“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. – Oh, The Places You Will Go!” – Dr. Suess
Whether you meander along rivers, through forests, or into lush valleys, every trail offers a fresh adventure. Wherever you’re going and whatever you’re doing, you’ll need a trusty daypack to carry all of your trail worthy essentials. From Lassen to Yosemite, from Tahoe to Carlsbad and everywhere in between, our editors have spent the last eight months evaluating an array of packs winnowing down the list to our ten favorite hiking backpacks of the year.
Let’s Talk about Daypacks…
Daypacks exist on a spectrum — they can be minimalist or come loaded with features. And while at first glance nearly all daypacks look similar, there is an array of functional differences in materials, configurations and activity-specific details that separate one pack from another.
For the purposes of our list, we considered (and tested) backpacks in the range from 20L to 35L. We believe that for most people, packs in this size range do an excellent job at carrying a single day’s worth of gear (sometimes more), but needs do vary depending on the individual and activity.
What Kind of Daypack Should I Buy?
With so many types of daypacks and backpacks available, determining what type of pack you need can be overwhelming. When it comes to choosing the best pack for your needs, it’s important to think about what you will be using the pack for. Obviously, the ideal daypack will work for a number of different situations, but when you have fairly specialized needs, you want to make sure you’re getting the right set of features. To figure out which daypack is best for you, consider these four things:
- Activity: How you’ll use the daypack can determine a lot about what features you need.
- Capacity: The size pack you need also depends on how much gear you plan to carry.
- Features: Things like frame type and pack access affect how the pack works for you.
- Fit: Torso length and hip size are the most important fit factors.
Admittedly, each of those bullet points is a review in it’s own right, but for now let’s get down to the nitty gritty and share the packs that we’ve been traversing the map with.
Best Hiking Backpacks of 2019
DEUTER FUTURA
With a history dating back to 1898, Deuter has been in the backpack business longer than any other brand in the world. All that outdoor experience and technical know-how is on full display in the Futura Series. These quintessential daypacks place an ergonomic fit at the forefront of design and checks all the boxes (and thensome) whether it’s an athletic scramble up your favorite local high point or a day of beaten-path sightseeing in your local state park.
For those that prioritize agile comfort or plan on hauling a heavy load, the Futura is the most feature-rich daypack on this list. Its full metal flexible spring steel frame and substantial hipbelt put the weight comfortably on your hips. The Aircomfort Sensic combines lightness, perfect fit, comfortable freedom of movement through flexibility and maximum ventilation with ground-breaking solutions. These sporty packs not only offer exceptional organization, and include an integrated raincover, but are also available in dedicated fits for women while additionally offering extra long EL options.
Deuter.com; MSRP $120 – $170
Editor’s Choice: KELTY ZYP
Winner of our Editor’s Choice Award, the all-new Zyp is a legit lightweight hiking pack intelligently designed with comfort, convenience and breathability in mind. Available in 28, 38 and 48 liter sizes, the Kelty ZYP packs embody the brand’s new tech aimed at making the outdoors more welcoming for everyday consumers, while introducing new performance features for avid outdoor enthusiasts.
While plenty of brands utilize taut mesh backings to push their packs away from your body and provide an air channel through which sweat can evaporate and escape, Kelty has devised an alternate solution. Kelty’s NadaTech Suspension minimizes points of contact to maximize breathability and moisture management. The brands PerfectFIT™ Technology enables on-body torso fit adjustment on the fly so you can always lock in the perfect fit.
The front stash pockets are perfect for adding or shedding layers as you maneuver through challenging terrain and the trekking pole carry also stows your poles quickly so you can focus more on your destination and less on the gear it takes to get there.
Kelty.com; MSRP $129-$149
OSPREY HIKELITE
You don’t have to be an elite backpacker to appreciate technical features, ventilation and carrying comfort. If you love living your trail life in the sweet spot, this pack is for you. In the new Hikelite Series, the smart kids at Osprey found a way to implement a pack design that cut back on weight without skimping on the quality features for which Osprey is famous.
Available in 18L, 26L and 32L sizes, the Hikelite is an impressive blend of technical performance, easy comfort and incredible value. The ventilated AirSpeed back panel keeps things light and airy while the Biostretch harness straps provide a cool and easy carry. Trekking pole attachments with upper compression straps do double-duty, compressing your load and also helping to secure poles. All told the Hikelite perfectly balances performance and value, while still providing added features like an integrated raincover. And as always, these packs are backed by Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee, forever.
Osprey.com; MSRP $85, $100, $110
GREGORY INERTIA & SWIFT
Gregory’s Inertia (men) and Swift (women) series of packs are outfitted with all the pockets, compression straps and access points you’d expect from a backpack company — especially one with a golden reputation among series trail enthusiasts. Featuring a hiking dedicated build and generous feature set that maximizes storage, and you’ve got a pack ready to tackle every summit on your bucket list.
While there’s a lot to love about this pack, Gregory’s 3D Hydro System is the stand out feature. Thanks to it’s soft molded 3D design, the 3d Hydro reservoir works like a reservoir and dries like a bottle. Add in the Speedclip attachment system, integrated hangar and drylock magnetic bite valve and you have a one-of-kind hydration system you wish all your packs had.
These packs offer breathable easy comfort in gender-specific hipbelts and plush shoulder harnesses. Load lifters let you bring the pack closer to the body for additional stability when the trail gets a little rough. The only qualm we had centers on a lack of firm structure in the back panel which we remedied by adding a back plate between the reservoir and backpanel.
