Most adventures require bringing stuff with you—usually more than you can fit in your pockets! Finding the right pack depends on what adventures you have planned—a good daypack lets you carry exactly what you need without overburdening you. After extensive research and testing we found the very best daypacks for every adventure you can imagine—from day hiking or climbing to urban exploring and traveling. See the table below for an overview of the best daypacks for every adventure, and scroll down for an in-depth review of each daypack.
| Use Category | Backpack | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day hiking | Osprey Talon | $110 | REI |
| Multi-pitch climbing | Patagonia Linked Pack | $100 | REI |
| Alpine ascents | Arc'Teryx Alpha FL | $220 | REI |
| Ultralight pack | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack | $33 | REI |
| Urban exploring | Topo Designs Klettersack | $170 | Backcountry |
| Photography | PRVKE Series Backpack | $184 | Amazon |
| Budget option | Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia | $50 | Cotopaxi |
| Hydration pack | Platypus Duthie AM 10 | $140 | Backcountry |
| Travel pack | Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L | $120 | REI |
| Gym bag | Patagonia Black Hole Duffel | $80 | Backcountry |
Best Daypacks for Every Adventure
Best daypack for day hiking
Osprey Talon
Price: $110
Size: 22 liters
Weight: 1lb 11oz
Key feature: AirScape backpanel + continuous hipbelt for incredible support and comfort.
What we like:
- Lightweight yet fully featured, the Talon performs well even heavily loaded.
- External hydration sleeve.
- Two zipper hipbelt pockets.
- Easy and intuitive helmet attachment.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw Ι Amazon
Best daypack for multi-pitch climbing
Patagonia Linked Pack
Price: $100
Size: 18 liters
Weight: 1lb 4oz
Key feature: Built with super durable Cordura ballistic Nylon.
What we like:
- Simple and lightweight design is everything you need and nothing you don’t.
- Easy access top-loading pack with intuitive drawstring closure.
- Hydration-bladder-compatible sleeve.
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps + reinforced haul handles.
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
Check out: Best Climbing Packs 2021
Best daypack for alpine ascents
Arc’Teryx Alpha FL
Price: $220
Size: 30 liters
Weight: 1lb 4oz
Key feature: Made with proprietary, waterproof, ripstop nylon.
What we like:
- Excellent for long alpine routes due to its weather-resistant, durable material.
- 30 liters of carrying capacity, but the Alpha still only weighs 1lb 4oz.
- External bungee allows for maximum carrying capacity.
- Drawstring open is easy to use and top strap allows for easy rope-carrying.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw Ι Amazon
Best Ultralight Daypack
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack
Price: $33
Size: 20 liters
Weight: 2.4oz
Key feature: Attached stuff sack included; packs down smaller than a tennis ball
What we like:
- Bring 20 liters of carrying capacity anywhere, small enough to carry on your key ring.
- Cordura nylon is durable yet incredibly lightweight.
- Thin shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable.
- Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice Gold Award 2017.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw Ι Amazon
After you found the best daypacks for every adventure, check out: The Gear you DON’T Need for Your Next Adventure.
Best daypack for urban exploring
Topo Designs Klettersack
Price: $170
Size: 22 liters
Weight: 30 oz
Key feature: Handmade in Colorado with 1000D Cordura nylon.
What we like:
- Classic rucksack design makes this pack fit right in on a hike or on the subway.
- Design your own pack—these are highly customizable by color and type of material.
- Internal sleeve fits your laptop and top zipper pockets aid in organization.
- External leather tabs great for attaching extra gear.
Compare Prices: Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Photographers favorite daypack
The PRVKE Series Backpack
Price: $184
Size: 21 liters
Weight: 2lbs 12oz
Key feature: Built from durable and water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon.
What we like:
- Super clean and minimalist design combined with fully featured functionality.
- Easy accessibility from the top, front, or sides.
- Laptop sleeve and roll-top design make this bag great for travel and everyday use.
- Add the Photography bundle for even easier camera carrying, storage, and protection.
Compare Prices: Wandrd Ι Amazon
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Best budget daypack
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia
Price: $50
Size: 20 liters
Weight: 10.5oz
Key feature: Great price for a colorful, functional daypack
What we like:
- Made from repurposed, lightweight ripstop nylon.
- Internal hydration sleeve.
- Ultralight mesh shoulder straps are very comfortable.
- The Del Dia version of the Luzon is a mystery, each one is a unique, handmade version. On Cotopaxi.com you can either choose a version, or be surprised with a random color combo.
Compare Prices: Cotopaxi Ι Moosejaw Ι Amazon
Best hydration bladder compatible daypack
Platypus Duthie AM 10
Price: $140
Size: 10 liters
Weight: 1lb 14oz
Key feature: 3 liter hydration bladder and rain cover included.
What we like:
- Perfect amount of storage space for extra food and clothing even with bladder full.
- Multiple interior sleeves and pockets make for easy organization.
- Hip belt zipper pockets great for small items.
- FloatAir back panel ventilates really well.
Compare Prices: Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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Best travel daypack
Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Travel Daypack
Price: $120
Size: 25 liters
Weight: 1lbs 8oz
Key feature: Multiple anti-theft security features provide peace of mind
What we like:
- Fabric embedded with lightweight, flexible stainless steel mesh to protect against slash and run theft.
- Main compartment has an RFID-block pocket for your credit cards.
- TSA carry-on size with internal sleeve for your 15-inch laptop.
- Zippers interconnect to deter pickpocketing.
Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw Ι Amazon
To see the newest content you may have missed, check out our Camping and Hiking Page
Best daypack for the gym
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
Price: $80
Size: 30 liters
Weight: 1lb
Key feature: Made from durable, lightweight, weather resistant nylon.
What we like:
- 30 liters gives you plenty of space for equipment, shoes, and clothing.
- Small internal stash pockets helps you keep track of small items.
- Tubular webbing handles can be used in hand, over shoulder, or as backpack straps.
- Can be stuffed into its own pocket for easy storage while not in use.
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι Backcountry Ι Moosejaw
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