Choosing the right daypack is essential for a successful hiking or travel writing adventure. You need a pack that’s comfortable to carry, has enough space for your gear, and is durable enough to withstand the elements.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Daypack | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. Black Diamond Trail Zip 18 | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Patagonia Nine Trails Daypack | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. MYSTERY RANCH Market Backpack | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 6. Osprey Talon 22 | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 7. Deuter Outdoor Cranberry Maron | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 8. Matador Freerain24 | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 9. Gregory Citro H20 24L Daypack | BUY ON AMAZON |
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a daypack for hiking and travel writing:
- Size: Daypacks typically range in size from 20 to 30 liters. Choose a pack that’s big enough to fit all of your essential gear, but not so big that it’s bulky and uncomfortable to carry.
- Weight: Daypacks should be lightweight, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking. Look for a pack that’s made from durable materials but doesn’t weigh you down.
- Comfort: When choosing a daypack, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable to carry. Look for a pack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to help distribute the weight.
- Features: Daypacks come with a variety of features, such as hydration bladder compatibility, trekking pole attachments, and laptop sleeves. Consider which features are important to you and choose a pack that has them.
Here are a few of the best daypacks for hiking and travel writing:
1. Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack
The Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack is a lightweight and versatile daypack that’s perfect for hiking, travel, and everyday use. It has a variety of features, including a large panel loading main compartment, a multi-function padded interior sleeve for hydration reservoir or laptop, dual side mesh water bottle pockets, and a front organization pocket. The Daylite Travel Daypack also attaches to a variety of compatible Osprey packs for additional carrying capacity.
Key Features:
- Large panel loading main compartment with hidden interior pocket and organization panel
- Multi-function padded interior sleeve for hydration reservoir or a laptop (Fits most 14” laptops)
- Zippered expansion that adds 6 liters of storage capacity for a total volume of 24L
- Dual side mesh water bottle pockets and side compression straps
- Front organization pocket with mesh organizer and key clip
- Attaches to a variety of compatible Osprey packs
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including hiking, travel, and everyday use
- Well-organized with a variety of pockets and compartments
- Attaches to other Osprey packs for additional carrying capacity
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the shoulder straps can be uncomfortable on long hikes
- The laptop sleeve is a bit tight and may not fit all 14” laptops
- The zippered expansion can be difficult to open and close
2. Cotopaxi Luzon Daypack – Del Dia 18L – One of A Kind!
The Cotopaxi Luzon Daypack – Del Dia 18L is a one-of-a-kind daypack that’s perfect for everyday use, hiking, and travel. It’s made from durable and sustainable materials, and it has a variety of features, including an internal hydration sleeve, a front zippered pocket, a large main compartment, and ultralight mesh shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- One of a kind colorway
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Front zippered pocket
- Large main compartment
- Durable yet lightweight ripstop nylon shell fabric
- Ultralight mesh shoulder straps
Pros:
- Unique and stylish
- Functional with a variety of features
- Comfortable to carry
- Durable and made from sustainable materials
- Ethically made by a company that gives back to the community
Cons:
- The colorway is a surprise, so you may not get your favorite color
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
- There are no side pockets for water bottles
3. Black Diamond Equipment Trail Zip 18 Pack
The Black Diamond Equipment Trail Zip 18 Pack is a lightweight and versatile daypack that’s perfect for hiking, commuting, and everyday use. It has a variety of features, including a zippered-access main opening, two dedicated Z-Pole sleeves, four connection loops along back panel, a BDFlash pocket, an internal security pocket, and lightweight shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap. The Trail Zip 18 Pack is also made in the USA.
Key Features:
- Zippered-access main opening
- Two dedicated Z-Pole sleeves
- Four connection loops along back panel
- BDFlash pocket
- Internal security pocket
- Lightweight shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap
- 100D mini-rip translucent body material
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including hiking, commuting, and everyday use
- Well-organized with a variety of pockets and compartments
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the shoulder straps can be uncomfortable on long hikes
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
- There are no side pockets for water bottles
4. Patagonia Nine Trails Daypack
Key Features:
- Durable 210-denier Cordura ripstop nylon fabric
- Main compartment with U-shaped zipper for easy access
- Front zippered pocket for smaller items
- Side stretch pockets for water bottles or other essentials
- Padded shoulder straps and hip belt for comfort
- Sternum strap for stability
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Well-organized with a variety of pockets and compartments
- Made from sustainable materials
- Backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the shoulder straps can be uncomfortable on long hikes
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
- There is no dedicated hydration sleeve
5. Mystery Ranch Market Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Market Backpack is a versatile and durable daypack that’s perfect for a variety of activities, including shopping, commuting, and everyday use. It can be carried as a backpack or a tote bag, and it has a variety of features, including padded shoulder straps and foam back panel for comfort, interior zippered pocket, interior bottle pocket sleeve, and spacious exterior zippered pocket. The Market Backpack is made from durable materials and construction methods, and it’s backed by Mystery Ranch’s lifetime warranty.
