Comparison impressions: Comparing convenient and comfortable daypacks, from day hiking to travel and city use

A backpack is displayed all over the wall of a mountaineering equipment store. In addition to the size, each manufacturer has a variety of features and ingenuity, and even if you don't intend to buy it, you will visit the area every time.

Now that I have gained some experience, I can now choose a backpack that suits my mountain climbing style and purpose, but when I was about to start mountain climbing, I remember how I was simply confused by the walls of my backpack right in front of me when I was just about to start mountain climbing, which was not clear on the spot what criteria to use or the differences between different manufacturers.

In particular, many 20-30 liter sizes, also known as daypacks, are sold by various manufacturers, which are ideal for day trips and hiking, and there are already many options, and many people may be confused about whether to place importance on design or functionality, including purchase budgets, or what functions are needed for them in the first place. Even if you consult with a store, some people may find it hard to be honest with you to actually carry multiple backpacks.

For that reason, this time I have reviewed six 20-30 liter daypacks that are perfect for light mountain climbing and hiking, from my perspective

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Evaluation results - Recommended daypacks by type
• summary

About the daypacks compared this time

First, when selecting candidates for comparison, the following criteria were roughly considered:

•  Capacity must be around 20-30L
•  It must be a trekking model
• It is not a model specializing in specific activities such as Alpine (climbing/snow mountains) or Ultralight, but is a versatile model for light mountain climbing and trekking.
•  Can be purchased from authorized Japanese distributors, mail order sites, etc.

We have picked out the following models that match these conditions and also offer a variety of individuality.

• Gregory Salvo 24/Sura 24 (It appears to have been slightly changed since this season)
• mont-bell dinari pack 25
• MYSTERY RANCH Cooley 25
• Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20
• THE NORTH FACE Kyle's 28
• THULE Capstone 22L

Test environment

The test period is two months from December 2017 to January 2018. The areas we tested were the mountains around the Kanto region, including Mt. Yatsugatake, Akagi and Hanno. It is used in mountains with snowfall due to the seasonal reasons. The weather is clear, cloudy and snowy, and the conditions on the trail are dry, frozen and snowy.

Although not all models were tested on the same mountain, the baggage stored in the backpack was based on a heat-retaining bottle, cooker, burner, 1L of water, cold weather clothing, Zert, food, and behavioral food, and depending on the mountain climbed during the test, crampons, chain spikes, and pickles were added, and both were about 5-7kg.

Test results and spec comparison table

Evaluation results - Recommended by type

Gregory Salvo 24/Sura 24 (female model)

1st place overall: Excellent honors in all aspects other than weight

This is ◎

• Robust frame, cushioning and back ventilation for comfortable carrying
• Abundant storage
• Easy to use details such as zippers that are easy to open and close
• High durability with a sturdy fabric that does not lose its shape

This is △

• weight
• The frame cannot be folded compactly
• price

Gregory's backpack is a classic. Although it is a backpack of less than 30 liters, the maximum load weight is over 25kg (official website), which gives the company a sense of robustness and confidence that it is built without compromising, despite the comments about what it is packing so much. It weighs over 1kg, making it a heavy backpack of the same class, but the thick, firm shoulder strap and hip belt provide solid support so you don't feel the weight. I actually tried carrying it on my back for about 7kg (including product weight) for about half a day, but the back suspension fits my back, making me feel so comfortable that I forgot I was carrying it on my back. The pockets placed on the left and right sides of the hip belt have sufficient capacity and size, allowing you to store smartphones and iPhones (the image is iPhone 7) on both sides, and you can also store more food from there.

However, to be honest, access to the cargo area is not very good. Although the zipper is long and the opening is large, the compression belt located on the side interferes, causing the trouble of removing the belt buckle. It may be that I'm just a hassle, but this effort really put me in the stress. This model, which is filled with the functions required of a backpack, while still realizing these disadvantages, can be said to be a highly complete backpack.
*As of January 2018 when I wrote this review, this Salvo 24L model appears to be out of print and is being sold at a capacity of 28 liters, but there does not appear to be any changes to the functionality.

Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20 (female model)

2nd overall: A skilled batter who can handle any activity with light, multi-functional, high cost performance

This is ◎

• lightweight
• Breathable back
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Flexible to fold compactly
• A variety of storage and attachments make it easy to use and versatile
• price

This is △

• Thin cushion
• Convex back when packing luggage

Despite its standard appearance, this backpack has a variety of ingenuity. A major feature is that it has a back adjustment function that allows you to change the position of the shoulder strap using Velcro. You can also find a position that suits you depending on the amount of luggage you have on the day of the mountain hiking, and as long as there are no extreme differences in physique, it will allow you to share a single backpack with your family and friends.

