If you are going for a backpacking trip, the daypack is one of the most important elements that you have to pay attention to. It is the only piece of luggage that you are carrying. It cannot be too heavy, but at the same time, it must be spacious enough to carry everything that you may need through the hike. You will be out in the wild, and there will be minimal provision for any kind of help. So your daypack needs to be a type that can pretty much carry every type of necessity, but at the same time, it needs to be unique in not being too bulky or uncomfortable to carry.
In short, it is essential that you go for a functional hiking daypack that pretty much addresses all your requirements in a comprehensive fashion. However, selecting the best hiking daypack is not that simple either. Customers are spoilt for choices now. The market abounds with a mind number range of options that are unique and full of functionality given the various challenges of a hike. Some are laden with a plethora of storage space while others boast of features that enhance their functionality.
Your personal requirement is one of the most cardinal determinants of the type of daypack that you decide for eventually. Think carefully about the kind of storage space you need and the amount of weight that you can carry comfortably. That will eventually help in zeroing on the most appropriate pack. But in case you feel that it is too overwhelming, you can easily refer to our handy list of the best hiking daypacks. We have curated these on the basis of a wide range of features, provisions and potential to service your needs when you are out on a hike.
1. Venture Pal Lightweight Durable Hiking Daypack – Multiple Compartments For Better Storage
When you are looking for the best hiking daypacks, the Venture Pal Lightweight is amongst the most durable and reliable option for hikers. It is made with top quality anti-tear and water resistant material.
This is what provides the additional strength and also makes this bag terribly lightweight.
Additionally, this bag has a unique double-layer bottom that enables it to carry a lot of weight quite conveniently, even for extended trips. The heavy-duty two-way SBS metal zippers in this daypack add to its durability. The bar-tacks at significant stress points further add to the longevity of this pack and make it a comfortable and spacious option for any hiking trip.
The breathable mesh shoulder strap adds to the overall comfort element that you associate with this bag. This is because the adequate sponge padding makes the bag rather comfortable to carry and ensures that the user is not unusually fatigued by it. The chest strap coupled with the whistle buckle makes it a rather secure and well-strapped daypack that can be carried anywhere.
The multi-compartments and the zipped pockets make this bag extremely well organized. It also enhances the storage space rather adequately and offers a much better opportunity to take all that is necessary in one go. All in all, there is room for about 35 liters in the entire backpack.
But despite all the amazing features, this is a rather lightweight variant with an easy storage option. It is also extremely compact despite the features.
- Light, compact and very comfortable
- Adequate storage space for accommodating everything you need for the day hike
- Quick dry material
- Well-made and durable material used
- Inconsistencies in quality. In case of a few products, the lining started giving away as soon as the second use.
2. Hikpro Durable Lightweight Packable Daypack – Three Zippered Compartments
When you are looking for the best hiking daypacks, it is hard to ignore the Hikpro Durable Lightweight daypack. It is a lightweight and a very spacious pack perfect for any type of vacation that you may decide to go.
The best part is this is an extremely durable pack and made of high-quality anti-tear material. What makes this bag rather functional is the fact that it is also water resistant and extremely durable. It is abrasion resistant and gives you a potential option to navigate a rather difficult terrain too. The SBS metal zipper further adds to the durability of the pack. The bartack reinforcement enhances the reliability of this bag.
But despite being able to accommodate 20 liters of space, it is quite simple to fold it up and store it. It can fold it up to as small as a sandwich slice, and you can easily carry it even in your side bag or small purse if you do not need it. This can also be an extremely handy option when you do not want to pay excess baggage and just convert it into extra baggage.
So, this is an extremely functional bag as well. It is firm, versatile and easy to use and one of the best-provided backpacks. If you are the types who adore a well-organized bag, then this is the best option for you at any point in time. The interesting part is there aren’t just enough pockets to organize stuff, but they are also adequate for storing a lot of stuff altogether. The side mesh pockets are also extremely well thought out addition to the entire backpack. This easily makes sufficient room to accommodate a variety of options like bottles and umbrellas.
- Adequate storage space for a day-long hike and any other short distance trip
- A durable option that ensures safekeeping of a variety of products in one go
- Compact and lightweight and can be easily carried in the smallest of bags when not in use regularly
- Very convenient storage space for camera, iPad, and other expensive stuff.
- On the whole, there aren’t many negative reviews about this bag. But there are about 2-3 reviews that highlight inconsistencies in the overall build quality. The lining ripped apart, just a few days after buying it. The inseams were seen coming out, and the stitching came undone over a large area.
3. Teton Sports Oasis 2 Liter Hydration Daypack – Rain Cover Sewn In
This item has earned Editors’ Choice for its outstanding quality and performance.
When you are looking for the best hiking daypacks, it is hard not to ignore the Teton Sports Oasis in that list. It is practically everything that you need the best daypack to be, but at the same time, it ensures that it is comfortable and without hassles.
This one is a lightweight variant that is high on storage and comfort. It has overall capacity of18 liters. But the wide number of zippered pockets ensures that this is also an extremely well-organized variant that ensures 100% user convenience. Additionally, this is what makes the bag very functional and versatile.
The most unique feature of this daypack is the special hydration bladder. This is a 2-liter BA free hydration pack and is decidedly more lightweight and hassle-free to carry as against carrying bottles with that much water. The durable, kink-free sip tube and innovative push-lock cushioned bite valve further enhance the overall experience of drinking many notches higher and makes it one of the most convenient options. It also has a comfortable and large opening that makes cleaning it quite simple. Moreover, this daypack also has straps, padded covering for added comfort and the ability to wear for an extended period. The mesh coverings also ensure that you are not inconvenienced while wearing them for long.
