Not only for general outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, cycling, kayaking and rafting, but also when traveling or in everyday life, if you find yourself carrying more luggage than you can fit in your pockets, that's when a daypack comes in handy.
I don't know the exact definition of a daypack, but roughly speaking, it's fine to think of it as a small backpack of around 30L (liters) or less. While it doesn't have enough capacity for serious overnight mountain climbing, it's just the right size for day hikes or summer hut stays. Its ease of use, versatility, durability, and affordable price make it a popular choice for a wide range of people, from beginners to those who prefer an outdoor style
Perhaps it was a strange pride that got in the way of my having started mountain climbing as a student, but for a long time I had no interest in these small packs. However, recently I have come to use several types of packs not only for day hikes, but also for walking around town when traveling and for everyday work, and I am constantly being inspired by them
Yes, these small bags, which are lined up in plethora at outdoor specialty stores and stylish select shops, all look the same at first glance apart from the design and color, but if you choose carefully, you'll find that they are extremely versatile. They are filled with various small ingenious ideas and attention to detail, such as comfort to carry, ease of use, and functions designed for specific uses, and there are many different models that we recommend depending on your purpose and priorities
So, this time we would like to introduce a carefully selected list of recommended daypacks that can be used for a wide range of basic outdoor activities such as hiking, but that also have a variety of appealing features, from classic, traditional models to edgy, unique designs
table of contents
- table of contents
- 10 recommended daypacks for everything from day hikes to everyday use
- The Osprey Talon 22 (women's model: Tempest 20) is a perfect daypack for its all-around usability
- The ultimate comfort that embodies the Gregory philosophy: Gregory Salvo 24 (women's model: Sula 24)
- The Arc'teryx Brize 25 shines in both the mountains and the city, showcasing the functional beauty of Arc'teryx
- The MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 is a unique tool that was created with the aim of achieving its true value
- The Black Diamond Nitro 22 is a great choice for technical situations without compromising balance
- The Deuter Futura 28 (women's model: Futura 20 SL) offers long-standing comfort and a sense of security that will never let you down
- The MAMMUT CREON ZIP combines sophisticated style and high functionality at a high level
- A new face that fits right in the center of the cutting-edge outdoor scene: MILLET PULSE 28
- This time, Mont-Bell is not just about cost performance: Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25
- The North Face Caillou 28 promises maximum performance with minimal weight
table of contents
10 recommended daypacks for everything from day hikes to everyday use
The Osprey Talon 22 (women's model: Tempest 20) is a perfect daypack for its all-around usability.
This classic daypack from a leading global backpack brand has been updated for 2017. Its sophisticated functionality, built on years of dedication to user convenience, remains unchanged even in this size, perfect for beginner hikers. The significantly revised back foam now features a diamond shape for increased space and improved breathability. While the space has increased, vertical rigidity has actually been strengthened, and the mesh fabric with fewer seams enhances comfort. The streamlined main compartment and front and side stretch pockets, perfect for storing bottles, outerwear, gloves, and more, make the 22L capacity feel less significant. Other well-known features remain, including a pole holder for hiking, a helmet carrier for biking, and a light attachment, making this a versatile backpack suitable for a wide range of activities, all year round
The Gregory Salvo 24 (women's model: Sula 24) embodies the Gregory philosophy with its exceptional comfort.
This model from Osprey, a world-leading, long-established backpack manufacturer, embodies their philosophy of "superb comfort so comfortable you'll forget its weight." The loose, trampoline-structured mesh back panel feels comfortable against the skin and fits snugly, and the sturdy aluminum frame surrounding the panel ensures the weight is firmly supported on the hips despite its size. The stretchy side pockets and spacious front and hip belt pockets are convenient and easy to use, and the simple, clean design makes it a perfect fit for everyday use around town. On the flip side, its weight is not particularly light, and its inability to fold makes it difficult to use as a secondary backpack when traveling or to store in a coin locker while running, so don't expect it to be particularly portable
The Arc'teryx Brize 25 shines in both the mountains and the city, showcasing the functional beauty of Arc'teryx.
Arc, unrivaled when it comes to high-end items (and therefore extremely expensive) that can withstand the toughest activities, finally released a hiking daypack in 2017. The first thing that catches your eye is the minimalist and stylish design. It's so stylish that it would be a shame not to use it in your daily life. Meanwhile, the ergonomic Aerofoam thermoformed back panel ensures lightness and breathability. The main access, which at first glance appears to be a top lid, is actually easily accessible via a zipper. Equipped with the bare minimum of side pockets, small item storage, and hydration storage, it's not just stylish, it's also highly practical. It's perfect for travel and everyday use, with the occasional use for low-altitude hiking
The MYSTERY RANCH Coulee 25 is a unique tool that has been designed with the ultimate in value.
