7 Best Day Hike Backpacks (For Women & Men)

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Best Day Hike Backpacks

Do you want one of the best day hike backpacks for your day hike? If you do, choose one of these backpacks!

The best day hike packs meet your hiking needs for comfort and durability.

Best Day Hike Backpacks – At A Glance

The prices listed are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

About – The Companies That Make The Best Day Hike Backpacks

The companies that make the packs are socially responsible, committed to sustainability, and Fair Trade practices. Check these companies’ social commitments:

• What is Social Responsibility?
• What is Sustainability?
• Read about what makes Fair Trade a good business practice.

Why Do I Prefer Osprey Packs?

Osprey makes excellent backpacks. They made this list of best day hike backpacks several times.

The company guarantee includes repairs. They make repairs for any reason, free of charge, any damage, or defect. The guarantee includes all products.  Also, if they cannot make a quality repair, you receive a replacement pack! Read about the Guarantee here.

In addition, the company commits to making products using sustainable processes. Read about their Sustainability Commitment here. 

What do you want to consider when you choose your pack?

Women’s – Best Day Hike Backpacks

Why Do You Want A Backpack Made For Women?

The reasons you want to consider a woman’s day hike backpack include:

• The distance from a woman’s shoulders to hips is usually shorter than a man’s.
• Most women have narrower shoulders.
• Women usually have shoulders that are a little more rounded.
• A woman’s center of gravity is the center of her pelvis vs. the chest for men.
• Women’s pelvic bones are wider and longer.

The ways a well made woman’s backpack meets these differences include:

• Shorter pack
• Shoulder straps spaced closer together
• Curved shoulder straps that fit around a woman’s breasts
• Load sits lower in a woman’s pack
• Curved or molded hip belts

Remember, these are general guidelines. Sometimes a Man’s or Unisex backpack could be a better fit for a woman. Try a woman’s pack first though.

CamelBak – Women’s Sequoia

Description

If you want a lightweight, well padded, and well ventilated woman’s pack look at the Sequoia 28L.

The Sequoia’s features make it a comfortable pack. The pack carries all you need for your day hike. You can pack your sunglasses, your smartphone, and even your hiking poles.

The backpack has a fit made for women. The Sequoia’s torso length and harness shape help the pack fit comfortably on a woman’s frame.

Features & Benefits

• Tough, long lasting fabric makes the Sequoia a sturdy pack.
• The pack has a generous 20 to 25 pound load limit so you can carry what you need.
• The water reservoir gives you the following features and benefits:
  • The reservoir cap opens and closes easily so you can easily refill the pack.
  • A lightweight reservoir so you comfortably drink your water as you hike
  • The pack’s low profile and lightweight design contribute to your hiking pleasure.
• The Sequoia has a hike essentials pocket that helps you stay organized.
• Pack size = 24 liters
• $155 MSRP

Deuter – AC Lite 21 SL Backpack

Description

The AC Lite 21 SL has an adjustable, streamlined, ergonomic, ultralight, built to last design.

Deuter offers you a  limited lifetime warranty. Deuter’s leadership position in the Fair Wear Foundation ensures that you invest in a pack produced under fair working conditions.

Read about Deuter’s Work and Social Standards and Warranty.

Features & Benefits

• Man made materials make this a durable, long lasting pack.
• Ultra-light and roomy; enough room to take all you need for your day hike
• The zipper closure lets you open and close it easily.
• The frame makes the load stable.
• The frame also spreads the load weight for you so you have a comfortable hike.
• You sweat less since the shoulder straps have ventilated mesh covers.
• The padded back panel and shoulder straps add comfort.
• The shoulder straps and waist belt adjust for more hiking comfort.
• If you want to use a water bladder, the AC Lite 21 SL is hydration system compatible.
• The side mesh pockets are easy to reach.
• Pack size = 21 liters
• $100 MSRP

North Face – Recon

Description

The North Face’s Recon 31L Backpack has everything you need to pack efficiently.

The pack includes a variety of specific use pockets. Pockets include a dedicated, padded, fleece lined laptop sleeve. The sleeve securely holds your laptop separate from the main compartment. An internal organizer in the front zippered pocket has a padded tablet sleeve.

The front pocket organizer also includes:

• Pen organizer
• Small pouches and zippered pockets for loose essentials.

At the top, a fleece lined pocket makes a perfect place to store your reading glasses or sunglasses.

Dual water bottle holders can also serve as a quick grab pocket for your cellphone. The extendable stash pocket has more than enough room to hold:

• A wet rain jacket
• Your winter gloves and scarves
• A small lunch

The North Face made the Recon with a sturdy, cool support system and women specific shoulder straps. The fully padded back panel and shoulder straps give you all day support. A breathable panel for your lower back gives you more comfort.

