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Best Day Packs In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated December 1, 2018
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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For everyday hiking or commuting, you can’t go wrong with a daypack – that small but perfectly formed rucksack that’s tough enough to weather a day on the trail but can also get you around town with some outdoor style.

Our review of the best daypacks whittles the list down to the top 10 that we think are the backpacks capable of standing up to all the rigors of both the outdoor and urban life.

Need a lightweight, low-key carrier with enough space for your gadgets, keys, wallet, water, snacks and outdoor spares? Then one of our best daypacks is for you. Let Gear Hungry take the weight off your shoulders and help you to find the perfect pack to carry all your essentials.

The Best Day Pack

1
Venture Pal Lightweight Day Pack

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Straight in as our Best Choice is the good-looking Venture Pal daypack which combines urban-cool styling with the features you would expect from a more rugged outdoor travel backpack and all for a fantastic price. This is one of the largest daypacks in terms of volume in this review – coming in at an impressive 35 liters at its maximum size, it is not a day travel bag to weigh you down. Made from superlight nylon, the Venture Pal tips the scales at a little over 11 ounces.

But this isn’t a lightweight daypack when it comes to overall performance. Tear and water resistant, the Venture Pal also has a double-layered bottom panel to take the weight when you need to max its load. Plus, it comes with breathable and padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable as you walk.

This really is a super-organized daypack, with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your belongings sorted and accessible. And it is also a great one to use for overseas travel – its compact sizing works with most airline carry on limits and when not in use, it can fold inside itself for super easy storage. The Venture Pal may appear to be compact and bijou, but it certainly has big ideas when it comes to a great everyday daypack.

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Key Features:

Breathable mesh shoulder straps

Heavy duty two-way SBS metal zippers

Main compartment extends to 35l capacity

Two zipped front pockets and two side pockets

Packs away into a zipped pocket for storage

Specification:
  • BrandVenture
  • ModelFBA_VP001RED
  • Weight11.2 ounces
Pros

Super comfortable for long day hikes

Easily folds away for storage

Impressive 35 liter internal capacity

Cons

Nylon material can wear a bit at the bottom

BUY ON AMAZON

2
TETON SPORTS Oasis 2 Liter Hydration Day Pack

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If you are looking for a hardy outdoor day backpack for a serious day out on the trail, then check out the Oasis from outdoor gear specialists, Teton Sports.

With a built-in two-liter hydration bladder plus a sewn-in rain cover, the Oasis is a hardy soul and perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing. Coming in at a good sized 18 liters, there is enough space in this tough-looking daypack for your trail survival essentials and, with a low-profile cut, it stays comfy on your back all day long.

The features on the Oasis day backpack show that the designers had the outdoor life in mind. As well as the handy hydration pack, the large internal pocket has a hidden zipper to keep your gear (and lunch) totally protected from the elements while the external bungee cord system makes carrying your mountain bike helmet or trekking poles a breeze. Meanwhile, its neat butterfly opening means you can easily access your waterproofs if the weather takes a turn for the worst.  What is really impressive about this lightweight daypack is its carry comfort system, with fully adjustable foam padded shoulder, chest and waist straps to give you a custom fit.

And finally, a built-in safety whistle plus external reflective stripes mean this daypack ensures you can be seen and heard when needed. Great value for the best daypack outdoor performer.

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Key Features:

Internal pocket with hidden-teeth zipper

2-Liter Hydration Bladder Included

Bungee cord system for bike helmet

mesh back panel with foam pads

Safety whistle and reflective trim

Specification:
  • BrandTeton Sports
  • Model1001
  • Weight2 pounds
Pros

Super-handy built-in 2 liter hydration pack

Adjustable shoulder, waist and chest straps

Cons

A tad on the small side, compared to other daypacks in this review

BUY ON AMAZON

3
SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack

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We love the stealth, military look of the Ninja daypack from SOG, that combines smooth styling with all the features and space you need for an everyday shoulder bag.

