(Part 3) Best hiking daypacks according to redditors

I've found that a sort of half-backpack like this one is a good neutral compromise between a backpack and a purse. I use it to carry my Kindle, some odds and ends, and sometimes my 2DS. Unfortunately, the build quality on the one I linked is somewhat poor, and I haven't found any better equivalents to it.

Okay, I got this.

G4Free 40L backpack - $18.99


Paria Sanctuary Sil Tarp - $79.99


Polycro ground sheet - $7.98


Sleep pad - $16.79


Down throw - $31.95


Ultralight, summer set up straight from Amazon for about $150.


edit: oops, you said no tarp. You could add the bug net for $65 and be at ~210 for an ultralight, modular set up. Could also subtract the polycro sheet and save a few bucks if you buy the inner net.

The hardest thing as a beginner is knowing what features you really want in a pack. When I first started looking into frameless packs, I bought this $20 pack on Amazon as a proof of concept before I dropped $150-200 on a 'name brand' pack. Well now it's a year later, I have a dozen nights and 200+ miles on it, and I've stopped thinking about investing in a legit pack. That money has been put towards other gear (namely: more quilts)

I recently got one of [these] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNGEQT8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) -- I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for but I think it's pretty neat.

It's an extremely basic backpack that is light and folds up into itself when you're not using it. I haven't used it a lot yet but it seems reasonably sturdy for the price and I really like that it collapses into a packet the size of big sandwich. It's on the small side (think elementary school kid backpack) but I think it would hold what you're describing.

It's definitely not fitted though, it's just a backpack with basic straps, so it might not be that comfy for running with.

How many external compartments are you looking for?
Here are some I found that fit your description:

• Kelty - Redwing 32 - 32 liters at $100. If this is too small, they also have a 40 or 44 liter version, but it will cost most.
  
• Everest - Hiking Backpack - 48 liters at $30, maybe a bit too big.
  
• Fuel - Top Loader Backpack - 33 liters at $23
  
• Fuel - Multi-Pocket Cargo Backpack - Just like the one above, but has more external pockets. Be careful with this one though, reviews aren't the best. $25
  
• Under Armour - Storm Undeniable II Backpack - 35 liters at $46.98
  
• Oakley - Enduro - 30 liters at $75.66
  
• Osprey - Tempest - 30 liters for $116
  
  Edit: I think I found the keywords you should look up: "swimmer backpack". A lot of them of top-loading and have external compartments.
  
  Here are a few I found:
  
  
• MIER - Large Sport backpack - 40L at $35
  
• Speedo - Large Teemster Backpack - 35L at $69

Europe, bring good shoes. Asia, dress cool.

My favorite bag. Highly highly recommend.
https://smile.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Porter-Travel-Backpack/dp/B06VVJZHB9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=osprey%2Bporter%2B46&qid=1559018071&s=gateway&sprefix=Osprey%2Bpo&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

I have the smallest dakine heli. It’s perfect. You can wear it on the lift. It’s very thin, holds a camelbak style water bladder, lined goggle pocket, spots for avalanche gear, and it can Carry your skis. Big enough for food and an extra layer too

https://www.amazon.com/Dakine-10001470-DAKINE-Heli-Pack/dp/B01NCBB2DY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=56382304752&hvadid=274742538700&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9007108&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12000219160537904376&hvtargid=kwd-299909084614&keywords=dakine+heli+pack+12l&qid=1556064831&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Wow, those are fantastically heavy (even from a non-ul perspective lol), and fantastically expensive daypacks.

I thru hiked in this pack, and looks pretty comparable to the packs you listed, except this is $17 and only 12oz lol - G4Free 40L Daypack

Yes, I pack my Hikpro along with me. Sometimes I just pack it in my bag, or use it as my in seat bag.

It's possibly the best $15.99 travel accessory of all time.

EDIT: you may already be carrying something near this size. It works great for me because my main bag is overhead bin sized...

I have both the REI Flash 45 which is quite large, and a cheapy G4Free (this one) which is surprisingly a lot smaller given the 5L difference. Perhaps a touch smaller than the Exos, Flash or Zip that you guys have. My current sleeping bag is rated to 45F so hasn't been a problem.

