The 5 Best Daypacks of 2024

Best Overall Heavy-Duty Daypack

REI Co-op Traverse 32

SPECIFICATIONS

The innovative REI Co-op Traverse 32 sets a new standard for design and functionality in a larger daypack. It’s durable and fully adjustable, and the suspension and materials used together result in one of the most comfortable daypacks we tested. The modular compression straps secure anything you need and tailor your load as desired. Whether carrying just the ten essentials on a brief outing or a full winter mountaineering gear set, the outcome is a comfortable, stable carry. With numerous lashing points and attachment loops, it’s easy to strap various equipment outside the pack or strip it down for travel.

A robust pack for challenging adventures, it may sometimes be excessive for certain situations. Unlike the smaller Osprey Talon 22, the rigid, non-adjustable frame of the REI Traverse 32 could be limiting for activities like scrambling or mountain biking. Although available in multiple sizes to fit your torso, the option of adjustability might be better for specialized activities. For high-output, fast-paced endeavors, the new padding and suspension system offers decent ventilation but not as much as some similarly sized packs with a mesh suspension back panel. If you’re seeking a basic daypack without the extra features of a larger pack, the Traverse 32 might be too big and intricate. Instead, consider the REI Co-op Trail 25. However, if you desire a pack capable of handling anything from brief day trips to full-scale backpacking adventures, the Traverse is an excellent choice.

Read more: REI Co-op Traverse 32 review

Best Overall Lightweight Daypack

Osprey Talon 22

SPECIFICATIONS

The Osprey Talon 22 is a reliable daypack that continues evolving. Osprey knows what constitutes a solid daypack, and the Talon 22 demonstrates this perfectly. Its sleek and versatile design incorporates numerous features and a suspension style typically found only in larger packs. Comfortable for a wide variety of activities, we felt confident using this on all types of excursions. The flexible frame offers freedom of movement during more active pursuits, and the lightweight, thin, but well-padded hip belt keeps the load steady and secure. For hiking, it accommodates a typical day kit effectively.

The Talon 22 is best suited for lighter gear loads and can handle your essentials across most seasons. Still, it may not be ideal for more demanding ventures into the woods or mountains where heavy loads and extra equipment are necessary. A pack with a rigid frame like the REI Co-op Traverse 32 will distribute more of the load onto your hips and remain stable as you twist and turn. If compatibility with air travel is crucial, consider a pack like the REI Co-op Flash 22 or the Osprey Daylite, which can withstand outdoor adventures while remaining packable and practical for air travel and easily stowed under your seat. The Talon is DWR treated but not constructed with the most water-resistant fabrics, making it less ideal for extremely wet conditions. You can, of course, use a pack cover, but for three-season use, the Talon is a user-friendly and reliable pack that won’t hold you back—interested in an even lighter option? Check out our recommendations for the best sling bags.

Read more: Osprey Talon 22 review

Best Bang for Your Buck

REI Co-op Flash 22

SPECIFICATIONS

Despite its minimalist design, the reliable REI Co-op Flash 22 is versatile and surprisingly comfortable. We were impressed by how well it carried lighter loads during hikes or runs. The pockets are user-friendly, making organizing and carrying travel essentials on long trips effortless. After months of use, the lightweight materials have displayed minimal signs of wear. With the single-layer construction, you can easily apply a patch if the fabric starts to deteriorate. We’ve owned various versions of a Flash pack for over ten years, and our latest experience has convinced us that this model will set the benchmark for lightweight, budget daypacks.

However, the Flash 22 isn’t our top choice for enduring extreme wear due to its thin, single-walled fabric design. Its foam frame sheet is suitable for light loads but will quickly become uncomfortable with heavier loads, which are better suited for the more supportive REI Traverse 32. Load management is crucial with the Flash 22, as the thin back pad can promptly indicate when your gear is misplaced. Nonetheless, for the low price, you receive a daypack that can effortlessly transition from hiking and running to commuting and traveling or being stowed into a backpacking pack for use from basecamp — without adding extra weight. For an even smaller, more affordable option, check out the REI Co-op Flash 18.

