Their top daypack, the Daybreak, shares the same core ingredients: Dyneema Composite Fabric that is weather-resistant and incredibly strong for its weight, simple yet functional organization, and a clean design that looks great. And climbers in particular will like the tall and narrow shape that sits close to the back, which makes it a viable option for use at the crag or while following multi-pitch routes. This large number of pockets lends itself well to organization and access while the pack is on. But for shorter hikes with lighter loads, the Nano H2O is a great alternative for less money. The good news is that most daypacks are relatively water-resistant and can shed light to moderate moisture, but the fabrics and seams will start to give way in a downpour. Independent tool and trekking pole attachment loops, Internal hydration sleeve with hose management, Sunglass stash on shoulder harness for quick access. And the longer youll be on the trail, the more comfort, capacity, and features come into play. Adjustable torso length with open-air ventilated backpanel with moisture wicking mesh. Weve used quite a few REI daypacks over the years and consider them a solid value for their feature set. The Zulu 30 has the solid materials and construction that we are used to seeing from Gregory. For reference, REIs similarly sized Flash 18 costs $15 less, weighs 9.5 ounces, and boasts external lash points for securing gear to the outside of the pack, while their $60 Flash 22 above is noticeably more comfortable and feature-rich. Minimalist designs omit many organization featuressometimes including the shove-it pocketso keep an eye out for the number of internal and external pockets if those are important to you. The Osprey is heavier by around 9 ounces and costs $10 more, but we think those tradeoffs are worth it for those looking for a dual hiking/backpacking pack. The latter has a more substantial hipbelt along with a suspended mesh backpanel for superior support and ventilation (its built more like a backpacking pack than a daypack). If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. In the end, those wanting a premium, luxurious pack will appreciate the Stratos support and build quality, but for something simpler and more packable from Osprey, see the equally popular Talon above. It gives a decent cooling effect in hot conditions, but without compromising the stable, comfortable carry even when you load it up. The downside is extra weight and expense (and zippers can break and fail over time), but a number of our favorite medium- to large-capacity packs have this feature. Gregory has been in the pack business for decades, and were consistently impressed with the build quality and comfort of their products. Weight: 14 oz.Capacities: 18, 22LHipbelt: WebbingWhat we like: Lightweight, well made, and cheap.What we dont: Underbuilt for shuttling a full load. All in all, this pack isnt for everyone, but the low weight and well-executed feature set make it an excellent choice for ultralight overnights and mountain athletes who like to get after it.See the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30. 8.6 oz.Capacities: 18, 22, 30LHipbelt: CushionedWhat we like: Great mix of storage, convenience, and comfort with an included hydration system.What we dont: Small hipbelt pockets, only sold in one size, and many hikers already own a reservoir. This high cost of entry is what keeps waterproof packs in limited numbers, but it may be worth it if you need the protection and want something more reliable than a rain cover. Main U-Zip opening for open access to the main compartment. Womens daypacks are not, as they may appear, just a colorful version of a mens or unisex pack. Weight: 1 lb. Most daypacks are capable of carrying only a little weight, generally under 20 pounds, so the biggest feature that impacts comfort comes not from the ability to carry a heavy load, but from the breathability of the back panel. There are medium and long sizes to suit your back length and a womens-specific range labelled Jade in various capacities. Finally, as weve come to expect from the brand, the Traverse is a good all-around value for what you get at $139. The only notable downsides are the lack of cushioning along the hipbelt (the larger Trail 40 offers padding here) and slightly basic backpanel design, which isnt as form-fitting or breathable as the Talons above. But if you can keep weight to a minimum, the Flash 22 is a great way to go fast and light on a budget. But most of us need a bit more space to throw in a few more essentials. