to hike. There are many daypacks which look similar but have a lot of functional difference.

While going for day hiking, you have to carry essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, emergency shelter, etc. So choose the pack which meets and aids all your needs.

Cheaper backpacks are great for carrying light stuff whereas expensive ones have more complex suspension, provides better fit and support.

So I have listed some of the things which you shouldn’t ignore while choosing the right day packs.

THINGS TO BE CONSIDER WHILE CHOOSING DAYPACK

1. Adequate capacity

   You never know what kind of ups and downs you may have to face during your hiking expedition. So you have to be all geared up to withstand all the uncertainties. Go for the backpack which gives you adequate space to store your hiking essentials including your nutrition and hydration supplies.

2. Hydration system compatibility

   Your body needs to be well hydrated to keep yourself going on the trail. So it’s always a better option to carry the backpack with hydration bladder.

   So, go for the backpack which makes it compatible to access the hydration duct. You won’t have to stop frequently to fish out the water bottle for drinking while you are on the trail if your daypack has access to the hydration tube and hydration bladder.

3. Comfort and support

   You don’t want a backpack which pinches your body making your hiking experience a dreadful one. So, you have to go for the backpack which assures comfort and adequate support.

   Shoulder straps and scapula pads offer plusher padding and great longevity in comfort; some packs include shaped bottoms or structured back panels to prevent loads from sagging, keeping items closer to your back. Likewise, backpack with ventilated back prevents overheating on your back and maintains the air flow.

4. Durability

   Your backpack should provide sufficient support to carry all your hiking essentials without the risk of tearing. The fabric by which the backpack is constructed must have enough thresholds to pressure and weight. The lateral seams also must be strong enough to carry your hiking supplies without breaking.

So invest on the backpack made of lighter and sustainable fabric materials which provide sturdy support and is able to carry your stuff.

Considering all the key elements, I have listed my 10 best preferences for hiking daypacks.

• Osprey Talon 22
• Deuter speed lite 20
• Osprey Stratos 24
• Marmot Kompressor 24920
• Camelbak fourteener 24
• Osprey packs daylight backpack
• Outlander packable lightweight travel hiking backpack
• Osprey packs talon 33 backpack
• Teton sports oasis 1100
• Gregory Zulu 30 backpack

10. OSPREY TALON 22

 

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Osprey Talon is the backpack which will act as your best hiking partner because of its excellent features. It’s a perfectly sized daypack which is not too big and not too small. Osprey Talon is made up of super light synthetic fabric. It is very well constructed and durable.

Osprey Talon has exterior hydration compartment between the back panel and main pack’s body with sewn-in retention buckle which provides ease of use and protects main compartment contents.

It has an adjustable bio-stretch harness which consists of mesh covered, die-cut foam with sewn-in spacer mesh, a stretch is woven harness pocket and an adjustable sternum strap with rescue whistle.

Osprey Talon 22 also has a unique built-in hip belt which features zippered stretch mesh pockets. The straps of this backpack are fully adjustable which keeps the loads close to the back providing you snug fit.

Osprey Talon also features stretchy exterior front pocket which is suitable for stacking things like raincoats and wet gears. It also has a lid lock helmet attachment.

Features I like:

• Super light pack
• Snug fit
• Exterior front pockets and side water bottle compartment
• Stretchy hip pocket
• Zipped gear pocket
• External hydration chamber
• Super comfortable
• Hooks for hiking poles
• Fully adjustable
• Large gear compartment
• Good looking backpack

9. DEUTER SPEEDLITE 20

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Deuter Speedlite 20 is another great and versatile daypack which is very versatile. It can be used for various activities like adventure racing, alpine sport climbing, and short ski tours.

This Deuter Speedlite 20 is a lightweight, versatile and has a sleek silhouette that makes fast packing a breeze. With a 20-liter capacity that can carry up to 12 lbs (5.4 kg), you can keep your most essentials items easily in the pack. It measures 19 x 10 x 7 inches.

Deuter Speedlite 20 has padded air mesh shoulder straps, a height- adjustable chest strap and removable hip belt which give you total control over fit. This makes the backpack very comfortable and fit of the backpack very snug.

Deuter Speedlite 20 has a flexible tensioned Derlin U-shaped frame which provides stability without weighing you down. The U-shaped frame teams up with Speed Lite’s unique V-cut profile to create a compact carry system with optimal load center.

This makes the backpack ideal for day hikes and many other adventures. This Speed lite has specialized compartments for your hydration system, valuables, and wet gear or clothing.

It has mesh side pockets for snacks or water bottles, mesh front pocket, 3M reflectors for visibility, reinforced pull on zippers and even an SOS- label with life-saving tips in case something goes wrong.

One drawback of this backpack which I encountered is its lack of insulated hydration tube slot.

Features I like:

• Great construction and material
• Reversible compression straps
• Comfortable
• Snug fit
• Great access pockets
• Budget friendly too

8. OSPREY STRATOS 24

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Osprey Stratos 24 is another go-to choice for those who prefer panel-loading organization on day hikes in wet or hot environments where staying dry and keeping you, cool matter most. Osprey Stratos has a dimension of 12 x 12 x 12 inches and weighs 2.76 pounds.

