Hiking is a choose-your-own-adventure activity: camp for a week in the wilderness, try an overnight in a national park, or hike for the afternoon and be home in time for dinner.
If that last option sounds most appealing to you, it might be time for a day hike. Contrary to the name, a day hike can last an entire day, a few minutes, or any length of time in between. The distance, duration, and difficulty level are entirely up to you.
But no matter how or where you hike, there’s one piece of gear that can make any hike better: a daypack. If you plan on hitting the trails this season, here’s how to choose the right daypack for your next trek.
In a Hurry? Here’s our top picks…
- SATISFY YOUR THIRST FOR ADVENTURE: Lightweight and comfortable; This hydration pack is a terrific companion for all your day-long or overnight hydration needs
- FREE HYDRATION BLADDER: 2-Liter; Durable, kink-free sip tube and push-lock cushioned bite valve; Large 2-inch (5 cm) opening for ice and easy cleaning
- CUSTOMIZABLE COMFORT: Backpack for men, women, and youth; Adjusts to fit all frames comfortably; Notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering means you can wear this pack for hours
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Over 1,000 verified 5-star reviews testifying to the quality and design; Large main pocket protects gear, clothes, and lunch; Bungee cord system for cycling and climbing helmets
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS with TETON Sports
- High-Quality Material:Hiking backpack is made of high quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric,which is water resistant,tear resistant,anti-scratch and wear resistant. Furthermore,we also give away a rain cover with a clear silver reflective logo. It is putted in the little pocket under the backpack. So it is no doubt that all your things will keep dry during rain. Just take this outdoor backpack,no matter the weather.
- Ergonomic and Comfortable Design:Thicker padded back with ergonomic breathable design paired with adjustable, breathable and padded shoulder help to reduce fatigue during a long day of hiking. The hiking daypack comes with an ergonomic ring handle,which is labor-saving and durable. The adjustable chest buckle works perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. And chest buckle designed as a survival whistle for quick and easy use in case of emergency.
- Large Capacity & Multi Compartment: Maelstrom Hiking Daypack provides several pockets for handy storage and convenient organization. Spacious backpack packed with roomy zipper main compartment, 1 top pocket, 3 front zipper pocket, 2 waist zipper pockets and 2 mesh side pockets.In addition,one waterproof wet pocket is added to the main compartment to better separate sweaty clothes or other personal things after swimming or taking exercise.
- Unique Function Design:The camping backpack is printed with reflective signs to remind safety. The sides of the backpack have elastic and fasteners that can hold two sets of trekking sticks or adjust the webbing according to needs. There is a headphone hole on the top of the backpack for you to enjoy music. There is a Velcro to fix the water bag liner in the main bag and a water pipe hole on the top side of the backpack to assemble the water bag system.
- LIGHTWEIGHT -- Easy to carry:The 40L hiking backpack is lightweight and it’s breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help to relieve the stress from your shoulder. The large capacity of 40L provides enough space for outdoor travel,camping,hiking and fishing. It meet size requirements for most airlines. This camping backpack can be used as hiking backpack, travel bags and business bag,which is suitable for men and women.
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
Daypacks 101
There are two main categories of packs: backpacks and daypacks. Most people are familiar with backpacks, the large packs used for backcountry camping or international travel. But they’re not the only pack option on the market, and for shorter excursions, traditional backpacks are too heavy and unwieldy.
Daypacks are small, lightweight packs. Like backpacks, they have shoulder straps and often come with a hip belt too. Some daypacks are designed for a specific purpose such as running or climbing but most styles can be used for hiking too.
If you’re headed on a hike that will last a day or less, you likely won’t need much gear, but you may want to carry a few items like snacks, water, and a jacket. That’s why a daypack is the perfect solution. It holds just enough gear but not so much that it’ll weigh you down.
When choosing a daypack, here’s what to consider:
Activity: You can buy daypacks that are designed for hiking but it’s worth checking out options that are designed for other activities too. Daypacks for running are especially lightweight and streamlined, while daypacks for climbing tend to be more narrow. If you have a small frame or tend to hike short distances, you may prefer daypack styles that are designed for running. They usually have a built-in hydration system and just enough extra room for a snack and a phone.
Size: Most backpacks, including daypacks, are typically measured in liters. This measurement refers to the backpack’s capacity. Most daypacks are between 10 to 35 liters (though sometimes even less). Figure out how much gear you’ll need for a typical hike and make sure the pack you choose is large enough to hold it all. If possible, look at daypacks in person—and try them on—so you can better judge their size.
Fit: Fit is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing any kind of pack. The best way to find the ideal fit is to measure your torso length and hip size (if the pack comes with a hip belt). Some daypack styles comes in multiples sizes and if they do, these measurements will help you choose the correct size for you. There are even some daypacks with adjustable torso options.