Read more: REI Co-op Flash 22 review

Best Pack for Day Hikes

Osprey Stratos 34

SPECIFICATIONS

The Osprey Stratos 34 took some time for us to appreciate. Initially, our test team consisted of all-around outdoor and mountain enthusiasts. We enjoy hiking, running, climbing, biking, and traveling by car, bus, and plane to reach our destinations. For many of these activities, a small, flexible daypack like the Osprey Talon 22 or a durable, heavy-hauler like the REI Traverse 32 is more suitable. While those models are well-adapted for various activities, they involve compromises that make them slightly less than perfect for day hiking specifically. For those who want a pack dedicated to day hiking, the Osprey Stratos 34 is the top choice. Its rigid frame supports heavy loads while simultaneously positioning the bulk of the pack away from your body for improved ventilation. While other comparable packs might support large loads just as effectively and offer more versatility, the panel-loading benefits of the Osprey Stratos 34 make organization and quick access effortless.

As we hinted above, the rigid bulk and greater weight of the Stratos 34 can be a drawback in certain situations. Consider this a no holds barred hiker’s pack that makes no concessions for other activities or sports. The zippered pockets and strap arrangement aren’t ideal for carrying large, bulky items like snowshoes. Its high weight-to-volume ratio also disqualifies this pack as a contender for minimalist activities. However, if you prefer the convenience of an exceptionally well-ventilated panel loader for day hiking, this is an excellent choice.

Read more: Osprey Stratos 34 review

Best Daypack for Urban Environments

Osprey Daylite Plus

SPECIFICATIONS

The Osprey Daylite Plus impressed us with its straightforward design. It provides a comfortable carry and just the right features to perform well on the trails and in the city. Even with a pared-down feature set, it includes a padded laptop sleeve. As a result, this is the pack we recommend for everyday use. From the office Monday through Friday to the trails on the weekend, this Osprey fills a unique niche.

Compared to the feature-packed Osprey Talon 22, the Daylite Plus offers minimal yet functional features. However, this pack’s simplicity and low weight make it more suitable for fast-and-light hikers. The Daylite Plus is slightly less intricate and less rigid than the Talon. Still, its internal padded sleeve and ample organizational pockets make it well-suited for travel and daily use.

Read more: Osprey Daylite Plus review

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How We Test Daypacks

For this evaluation, we employed our scientific expertise to rigorously test these daypacks. We carried the packs across the Cascade and Olympic Mountains of Washington, brought them along on buses and trains while commuting to work, filled them for a field science expedition to the Seaward Kaikoura Range in New Zealand, tried them on enjoyable hikes around the Colorado Rockies, and embarked on new adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. From easy trails to lengthy, technical bushwhacks, we utilized these packs in real-world situations, often lending them to friends to double-check our evaluations and pack fit. Additionally, we put them through a series of standardized tests and measurements to thoroughly examine their features, suspension, and comfort before making solid, evidence-based suggestions to help you choose the best daypack for your requirements. To learn more about our testing process, check out our in-depth testing article.

Key performance areas are divided into five rating metrics:

• Comfort (25% of total score weighting)

• Versatility (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use (25% weighting)

• Durability (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Jacob Clark leads our team of testers. An ex-chemist turned outdoor guide, Jacob devotes most of his free time to the Los Padres Nation Forest behind Santa Barbara or more extensive exploits in the Eastern and Western Sierra. As a passionate trail runner and fast packer, he understands how traversing varied terrain in changing conditions demands a well-planned approach to gear. He often modifies packs to fit the precise needs of a specific adventure.

Dan Scott is a Ph.D. scientist who studies how rivers shape landscapes. He spends much of his time exploring and contemplating these landscapes worldwide, using his recreational abilities to navigate rivers, canyons, cliffs, and wildernesses through the use of ropes, kayaks, skis, and his own two feet. Transporting rock samples, carrying survey equipment, and enjoying the mountains, Dan employs and tests daypacks year-round in every imaginable situation.

Trevor Everts, hailing originally from the Northeast U.S., has spent many days among the region’s stunning mountains and lakes. As a U.S. Marine, he has traveled globally and has logged many adventures in various climates and terrains.

How to Choose The Best Daypack

To help narrow down your next daypack, we answer some common questions below. This is a small sampling of our complete daypack buying advice article.

