The 6 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2025

The Best Daypacks for Men

Best Overall Daypack

Osprey Talon 22

The Osprey Talon 22 is an excellent, all-around daypack that can handle a variety of activities and pack weights. The Talon lives up to Osprey's lofty reputation with a suspension system that offers support without sacrificing mobility. We love the adjustable back, and tester Zach Lovell made a point to note: “For a pack this small, I'm surprised and impressed it comes with an adjustable back that can accommodate many different torso lengths.” Members of our testing team have different-sized torsos, and each was able to adjust the pack to get the fit just right. The extra-wide, padded hip belt is another comfort feature that is more commonly seen on larger packs like the REI Co-op Traverse 35 and allowed us to carry more weight without feeling restrained while hiking and scrambling. The organizational features of the Talon 22 are also bountiful, with Zach noting, “I find it has an excellent pocket layout, and I especially like the two hip pockets.” The additional helmet attachment, plus several external attachment points to connect an ice axe, trekking pole, or anything else you can fit on a 22-liter pack, all help this pack take you the extra mile.

Measured Weight	30.7 oz
Advertised Volume	22 L
Weight per Liter	1.40 oz/L
Back Construction	Vented, contoured
Hydration Compatibility	Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included

The Talon 22 weighs 30.7 ounces for a 22 L capacity, which means its weight-to-volume ratio is less than ideal if weight is a priority. Fortunately, this pack boasts excellent durability, and if you're out just for one day at a time, it's unlikely you're counting ounces anyway. That said, if you are set on something lighter, the REI Co-op Flash 22 is a worthy contender. Despite loving the Talon 22's pockets overall, we were disappointed that the exterior side pockets may be too small for larger water bottles. Unless you have a relatively slim bottle, you'll either have to put your bottle inside the main pocket or switch to a water bladder. While most backpacks have an interior water bladder compartment, the Talon 22 puts the bladder compartment on the bag's exterior. We don't love this setup due to protection concerns in rugged terrain. Additionally, cinching down the load lifter straps can put unnecessary pressure on the bladder. Besides these few nitpicky details, the Osprey Talon 22 is well worth your hard-earned cash if you seek a highly capable option for one-day adventures.

Read more: Osprey Talon 22 review

Best Bang for Your Buck

REI Co-op Flash 22

The REI Co-op Flash 22 is a lightweight daypack that offers great mobility at a budget-minded price point. While many packs compromise comfort and mobility, the Flash 22 offers freedom of movement and carries very well. According to tester Zach Lovell, “It felt larger than advertised — I could easily fit layers and a bunch of equipment inside. My biggest concern was not letting the load get too heavy.” Made from 70D nylon with a polyurethane coating, the entire pack weighs just 14.0 ounces and offers one of the best weight-to-volume ratios among the packs we tested, with the Venture Pal 35L being the other notably light and spacious option. Thoughtfully designed features on the Flash 22, like an abundance of exterior attachment loops, are useful and simple to use. Our testers have owned some version of the Flash daypack for over a decade, and this latest update convinced us that this line from REI will be an industry mainstay for budget, lightweight daypacks.

Measured Weight	14.0 oz
Advertised Volume	22 L
Weight per Liter	0.64 oz/L
Back Construction	Removable foam pad
Hydration Compatibility	Internal hydration sleeve

Unfortunately, the Flash 22 isn't the most durable. The thin nylon material that keeps this pack lightweight is more vulnerable to abrasion, especially if you often move through dense underbrush or rocky environments. If you're seeking a more durable option on the lighter side, look at the Gregory Nano 18, which is made with more robust fabrics. The Flash also doesn't handle heavier loads well, with a minimalist foam pad being the only type of back support here. But if this doesn't bother you, the Black Diamond Distance 15 leans even further into minimalism, and offers incredible mobility at a very low weight. However, the REI Flash 22 is an exceptionally well-balanced budget pack, and one we'd recommend for outings where weight and mobility are the biggest priorities.

