Summertime brings outdoor adventure, and the right daypack ensures you can comfortably carry everything you need for a hike. After testing 12 popular packs on trails in Colorado and Peru, five emerged as the best in their categories.
Best Overall: The North Face Trail Lite 24
The North Face Trail Lite 24, priced at $140, excels as an all-around daypack. It features stretchy water bottle pockets, an exterior stash pocket, a top zippered pocket, and an interior zippered pocket. The chest-strap storage includes a stretchy soft-flask pocket and a zippered phone pocket, making it easy to access essentials without removing the pack. However, it is not ideal for heavy loads; with three liters of water, snacks, layers, and a tripod, the weight was felt in the shoulders. Capacity is 24 liters, weight is 1lb 14oz, and it comes in women's and men's sizes.
Best Budget: Quechua MH500 22L
The Quechua MH500 22L, at $114.99, surprised testers with its lightweight design (just over one pound) and comfort. It includes two stretchy water bottle pockets, a mesh back panel, and chest-storage pockets. The roll-top design allows adjustable capacity but can be cumbersome for quick access. It performs best on short, light hikes and collapses under heavier loads. Capacity is 22 liters, weight is 1lb 11oz, and it is unisex.
Best for Heavy Loads: Osprey Tempest/Talon Pro 30
The Osprey Tempest Pro 30 (women's) and Talon Pro 30 (men's), priced at $250, are designed for full-day hikes and technical adventures. The pack sits close to the body, handles heavy loads well, and features a supportive hipbelt with pockets placed to avoid chafing. It is large enough for overnight trips. Capacity is 30 liters, weight is 2lbs 10oz (women's) and 2lbs 11oz (men's), and it comes in women's and men's sizes.
Best Lightweight: Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25
The Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25, at $140, uses a vest-style design with running-pack-inspired shoulder straps and a wider hipbelt for excellent weight distribution. It features two zippered chest pockets and two hipbelt pockets. The main compartment is a single open space without internal organization. Capacity is 25 liters, weight is 1lb 8oz, and it is unisex.
Best Waterproof: Rab Syclon XP ND28L
The Rab Syclon XP ND28L, priced at $200, is built for wet conditions with waterproof materials, taped seams, and a roll-top design. It carries loads well and includes an interior zippered pocket, hipbelt pockets, and chest pockets. The ND stands for Narrow Dimensions, designed for women and narrower frames. Capacity is 28 liters, weight is 1lb 12oz, and it is a women's fit.
Best of the Rest
Best for Large Fit: Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit
At $130, this pack features longer shoulder straps and a hipbelt for waists up to 70 inches. A plus-size female tester found it comfortable without pinching. Capacity is 25 liters, weight is 2lbs 6oz, unisex.
Best for Minimal Hikers: Fjällräven Abisko Hike Lite 20
At $180, this is the lightest pack tested at 1lb 5oz. It has a simple design with two water bottle pockets and chest pockets. It is ideal for short hikes but costs $60 more than the Quechua. Capacity is 20 liters, unisex.
Best for Sustainability: Nemo Equipment Persist Endless Promise 30L
At $229.95, this pack is fully recyclable and durable. It has a metal hipbelt buckle and generous pockets. It is heavier and pricier than others. Capacity is 30 liters, weight is 3lbs 1oz (women's) and 3lbs 3oz (men's).
Best for Fast Hikers: Salomon Aerotrek 28/30
At $170, this pack has a vest-inspired harness and front storage. It fits snugly for quick hikes but has small hipbelt pockets. Capacity is 30 liters, weight is 2lbs 3oz, women's and men's.
Best for Durability: Yeti Skala 32L
At $300, this pack is built tough with a nylon exterior and reinforced areas. It is spacious for longer hikes but has hipbelt pockets that rubbed under forearms. Capacity is 32 liters, weight is 3lbs 5oz, women's and men's.
What to Know Before Buying a Hiking Daypack
Best Size
For most hikers, 20-25 liters is ideal. For longer hikes or technical gear, consider 30 liters.
Key Features
Fit is paramount. Look for stretchy water bottle pockets, hipbelt pockets, and chest strap pockets for easy access. Balance weight and support based on your typical load.
How It Should Fit
The pack should feel secure without digging in. The hipbelt should rest on hips, transferring weight from shoulders. Look for women's or extended sizing if standard fit is uncomfortable.