What Activities Do You Participate In?

First, it’s a good idea to narrow down your typical activities and how specific a bag you need. Some bags are great for specific activities such as hiking, running, or commuting, while others provide more versatility across the board. The backpack’s style will dictate the weight, shape, and compartments. If you plan on using your backpack for hiking to the local climbing crag, it’s worth looking at bags meant to support weight loads and offer adequate suspension. But if you just need a simple, lightweight bag for commuting to work or the gym, a frameless bag with only the essential components will fit the bill.

What Capacity Works Best?

Capacity is also dictated largely by activity type but can vary across disciplines and various activity types. For those wanting to use a bag for multiple occasions, it does not hurt to size up and find a bag in the 20-25 L range to accommodate the ability to hike mountains one day and go to school the next. While you will sacrifice weight, it’s a worthy tradeoff to ensure you can use your bag however you please. If you plan on having specific activities for your next daypack, such as ultralight overnights or trail running, finding a pack that is lightweight while providing support is key. Packs in the 10-15 L are ideal for lightweight but packable adventures.

What to Look For in a Comfortable Pack

Finding a comfortable, properly fitting backpack will facilitate carrying, help avoid strain and aches, and ideally, result in less complaining. Key characteristics of a comfortable backpack should include well-padded hip belts, proper ventilation, and tons of adjustability. When shopping for a pack, feel the padding, analyze the ventilation system on the back, and look for straps that adjust vertically and horizontally, ideally in multiple spots. Taking the time to account for features that make up a well-fitting pack can go a long way in finding your ideal backpack.

How Important Are Features?

Packs with useful features such as hydration reservoirs, bottle pouches, and tool loops can be especially handy on the trail or road. For those who own a water bladder, it can be especially important to find a compatible backpack, while folks who prefer water bottles will want to find a bag with the proper bottle pocket. Prioritizing your needs and pocket preferences will help steer you in the right direction toward choosing the most compatible backpack for your next day out.

Analysis and Test Results

We wore these packs for every conceivable activity during our months-long testing process. Our team of gear experts created tests and scoring criteria to push the products to their limits and make this comparison as objective as possible. This in-depth article explains how we assessed the models in each metric, emphasizing the top performers to help identify the right pack for each user.

Value

While we evaluate these packs based solely on their performance, we don’t disregard the importance of price. Higher prices usually result in more specialized features, such as front-side pole carriers or exceptionally high-quality builds. Generally, you can still acquire a fantastic, functional pack at an affordable price. There’s enough competition in this category that most well-known brands have their own value-oriented offerings. Numerous packs deliver exceptional value for the price. For smaller packs at the lower end of the price spectrum, it’s difficult to surpass the performance of the REI Co-op Flash 22 or the Osprey Daylite. These models are also versatile enough to be useful for various activities, eliminating the need to own multiple specialized packs. They are among the least expensive yet scored higher than many of the packs we examined. The Osprey Talon 22 significantly outperformed many of these packs and is considerably more affordable than some other alternatives. Regardless of your budget, you should be able to maximize your daypack investment.

Comfort

A pack’s comfort depends on adjustability, load-carrying capability, and ventilation. Our favorites, the Osprey Talon 22 and REI Co-op Traverse 32, are among the only packs with fully cushioned hip belts, load lifters, and ventilation, all contributing to increased comfort. The Gregory Citro 24 H2O also had a padded hip belt.

Regarding adjustability, the Osprey Talon 22 and the Osprey Stratos 34 are the easiest and most adjustable options among the packs tested. You can effortlessly un-velcro the back panel, move it up or down to adjust the shoulder straps’ position, and reattach it, allowing them to fit most individuals. Packs like the REI Co-op Traverse 32 come in various sizes, which is great if you fit one of those sizes but can be a significant issue if you don’t. Therefore, it is crucial to measure your torso accurately before purchasing.

The REI Traverse 32 is easily the most supportive for carrying heavy loads. The ultralight REI Co-op Flash 22 is minimalist but carries moderate loads stably due to its thoughtfully padded shoulder straps.