Thanks so much for the offer, I really appreciate it. I think a banana is tradition, but anything like a spare water bottle or similar would be absolutely ideal. I'm struggling to find any photos at all of it packed up online, and being across the ocean makes it difficult to see in person!

That sounds very similar to how we divy things up! I'm usually the one to carry both the tent and the the cooking system, so perhaps this is a good opportunity to discuss splitting the gear... :)

Have you guys enjoyed it so far? I've found quite a few positive reviews online, and EE is very popular around here, but I've never used a down system or a quilt before. Do you guys use a single large pad, or two smaller ones? Has it ever felt cold?

Really appreciate the help. :)

The first time I went to disney, I took a full sized backpack, and a drawstring. The backpack was too much and storing it was a pain. The drawstring was too small if we got more than a tshirt that day.

Since that trip, Ive got this portable backpack. ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack Water Resistant Hiking Daypack,Small Backpack Handy Foldable Camping Outdoor Backpack Little Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DNGEQT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XoaQzb24WSMKP

It folds down to the size of a pair of socks in a suitcase , its water resistant, its durable as hell, its the perfect size, being bigger than the draw string bag, but smaller than a full backpack, its super lightweight (honestly think it weighs less than my drawstring), and I take mine everywhere now. Work trips in the desert, work trips in cities, across Europe and Australia, hiking, kayaking, and of course back to Disney.

I rarely gush so much about a product, with the exception of this backpack and my fancy usb battery pack. Another thing you should get if you don't have one

> Granite Gear Crown 2 60L

LINK

I travel frequently for work, and my go-to travel backpack is an Osprey Porter 30. For a longer trip, a Porter 46 or Porter 65 would be a good option. For outings/sightseeing/whatever, pack a small backpack inside the larger one. I use a cheap string backpack from TJ Maxx.

Time to bring fanny packs back into style baby!

But no I'll probably get a sling bag like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AW6VKYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ky2tyb4KNWRMD

I like that it's smaller than a standard backpack, which means less room for the console to bounce around in. Just need to make sure there's enough room for a small game booklet, and an extra controller or two.

I think for just small trips i wouldn't bring all the extras, but if I was talking a long flight or something for an extended trip, I'd want to make sure i have room for the extras and but have to worry about having a separate bag.

I think he posted the pictures on an Amazon review, here, but didn't link specifically to the review.

Someone else in another thread linked to this pack. Might be the one they are talking about.

I bought the Mardingtop one for my son and he seems to enjoy it. It is quite a thick material so pretty heavy. If you could squeeze a little extra money I would highly recommend the granite gear crown 2 60. I just got it and it has been a revolution! I had no idea how much of a difference a lighter pack would make and its been above my expectations

https://www.amazon.com/Granite-Gear-Crown2-Backpack-2019/dp/B01MSDTI2R/ref=asc_df_B07N1Z417Z/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343181728959&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11872458797213267363&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004606&hvtargid=pla-695028211616&ref=&adgrpid=69473715019&th=1&psc=1

Depends on the height/length of your dog too, but some possible options are:

• timbuk2 muttmover, probably a large
  
• sturdibag XL
  
• (if allowed) some kinda tote bag for larger dogs, that doesn't fully enclose the dog
  
  If she's anxious in the car, she might be anxious in the train too though—so maybe start with an even smaller trip to get her used to it.

Have you looked at something like this? https://www.amazon.com/bluesprite-Lifting-Backpack-for-Brompton/dp/B015R12JHI

https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Lightweight-Resistant-Backpack-foldable/dp/B0151EFEVE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504201207&sr=8-4&keywords=g4free

Most certainly. I used to be able to fit everything into 1 pack. Nowadays I check 2 bags, 1 being a cooler stuffed with some things.

My pack is 65L Gregory Baltoro. Big Items I have are: Tent(REI Half Dome Plus), sleeping pad, backpacking chair, backpacking pillow, extra pair of shoes, and canopy. Keep in mind most of my stuff is all lightweight-ish backpacking gear.

Its usually plenty warm at night that I don't bring a full sleeping bag, just a sleeping bag liner.

