The Best Daypacks of 2024

The Speed Lite series from Deuter has been a tester favorite around these parts since their introduction, and now newly updated to incorporate a running-vest style harness system, a more breathable back panel, and everything we loved about the previous models, the Deuter Speed Lite 25 ($120) stands above the rest as our choice of best overall daypack available today.

Let’s start off with the big changes: the suspension system. While the smaller volumes retain S-style pack straps, the 25L versions and above have now adopted a well-executed vest-style harness. We’ve come to really appreciate this style of strap system on lower-volume packs, and Deuter does it excellently. Each strap spreads out the load across the upper torso, and sports stretch mesh pockets to port along essentials.

Turning to the body of the pack, you get a slimmed 25L capacity that balances well with the hip belt fins and Derlin U-frame suspension. And 25 liters is just about the limit of where we like to see some type of frame involved in a daypack construction, and Deuter again nails it here. During our test hikes, we felt well supported — even with a pack filled all the way to the brim.

Rounding out this do-it-all daypack are a number of features that we’ve come to feel naked without, such as a trekking pole attachment system, stretch-mesh back and side pockets, and an interior valuables compartment. We will note that the zippered shoulder strap pocket was a bit too snug to carry modern phones, however — and the larger pockets on the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 and the Arc’teryx Aerios 18 may be better for this.

Perfect for anyone who wants a daypack that leaves little on the cutting room floor, the Deuter Speed Lite 25 jams in all of our favorite features, and carries it all with an updated vest-style suspension system. If you’re in need of a bit more room, the Speed Lite series also offers a 30L and 28L women’s version, and if you’re feeling more spartan, there are also smaller 17L and 21L options.

The REI Co-op Flash 22 ($60) weighs just 14 ounces and has a drawcord top closure, detachable sternum and hip straps, a hydration reservoir compartment, and two side pockets. It’s made with recycled materials and ripstop nylon, and at a budget price of $60, it easily lands as our top budget daypack.

The Flash 22 offers great quality for the price and during testing, we found it to be a great “town-to-trail” option. There’s no bulky padding or internal frame, which helps keep the weight down and makes it a fairly packable option. This is an excellent pack to ball up and toss into a larger pack or luggage for quick forays out from a base camp. The back panel pad can even be removed and used as a sit pad while eating lunch on a long hike.

Newly updated, the Flash 22 is now made with recycled Bluesign-approved nylon, and we greatly appreciate that REI is on top of continual updates to make this pack even better. At 22 L, it isn’t the largest daypack, and we noticed a need for careful packing in order to avoid an uncomfortable carry. But for the price, it’s hard to beat for a budget pick. 

If you’re looking for something even lighter and more slimmed down, the Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Pack is another great choice at the same price point, though it lacks the side pockets and waistband of the Flash 22. Stuffed away for quick deployment, the Flash 22 makes an excellent day pack for side trips on longer backpacking or travel trips.

The Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack ($109) is a great choice for commuters, travelers, and students alike. The large, 26 liter capacity is sure to fit plenty of your daily essentials. One of the largest packs in our lineup, it doesn’t feel like too much when loaded up, and its padded shoulder pads keep you comfortable on the go. 

A removable laptop sleeve is a definite perk of this moderately priced daypack. It can fit up to a 15” laptop, and has a mesh zippered pocket on the front for pens, flashdrives, or other accessories. It can even be used by itself if you find yourself carrying your laptop around by hand. If you want to swap the laptop for a water bladder, a hydration hanger is there and ready for your next hike. A big front pocket, water bottle holders, compression straps, and a bike light clipping point are other nice features of the Refugio. 

Unlike the Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia, another commuter pack in our lineup, the Refugio 26L has more features and overall structure, making it a more comfortable carrying choice for all your necessities on your way to school or the office. The REI Co-op Trail 25 is more like the hiking version of this pack, while the Refugio 26L is made more for the urbanite, though it can definitely be used on dayhikes in the great outdoors as well. 

We found ourselves wishing there was a smaller pocket on the front of the bag, as our small items would get lost in the abyss of the large front pocket. We also noticed that the mesh water bottle holders are quite thin, thus being hot spots for abrasion over time. Overall, this is a quality pack backed by the sustainable practices of Patagonia, and great for school, work, and general daily life.

Read Review: Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L Review: The Perfect Pack for Outdoorsy Professionals

Looking for a pack that is more substantial than a running vest but won’t slow you down? Look no further than the Arc’teryx Aerios 18 ($180). Arc’teryx is a brand that is known for its high-end technical gear, and something it doesn’t do is skimp on quality.

