Best Day Hiking Backpacks of 2020

BEST FOR: SHORT HIKES

Osprey has been producing top-of-the-line backpacks for decades now, and their new Daylight pack is no exception. As one of the lightest models on the market, the Osprey Daylight weighs in at only 1 lb and sports a comfortable 13 liters of space.

Outfitted with state of the art shoulder straps and side mesh pockets, you can pack on extra weight and still feel comfortable enough to hike any trail. The pack even includes an internal sleeve where you can either store a hydration pouch — such as a CamelBak — or a tablet.

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: LONGER HIKES

The REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack is expertly designed for hikers of all skill levels. With a removable waist belt and sternum strap, you can pack your backpack to the brim with no stress or keep your load light and remove the sternum strap to fly through the woods.

The Flash 22 seeks to cure that ever-so annoying problem of falling water bottles by building in taller, tighter side pockets for external storage. Plus, equipped with external loops, a padded back panel, and stretchy shoulder straps, the Flash 22 is great for any day hike you can imagine.

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: SLOWER HIKERS

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: 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.

BEST FOR: MINIMALIST HIKING

Built like the Men’s Stratos pack, the Osprey Sirrus 24 is especially crafted for women. With 24 liters of storage and a strong alloy frame, the Stratos will last you long into your hiking years. An integrated rain cover ensures your materials will stay dry out there on the trail and five exterior pockets ensure storage for quick-access items.

All the same compared to the Stratos, except the Sirrus is best for women. Few packs on the market offer a design catered to female hikers as well as Osprey’s Sirrus 24.

BEST FOR: MINIMALIST HIKING

The Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18 L Backpack is unlike any other pack out there. Hailing from Utah, the Luzon Del Dia is handcrafted for each order so no two backpacks are alike. Built from repurposed ripstop nylon, the bag is strong, durable and far lighter than its competitors on the market. Furthermore, with a unique design and varied color schemes, you’ll make sure to stand out on the trail.

This backpack is best for the minimalist hiker or beach goer. With only 1 large pocket, it stores just about anything, but compartmentalizing isn’t an option.