Daypacks

Recent Daypack (under 35L) Reviews

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

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Nice size for day hikes or ultralight camping. Suitable also for climbing, running, or cycling. Bought last year and have used it for about 6 months. One of the Youtube reviews for this pack has it thrown off a mountain in Scotland and it survives with hardly a scar. Keeping that in mind you'll know it may be light, but it's rugged. I'm primarily a hiker, but I usually take a DSLR and 1-2 extra lens. With a few drybags, lens pouches, and drawstring pouches it's workable to divide all your kit. Not… Full review

Podsacs Waterproof 20L Ruscksack

A dirt cheap solution, if you're worried about getting your electronics—or spare socks—wet, on your hike, in your boat or canyoneering. Pod Sacs has been a revered brand in the climbing community, in the UK.  Their crag sacks, hip packs, and chalk bags were ubiquitous for many years.  The company was sold to bike firm Planet X, in 2014 and they recently re-launched the name, with a clever line of waterproof bike luggage, aimed at the growing Gravel Bike market. Tucked away in the promo for… Full review

REI Flash 22

This is a simple, well designed and made little pack. It is a great 3-season daypack (a little small for winter in the Northeast). What a nifty little pack. I prefer a top loader without a zippered enclosure as zippers tend to fail at the most inopportune times. The pack is extremely well designed with a water bladder pocket. The bottle pockets on the outside have enough depth to hold bottles in difficult terrain.  Its lack of structure and minimal waist belt is I believe actually a positive on… Full review

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