It’s a flexible day backpack that is as good on a casual weekend hike as it is on the school run or work commute. Its extra plus point is its easy organization, putting everything you need quickly at your fingertips.  With a large main compartment offering up to 24 liters of capacity, there are also enough accessory pockets plus a soft-lined section for your gadgets, meaning everything is kept secure and easy to find.

Made from water-resistant polyester, the Ninja is perhaps not as wet weather hardy as some of the more adventurous packs in our best daypacks review, but for everyday use around town, you have everything you need. Plus, there is ample pocket space for a hydration bladder when your day proves to be thirsty work!

The Ninja daypack is also a tough but comfortable cool dude, with a contoured foam back panel and adjustable sternum slider and durable buckles and zippers to keep your contents safe and secure. All-in-all, for around $40 you are getting a great everyday daypack or backpacking backpack that also comes with a lifetime warranty. 

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Key Features:

24.2 liter internal capacity

Internal pocket for water bladder

Padded compartment for gadgets

Adjustable shoulder straps

Bottom grommet drainage holes

Specification:
  • BrandSOG
  • ModelYPB001SOG-008
  • Weight1.94 pounds
Pros

External Molle webbing for fitting extra attachments

Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons

Water-resistant rather than waterproof

BUY ON AMAZON

4
Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Day Pack

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This is a quality daypack from popular outdoor specialists Osprey who have managed to create a versatile, high performing outdoor day backpack that is just at home on the city streets.

Originally designed to be an additional zip-off space accessory to be attached to their larger rucksacks, Osprey found they had a demand for the Daylite as a standalone pack, thanks to its size and versatility. Lightweight, durable, and really comfortable to wear, the Osprey is now the go-to daypack for the man about town (or on the day trail).

Coming in at a nicely sizeable 20 liters and in a range of vibrant colors, there’s no denying the Osprey Daylite daypack looks good, but how does it actually perform? Pretty darn well, we say, and its secret is its simple quality.  A decent sized internal compartment and a multi-function interior sleeve that you could use to store either your tablet or hydration pack, the Daylite easily takes you from the city to the trail. It has enough outer zip pockets to stash all your essentials and the zip placings make them easy to access. There’s a couple of side pockets for your water bottle and the mesh back panel can also double up as a place to store even more of your stuff.

And the whole pack can be trimmed down with a removable webbed hip belt for when you need to be sleek on the commute. A little more pricey than some others in our best daypack review but for a quality bag that can big it up as an attachment to the Osprey travel packs, you get a lot of little bag for your money. Be sure to also check out our list of the best stylish backpacks for men for more great items like this.

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Key Features:

Large panel-loading main compartment

Attaches to compatible Osprey backpacks

Spacermesh shoulder straps with handle

Multi-function interior sleeve

Removable pack-stabilizing hip belt

Specification:
  • BrandOsprey
  • Model10000409
  • Weight1.19 pounds
Pros

Versatile – attaches to larger Osprey backpacks

Great size for airplane carry on

Rigid frame helps it to keep its shape

Cons

Side panel water bottle holders a little tight on space

BUY ON AMAZON

5
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack

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Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil daypack is certainly a little rucksack with a big heart! It can hold a remarkable amount of everyday essentials for when you are out and about but can then be reduced to the size of a tennis ball when you need to pack it away as you continue on your travels. With no bulky frame, this neat day backpack folds down with the minimum of fuss into its own small stuff sack, making it small and light enough to stow in your travel backpack.

The material used to make this daypack may feel super light, but it’s not flimsy either. Made from rip-stop siliconized Cordura, it’s tough enough to be used out hiking or sightseeing and is also coated with polyurethane to make it remarkably water resistant.

