Daypacks reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 134 Reddit reviews across 12 subreddits and 22 posts to rank the best Daypacks brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/onebag, r/backpacks, r/CampingandHiking, r/hikinggear, r/chubbytravel. Top-rated brands include Osprey (4.5/5), Matador (4.4/5), REI (4.3/5).
Stats
Reviews134
Subreddits12
Posts22
Brands49
Products90
134 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Osprey
4.5
(19)
"I stuck with the daylite 13l. It has been awesome for hikes. I use it all the time even for long walks."
"I have multiple osprey packs in various sizes and form factors, including the one I brought for our Camino next fall. I love my daypack with the water bladder, it really helps keep me hydrated while hiking"
"So the Daylite 13L is - early thoughts - pretty awesome - especially compared to stowaway and packable style backpacks."
"Osprey syncro - 100%. It’s definitely not the most stylish bag but plenty big for what you’re after, sprung back so you don’t get sweaty, waist belt with pockets, chest strap and tons of organisation."
"The plus offers more space due the bigger main compartment and the front kangaroo type pocket. Also the plus seems to constantly be on sale for around 50 euros."
"I have a 15L osprey dyna and even though it’s a bit pricy, it’s sturdy and doesnt even feel like I’m wearing a pack bc it hugs my body"
"Osprey Talon 22"
"The Osprey Talon 22 is great, but more expensive."
"I've been very happy with my Osprey and Gregory packs."
"Osprey makes a lot of good, small, bags that would fit the bill."
#2
Matador
4.4
(11)
"The Refraction excels on both."
"2nd on the Refraction. Fantastic little bag."
"The Matador Refraction is my favorite packable."
"I now only use the Matador Beast 28L both for travel daypack and for local hiking. Far superior to the hikpro in every way shape and form."
"I bought the Matador Best28 a few weeks ago and it is an incredible bag, it exceeded my expectations."
"Matador beast 18 is packable and also has a wire frame in it so it’s a bit more supportive."
"I like the matador packable backpack, refractor I think?"
"It's really easy to secure since it has loops I can weave the straps through. Overall I'm quite happy with this setup"
"Matador beast 18?"
"I like matador's beat 18/28. I have the 18 myself. It packs decently small, great for sports, but also a great daily bag."
#3
REI
4.3
(11)
"Plus one - i have the flash 22 and love it!"
"Cannot recommend REI Flash packs enough. Bought one and never went back. Super lightweight so they pack very well plus enough room to throw anything you need for a day trip into and incredibly versatile"
"I highly recommend the REI Trail 25 day pack."
"The REI Flash 18 is a nice pack."
"REI Flash 22 isn't "packable" , but it's comfortable for day hikes."
"REI Flash 18L or 22L if you are in the US."
"REI Flash packs? They have a 18L and 22L that might fit your needs."
"REI Flash 18"
"REI Flash 22"
"REI Commuter Pack. Full clamshell opening, Hydration bladder compatible, Chest strap, Hip belt (removable), $90."
#4
Deuter
4.1
(7)
"I use the Deuter Daylite 21 as my daypack when I go travel. It fits perfectly in my Patagonia Mini MLC and barely takes up any space while being a comfortable backpack for daily tasks."
"I just did two weeks in Japan with a Deuter Speedlite 17 as my day bag - very lightweight and could be packed flat inside my main bag."
"I use a deuter speedlite 18 or ula dragonfly 30."
"So far no issues with my Deuter Speed Lite 21, but I didn't use it all that often yet but I really can't see any issues with durability tho."
"I went with the 21l because it has this pouch in the front where you can stash some jacket or some other items which the 17l version doesn't have and it's only 40g difference including the 4 liter extra space."
"Deuter Speedlite 17"
"I read some deuter speed lite reviews about durability issue and no water resistance."
#5
CamelBak
4.2
(5)
"Camelbacks are built so well that you could have it for 20 years of use."
"Got a larger Camelback pack that I have been very happy with as a daypack. The Fourteener looks like the closest thing they have currently."
"I use the camelbak octane 25 in ls07 as a daypack, work bag, day hiking bag and short trip one bag."
"I've been using the same Camelback backpack and it's definitely a durable, well made backpack."
"I have a Camelback for my non-winter bag and it’s been fine. I think mine is 22L and I wouldn’t want to go much smaller."
#6
Cotopaxi
5.0
(4)
"The cotopaxi 35 or 40 L is the absolute GOAT of bags!!! We just bought and took one on a 10 day trip, it fit SO much; it’s so light, and it’s ridiculously easy and convenient to pack."