Read more: REI Co-op Flash 22 review

Best for Trail to Town

REI Co-op Trail 25

The REI Trail 25 can be worn from the office to the mountain trail, thanks to its spacious dimensions and versatile features. The 25L capacity is slightly larger than the previous two bags, and we can easily fit either hiking gear or office electronics into the main compartment, with additional pockets offering excellent organization regardless of the day's needs. Tester Zach Lovell described why it stands out in the lineup to him, saying, “I found the pocket layout effective for days when I needed to carry tech; it even fits my laptop well, which was a surprise sine I found most of the other daypacks in the lineup too narrow for a laptop.” While we'd still recommend you use a laptop case inside this bag, it does include a rain cover if you encounter precipitation. REI also generously reinforced the bag's nylon materials, creating roadworthy durability. Its built-in plastic board suspension and well-padded back also provide excellent comfort (although not quite as comfy as the Osprey Talon 22.

Measured Weight	30.9 oz
Advertised Volume	25 L
Weight per Liter	1.24 oz/L
Back Construction	Contured, foam pad
Hydration Compatibility	Internal hydration sleeve

The REI Trail 25 doesn't offer a great weight-to-volume ratio, weighing 30.9 ounces yet only offering approximately 25 liters of space. Fortunately, we found the weight less of a big deal on the type of day trips this pack is best for. While the generous back padding was comfortable, it came at the cost of reduced breathability, particularly on warm days. The thin hip straps are removable, but don't make this pack great for heavier loads. Options like the Decathlon Quechua MH100 offer excellent support and improved weight-carrying capabilities. If you're looking for another commuter bag, the Osprey Daylite Plus has a designated and padded laptop sleeve. Despite a few setbacks, the REI Trail 25 is an excellent daypack if you're seeking an option equally at home on a commute or day hike.

Read more: REI Trail 25 review

Best Buy on a Tight Budget

Venture Pal 35L

The Venture Pal 35L is a featherweight daypack that's one of the least expensive options available today. It weighs only 10.5 ounces, just one-third of the weight of our favorite pack, the Osprey Talon 22. With approximately 35 liters of volume, this pack has room to hold many hiking or traveling items without breaking a sweat, making it ideal for a day on the trail or a long plane ride. However, it doesn't have the structure to support heavier loads. Tester Zach Lovell says, “It's an incredible option for volume, but I think it's best for bulky lower-weight packing, like if you need to pack a bunch of layers for cold days, rather than heavier, weighted, structured items.” The Venture Pal also folds into its own pocket, offering the option to pack it away when it isn't needed. This is a rare yet handy feature, especially for travel and storage. We also appreciated the colors offered, allowing you to decide whether you want your pack to stand out or blend in.

Measured Weight	10.5 oz
Advertised Volume	35 L
Weight per Liter	0.30 oz/L
Back Construction	Nylon, no foam or structure
Hydration Compatibility	Internal sleeve that can be used for hydration, but no pathway for the hose

The Venture Pal 35L doesn't have a hip belt or back suspension, so if you think you'll load it up, think again. You'll want to make sure you keep it on the lighter side. Fortunately, many shoppers intending to use their daypacks for bulky items like clothes are less likely to max out the carrying capacity with a heavy weight. The Venture Pal doesn't offer much durability, so we'd recommend options like the Gregory Citro 24 H2O if that's a priority. It's not nearly as lightweight but beats the Venture in comfort and construction quality. However, the penny-priced Venture Pal is worth consideration if you're on a strict budget and aren't anticipating heavy loads.

Read more: Venture Pal 35L review

Best for Big Days

REI Co-op Traverse 35

In the world of daypacks, the REI Co-op Traverse 35 sets a high bar for functionality and weight-carrying capacity. During our test hikes, we loved the suspension and generous cushion it offers in the hips, shoulders, and back, which led to us giving this pack top marks in comfort. The features onboard the Traverse 35 are also incredibly useful, from the exterior attachment straps to the quick-access “brain” pocket (the top lid). Whether carrying just the ten essentials on a brief outing or a full winter mountaineering kit, the outcome is a comfortable, stable carry. “This is a miniature version of a Denali climber's backpack, and I love that,” our tester shared. The 210-400 denier recycled ripstop nylon material also makes this pack incredibly durable, matching options like the Osprey Stratos 34 in this metric. If you're looking for a daypack that can handle a variety of outdoors missions, no matter the weight, keep the Traverse 35 on your short list.