Features: Whether you want a minimalist daypack or one with all the bells and whistles, here are some features to consider.
- Material: Durable material like ripstop nylon is best. Look for water-resistant or waterproof material too.
- Frame or frameless: Daypacks are available with built-in frames for extra support or there are frameless options.
- Access: Most packs are top-loading but you may want to consider styles that offer side-loading or front-loading access.
- Hydration: One of the main reasons for using a daypack is hydration. Make sure the one you choose has a built-in hydration system, a water bottle holder, or enough interior storage space for a water bottle.
- Exterior storage: While it’s not always necessary, having pockets, straps, or hooks on the outside of a daypack can help free up space inside the pack.
Our Daypack Picks
If you’ve decided that a daypack is right for you, here some options:
Osprey DayliteThis streamlined daypack has a 13-liter capacity and an additional front-zippered pocket and key clip. Padded straps, a hip belt, and vented mesh back make a comfortable option for day-hikers and travelers. It’s also available in 7 colors.
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
It’s hard to beat the simplicity and utility of Osprey’s Ultralight Stuff Pack. It has an 18-liter capacity but conveniently folds up into its own built-in storage pocket when it’s not in use. It has one main storage pocket accessed by dual zippers and an exterior pocket that can easily hold a water bottle. Mesh straps add to the comfort of this pack.
- Pack stuffs into its own ultra-compact, built-in storage pocket
- Dual zippered main compartment
- Stretch mesh side gear or water bottle pocket
- Top zippered pocket for easy access to essential gear
- Pack Volume: 18 L/1098 cubic inches
With an insulated 2-liter hydration compartment and bite-valve, this lightweight pack from Water Buffalo is designed for hydration. Yet for runners, cyclists, and hikers, it also offers a bit more: there’s a roomy main compartment, exterior pocket, and bungee to hold gear. Padded straps and a ventilated back keep you comfortable even on long hikes.
- ADVENTURE READY - The water bag for hiking features an easy-access velcro pocket so you can stash what you need without being burdened with extra gear. Your backpack water bottle has whatever you need for your trek and is ready at a moment’s notice
- ATHLETIC COMFORT - Padding on the shoulders and back allows for comfort and breathability. An adjustable chest strap helps maintain shoulder straps so that you can manage the weight of the running water backpack through every stride.
- CLEAN INSULATED WATER STORAGE - Our backpack water bladder is made from BPA-Free materials. Housed by the insulated inner pocket, drinking feels refreshing even after biking several miles or spending the day at a festival with our rave hydration pack
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND WATER RESISTANT - Our running backpack is made from lightweight, ripstop nylon that is water-resistant. The light material feels effortless as it carries your hiking gear and helps keep your gear clean and dry in the elements.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY - Water Buffalo has your back with our lifetime warranty. It covers all of our kids hydration backpack and water packs from any defects or issues. Our customer service team is here to help with any issues.
CamelBak has made a name for itself in hydration gear and their Rogue Hydration Pack is just one of many great options they offer. The Rogue has a lot of great hydration features: a 2-liter water reservoir, a quick-release flap for easy refills, a leak-proof bite valve, and a magnetic tube trap to ensure that water is always accessible. There’s also a zippered storage compartment that’s large enough to stash a rain jacket or extra layer.
- Crux delivers 20% more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easy refilling and an on/off lever to prevent leaks.
- Breathable air mesh back panel for a lightweight, comfortable fit
- Magnetic Tube Trap keeps your tube secure and accessible when you need it
- External hooks let you carry your helmet while still allowing full access to your pack
- Stretch overflow storage compartment lets you easily stash a rain shell or extra layer
Gregory’s Nano 16 backpack is a great all-purpose daypack. Its low-profile design along with its breathable back panel and padded straps make it an ideal pack for day hikes. Its 16-liter capacity makes it just large enough for the few items you’ll need on the trail and exterior mesh pockets provide a place to stash a water bottle.
- Breathable Backpanel - Die-Cut backpanel provides space for air to flow for a cooler back
- Top Zippered Pocket - Quick access zippered top pocket with key hook
- Side Mesh pockets - Side mesh pockets for water bottle storage or small item organization
Once you have your daypack, it’s time to hit the trail. If you’re new to hiking, check out our complete beginner’s guide to hiking.
Have the know-how but not sure where to go next? Here are the 10 best long-distance hiking trails in the U.S. including the legendary Appalachian Trail and the rugged Superior Hiking Trail. Day hiking portions of these long-distance trails can be a great way to experience them without the commitment of a long multi-day (or multi-week!) adventure.