"I really like my Cotopaxi Batac 16. Packs small, fits a lot, comfortable, chest straps, machine washable and bright and cheerful colours!"
"Cotopaxi Luzon is a deal and it carries well, much better than the Flash 18."
"I just got the Cotopaxi Luzon, it’s 18L. It fits a shocking amount, really durable and has chest and hip straps."
#7
Tom Bihn
4.8
(4)
"Bag nerd here who never ever checks luggage. Tom Bihn. I have the techonaut 30, synik 30, and bixi for underseat. The techonaut 45 for overhead."
"For durability and lightness both: Tom Bihn. I've got stuff from them that's 30 years old and looks new."
"I use a Tom Bihn Daylight Backpack. It lays flat in my main bag or I use it as a packing cube."
"I love a Tom Bihn backpack – it has a spot for everything, including a water bottle and my keys and it’s just exceedingly practical."
#8
Tortuga
4.8
(4)
"The Tortuga Setout daybag is super light and durable."
"Tortuga outbreak daypack. Almost a year since I bought it, and use it every day. Lightweight and perfect for my needs."
"Tortuga Setout Daypack. They just restocked."
"This seems to fit your requirements: Tortuga Daypack Pro"
#9
Aer
4.3
(4)
"Check out the Aer Go Pack 2. Less packable than some others but a solid backpack all around."
"Aer Go Pack 1/2 has worked great for me."
"Aer Go Pack 2"
"Aer Go Pack 2!"
#10
Decathlon
4.3
(4)
"Second the 10L Decathlon bag. Been using them for years. Less than $10. New model has extra padding and semi rigid back panel with external water bottle pocket and zippered interior pocket."
"Bought a 30L pack from Decathlon and it's absolutely incredible for only €20,- It's got a structure but lays flat in the front of my peak design travel backpack."
"Decathlon’s Quechua NH 50 and NH 100 10L are quite good. They pack flat and are more compact than the Daylite."
"If a less pricey 15L option is needed, Decathlon makes a 2 in 1 tote pack, but it might be thinner than OP was looking for."
#11
The North Face
4.3
(3)
"I exchanged it for a North Face Recon pack, which I still use to this day."
"Ditto on the North Face. It flattens as well and can pack in a regular carry on and just pull out to pack for the safarilink planes."
"Can’t beat a North face duffle on a safari 60 liter."
#12
Mystery Ranch
4.0
(3)
"I use the mystery ranch in and out 19."
"Maybe take a look at the Mystery Ranch In and Out"
"Mystery Ranch in and Out. I have the 19. Also comes as 22."
#13
Thule
3.7
(3)
"Any Thule would suffice."
"Another alternative which seems to have water resistance but costs bit more: Thule stir 18"
"The Thule looks like an interesting alternative as well, but I think it doesn't have a quick access pouch or other compartments on the outside."
#14
Evergoods
5.0
(2)
"My evergoods cpl24. The front slash is soo freakin handy."
"Love its streamlined shape and has just enough organization without feeling over engineered."
#15
Gossamer Gear
5.0
(2)
"Gossamer Minimalist gets my vote as well!"
"The Gossamer Gear QuikSak 26 is on sale and very good."
#16
Fjallraven
5.0
(2)
"Fjallraven - High Coast 18 & 24. Packs into itself, not the floppy mesh water bottle holders, durable material and a minimal classic design."
"The Kanken is light and super durable."
#17
L.L.Bean
4.5
(2)
"Keeping the LL Bean Stowaway! It has a hip strap, the sides easily hold large bottles, and the quality is amazing with comfortable straps considering it's a packable bag."
"LL Bean Stowaway"
#18
Alpaka
4.5
(2)
"Just got my Alpaka Elements Pro! Great pack."
"The Alpaka element pro!"
#19
Fjällräven
4.5
(2)
"Maybe a fjallraven kanken? I love mine!"
"Check the Fjallraven Ulvo 23. It‘s more like 18 to 20l and keeps its shape when not full."
#20
Savotta
4.5
(2)
"Savotta Kahakka 15L or 25L are both excellent."
"I use a savotta jaakari M (22L)"
#21
Moment
4.5
(2)
"I just picked up the Moment Everything Backpack 21L and I’m excited."
"Moment backpack is affordable."
#22
Black Diamond
4.5
(2)
"I am loving the the Distance 4 Hydration Vest."
