What To Look For
The daypack is a key piece of gear used to lug around the basics of a hike. It offers a home for extra clothing, navigation equipment, food, water and other supplies. When comparing daypacks, it's important to keep several factors in mind.
Size: Good hiking daypacks range from about 1,000 to 2,500 cubic inches. Buy a bag that's big enough for all your standard gear, but limit the weight and bulk as much as possible. Consider what you will bring on an average day hike and get a bag that comfortably holds that amount of gear.
Weight: Even if you're not an ultralight purist, a light daypack will make hiking more comfortable. Daypacks range from ultralight models weighing less than a pound to larger, four-pounds packs.
Suspension: Basics include a waist belt and padded shoulder straps to take some of the load off your back and shoulders. A sternum strap that connects the two shoulder straps helps keep the pack in place. Some backpacks have more advanced features, such as internal suspension systems with metal frame stays and frame sheets that help distribute more weight to your hips. Some packs employ pivot points to boost mobility. If you carry gear in excess of 10 pounds, consider a good internal suspension system.
Compartments: Buy a pack with enough to keep you organized. Sport-specific packs should include special compartments or features for the gear you'll carry, for example, ice axe loops or snowboard straps.
Hydration: Many daypacks include built-in hydration sleeves and tube ports. These sleeves are a great feature if you don't want to tote around a water bottle or separate hydration pack.
Convenience: Look for mesh backing on internal suspension packs to keep you cooler; stretch side pockets for water bottles, shoes and other gear; small, quick-access front pockets for maps, cameras and other items; and compression straps to tighten down your load.
Fit: Backpack sizes relate to a measurement of your torso from the large vertebra at the base of your neck to the where your back is even with the top of your hips.
Common Pitfalls
Don't be too concerned with terminology. Manufacturers and retailers use a variety of names for a backpack. Instead, think strictly in terms of size, comfort and features. While daypacks are designed to carry moderate gear and supplies used in an average day hike, you might need more or less space. If you frequently carry little gear on a hike, you might only need a small hydration pack. But if you often carry bulky gear, such as heavy camera equipment, binoculars and tools, you might need a mid-sized backpack. Your choice will be dictated by considerations such as personal preference, length of your hike, activities the pack will be used for and weather conditions. Instead of shopping specifically for a daypack, gather all your gear, get an idea of the size pack you need and compare sizes, features and comfort.
Where To Buy
For best results, shop in person at a local camping or general sports shop.Try a few backpacks on to get a feel for what's comfortable. It's also helpful to see and hold a backpack to judge its capacity and design.
Online retailers with a good selection of daypacks include Campmor, Backcountry and REI. Quality daypack manufacturers include Gregory, Deuter, Black Diamond and Lowe. .
Cost
Costs for good daypacks vary widely. Factors such as weight, suspension, size and number of compartments and other features all affect the price. Expect daypacks to retail for anywhere from $60 to $200.