Key Features:
- 18L capacity
- Convertible backpack and tote bag
- Padded shoulder straps and foam back panel for comfort
- Interior zippered pocket, interior bottle pocket sleeve, and spacious exterior zippered pocket
- Made from durable materials and construction methods
Pros:
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including shopping, commuting, and everyday use
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Well-organized with a variety of pockets and compartments
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Backed by Mystery Ranch’s lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the tote handles are a bit short
- There is no dedicated hydration sleeve
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
6. Osprey Talon 22L Men’s Hiking Backpack with Hipbelt
The Osprey Talon 22L is a versatile and durable hiking backpack that’s perfect for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and travel. It’s made from sustainable materials and has a variety of features, including a BioStretch harness, continuous-wrap hipbelt and AirScape® backpanel for comfort and support, lightweight and durable NanoFly® fabric, a variety of pockets and compartments for organization, hydration bladder compatibility, trekking pole attachments, and a rain cover. The Talon 22L is also backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee, so you can be confident that it will last.
Key Features:
- Sustainable design with recycled high-tenacity nylon
- BioStretch harness, continuous-wrap hipbelt and AirScape® backpanel for comfort and support
- Lightweight and durable NanoFly® fabric
- Variety of pockets and compartments for organization
- Hydration bladder compatible
- Trekking pole attachments
- Rain cover included
Pros:
- Versatile and can be used for a variety of activities, including hiking, backpacking, and travel
- Comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Well-organized with a variety of pockets and compartments
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Backed by Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the shoulder straps can be uncomfortable on long hikes
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
- The rain cover is not very durable
7. Deuter Women’s Modern, Caspia-Currant
The Deuter Women’s Modern is a comfortable, durable, and well-designed daypack that’s perfect for hiking, travel, and everyday use. It’s specifically adapted to the female anatomy and has a variety of features, including an Aircomfort mesh back system for maximum ventilation, an elastic spring steel frame for perfect load transfer to the hip fins, an Active-Comfort-Fit back system with movable shoulder straps for comfort and stability, a fixture for hydration system, padded hip fins with two zipped pockets, and spacious lid pockets.
Key Features:
- Aircomfort mesh back system for maximum ventilation
- Elastic spring steel frame for perfect load transfer to the hip fins
- Active-Comfort-Fit back system with movable shoulder straps for comfort and stability
- Fixture for hydration system
- Padded hip fins with two zipped pockets and spacious lid pockets
- SL Women’s Fit – specially adapted to the female anatomy
Pros:
- Very comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Well-ventilated to keep you cool and dry
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Variety of pockets and compartments for organization
- Specifically designed for women
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the lid pockets are difficult to access
- The pack is a bit expensive
8. Matador FreeRain24 Waterproof Packable Daypack Backpack
The Matador FreeRain24 is a lightweight, packable, and waterproof daypack that’s perfect for hiking, travel, and everyday use. It has a 24L capacity and is made from durable materials, including 30D Cordura fabric, Hypalon rolltop closure, ITW Nexus buckles and YKK zipper. The FreeRain24 also has a variety of pockets and compartments for organization.
Key Features:
- 24L capacity
- Waterproof main compartment with Hypalon roll top closure and sealed seams
- Constructed of durable materials: 30D Cordura fabric, Hypalon rolltop closure, ITW Nexus buckles and YKK zipper
- Packable design for easy travel or transport
Pros:
- Very lightweight and packable
- Completely waterproof
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Variety of pockets and compartments for organization
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the roll top closure can be difficult to open and close
- The pack is a bit small for some people’s needs
- There is no dedicated hydration sleeve
9. Gregory Mountain Hydration Backpack
The Gregory Mountain Hydration Backpack is a comfortable, durable, and well-designed daypack that’s perfect for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. It has a variety of features, including a soft molded, 3D Hydro Reservoir Included with integrated drying hanger, Drylock Magnetic bite valve attachment system, VaporSpan ventilated suspension with moisture-wicking mesh and ActiveFlex harness, variety of pockets and compartments for organization, trekking pole attachments, and a rain cover.
Key Features:
- Soft molded, 3D Hydro Reservoir Included with integrated drying hanger
- Drylock Magnetic bite valve attachment system
- VaporSpan ventilated suspension with moisture-wicking mesh and ActiveFlex harness
- Variety of pockets and compartments for organization
- Trekking pole attachments
- Rain cover included
Pros:
- Very comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded
- Well-ventilated to keep you cool and dry
- Durable and made from high-quality materials
- Variety of pockets and compartments for organization
- Includes hydration reservoir and rain cover
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the rain cover is not very durable
- The pack is a bit expensive
Final Verdict
The best daypack for hiking and travel writing depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and well-regarded daypacks include:
- Osprey Talon 22L
- Deuter Women’s Modern 24L
- Matador FreeRain24 Waterproof Packable Daypack
- Gregory Mountain Hydration Backpack
These daypacks all offer a good balance of features, comfort, durability, and value. They are also all versatile enough to be used for a variety of activities, including hiking, travel, and everyday use.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right daypack for you is to try on a few different options and see what feels most comfortable. Be sure to consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Size: Choose a daypack that is the right size for your needs. If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking, you will need a pack that is large enough to carry all of your gear, but not so large that it is bulky and uncomfortable to carry.
- Weight: Daypacks should be lightweight, especially if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking. Look for a pack that is made from durable materials but doesn’t weigh you down.
- Comfort: When choosing a daypack, it is important to make sure it is comfortable to carry. Look for a pack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to help distribute the weight.
- Features: Daypacks come with a variety of features, such as hydration bladder compatibility, trekking pole attachments, and laptop sleeves. Consider which features are important to you and choose a pack that has them.
I hope this helps you choose the best daypack for your hiking and travel writing adventures!