Measured Weight	52.0 oz
Advertised Volume	35L
Weight per Liter	1.49 oz/L
Back Construction	Contured, foam pad
Hydration Compatibility	Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point

In the latest design update to the well-known Traverse 35, REI addressed three crucial concerns we had with the previous iteration: they reduced the width and stiffness of the hip belt, they adjusted the dimensions to be slightly wider for easier packing, and they finally found a more secure method to attach the sternum strap to the backpack. This allowed us to get nitpicky, as the manufacturer fixed the biggest issues that had made us reduce its score in the past. The Traverse is still a stiffer and heavier model than much of the competition, so look at the REI Co-Op Flash 22 if mobility and weight are a priority. If you need an option that genre-bends between an overnight bag and a daypack, keep the Traverse 35 in mind; it's a highly capable model.

Read more: REI Co-op Traverse 35 review

Highly Durable and Feature-Rich Design

NEMO Persist 30L All-Adventure

The Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure is the Cadillac of daypacks. With helpful features like a retractable water bottle holder in the hip belt and adjustable bungee side straps, this bag offers all the bells and whistles needed for year-round adventures. Our lead tester added, “With up to 900 denier fabrics, this is as sturdy as a daypack gets. I put it through everything a 30-liter pack could do, including ski mountaineering, and I hardly found a scratch on it afterwards.” When fully loading this backpack, the edges of the shoulder straps did dig into some of our testers with narrower chests, making it less comfy than some other choices, though keeping the sternum strap loose did help remedy the problem. If you need a comfy daypack even with heavy loads, check out the REI Co-Op Traverse 35.

Measured Weight	50.2 oz
Advertised Volume	31L
Weight per Liter	1.62 oz/L
Back Construction	CCubed recycled foam cushioning, wire support system
Hydration Compatibility	Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point

The Persist 30L boasts a U-shaped zipper design and wide dimensions, making it very easy to pack with a variety of gear or clothing. One tester also shared, “I love the quick-access layer pocket, which allowed me to snag my layers fast whenever a sudden storm came in.” While its weight-to-volume ratio is 1.62 ounces per liter, among the poorest scores in the lineup, it offers top-tier durability for those who are rough on their packs. If needing something lighter that can carry weight well, consider the Osprey Talon 22, though it doesn't have the same capacity as the Persist. Outside of a few considerations, this is a great option for shoppers wanting unwavering durability for a wide variety of adventures.

Read more: Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	80	Osprey Talon 22 Best Overall Daypack	$160
	79	REI Co-op Traverse 35 Best for Big Days	$159
	78	REI Co-op Trail 25 Best for Trail to Town	$100
	77	Gregory Citro 24 H2O	$170
	76	REI Co-op Flash 22 Best Bang for Your Buck	$60
	76	NEMO Persist 30L All-Adventure Highly Durable and Feature-Rich Design	$230
	74	Decathlon Quechua MH100	$40
	74	Cotopaxi Batac 16L	$65
	72	Venture Pal 35L Best Buy on a Tight Budget	$25
	72	Gregory Nano 18	$65
	71	Deuter Speed Lite 21	$80
	67	Osprey Stratos 34	$200
	66	Osprey Daylite Plus	$75
	65	Black Diamond Distance 15	$200

How We Tested

After extensive market research, we bought the top options available today. We spent several weeks with each daypack in a variety of environments, from concrete sprawls in the city to rugged mountain ranges. We pushed each model as hard as possible on hikes, climbs, work commutes, fishing trips, and backpacking adventures to unearth its best and worst attributes. We also performed more objective testing with hose and weighted drag tests to size up weather resistance and durability. To learn more about our testing process, check out our in-depth testing article.

Each daypack was scored across five rating metrics:

• Comfort (25% of total score weighting)

• Versatility (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Weight (15% weighting)

• Durability (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell and outdoors guide Jacob Clark lead our team of daypack testers. Zach has been using daypacks for over two decades, from North America to Europe to Asia, and considers this type of bag an essential part of any outdoor kit. An ex-chemist turned outdoor guide, Jacob devotes most of his free time to the Los Padres National Forest behind Santa Barbara or more extensive exploits in the Eastern and Western Sierra. As a passionate trail runner and fast packer, he understands how traversing varied terrain in changing conditions demands a well-planned approach to gear. He often modifies packs to fit the precise needs of a specific adventure.

Dan Scott is a Ph.D. scientist who studies how rivers shape landscapes. He spends much of his time exploring and contemplating these landscapes worldwide, using his recreational abilities to navigate rivers, canyons, cliffs, and wildernesses by using ropes, kayaks, skis, and his own two feet. Transporting rock samples, carrying survey equipment, and enjoying the mountains, Dan employs and tests daypacks year-round in every imaginable situation.

