Best Hiking Daypacks of 2023

JUMP TO: OSPREY TALON 22 | DEUTER SPEED LITE 25 | REI CO-OP TRAVERSE 32 | PATAGONIA ALTVIA 28 | BLACK DIAMOND BOLT 24 | OSPREY MANTA 24 | REI- CO-OP FLASH 22 | BUYING ADVICE  | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Mar 3, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Few pieces of hiking gear are more important than a good daypack. A pack not only needs to capably carry all of your gear, but it also needs to be comfortable: something you look forward to throwing on your back every time you hit the trails.

As one of the most critical—and expensive—gear necessities, it is worth putting in some time to identify what hiking daypack best fits your needs. Fortunately, we’ve put in most of that time on your behalf. From pack size to pocket design, we've evaluated every daypack feature to identify the best of the best.

In choosing our top hiking daypacks, we considered storage capacity, durability, versatility, weight, ease of access, comfort, value, and more. Whether you're heading out for a casual summer morning hike or an all-day adventure, read on to discover the perfect pack for you.

If you love reading this review of the best hiking daypacks, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Want to learn more about framed vs. frameless packs or top-loading vs. zippered compartments?

Don’t miss our buying advice at the bottom of the article, where we geek out on those questions, along with every other important feature to consider when buying a new daypack!

 

Best Overall: OSPREY TALON 22

WEIGHT: 30.6 oz / 867.5 g

VOLUME: 20 L (S/M), 22 L (L/XL)

UNISEX: See Osprey Tempest 20 for women’s equivalent

PROS: Comfortable, feature-packed, time-tested classic daypack

CONS: Heavier than many similar volume packs

PRICE: $$

The Osprey Talon 22 (and the women’s Tempest 20) may be the hiking daypack in its perfect form. It is extremely functional, comfortable, and versatile. There is a reason that year after year, every iteration of the Talon 22 ranks as one of the best hiking daypacks around.

Despite landing on the lower end of the volume spectrum, the Talon 22 packs an enormous punch. The dual-zipper main compartment is accessible and rides comfortably, even when fully loaded. There is an internal zippered mesh pocket with a key clip for storing your essentials. On the packs’ exterior are a hydration reservoir sleeve, two side mesh pockets, two zippered hip belt pockets, and a large, expandable front mesh pocket, which all make the Talon’s 22 liter capacity feel larger in practice.

The molded foam back panel is comfortable and breathable, as are the shoulder straps and hip belt. The hip belt can sometimes feel unnecessary for a smaller pack, but we love the added load support and on-the-go pocket access for longer days out.

And with abundant well-integrated features, the Talon 22 is equipped for long days out extending far beyond hiking. Its hydration reservoir, low profile design, and external bike helmet and blinker light attachments make it perfect for bike commuting and bikepacking. With ice ax loops and trekking pole attachments, it is also fit for alpine scrambling and light mountaineering. We like it for multi-pitch sport and trad routes too.

The features and extra padding make the Talon 22 heavier than many other hiking daypacks in the low 20 liter range, which is really the only drawback of this exceptionally well-rounded pack. Though first and foremost a hiking pack, it is a true multi-sport performer. With Osprey’s legendary build quality and lifetime warranty, the Talon 22 is a “buy it for life” piece. It can easily hold up for a decade, and after the point of repair, Osprey will send you a new one—free of charge.

Best Overall Runner-Up: DEUTER SPEED LITE 25

WEIGHT: 25 oz / 710 g

VOLUME: 25 L

UNISEX: See Deuter Speed Lite 23 SL for women’s equivalent

PROS: Lightweight, running vest-style straps provide a superior fit 

CONS: The hip belt isn’t removable as it is in smaller versions

PRICE: $$

The Deuter Speed Lite 25 (and the women’s Speed Lite 23 SL) is another outstanding, versatile day hiking pack. But where the Talon 22 spreads the love around by including biking and climbing-specific features, the Speed Lite 25 doubles down on serving adventures of the foot-powered variety.