Features & Benefits

• Light, women specific suspension to keep your pack stable
• Stretchable stash pocket for storage
• Lots of internal organization so you have what you need
• Endorsement by the American Chiropractic Association for comfort
• Pack size = 30L
• $99 MSRP

Osprey – Skimmer – Best Day Hike Backpacks

Description

The Osprey Skimmer 28L pack gives you room for anything you want to pack for your day hike. The backpack has enough room for a rain jacket, lunch, water, a camera, and more. This pack was designed to comfortably carry up to 25 pounds.

A supportive frame sheet and mesh lined shoulder harness keeps the pack comfortable while you’re on the trail.

The included 2.5 liter water reservoir makes it easy to stay hydrated during hot, sunny days on the trail.

The Skimmer has lots of pockets. Pockets include a scratch free sunglasses and electronics pocket, front organizer, and front panel stash pocket for a light layer or rain jacket.

Osprey makes one of the best day hike backpacks!

Features & Benefits

• Designed for women for a better fit
• Wide mouth, bucket style main compartment opening; easily reach gear
• Dedicated hydration compartment with included water reservoir by Hydrapak; stay hydrated
• Adjustable sternum strap with magnetic bite valve attachment; easy access
• Front panel daisy chain attachment points for storage
• Scratch free sun glasses and phone pockets for worry free storage
• Large zippered side panel pockets; storage and easy access
• Dual zippered hipbelt pockets; convenient storage
• Upper and lower compression straps for comfort
• Trekking pole loop attachment points for easy storage
• Front shove it pocket for quick access
• Under lid zip pocket; store gear you want to get easily
• Pack size = 28L
• $140 MSRP

Osprey – SIRRUS 24 Designed For Women – One Of The Best Day Hike Backpacks

Description

The Sirrus 24L is another panel loading pack.

The pack is designed for women’s distinct fit. The pack is well ventilated and has a rain cover to keep your gear dry.

Features & Benefits

• The Sirrus 24 is a tough synthetic so your pack lasts a long time.
• One interior slip pocket; store larger gear.
• Four exterior zipper pockets and two slip pockets for a lot of storage and easy access
• Rain cover included; keep gear dry
• Pack size = 24 liters
• $160 MSRP

Osprey – Tempest 20 Designed For Women – A Great Women’s Day Hike Backpack

Description

The Tempest 20L was designed for women.

The Tempest 20 includes a harness and hip belt. The belts help you keep your balance during your hike. The Tempest 20 comes with side mesh pockets, a harness pocket, and top pack storage. The pockets and storage help keep you organized during your hike.

Features & Benefits

• External hydration sleeve for easy access
• The backpack includes a Stow-On-The-Go hiking pole attachment for easy storage
• Closure hip belts connect directly to the back panel mesh for batter fit
• Built in hipbelt features seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap; adds comfort
• Pack size = 20 liters
• $135 MSRP

Ultimate Direction – FastpackHer 30

Description

The lightweight, women’s specific fit FastpackHer 30L allows you to move fast on the trail. The backpack has a durable design and gives you the features you want.

With a unique design, the pack fits like a vest with water bottles up front. Still, the weight is distributed like a pack. The back panel’s breathability and moisture wicking helps keep you cool on hot hiking days.

This pack also has a lot of external storage. The pack includes a roll top opening and a full side external zipper for easy access to anything inside.

Features & Benefits

• Large, easy to reach front storage for:
  • Water
  • Phone
  • Maps
  • Glasses
  • Food
• Zip down main compartment for easy access to gear
• Roll top closure expands or compresses to secure your gear
• Large external stretch mesh pockets for quick access
• Sliding rail sternum straps for added comfort
• Removable and height adjustable T-hook waist belt for heavier loads
• Easy access pocket that has key fob to safely pack your key
• Strong but breathable mesh
• Daisy chains for securing extra gear
• Two large side pockets for larger water vessels
• Pack size = 30L
• $89.98 MSRP

Men’s – Best Day Hike Backpacks

CamelBak – Men’s Fourteener 26

Description

The redesigned Fourteener 26L stores a full days’ worth of gear. You have 26 liters of internal cargo space that includes room for a 3-liter water reservoir.

The pack has lots of pockets inside, outside, and along the dual wing belt. The pockets give you easy access without unpacking. An elasticized external overflow pocket keeps your bulky gear secure.

The back panel gives your back ventilated comfort. The adjustable sternum strap allows a allows a snug fit and has a trekking pole attachment to keep your hands free.

Features & Benefits

• The tough, long lasting fabric makes the Fourteener 26 a sturdy pack.
• The pack also has a generous 25-pound load limit so you can carry what you need.
• The water reservoir gives you the following features and benefits:
  • The reservoir cap opens and closes easily so you can easily refill the pack.
  • A lightweight reservoir so you comfortably drink your water as you hike.
  • The pack’s low profile and lightweight design contribute to your hiking pleasure.
• The Fourteener 26 has a hike essentials pocket that helps you stay organized.
• Pack size = 26 liters
• $155 MSRP

Check out CamelBak’s Social Beliefs and Lifetime Guarantee.