Made with lightweight Cordura nylon fabric with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid, this pack ensures durability on the trail. A main compartment, quick-access front pocket, two side pockets, one internal security pocket, and two attachment points for trekking poles make this a simple yet functional pack. 

The feature set that makes this a great hybrid running pack, however, has to be the shoulder straps. Inspired by running vests, the shoulder straps on the Aerios 18 are wide and stretchy with pockets for small water flasks as well as zippered pockets to fit your phone.

When packed correctly, these straps do a great job of keeping the bag hugged close to your body. In comparison, the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 is another run-ready pack but has a large, comfortable stretchy waistband — which could be the dealbreaker if you are deciding between the two. 

This pack does not have a sleeve inside for a hydration bladder, which may be a con for some. But we found that while running, we preferred to have some soft bottles in the vest pockets instead of a heavy bladder sloshing around on their back anyway.

The Aerios 18 itself also weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces, and isn’t as light as a running vest, so you won’t want to stuff it too full or it might slow you down. But because of its useful features and great shoulder straps, this is an obvious choice for the hybrid runner and hiker.

The Black Diamond Pursuit 15 ($150) is a new model in Black Diamond’s lightweight mountain pack lineup. While the popular Distance 15 is lighter weight and built more for runners and mountaineers who are super weight-conscious, the Pursuit 15 is a bit heavier with more features making it a better choice for general lightweight mountain scrambling, summit tagging, and mountain trail running. 

The most welcome new design feature is the BD Continuous Fit Harness, which has a seamless wing construction for comfort on the move. These wings are wonderfully soft and stretchy, and also feature large, wraparound mesh pockets that are perfect for snacks or other items you might want to have easy access to. These wings keep the pack snug against your body as you move, making it comfortable as you go from hiking uphill to breaking into a run on the downhill.

A large, mesh front pocket is helpful for stashing a wind layer, sunscreen, and snacks, while a zip pocket on the front chest strap can fit a smaller phone, and additional mesh pouches are great for gels and bars or small hydration bladders. 

Something that sets it apart from the lighter Distance 15 is the lack of an ice axe loop on the front of the pack, as found on the Arc’teryx Aerios 18, Deuter Speed Lite 25, and Osprey Tempest Pro 18 to name a few. For a technical mountain pack, this is an important feature depending on the terrain you find yourself in, and is something to consider when purchasing the Pursuit 15.

Overall, if you can look past the lack of tool attachments, this is a fantastic, comfortable pack for fast pursuits in the mountains.

The Tempest has occupied our Best Women’s Daypack slot for many seasons — and for good reason — but when Osprey rolled out the Tempest Pro ($200), it juiced up an already great pack into an excellent one. But makes the Tempest Pro, Pro?

For one, it utilizes a very tech material: Osprey’s Nanofly fabric, which is a blend of UHMPWE and nylon that boasts a very high tear resistance and very low weight. Compared to the original Tempest, the new fabric feels slick and airy, and the overall pack has shed a handful of ounces.

Additionally, the frame (which was already class-leading for a daypack) is now even better. The new injection-molded AirScape backpanel looks like it belongs on Osprey’s larger packs. As our tester reported, “This pack feels like a full-sized backpacking pack, just shrunken down.” The Gregory Miko & Maya 20 Pack is another choice that also feels this way, and comes in a men’s and women’s version to boot.

Daypacks typically suffer from sweat issues due to simple frames (or sometimes no frame at all), but this pack isn’t among them. The BioStretch hip belt (seamless fabric) and wrapping harness add ample adjustability. There’s also an adjustable sternum strap to fit different size chests. Passed by a number of our female testers, each were able to dial in a good fit — not something they could do with every pack on this list.

On top of the perks of a women’s fit, testers also really like this pack’s stretch mesh pocket on the shoulder strap and good-size hip belt pockets. Trekking pole and bike helmet attachment points (plus other loops and pockets for stashing a variety of gear), as well as an external hydration bladder compartment (works with a 2 L bladder), round out this pack and make it a fantastic do-it-all option.

You will pay for the feature-richness, as the Tempest Pro 20 L was among the most expensive daypacks in our testing. As of 2024, the Tempest Pro also comes in 30L and 40L versions.