Gregorypacks.com; MSRP $79.95 – $119.95
MAMMUT LITHIUM SPEED
Bringing Mammut technical know-how to the world of daypacks, the Lithium Speed 20 Backpack is an ultralight, speed-friendly pack that will hold all your essential gear for a quick day on the trail. Thanks to its panel-loader design and lightweight materials the Lithium Speed is a suitable companion for pretty much everything from hiking and trail running to multi-pitch climbing.
Despite being one of the smallest packs on our list, the feathery weight (1.3lbs) coupled with a versatile and adaptable design, ensure that the Lithium Speed earns its place on any list of packs for you to consider. The relatively compact, easy-carrying size lends itself to everything from spirited hikes up towering peaks to sightseeing along tropical coastlines and jungle ruins. It’s hydration-compatible, so you can throw a hydration bladder (not included) into the pack when you plan on covering a lot of ground. Trekking pole attachment give you the option of hands-free hiking.
Mammut.com; MSRP $99.95
MOUNTAINSMITH MAYHEM 30
Mountainsmith took their 40 years of outdoor savvy and crafted their most technical pack to date. One of our favorite packs of 2019, the Mayhem 30 (available for men and women) not only has all the bells and whistles to elevate your hiking experience, but is designed with features not found on any other bag.
Its hallmark is Spectra® Fiber composition, a “super fiber” known for its lightweight, strength, and abrasion resistance. Translation: You get more efficient carry, more mileage, and a lifetime of adventures. Less pack weight also means more room for the essentials—like melted chocolate bars and squished PB&Js. Add in the front panel expansion pocket with daisy chain attachment loops and built in haul handle and these packs are ready for global adventures.
The hybrid top and panel opening ensure easy access to the front of the pack, a must-have for tight environments and organized packing. The hex-ridged EVA backpanel not only allows for omni-directional airflow, but provides the structure our hikers desire on big mileage days. Sock-style shoulder strap construction prevents the straps from digging into your body. The 30L size made it the perfect overnight pack for quick family adventures as well.
It is hydration compatible, but does not come with a bladder. At the end of the day, this daypack is one built-in rain cover away from being our ideal pack. Did we mention that all Mountainsmith products come with the Forged for Life Guarantee, the official Mountainsmith lifetime warranty.
Mountainsmith.com; MSRP $159.95
THULE ALLTRAIL
If you’ve never owned a Thule pack, you’re in for a treat. When designing the AllTrail, Thule wasn’t satisfied giving the industry just another daypack. Instead, the Sweedish brand set out to design an all-season pack with an array of unique feature sets that allow the AllTrail to easily adapt to the needs of any outdoor enthusiast looking to simplify their pack options.
The iconic Swedish design emphasis of functionality and reduced form are beautifully displayed in the AllTrail packs, accentuated by sophisticated colour schemes and sustainable comfort.
It all starts with an adjustable torso which boasts four inches of adjustability for a comfortable, customized fit. Access to your gear inside is quick and hassle-free courtesy of multiple points of entry on the top and side. And because mountain weather can be unpredictable, these packs include high-visibility, removable rain covers to keep your gear nice and dry. To dial in the pack to fit your exact needs, customize the Thule VersaClick compatible hipbelt with any of the interchangeable Thule VersaClick accessories. The Thule AllTrail line- up includes gender specific 45L, 35L and 25L pack options as well as a new unisex 15L pack.
Thule.com; MSRP $79.95 – $179.95
PATAGONIA NINE TRAILS
In the new Nine Trails, Patagonia has done a beautiful job of crafting a streamlined, low-bulk design that still boasts enough room for a full days worth of gear. Designed to cater to every type of adventurer, the pack ranges in size from 14L to an 36L with two women specific builds.
Rather than a traditional lid with two buckles and a drawcord to open underneath it, a U-shaped top zipper quickly opens up the main compartment. Our favorite feature is the lightweight yet durable CORDURA nylon ripstop that ensures a long life on the trail. Narrower shoulder straps will provide a finicky fit for some, but if the fit is right you’ll enjoy the benefits of an impressively breathable mono-mesh back panel, an overall design that rides steady and an exterior stretch pocket that feels unrivaled in capacity.
Patagonia.com; MSRP $129 – $139.
COTOPAXI TARAK Del Día
The Tarak backpack is designed simply and elegantly, with the essentials in mind. With just enough space to hold extra layers, a hydration bladder, and snacks without extra bulk, this 20L pack is an easy choice when you want to get outside without being weighed down. Configurable compression and lash points ensure plenty of options for arranging your gear. A zippered top lid lets you access small essentials and doubles as an additional lash point for a climbing rope.
But the true beauty of this gem resides in story behind the Del Día product line. Each Tarak is proudly in the Philippines with repurposed materials by an employee who has total creative control over the pack’s colorway. The result is that you’ll never run across another Tarak like yours on the trail. At a retail price of $100, the Tarak hits the sweet spot between utility and minimalism that will have you pleasantly surprised.
Cotopaxi.com; MSRP $100
BEST CROSS-OVER: PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE BACKPACK
Patagonia’s Black Hole Bags have been an iconic mainstay on the adventure scene for years. Crafted with the same shiny, resilient fabric (TPU laminate with DWR finish) that provide the ultimate in outdoors protection, the Black Hole Backpack offers hybrid convenience that’s as adept at navigating forested trails as it is urban landscapes.
Available in 25L and 30L options, these packs are perfect for organizing your daily commute and rugged enough for that bucket list trip to Iceland. Just switch out your laptop for a hydration reservoir inside the pack’s padded sleeve, add a couple layers and food to the main compartment, and abandon your work load in the car for an hour of outdoors pleasure.