The Gregory Jade is also constructed of the same thick, 210-Denier nylon with a double layer on the bottom, but we aren't quite as wowed by the vast amount of holey mesh this pack presents for the world to snag on. Got feedback? Climbing Piz La Varella (Lavarela) from Capana Alpina. We've been testing, retesting, and testing updated versions of daypacks for years now. Neither bag has a hip belt, and both are made of paper-thin nylon, which's just not as substantial as thicker, bulkier packs we tested. You will notice that some packs come with a bonus reservoir. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. And for a lightweight option, the Tempest still manages to be impressively durable. The Juno 24 has simple yet highly functional symmetrical pockets with wide openings and intuitive shapes, making this one of the more versatile models we tested, regardless of what you tend to carry while you hike. Having a rain cover is always important for my tours in the Alps, but this may not be essential for you. We tested both unisex and women's specific packs in this line-up. While many daypacks seem to have their own fit that feels as small as the bag, the Juno is as secure and well-fitted as a full backpack. The Osprey still has lightly padded shoulder straps and two extra pockets, but the Ultra-Sil has cut out those features and even removed the zipper pulls. With such a simple design, the Ultralight Stuff Pack does miss out on some important features like a hip belt and ventilated back panel. Most of the models that we tested are hydration bladder compatible in various ways, but only one, the CamelBak Sequoia, actually comes with a reservoir. We used them while hiking over many miles, both for short and long hikes and for a variety of activities, from paddleboarding to commuting to skiing. We also think the expandable stow pocket on the front is too small, which restricts its usability. While some manufacturers seem to be throwing every possible feature imaginable into their pack designs, not all of these features are particularly useful. I never recommend poor quality products, or create false reviews to make sales. Made out of thick ripstop nylon that's reinforced in all the right places, this pack is ready to go the distance. The design is one of the most well-thought-out for simplicity of use. The padded section of the hip belt on the Tempest isn't the biggest, so it might not wrap as far around as you'd like. It features a cushy, wide hip belt that feels like a backpack level of support. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Daypacks are notorious for not having as much adjustability as a full 60-liter backpacking pack. Notably, the Gregory Jade 28, REI Trail 25, and Deuter AC Lite also come with rain covers stowed away for emergencies. Use that webbing to hook a whole bunch of gear to your bag, and you'll soon become a walking Christmas tree, which is neither sleek nor efficient. The Osprey Sirrus (right) has a dedicated pole holder that secures them to the side and under your shoulder strap. We considered all these potential adjustable pieces and how they affected each bag's overall usability. It strips away all the fancy features of your regular pack but retains just enough features to keep it useful. The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack and Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil each weigh just a few ounces and each fold down into a package smaller than your fist. In general, packs with long zippers that extend far down the sides of the bag tend to be easier to load, unload, and find what you're looking for without dumping the whole thing on the ground. Some packs - like the Gregory Jade shown here - have a big easy-to-access pocket where you can store snacks, sunscreen, and even a small notebook! The Tempest and the Jade run a bit on the small side. A load-bearing hipbelt can carry an estimated 80% of the load, saving your shoulders (and your sanity!) This adds value and functionality but it also increases the price. Every zipper, pocket, and clip was used on scores of adventures for durability and sheer usefulness. We think it's smart to test out your pack in the store or as soon as you get it in the mail, in case you need to exchange it for another size. Some of the different methods of carrying trekking poles. It's fully loaded with super useful features that are handy for just about every possible adventure. Its oversized hip belt has space for some of the largest pockets we've seen on a daypack hip belt or even on most full-sized backpacks. The Osprey Tempest 20 is an exceptionally versatile daypack, full of well-thought-out sport-oriented features from top to bottom. If you're obsessed with the security and comfortable fit of your full backpack and want to replicate that feeling and movement in a daypack, the Gregory Juno 24 is the right bag for you. Comfort and ease of use, however, seem to be less tied to a dollar sign. The mesh on the Osprey Sirrus 24 never chafed (we did have a shirt on at all times), and it's impressive how cool it kept our backs even in the sweltering summer months of the desert southwest. Some models are offered in two sizes to cover a greater range of torso sizes, including the Gregory Jade and Osprey Tempest 20. The Osprey Tempest has a cool little "clip" that easily holds your bike helmet securely to the pack - no more flopping around! The increasingly popular U-shaped zipper that opens a flap on top of the bag is extremely useful as long as the opening isn't too small. Some of the options we tested, like the REI Trail 25, Cotopaxi Luzon 24, REI Flash 18 have webbing-only hip belts. Having lived, worked, and explored far-flung places like Iceland, the Galapagos, South Africa, and numerous Caribbean islands, Maggie has a deep appreciation for the unique gear needed for any adventure and the best daypack to carry it. We feel less comfortable in all of those models when carrying loads in them as a result. The Black Diamond Nitro 22 hip belt also provides a good amount of coverage but has significantly thinner padding than the Jade or