The Speed Lite 25 has a traditional hiking daypack design: a dual-zippered main compartment, a separate 3 liter hydration sleeve reservoir, two side mesh pockets, and one large stretch pocket.

Add-on features are restrained to some thoughtful and useful essentials, including trekking pole attachments, daisy chain gear loops, and compression straps. A V-shaped back panel is padded and well-ventilated, and a lightweight, malleable Delfrin U-Frame provides comfortable support for loads up to about 15 lbs.

This may sound like not much more than your standard, perhaps even unremarkable, daypack. But the Speed Lite has a few design characteristics that make it one of our favorite bags. The first is its slick shoulder straps. The shoulder straps combine the padding and load-lifting abilities of a backpack with the form-fitting, bounce-resisting ride of a running vest harness. The right-side strap features a mesh pocket capable of fitting a soft flask, while the left strap has a zippered mesh pocket—perfect for keeping your phone or satellite communicator within reach.

The padded hip fins are also comfortable and form-fitting. The right fin has a small zippered pocket. We wish they were removable, as they are with every smaller pack in the Speed Lite family, but the U-Frame transfers weight to them naturally, and to a lesser degree than other similar packs, as Deuter designed this pack with trail running in mind.

We would not recommend a 25 liter pack for dedicated trail running, but these design considerations do make the Speed Lite a perfect companion for hikers and scramblers looking to move swiftly and lightly in the pursuit of big single-day objectives. With the right summer ultralight kit, it is also a perfect bag for one- or two-night fastpacking adventures.

Best for Comfort and Heavier Loads: REI CO-OP TRAVERSE 32

WEIGHT: 41 oz / 1.16 kg

VOLUME: 32 L

UNISEX: Gender-specific designs

PROS: Comfortably hauls heavier loads, functional and durable design

CONS: Heavier steel frame, sacrifices some versatility for stability

PRICE: $$

A day hike can mean many different things, from short summer excursions to dawn to dusk winter expeditions: a spectrum that no daypack covers entirely. For adventures that require a more robust gear list, be it due to conditions, durations, or distances, you can’t go wrong with REI Co-op’s Traverse 32 (men’s and women’s).

The Traverse 32 capably handles heavier loads thanks to its sturdy, but reasonably light steel wireframe, internal perimeter hoop, and adjustable suspension system. Generous padding along the back panel, lumbar, hipbelt, and harness guarantees the pack wears comfortably, even when fully loaded.

And the options for how you can load the Traverse 32 is one of the pack’s standout features. The top-loading main compartment is also accessible through a side zipper, making gear management a breeze. There is a roomy secondary zippered compartment on the pack’s lid, a huge exterior mesh pocket, and two forward-opening side pockets that facilitate on-the-go water bottle access. A large external reservoir sleeve adds another hydration option.

Both hipbelt pockets are also massive, providing a fanny pack’s worth of capacity each: drop in your phone, InReach, paper map, two days of snacks, a couple of beers, a harmonica, pretty much whatever else you want within reach at all times. Common sense, not maximum capacity, will more often be the limiting factor of the Traverse 32.

The pack’s exterior is loaded with compression straps, loops, and webbing to further customize your load. It is easy to lash on trekking poles, ice axes, snowshoes, or sleeping pads. But, with all this functionality, the Traverse is fairly heavy for a daypack. Its sturdier build also makes it less versatile than the Talon 22 and Speed Lite 25 for non-hiking pursuits like biking and climbing.

The Traverse 32 is best for trips demanding more gear than your typical summer day hike. It is a high-value pack that deserves a close look if you do a lot of winter hiking, minimal multi-day trips, or long three-season hikes in unpredictable terrain and conditions.

Best for Versatility: PATAGONIA ALTVIA 28

WEIGHT: 28 oz / 793.7 g

VOLUME: 28 L

UNISEX: Yes

PROS: Simple, durable, and versatile—a perfect “single-quiver” pack

CONS: Minimal suspension and cushioning not great under heavier loads

PRICE: $$

If we had to limit ourselves to a single backpack not just for hiking, but for everything in life, we’d probably go all-in on the Patagonia Altvia 28 L.