Trevor Everts, hails originally from the Northeast U.S. and has spent many days among the region's stunning mountains and lakes. As a U.S. Marine, he has traveled globally and logged many adventures in various climates and terrains, always with a daypack in tow.

Analysis and Test Results

We wore these packs for every conceivable activity during our months-long testing process. Our gear experts created tests and scoring criteria to push the products to their limits and make this comparison as objective as possible. This in-depth article explains how we assessed the models in each metric, emphasizing the top performers to help identify the right pack for each user.

What's the Best Value?

While we evaluate these packs based solely on their performance, we don't disregard the importance of price. Higher prices usually result in more specialized features, such as front-side pole carriers or exceptionally high-quality builds. Generally, you can still acquire a fantastic, functional pack at an affordable price. There's enough competition in this category that most well-known brands have their value-oriented offerings. For smaller packs at the lower end of the price spectrum, surpassing the performance of the REI Co-op Flash 22 or the Decathlon Quechua MH100 isn't easy. These models are also versatile enough to be useful for various activities, eliminating the need to own multiple specialized packs. They are among the least expensive yet scored higher than many of the packs we examined. The Osprey Talon 22 significantly outperformed many packs and is considerably more affordable than other alternatives. Models like the REI Co-Op Traverse 35 can fill the needs of multiple backpacks, given that it can handle much heavier loads, making it a great value if one backpack can replace two. Regardless of your budget, you should be able to maximize your daypack investment.

Comfort

A pack's comfort depends on adjustability, load-carrying capability, and ventilation. Our favorites, the Osprey Talon 22 and REI Co-op Traverse 35, offer fully cushioned hip belts, load lifters, and ventilation, all contributing to increased comfort. The Gregory Citro 24 H2O and Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure also had some nice padding that provided wicking when it got hot.

The Osprey Talon 22 and the Osprey Stratos 34 are the easiest and most adjustable options among the packs tested. You can effortlessly un-velcro the back panel, move it up or down to adjust the shoulder straps' positions, and reattach it, allowing them to fit most individuals. Packs like the REI Co-Op Traverse 35 can also be adjusted from an 18" up to a 20" torso length, and they even come in different hip belt sizes. Follow the manufacturer's sizing chart and measuring instructions for other pack options.

The REI Trail 25 is a more modest option from REI that offers excellent comfort thanks to a well-padded back and a flexible support system. The ultralight REI Co-op Flash 22 is minimalist but carries moderate loads with stability due to its thoughtfully padded shoulder straps.

Breathability is a crucial aspect of comfort. We appreciate packs that allow airflow across our backs to let sweat evaporate and keep us comfortable in hot and cold environments. The Osprey Stratos 34 offers one of the most sophisticated back panels we've ever seen, keeping our backs inches away from the pack itself, allowing for excellent ventilation. While the Stratos has poor mobility, the Osprey proved that one can enjoy both support and breathability. After comparing dozens of options over the years, we can confidently say suspended mesh panels lead to significantly less sweatiness at the end of the day.

Simpler, lightweight options such as the Deuter Speed Lite 21, Gregory Nano 18, and the Cotopaxi Batac 16L were excellent in this metric relative to mobility, allowing our testers to rock climb in these packs with limited movement restriction easily.

Versatility

Versatility is sometimes a crucial component of a daypack, particularly for shoppers looking to use their bag for multiple activities and days of varying lengths. While the Osprey Talon 22 came out on top in this metric, thanks to its all-around performance in various settings, the Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure and Gregory Citro 24 H2O also scored well.

A day hiking-specific pack tends to be more versatile than a snow-sports or climbing-specific backpack. It can often be used for travel, summiting mountains, or carrying your laptop to your favorite coffee shop. Many of these models don't have a laptop sleeve, besides the Osprey Daylite Plus, but we still enjoyed using them for commuting to work, especially the REI Co-Op Trail 25. The Decathlon Quechua MH100 also stood out as an excellent hybrid commuter-hiker option. If your focus is on traveling for work, consider checking out the laptop backpacks we tested – though it is important to note that many packs found in that review are less likely to do well on hikes.