The uplift straps of the REI Co-op Traverse 32 and the all-around compression straps of the Osprey Stratos 34 or REI Co-op Trail 25 deserve recognition. They tighten down the load to the frame and suspension for comfort and stability.

Ventilation is a crucial aspect of comfort. We appreciate packs that allow airflow across our backs to let sweat evaporate and keep us comfortable in hot and cold environments. The Osprey Stratos 34 has the most sophisticated, structured back panels. This pack is designed to improve airflow, making hiking more comfortable in warm weather. After comparing dozens of options over the years, we can confidently say suspended mesh panels lead to significantly less sweatiness at the end of the day.

Versatility

Although most of the products reviewed are designed for hiking-specific pursuits and come with useful features like trekking pole attachments, some can double as a briefcase, school tote, or even a dry bag for rafting. We looked for specific features tailored for certain activities, such as a flexible back panel that enables a range of motion while cycling. Moreover, the larger your daypack, the more options you have – provided you can restrain yourself on short trips and not fill a large pack “just because”. For any winter or technical travel, less than 20 liters of actual capacity (rather than the manufacturer’s claim) tends to be insufficient. Keeping this in mind, larger packs also received higher versatility scores.

A day hiking-specific pack tends to be more versatile than a snow-sports or climbing-specific backpack. It can often be used for travel, summiting mountains, or carrying your laptop to your favorite coffee shop. Many of these models don’t have a laptop sleeve, but we still enjoyed using them for commuting to work. If your focus is on traveling for work, consider checking out the best laptop backpacks we tested – though it is important to note that many of these are generally not intended for hiking. For a contender almost equally optimized for hiking and carrying around town, including a laptop, the Osprey Daylite Plus and Black Diamond Distance 15 are worth your consideration. Both packs can easily carry office supplies like pens and a notebook and transition seamlessly to carrying your poles and the ten essentials on a hike.

The Osprey Talon 22 performed best for the most athletic activities, easily transitioning between biking, hiking, travel, commuting, peak bagging, and mountain biking. The REI Flash 18 is simple, but the main open compartment can accommodate many different items. This pack works well for urban applications, such as a daily gym bag or purse replacement, while also serving as an excellent stuff sack to have with you on overnight trips for summit bids and day outings.

In general, packs with rigid frames and ample ventilation don’t work as well for mountain biking or scrambling, where freedom of movement is crucial. Packs like the Osprey Stratos 34 and REI Traverse 32 have rigid frames and features optimized for organizing larger outdoor-adventure loads. The Traverse 32 proved very versatile, with a sculpted suspension that allowed a lot of freedom of movement, even with a heavy load.

Ease of Use

To test ease of use, we conducted a packing test for carrying the “10 Essentials.” At a minimum, a daypack must be able to hold these items during an outing. We gathered our ten essentials and packed each pack with the entire collection of items. We also used the same load during our calisthenics testing to evaluate load stability. If packs included special carry features, such as the front-side pole-loops on the Osprey Talon 22 or Stratos 34, or specialized straps like the Packmod compression straps of the REI Co-op Traverse 32, we assessed these features to determine if they functioned as intended.

As anticipated, the larger packs, like the Osprey Stratos 34 and the REI Traverse 32, accommodated these essentials comfortably. The Stratos 34 features numerous pockets and organizational features ideal for smaller items. Although not quite a traditional panel loader, the side-zip pocket, the combination of two zippered pockets, and the highly effective uplift straps on the Traverse 32 balanced organizational ease with rapidly securing large, bulky loads.

While many packs integrate waist-belt pockets, we particularly appreciated the pockets on the Osprey Talon 22, especially for storing trail snacks and sunscreen while hiking. This pack also features an additional stretch mesh pocket on the shoulder straps for a compass, GPS unit, or snack.

All packs we tested are hydration bladder compatible. Almost all tested packs had side water bottle pockets, although some are certainly better than others. We favored deep, stretch-mesh water bottle pockets like those found on the REI Traverse 32 or the REI Trail 25. Mesh pockets that had only elastic around their tops or were shorter than a typical one-liter bottle, like those on the Osprey Stratos 34, were slightly less secure and not ideal for valuable items like your favorite binoculars.

