Stuck between two daypacks (or maybe a few)? These criteria from our experts can help break your tie:
Capacity
Daypacks come in lots of sizes, measured by capacity (or how much they can hold) in liters. For most day trips, you’ll need something in the 20- to 30-liter range, Kelly Shoul, a Colorado-based elopement photographer for In Love and Adventure Photography, tells SELF. Eyton agrees, explaining that these packs are “big enough to carry your fleece or rain jacket, plus water, lunch, and safety gear.”
From there, you can size up or down depending on your plans and how much stuff you usually carry. For example, if you want to use your pack for trail running as well as hiking, you may prefer something smaller (think 12 to 15 liters). Just remember that a pack this light is best for trips taken in nice weather when you know you’ll stay close to drinking water, so you don’t get stuck without an outer layer or a way to stay hydrated. If you like to be prepared with plenty of extra gear, a roomier pack (20 liters or larger) is the better option.
Suspension System
“Finding a daypack that fits your body well is key,” Shoul says. A well-fitting pack can help distribute the load you’re carrying and make your experience way more comfortable: “Hikes become much more enjoyable when you don’t feel like you’re carrying a small elephant on your back.” To find the right fit, pay attention to the pack’s suspension system, which includes its frame, shoulder straps, and hip belt.
First, the frame (which provides structure and support to the back of the pack) should either be adjustable or suit the length of your torso. Some packs come in different frame sizes, while others have a back panel that slides up and down so you can control the fit. While most backpacks have an internal frame, very large ones might have an external frame. On the other end of the support spectrum, frameless daypacks tend to feel less rigid and are easier to just throw on your shoulders and go, but they aren’t designed to bear as much weight.
Second, the shoulder straps should be padded and comfortable, and they shouldn’t gap where they curve around your back. Whitt also recommends looking for a pack with a sternum strap—which connects the shoulder straps in front of your body—that adjusts both vertically (meaning, it can slide up and down the straps) and horizontally (across your chest). A sternum strap is especially beneficial on long hikes because it “can help distribute the weight of the pack and reduce shoulder fatigue,” she says.
Finally, Eyton explains that hip belts help distribute the load from your shoulders onto your hips, which is crucial for hikes longer than a couple of miles. Shoul suggests that, when trying on different packs, you should pay attention to where the hip belts are positioned. “They should sit right on top of your hip bones,” she says. Hip belts are mainly useful when you’re carrying heavier loads, so they aren’t a consistent feature on ultralight daypacks, hydration vests, and packs made for lighter excursions.
Storage Features
It may take some trial and error to find a daypack with the right amount of storage. Some people love external pockets to organize their gear, while other hikers prefer a minimalist exterior to avoid snagging their pack on rocks or branches. Whitt recommends a pack with attachment points for trekking poles and a rain cover that you can access without opening the backpack. Eyton looks for a bag with an internal zippered pocket to store valuables and small items like a wallet and keys. “I’m always worried about having them fall out of a pocket when I open [my pack] to get something else out,” she says.
Additional Features
Other features may vary by daypack, but some can be helpful in specific situations. Waterproofing is a must if you’re hiking in rainy, damp environments. Space or a compartment for a hydration bladder should take priority if you’ll be trail running or out in the heat. A small pack, or one that can compress, will come in handy if you need to stash your bag away at any point.
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