The best part is you get a host of these features at an affordable rate. This is not just one of the most inexpensively priced bags that offer a host of features within a budget.
- Lightweight, comfortable and adequate for a day or an overnight hiking trip
- Affordably priced and the perfect size
- Durable material makes it a dependable option
- There are inconsistencies in the overall quality of the bladder, and quite a lot of users voiced their concerns.
4. Outlander Lightweight Travel Hiking Daypack – Handy & Foldable
When you are looking for the best hiking daypacks, this is one of the most durable options available now. This is specially made from anti-tear nylon material.
This is what makes this a great water resistant option that will hold you in good stead in even the most challenging circumstances. Most importantly, this is the type of daypack that is convenient for any type of hike.
The fabric of this daypack is water and abrasion resistant. Therefore, the chances of this backpack giving way mid-way are significantly reduced. That is often what makes it such a dependable version.
It is a compact and a very well organized and a compartmentalized daypack. As a result, irrespective of the number of things you are planning to accommodate in a bag, it is never too difficult to reach for them or use them when you require. The zips and proper closure facilities also make it rather secure when you are going for these adventure trips.
This ultra-light daypack also comes equipped with carabiner clips that also enhance the overall user comfort to a significantly large extent.
- Ultra-light and an absolute space saver that helps you to pack more for a day trip or overnight adventure
- Durable and a convenient day pack
- Perfect and a comfortable option for people of varying bodyweight
- However, there are some inconsistencies in the quality of the inner lining of this daypack. There are quite a few user reviews that indicate that it did not hold up for too long after purchasing it.
5. NEEKFOX Lightweight Hiking Daypack – Multiple Compartments
This is one of those comfortable and ultra-durable packs that need a mention in any list of the best hiking daypacks that you draw up. It is high on both user comfort as well as reliability.
What makes this backpack a definite winner is undeniably the balance that it represents in terms of delivering great quality and comfort at the same time without letting the cost of it burn a huge hole in your pocket. It is the ultimate combination of comfort and innovation in a well-structured and balanced format.
This bag is also water and puncture resistant. That means that wherever you might go with this daypack, you are never going to be inconvenienced both in terms of the challenges that you may face and how to weather it all using a single day pack. The ripstop nylon construction helps it to easily shed rain and resist the potential wear and tear a lot better than many of the other cheaper polyester variants.
- An extremely comfortable and a durable variant
- Very well provided for the price that it is available for
- Great quality water resistant and scratch resistant variant
- Lightweight and properly compartmentalized for maximum user comfort
- Secure and a safe option when you are on long hikes
- However, there are some quality inconsistencies in the material used for the inner lining of the bag. There are a few user reviews indicating peeling of the inner layers, but that’s not a common complaint.
How To Buy The Best Hiking Daypack
Therefore, it is very important to understand the type of features that can help daypack stand out in a crowd. Per se, it needs to be extremely versatile and functional. You have to understand that the daypack has to be a dependable one that can pretty much address all your requirements, but at the same time, it can’t be too huge or cumbersome. This is important as otherwise carrying such a heavy load may completely mar the excitement or thrill of your hike completely. So here are some features that can help you decide.
Lightweight
When you are looking for the best hiking daypacks, this is the primary consideration. You have to choose a pack that is extremely lightweight and does not add its own weight to the overall luggage that you are carrying. But at the same time, it cannot be too flimsy or else there is every possibility that it might give away midway and that can only mean more harassment for you.
Durable
So the material that you choose and the overall making of the daypack you select is extremely important. It needs to be a piece that can withstand a reasonable amount of load and does not come apart just too quickly. Most importantly, the stitching of the bag adds to its durability. It needs to reinforce appropriately, and the seams are crucial. The one that you choose must have seams that are well stitched and have the capability to carry a certain degree of weight rather easily.
Tear Resistant
The trail that you will be hitting plays a very important role in the overall decision for the best hiking daypack. If you will be hiking in a wilderness with loads of wild and thorny shrubs around, it is imperative to choose one that is anti-tear and is resistant to most types of abrasion. The scratch-resistant daypack is almost as important as a waterproof one. This is what will decide on the eventual effectiveness of the option that you select.
Organized Storage
Imagine you choose a huge daypack that has all the above features and also a huge storage space but is just one large zipped pocket? The result will be pretty much like Mary Poppins’ bag. It will be one large well where all your stuff goes in. The result will be, when you need even a small tissue, you may have to rummage through heaps of luggage. That is exactly why it is important to choose one that has adequate pockets around to store your stuff in an organized manner.
Adjustable Shoulder Straps
But the choice for the best hiking daypack is not complete yet. It must also have adjustable shoulder and chest straps. That is the only way that an individual can strap it up comfortably as per their body build. This is how you can secure the bag in place and not worry about it falling off constantly when you are negotiating difficult trails.
Conclusion
Therefore, you can understand that deciding on the best hiking daypack is never simple. However, it helps to draw up a chart of objectives and purpose that you consider most important. This will give you a fair opportunity to zero in on the most appropriate one for your hiking trip. Alternatively, you can also refer to this ready review that we have created for the best options and the most affordable daypacks available now. These are undeniably some of the most functional and versatile daypacks that you can lay your hands on at the moment.