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For fastpacking and longer technical missions in the mountains, a larger running vest-inspired design like Ultimate Directions Fastpack 30 makes a lot of sense. For school or daily use, additional exterior pockets with a key clip are always handy. Tick. 14.6 oz.Capacities: 11, 22, 26, 33, 36, 44LHipbelt: CushionedWhat we like: A comfortable, well-built, and versatile daypack.What we dont: For heavy loads, the Osprey Stratos below offers more padding and support. From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, youll want the right pack for the job. Another drawback is that the basic webbing hipbelt offers limited support and comfort compared to more cushioned designs like the Aerios 30 and Osprey Talon above (although the Talon lacks the front storage that we love). Typical daypacks will have some foam or mesh built into the backpanel (the area of the pack that comes into contact with your back) and a semi-rigid frame sheet providing structure. Copyright 2022 Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L. Finally, many of todays top daypacks can pull double duty for casual use. Below are some basic guidelines for capacity: Short day hikes: 10-20 litersSummit packs: 18-24 litersAverage day hikes and everyday use: 20-30 litersLong day hikes and ultralight overnights: 30-40 liters. Setting off for a full day with the Zulu 30 means you can look forward to the comfort and ventilation of the FreeFloat suspension. As we noted above, the shoulder straps are thinly cushioned and will get the job done for minimalists, but those planning to stuff in a full days worth of gearincluding a shell, insulation, food, water, and other necessitieswill quickly notice the drop in comfort. Weight: 2 lbs.Capacities: 15, 30, 45LHipbelt: CushionedWhat we like: Excellent on-the-go storage with a supportive and body-hugging fit.What we dont: Expensive and not ideal for casual use. We recently tested the Aerios 30 on several day hikes in Patagonia and were blown away by the thoughtful design and high-quality finishes. Perhaps most importantly, the Flash costs just $60, is well built overall, and has enough capacity for all-day outings on the trail (provided you pack relatively light). You dont get a cushy hipbelt or shoulder straps, but the padded mesh along the back and shoulders does a good job at keeping you comfortable when carrying lighter loads. Their list of collaborators is ever-growing, and at the time of publishing, you can choose from 52 different designs including everything from the Tetons and Patagonias Fitz Roy range to a mountain wildflower scene. Weight: 1 lb. Gregory Men's Zulu 30 - Various Sizes and Colors, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab. Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. In addition to the amount of padding along the shoulder straps and hipbelt, fit plays a large role in overall comfort on the trail. 3D comfort cradle hipbelt with 3D construction for hotspot free, body-hugging comfort. It also has good padding and pockets on the hipbelt along with a more form-fitting design. If youre eyeing a pack that comes in multiple size options, take your torso length by measuring the distance between your C7 vertebrae and midpoint of your iliac crest (we outline the process here). The hybrid pack/vest design checks in at a scant 13.9 ounces but easily accommodates a days worth of supplies (it can even fit a streamlined climbing helmet). The Nano H2O hydration pack is no exception and has a hiking-focused build that comes with Gregorys in-house 3D Hydro reservoir system. The versatility of the Zulu is limited by its own suspension system. But if you can get a good fit, the Distance is a light but thoughtfully built option for activities like scrambling, ridge traverses, and long days in the mountains.See the Black Diamond Distance 15. Weight: 1 lb. Where the Skarab gets the clear edge is carrying abilities with a stiffer, more supportive backpanel. 8.3 oz.Capacities: 20, 30, 40LHipbelt: WebbingWhat we like: Low weight and functional feature set for fastpacking and ultra-minimalist overnights.What we dont: Light on padding and too techy for casual use. You got it. It mixes an excellent back system with a thoroughly well-designed and made pack body that never leaves you at a loss for somewhere to stash, well, anything really. Main compartment access is another highlight: The roll-top closure makes it easy to snug things down, while the separate zipper at the side makes retrieving gear quick and painless. Ospreys Talon and Stratos above get the lions share of the attention, but the Daylite Plus is another viable option that comes in significantly cheaper. On simple and light day hikes, this becomes a considerable portion of the weight. There are pockets everywhere, good access, general design and build quality are both decentand while it wont completely eliminate sweaty back syndrome, it definitely does make an appreciable difference in our experience. The Gregory Packs Maven 58 is an ultra-lightweight and technical trekking pack for women. FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring the 3D comfort cradle hipbelt with dynamic flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body. And