With no frame, it could be a bit of a loose, uncomfortable ride, but the Ultra-Sil’s ergonomic design, which includes reinforced shoulder straps, means it fits and wears well too. It does have just one main compartment, so no external pockets for smaller items but this tough little travel daypack has a 20 liter capacity so can hold a surprisingly large amount of stuff. For a lightweight travel daypack that can be tucked away when not in use, this is a gem of a find. For more similar options, check out our waterproof backpacks review.

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Key Features:

Simple, streamlined design

Reinforced should straps

Made from water-resistant Cordura

20 liter internal compartment

Folds down into a small stuff sack

Specification:
  • BrandSea to Summit
  • Model377
  • Weight2.4 ounces
Pros

Compresses down really small for easy storage

Small pack with an impressive 20 liter capacity

Cons

Only one internal compartment and no external pockets

BUY ON AMAZON

6
JanSport Cool Student Laptop Day Pack

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Taking the classic JanSport day backpack look and totally pimping up all the internal space, the Cool Student laptop daypack will get you around college in easy style.  The space this robust daypack offers is impressive, with room for a 15-inch laptop, all your day gear, gadgets, lunch box and essentials as well as space for a water bottle to keep you topped up. It’s also ‘school sturdy’ and made from 600 denier polyester with a synthetic leather scuff base to cope with the demands and rigors of campus life.

JanSport have been producing high quality, affordable travel backpacks and outdoor gear since 1967 so you know you are on to a winner with this urban daypack that still retains a nice sense of laid-back adventure. It would also look good as a work backpack and could hold its own on the daily commute or general use out and about around town. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty so the makers are confident it can cope with the student life!

The JanSport Cool Student daypack is certainly tough and it’s functional, but it is also fashion conscious, coming in an array of colors and patterned designs to match your own personal style.

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Key Features:

600 denier polyester and synthetic leather

Compartment space for 15-inch laptop

External water bottle holder

Three front zipper pockets

Comes with a lifetime warranty

Specification:
  • BrandJanSport
  • ModelJS0A2SDD008
  • Weight1 pound 8 ounces
Pros

Tough but student cool styling

Large laptop/gadget compartment

Cons

External zips can be a little cumbersome to use

BUY ON AMAZON

7
Eagle Creek Packable Day Pack

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If you like Eagle Creek’s Travel Gear but want something a bit more urban and street-wise, then their Packable Backpack version could be the daypack for you.

The Eagle Creek packable backpack is the perfect size for everyday use, whether it’s out on the trail, a busy city tour, or on the daily commute.  It also works perfectly as a college backpack. Similar in design to the Travel Gear, this slightly more heavyweight version has a few more security features to keep your belongings safe.  With two-way lockable zippers on the main compartment, this travel daypack will keep all your precious gear safe and secure. With the front pocket doubling up as a stash pocket when you need to fold way your daypack to store inside your larger luggage, there’s also an easy to reach side pocket for a water bottle.

Add in a few more additional details too, including breathable mesh shoulder straps to keep you comfortable and a front pocket key fob that doubles up as a clip so you can attach your daypack to the outside of your larger travel luggage, and you have a really versatile daypack at a decent price.

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Key Features:

Made from durable 70D heathered nylon

Two-way lockable zippers on main compartment

Front pocket key fob doubles as an attachment clip

Side water bottle holder

Comes with lifetime warranty

Specification:
  • BrandEagle Creek
  • ModelPackable Daypack
  • Weight7.2 ounces
Pros

Made from lightweight but robust material

Great security features

Cons

Water bottle holder only on one side

BUY ON AMAZON

8
Burton Day Hiker 25L Day Pack

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One of the heavyweights in our best daypack review, the Burton is also one of the hardiest, with its spec and styling taking you from the mountain or snow trail to city street with ease. The Burton Day Hiker nicely blends outdoor functionality with the needs of the digital guy, with enough internal space and protection for your gadgets as well as all your essential survival gear!

It’s a cavernous daypack too, providing up to 25 liters of internal capacity in its main compartment, which includes both a laptop and tablet sleeve for all your gadgets. The larger laptop sleeve can also be used for your hydration bladder, while there’s also two external water bottles to stop you from getting thirsty.

