OT: The Perfect Day Pack

[RFC]

I am looking for the perfect day pack. I already have an expedition pack and a midsize pack (good for a couple of days). But you can never have too much gear, although my sons have already "liberated" both of those. Part of my parental plan.

Now I'm looking for a day pack. The primary uses will be for hiking -- from a short local 3 hour hike here in the Valley carrying water, camera, phone, to a full day mountain hike with extra water, hydration gear, food, camera, extra clothes and a little survival gear, plus, maybe a Glock.

I also want it to be suitable to use for travel, which means big enough for a standard lab top (9" wide). I don't need a lab top sleeve, because I have a zip foam case.

I don't want anything too big and somewhat narrow is probably better.

Finally, I want a very durable material.

Your thoughts?

Thanks

RFC

[AngryScientist]

i just recently picked up an REI trail 25 pack.

it is very very good for me.

have used it for 2-day air travel, no problem. most recently did half dome with it. perfect. well made, cheap, seems durable enough.



https://www.rei.com/product/136585/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-mens

[NHAero]

I've been using an Osprey Quantum for years in the way you describe. Really well built, great company - don't know what their current model that is similar would be. It's rated at 34 liters, but not bulky.

[MattTuck]

This is a rabbit hole. Which is good or bad, depending on whether you like rabbit holes.

Reddit backpacks has some good discussion.

I have been trying to find a good commuter backpack and peak designs makes one that is pricey but can be configured for photography.

Try googling: edc backpack

Mystery ranch makes some interesting packs, I think they make them in the USA.

[RFC]

That REI line looks good. I was also looking at the LLBean packs:

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/112875?feat=pprv&csp=a

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/76464?page=kennebec-switch-pack&bc=29-507923-512608&feat=512608-GN1&csp=f&attrValue_1=Regular&attrValue_0=Dark%20Olive

[mtechnica]

I’m sure nobody will agree with me but imo the ortleib messenger backpacks are very versatile and up to any task.

[CunegoFan]

Osprey Stratos 26. The frame is curved away from your back with a mesh stretched between the top and bottom, leaving an air gap between your back and the pack. It is really nice for hot weather or working hard aerobically. In fact there is enough room between the pack and mesh that you can put a three liter hydration bladder there instead of or in addition to inside the pack.

Usual Osprey quality, which is always excellent.

Downsides are the top lid is not floating. Although that is typical for a small pack. I don't care much for the ice axe loop and hideable attachment.

[Jaybee]

I've been using an Osprey Quantum for years in the way you describe. Really well built, great company - don't know what their current model that is similar would be. It's rated at 34 liters, but not bulky.

I will second this. Loved mine. My wife stole it after the birth of our second to use as a diaper bag, then it became our general kid travel bag.

The Osprey Flapjack I replaced it with is better as a commuter and travel bag, but I like it less for hiking.

[joosttx]

Oveja Negra makes an awesome day pack called the Portero. It is a roll top bag and the quality is incredible. One of the best IMO. And made in the USA.

I once was a forest ranger for two seasons where we would hike into wilderness areas and basecamp for several days using day packs. The Portero would of been my go to if it existed. Back in the day, the mountain smith lumbar pack was my choice. I could fit rain gear, 32oz Nalgene bottle, first aid, walkie talkie and lunch in it. I am not sure if the quality has dropped but I would check that out too.

https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com/collections/backpacks/products/roll-top-backpack?variant=6142894768155

https://mountainsmith.com/day.html

[RFC]

It's a good rabbit hole.

This is a rabbit hole. Which is good or bad, depending on whether you like rabbit holes.

Reddit backpacks has some good discussion.

I have been trying to find a good commuter backpack and peak designs makes one that is pricey but can be configured for photography.

Try googling: edc backpack

Mystery ranch makes some interesting packs, I think they make them in the USA.

[dustyrider]

I haven’t got anything from them yet. But they’re local and on my radar for very soon.
Hill People Gear.
https://hillpeoplegear.com

[choke]

It is hard to beat an Osprey...good quality and good value.

This looks interesting though - https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/fastpack/

Mystery ranch makes some interesting packs, I think they make them in the USA.Some models are US made but not all. From their FAQ (https://www.mysteryranch.com/contact): How do I know if the pack I want is made in the US, PH, or VN?

