Comparison Review: Comparing convenient and comfortable daypacks for day hikes, travel, and everyday use
Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Backpacks are displayed on the walls of a mountaineering equipment store. Not only do they come in all different sizes, but each manufacturer has their own unique features and innovations, making it an area you'll find yourself visiting every time, even if you don't intend to buy anything
Now that I have gained some experience, I am able to choose a backpack that suits my mountain climbing style and purpose, but when I was just starting out, I remember being confused by the wall of backpacks in front of me, not knowing what criteria to use to choose, or the differences between each manufacturer
In particular, there are many 20-30 liter sizes, also known as daypacks, that are ideal for day hikes and mountain climbing, sold by various manufacturers, and on top of the sheer number of options, many people are likely to be overwhelmed by factors such as budget, whether to prioritize design or functionality, and what features they actually need. Even if you consult with a store clerk, some people may be hesitant to try on several backpacks
So, this time I have reviewed six 20-30 liter daypacks that are ideal for light mountain climbing and hiking from my perspective as someone
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items tested this time
- Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
- Evaluation Results - Recommended Daypacks by Type -
- summary
About the daypacks we compared this time
When selecting comparison candidates, we took into consideration the following criteria:
- The capacity should be around 20 to 30 liters
- It is a model for trekking
- It is not a model specialized for specific activities such as alpine (climbing/snow mountains) or ultralight, but a versatile model for light mountain climbing, trekking,
- It must be available for purchase from authorized Japanese distributors, online shopping sites, etc
We have picked out the following models that meet these criteria and offer a variety of unique features
- Gregory Salvo 24/Surat 24 (Apparently slightly redesigned this season)
- Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25
- MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25
- Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20
- THE NORTH FACE Caillus 28
- THULE Capstone 22L
Test environment
The test period was two months, from December 2017 to January 2018. The test areas were around the Yatsugatake Mountains, Akagi, Hanno, and other mountains around the Kanto region. Due to the season, the product was also used on snowy mountains. The weather varied from sunny to cloudy to snowy, and the hiking trail conditions were dry, icy, and snowy
Although we did not test all models on the same mountain, the items to be stored in the backpacks consisted of a thermos bottle, cooker, burner, 1L of water, warm clothing, tent, food, and snacks, with crampons or chain spikes and an ice axe added depending on the mountain being climbed during the test, all weighing around 5-7kg
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
| Overall ranking | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place | 3rd place | 3rd place | 6th place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Gregory Salvo 24 |  Osprey Talon 22 |  THE NORTH FACE Caillus 28 |  THULE Capstone 22L |  MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 |  Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25 |
| Overall score (out of 100) | 84 | 81 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 79 |
| Reference price | 17,280 yen | 11,880 yen | 19,440 yen | 14,472 yen | 23,760 yen | 9,612 yen |
| Here is ◎ | Comfort, storage, ease of use, durability | Weight, ease of use, price | Comfortable and lightweight | Comfort | Storage, durability | Weight, price |
| Here is △ | weight | Comfort and durability | durability | Storage, ease of use, | weight | Comfort, storage, and ease of use |
| Comfort (25 points) | 23 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| Weight (25 points) | 17 | 21 | 18 | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| Storage capacity (20 points) | 18 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 15 |
| Ease of use (20 points) | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 15 |
| Durability (10 points) | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6 |
| Specifications | ||||||
| item | Gregory Salvo 24 | Osprey Talon 22 | THE NORTH FACE Caillus 28 | THULE Capstone 22L | MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 | Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25 |
| Weight (g) | 1010 | 810 | 940 | 870 | 1200 | 624 |
| material |
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| Back adjustment | × | ◯ | × | × | ◯ | × |
| Rain cover | × | × | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ |
| Hydration storage | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| Other special features |
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Evaluation results - Recommendations by type -
Gregory Salvo 24/Surat 24 (women's model)
Overall 1st place: Excellent in all aspects except weight
Here's what I like about it
- A sturdy frame, cushioning, and back ventilation for a comfortable carrying experience
- Ample storage
- Easy-to-use details such as zippers that open and close easily
- High durability with sturdy fabric that won't lose its shape
Here's △
- weight
- The frame prevents it from being folded compactly
- price
The back is a trampoline structure with a mesh frame, and the thick cushioning around the shoulders and waist provides excellent comfort and breathability
This Gregory backpack is a classic. Despite being less than 30 liters, its maximum load capacity of over 25 kg (official website) leaves open the question of what exactly you're packing in it, and demonstrates the company's confidence in its robust construction. At over 1 kg, it's on the heavier side for backpacks in its class, but the thick, sturdy shoulder straps and hip belt provide solid support, making it feel lighter. I actually carried it for about half a day, weighing about 7 kg (including the product weight), and the rear suspension fit snugly to my back, making it so comfortable I almost forgot I was wearing it. The pockets on both sides of the hip belt are large and spacious, and can hold a smartphone or iPhone (the iPhone 7 pictured here), with additional storage for snacks
However, to be honest, access to the cargo area isn't that great. Although the zipper is long and the opening is large, the compression belts on the sides get in the way, making it a bit of a hassle to undo the buckle. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I found this step extremely stressful. Despite these shortcomings, this model, packed with the functionality you'd expect from a backpack, can be described as a highly refined backpack.