And it has pockets galore for your smaller items – including a fleece-lined accessory pocket, an overlapped large front pocket and an internal mesh pocket with key clip. Phew.

For longer day hikes or time on the slopes, this pack is also designed for comfort and comes with a back webbing board and ergonomic shoulder straps plus an adjustable sternum strap. In short, the Burton Day Hiker is a quality day backpack that’s more than capable of coping with a day’s skiing or boarding before going out on the town for some après ski/hiking fun.

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Key Features:

100% polyester with 25L capacity

Internal space includes laptop and tablet sleeves

Laptop sleeve can also be used for a hydration bladder

Ergonomic adjustable shoulder straps

Fleece pocket for goggles or phone

Specification:
  • BrandBurton
  • Model152861
  • Weight1.4 pounds
Pros

Great daypack for skiing and boarding

Plenty of space and secure pockets

Lightweight, low profile design

Cons

Side water bottle pockets are a touch on the small side

BUY ON AMAZON

9
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Day Pack

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For a great value backpack that all the family can use, then this 20 liter daypack from outdoor clothes company, Eddie Bauer, could well be your everyday go-to.

From use at school by the kids to going out on a day hike, this is a daypack that is tough enough without being too heavyweight. It is certainly easy and comfortable to carry around and being made from 200 denier ripstop, it can take whatever you throw at it. It is also treated with storm repellent that helps it to shed moisture and keep your belongings nice and dry when the weather suddenly takes a turn.

With one large main compartment, two mesh side water bottle holders, a small front zip pocket and a Velcro back panel space, this daypack could do with a couple more internal storage pockets, but to be honest, it isn’t really a deal breaker. Plus, the space inside is sufficient enough to pack all your essentials as well as a tasty lunch to keep you going.

When not in use, this nice-looking day backpack can fold in on itself and stow away inside its front zip pocket, making it a good daypack to also take on your longer travels. And for the price there are some nice comfort touches, including lightly padded shoulder straps. A good all-round daypack for everyday normal use.

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Key Features:

100% polyester with 20L internal capacity

Made from durable 200 denier ripstop fabric

Folds away inside small external pocket

Padded shoulder straps for added comfort

Two mesh side water bottles

Specification:
  • BrandEddie Bauer
  • Model0230168707
  • Weight11 ounces
Pros

Great value for a 20 liter daypack

Easily folds away for simple stowing

Cons

When full can be a little hard on your back

BUY ON AMAZON

10
Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

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We’ve often found that daypacks don’t provide the same comfort and stability that large hiking and traveling backpacks offer. The Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack is the exception to that rule. Designed for one-day hikes, this ultra-comfortable backpack feels like it’s hugging you from behind, thanks to the BioStretch harness and continuous wrap hipbelt. It also features an AirScape back panel to keep the air flowing around your body. 

If you’re on the smaller side, you might find this backpack a little too big for day hikes. It’s definitely designed for larger builds. In terms of space, it offers a total of 22 liters and has an external hydration sleeve that can accommodate a 3L reservoir (sold separately). It also has a bunch of small storage solutions you might not notice on the product picture. For example, the hipbelt features two zippered pockets, there are two stretch mesh pockets on the sides of the pack, and it has a LidLock helmet attachment for cyclists and climbers. 

Key Features:

22-liter capacity 

External sleeve for 3L reservoirs 

Dual-zippered main compartment access 

BioStretch harness 

Continuous wrap hipbelt

Available in four colors 

AirScape back panel

Specification:
  • BrandOsprey
  • ModelTalon 22
  • Weight1.34 pounds
Pros

Made from super high-quality materials 

Amazing support system 

Lots of internal space 

Extremely comfortable 

Cons

It’s kind of expensive 

BUY ON AMAZON

Sources

  1. How To Wash A Backpack – Wikihow
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