Daypacks

Recent Daypack (under 35L) Reviews

Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault

A multi-functional, durable pack that is big enough (27L) for day hikes and daylong hunting trips, yet hosts additional features, like a laptop sleeve with rear-facing zipper, that allow it to serve as an everyday carry pack (EDC) or a travel/carry-on bag too. A true swiss army knife of a pack. Conditions: This initial review is based on testing over a 6-week period during the late fall and early winter  in the eastern US in mostly cool and cold conditions (mostly below 40F/4.4C), with some light… Full review

Gregory Jade 28

Size of the hip belt makes it easy to manipulate to ether tighten or loosen quickly if needed. The adjustable torso has proven to be a good feature. I wasn't sure about this at first but with use it has settled in. I was a diehard Osprey pack user. Then they changed the design of the model I liked. So the hunt was on for another pack. The industry still hasn't kept up with the needs of women when selecting a pack. There are a few women's specific packs, but only a few. And then it seems the industry… Full review

Osprey Nebula

This bag is spacious enough for all of your books/gear, it has plenty of organization, and many great features. This bag is perfect for students, for going to work, or for traveling. While its best use is around town, it easily accommodates an active lifestyle. Disclaimer: I do not own the most recent version of this bag. I purchased my Osprey Nebula four years ago.   This bag is great for work or for traveling. It is a well organized pack that can be used on the trail if need be. I recently took… Full review

Mammut Trion Light 28

Great all-around pack for anything you can do in the mountains. Comfortable and supportive, yet extremely light. Fits very well, and is very adjustable. Very comfortable for such a light and packable pack. I am glad the design includes a padded waist strap. This makes it useful as an all-day pack or as a summit pack on multi-day trips. I have finished climbs only to realize I was wearing this the whole time, when I meant to leave it at the bottom Fits a sufficient amount of gear for one day. I have… Full review

The North Face Men's Hydra 26

First proper civilian hiking bag. Uses: light hiking/sightseeing, cycling, travel. I am giving it 4 stars because it is that comfortable and fills the bag role for multiple activities. So I gave it more stars than the number of Cons would suggest, but I don't think those cons have a big impact; excepts to say for one. First, my only purpose-built hiking and camping bags have been a Spec 82 Canadian Ruck Sack and a T-62 (Spec 62) Canadian Ruck Sack from the '50s/Korean War Era. Both were canvas,… Full review

Exped Cloudburst 25

A lightweight, completely waterproof summit and day pack that can ride in a bigger pack for doing side trips on longer hikes, doubles as a dry bag in the pack. Attention to details make it comfortable and highly functional. My wife has a habit of conveniently forgetting critical items so that she can replace them with something newer and better. For five years or so we both have been using the minimalist Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Packs for side trips on longer backpacking trips. On the first stopover… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry

Lightweight nice pack, very simple, but a little bit fragile. And not so comfortable. I bought this backpack because I was crazy about all the daypacks on the market now which are very heavy and with tons of pockets and steel structure. 30L pack does not need steel structures! So the Scrambler is very good, simple, light, and functional. It is not so comfortable on the back (I had a Deuter of the same weight/volume more comfortable). I expected it to be bombproof from the reputation of MH. But it… Full review

Osprey Talon 22

A lightweight bag suitable for day trips and commuting, though the lack of a lid to protect from a downpour or two may not suit everyone. I use this bag a lot as it is great for commuting to work on my bike or for day walks. There is plenty of room in the 22l compartment for wet weather gear, food, drink, and other essentials. The mesh pocket on the front is big enough to stow a fleece or rain jacket for quick and easy access. Towards the top of the bag is a toggle to hang a bike helmet from. Two… Full review

Gregory Nano 20

Great sized daypack. I got the Nano to replace an Agio pack to use for work, also to have a brighter pack for more visibility when commuting on my motorcycle. Two nice sized pockets (one panel loading, one top loading). My only complaint is it's hard to fit a 32 oz. Nalgene in the side pockets. Full review