Juno. Alternatively, some relatively featureless packs can be incredibly versatile by packing down into a teeny tiny little pouch that fits into your pocket. While the Deuter AC Lite had a well-ventilated pack panel, we found that its padding was in such an awkward place that it wasn't super comfortable after all. Other notable packs in this metric are the REI Co-op Flash 18 and Cotopaxi Batac 16L. While the wing portion of the waist belt is practically perfect, the single strap tightening system is easily yanked to one side and leaves unmanaged webbing tails to dangle as you hike. Ultralight packs cut weight and add portability, but is the trade-off in comfort and durability something you're willing to accept? Scoring how easy each pack is to use was a two-pronged endeavor. For example, a sunglasses stow loop makes transitioning between shades forests, and glaring ridgetops easier, while Osprey's LidLock bungee on the back quickly and easily stows your bike helmet. She has a discerning eye for detail and loves experimenting with packs while mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and trail running. The Gregory Juno's mesh pocket is much thicker than most other models, further bolstering our confidence in its durable build and design. We frequently have to make tradeoffs when purchasing any type of gear, and a daypack is no different. Packs that are adjustable received bumps in their scores since they allow customization to make the fit more comfortable for individual users. Soft, flexible shoulder straps and a hip belt integrated practically seamlessly to the back of this pack help it to be impressively comfortable, helped by a supportive yet minimalist internal frame. It's attractive, durable, and pretty comfy too. So when you buy something from this website, I may receive an affiliate commission. While more money doesn't always get you a better product, we found that in this category, it does tend to pair you up with a more durable bag. The Stuff Pack comes in handy for those spontaneous road trip pull-overs when you see something awesome. There are so many things to love about the Trail 25, but a supportive hip belt isn't one of them. Firstly, we packed and unpacked them to see how easy their organization, zippers, and overall design were to use. Our extra layers and snacks stayed dry, and the rain cover easily stashed back away once the skies cleared. on the trail. The difference between a load-bearing hipbelt (left) and a webbing one (right) is noticeable the more weight you carry. If there's one thing that we learned in this review, it's that it's hard to have it all in a daypack. While we appreciate the adjustable torso length, this pack does run a bit on the small side. We tested bags in mountain ranges, national parks, cities, and airports across the US and internationally. Most of the packs we tested have one ice ax holder, which seems like a standard addition to a daypack even though only a fraction of hikers even use one. The Tempest is seemingly bursting with pockets you didn't know you couldn't live without, trekking pole quick stow loops you'll actually use, and space for two water bottles and a hydration sleeve. All four of these packs also feature reinforced seams, thick adjustable straps, heavy-duty plastic pieces, and minimal or thickly reinforced mesh. We then spend hundreds of hours outside with these bags, putting them through our scores of tests and intense scrutiny. One of our favorite features of this bag is the large, U-zip opening that made accessing our essentials a cinch. Another design feature that affects our comfort on the trail is the hip belt. Made of thick recycled nylon is the Trail 25 - another favorite for durability. So I point out this most of the time as it may be of importance to you. If you need to hold two ice axes though, look for something with two loops like the Black Diamond Nitro. Models geared toward women tend to have less space between the straps and feature a more exaggerated S-curve that better accommodates a narrower physique. Whether it's our shoes, trekking poles, or packs, shaving ounces off our clothing and gear can quickly add up to large weight savings, which makes each mile that much easier to cover. Many manufacturers only offer them in one size, and there are often limited options for further adjustment, like load-lifting straps on the shoulders or hip belt tensioners. The CamelBak Sequoia 24 had a wide, padded hipbelt that took the load off our shoulders once we got it adjusted, but the dual-wing system proved so awkward and cumbersome to adjust that it didn't end up scoring as well as others. Most of the packs in this review have a load-bearing hip belt, but we still found a varying degree of comfort between some of them. It has tons of padding in all the places we wanted it. With a side pocket and small top pocket, you can keep yourself organized on the go. Whether you're the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Large capacity for versatile uses, great back ventilation, adjustable torso, included rain cover, Great features and pockets, easy to use, adjustable torso length, Great ventilation, backpack-like comfort, useful pockets and attachments, well built, intuitive use, Great access to your gear, big pockets, simple yet versatile, Comfortable, well-ventilated, adjustable torso length, included rain cover, Runs small, heavy, easy to overstuff for average day hike needs, Water bottle pockets are a bit small, front stow pocket is a bit small, Unsupportive hip belt, not the most breathable back panel, Heavy, difficult to access hydration pocket, rigid structure is an odd fit, Look no further for one of the most comfortable daypacks in our test group for heavy loads and big days out, This pack can comfortably do-it-all with excellent features, strong durability, and impressive adjustability, All the comfort and security of a full backpack in a bite-sized daypack, A durable, versatile pack that's both easy to use and easy on your wallet, This pack is loaded with features, though lacks a few usability details and runs a touch small, AirScape