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From heavy-duty bags to packable sacks, we tested daypacks for all types of hikers.

Hiking Day Packs

Credit:Travel + Leisure

The hydration reservoir takes a while to dry after holding water.

There could be more small pockets on the inside.

It doesnt come with a rain cover like some of Ospreys other daypacks.

Gregory Mountain Products Women’s Gregory Swift 22 H20 Backpack

Credit: Gregory

This backpack impressed us with considerable comfort throughout every single wear.

It has an unstructured design without any pockets.

At 2.5 ounces, its practically weightless before you pack it full of hiking necessities.

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

It was a little difficult to set up the hydration bladder.

The pack doesnt come with a hydration bladder, but it is compatible with them.

After six months of use, we found the design of the zippers to be inconvenient.

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

The back panel stained after becoming sweaty.

The hipbelt is not padded.

Ospreys nimble Hikelite 26 was one of the most comfortable packs we tested.

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

The taunt-yet-bouncy mesh frame lifts the bag away from your back so the airflow stays churning.

Due to the foldable design, there aren’t any internal pockets.

Made with water-resistant nylon ripstop fabric, the lightweight material feels durable and long-lasting.

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

A few internal pockets would be nice since the main compartment is deep and spacious.

Inclement weather while hiking can put a damper on a trek, especially if you aren’t prepared.

Hiking-specific daypacks are designed with comfortable and functional features that will be handy while adventuring.

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

Gregory Swift 22 H20 Pack

Mystery Ranch Coulee 20 Backpack

Credit: Mystery Ranch

Man wears the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 while hiking outdoors

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

Close-up of the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Close-up of a strap on the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Man wears the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 while hiking outdoors

Close-up of the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Close-up of a strap on the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit

Credit: Osprey

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Brooke Dubuque

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

The Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors hanging on the back of an adirondak chair

The Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors leaning against a boulder

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

Person wearing the Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors on a hike

The Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors hanging on the back of an adirondak chair

The Osprey Sportlite 25 Extended Fit outdoors leaning against a boulder

Sea to Summit Ultra-sil Travel Day Pack

Credit: REI

A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack lying on the floor

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jill DeForest Colvig

A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack lying on a stone floor

A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack lying on the floor

A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack lying on a stone floor

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Credit: Osprey

Woman wearing an Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack on a desert trail

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Mariya Ginzburg

Front view of the Osprey Daylite Plus

Back view of the Osprey Daylite Plus

Woman wearing an Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack on a desert trail

Front view of the Osprey Daylite Plus

Back view of the Osprey Daylite Plus

Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

Credit: REI

Close-up of a person wearing the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Weiss

Back view of a person wearing the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

A Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack sits against some rocks

Close-up of a person wearing the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

Back view of a person wearing the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

A Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack sits against some rocks

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

Credit: Enwild

A person walking down a road carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

A person walking down a trail carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

A person walking down a trail carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

A person walking down a road carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL placed on the ground

A person walking down a road carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

A person walking down a trail carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

A person walking down a trail carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

A person walking down a road carrying the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL

The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL placed on the ground

L.L.Bean Stowaway Day Pack

Credit: L.L. Bean

A top-down view of an open L.L. Bean Stowaway

A top-down view of an open L.L. Bean Stowaway

Osprey Hikelite 26

Credit: Osprey

Side view of a person wearing the Osprey Hikelite 26

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

The Osprey Hikelite 26 sits against a tree

The Osprey Hikelite 26 sits against a tree

Back view of the Osprey Hikelite 26 lying on the ground

Side view of a person wearing the Osprey Hikelite 26

The Osprey Hikelite 26 sits against a tree

The Osprey Hikelite 26 sits against a tree

Back view of the Osprey Hikelite 26 lying on the ground

Amazon Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Credit: Amazon

A person wears the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person places the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack into a backpack pocket

A person holds up the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

A person places travel items into the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

A person wears the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

A person places the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack into a backpack pocket

A person holds up the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

A person places travel items into the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack

Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

Credit: Helly Hansen

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack under a seat

A person places clothing into the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

A person sprays water on the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

A person wears the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

A person places the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack under a seat

A person places clothing into the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

A person sprays water on the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack

Top-down view of an open Gregory Maya 15 backpack

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An open Osprey Tempest on a marble background

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A person wears the Black Diamond Nitro 26 Pack while hiking

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