with a recent update, the latest Flash 22 is more competitive than ever. Do you need to strap on crampons or an ice axe, or do you just want a comfortable way to haul water and some extra layers? For reference, its the lightest option on our list at a scant 10.6 ounces (undercutting the Flash 22 above by around 3.5 oz.) Gregory Men's Zulu 30 - Various Sizes and Colors, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. The Daybreak uses Dyneema fabrics, which are naturally water-resistant, while other packs often use a waterproof nylon and seam sealing along the interior to keep out moisture. Terms & Conditions, Front Stuff Pocket- Front stretch-woven stuff pocket with surface-mounted quick-release buckle closure, Side Pockets- Dual stretch mesh side pockets, Compression Straps- Cross-over side compression straps with ultra-durable quick-release buckles, Hipbelt Pockets- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets, Raincover Integration- Integrated rain cover in a dedicated external access pocket that doubles as accessory storage in mild weather. Weight: 2 lbs. But everything else is in line with the more expensive Osprey, and we consider the Trail 25 a highly versatile option for day hikes, commuting, or use as a carry-on while traveling. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. 3 Days Only! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. One neat touch is that the big top-opening zip is backed up with a sizeable lid-pocket there is no lid of course, but it does the same useful job. Dual side stretch mesh pockets with pass-through for over or under compression. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. All that said, the Zulu falls short of the Stratos 36 above in one key area: versatility. In testing the Skarab, we were especially impressed by its comfort and convenience, including a spacious main compartment with a large bucket-style opening, nicely cushioned yet low-profile suspension system, and convenient organizational layout. Gregory has always made decent packs, but the latest version of the Zulu 30 is right up there with the very best available in a super competitive area. In a strong departure from the minimalist Flash 22 above, the focus here is on durability and organization: The Traverse is solidly built with a steel frame and hardwearing fabrics (bonus: Theyre recycled and bluesign-approved), and you get ample exterior pockets, a handy side-access zipper to the main compartment, and lash points for stowing gear and valuables. The pack also has functional organization, a nice stretchiness to it, ample attachment points including for trekking poles, a helmet, and a bike light, and is made in two sizes to dial in fit. For serious day hikes in rough conditions, the Daybreak is hard to beat. If youre looking for one daypack that can do it all, Ospreys Talon is your best bet. 2 oz.Capacities: 18, 22LHipbelt: WebbingWhat we like: A great value for a solid all-around hydration pack.What we dont: Less comfortable than the Osprey Skarab above. But if youre intentional about packing, the Altvia 28L is another thoughtfully made and versatile choice.See the Patagonia Altvia 28L. The lack of support, cushioning, and features are undeniably limiting, but its a thoughtfully built option at a good value for shorter adventures and summit scrambles.See the Cotopaxi Luzon 18L. Second, both the Skarab and womens Skimmer are only offered in a single torso size, which will make it harder for some to dial in fit. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Custom comfort-grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap management. At that size, organization also improves from more basic models, with a variety of zippered pockets to divvy up your gear. Weight: 1 lb. Main U-Zip opening for open access to the main compartment. For casual use, such as travel or when youre packing light, its not as big a deal. Its full metal frame and substantial hipbelt put the weight comfortably on your hips, and a large mesh panel ventilates extremely well and conforms nicely to your back. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Most of the packs here are fairly technical in nature, but Free Range Equipment offers something a little different. The Canvas pack is basicyou get 25 liters of space, a small internal stash pocket, and two zippered pockets on the lidbut it gets the job done for day hikes or your daily commute (a laptop easily fits inside). Some packs come with a built-in rain cover that stows inside the bag (from our list, the Gregory Zulu 30, REI Co-op Traverse 32 and Trail 25, Patagonia Altvia, and Osprey Stratos have this feature). The options above range from 15 to 32 liters, with the largest ones being better served for commuters, gear-heavy adventures like winter hikes, or ultralight overnights. First, the hipbelt pockets are noticeably small and couldnt accommodate our standard-sized iPhone. The