Though incredibly versatile, the Altvia 28 is marketed as and performs excellently when used primarily as a hiking daypack. The top-loading main compartment has a small zippered pocket and hydration sleeve and is safely secured with a drawstring. It can be compressed down as needed to never feel excessive on shorter days out. There is a larger zippered pocket on top of the lid. Stretchy water bottle pockets, small zippered hip belt pockets, and a deep front mesh pocket add generous external storage options.

A single compression strap bucks secure the lid of the pack’s body. The robust ripstop nylon (100% recycled) is durable, and a DWR treatment protects the zipperless main compartment from precipitation. The Altvia 28 also comes with a rain cover for those heavier downpours. The shoulder harness and hipbelt are minimal and super-breathable, which we love, but the light cushioning and lack of suspension means heavy loads (15-20+ lbs) start to wear on the shoulders over long days.

Trekking pole/ice ax attachment points and bungee hooks round out the Altvia 28’s refined feature set. And it is this refinement that helps make it such a versatile pack. Beyond day hiking, it has enough capacity for ultralight backpacking trips; it is comfortable and functional enough to work as a messenger-style bike commuting bag, the internal hydration sleeve doubling as a laptop sleeve; and the cavernous top-loading compartment is also perfect for sport climbing and mountaineering gear. Similar to climbing packs, it is easy to secure a rope between the lid and the main compartment. 

Finally, the Altvia 28 simply looks nice. It doesn’t scream hiking pack. The streamlined design, muted colorway options, and in-built Patagonia style cred result in a pack that isn’t merely a multisport monster: it is also wonderful for travel and day-to-day use in town. If you want one pack to rule them all, this is the one for you.

Best for Peakbagging: BLACK DIAMOND BOLT 24

WEIGHT: 33 oz / 935.5 g

VOLUME: 24 L

UNISEX: Yes

PROS: Comfortable, unmatched range of motion, great access and loading options

CONS: Only one size, side zipper not water-resistant

PRICE: $$

The Black Diamond Bolt 24 is a technically minded daypack for the vertically inclined hiker. Its lightweight, unobtrusive design maximizes comfort and mobility for hands-on scrambling, while still gracefully accommodating all the gear you may need for more technical ascents.

A zippered lid pocket, side and front mesh pockets, and a top-loading main compartment with a side zipper keep all your gear easily accessible. You’ll waste no time when throwing on extra layers in the alpine or gearing up for a technical section. Daisy chain webbing and trekking pole/ice ax attachments offer more gear storage options on the pack’s exterior. 

Although we like the side zipper for access, it does reduce the weather protection of the bag. Heavy rains will seep through, so pairing the Bolt 24 with a pack liner or cover is recommended. It is also only available in one size and adjustment options are limited, so it won’t work for everyone.

The Bolt 24 includes a nifty reACTIVE suspension system. It can handle axes, draws, helmets, crampons, and cams without sacrificing much of its form-fitting and nimble feel. The pack features thicker face fabrics and straps to beef up its durability in harsh scrambling and alpine conditions, so it is heavier than similarly sized daypacks. However, it is not overbuilt for your average hike the way some climbing-oriented models are. This solid crossover performance makes it our favorite day hiking pack for peakbaggers.

Best for Hydration: OSPREY MANTA 24

WEIGHT: 47.2 oz / 1.48 kg (includes reservoir)

VOLUME: 24 L

UNISEX: See Osprey Mira 22 for women’s equivalent

PROS: Includes 2.5 L reservoir, equipped for heavy loads, comfortable and stable

CONS: Heavy, expensive

PRICE: $$$

Like the Tempest 22, the Osprey Manta 24 ( and women-specific Mira 22) is a fully featured, comfortable, and well-built daypack. But the Manta takes it further by adding volume, more padding, load lifters, and an Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5 L water reservoir.