The back of the shoulder strap and hip belt are made of mesh construction, making it breathable, and the attachment on the left shoulder strap temporarily holds the trekking pole when taking photos, which was useful. However, personally I prefer a slightly thicker belt cushion.

It also has features such as a lid lock attachment that allows you to attach a helmet, and a gear loop on the bottom of the left hand, but personally I don't think that this class of backpacks do require that much function. However, the lidlock attachment can be used to store trekking poles, and is shaped to allow carabiners to pass through, so it seems that there are many ways to use it. The frame on the back is made of soft material, which contributes to the lightness of the product itself, but perhaps the drawback is that if you pack a luggage that is just about the capacity, the back will be uneven and the comfort of carrying it will be compromised. Just like the mont-bell DENALI PACK25 we reviewed together, it has excellent cost performance, and I felt that it would be a good backpack to choose from.

THE NORTH FACE Kyle's 28

Useful for speed hiking, with comfortable back ventilation and high storage capacity.

This is ◎

• Although it is lightweight, the back frame and trampoline structure provide a comfortable carrying experience.
• Abundant external pockets, attachments

This is △

• Durability due to light weight
• The hard frame is intrusive and low storage capacity

A slim design backpack that is characteristic of the North Face. The large front pocket has plenty of capacity, making it a convenient feature that allows you to store jackets that you remove while taking off while you are on the move, and other items that you can eat. The elastic mesh panel on the back has thick pads that hit the shoulder blades and hip bones, making it a great posture that ensures breathability while also pursuing comfort.

The review was conducted on a low mountain with snow, but the temperature wasn't too low and I had to take off and wear my outer jacket to regulate my body temperature. Among these, the front pocket mentioned above was very convenient. You can lightly pat the outerwear and thrust it in, then take it out when it gets cold again, so there's no need to worry about it. It is also recommended for those who use heat-inhibiting bottles to keep them hydrated. The Yama-only bottle (0.9L) I use also fits well. It can fit in with side pockets, but there are many exposed parts of the bottle, so there is a risk of it falling and damage due to some kind of incidence. The entire bottle fits perfectly and you can easily take it out during your break, so it will make it convenient. Personally, I think that if the North Face backpack has a slightly larger hip belt pocket, it can store your smartphone, making it a very easy-to-use backpack...

THULE Capstone 22L

A full-fledged daypack that combines looks and functions, and stands out in both the city and the mountains

This is ◎

• A clean body that combines design and functionality
• Lightweight and comfortable aluminum frame and mesh back
• VersaClick accessories with excellent functionality and customization

This is △

• By narrowing down the functions, it takes a bit of effort to store poles and axes.
• The frame cannot be folded compactly

A THULE backpack with a strong impression of a car carrier and roof box. Reminiscent of Scandinavian Europe (lol) The simple and stylish exterior is not only for mountain climbing and outdoor activities, but also for the calm coloring, it will not make the surrounding area feel uncomfortable even when used for everyday use. The zipper part that allows you to access the main cargo area is made long, so it's easy to pack, making it possible to put in and take out your luggage without stress even when you're on the move. What makes it very different from other companies' models is not only its simple appearance, but the unique system called VersaClick allows you to select and attach attachments to suit your climbing style and equipment. When I purchased it, a trekking pole holder comes with it, but unlike the current mainstream, it is fixed vertically (up and down), I was curious about the specification that it is fixed horizontally (front and back) like a samurai sword. Depending on the storage size of the pole, if there are people in front and back, you will need to be careful not to let them come into contact with each other, and vertical storage often interfered with rocks and branches along the trail, which were not very noticeable, so I stopped using it. I think it's better to use it as a temporary holder when you want to release your trekking poles on rocky or chain areas. Now, this VersaClick accessory comes with a lineup of opening pouches that are sold separately for carrying food and other items, as well as shock-resistant waterproof pockets that are ideal for smartphones and GPS, and what surprised me is that it also has a camera holster. A camera holster from the same manufacturer as a backpack will relieve you of the stress of installing it, so it is recommended for those who carry a SLR camera when climbing.