Affordable, comfortable, with plenty of pockets and some nice design features, the REI Co-op Trail 25 ($100) is a great runner-up pack to our top pick. We’ve found that 25 liters is the sweet spot for a daypack, being just enough room for some snacks and layers, plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, a book, and any other accessories you might need for the day.

This size also ensures that you won’t pack your bag too heavy, keeping it light for your day hikes or bike rides around town. Many daypacks tend to go overboard with volume without also bulking out their suspension systems. Not so with this pack, which combines an HPDE frame sheet with nicely-padded shoulder straps.

One of the metrics we measure a daypack by is how easy it is to quickly grab things out of it, and the stretchy mesh pockets on the sides make it easy to carry a 32-ounce Nalgene bottle for frequent sipping. There is a compartment in the back of the pack that will fit a 3L hydration bladder as well, and an interior and exterior zip pocket keeps your smaller accessories organized.

One issue we found, however, is that since both of the smaller pockets are located at the top of the front flap of the main compartment, they can get heavy and make the pack awkward to open and close. This isn’t as much of an issue, however, if the main compartment itself is full enough. The hip belt, on the other hand, we won’t make as much exception for, as webbing on a 25-liter pack isn’t very comfortable in the long run.

With some of the plushest back padding and straps in our review, an included rain cover, and straps to stash trekking poles, the Trail 25 is a great choice for any avid day hiker. If you’re looking for something a little lighter that doesn’t sacrifice features and support, the Salomon Trailblazer 20 is another great choice, and the Matador Freerain22 is an even lighter, packable bag great for adventures or everyday use.

This simple and durable no-frills pack is one of our favorites factoring in comfort, price, and style. The Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Pack ($60) is comfortable to wear when commuting by walking and biking, and it also works as a great travel pack with one main compartment (no loose pockets or sleeves). Cotopaxi makes the pack with a ripstop nylon shell fabric, a top-loading drawstring compartment, an adjustable sternum strap, and mesh shoulder straps.

On top of all the physical features, each Luzon pack is 100% unique, as they’re made from cuts of repurposed fabric. We like that the pack is on the more slender side but doesn’t get too chunky when carrying a variety of items, which makes it ideal for bopping around the city on the way to work.

The REI Co-op Flash 22 is another lightweight, simple pack that has a few more features, but doesn’t do as good of a job looking like it can fit in in the city, too as the Luzon 18L. This pack is actually fairly similar to the initial iterations of the Flash pack (when it was more stripped-down), and if you want something totally foolproof to cordon off your kit while traveling, this pack will do well. If you’re looking for a daily driver with a bit more space, however, the Patagonia Refugio would be our top choice.

In addition to this pack, Cotopaxi uses its scrap fabric to make other gear items (like its Teca Half-Zip windbreaker). While using repurposed fabrics earns the Luzon 18L Del Dia top marks for sustainability, some purchasers online have noted that the fabric colors they received didn’t quite match what they expected. For most, however, we find that this won’t matter much. Roll the dice — it’s part of the fun!

Read Review: Cotopaxi ‘Luzon’ Custom Daypack

If you really like all the pockets and features that are typically found on larger packs, you might just love the Gregory Miko & Maya 20 Packs ($130). Coming in both a men’s and women’s version, Gregory delivers a daypack loaded with pockets and features in a small 20L package.

Made without any hard plastic or metal, this pack remains sturdy yet flexible. The Biosync suspension system and wide, flexible hipbelt make carrying loads over long distances comfortable, allowing the pack to stay close to and move with your body. A perforated back panel with a contoured shape keeps the pack breathable, and the torso length is also adjustable within a 3.5-inch range to allow you to really dial in your fit. 

While it doesn’t have the most pockets out of all the packs we reviewed — the Salomon Trailblazer 20 takes the cake there — it is very similar to the Osprey Talon 22 in weight and design. It sports seven total pockets: one main compartment, one large mesh front pocket, two zippered hipbelt pockets, a small zippered top pocket, two side mesh pockets, and a separate zippered entry for a hydration bladder. 

If you like to stay organized, this pack will help you do just that. But if you’re more of a minimalist who thinks having so many pockets and zippers is overwhelming for a simple day hike, you might want to choose a pack that is a bit simpler. The zippers on the Miko & Maya 20 packs don’t have any waterproofing features, either, and while the molded zipper pulls and water-repellant DWR finish on the fabric are nice touches, the overall durability and water resistance may be lesser than some. 

