The 6 Best Daypacks of 2020
Wring extra miles out of long summer afternoons with these weight-conscious daypacks.
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Dayhikes are the classic warm-weather adventure, and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. So do these packs, which range from an ultralight trail vest to a roomy rucksack. Fill them up and start making miles.
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Best value: Montane Mezzo 10
This small-yet-mighty pack might have a Napoleon complex, but we’re not complaining: It makes up for its size (and price tag) with a tough exterior and scrappy performance in everything from canyoneering to trail running. Buy the Montane Mezzo 10 Now / Read the Full Review
Women’s pick: CamelBak Women’s Zephyr Vest
The Women’s Zephyr Vest (it also comes in a men’s version) steps up to the comfort challenge with gender-specific body mapping on the knit-mesh backpanel of this running pack. Buy the CamelBak Women’s Zephyr Vest Now / Read the Full Review
Best for big miles: Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12
If you’re the kind of person who obsessively punches the stopwatch before and after every hike, this pack is your enabler. Superlight weight, moderate capacity, and a minimalist layout made the Trail Blitz our grab-and-go daypack of choice for fast, nontechnical hikes and personal record attempts. Buy the Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 Now / Read the Full Review
Best organization: Salomon XA 25
The XA 25 is the only pack in the test to combine the on-the-go organization of a trail running vest with the capacity of a full-size daypack, which we appreciated on runs and peakbagging missions alike. Buy the Salomon XA 25 Now / Read the Full Review
Most weatherproof: Matador Freerain32
Simply put, the Freerain32 is one of the lightest fully waterproof packs on the market, making it ideal for hikers looking to put in big days in wet weather without messing with a pack cover. It scrunches down to the size of a russet potato, weighs less than a hamster, and easily carries up to 15 pounds. Buy the Matador Freerain32 Now / Read the Full Review
Best for overpackers: Six Moon Designs Daybreaker
The 34-liter Daybreaker boasts best-in-test load capacity and superior carrying comfort, so it’s a smart pick for high-mileage hikers who like the option to carry more. Buy the Six Moon Designs Daybreaker Now / Read the Full Review