*As of January 2018, when this review was written, the Salvo 24L model has been discontinued and is now being sold in a 28-liter capacity, but there appear to be no changes to its functionality.
Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20 (women's model)
2nd place overall: A lightweight, multi-functional, and cost-effective bag that can be used for any activity
Here's what I like about it
- lightweight
- Highly breathable back
- Adjustable shoulder straps for back length
- Compact and flexible folding
- Versatile and easy to use thanks to its wide range of storage options and attachments
- price
Here's △
- Cushion thickness
- Unevenness on the back when packed with luggage
The urethane foam and mesh back are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. It's perfect for traveling light with a light load
Despite its standard appearance, this backpack is packed with various ingenious features. One of its biggest features is the back adjustment function, which allows you to change the position of the shoulder straps using Velcro. You can find a position that feels comfortable depending on the amount of luggage you have on the day of your hike, and since it can be fine-tuned, it can even be shared by family and friends, as long as there are no major differences in body size
The undersides of the shoulder straps and hip belt are mesh, which provides good breathability, and the attachment on the left shoulder strap is useful for temporarily holding a trekking pole when taking photos, etc. However, I personally prefer the belt cushion to be a little thicker
It also features a lid lock attachment for attaching a helmet and a gear loop on the lower left side, but I personally don't think such features are necessary for a backpack of this class. However, the lid lock attachment can also be used to store trekking poles, and its shape allows for carabiners to be passed through, so it seems like it could be used in a variety of ways. The back frame is made of a soft material, which contributes to the product's lightness, but one drawback is that if you pack it to the limit of its capacity, the back becomes uneven and uncomfortable to wear. Like the Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25, which we also reviewed this time, it offers excellent value for money and I felt it would be a good choice as a first backpack
THE NORTH FACE Caillus 28
A perfect choice for speed hikes, this bag offers comfortable ventilation at the back and high storage capacity while remaining lightweight
Here's what I like about it
- Lightweight yet comfortable to carry thanks to the back frame and trampoline structure
- Plenty of external pockets and attachments
Here's △
- Lightweight and durable
- The stiff frame makes it difficult to store and compact
The deep front pocket is easy to use and can hold anything from a bottle to an outer jacket
This backpack features The North Face's signature slim design. The large front pocket is spacious enough to conveniently store a jacket you take off while on the move, snacks, and more. The elastic mesh back panel features thick padding where your shoulder blades and hips rest, ensuring breathability while also providing comfortable carrying
This review was conducted on a snowy, low mountain, where the temperature wasn't too low, and I found myself repeatedly taking off and putting on my outer jacket to regulate my body temperature. The aforementioned front pocket proved extremely convenient. I could easily fold my outer layer and stuff it in, then quickly remove it when it got cold again, eliminating the hassle I hate. It's also recommended for those who use insulated bottles for hydration. My mountain-specific bottle (0.9L) fit perfectly. While it would fit in the side pocket, the bottle has a lot of exposed area, so I'm worried about it falling out and getting damaged. The bottle fits snugly in the pocket, and it's easy to access during breaks, so I think it's very convenient. Personally, I think The North Face backpacks could make their hip belt pockets a little larger, allowing for smartphone storage and making them even more user-friendly
THULE Capstone 22L
A full-fledged daypack that combines looks and functionality, perfect for both the city and the mountains
Here's what I like about it
- A clean body that combines design and functionality
- Lightweight and comfortable aluminum frame with mesh back
- VersaClick accessories with outstanding functionality and customizability
Here's △
- Due to the limited functionality, some ingenuity is required for storing poles and axes
- The frame prevents it from being folded compactly
The interchangeable VersaClick hip belt system provides multiple functions with minimal parts for added convenience
This Thule backpack is reminiscent of car carriers and roof boxes. Its simple and stylish design, reminiscent of Scandinavia (lol), is perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities, but its subdued color scheme makes it a natural fit for everyday use. The long zipper that accesses the main compartment not only makes packing easy, but also allows for stress-free access to your belongings, even while on the move. What sets it apart from other brands isn't just its simple appearance; it also features a unique system called VersaClick, which allows you to select and attach attachments to suit your hiking style and gear. It comes with a trekking pole holder, but I was skeptical about its horizontal (front-to-back) design, like a samurai sword, as opposed to the current trend of attaching the poles vertically (top-to-bottom). Depending on the size of the poles stored, care must be taken to avoid contact with people in front and behind. I ended up not using it because it often interfered with rocks and branches along the trail, something I didn't notice much with the vertical storage. I think it's best used as a temporary holder for when you want to let go of your trekking poles for a while, such as on rocky or chain-linked terrain. Now, the VersaClick accessories are sold separately and include a convenient opening pouch for carrying snacks and other items, a shock-resistant and waterproof pocket ideal for smartphones and GPS, and what surprised me was that it also has a camera holster. If you use a camera holster made by the same manufacturer as the backpack, you can avoid the stress of attaching it, so it is recommended for those who carry an SLR camera on hikes