If simplicity is more your thing, check out the Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack or Black Diamond Pursuit 15. But if you enjoy keeping your things separate and organized, and like the features of a larger backpack, you’ll go far with the comfortable and affordable Gregory Miko & Maya 20 Packs.

The Salomon Trailblazer 20 Pack ($70) is a unisex daypack that is a great all-arounder, but also a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. Its 20-liter size is perfect for bike commuting, gym going, short errands, and day hikes, but it lacks a lot of the specialized features to excel in any one area. This pack is easy to use, however, with one main compartment and stretch side compartments for water bottles or other accessories. 

Something we really loved about this pack is that the waist belt features its own zip and stuff pockets, which adds to the overall versatility of this pack. Most small packs of this size have minimalist, unpadded waist belts, and we appreciated that the Salomon has this pocket feature as well as padding for extra comfort, making it a cut above the rest.

Although this daypack looks like a simple hiking bag, it curiously stashes away a hanging computer sleeve, providing storage as well as extra protection, preventing shocks from the bottom. Like most hiking packs, however, it also sports a hydration reservoir sleeve. This combination of features is also seen in the Patagonia Refugio, but we feel that bag leans a bit further into the commuter-sphere and just does it better.

The shoulder straps on this pack didn’t leave any wild impressions on us, and while they’re padded enough, we felt they could have done with a bit more. Alternatively, this pack would likely do very well with running-vest-styled straps.

While this pack is great for many things, it isn’t a great hybrid running pack like the Arc’teryx Aerios or the Black Diamond Pursuit. And 20 L is a bit too big to comfortably run with, and it lacks the running-vest style of other daypacks that are made for more technical adventures. But as an all-arounder for the city to the trails, look no further than the Trailblazer.

The Mystery Ranch Gallagator Pack ($90) is a unique pack in design and aesthetics. A three-zip system allows you to access the main compartment in a few different ways. Two large compression straps across the front help secure your load down, or allow you to carry extra accessories on the outside. And the tough Robic nylon makes this pack feel sturdy and durable. 

With the 3-zip system, you can unzip either side of the pack for easy access to the interior without having to fuss with a zipper all the way over the other side of the pack when grabbing something quickly while the bag is still on your shoulder. A vertical zipper that runs the length of the pack also allows you to open up the entire bag to access everything inside, which makes this a great choice for traveling and using as carry-on luggage. 

The large compression straps buckle securely across the front of the bag, and while can indeed be useful for lashing down the contents, or securing trekking poles or other long items, they are a bit of an eyesore from a design perspective. In addition, they add a lot more straps to this bag, which can feel like a bit much when considering the ones from the shoulder straps and removable waist belt as well. 

The spacious main compartment has a sleeve for a hydration bladder, and plenty of room for lunch and layers. We took this pack on a flight, and it fit perfectly into an overhead compartment and was comfortable on the long walk between gates at the Denver airport.

While many of the packs in our review don’t have padding in their shoulder straps, it would be a nice touch in this larger bag. A little padding goes a long way for all-day comfort, like on the REI Co-op Trail 25 and Osprey Tempest Pro 20. But if you’re looking for a pack that is utilitarian, well-built, with a unique opening system, the Gallagator could be a good choice.

“Packable” is in the name, and for good reason. We’ve taken the Matador Freerain22 Daypack ($100) snowshoeing, running, hiking, to and from the office, and more. The waterproof exterior and roll-top closure are especially great if you get caught in rainy or snowy weather — all your layers and pack contents will stay dry.

It’s also great for travel or impromptu adventures. Packed down into its tiny pocket sleeve — smaller than your fist — you can stash this bag just about anywhere. Matador has achieved the near-impossible with this pack — offering storage for 22 liters of gear while packing down to just 6 by 4 inches and weighing only 10.6 ounces, which ties with the Cotopaxi Luzon 18L as the lightest pack in our review. The REI Co-op Flash 22 follows suit at 14 ounces and adds a removable frame, but not into an included stuff sack like the Matador.

Recently updated, the Freerain22 now sports high-wear panels of durable Robic ripstop nylon, as well as a number of new attachment options and gear loops. These added features come at a price, adding weight over its predecessor and slightly dulling the pack’s first-class size-to-weight ratio. The packed size, however, continues to impress. We chucked the FreeRain22 into any travel pack we used in the past year, because at the size of an apple, why not?

Several of our editors have used the Freerain22 Pack, and all had positive feedback. The only con we had was from our female tester: the shape of the wider mesh shoulder straps makes it harder to find the right fit across the chest compared to other packs. Due to this, the straps aren’t as comfortable. Still, its packability won us over.