Osprey Stratos 24 features adjustable torso lengths for improved fit and comfort with updated aesthetics. It also comes with an integrated rain cover that stows in its own pocket when not required.

Osprey Stratos 24 has Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment system which is designed to quickly attach and carry trekking poles. This backpack also has ice tool loop.

Osprey Stratos 24 has two zippered hip belt pockets to keep snacks and other essentials quickly accessible on the go. This backpack comes with top panel zippered stash pocket, which makes sure your smaller items are safely stowed, and front panel vertical center zippered pocket, perfect for stashing maps or spare pair of gloves.

Osprey Stratos 24 is incredibly comfortable and has ventilated tensioned mesh back panel with added adjustability for variations in torso length to provide fine-tuned customization fit for every hiker and backpacker.

Features I like:

• Good looking
• Comes with integrated and removable rain cover
• Zippered hip belt
• Internal hydration sleeve
• Comfortable and ventilated padded mesh backpanel
• Top panel zippered stash pocket
• Mesh side pocket

7. Marmot Kompressor 

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Marmot Kompressor is also a great backpack when it comes to choosing backpacks for short day hiking trips. It’s a small backpack but big enough to fit everything you need for a day hike.

Marmot Kompressor 2490 stands 15 inches high and measures 11 inches wide. It weighs about 290 grams. It can hold a volume of up to 18 liters

Marmot Kompressor is constructed of highly durable nylon materials. Whereas, the lining of this bag is reinforced by 100 percent nylon double ripstop fabric.

Marmot compressor has buckle closure had removable closed cell foam back sheet. Marmot compressor has few cons too. It doesn’t have dedicated hydration sleeve and meshes water bottle holding pouch. It is also not waterproof. So you have to consider these things before investing in this backpack.

Features I like:

• Lightweight
• Great zip pocket on top of the backpack
• Enough room for your hiking essentials
• Versatile
• Durable
• Air mesh shoulder straps and back panel for ventilation
• Budget-friendly

6. CAMELBAK FOURTEENER 24

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Camelbak fourteener 24 is a perfect backpack which meets almost all your needs without compromising comfort. It has a perfect balance of weight, comfort and maximum ventilation. Camelbak fourteener 24 has dimension of 10.5 x 10.5 x 20.5 inches. This pack weighs 2.36 pounds and holds a capacity of 26 liters. This backpack is designed to carry extra layers comfortably.

Camelbak fourteener has revolutionary NV back panel which suspends the load above your back for maximum ventilation and the articulated pods move with the body.

This backpack has various antidote reservoir features including quick link system, easy open/close cap, lightweight fill port, and dryer arms.

The Camelbak fourteen 24 always sits comfortably on your back even under heavy load. It has large main compartment, stretch overflow front pocket, two stretch side pockets for carrying essentials and quick access fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, Smartphone, and other valuables.

This backpack has plenty of internal storage plus an overflow compartment and multiple lash points for ice axes, trekking poles, and other gear. It also has a dedicated reservoir compartment which can be inserted or removed without unpacking the rest of gear.

Features I like:

• Excellently constructed
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• Fits perfectly
• Has loops for trekking poles
• Good support and ventilation
• Very durable and sturdy
• Insulated hydration bladder
• Multiple functional and accessible pockets
• The perfect combination of hydration and packing space

5. OSPREY PACKS DAYLITE DAYPACK

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Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack is another great backpack for day hikes with a very reasonable price range. It has the dimension of 9 x 9 x 18 inches and weighs 0.94 pounds.

Being lightweight this backpack adds on to the comfort level while carrying.  This Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack has a large main compartment which provides accessibility to inside contents.

It has a front zippered pocket with mesh organizer and key clip which offers organizations for smaller items. It also has dual stretch mesh side pockets which provide additional storage options.

This backpack is attachable to various other backpacks including Aether/Ariel series, Volt/viva series, Ace 75, shuttle series, sojourn series, far point 80 and porter series.

Osprey packs daylight daypack has multi-function interior sleeve which can be used for either Osprey Hydraulics reservoir or tablet. The back panel of this pack is well ventilated providing maximum comfort.

Features I like:

• Comfortable back panel
• External hydration reservoir pocket
• Attachable to various packs
• Internal laptop pocket
• Durable and lightweight
• Very well made and versatile
• Easy to access compartments
• Mesh side pouch for water bottles
• Very reasonable price

4. OUTLANDER PACKABLE LIGHT WEIGHT TRAVEL HIKING BACKPACK

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This Outlander backpack is perfect for those super-minimalists hikers who make every gram count as it is super lightweight. It is suitable for day to day use as well as occasional travel. It folds into a zippered inner pocket to fit anywhere and unfolds from pocket to backpack.

This packable outlander hiking backpack has a dimension of 2.9 x 8.1 x 13.3 inches and weighs 0.65 pounds. This Outlander backpack is made from highly rip and water-resistant nylon fabric that provides strength and long-lasting performance with minimal weight.

