Backpacker Magazine – Gear Guide 2012

Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks - Daypacks

These daypacks offer plenty of comfort, easy to access pockets and the kind of durability you need for any climbing adventure.

by: Nancy Prichard Bouchard

Tags:
• Gear
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• Backpacks
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• Daypacks
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Hydrapak Jolla
As the company’s name implies, this updated pack is all about hydration, from its easy-access, three-liter reservoir to the hose’s high-flow bite valve. On a 60-mile round-trip road bike ride from Bend to Elk Lake, Oregon, in 90°F temps, our tester tanked up and loaded snacks, swimsuit, and towel into the 18-liter top-loading packbag for a mid-ride soak. “I loved the suspension’s ventilation,” he says, citing the waffled backpad and perforated foam shoulder straps for enhanced airflow. $145; 2 lbs. 6 oz.; 18 liters; hydrapak.com

CamelBak Highwire 25
On an 18-day Grand Canyon float, our tester put this pack and its (included) 100-ounce hydration bladder to the test on side hikes throughout the trip and, later, an epic Thunder River climbing adventure. The lightly padded hipbelt and shoulder straps comfortably carried 20-pound loads. $125; 1 lb. 13 oz.; 25 liters; camelbak.com

Platypus Origin 32
“This is the easiest reservoir system I’ve used,” said one tester after a long day exploring Mt. St. Helens. The three-liter reservoir snaps into the pack with a simple loop-and-toggle system. Thirsty testers praised the extra-long hose with multiple routing options and glove-friendly shut-off valve. Plus, the waterproof compartment holds enough for the most epic days. $160; 2 lbs. 2 oz.; 32 liters; platy.com

Eastern Mountain Sports Free Range 38
One tester hiked in the Three Sisters Wilderness with this well-organized, top-zip daypack. In addition to a spacious packbag, outside pockets include two microfiber-lined sunglass/goggle pouches, a front pocket with padded phone pouch, a padded computer sleeve with side access, and a mesh water bottle pouch. “The load felt secure, even when I was hiking through a giant boulder field,” she says, crediting the substantial shoulder straps and cushy foam backpanel with the carrying comfort. $95; 2 lbs. 9 oz.; 38 liters; ems.com

Outdoor Products Gama
A surprisingly comfortable, bargain-priced top-loader, the Gama has an über-wide, plush hipbelt and a padded, U-shaped shoulder yoke that conformed to our tester’s body and supported loads up to 25 pounds. “The raised foam-and-mesh backpanel provides great airflow,” says a tester who used it hiking in sweltering weather in the Cascades. Only quibble? It’s heavy. $80; 3 lbs. 6 oz.; 40 liters; outdoorproducts.com

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