The Osprey Talon 22 performed very well for a myriad of activities, including hiking, traveling, commuting, peak bagging, and mountain biking. The REI Co-Op Flash 22 is simple, but the main open compartment accommodates many items. This pack works well for urban applications, such as a daily gym bag, while also serving as an excellent day trip bag to have with you on overnight trips for summit bids and day outings away from camp. The Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure has an extensive list of features and more generous dimensions that make it easy to pack, whether loading it up with climbing gear or ski touring equipment.

In general, packs with rigid frames, such as the Osprey Stratos 34 and REI Traverse 35, don't offer as much mobility, making them less ideal for scrambling. However, these options could be used for a wider variety of days, whether for a quick hike or an all-day backcountry fishing trip. If packing light, these packs could even be used for a 1-2 night backpacking trip.

Ease of Use

Several packs in our lineup tied for first place in this metric, which makes us tip our hats to multiple manufacturers who have streamlined their designs and made their bags user-friendly. Unlike some metrics, packs of all shapes and sizes scored highly in this category since we scored each option based on how intuitive each pack was (or wasn't) to use. We also investigated each option's features, seeing how easy it was to employ their bells and whistles.

Daypacks such as the Cotopaxi Batac 16L and the REI Co-Op Flash 22 focus on a simple, no-frills design to offer excellent ease of use. Similarly, the REI Co-Op Trail 25 and the Osprey Daylite Plus focus on less flashy designs that are easy to pack and utilize for a day of activities.

Some designs scored highly in this metric for useful and effective features, such as the Osprey Talon 22, REI Co-Op Traverse 35, and the Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure. These options offer many pockets for organization, and exterior attachment points allow items like a helmet, trekking poles, or an ice axe to be lashed to the outside.

All the packs we tested are compatible with hydration bladders. Almost all tested packs had side water bottle pockets, although some certainly work better than others at securing a bottle and/or offering easy access. We also noted options, including a rain cover to help keep your pack and its contents dry, such as the Osprey Stratos 34. This option offered many features, though the frame adjustment isn't as smooth as its smaller cousin, the Osprey Talon 22.

Options like the Deuter Speed Lite 21, Gregory Nano 18, and the Osprey Daylite Plus were all easy to use except for the external pack clips, which made access to the main pocket slightly more cumbersome.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

We looked at each pack's weight per liter and investigated the overall feel of its corresponding volume. The clear winner in this metric was the Venture Pal 35L, being among the largest and lightest packs in the lineup, even if not as durable as others.

The Venture Pal 35L also offers excellent packability, given that it can fold into its own pocket.

Lightweight packs with higher volumes tend to be streamlined or made of advanced materials. In contrast, heavier-weight packs — regardless of size — tend to include more features. The REI Flash 22 comes in at 14 ounces and 0.64 ounces per liter, while the Black Diamond Distance 15 comes in at 12.7 ounces and 0.85 ounces per liter. Other options that did well in this metric included the Cotopaxi Batac 16L, with a 0.73 ounce/liter ratio, and the Deuter Speed Lite 21, at 0.76 ounces/liter. These packs trade some load-carrying capabilities to save some weight, but their functionality, lightweight design, and versatility are hard to beat if you're looking for a simple daypack.

The Osprey Daylite Plus, at 1.03 ounces/liter, provided a solid carrying capacity for its weight by keeping features to a minimum.

The heaviest packs tested are those that feature heavy materials and sturdy constructions. The Osprey Stratos 34 (50.8 ounces, 34 liters) and the REI Co-Op Traverse 35 (52 ounces, 35 liters) are relatively heavy packs for their volume. However, you get a robust suspension, ventilation, and a bit of additional capacity for that added weight. More importantly, however, they each include added features not found on other packs. The Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure is also a heavy option, at 50.2 ounces for only 31 liters of capacity, but it has unparalleled durability. Surprisingly, the otherwise celebrated Osprey Talon 22 came in towards the bottom of the pack in this metric, weighing 30.7 ounces and a ratio of 1.40 ounces/liter.

Construction Quality

Each product in this review demonstrated durability over weeks of use, but some will undoubtedly last longer than others. Outside of field testing, we pushed each pack with a hose test to examine water resistance and even dragged the bags across a trail, fully loaded. As expected, the heavier options offered some of the best construction quality, including the Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure, the REI Co-Op Traverse 35, and the Osprey Stratos 34.