Deuter – Men’s AC Lite 23 Backpack

Description

When you hit the trail for a day hike, the AC Lite 23L Backpack does a great job! The pack keeps your gear secure. With your gear secured, you can bend and move easily, all thanks to the slim design.

The pack makes an ideal companion for day hikes. The new pack is lighter and cooler with the Aircomfort back system that provides maximum ventilation.

The adjustable hip belt gives you a snug, comfortable fit. The simple, spacious internal and external pockets let you organize your gear so you can focus on your hike.

A large zipper opening down the full length of the front provides an excellent overview of your gear. The stretch mesh side pockets give you easy access to your gear.

Features & Benefits

• Lightweight; less tired, reduce injury, hike faster and farther
• Round profile frame made of permanently elastic spring steel for durability
• Compatible with 2.0 liter drinking system, bag so you don’t get thirsty
• Adjustable sternum belt for a better fit
• Walking pole holder; poles easy to reach
• Attachment loops for the helmet holder for easy to reach helmet
  • helmet holder available as accessory
• Rain cover to keep gear dry
• Inside compartment keeps valuables safe
• Inner compartment for storing wet, sweaty clothing, water reservoir, etc.
• Front zip access for easy access
• SOS label for safety
• Padded hip belt for your comfort
• Aircomfort System for added comfort
• PFC free for a cleaner world
• Pack size = 24L
• $100 MSRP

Mountain Hardwear – Scrambler 35 Backpack 

Description

The Scrambler 35L waterproof backpack protects your stuff from sudden rains. The Scrambler also has protection for your cameras, phones, and clothes.

Mountain Hardwear has a commitment to Sustainability. The company also has a solid Warranty.

Features & Benefits

• The Scrambler 35L’s main compartment has a watertight guarantee. The company’s rain room testing ensures watertight protection.
• The pack’s suspension fits comfortably along the curve of your back and distributes weight evenly.
• Easy access hydration sleeve has a drainage rope strap under the top pocket. The sleeve lets you carry a lot of water.
• Side compression straps stabilize any size load.
• Pack size = 35 liters
• $185 MSRP

Osprey – Stratos 24  – Best Day Hike Backpacks

Description

Enjoy the Stratos 24L’s makeover that includes adjustable torso lengths for a better fit and more comfort. You will appreciate easily finding what you need with the panel loading organization.

When it starts to rain, you’re fine, since the Stratos has an integrated rain cover. The well organized pockets help you keep your gear easy to reach when you need it.

Features & Benefits

• Pack like suitcase, carry like backpack
• Easy zipper access to main compartment
• Dual side compression straps for better fit
• Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment for easy storage
• Dual side stretch mesh pockets; easy to reach
• Zippered hipbelt pockets; more easy to reach storage
• Large top panel zippered slash pocket; reach gear easily
• Stay dry with integrated rain cover.
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve for easy hydration
• Pack size = 24 liters
• $140 MSRP

Osprey – Daylite Plus Backpack – An Exceptional Choice As One Of The Best Day Hike Backpacks

Description

The Daylite Plus 20L has everything you loved about the Daylite and more! The Daylite Plus shines as your choice for day hikes. The upgraded pack has more storage space and organization options.

The backpack also meets the needs of travelers who want more carry options. The pack easily attaches to their larger packs for more storage.

The Daylite Plus was made using sustainable practices. The pack has:

• High-quality, bluesign approved recycled fabrics
• Global Recycle Standard certified recycled polyester to save resources
• PFC free DWR coating for a better environment

With the Daylite Plus, you have a lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable day pack!

Features & Benefits

• Large panel loading main compartment provides easy access to the gear inside your pack
• Dual stretch mesh side pockets; more storage options
• Multi-function inside sleeve; for water bladder or tablet
• Easily stash a light rain jacket and other small items in the front pocket. The pocket’s convenient location lets you easily reach items stored there.
• Mesh covered, die cut foam back panel; provides comfort and ventilation
• Deep zipper access to main body; protects gear
• External face pocket; makes gear easy to reach
• Internal security pocket; keeps valuables safe
• Pack size = 20L
• $70 MSRP

Osprey – Talon 33 Backpack 

Description

Use the Talon 33, a popular lightweight pack, for other sports in addition to hiking. As a result of the Talon’s versatility, the company began making regular Talon 33 upgrades.

