Daypacks

Recent Daypack (under 35L) Reviews

Hikpro 002 33L

This is a budget foldable daypack that is spacious and organized. It is best for urban travelers who don't care about suitcase weight, but do care about suitcase size (ex. most air travelers). Fit: The pack is essentially a sack, so fit doesn't matter. Comfort: Not comfortable with heavy loads, but otherwise adequate. This pack is comfortable when used properly. It has non-padded shoulder straps that tend to twist under heavy loads. Additionally, the back panel is unpadded, so you need to pack… Full review

Gregory Zulu 30

A high-quality, supportive, and organized daypack. It is loaded with extremely well designed features, such as an adjustable backpanel, secure and easy to reach bottle pockets, and a rain cover pocket. It is best for day hikers that pack a lot of gear and prioritize comfort and features.  Fit: Fits slender males well. The pack fit my 30-inch waist well. The back would fit most people well, with several inches of adjustability. Comfort: This pack is breathable and supportive,  contributing to great… Full review

Osprey Tempest 30

It's light. Juuuuust big enough for overnight or a few days if you go ultralight. This is for the men's version. Mine fits 5.8, should go shorter > taller, so there you go ladies. Great daypack. Great ski/board pack. No complaints. Got all yer belzNwhistles without extra weight (key clip, full pockets, compression, bottle sides, that kinda thing.) Comfortable as any pack I've owned w day loads. Ventilation solid but not superior. I can't speak to this backpacking (really no reason not to use… Full review

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