The ultralight options in our lineup, such as the REI Flash 22 and Venture Pal 35L, require more mindful use in more abrasive environments, given that they are more easily torn. One of the standout surprises in this metric was the durability of the lightweight Gregory Nano 18, which is made with a robust 210 denier nylon body and 420 denier bottom.

While we particularly liked the thicker fabrics used with the REI Co-op Traverse 35 and REI Co-Op Trail 25, a common durability issue with REI packs is their chest straps. Fortunately, REI seems to have finally addressed that issue since we tested the latest version of the Traverse, with the sternum strap remaining attached to the backpack the entire time.

The Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure has a staggeringly burly construction, with the denier of the fabrics ranging from 300 to 900 denier. Throughout field testing, we could hardly put a scratch on this daypack, making it a clear choice for shoppers needing a daypack for rugged conditions.

When performing our weighted drag and hose tests, we put every pack on a level playing field by not using a rain cover to see how the pack itself would score. Sure, out of curiosity, we also investigated performance with rain covers, but we wanted to size up the merits of each pack on its own. The same packs that stood out in durability for field testing performed similarly with these more objective tests, including the REI Co-Op Travers 35 and the Osprey Stratos. Some options that were on the lighter side, such as the Decathlon Quechua MH100 or the Deuter Speed Lite 21, outperformed their weight. If you're using your daypack in wetter environments, it should be paired with a rain cover no matter which model you choose, but particularly if using the Cotopaxi Batac 16L or the Venture Pal 35L.

How to Choose The Best Daypack

We answer some common questions below to help narrow your search for your next daypack, a summation of our complete daypack buying advice article.

What Activities Do You Participate In?

First, it's a good idea to identify your typical activities and what kind of bag, or bags, you really need. Some daypacks are great for specific activities such as hiking, running, or commuting, while others provide more versatility across the board. The backpack's design priorities will influence the weight, shape, and compartment layout. If you plan on using your daypack for hiking to the local climbing crag, it's worth looking at bags meant to support weight loads and those offering adequate suspension. But if you just need a simple, lightweight bag for commuting to work or the gym, a frameless bag with only the essential components will fit the bill. We always recommend revisiting your closet to remind yourself of the bags, daypacks, and travel luggage you already own to determine any gaps you may need to fill.

What Capacity Works Best?

The activity and the gear needs of an activity typically dictate the capacity you'll require. However, it can be challenging to determine the exact volume you'll need for every kind of day, so we suggest erring on the side of going slightly larger rather than smaller if you're less sure about the daypack size you will need most often. Packs under the 20-liter range are ideal for lightweight adventures with minimal gear. While they're commonly used for shorter days, some choose an option in this size range for larger outings when prioritizing low weight and high mobility. Options in the 20-25 liter range are excellent for multiple activities and various lengths of day, allowing one to use the same pack for a hiking adventure or traveling. Daypacks 30 liters or larger are likely best for activities involving more gear, heavier loads, and/or bigger days. These daypacks commonly offer more back support for those anticipated loads, though the pack itself often weighs more than its smaller volume siblings.

What to Look For in a Comfortable Pack

Finding a comfortable, properly fitting daypack will facilitate carrying, help avoid strain and aches, and ideally, result in less complaining. Key characteristics of a comfortable backpack should include a well-fitting frame or pack size, adjustability, back support for heavier loads, and breathability. When shopping for a pack, feel the padding, analyze the ventilation system on the back, and look for straps that adjust vertically and horizontally, ideally in multiple spots. Taking the time to account for features that make up a well-fitting pack can go a long way in finding your ideal backpack.

How Important Are Features?

Packs with useful features such as hydration reservoirs, bottle pouches, and tool loops can be especially handy on the trail or road. For those who own a water bladder, it can be especially important to find a compatible backpack, while folks who prefer water bottles will want to find a bag with the proper bottle pocket. Prioritizing your needs and pocket preferences will help steer you in the right direction toward choosing the most compatible backpack for your next day out. For shoppers seeking simplicity, one may view added features as a negative; it all comes down to your needs.

Conclusion

Whether you're seeking a do-it-all pack or a specialized option, rest easy knowing we've done the hard part. Now all you have to do is make a selection from our well-vetted lineup. We've spent thousands of hours testing backpacks over the years, refining our testing process to provide the best daypack review possible today. Whether performance or price is the priority, we've unearthed excellent options for your needs and budget.