Day hiking packs come in a nearly endless array of shapes and sizes, with everything from ultra-minimalist frameless packs to 35-liter monsters with separate sleeping bag compartments. The best day hiking backpack for you will depend on what you’re doing, but after thousands of trail hours, here are some things that are key to getting the right pack:
Does it fit? This is the single most important thing about any pack. Make sure the pack you want fits your body, or carrying it will suck no matter how many great features it has. I highly recommend heading to your local outdoor retailer and trying packs weighted with sandbags. This experience will tell you more about which pack is right than anything else. If that’s not possible, read the manufacturer’s suggestions on fit and sizing, because the standards will vary widely.
Does it have a frame? The vast majority of packs over 10 liters have some kind of internal frame, whether it’s aluminum or titanium rods, a stiff plastic framesheet, or a simple sheet of foam. The stiffer and stronger the frame, the more comfortably it will carry heavier loads (generally). Frameless packs are fine up to about 8 pounds or so. After that, they tend to get very uncomfortable over long hauls.
How do you access items in the pack? There’s no right way here, but different methods work better for different people. I happen to like roll top, dry-bag style top loaders, but other people love bags with front access, which is sometimes called a panel loader. Most day packs offer access from the top in some way, whether its a roll top or a drawstring.
Many top loading day packs also have a lid for smaller items and an expandable sleeve that can fit extra gear. Panel loaders have zippers or other fasteners on the front of the pack to allow access all the way around. Some packs combine top access with a side zipper, letting you get into the main compartment without taking the pack completely off. And then there is Mystery Ranch, with its distinctive Y-shaped zipper access that’s somewhere between top loading and panel loading, but also its own thing.
What’s the back panel? Larger, heavier packs often offer a nice mesh back panel that will help keep you cooler. Some packs have other venting systems, like Osprey’s AirScape back panel, which has a channel down the middle that helps with airflow. Anything that sits directly on your back is going to get sweaty.
Does it have a hip belt? If you’re carrying more than 10 pounds, we recommend a hip belt. Unless you’re rucking and weight is the point—in that case, carry on. Everyone else, get a pack with a hip belt, and maybe even something with hipbelt pockets for quick access to your Lara bars.
Extra features to look for: Side pockets are handy for storing frequently accessed items. Mesh pockets that fit water bottles are especially handy. Mesh pockets offer easy access, but zippered pockets make sure nothing falls out on rough scrambles. Is there a sternum strap? (These help keep shoulder straps where they should be). How about a loop for an ice ax or trekking poles? Do the shoulder straps have a way to attach a quick capture clip? These are all nice extras.
