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Best Daypacks for Hiking

Hiking is an excellent way to staying healthy and fit while at the same enjoying the beautiful natural landscape. It helps you get away from all the work-related stress and it is a great workout for your heart and leg muscles. The exercise burns away the extra fat keeping you in great shape. To make your hiking trips enjoyable and hassle-free, it is important to wear a sturdy yet comfortable pair of hiking boots and use a light and comfortably daypack that can store all your necessary stuff. You would not want to be stuck in the woods with torn daypack or worn out shoes. In case, you are planning a hiking trip soon and haven’t found a good daypack yet, here’s a list of top 5 daypacks I have tried, tested and reviewed.

Here is a list of the Best Daypacks for Hiking

Top 5 Best Daypacks for Hiking

 1.  Deuter Speed Lite 20

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

Having tried and test a lot of daypacks, I must admit that this is a daypack truly worthy of its name “speed lite”, as this is by far the lightest yet durable daypack ever. With a capacity of 20 liters, Dueter Speed Lite has lots of capacity.

There are two deep mesh side pockets, a front stretch pocket (which was quite tight for my fats hands to get into), a top zippered pocket for your valuables so that they don’t get lost between other stuff, the water compartment can hold a 3 liter bottle and the Velcro port allows the hose through so you can drink while on the move.

With a tapered design, compression and sternum strap, this daypack is as streamlined as it gets. Apart from my hiking trips, I used this bag to carry my laptop and my camera to work as it makes carrying stuff around quite easy.

Deuter Speed Lite 20 Video Review


  • Pros: Extremely lightweight, durable, high comfort level.
  • ​Cons: Tight front pocket but I reckon it has to be tight in order to hold on to small things like gloves and handkerchiefs.
  • Verdict: It is an amazing daypack if you want a light, durable and streamline bag that won’t break your back and will carry all your stuff easily.

 2.  Osprey Packs Talon 22

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

One of the more beautiful and light weight packs I have purchased, Osprey Packs Talon possess all the prerequisites for a perfect day pack. Its Airscape back panel ensures that your back does not get sweaty, and with an adjustable torso, comfortable hip belt, and seven spacious pockets, this pack will make things quite easy for you while you are on the move.

This jack of all trades back pack can last for weeks on the road and it’s so light that at times I could not feel it on my back. It comes in four colors and the price is quite fair for the quality and comfort this daypack provides.

Osprey Packs Talon 22 Video Review


  • Pros: Light, compact, cool.
  • ​Cons: Has no front laces but that’s just my own personal preferences as front laces have no impact on the comfort, durability of the bag.
  • Verdict: It’s slightly on the expensive side, but it is worth the money it costs.

 3.  Outlander 20L Lightweight Hiking Daypack

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

Having owned several high end multipurpose daypacks, I decided to experiment with a cheaper product. The Outlander 20L clearly provides good value for money with its durable, waterproof material. I was not expecting to use this back pack a lot but I ended up using it quite often because of its size, I can carry around my camera, laptop in the rain safely as it is extremely waterproof.

The color and design is pretty attractive, so it can be good hiking pack for young kids. If you are light packer, and do not take a lot of supplies with you on hiking trips then this pack might be perfect for you.

  • Pros: cheap, waterproof.
  • ​Cons: Stiff uncomfortable shoulder straps.
  • Verdict: A cheap affordable pack, best choice if you don’t want to pay too much for a day pack but still want a decent one.

 4.  CamelBak 2016 Fourteener 24

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0

Are you planning for a long, rough trek across the wood? CamelBak Pack is the one I rely on when I go on rough long treks because with its wide lumbar pad, rigid frame sheet and comfortably padded hip belt, the Fourteener pack makes it easier to move even if your pack is stuffed with supplies. I take extra supplies when I’m going for a longer trek so I need more space which this pack has loads of.

The pockets are extra deep and can hold all your supplies easier without making the pack seem overstuffed. I have recommended it to all my hiking buddies who carry a lot of supplies with them and they have been pleased with what Camelbak has to offer.

  • Pros: ability to hold maximum stuff and still provide maximum comfort.
  • ​Cons: a tad too expensive but it provides good value for money. If you don’t want a large pack you should consider Outlander’s 20L lightweight pack.
  • Verdict: It’s a beast of a pack, comfortable and strong. Worth it.

 5.  Marmot Kompressor Plus Backpack

Rating: 4.9 / 5.0

For an affordable price of $65, the Marmot Kompressor is a decent option for those who don’t want to spend too much or too little on daypack. It is an average pack with good value for money. It features compression straps for streamlining which can come in handy for cyclists.

The most fun feature I discovered was that the whole pack when empty fits inside its own lid, making it really easy to carry or store. The top cover can protect your from a sudden rain shower too. I found this pack to be full of small, pleasant surprises and one small drawback –the back panel isn’t porous enough to reduce sweating.

Marmot Kompressor Plus Backpack Video Review


  • Pros: affordable, great weight distribution.
  • ​Cons: cheap back panel might make your back sweat.
  • Verdict: It’s a vivid colored yet average daypack. An economic option for those on a tight budget.

Conclusion


Hundreds of daypacks of different types, models and makes are available in the market but finding the one that is ideal for you can be quite as a task. Some packs offer stability and comfort while others are more comfortable for your wallet. The trick is to find and strike the balance between the two, and find a pack that is both economical and comfortable. I hope reviews of the best five daypacks I have purchased and used personally will help you make an informed and educated purchase. Manufacturer specs are one thing but trying a product out is what tells you the reality. Always consider the reviews from people who have used and experienced the product before you make a decision.

We often collaborate with cool travel advisers who offer interesting perspective on different hikes. Feel free to check out Nepal Trekking for guides on getting around Nepal. 


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