If you hike in high and/or dry climates, or simply prefer water reservoirs and like to minimize refills on the trail, it is hard to beat this pack. Osprey’s reservoirs and associated hydration features—internal sleeve, hose port, hanging system, and magnetic bike valve attachment—are all high-quality, earning top marks for both durability and functionality.

The Manta 24 also has a well-ventilated, tensioned back panel, a highly adjustable suspension system, and plush but breathable padding on the shoulder straps and hipbelt.

Although this all results in a rather heavy daypack, the Manta 24 remains incredibly comfortable under heavy, water-laden loads. Minimal daypacks simply don't provide the same support and stability.

For desert hikes or extended days in the alpine, the extra weight of the Manta 24 pays off. Between the included reservoir and the two dual-access water bottle pockets, it will seamlessly haul 5-6 liters of water. And 6 liters of water weighs 6 kg, or 13.2 lbs: which alone will test the recommended loads of lighter daypacks.

Along with camel-quality water hauling abilities, the Manta 24 is loaded with all the standard Osprey features. It has upper and lower compression straps, shoulder strap trekking pole attachments; ice tool loops, hipbelt pockets, and an included rain cover. The price tag is intimidating, but reasonable once you factor in the inclusion of a high-volume hydration reservoir.

Best on a Budget: REI CO-OP FLASH 22

WEIGHT: 14 oz / 396.8 g

VOLUME: 22 L

UNISEX: Yes

PROS: Great value, lightweight, solid build quality

CONS: Ill-equipped for heavier loads, only one size

PRICE: $

REI Co-op gear is like the house beer at your favorite bar: wallet-friendly, steady, reliable. It may never be the best, but it will always get the job done, and that is exactly what the REI Co-op Flash 22 was made to do.

If anything, this analogy slightly undersells the abilities of this modest pack. Its performance really is quite incredible relative to its price. The Flash 22 has a simple, frameless design, a top-loading main compartment, large side stash pockets, a zippered lid pocket, and an internal hydration reservoir sleeve. Trekking pole attachments and customizable Packmod bungee straps add exterior storage options.

It has everything you need in a hiking daypack, but not a whole lot more. The shoulder straps and hipbelt are comfortable but somewhat flimsy compared to higher-end models. The frameless design and absence of suspension features limit the usefulness of the pack for heavier loads.

For most hiking outings though, the Flash 22 is phenomenal. It is super affordable, yet new hikers won’t outgrow it immediately, thanks to its outsized durability and functionality. We would even recommend it for experienced hikers who need a simple, do-it-all pack that can take a beating but don’t want to break the bank.

BUYING ADVICE FOR HIKING DAYPACKS

“Load lifters? Suspension? Water reservoirs? Are you sure we’re talking about hiking backpacks, not recreational vehicles or something?”

For something so relatively simple on the surface, the features and terminology behind backpacks can sound unnecessarily complex. But a well-fitted backpack with the appropriate features for your hiking objectives can make a world of difference.

To help you make sense of it, we’ve summarized some of the key characteristics worth considering when choosing a new hiking daypack.

CAPACITY: The definition of a day hike is quite broad, and the range of sizes/capacities between different hiking daypacks matches this breadth. There are packs with less than 10 liters of total capacity, and others with nearly 40.

For short summer hikes, a 10-15 liter pack is all you need to carry water, snacks, and a few other essentials. Small packs like this are lighter and cheaper, but their utility is limited to shorter adventures in favorable weather. Packs over 30 liters are great for winter, long hikes, and the occasional overnight adventure, but their versatility is also limited, this time by being too much pack.

We believe the sweet spot for daypacks is between 20-30 L. On this list, all but one pack (the REI Co-op Traverse 32) fall in that range. At this size, packs have the capacity and organizational options you need for longer days and for exploring more remote and technical terrain, yet they remain versatile for everyday use.

 
 

FIT: Even the most comfortable backpacks won’t feel comfortable if they are not compatible with your body size. Many daypacks come in different sizes or gender-specific designs, so it is important to pick the best one for your torso length. Your torso is measured from your C7 vertebrae (the bump below your neck) down to your iliac crest (the top of your hip bones).

