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These Are Our Readers’ Six Favorite Day Packs For Hiking


Illustration for article titled These Are Our Readers' Six Favorite Day Packs For Hiking

Six bags made the cut in this week’s hiking day pack Co-Op, but now, it’s time to tell most of them to take a hike. Check out the finalists below, then be sure to vote at the bottom of the post.


Osprey Talon 22


Osprey Talon 22
Osprey Talon 22
Graphic: Shep McAllister

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Osprey isn’t the cheapest but I like the lifetime guarantee and they have excellent customer service (I use the Kestrel 48 for backbacking too). It has a great water system, tons of handy pockets, pouches, and clip hooks, and there’s a smaller version if you want to go even lighter. – thejimmyb

I use a Osprey pack I bought 20 years ago that’s been on hundreds of hikes and dozens of overnight trips, and it’s still in great shape. I don’t remember the model, but Osprey makes some sturdy gear. – Monkey See, Monkey Dance

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REI Trail 25 (Men’s | Women’s)


REI Trail 25 (Men’s | Women’s)
REI Trail 25 (Men’s | Women’s)
Graphic: Shep McAllister

Big enough for a windbreaker and/or a sweater, snacks, and other things you may need. The features include a built-in raincover, a hydration reservoir sleeve, internal and external pockets, and attachments for carrying trekking poles. It comes in men’s and women’s fit and different colors. I’ve owned one for a few years now; I even use it to school and work. – JoshTheBat

I also love that this doesn’t have big waist pads like a lot of day packs these days. – jdfighter

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REI Flash 22


REI Flash 22
REI Flash 22
Graphic: Shep McAllister

For a light hike, I like the REI Flash 22.

It’s lightweight at 13 oz, yet has a area for a hydration bladder, a large center bag area, outside zipper areas, large pockets that hold nalgenes. – erg

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Osprey Stratos 24


Osprey Stratos 24
Osprey Stratos 24
Graphic: Shep McAllister

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For longer hikes, I like the Osprey Stratos 24.

It seems to have gone up in price a lot since I bought it, but is a great pack. It has webbing to keep the weight and awkwardness of a full pack off your back. Very comfortable- almost floating back there. It does add some heft- 2.5 lbs. Its pockets, zippers, and straps are all designed for user friendliness. – erg

+1 for the Stratos. It’s been my go-to day hiker for a while now. Great balance & comfort. I usually fill my hydration bladder (3 liters, fits nicely into the pack), so I can’t say I notice the weight of the pack itself. – Gladys Knight and the Wally Pipps

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Gonex Ultralight Handy Travel Backpack

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For a day hike? Just get something cheap & mostly waterproof that can hold your keys, wallet, water, trail food, book, and a rain jacket. You don’t need to spend $70 & it doesn’t need to be a fashion statement. This was $7 as an add on item. I think it’s $13 right now.

This one has been great for me. It’s 20l which is slightly too big (it encourages me to bring more than I need) but it packs small and goes with me whenever/wherever I travel. – Orange Courier

I’m in the same boat, but every person on here is going to recommend an Osprey or REI pack because if they spent $60-$100 on a daypack, then by Jove, it must have been a good decision. – usernamestillnotwitty

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Black Diamond Bullet


Black Diamond Bullet
Black Diamond Bullet
Graphic: Shep McAllister

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Black Diamond Bullet. It’s been my go to for the past decade. Streamlined, just big enough, hydration compatible, relatively lightweight, and tough as nails. – thedevil


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