If a product is produced in the U.S.A., it will be denoted on the product page on our website with a "US" icon below the product specs. You are always welcome to call us and ask if you don't see the "US" icon that denotes U.S.A. production.

[AngryScientist]

That REI line looks good.

yea, as mentioned, it can be a rabbit hole.

at some point you need to just go with what looks good and pull the trigger i guess. the benefit of the REI packs is going to look at them and try them on at the store.

i honestly feel REI house brand products are well thought out, well made and price effective. i think they do a good job of designing stuff that works good for the common person. hard to go wrong, maybe not perfect, but never bad.

[11.4]

We're in n+1 territory now.

Read www.carryology.com and EDCForum for more than you probably ever wanted to know. Oh, and add Wirecutter for some purely mainstream points of view.

My favorite in small to medium packs these days is HillPeopleGear. You'll never find it at REI or Dick's, but it's superb and the service is absolutely first rate. They have possibly the best shoulder harness in the industry. I have their Backcountry (my top choice) and also their Tarahumara and their butt pack (which with one of their Prairie belts is a superb daily hiking tool).

Arcteryx packs are also superb, especially in heavy-load packs where the hip belt comes into play. Mystery Ranch packs are excellent, even at the lightweight end for daily hiking or street use. If you like MR I'd also suggest Eberlestock.

[parris]

There is NO perfect daypack... or any other type of bag for that matter!!! Turn back now before it's too late!

[RFC]

There is NO perfect daypack... or any other type of bag for that matter!!! Turn back now before it's too late!

LOL! probably right

[timsmcm]

https://loctote.com/products/flak-sack-2?variant=527616180228
Lockable, durable. With enough room for 2 or 3 days if you know how to pack.

[gdw]

Some basic questions.....
1 How much do you want to spend?
2. Roughly what size are you after? Cubic inches or litres.
3. Do you want multiple pockets, dividers, lash points, or do you prefer simpler designs?
4. Are you rough on your gear or do you baby it?Your area has some prettyrough abrasive terrain that can trash a lot of the popular lightweight fabrics in short order if you're not careful.

[Pegoready]

Back in the day, the mountain smith lumbar pack was my choice. I could fit rain gear, 32oz Nalgene bottle, first aid, walkie talkie and lunch in it. I am not sure if the quality has dropped but I would check that out too.


https://mountainsmith.com/day.html

Serious question to all who love the classic Mountainsmith lumbar pack. Is there a secret to them? Because I clearly don't get it. I bought one awhile back due to its ubiquity and could never make it work for me. Every time it's loaded up it just works down my backside, taking my pants with it. The dearth of straps just make it feel bulky and like it's going to catch on something. I finally bought the 'X-straps' to turn it into something remotely useful, but those essentially turn it into a backpack.

[verticaldoug]

do the grandma gatewood.....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_Gatewood

Don't bring your phone. Don't bring a camera.
All you need is a nathan water bottle for less than a day.

[joosttx]

Serious question to all who love the classic Mountainsmith lumbar pack. Is there a secret to them? Because I clearly don't get it. I bought one awhile back due to its ubiquity and could never make it work for me. Every time it's loaded up it just works down my backside, taking my pants with it. The dearth of straps just make it feel bulky and like it's going to catch on something. I finally bought the 'X-straps' to turn it into something remotely useful, but those essentially turn it into a backpack.

Not sure, I just remember cinching down the straps and it worked like a charm.

[572cv]

Minaal bags (there are only two) might meet your travel criteria or commuting criteria. Not sure about whether they would meet your hiking criteria. I've been using these for the past few years and the larger one is excellent for travel. The smaller one is more geared for commuting.

https://www.minaal.com

Anyway, a couple of more data points for your hunt. As a few others have said, there are no perfect bags. There are however some really good ones that are close for your purposes.

[Skenry]

I'm a huge fan of Eddie Bauer First Ascent packs. This Bacon is a great one:
https://www.eddiebauer.com/product/bacon-20-pack/82300060?showProducts=&color=182&sizetype=&size=

No complaints at all.