I didn't know that THULE had backpacks until I wrote this review, but they have unique features and ingenuity that other companies don't have, so I'm looking forward to seeing their future lineup
MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25
Although it is a small backpack, the brand philosophy of comfort and durability is still alive and well
Here's what I like about it
- Exceptional durability
- Comfortable back even with heavy loads
- Adjustable back length system
- The main compartment opens wide in three directions, making packing and unpacking easy
- Ample storage
Here's △
- price
- weight
- When closing the main compartment, you have to operate multiple zippers every time, which is a hassle
The main compartment opens wide, so packing and taking things in and out is stress-free
This heavy-duty backpack features a distinctive three-zip design and is made with a 420 denier fabric, an exceptionally strong material not found in other companies. While I haven't tested it by pouring water over it, the strength of the fabric and the waterproof tape on the zippers suggest it will be able to withstand light rain without getting the contents wet. While its ruggedness may make it a bit heavy (1.2 kg), the support provided by the thick shoulder straps found on higher-end models makes it less of a concern. Its distinctive design, unlike other backpacks, makes it look natural in the city. I personally see it more often around town, at train stations, and even among fashionable young people who have no interest in hiking, than when hiking
Naturally, I used it for mountain climbing, but the three-zip design allows for a wide opening in the luggage compartment, making it easy to pack when preparing for a hike and easy to access while on the move. For everyday use, such as commuting, the three-zip design also makes it easy to store things like a laptop. However, my impression after using this product is that having to move three separate zippers to open and close it is quite a hassle! If there's no way to do it in one action, it would end up rejecting the three-zip design altogether, but this is something that can only be decided by the user's intuition
Like other backpacks, it is compatible with hydration systems, but it also has a hanger with a military feel that shows attention to detail
Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25
Lightweight, simple, easy to use for anyone, and a great value for money entry model, typical of Montbell
Here's what I like about it
- lightweight
- price
- compact
- Simple design yet high storage capacity
Here's △
- The hip belt is thin, so it is not good for carrying heavy loads
- Unevenness on the back when packed with luggage
Its simple exterior offers more storage space and ease of use than you would expect, making it perfect for winter hikes
This backpack is simple and incredibly lightweight. While it lacks outstanding features and functions compared to other products, it offers excellent value for money and is suitable for all users, regardless of age or gender. Its unreliable belt, which simply fastens around the waist rather than providing a hip belt for load distribution or small item storage, is inferior to other products. However, this backpack is recommended for those who find hip belts bothersome and not bulky. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for this product when reviewing it. However, the soft, frameless back feels surprisingly soft against the back, and it's comfortable to wear as long as you don't overload it to the point of distorting the back. It exceeded my expectations, in a good way
The zipper, which is placed in a line that is close to a semicircle, slides comfortably and lightly, and although the opening is not large, it feels easy to open and close, something that is not found in other companies' backpacks
As a model bearing the "DENALI" name, the simple exterior with only the essential functions makes it easy to use even in winter mountains, and it will be sufficient for day trips in winter mountains. There are also two belts on the front where you can attach carabiners, allowing you to attach external items such as crampons or a crampon bag
It's also excellent in terms of cost performance, so if you're thinking about starting mountain climbing, you might want to try this product first and then consider your next backpack based on your preferences
summary
As I mentioned at the beginning, each manufacturer offers a variety of different features and innovations when it comes to backpacks. Through this test, I realized that choosing a backpack is even more difficult. Features and specifications that I hadn't particularly considered turned out to be useful in the field, and features that seemed appealing ended up being less than ideal in the field. My impression of some backpacks changed dramatically between before and after the test, so I think you won't find the perfect backpack for you (one that satisfies you) until you actually try one on. I'm not sure if my humble review will be helpful, but I encourage you to try out as many backpacks as you can until you're satisfied. That's part of the fun of mountaineering, after all
Hiroaki Saito
I live in Saitama Prefecture. I was captivated by the Kurobe Gorge Shimono Corridor, and after turning 30, I got into mountain climbing, but I'm still developing my passion. Drawing on my natural curiosity and spirit of inquiry, I try to get into the mountains whenever I have time to make up for my lack of experience. I have a strong desire for material things, and I make impulse purchases without thinking about the consequences, which leads to ups and downs in my days. I'll share the appeal of gear through my trial and error
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