MYSTERY RANCH is an emerging backpack brand created by Dana Gleason, a longtime backpack designer known for his innovative ideas, including the daisy chain, now commonly adopted by many manufacturers. While primarily associated with military and hunting applications, this new model, released in 2017, is a long-awaited "late 20L" daypack for mountaineering, a long-standing gap in the lineup. Naturally, the small capacity doesn't come at the expense of compromise, and this philosophy is embodied in the pack. The robust back panel and cushioned shoulder and hip belts ensure an exceptional fit thanks to the adjustable "Futura Yoke System" that adapts to all body types. Packed with the brand's signature user-friendly features, including a three-zip design for easy access to deep-seated items and ample stretch pockets, the pack is also packed with the brand's signature ease-of-use features. Of course, its durability, recognized by the U.S. military, remains unwavering. If you're looking for a satisfying experience that's the polar opposite of the refreshing and lightweight feel that's become increasingly rare these days, try this pack
The Black Diamond Nitro 22 is a great choice for technical situations without compromising balance.
BD, known for its expertise in technical activities like climbing gear and backcountry skiing, has created a daypack that's surprisingly (and I might get in trouble for saying that) well-balanced and easy to use. Despite its stable lightness, the sturdy back frame makes it comfortable to wear (and also ensures excellent breathability). Its versatile storage options include a zippered main access that opens all the way to the bottom, retractable side pockets, external hydration storage, a thick front pocket large enough to hold crampons, and a safety light attachment. BD's unique climbing-focused features, such as the "swing arm shoulder straps" that accommodate even large arm swings, are also interesting. The simple exterior makes it a great choice for everyday use, and it's sure to satisfy even the most demanding users
The Deuter Futura 28 (women's model: Futura 20 SL) offers long-standing comfort and peace of mind.
This best-selling daypack from a prestigious German brand boasts many of the same features found in traditional mountaineering backpacks, making it the most hiking-friendly model among our recommendations. The traditional mesh back construction provides excellent fit and breathability, making it as comfortable to wear as if you were carrying a large backpack. The classic two-compartment design, with zippered access from both the top and bottom, is just like a large backpack. The large, divider-equipped front pocket more than makes up for the lack of storage space typically found in packs of this size. If you're looking for a hiking pack that anyone can use with confidence, this is the one for you
The MAMMUT CREON ZIP combines sophisticated style and high functionality at a high level.
Mammut offers a wide lineup of technical packs for climbing and other activities, and there are several other daypacks to choose from, but we recommend this one for its striking appearance and impressive comfort. As you can see, it doesn't offer as many features as the other models. However, the mesh trampoline structure on the back provides a comfortable fit and breathability, making for a comfortable spring and summer hike. It also boasts a generous 30L capacity despite its sleek, slim design. A stretch side pocket, two zippered pockets, and pole attachments ensure a minimum level of storage. While this model prioritizes style, it's rare to find one that combines design and functionality at such a high level
Millet Pulse 28 fits right into the cutting edge of outdoor fashion.
Millet is known for being a long-established brand that quietly slips in incredibly innovative models amid its more conventional offerings every year, and this new model, which debuted this year, is no exception. Above all, its slim, minimalist design, featuring only the bare minimum of standard pocket attachments, is more insane than ever. The Batman-esque black model in particular is truly captivating. Not only does it look great, but its vertical shape, which widens toward the top, helps position the center of gravity near shoulder height, providing more stable load support than other models. The sleek design also makes it easy to move around, making it a logical choice for activities that require active arm movements. Despite its impressive 28L capacity, it boasts the second-lightest weight of our recommendations, and its breathable back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt make it perfect for sports like fastpacking and via ferrata, where lightness and ease of movement are more important than durability
This time, Mont-Bell is not just about cost performance.
Mont-Bell Denali Pack 25
I'm sure I wasn't the only one surprised: "This is a Montbell daypack?" This year's new hiking daypack features a slim, stylish form rather than the traditional semicircular form, despite its zippered access system. It offers outstanding functionality, but frankly, it's a brand that has largely given up on design. Its sophisticated visuals are hard to believe, and I was delighted to see the true essence of "Function is Beauty." Despite being the lightest of our recommendations this time (including pack cover), it boasts a 25L capacity, small item pockets, side pockets, pole attachments, and a daisy chain, making it fully functional for general hiking and trekking. Including its affordable price, this is an item that will satisfy you in a broader sense
The North Face Caillou 28 promises maximum performance with minimal weight.
![[The North Face] Backpack Caelus 28 NM61664](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41XqatVsk0L._SS300_.jpg)
Considering the brand's bestsellers, my recommended daypack would probably be the "Telus 25." While I think it's certainly a good choice, it's too unassuming for my contrarian nature, and I just can't bring myself to like it. Instead, the Caillus series, developed in collaboration with professional adventure racer Yoki Tanaka, incorporates a variety of features designed to withstand harsh conditions, including weather and high loads, making it more unique and practical. The mesh back trampoline structure ensures a comfortable fit and breathability, and padding on the shoulders and lower back cushions the pack for extended use. While this construction tends to be heavy, this pack weighs in at just 940g, making it one of the lightest of its kind. Other features include a large, padded front pocket that can hold clothing, a helmet, and even crampons, providing maximum comfort and ease of use with minimal weight. Just as Tanaka rode this pack across Japan's 100 famous mountains, this pack will surely ensure a comfortable journey, from low mountains to crossing the Alps and staying in huts
We also recommend this article about backpacks
- How to choose a mountain climbing backpack that won't make a mistake and 10 recommended for beginners
- 10 lightweight backpacks recommended for those who are about to start fast packing
- Comparison review: Comparing the best introductory backpacks for those just starting to climb
- Comparison review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light mountain hiking and fast packing
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