"My day hike pack is the Black Diamond Bbee that I got about 20 years ago. It's only 12L but has served me well"
#23
Sea to Summit
4.5
(2)
"Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil daypack. Packs down to nothing but can carry quite a bit."
"Sea to summit ultra-sil 20L packable backpack. It’s durable enough for me, and big enough to go on day hikes."
#24
Jansport
4.0
(2)
"Just get something like a classic jansport style. No reason to over think it can pack them flat but they are more substantial than packable daypacks."
"Jansport has a lifetime warranty on most of their hiking/camping stuff and is priced very reasonably."
#25
Casefinite
4.0
(2)
"Check out the Casefinite Tokyo Techpack. It doesn’t have the vertical pocket, but checks off everything else on your list."
"Check out the Casefinite Tokyo Techpack. It doesn’t have the vertical pocket, but checks off everything else on your list."
#26
Alps Mountaineering
4.0
(2)
"I like the Alps Mountaineering Trove Hip pack It will store a water bottle easily. Well Constructed"
"Take a look at the Alps Pathfinder. You get both a hip pack and back pack."
#27
Patagonia
4.0
(2)
"Patagonia makes some 6L sling packs."
"I tried the Speedlite 17, Daylight, and Patagonia Terravia 14. Speedlight packs the smallest, but the Terravia is almost the same size once you remove the built in rain cover."
#28
Topo Designs
4.0
(2)
"Topo Rover Mini is my go to. Naturally a very flat bag and the side straps compress it pretty well for me to throw somewhere"
"The sling is simple but made really well and the materials are good. I think this line is a hidden gem of theirs (and the pack gets good reviews)."
#29
Quechua
4.0
(2)
"Check out the Quechua line at Decathlon. Great bags for the money."
"I’ve used the 10l from Quechua before and I like it! But it can get uncomfortable for sure and the size is a touch small."
#30
Mammut
5.0
(1)
"Big fan of the Mammut Neon Light 12L."
#31
Rick Steves
5.0
(1)
"Rick Steve’s Civita Day pack. Just don’t fill it all the way. I have had mine for 30 years."
#32
WBP
5.0
(1)
"The WBP’s are fantastic and the straps are pretty comfy."
#33
Briggs & Riley
5.0
(1)
"I love my Briggs & Riley bags. They have an under seat duffle that is my go to for day trips or great as an attachment to a roller."
#34
GoRuck
5.0
(1)
"GoRuck GR1. Best shit ever"
#35
Arc'teryx
5.0
(1)
"You may want to look at the Arc'teryx Brize 25. We have a 80-85% overlap in use cases and the Brize has been my go to daypack for the past 3 years."
#36
Hill People Gear
4.0
(1)
"Hill People Gear Tarahumara might fit the bill."
#37
Timbuk2
4.0
(1)
"I've a Timbuk2 Rapid pack that I keep laying flat at the top/bottom of my main bag. Not the most comfortable but definitely better than any bag that packs into itself."
#38
Waterfield Designs
4.0
(1)
"I like the Waterfield Design packable backpack. It’s sturdier than typical packable bags (and takes up a bit more space), and looks really good."
#39
Goruck
4.0
(1)
"The Goruck packable is seam sealed and has aquaguard zips."
#40
PGYTECH
4.0
(1)
"Check out pgytech OneGo Lite Backpack."
#41
Gregory
4.0
(1)
"Gregory Nano 18 might be your thing?"
#42
Fairpoint
4.0
(1)
"It's the fairpoint 55, with the daypack detached its carry-on sized."
#43
Able Carry
4.0
(1)
"Able Carry Daybreaker 2"
#44
Brown Buffalo
4.0
(1)
"I was able to find a Brown Buffalo Conceal 19 MIV nylon and am going to try that out."
#45
Klymit
4.0
(1)
"I enjoy my Klymit 20L packable."
#46
Montane
4.0
(1)
"The smaller one is generally good for two 1.5L water bottles, keys, wallet, phone, and a few extras like hand sanitizer, sun screen, tissues, and a couple granola bars or other small snack."
#47
Gonex
4.0
(1)
"I have both Eddie Bauer and generic Gonex packable packs and use the Gonex quite a bit more as it is more comfortable for me."
#48
Eddie Bauer
3.0
(1)
"The Eddie Baurer Stowaway 20L bag may also work for what the OP wants. The design and material make it less floppy but it still stuffs down into itself or can be laid flat."
#49
Boundary Supply
3.0
(1)
"Not sure if it's available in Australia: https://www.boundarysupply.com/products/ripstop-rennen-daypack"
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