Best Day Hiking Backpacks of 2021

BEST DAY PACK OVERALL

Equipped with seven exterior pockets and a trademark Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment — a safe place to store your poles while hiking — the Osprey Talon 22 is the perfect day hike pack for a slow moving hiker. An external hydration sleeve saves space inside while hip belt pockets allow for quick access to energy bars or a compass.  

This is a great day pack for any hiker looking to carry some extra goodies for their friends. And with additional bungee tie-offs and an ice-axe loop, you can even take this on a more adventurous expedition as well.

BEST FOR: HIKERS ON A BUDGET

You won’t find a higher quality daypack in its class that costs under $50. The Flash 18 is frameless by design, so it lacks the rigidity some other daypacks offer. This pack features breathable mesh and enough padding in all the right places — two aspects that combine to make carrying a light load as comfortable as it can be. What we like most about the REI Co-op’s Flash 18 daypack is how well built it is for something so affordable.

BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT HIKERS

If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight daypack you can slim down on short jaunts and expand open on long hikes, the Salomon XA 25 is the pack for you. The Salomon brand is regarded for its excellence in crafting lightweight trail running gear — and it implemented many similar design features into this daypack. The Salomon XA 25 effectively keeps your gear dry thanks to the waterproof main compartment. What we love most about this daypack is how well it’s designed to distribute loads across your torso.”

BEST FOR: HAULING HEAVIER LOADS

If you’re looking for a burly daypack that prioritizes comfort and carrying capacity, the Traverse 35 is likely to meet your needs. This daypack is made from recycled fabrics and includes a steel internal frame that stabilizes heavy loads with ease. Its wire mesh frame makes for an all-around comfortable, modular product. What we like most about the Traverse 35 is the comfortable contoured hip belt and shoulder straps that boast just the right amount of padding.

BEST FOR: TOWN TO TRAIL USE

This lightweight pack isn’t feature-rich, but won’t leave you wanting for much on any short hike or jaunt around town. The Daylite Plus is a simple, streamlined pack designed with a minimalist suspension that’s comfy to wear for extended periods of time. What we like most about this daypack is the included internal padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for organizing all your gear.

BEST FOR: OUTDOOR SPORTS

With 20 Liters of storage, the Deuter Speed Lite 20 is considered by hiking enthusiasts to have one of the best designs on the market. A padded back panel and specially crafted shoulder straps make this an incredibly comfortable backpack. And an external helmet attachment loop means that you can take this backpack out on your favorite sporting adventure, whether that’s climbing, mountain biking or treacherous hiking. Overall, the Deuter Speed Lite 20 is great for both beginners and experts.

BEST FOR: FAST HIKERS

There’s a reason the Sea to Summit Ultra Sil won the Backpackers Editors’ Choice Gold Award in 2017. With the ability to withstand a load up to 250 times its own weight and then pack into a tennis-ball sized pocket afterwards, the Ultra-Sil is perhaps the sleekest, most streamlined day pack out there.

A specialized silicon fabric ensures strength and durability while reinforced shoulder straps give you the comfort you need. Note that this backpack is best for minimalist hikers with heavier loads. It’s even great for taking to the grocery store too!

BEST FOR: EASY-GOING LADY HIKERS

Built especially for women, the Tempest 20 L pack offers everything the Men’s Talon 22 does. Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachments provide a safe place to store your poles while an external hydration sleeve saves space inside. As with the Talon, hipbelt pockets provide a space for quick-access items and an ice-axe loop and bungee tie-offs make this an expert bag as well. A female specific pack like the Tempest 20 can give you that extra boost of comfort needed for a long hike, no matter your age.

BEST FOR: RESOURCEFUL HIKERS

With 15 L, 20 L, 25 L and 30 L models, the Gregory Inertia is one of the most equipped packs on the market. Known for its signature 3L Hydro reservoir, which is a drinking pouch included with the pack, the Gregory Inertia will keep you hydrated all day long.

Other cool features include a magnetic sternum strap which allows easy, one-handed buckling while hiking. Five exterior pockets grant more than enough room for quick-access storage and load-lifters, which adjust the position of the pack on your back, allow for you to optimize comfort.

This pack is decked out with everything you need and more. Its design is flawless and comfort well-matched. It’s best for anyone who doesn’t want to carry a water bottle.

BEST FOR: MINIMALIST HIKING

At 24 L of storage capacity, the Osprey Stratos 24 is the largest day pack we have on our list. Built for durability, the Stratos will last you long into your hiking years. With five exterior pockets and an integrated raincover, the pack safe-keeps your essentials in rain or shine. Adjustable straps and easy-access pockets help keep you moving at the pace you want as well.

Versatile, durable and spacious, this pack is best for someone hiking for years to come. With the ability to store enough equipment for a family day hike or a solo overnight trip, you’ll find it has more uses than just one.