Subbing in a small hiking daypack in place of a bigger rucksack is liberating. Capacious enough for snacks, spare layers and essentials only, you feel so speedy and agile wearing a smaller daypack.
And so, it’s hard to be unhappy when you’re out in the hills when the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Unless your little daypack is uncomfortable of course. Feeling the straps cutting into your shoulders, the belt digging into your hips and an unpleasant sticky patch slowly spreading across your back is no fun.
But it would be a shame to let such discomfort ruin an otherwise perfect summer hill day. That’s why we’ve picked out our top daypacks for warm weather walking, tried and tested in sunny (well, mostly) Snowdonia.
Our shortlist:
Osprey Sirrus 26 – Best in Test
Decathlon Quechua Mountain Hiking Backpack 20L – MH100 – Best budget hiking daypack
Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 25 – Best Value
Deuter Futura 29 EL – Best for comfort
Mammut Lithium 30 – Best lightweight daypack
Patagonia Altvia 28L – Best for durability
Vaude Neyland 24 – Best for sustainability
Designed to carry 20-30 litres of kit, which ought to be ample capacity for a full dawn-to-dusk adventure, these daypacks are all about optimum carrying comfort, walker-friendly features and easy, breezy airflow to stop you getting hot and sweaty – even when the mercury soars. If, however, you're in need of a multi-day pack, check out our favourite 50-60L rucksacks.
The best hiking daypacks 2023
1. Osprey Sirrus 26
Best in Test
Description
The men’s Stratos and women’s Sirrus packs are hillwalking favourites that vie with the Talon and
Pros
- Good ventilation
- Plenty of thoughtful features
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Tough and durable
- PFC-free DWR raincover
Cons
- Not the lightest daypack
- High positioning may not suit everyone
2. Decathlon Quechua Mountain Hiking Backpack 20L – MH100
Best budget hiking daypack
Description
The price is utterly bonkers, yet this pack is surprisingly competent and comfy. Of course, it’s
Pros
- Very affordable
- Spacious main compartment
- Reasonably comfy
Cons
- No eco credentials
- Not as good a quality as the competition
- Not suitable for tall people
3. Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 25
Best Value
Description
This is a classic mid-size daypack with a top drawcord closure and a simple but practical
Pros
- Great for heavier loads
- PFC-free
- Lowe Alpine a Fair Wear Foundation leader
- Solid and durable
Cons
- Unisex fit is a bit compromised
Best for comfort
Description
deuter’s comprehensive Futura series includes this EL (‘extended length’) version, which has a
Pros
- Best ventilation on test
- Best range of back lengths
- PFC-free
- deuter a Fair Wear Foundation leader
Cons
- Heaviest on test
- A tad awkward to pack
5. Mammut Lithium 30
Best lightweight daypack
Description
In terms of carrying capacity, this is the biggest pack on test, but it’s also one of the lightest
Pros
- Generous capacity
- Impressively light
- PFC-free DWR
- Mammut a Fair Wear Foundation member
Cons
- Not as well padded as some
- Only one back length
6. Patagonia Altvia 28L
Best daypack for durability
Description
This pack is light, tough and spacious, with plenty of carrying capacity for a full day’s hiking.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to access gear quickly
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- PFC-free
Cons
- Others carry heavier loads better
7. Vaude Neyland 24
Best daypack for sustainability
Description
German brand Vaude tends to fly under the radar a little in the UK but deserves to get more
Pros
- Comfortable
- Practical design
- Vaude and Fair Wear Foundation leader
- Climate neutral product
Cons
- Only one hipbelt pocket
- One back length only
What to look for in a hiking daypack
Volume: A daypack for summer can be smaller than a daypack for winter hiking. This is simply because you don't have to carry such bulky clothing and items like crampons. Basically, in summer, go as small as you can while still being able to carry the essentials.
Frame: The frame provides rigidity and stability. Ultralight packs may be completely frameless, but other daypacks have an internal frame made from spring steel or aluminium. To save weight, others use a high-density plastic framesheet or a stiffened foam back panel. With lighter loads for summer day hikes, the importance of a strong, load-bearing back system is lessened.
Pockets: Zippered hipbelt pockets are handy for stashing gear you’ll need on-the-go. Internal zippered pockets are great for car keys or a wallet, and elasticated side pockets are perfect for water bottles. Some packs also feature large pockets made from stretchy mesh and a pocket (or sleeve) for a hydration bladder, as well as an outlet for the drinking hose.
Lid: The lid covers the main opening. Some are fixed to the pack, while others are detachable with a ‘floating’ design. A current trend is towards lidless packs.
Straps: External compression straps, webbing loops, toggles and bungee cords can be used for attaching items such as trekking poles and camping gear to the outside of your pack
Sizing: It’s vital to pick a backpack with a size appropriate for your torso length. Trying on a loaded pack is the easiest way to do this. Some backpacks come in various length options, some are adjustable via webbing straps or Velcro, and some come in only one size.
Back systems: Back panels made from perforated foam or padding carry the load directly next to the body. This approach is comfy and stable, with a close-to-the-body feel. Suspended mesh back panels, conversely, hold the pack’s bulk away from your back, which some hikers prefer, but can feel like the load is levering away from you. It’s all down to personal preference.
Hiking pack care and maintenance
Packs are the most repairable piece of hiking equipment. If you’ve got a tear, broken a strap, or stuffed zip, it can be repaired. Quite a lot of brands offer repair services, and many outdoor retailers do too. Make use of them.
To maintain the performance of the fabrics used to make hiking packs, it’s important to clean them properly. It’s very simple and primarily involves using the correct cleaning solution. Find out all you need to know about hiking pack care and maintenance in our hiking pack care guide.