Features & Benefits

• Convenient, adjustable torso length
• Mesh covered accordion foam back panel; more comfort
• External hydration access; easy to drink water
• The pack’s dimensions make it ideal for packing all you need.
• Weight:
  • S/M 2.406 lbs.
  • L/XL 2.67 lbs.
• Pack size:
  • S/M 31 L
  • L/XL 33 L
• $165 MSRP

The North Face – Basin 24

Description

The Basin 24L is a mid-sized daypack. With the Basin, you get a trail ready, durable pack. The pack comes with features like easy access bottle stashes, a breathable back panel, and an integrated rain cover. With the Basin, you can hit the trail in comfort and with confidence that you have one of the best day hike backpacks!

Features & Benefits

• Lightweight, ripstop nylon gives you lighter pack
• Rugged polyester for durable pack
• Two quick access water bottle pockets
• Hydration sleeve for your water
• External stash pocket; hold bulky, quick access items
• Compression straps; hold items in place
• Trekking pole attachment; holds poles
• Concealed rain cover; deploy easily, precise fit
• Large main compartment for all your trail gear
• Sternum strap with whistle buckle for great fit and safety
• Pack size =24 liters
• $99 MSRP

We Chose Osprey’s – Tempest 20 For Women & The Talon 33 For Men.

Description

If you want a women’s or men’s backpack for a day hike or overnight hike you have two GREAT choices!

For women, choose the Tempest 20 backpack. For men, choose the Talon 33. These backpacks allow you to move fast on wooded trails and in the mountains.

Keep reading for detailed features and benefits. The following table summarizes the women’s Tempest 20’s and men’s Talon 33’s features and benefits.

Women’s Tempest 20 & Men’s Talon 33

Features	Benefits
Panel Loading – Tempest 20	Easy to Pack, Access, Multi-sport
Holds 20 liters – Tempest 20	Great size for day hikes
Top Loading – Talon 33	Multi-sport Use, Easy to pack
Holds 33 liters – Talon 33	Day and overnight hikes
Under Top Lid, Zipper Pocket – Talon 33	More easy to reach storage
Lightweight	Lets you hike fast
Carry Straps	Extra gear, Compress pack
Seamless Lumbar-to-Hip Belt Wrap	Balance pack for hiking comfort
External Water Sleeve	Easy to pack
2 Zipper Hip Belt Pockets	Easy to reach storage
Side, Stretch, Mesh Pockets	More easy to reach storage
Slash/Front Panel Pockets	Even more easy to reach storage
Stow-on-the-Go Pole Loops	Easy to reach and stow poles
Vented	Cooler hiking

You will love these pack’s features and benefits!

Lightweight – Built For Speed

With the men’s Talon 33L and women’s Tempest, 20L you have a lightweight backpack with useful features for hikers who want to move fast. The company also made a pack well suited for multi-sport activities.

• Lower Inside Out compression, carry straps – reduce pack size and carry more hiking gear
• Seamless Lumbar-to-Hip Belt Wrap – for comfortable hike and balanced pack

The backpacks have a Seamless Lumbar-to-Hip Belt Wrap. Seams were left out so, of course, you do not feel the seams. The hip belt also helps balance your pack. The seamless hip belt makes it easier to think about your hike instead of the pack on your back. You have a more comfortable hike.

Multi-Sport

The Tempest 20 and Talon 33 are top loading backpacks. This allows the packs to meet the needs of hikers, bikers, and other active outdoor lovers.

Multi-sport features include:

• External hydration sleeve carries water
• Stretch mesh harness slash pocket for easy storage
• Large stretch mesh front panel pocket; easy to reach

Easy To Carry Backpacks

Airscape Back Panel

• Precision cut and accordion spread mesh covered foam ridges; keeps you cooler
• Lightweight and comfortable contact surfaces; feel great

The company developed a new rear panel called AirScape that increases airflow and ventilation while still keeping the load close to the body. The shoulder straps and waist belt are covered in a new BioStretch material, which provides comfort, dryness, and breathability. 

BioStretch Harness

• Mesh covered, die cut slotted foam harness; adds comfort
• Slotted, adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle; better fit, safety
• Stretch woven harness pocket(s); more easy access storage

The Tempest and Talon packs both include a LOT of storage!

• Two zippered hip belt pockets; easy reach
• Side stretch mesh pockets; also easy reach
• Fixed top lid with zippered slash pocket; easy access
• Under top lid zippered mesh pocket; get to gear easily
• Stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment for easy access
• The women’s Tempest holds 30 liters of hiking gear so you are prepared.
• The men’s Talon holds 33 liters of hiking gear so you have the gear you need.
• Tempest 20 – $135.00 MSRP
• Talon 33 – $165.00 MSRP

• Be kind to your feet! Buy high quality hiking socks.

Conclusion – Best Day Hike Backpacks

As you can see, each of these best day hike backpacks makes a great choice to meet your requirement for packing the gear you want for your day hike. Have a great hike!