It's about that time – Spring has sprung and everyone who's been itching to get outside is planning their next big (or little) excursions. With all the hiking hubbub comes a LOT of backpack purchases. So, if you are looking for your first daypack, what factors should you consider?
Daypack Features to Look For
I'm gonna start by saying that this should not be cost prohibitive. Daypacks shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, ESPECIALLY if it's your first one. There are a lot of options out there, and the “best” backpack may come with a few features that would be tough to notice unless you were very experienced. Diminishing returns is a real thing, look it up.
But what kind of features should you consider? Here's what I would look for, based on my preferences.
- Hydration bladder compatibility – Do you plan on using a hiking bladder? I don't use these, so I don't pay extra for them. I'm a bottle dude.
- Weight – Is paying more to reduce weight worth the cost? Sometimes less weight means less padding/carry capacity.
- Carry Capacity – One mistake I often see if people buying bags that they never fully utilize. Keeping it simple and small often means staying more comfortable on the trail. Why suffer a sweaty back when you can opt for something smaller?
What to Avoid in a Pack
Spending Too Much: I personally wouldn't spend a ton on your first daypack. Use this as an opportunity to get something that will always be an option for you, even if you choose to buy something nicer down the road. I have an ultralight Gossamer Gear Loris pack that I enjoy bringing out on day trips…. but guess what? I'm not bringing it in a cave. I'm not climbing through barbed wire or muck with it. It's too nice for that! I will always have my OG Kelty daypack for that sort of activity.
Multipurpose Bags: Some bags are do it all, and feature things like laptop sleeves while going a little lighter on some of the more hiking-focused features. I personally wouldn't spend more on a bag that has less real-estate that I can use for dirty clothes, water, rain gear, etc.
My Top Daypack Recommendations
Here are a few packs I’ve personally used and would recommend:
Gossamer Gear Loris 25: Ultralight and functional. Includes a removable sit pad (great for breaks). $135 and totally worth it.
Gregory Citro 30: On the pricier side ($160), but worth it for quality and comfort.
Gregory Arrio 22: Cheaper and smaller than the Citro but still high quality.
Salomon Trailblazer 20: Budget friendly ($75). Lightweight and great for casual hikes.
Osprey Talon 22: high-end feel and function. Retails for $160, but often on sale- definitely worth hunting down.
Kelty Asher 24: Reliable and budget friendly. No frills, but gets the job done.
Cost: Stick with the Mid-Range
While it's tempting to grab the cheapest bag or splurge on a high-end pack, I recommend sticking with mid-range options between $80 and $150.
Cheaper packs may leave you wanting more and upgrading sooner than you’d like.
Premium models are great, but not always necessary for beginner hikes. Again. Diminishing returns.
Aim for value and longevity—there’s a sweet spot right in the middle!
Which Daypack is Right for You?
When it's all said and done, the “perfect pack” you spend your time stressing about will be a thing you throw on your back and stuff your stuff into. You may feel tempted to compare stats and statistics, and you may labor over what feels to be such an important decision… but at the end of the day, your pack is gonna be covered in mud and dust soon regardless. So don't stress!
Get something that will work for a long time, but more importantly, get yourself outside!
Check out some other reviews of the most popular daypacks.
