Daypacks

Featured review by Davidtierney

I purchased this pack for very long distance unsupported trail runs. I am new at this distance and and will likely never be a professional. I do not race.

WHY I GOT ITFor shorter distances (6 to 10 miles), I just need water which can be accomplished in a myriad of ways readily available. For longer distances (over 10 miles) I need some source of energy (gels or whatnot), and even for this there are plenty of waistpacks or running vests or hydration whatevers which will hold enough water, and a couple of energy bars and energy gels. However, I plan on running 50+ miles solo and largely without support through unfamiliar backcountry. There are plenty of packs which can be used to walk this distance, but the experience of running in most day packs goes from unpleasant to painful to injurious.

Read more: Osprey Talon 11 reviews (5)

Featured review by WSL

This pack is a great lightweight and minimalist choice for day hikes. It is easily packed down small to fit into a larger backpack. Durability exceeds anything else in its class. It is a frameless pack with minimal padding, so it has its limitations. If you take those considerations into account before buying this pack, you might just find that it's perfect for you.

Fit: This is a one-size-fits-all pack. I'm about 5'10" and have a 19-ish inch torso, and it fits me really well. I'm a fairly normally proportioned guy, and the space between the shoulder straps is just about perfect. Unlike some other packs that this one competes with, like the REI Flash 18 and Flash 22 and the Marmot Kompressor series, the Scream 25 doesn't feel awkwardly small on your back. Comfort: The shoulder straps are made with the same breathable, super-thin padding found on similar packs.

Read more: Mountainsmith Scream 25 reviews (3)

Featured review by LMontgomery

This pack is incredibly lightweight and perfect for day hiking as it will hold layers of clothing peeled off from your hike, to lunch and your sunglasses and still have room! It has an interior bladder pouch and I best like the super deep water bottle pockets on both sides of the pack. Great pack, must have for day hikers and if you want a easy, lightweight pack to travel with.

Although I won this pack at the 2013 Warren Miller movie tour, now that I have used this pack, I would definitely pay money for it! I am a backpack enthusiast and have many packs already. I find myself using this pack most often.   All the "Cons" that I wrote about with regards to this pack, would all come with a price to pay…literally. I think the most important features that people tend to look at when purchasing a pack are: price, function, and weight in that order or importance (depending on what your need is).

Read more: REI Flash 22 reviews (6)

Featured review by KiwiKlimber

A great daypack for beginning hikers or just everyday use. Biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, school books, etc. This pack is versatile and durable.

Fit: Great fit. Even for a slightly bigger person (6'3" with a 34" waist) like myself. Straps are very adequate. I bought the M/L size, which is a full 22 liters, whereas the S/M is only 20.  Comfort: When going on a day hike, my wife and I will fight over who gets to carry the pack. Yeah, it's that comfortable.  Capacity: For a 22 pack, this thing is incredibly spacious. I've seen packs closer to 30 that would be hard pressed to store as much stuff as this one. One highlight is the front stretch pocket.

Read more: Osprey Talon 22 reviews (16)

Featured review by Chris F

Great bag for edc (everyday carry) and day hikes. Comfortable, durable, and well designed.

I have two of these packs, one for everyday and a back up in case something happens to the 1st. They've held up really well and hold an obscene amount of stuff. For example in the smaller front pocket I keep: my bushcraft knife, backup folder knife, a couple of SAK's, my Leatherman OHT, Fenix pd 32 flashlight, work gloves, 100 feet of para cord, a Zippo, fluid for said Zippo, a knife sharpener, calculator, fire steel, two pens, a stethoscope, e-shears, thermometer, and my Oakleys in their hard case.

Read more: The North Face Recon reviews (4)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

The Aeon 20 is a day pack that is loaded with features that take time to digest but make hiking with it a comfortable experience. I like the way it carries, the various storage options, and its ability to sport a decent amount of weight if needed. It’s sold in a wide range of sizes (12-35L) with some lightweight and ultralight lines. It would benefit from larger hip belt pockets and slightly outweighs some competitors.

BASIC INFORMATION Local river hike last summer, front view Same hike, shows the suspension and hydration hose The RAB Aeon 20 is a day pack that falls in the middle of the range of what RAB offers under the Aeon badge - you can buy a 12L Aeon if you don’t need much space, a 22, 27, or 35L version if you need more space (it’s a different design, different top anyway), and RAB sells both ‘lightweight’ and ‘ultra’ versions too, as well as women’s-specific Aeon packs. The Aeon 20 is sold in one size that claims it works for a 19-21 inch torso length; larger models offer a bit more size flexibility.

Read more: Rab Aeon 20L review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

The Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault is a multi-functional, durable pack that is big enough (27L) for day hikes and daylong hunting trips, yet hosts additional features, like a laptop sleeve with rear-facing zipper, that allow it to serve as an everyday carry pack (EDC) or a travel/carry-on bag too. A true Swiss Army knife of a pack.

Conditions:  This initial review is based on testing the 2 Day Assault pack over a six-week period during the late fall and early winter in the eastern US in mostly cool and cold conditions (mostly below 40°F/4.4°C), with some light rain and snow. To date, I’ve used it exclusively as a hiking daypack and a hunting pack on a variety of trips (three day hikes and four hunting trips). I will update this review as I spend more time in the woods and on the trail with the pack.   Fit: At 6'2" (1.88m) and a fairly slender frame, the L/XL fits my frame well and rides comfortably with or without layers (also comes in a S/M size).

Read more: Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault review (1)

Reviewed by FrauStranger

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 well as the Juno 24, Juno 36, and the unisex/men's Citro series.

  Pack right out of the box, with tags  Fit:  Designed for women, the shoulder and waist straps can be sized down small enough to fit a pre-teen and up to fit a full-grown man. The women's Juno 30 H20 has "One Size" torso sizing and hip belts that fit waists from 27-45 inches. The fit was excellent on my 19-inch torso. MiniStranger also tried this on for testing purposes. She’s 10 years old and about 4' 8" tall. Though the pack is too big for her, we could adjust the straps for her to carry it.

Read more: Gregory Juno 30 H2O review (1)

Reviewed by Jim51111

Comfortable bag for traveling in the woods or around town. A wonderful balance of features and function. Quality construction and design make this pack a solid pick for anyone looking for a bag to use every day for a number of applications. As an added bonus, Cotopaxi works with charities around the world and links each product to a specific charitable product. Highly recommended for a pack that bridges the gap between recreational and work travel.

The Cotopaxi Inca 26 is the day/overnight pack I have been looking for to bridge the gap between time on the trail and time spent traveling for work. Specifications: Volume – 26 liters Weight – 1 pound 11 ounces Materials – Combination of 210D ripstop nylon 66 and 210 dynagin nylon Features: Trekking pole carrying system Harness pocket for cellphone Felted sunglasses pocket Daisy chains for gear attachment Stash-able ice tool holders Breathable pack panel Hydration sleeve which doubles as a laptop sleeve (for thin and narrow laptops) Dual waist belt pockets Fit: Cotopaxi designed a pack with the perfect amount of adjustment and padding for a 26 liter bag.

Read more: Cotopaxi Inca 26 review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

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 for more than 10 years now. My first Talon 22 was purchased back in 2010 and I wrote a review about it in 2014. I’ve subsequently acquired another, updated model of the Talon 22. Both packs get frequent use and I’ve tried testing the Talon Pro 20 in approximately the same manner in which I’ve used my other Ospreys. As a long-time Osprey user, I tested the new Talon Pro 20 to see how it stacks up against the non-Pro model of the Talon 22, as well as non-Osprey daypacks.

Read more: Osprey Talon Pro 20 review (1)