[zlin]

Arcteryx Index 15 (https://www.arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/index-15-backpack?utm_source=googlepla&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=GooglePLA_US_EN_Packs%20%3E%20Daypack s%20%3E%20Travel%20Bags%20%3E%20Travel%2FCommute%2 0%3E%20Hiking%20%3E%20Around%20Town&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIhLCT38PF4AIVVRx9Ch0hBQlYEAQYASAB EgJAO_D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8504!3!331131534168!!!g!296519577250!) works for me. Take laptop, rain shell, kindle, sunglasses and cords to / from work. On weekends I carry other things. Cheapish and probably cheaper out there but this has been great. Couple pockets, couple places to hang things if needed.

[Tickdoc]

something dyneema sounds perfect.
https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MLDCore-FrontView-1.jpghttps://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/core-28l/

But I'm not so sure I wouldn't just go with a freebie sling bag and save $100.00, but that's just me ;~)

[Abelicoln]

I just picked up a Mystery Ranch daypack for EDC. Digging it so far with the tri-zip.


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[charliedid]

Agree about Mystery Ranch

If you can find a Kletterwerks "Flip" I find it to be a great day pack.

[msplette]

I use a Salomon day pack for everything. Hiked a couple 14ers in Colorado with it last summer and used it as my carry on for the flight to Denver. I couldn’t find it on their site, but this is what it looks like. I’m sure the REI bag and Osprey mentioned above are equally as good.

[sjbraun]

Cotopaxi, 26L Inca looks good.
I have a 26L Osprey Radial that I use for bike commuting. Very comfortable on the bike when loaded.

[RFC]

A wise response. We are generally over geared.

something dyneema sounds perfect.
https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MLDCore-FrontView-1.jpghttps://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/core-28l/

But I'm not so sure I wouldn't just go with a freebie sling bag and save $100.00, but that's just me ;~)

[RFC]

OMG, it is a rabbit hole! I have spend waaaay too much time looking at the hundreds of models available.

Have any of you had experience with the Milspec day packs?

[charliedid]

OMG, it is a rabbit hole! I have spend waaaay too much time looking at the hundreds of models available.

Have any of you had experience with the Milspec day packs?

Mil Spec is a pretty generic term.

I say just pick one that looks good feature wise at a price you are willing to pay. It will work fine until it doesn't and then you'll start all over again.

It's how it works. Too many choices.

[adampaiva]

I bought a Mission Workshop Sanction and have been very pleased with it for daypack use from commuting on my non-basket bike to day hikes to overnight trips. A little expensive but definitely well made and it looks good. I specifically wanted something sleek and black that I felt like could fit in with my informal business attire.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1016/8373/products/sanc_adv_blk_ang_send_1024x1024.jpg?v=1539913405

[CNY rider]

I have a Gregory pack from 25 years ago that is still doing this job perfectly.
I haven’t seen their name come up and I’ve had no reason to shop for one since.
Are they still making high quality product?

[MattTuck]

OMG, it is a rabbit hole! I have spend waaaay too much time looking at the hundreds of models available.

Have any of you had experience with the Milspec day packs?

sooooo.....

which one did you pick?

[fignon's barber]

I've got an ArcTeryx Brize 25. The material is more robust which helps when carrying the heavier items you described, plus the waffle-like back pad works to keep you cooler. Also, the design of the closures makes it more secure for travel.

[RFC]

I ended up with the Osprey Daylite Plus.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/daylite-plus-DAYLITEPL_389.html

[Likes2ridefar]

I am looking for the perfect day pack. I already have an expedition pack and a midsize pack (good for a couple of days). But you can never have too much gear, although my sons have already "liberated" both of those. Part of my parental plan.

Now I'm looking for a day pack. The primary uses will be for hiking -- from a short local 3 hour hike here in the Valley carrying water, camera, phone, to a full day mountain hike with extra water, hydration gear, food, camera, extra clothes and a little survival gear, plus, maybe a Glock.

I also want it to be suitable to use for travel, which means big enough for a standard lab top (9" wide). I don't need a lab top sleeve, because I have a zip foam case.

I don't want anything too big and somewhat narrow is probably better.

Finally, I want a very durable material.

Your thoughts?

