Even on quick hikes, daypacks keep things more comfortable and safer by letting you bring extra clothes, food and essentials. But they come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes. Here’s what to look for to pick a pack right for your needs.
1. CAPACITY (AKA VOLUME)
A pack’s capacity is measured in litres, with daypacks ranging from about 8 to 40 litres. The smaller ones will hold a shell jacket, a water bottle and snacks. Larger models have the space for a more substantial wardrobe and food supply, or even gear for an ultralight overnight trip. (Or you could carry a bottle of wine, the wireless speaker for your iPhone and a multi-course romantic picnic.)
There are two ways to think about your capacity requirements:
- Go big: your stuff always takes more room than you expect.
Or
- Keep it tight: If you’ve got more space, you’ll just fill it up with excess stuff.
The good news is that compression straps on a properly-designed pack let it ride well on your shoulders with a wide range of load sizes. Our suggestion? Get a pack big enough for your most gear-intensive hikes, and exercise the discipline to underload it on your easier outings.
2. CARRYING SYSTEM
Large daypacks intended for more technical use have a stiff internal frame to transfer weight to the hipbelt so your pelvis can take a lot of the load. Their hipbelts are padded to make this more comfortable. On many models, the frame pulls out for when you want a lighter, more free-moving pack.
Smaller packs are good for less demanding trips. They’re lighter when loaded, so they can sit comfortably on your shoulders with well-padded straps. Their hipbelts are plain webbing, just to keep the packs from bouncing around as you move. On many models, the backpanel (where the pack contacts your back) is padded with soft foam to keep cargo from poking you.
3. FIT
With frame packs, proper length is critical. Too short and the hipbelt won’t reach your pelvis, leaving the load hanging off your shoulders. Too long and the shoulder straps will ride high when the hipbelt is fastened, chafing your neck and blocking head turns.
If you’re a female – or a guy with narrower shoulders and a shorter torso – try one of our women-specific models. They’re tailored so the shoulder straps don’t slide off and cinching the hipbelt won’t make the pack ride too high.
If you’re shopping online, you can learn how to measure your back length on our backpack fitting page.
4. CREATURE COMFORT S
Water: Consider a hydration reservoir sleeve and hose port. Once you’ve experienced the convenience of water on tap as you walk, you’ll wonder why you ever fumbled with bottles. Plus, the reservoir puts the heavy weight of water close to your body, so the pack rides better.
Air: Look for dimples, channels and/or mesh where the pack meets your back. Wearing a pack can be like wearing really thick clothes over just one area. You want air to circulate to give your back a chance to breathe, and to prevent that shivery wet spot when you take off the pack to set out your romantic picnic.
Looking for a new pack? Go here to see the full line of packs at MEC.