It is strong enough to hold a decent load for the bag’s size but one must take care to avoid high abrasion or piercing of the material.

Outlander packable travel hiking backpack has multi compartments which feature a classic shape with several pockets for storage and organization. It has a roomy main compartment, two front zipper pockets and two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.

Features I like:

• Packable
• True space saver
• Provides spacious room for your essentials
• Multi Compartments
• Durable
• Breathable straps
• Extremely lightweight
• Water resistant

3. TETON SPORTS OASIS 1100

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Teton sports oasis 1100 is also another great all day hydration pack whether you are mountain biking, hiking or snowshoeing. Designed with comfort, it has athletic cut which rides low and close to your body.

This backpack has dimensions of 18.5 x 10 x 7 inches and weighs 2 pounds. A 2- liter hydration bladder is included in this pack and has a large 2-inch opening for ice that also makes cleaning easy.

Teton sports oasis 1100 has fully adjustable shoulder, chest and waist belt straps which aid in maintaining a custom fit. This bag has thick air mesh back panel with half inch foam pads that cinch in tightly to minimize bounce.

Teton sports oasis 1100 comes with features, which are normally seen on more expensive packs, including a shock absorbing chest strap, built-in orange safety whistle, bungee storage with barrel lock, reflective trims, strap clips, and canyoneering drip holes.

This pack has a large pocket with hidden teeth zipper and weather guard, bungee cord system for a bike helmet, butterfly opening for jackets, etc.

This backpack also claims to provide a limited lifetime warranty.

Features I like:

• Great pack for the price
• Comfortable
• Good hydration pack
• Adequate pockets for organizing stuff
• Chest strap and whistle
• Offers a limited lifetime warranty
• Air mesh back panel
• Mesh side pouches

2. OSPREY PACKS TALON 33

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Talon 33 is another great top loading backpack Osprey has offered which is suitable if you need more room for your stuff. It offers adequate space for all your materials.

Osprey Talon 33 has a dimension of 6 x 14 x 22 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds. It is made of synthetic material which is very durable.

Osprey Talon 33 has bio-stretch gender specific mesh covered hip belt. The die cut hip belt features zippered stretch mesh pockets, which is very accessible and easy to fish in while hiking, and modified straight ergo pull closure system.

The top load main compartment of the backpack has a removable top pocket with a single compartment top pocket and under-lid mesh pocket.

All these pockets make the organization of material very easy, organized and accessible. The backpack also features stretch woven front pocket providing external storage options.

The Osprey Talon 33 has stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment which is designed to conveniently stow your poles when not in use. The fit of this backpack is quite promising. The back panel is very well constructed and provides great ventilation for your back.

Features I like:

• Fully adjustable
• Snug fit
• Ample room for all your hiking supplies
• The great and breathable back panel
• Waist belt pockets
• The great water bottle pouch
• Lightweight
• Provides enough support
• Durable and have high strength

1. GREGORY ZULU-30 BACKPACK

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Gregory Zulu 30 pack weighs about 2.7 lbs and has dimensions of 21.5 x 13 x 8 inches. It is comfortable as well as a backpack for your day hikes as it provides the right amount of space and proper features. Gregory Zulu 30 is constructed of polyester fabric which provides sufficient support you need from a good backpack. It is reinforced by new fabrics to increase durability.

It has a front stretch pocket which makes it easier to grab and stash gear on the go. The U-main access panel is flipped upside down for easier packing and unloading.

Gregory Zulu 30 has front stretch woven stuff-it pocket with a surface mounted buckle for top compression. The dual stretch mesh side pocket of Gregory Zulu 30 backpack is very handy for keeping water bottles or umbrellas. It also has a zippered hip belt pocket.

This backpack comes with an integrated rain cover which comes very handy while hiking. Gregory zulu 30 backpack also has an interior security pocket with key clip and sunglass stash on the shoulder harness. Additionally, it also has trekking pole attachment points.

Features I like:

• Comes with rain cover
• The supportive and ventilated back panel
• Hip belt pockets
• Front stuff pocket
• Side pockets
• Great Water bladder and tube
• Easy access pockets
• Adjustable straps
• Good looking & comfortable backpack

BEST PICK

For me, Camel fourteener 24 is the ideal one while going for day hikes, as this backpack meets all my requirements functionally and aesthetically.

It has all the essential elements, a daypack ought to have, the best one being the insulated hydration bladder and comfortable back panel.

Camel fourteener has the perfect combination of hydration and packing space. So you won’t regret investing in this piece of gem.

THE VERDICT

Well, there are many factors which determine whether your hiking experience will be the one to rejoice or the one lament over.
Never neglect the essentials which matter a lot while hiking. So make a wise decision by investing in the backpack which meets all your needs and serves according to the purpose.

Note that the backpack should be appropriate in all aspects for your kind of hiking. Go for the one which provides you ample amount of space for all your gears, the one which assures comfort, durability, and proper ventilation.

So invest in the backpack which meets all your needs.