Thanks

RFC

I didn’t read all of the posts but come browse my storage room in chandler for a curated selection of bags. I don’t know what to do with them... :) seeing your final post now, I have that bag too. It is a pretty good one for all around not too technical looking or rigid frame for more flexibility/stuffing...

Rabbit hole, indeed.

I prefer osprey but have many others from Gregory to z pack to deuter to black diamond to rei to ...ugh many more in one liter increments from 8 to 50 :confused::confused:, kidding a bit there, but not much...

[RFC]

I didn’t read all of the posts but come browse my storage room in chandler for a curated selection of bags. I don’t know what to do with them... :) seeing your final post now, I have that bag too. It is a pretty good one for all around not too technical looking or rigid frame for more flexibility/stuffing...

Rabbit hole, indeed.

I prefer osprey but have many others from Gregory to z pack to deuter to black diamond to rei to ...ugh many more in one liter increments from 8 to 50 :confused::confused:, kidding a bit there, but not much...

LOL! I can see how backpack accumulation could be a problem. I have a thing for briefcases and backpacks. For example, the leather Roots pack that I use for informal business meetings.

[PeregrineA1]

I have a SpecOps Tactical pack and an Osprey Skarab 18 that serve me well. Took both for ten days of bus and hike in Costa Rica recently. Worked perfectly.


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[Tickdoc]

saw this article and it reminded me of how much I love Osprey's stuff. I have had this same pack for four or five years now and it has been awesome.

https://co-op.theinventory.com/the-osprey-talon-22-is-our-readers-favorite-day-pack-fo-1834848667?ks=streamshare&/setsession

[CAAD]

I like what topo designs has to offer. I current use their smaller day pack, fits my laptop. Also for weekend trips I picked up their 30L travel bag. Great well thought-out designs. Super durable. Day pack gets a lot of use with no issues.

https://topodesigns.com/

[quattro]

Just as I was getting ready to look for a day pack on the REI website I first made my morning visit to the Paceline Forum and this thread was the first post, crazy!
I read all of the posts and Sunday afternoon stopped by my local REI to check out day packs. After talking to the salesman and checking out many different options I decided on the Osprey Stratos 24. I really liked the size, hip belt, adjustability and most of all the fit and Airspeed suspension. Gong to be doing some day hikes in Acadia on my trip in July, I think this pack will work perfectly.
Anyone else using this particular Osprey? Feedback?
Thanks
quattro

[AllanVarcoe]

Woah, I think I just found my new backpack!!!i just recently picked up an REI trail 25 pack.

it is very very good for me.

have used it for 2-day air travel, no problem. most recently did half dome with it. perfect. well made, cheap, seems durable enough.



https://www.rei.com/product/136585/rei-co-op-trail-25-pack-mens

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[wasfast]

Way late to this but another vote for the Osprey Daylight. I've had mine for 4 years. Great for commuting and hiking.

[scopes]

Just as I was getting ready to look for a day pack on the REI website I first made my morning visit to the Paceline Forum and this thread was the first post, crazy!
I read all of the posts and Sunday afternoon stopped by my local REI to check out day packs. After talking to the salesman and checking out many different options I decided on the Osprey Stratos 24. I really liked the size, hip belt, adjustability and most of all the fit and Airspeed suspension. Gong to be doing some day hikes in Acadia on my trip in July, I think this pack will work perfectly.
Anyone else using this particular Osprey? Feedback?
Thanks
quattro

I have had the Stratos 24 and 36.

I think that line of packs is great for technical use. I sold the Stratos 24 and replaced it with a Deuter Futura 28L which I use for less technical use (commuting, travel etc.). The Futura still has a metal frame, air venting etc but it is a more traditional fit IMO.

The molded hip belt was a little annoying for when I didn't want to use the belt support on the Stratos 24 and the volume was a little light for my needs. Lugging a camera around the backcountry takes up a lot of space.

The Stratos 36L is my go to overnight/light backcountry bag. I have been very happy with it.

Congrats on your purchase!

[DarkStar]

This is what I use for day trips when needing something smaller, and less weight than my Gregory backpacks. Enough room and pockets for all my needs.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5042-078/AlpineLite-22-Backpack#reviews
PS have an earlier model with more loops and pockets.