Anyone who is looking for a simple daypack to deploy once they hit the ground while traveling would be well suited to this bag. It won’t make an excellent daily driver due to the specialized design (and lack of frame), but you can’t match it when it comes to a packable daypack.

This pack is not only a popular and trusted option but also came close to taking the best overall designation. The Osprey Hikelite 26 Pack ($115) has a foam back panel, a durable 100D/420D recycled nylon exterior, and a large main compartment that swallowed our kit during testing. If you want a good number of features but don’t want to pay for a top-of-the-line pack, this very well could be it.

The Hikelite series of packs from Osprey builds on their popular Daylite Packs (which we have given high marks to in the past) but bulks up the suspension system to create a daypack that carries any load with ease. A light alloy hoop frame works in tandem with the tensioned mesh back panel to create both a strong and ventilated support system.

The pack comes in a variety of colors and has thoughtful features like an emergency whistle built into the sternum buckle. It also has compression straps on the side to secure water bottles or extra gear when your pack is on the fuller side. And rounding out the thoughtful hiking-minded features: an integrated rain cover that deploys from a secret pocket below the pack body.

While this 18 liter pack is on the smaller side, it can pack in more than you think and is plenty big enough to carry an extra layer, water, and a first-aid kit — the minimal day hiking basics. The downside of a streamlined exterior is the paucity of a larger stuff pocket for things like a wet rain jacket, but for quick jaunts in the hills, you’ll likely forget the need.

The Osprey Tempest Pro 20 is a little smaller in size and has more of these features, but comes at a much higher price tag of $200. Or slightly larger at 20L, the Gregory Miko & Maya 20 Pack is a more featured alternative to the Hikelite. Think of this pack as being the beneficiary of trickle-down tech from Osprey’s nicer bags at a more affordable price.

Osprey’s classic go-to Hikelite has garnered an excellent reputation among our GearJunkie testers. If you’re looking for a pack with a few more storage options, the Hikelite also comes in 18L, 28L, and 32L capacities, with the latter two sizes including two separate torso lengths for a perfect fit.

Read Review: Osprey Hikelite 18L Daypack Review: Breezy Ventilation and Catch-All Versatility

A comfortable and spacious daypack, the Gregory Nano 22 ($90) is another great all-arounder that has a lot of the same features as other packs in our review, but still is worth taking a closer look at. The most significant features in our minds that make this pack a good pick are its broad, comfortable shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel. 

Shoulder straps seem to come in all shapes and sizes in our daypack lineup, and these straps don’t skimp on support as some others seem to do. The die-cut foam back panel also takes an extra design step to ensure good airflow for sweaty activities, and makes this pack versatile for bike commuting around town or going on a brisk hike. 

The hip strap is a basic thin piece of webbing, which isn’t as impressive as some of the other padded waist belts seen in our lineup, and it is too bulky of a pack to go running with. While there aren’t enough features in the Nano 22 to really make it a cut above the rest, it is a great, affordable, high-quality pack that can be used for a variety of occasions.

The Osprey Talon 22 is pricey at $160, but its durability and lightweight might be worth it. This pack earned glowing reviews from our daypack testers, who raved about this pack’s nearly perfect fit and performance across a variety of terrain. Its volume is also on the upper end, with a capacity to store 22 L of gear.

So why is this classic pack not our top pick? For one, the price does sting a bit when compared to the $120 the Deuter Speed Lite 25 asks — a bag that offers up most everything this bag does, but with a suspension harness we felt we could jog in if needed. The carry on the Talon is more tuned for trail hiking alone, which if that’s all you’ll use it for, works out just fine.

We added this pack to the list because of its lightweight construction, an abundance of pockets (including the harness strap stash pocket), and Osprey’s excellent reputation. In our own testing, we found the hype to be real, highly valuing the fine-tuned suspension system and various attachment options. This does, however, mean the pack has put on a few ounces compared to other, more svelte models.

You should definitely consider this pack if you’re looking for something more sport-specific like biking or climbing — the pack has a helmet attachment point as well as a trekking pole and ice loop attachments. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Gregory Miko & Maya 20 Pack has many of the same features for $30 less.

There’s also a dizzying number of different volumes available in the Talon line, from a fast and ultralight 11L to a light, overnight-ready 44L version. To be sure, this pack is every bit as nice as our top pick, it’s just got a bit more specialized features that’ll make it appeal to some more than others.