Weight

While some packs may be extremely lightweight, they often have to sacrifice volume, features, or durability to achieve that. A lightweight pack can be excellent, but if it cannot carry everything you need, what is the purpose of having the pack in the first place? In this metric, we weigh each pack on our home scale and analyze the results concerning each pack’s volume.

Lightweight packs with higher volumes tend to be streamlined or made of advanced materials. In contrast, heavier-weight packs – regardless of size – tend to include more features. The REI Flash 22 (14 oz ounces, 22 liters) and Black Diamond Distance 15 (12.7 ounces, 15 liters) are incredibly lightweight. Both packs trade some load-carrying capabilities to save some weight. But their functionality, lightweight design, and versatility are hard to beat if you’re looking for a simple daypack.

Many of these ultra-light packs save weight by reducing the material in the back panel, but this can create comfort issues. The sleek Deuter Speed Lite 20 (16.1 ounces, 20 liters) is one of the lightest packs we tested for its size. The Osprey Daylite Plus (20.6 ounces, 20 liters) also provided a solid carrying capacity for its weight by keeping features to a minimum.

The heaviest packs tested are those that feature heavy materials and sturdy constructions. The Osprey Stratos 34 (50.8 ounces, 34 liters) is relatively heavy for its volume. However, you get a robust suspension, ventilation, and some additional space for that added weight. More importantly, however, they include some nice added features.

Durability

Each product in this review demonstrated durability over months of use, but some will undoubtedly last longer than others. While our testing period doesn’t last long enough to experience complete failure, we observed some minor wear and tear on some models. Based on that and our institutional understanding of materials, construction, and durability, we can confidently extrapolate from that experience. Materials are the primary determinant of durability – packs with thicker, flexible materials that can resist damage and absorb pressure tend to last longer. Those made this way will generally last at least as long as the zippers remain functional, barring exposure to extremely abrasive environments. In pack design, zippers are often the weak link. Unlike cinch openings, zippers can be damaged by sand or abrasion, and it is worth taking the time to care for and clean zippers occasionally.

The ultralight REI Flash 18 is made of considerably lighter ripstop nylon than most packs in this review and is slightly more vulnerable to wear and tear than the others. The thin fabric is strong in tension but fragile when exposed to abrasion. Abrasion from sharp surfaces, either inside or outside the pack, can quickly create large holes that are difficult to repair. This justifies double-walled fabrics on some of the most durable packs we reviewed. The lightweight packs will likely show wear in a year or two of regular use. Heavy users can ruin one of these in a single rough-and-tumble outing. However, we’ve owned several Flash 18 and Flash 22 packs since they debuted over a decade ago, and we’ve found it to be an impressively easy pack to repair in the field with just some duct tape or Tenacious Tape, thanks to its simple, single-wall design.

We particularly liked the thick fabric of the REI Co-op Traverse 32. We bushwhacked through miles of dense jungle in New Zealand with this pack, and it emerged without so much as a scratch (even though our skin certainly did not).

After fabrics and zippers, most of the durability issues will stem from buckles and cords. We look for widely available, well-sized, well-designed buckles that carry loads efficiently without succumbing to stress and damage over repeated uses. Also, look out for packs with dangling cords or straps that can snag on rocks or tree branches. The Cotopaxi Moda 20 is a great example of a simple, durable pack without any of these issues.

Most pack companies offer a compatible rain cover to accompany their packs. In our test, the REI Traverse 32, the Osprey Stratos 24, and the REI Trail 25 came with rain covers. Rain covers like the Osprey Hi-Vis Raincover are a great thing to consider including in your pack, just in case you get caught in an unexpected downpour and want to protect the contents of your pack. These daypacks were not completely waterproof but could fend off light moisture. The REI Co-op Flash 22 and the REI Co-op Traverse 32 were notable for resisting water entry to the main compartment, even without a rain cover. The Osprey Talon 22 allowed the most water in during our hose testing, mainly through large zippered openings.

Conclusion

If you’re a passionate hiker, a mountaineer, or a scholar, you’ll likely require a daypack for at least one of your pursuits. Given the vast selection of great packs available on the market, this review will help you quickly narrow down the selection to the best daypack for your needs and budget.