Daypacks

Recent Daypack (under 35L) Reviews

USWE Pow 16

The Pow 16 is a specialized winter alpine pack for skiers/snowboarders. It is designed to hold avalanche gear, skis/board and features a CE-Certified full back protector. The pack uses the magic of Swedish engineering to keep your drinking tube thawed in sub-zero temps. The USWE POW makes bold claims and lives up to them all. Your new best ski partner. I'll save you the reading and say this; buy this pack. Do you ski or snowboard in front or side country? Need to carry your plank(s) uphill occasionally? Full review

REI Trail 25

Great basic daypack, large enough to carry all the essentials plus lunch. Would buy again. Hiking with this pack over the last year it has been through quite a bit. It has slid down rock slabs and knocked off a couple ledges and shows no real signs of wear (the spilled soy latte stain is the most noticeable wear).  The included rainfly has been used on numerous occasions and is sized very well for the pack, kept all my gear dry every time. Side bottle pockets can hold a 1 liter Nalgene so plenty… Full review

Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Indestructible, adjustable, and crazy comfortable daypack that falls under Buy Once - Cry Once. I'd heard of Mystery Ranch packs, which are manufactured in Bozeman, Montana, but always thought they were way too heavy for backpacking and maybe a little more geared to the hunting/survivalist/outdoors work market. But I wanted a daypack that would handle heavier loads for winter, some lash options, and could maybe work for a super light overnight with minimal  gear. In doing a search I ran across… Full review

L.L.Bean Approach Travel Pack 30L

I recently added this 30L backpack to the assortment of other backpacks I own. I initially purchased as added carrying space from a return airline trip, but I found I also liked it as a daypack for local hiking. I can fit all my extra weather gear into this roomy backpack and the compartment type structure makes it easy to access my most needed gear quickly without rummaging through the entire bag in search of what I need.   Front view of the 30L pack   Inside and top have easy to reach compartments… Full review

Black Diamond Distance 15 Pack

A spacious 15L running vest style pack that is great for all sorts of adventures.     I saw this pack at a trade show and immediately knew that I needed it for my collection. The running vest style straps and pockets combined with a minimal main body creates a very useful, durable, and comfortable pack. I have used this pack for hiking, alpine scrambles, excursions into the Flatirons (carrying climbing gear), and on occasion riding my bike for transportation. Six pockets on the straps carry all… Full review

Helikon-Tex Foxtrot Mk2

A well designed and high quality product that was designed for the bushcraft crew and may have application for the hiking crowd. This is an early review with on going experimentation.   Helikon-Tex Foxtrot Mk2 This is a well built, robust product for carrying a day's worth of gear for quick exploration and day hike applications. It is well thought out with all kind of organizing pockets found internally. The waist belt is adjustable and comes with PALS webbing also called MOLLE commonly. The PALS… Full review

Deuter Futura 30 SL

Easily the best backpack I've ever had, lots of compartments, spacious enough for an all-day hike, and extremely comfortable as well. This review is based on the 2015 version I purchased at REI that year (the review itself is the one I wrote for REI's website a month or so after purchasing). This bag is much bigger than I thought it would be, and that's a good thing. It's more versatile than I expected.  Deuter's website states the two side bellow pockets add a combined 3L to the size of the pack. Additionally,… Full review

Osprey Talon Pro 20

A highly-responsive daypack from Osprey that incorporates some nice features for those with technical needs, but perhaps a little overkill for the average weekend hiker. As a long-time user of the non-Pro version of the Talon pack, I found the Pro version to be mostly the same, with some slight upgrades here and there, with the most noticeable being an improved ride (fits closer and doesn't jostle around). Personal Experience with Osprey Daypacks:I’ve used the Osprey Talon 22 as my primary daypack… Full review

Gregory Juno 30 H2O

The Gregory Juno 30 H20 is a women's fit daypack with integrated 3L hydration reservoir (hence the H20 designation). It is excellent for long day hikes or when you need to carry several liters of water. The shape and moisture-wicking fabric on the back make the pack very comfortable, even with heavy loads. With many compartments and storage areas, the Gregory Juno 30 H20 will keep your essentials, valuables, and extras secure while you climb trails. Gregory also offers this pack in Plus Size, as… Full review