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A daypack carries your water, food, layers and the other essentials for a day on the trail. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to fit your back and hold the right amount.
How we pick: this guide compares products using manufacturer specifications and published reviews. It is not based on our own hands-on testing. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Quick picks
| Pack | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey Talon 22 | 22 litres | Well-ventilated all-round hiking |
| Osprey Daylite Plus | About 20 litres | Light day trips and travel |
| Deuter Futura series | Several sizes | Good back ventilation |
| Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack | 20 litres | Packs down to nothing as a spare |
What to look for
Capacity. Fifteen to 20 litres covers a short summer hike. Twenty to 30 litres suits a full day with extra layers, food and a first-aid kit.
Fit. Torso length matters more than height. Many brands offer small, medium and large back lengths, and women’s-specific designs.
Hip belt. A padded hip belt moves weight off your shoulders. Skip it on packs under about 15 litres.
Ventilation. Trampoline-style or mesh back panels keep your back cooler, but push the load away from you.
Hydration. Check for a sleeve and a hose port if you like a reservoir, or stretchy side pockets for bottles.
Rain cover. A built-in cover is handy. A pack liner works as well.
Our picks
Osprey Talon 22
Best for: all-round day hiking.
A popular, well-fitted pack with a ventilated back, a hip belt, stretch pockets and a hydration sleeve. A women’s version, the Tempest 20, is also available.
- Comfortable under load
- Lots of external storage
- Not the lightest
Osprey Daylite Plus
Best for: easy trails and travel.
A simple, lightweight pack with plenty of room for a day out. It also works as a carry-on personal item.
- Good value
- Light and flexible
- Less supportive with heavy loads
Deuter Futura series
Best for: hot-weather hiking.
Deuter’s Futura packs use a suspended mesh back panel for airflow, so your back stays drier. There are several sizes to pick from.
- Excellent ventilation
- Comfortable carry
- The mesh panel makes it a little bulky
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
Best for: a spare bag.
A 20-litre ultralight pack that stuffs into its own pocket. It is good for summit pushes from camp or spare luggage space, but it has no frame and isn’t comfortable with heavy loads.
- Weighs almost nothing
- Packs tiny
- Basic carry
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in a daypack? Start with the ten essentials: navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter. Our guide to how to pack a backpack covers weight distribution.
How tight should the straps be? Snug, with the weight resting mostly on your hips.