In the bottom of the pack where the sleeping bag would usually go I pack the sleeping pad (usually a lil extra room down there to stuff some socks or undies). Then I take my tent poles and canopy poles and slide them on the inside of the bag along one of the sides. Chair goes in vertically alongside it, along with pillow. Then fill in with my clothes. The Baltoro is awesome cause it is both top loading and front loading so I have access to everything as if it was a suitcase(but the packing should be near the same if you have just a top loader.

I try to pack as minimal as I can with clothes. For a 3 day music fest I usually have 5-6 shirts(some are pretty light linen type shirts, 2-3 pair shorts, 4 sock, 4 boxers, and hoodie/lightweight windbreaker. Fashion has never been my strong suit.

Pack all that in there. Once all that packed, just cram your tent in from the top pushing it in every nook and cranny you can. Bunch it in every crevice. You'd be surprised ho well it can fit in a backpack when you don't worry about folding it. Then I would dod the same with the canopy. Usually still had enough room on the top for a pair of size 13 shoes too. All my toiletries/headlamp/etc could fit in the lid pockets and front pocket.

I also would have a small cooler bag I would take as my carry-on bag that way at the fest I could keep some food/drinks somewhat cold plus it gave me extra room to throw clothes/ water bottle/book etc for on the plane. I also have a packable backpack similar to this that I throw in there then use inside the festival.

Nowadays, since I get 2 free checked bags(Southwest or Alaska) I can take a few more luxury items like a blanket to lay on, some fun lil toys and trinkets for fest,andf I cram those and the canopy into a full size cooler and duct tape that up and count that as a checked bag. AS long as its under 50lbs its the same as any other bag and I have a full cooler of drinks and food.

I buy almost all of my meals inside the venue. Most of the food I have at camp is just snacks type things like trail mix, meat cheese crackers, etc. that I pick up from the store on my way out to venue along with beer and plenty of boxed wine. Thesecollapsible pouches barely take up any room and can hold a bunch of wine to sneak in!

All in all, I'd say lay out everything you WANT to take and do a test run to see how much you can fit in your bag. Then if its a lil tight, take it all out and eliminate 1-2 things that you might be able to do without. My 1 luxury item is my chair. It feels so good to be able to sit in a chair vs the ground after standing or sitting all day in the fest.

My first couple times trying to pack everything I couldn't fit it, but after restructuring things around a few times I was able to get it all in, albeit heavy and uncomfortable, but I wasn't;'t hiking in so just was just uncomfortable for the small times i was lugging it in.

Hope that helps. I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have too. Thats just the stuff off the top of my head.

I have a 70-liter Osprey where the smaller backpack zips into the larger one, it's perfect. I prefer a backpack over wheels as long as it has a hip belt to distribute the weight. When I'm fully loaded, it is all I have to carry and leaves my hands free; the backpack straps zip inside so you can carry it like a suitcase and the straps don't get caught in conveyor belts when checked as baggage. Getting on a plan or bus, I unzip the smaller bag as a carry on, and pack it so it has all my most-needed stuff.

It isn't cheap, but has been very useful and I think it has a lifetime warranty, so I'll always have one.

I have a 75 liter bag, some people are saying that it's way too big but you know what? You don't need to fill it completely full. Having the space is nice for souvenirs on the way home.

I would highly recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Farpoint-Travel-Backpack/dp/B014EBKVPE?th=1&psc=1

If all your gear fits in the 28L you may still want to consider the 34L if you don't have much space leftover if you are the type of person who likes souvenirs. What would you want to carry around everyday? If it's not much you can get a collapsible daypack like the Hikpro

Within the last month or so, someone recommended this one. It’s been in my wishlist since, but I haven’t taken the plunge as my dude isn’t a fan of carriers in general.

Timbuk2 Muttmover Light Daypack, Blue Wish Light Rip, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HVGZFB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NI8DDb0BKRXX5

I use an older version of this and it works fine.

DAKINE Heli Pack 12L (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCBB2DY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1Zs0BbMRH8D1S

Was worried the grip tape would chew up the bag, but no problems so far.