Until I wrote this review, I had no idea that backpacks existed in THULE's products, but I would like to keep an eye on the future lineup as they show unique features and ingenuity that no other company has.

MYSTERY RANCH Cooley 25

Although it is a small backpack, the brand philosophy of comfort and robustness remains in good condition.

This is ◎

• Excellent durability
• Comfortable back even for heavy luggage
• Adjustable rear length adjustment system
• Main storage that opens wide in three directions to make packing and easy loading and removal of luggage
• Abundant storage

This is △

• price
• weight
• The main storage is a hassle, as it requires multiple zippers to be operated every time.

This heavy-duty backpack features a unique 3-zip design that catches the eye of 420 denier, making it a very strong fiber that no other company has. We have not done any investigation into pouring water on it, but the strength of the fabric and the waterproof tape applied to the zipper make it seem like it will not let the luggage inside get wet if it rains a little. Due to its robustness, it is a concern that it weighs only 1.2kg, but the thick shoulder strap, which is used in a higher-grade model, provides support, so the weight is not too concerning. The design, which stands out from other companies' backpacks, does not feel strange even in the city, and personally, I often see young people carrying it on their backs, such as in the city or in the station, rather than during the climbing, as well as stylish and unrelated to mountain climbing.

Naturally, I used it for mountain climbing purposes, but the three zipper that opens wide and offers excellent packing when preparing to climb, and the ease of putting in and taking out luggage while taking it in and out. If you are using it for everyday use such as commuting, you can store your laptop without any stress thanks to the 3 zipper. However, my impression after using this product is that when opening and closing, you have to move each of the three zippers, which is a hassle to do with it! If we think that it's not possible to do just one move, we'll end up denying the three zipper itself, but we can only leave it to the person who uses it.

Like other backpacks, it is compatible with a hydration system, but it is a hanger that gives off a military feel, giving you a sense of attention to detail.

mont-bell dinari pack 25

Lightweight, simple, easy to use for anyone, and a high-value-performance model that is typical of Montbell

This is ◎

• lightweight
• price
• compact
• Simple design but highly storage

This is △

• The hip belt is thin so it's not good for heavy loads
• Convex back when packing luggage

A simple and extremely light backpack. Although it does not have any noticeable features or features compared to other companies' products, it has excellent cost performance and is a model suitable for everyone, regardless of user or generation. Rather than hip belts that are intended to distribute loads or store small items, these unreliable belts, which are simply secured around the waist, are inferior to other companies' products, but they are not bulky and I think this backpack is recommended for those who find hip belts troublesome. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for this product when I reviewed it this time. However, the soft back without a frame makes it so soft that you can't imagine hitting your back, and as long as you don't pack enough luggage to the point of distorting the back, it's not too uncomfortable to carry it. I feel like my expectations have been disappointed in a good way.

The zipper is made with a line that is close to a semicircular shape and slides comfortably and lightly, and although the opening is not large, it feels easy to open and close, which is not found in other companies' backpacks.

As this model is named after the "DENALI", the simple exterior, which is compiled with the bare minimum of necessary functions, is easy to use even in winter mountains, and can be used for day trips to winter mountain climbing. There are also two belts on the front where the carabiner can be attached, allowing external attachments such as a sash or crampon bag.

It is also excellent in terms of cost performance, so if you are thinking of starting to climb, it may be a good idea to use this product for now and then consider the next backpack you will buy according to your preferences.

summary

As mentioned at the beginning, these backpacks have various features and ingenuity for each manufacturer. Through this test, I found it even more difficult to choose a backpack, as features and specifications that I didn't particularly care about were convenient in the actual field, and features that seemed attractive seemed less attractive in the actual field. There are backpacks that have a big difference in impression before and after the test, so I don't think you'll find the perfect backpack for yourself (which you'll be satisfied with) if you don't actually carry it on your back. I don't know if my poor review will be helpful, but please carry it on your back until you are satisfied with it yourself and choose it. That's also one of the fun things about mountain climbing.

Saito Hiroaki

Lives in Saitama Prefecture. Fascinated by the Shimono Corridor of Kurobe Gorge, he has been obsessed with mountain climbing since he turned 30 and is still in the process of developing the area. I use my natural curiosity and exploration as a front, and I try to enter the mountains if I have time to cover my lack of experience points. He has a strong desire for material things and is always happy and sad when he makes impulse purchases that he doesn't think about the future. We will share the charm of the gear with such trials and errors.

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