If you can, it is worth visiting your local outdoor store to get properly measured and fitted. This also allows you to load up a few packs to see how they feel and ride on your back when fully weighted.

COMFORT & SUPPORT: Beyond proper pack size, the comfort and support (or lack thereof) of daypacks is influenced by a few design features, the first being a frame. Higher capacity daypacks, like the REI Co-op Traverse 32 and the Patagonia Altvia 28, have metal or plastic frames to prevent the pack from sagging under heavier loads.

Once you are hauling 12-15 lbs, a frame begins to make a significant difference, as do other features like extra padding on shoulder straps and hip belts and load lifters—straps that lift some of the pack’s weight off the shoulders and distribute it along the back and hips.

These features will add weight to any pack, though. For your standard day hike, they are often unnecessary. Most daypacks in the 20-30 L range, like the Osprey Talon 22 and the Deuter Speed Lite 25, will ditch traditional frames for a padded back panel and opt for light and breathable hipbelts and shoulder straps. Back panels add some structure and cushion without the weight of a frame and can encourage ventilation and airflow along your back.

POCKETS: Hiking daypacks usually follow a similar pocket design pattern: a large main storage compartment, one or more secured zipper pockets, and a combination of stretchy mesh pockets on the exterior. Some, like the Deuter Speed Lite 25, add even more storage options to the hipbelt and shoulder straps.

We always like to have at least one zippered pocket for essentials, like car keys, phones, maps, and hiking permits. Otherwise, the biggest decision when looking at the pocket design is whether you prefer a top-loading or zippered main compartment. Top-load packs are better at maximizing functional capacity, while zippered compartments maximize ease of access.

 
 

HYDRATION: The vast majority of hiking daypacks are now hydration reservoir-compatible, with dedicated sleeves and hose loops. Some packs, like the Osprey Manta 24 come with a reservoir, but most do not, leaving it up to your preferences.

Two external mesh water bottle pockets are also standard on all but the most ultralight and minimal daypacks. If you like on-the-go access to your water but don’t enjoy the finicky nature of reservoirs, look for a pack with dual-access pockets that allow you to grab your water bottle without removing your pack. Most Osprey packs, including the Manta 24 and Talon 22, are great for this.

WEATHER RESISTANCE: While it is possible to find truly waterproof daypacks, thanks to innovative (and expensive) fabrics like Dyneema, the vast majority of them are made from ripstop nylon, which is water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. They will hold up in drizzling rain, but will inevitably soak through in persistent, heavy showers.

Packs with a DWR coating, like the Patagonia Altvia 28, have a little more water resistance, but the coating does degrade over time. If a pack doesn't include a rain cover, buy your own or line your main compartment with a pack liner. While not necessary for every hike, keeping your extra layers and electronics dry when deep in the backcountry can be a matter of life or death.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is the best size for a hiking daypack? The best pack size depends on the length of your hikes and what gear you need to be prepared. The most versatile daypacks are 20-30 liters in volume, with smaller sizes being ideal for shorter trips in favorable weather and 30+ liter packs best for very long hikes in challenging or unpredictable conditions.

What material are the best hiking daypacks made from? Standard ripstop nylon is the most common material used for hiking daypacks. Nylon is lightweight, weather-resistant, and offers a good combination of durability and affordability. Some packs use waterproof and super-durable—but more expensive—fabrics like Dyneema or CORDURA nylon.

What kind of comfort features should I look for in a hiking daypack? A pack that fits your torso appropriately is an important first step. From there, look for hipbelts, padded shoulder straps, adjustable suspension systems, and load lifters. The heavier your pack weight, the more important these features become.

What type of pockets should a daypack have? On top of a large main compartment, look for a small zippered pocket to keep your essentials organized and external pockets for easy access to water and extra layers. Hipbelt pockets can be helpful for on-the-go access to your phone, map, and snacks.

How much does a good daypack cost? The price of daypacks can vary widely depending on sizes, materials, and features. But you can expect to spend between $100-$200 USD for a high-quality pack.

MORE INFORMATION

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