For that you can carry one of those tiny day packs that folds into itself not taking any space (example link below). 38 liter should be your main pack, anything bigger than that for 5k is absurd.

4monster Durable Packable Backpack by Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Travel Hiking Foldable Outdoor Daypack, 16L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3KNS5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Nhp5CbN5QEWXH

I think a decent day pack should do. I have a big head and a huge bike helmet but this cheap quechua 20L worked perfectly (plus gloves, sun arm guards, a Patagonia jacket, charger and work notebook):

QUECHUA NH100 20L HIKING BACKPACK - BLACK/GREY https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y381FAO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JTKSDbGJRAZNJ

https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Hiking-Lightweight-Resistant-Daypack/dp/B01HW126GA

Contemplating buying this pack for my GF who is getting into hiking. What looks compelling about it is that it features a hip belt and is super cheap and light. Will review once we get it and out it to the test.

I just bought this for $25. I'm field testing it on the 22nd of Sept. I'd say its large enough for 3 days for the average person. With this pack, my base weight is 9.6lbs.

https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Hiking-Lightweight-Resistant-Daypack/dp/B01HW126GA

If you want cheap and light, this has worked well for me. Doesn't have any padding in the back but I've always been comfortable when carrying my laptop in it.

Backpack, Hiking Backpack, Modase Large 40L Lightweight Water Resistant Travel Backpack Daypack with Hip Belt for Outdoor Climbing Camping Hiking Travel - Packable Hiking Daypack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HW126FQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DUIQV4W

I really like this one

This back pack works great but you will have to replace the zipper pulls as they come undone easily. I got molle attachments on mine

Link to backpack

Exos Bravo Tactical Assault Backpack Rucksack. Great as a Bug Out Bag, Daypack, or Go Bag; for Hiking, or Camping. Molle Equipped & Hydration Pack Ready (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DUIQV4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YFivCbR22K4YK

Picture of my backpack with molle attachments


https://imgur.com/a/WL710Du

Quick question: should I go ahead and invest in an ACU assault pack or use a backpack I've already got for camp? Looking at packing my carry on and wasn't sure if I should bring a hiking backpack I've got or get a new assault pack.

Also, will they issue rucksacks for rucking or will we be using the duffel bags issued from school? Or our own backpacks?

I looked into it when I first got the bike but seemed like a pretty uncomfortable solution so I generally use the trolley wheels if I'm moving the folded bike anywhere.This has since come out but I'm not sure how good it actually is.
I'll be interested in the other replies in the thread!

Anyone try this one yet?

I'm looking for my kids, ages 10 and 12, as I just got myself a fatpack 30.

$20 40L pack @ 12.7 ounces - https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Lightweight-Resistant-Backpack-foldable/dp/B0151EF9FU

$22 40L Pack @ 13.8 ounces - https://www.amazon.com/Mozone-Lightweight-Resistant-Backpack-foldable/dp/B00XCNO83M

I'd like a waist strap but cant be too picky at that price!

I will preface that my taste is super functional with some solid simple design.
Some really great functional, light breathable backpacks are the companies that specialize in hiking daypacks - Osprey, Gregory, Kelty, etc. Pockets and access where you need them. I have found that a lot of the more stylish bags will not be as comfortable and less breathable. It depends on what you want to do, what you like, and how much you want to carry. I am guessing you just want a daypack, which will be ~20-30L. If you want something really stylish and do not plan on hiking, then there are other people besides me who can help with that. If you plan on walking a lot with a backpack on, my personal recommendations are:

• Gregory Miwok 18 or 24L
  
• [Newer Gregory Miwok model] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015SBKAMI/ref=twister_B01788SQCA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
  
• Osprey Talon 22
  
• LL Bean Green Mountain daypack - a bit heavier, but I have used it for hiking. Not as comfortable as Osprey or Gregory packs, but it has been solid and I think it looks nicer. The colors come out a bit darker and richer than the pictures. Got the green one and looks great.
  
• Kelty Redwing 32 - a little bit bigger, but the straps on the side help to make it smaller when you are not using the whole bag.
  

This is a 10 inch wide 20L one, the same maker also has a smaller version at 10L too.