Traverse also features REIs functional Packmod system, which allows you to customize the compression strap layout to tailor it to the size and shape of your load. But lets be honest: The aesthetics and versatility are the biggest selling points of this pack, and it wins out in both departments. We also like the front stash pocket and corresponding compression system that easily swallows extra layers and cinches down easily via the adjustable bungee at the top (which you can toggle without removing the pack). As we touched on above, the Flash 22 was updated recently with some noteworthy changes. Sunglass QuickStow system on shoulder harness for quick, secure and scratch-free access to your shades. For the more casual day hiking crowd, their Coulee 25 stands out as an impressively durable and functional option. In other words, this is a decidedly technical pack that is overkill for most casual day hikers (and many ambitious hikers too). And if thats not enough, you also get three stretch mesh stash pockets for easy stowage of fast-moving kit. It's also fairly expensive at $170 considering the capacity (you can save a considerable $31 with REIs Traverse 32 below without sacrificing much in the way of storage). Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. And for those planning to use their pack for both the backcountry and casually, it may be beneficial to have a removable hipbelt. In addition, a padded backpanel can accomplish a similar goal of isolating you from the contents youre carrying and defining the shape of the pack. Arcteryx is known for making high-quality gear for ambitious adventures, and much of that expertise has trickled down to their hiking-focused Aerios pack. On the flip side, the Fastpack sits very close to the body, which makes it much easier to cover ground quickly (similar to the smaller Black Diamond Distance above). There are real design differences with tangible benefits that deserve mentioning. With hundreds of daypacks on the market, choosing the right one is largely dependent on what you intend to use it for. That said, youll pay a pretty steep premium at $190, which is around $50 more than similarly sized options like the REI Traverse 32 and Patagonia Altvia 28L below. But for fast-moving trail days when youre eating and drinking on the go, youd be hard-pressed to find a more suitable and well-built option.See the Arc'teryx Aerios 30 See the Women's Arc'teryx Aerios 30. Top zippered pocket with reflective attachment points, key clip, and internal zippered security pocket. We also love the adjustability at the torso, which can be moved up or down 4 inches. Hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hangar compatible with Gregory's 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included). Most modern daypacks come with dedicated storage for a water reservoir, but Ospreys Skarab 30 (and womens Skimmer 28) provides a functional all-in-one option for those who want to purchase their pack and bladder together. Sizing up the daypack market and choosing what is best for A daypack is a simple purchase, with complicated the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Comfortable and stable, intuitive and functional design, modular set-up, utilizes recycled materials, Tons of features, fully adjustable, comfortable, well ventilated, separate hydration compartment, Lightweight, only includes essential features, comfortable suspension for the weight, Non-adjustable frame, large size for minimalist outings, Runs small, side mesh pockets are debatably small, Uncomfortable with heavy loads, lacks durability, Top comfort and stability make this pack the right fit for hauling your gear on any outdoor excursion, This pack offers a time tested versatile design that is ready for any adventure, This pack is an excellent value, providing all-around performance for light and fast activities at a bargain price, A simple and lightweight hiking backpack that serves a dual purpose with a laptop sleeve, Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point, holds up to 3L, Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point, Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included, Internally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included, 1 3/8" webbing, countoured padding, ventilated outer layer, 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side bottle pouches, 2 oversized hipbelt pockets, an exterior elastic mesh, and 2 organization pockets, 1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip, 1 main compartment zippered, 1 stretchy mesh shoulder strap pouch, 2 waist zippered, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 back stretchy mesh, 1 top zippered, 1 open hydration reservoir pocket behind back panel, 1 internal mesh compartment zipper, 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side bottle pouches, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch.