Daypacks

Recent Daypack (under 35L) Reviews

Mountainsmith Scream 25

Very versatile pack for fly fishing, mountain biking, moto camping, day hikes, gravel biking, commuting, just about any activity. Well thought out. I own two of the Scream 25's (bought a second one after only three trips with first one). I have had them so long I can't remember the year I purchased. Used extensively in the Smokies for day trips, fly fishing, gravel biking, climbing. I've used them for moto camping in the west (Colorado,New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and California. Full review

Deuter Climber

The Deuter Climber is a 22L pack designed for children ages 6 and up. With many features found on adult packs it isn't a toy. Rather, it performs well enough that small framed adults in the 10"-17" torso range could certainly use it, at least for day hiking. For children it also works well for extended backcountry excursions with plenty of room for child sized loads.   Deuter's redesign of their Climber produced a child-sized pack that looks and functions like an adult pack, just a little smaller. Full review

Osprey Daylite

Lightweight Ventilated Backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee Picked this up on a crazy sale and could not be happier with the price I paid for the pack. It was exactly what I was looking for and despite saying it fits up to a 2-liter hydration bladder, I am able to run my 3-liter Camelbak in it with no issues whatsoever. It actually slides into an open compartment that sits between the main pack and the backpad. So it is easily accessible without opening zippers and going into the main compartment. Full review

Gregory Citro 24 H20

This backpack is great for a day hike, even if the heat is high. The backpack is very lightweight and stylish. It is very functional and has many pockets. I came into it thinking it was a small backpacking backpack and I was mistaken. It is just a very large daypack, although I have stretched it into an overnight bag.  The frame feels amazing and puts the weight on your hips. It has tons of nice features that you can tell someone put a lot of time thinking about. Overall this backpack is what I… Full review

Gregory Citro 24 H20

There are a lot of choices for daypacks and many features and specs to consider. I tend to like my packs with the ability to provide separation of gear based on my style of hiking. The Gregory Pack lines are in my opinion the best at balancing compartments with lighter weight construction making them my go-to. The Citro 24 H20 didn't disappoint. This is my third Gregory pack and it looks like another winner. I mainly focus on mountain day hiking and multiday backpacking. I picked up the Citro 24… Full review

Osprey Archeon 30

Osprey's Archeon 30 daypack is equally happy heading up a mountain, commuting, or traveling. Made from robust, 100 percent recycled nylon pack material. Exceptional durability means it’s heavier than most comparable day packs. Carries comfortably up to 25 pounds and has useful features such as zippered full length access, good-sized side and lid pockets, and a hydration sleeve. Get this backpack if you favor comfort, durability, sustainability—ultralight fans should look elsewhere. INTRODUCTION… Full review

Mystery Ranch In and Out

A 19-liter lightweight packable day pack with sternum strap, three outside pockets, an internal hydration sleeve, compression straps, and half-clamshell zippered opening. Good design for minimalist everyday carry, day hiking, and accessory travel backpack and personal carry-on bag. I bought this backpack as an accessory day pack for "onebag" style travel. My main carry-on travel backpack is a Gregory Compass 30 liter and is too big for day trips.  I have a 46" chest and the shoulder straps wrap… Full review

Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable

Excellent ultralight and packable 23-liter backpack for EDC, travel, and day hiking. I have owned the Gossamer Gear Type II Summit Pack and the original Vagabond backpack and was happy to see this new update on the Vagabond. There are now three versions of the Vagabond packs in production with the Packable version being the lightest and lowest priced. I do a lot of "onebag" style travel and this version stows easily in my larger carry on pack or can be used as a "personal" carry on flight bag.  … Full review

Outdoor Research Dry Summit Pack LT

Great minimalist waterproof day pack. Simple and light, very underrated! I have many pieces of Outdoor Research gear, and I have been pleased with all of them. The Outdoor Research Dry Summit Pack LT does not disappoint! Might be light on features, but it checks all of the boxes if you are looking for a minimalist pack. What I like... I have been using it for a week, both as a daypack for work and used on a 5-mile day hike, and the pack performed admirably. Even though it has no internal frame or… Full review