backpanel; large spaced horizontal padding bars covered by large-holed mesh, External stretch pocket, trekking pole holders, ice axe attachement, sunglasses loop and bungee, hip belt pockets, hydration hose clip, Lidlock helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, large stretch front pocket, ice tool loop with bungee tie-off, side pockets, hip belt pockets, sunglasses shoulder stow, bike light loop, Lare exterior stretch pocket, 2 stretch side pockets, 2 zippered hip belt pockets, 1 zippered pocket, hiking pole storage, ice axe loop, Pole fasteners, side mesh pockets with elastic enclosure, Trekking pole attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, ice axe loop, 2 side strech pockets, 3 zippered pockets, 2 zippered hip pockets, 70D x 100D nylon body, accent and bottom 420HD nylon packcloth, 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip nylon, 420D reinforced bottom, Adjustable torso length, internal pocket, cinch straps, sunglasses quick-stow, Helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, sunglasses quick-stow, bike light loop, shoulder strap pocket, stowable ice axe loops, Sunglasses stow loops, hydration hose attachment, trekking pole attachment, Ability to add REI Trail 2 Waistpack for more storage, contoured foam harness, raincover included, bottom is reinforced to be abraison resistant, Integrated rain cover, ice axe loop, trekking pole quick-stow, adjustable back, A great option for those who need a big capacity bag and want it to carry weight comfortably, A versatile, durable, and comfortable pack that works just as well on the trail as in town, The security and comfort of a large backpack compressed into a 24-liter daypack, Great value for the hiker who wants to hit the trails and the town, A feature-filled pack that's comfortable to wear though has some oddities in detail and runs slightly small, Comfortable to carry even over long distances when fully loaded, with great balance and good features, A pack for hikers who want a solid, built-in hydration system, Plenty of wild color combos and a good level of usability and easy access that make it a good casual pack, A straightforward daypack that's good for all types of weather, An untechnical casual bag that fits larger folks, An ultralight bag that's still comfy and organized, A good, grab-and-go bag for smaller users, but not ideal for long hikes or heavy loads, An ultralight, super simple pack for ounce-counters. A full array of pockets offer symmetrical, intuitive use that keeps you organized without ever wondering which pocket holds what. We've reviewed everything you might need to get out into nature. Weighing just 3.8 ounces and packing down into its own pocket, this on-the-go bag is easy to bring with you just about anywhere. The Trail 25 isn't meant for heavy, all-day hikes - even though it does have a pretty big capacity. Let us know! Lastly, we rated each different pack in this review for durability. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Want a lot of padding with a frame that supports the weight you're carrying? This pack has all the same features as a fully-loaded, heavier model, plus Osprey's LidLock system, which is by far the easiest and most secure way to firmly attach a helmet to a pack that we've ever seen - a must-have for cyclists and daily bike commuters. The Black Diamond Nitro, Cotopaxi Batac, Cotopaxi Luzon, and REI Flash 18 are all unisex bags that are versatile across activities but in slightly differing ways. And yet, both should be comfortable enough to not make you grumpy every time you use them. We appreciated this rain cover while hiking around on a wet day in Yellowstone National Park. Carrying enough supplies to last for 16 and 26 mile days for both Maggie and 85 pound Madeline requires a lot from a daypack, and Maggie knows just what makes a bag up for the job. No pack will last forever, and some terrains are less forgiving than others. Our chief tester is 5 feet, 4 inches tall with a 17 to 17.5-inch torso, often falling on the cusp between sizes. Versatility is another key purchase consideration even the most comfortable pack will be of little use if it can't perform the tasks you need. Luckily, many of the packs we tested make it easy to use a bladder. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. We love the relatively lightweight, feature-filled versatility of the Tempest. The Gregory Jade 28L is one of the most expensive bags in the lineup, but it acts as an overnight crossover and offers incredible support and comfort for longer adventures. My reviews are based on my personal experience and research. We tested the top women's Are you ready for a new hydration pack? This review is brought to you by Senior Review Editor Maggie Nichols and Review Editor Madison Botzet with help and input from their many adventure-loving lady friends. The trampoline back ventilation system is excellent for hot, sweaty days. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. On each side of the pack, there are two deep outside pockets that are great for storing water and other miscellaneous items that you might normally store in your hip belt. If you love going for jaunts on the trails, you might be interested in a backpacking pack or a pair of hiking boots. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This is difficult to do in a daypack. We really only noticed a slight difference using the load-lifters the Gregory models, likely because they're slightly larger bags and with bigger gaps between the back panel and shoulder strap anchors than most of the others we tested. The Sirrus, Nitro, and Juno are all three made of impressively sturdy 210-Denier nylon in the body with a double layer on the bottom, while the Sequoia is made of seriously beefy 420-Denier oxford nylon throughout. Because of the larger capacity, it can be easy to overstuff. The Nitro is chalked full of useful features, like so many others, but can also be comfortably and easily used without wearing the hip belt, and instead, clipping it behind your bum to convert this daypack into a functional travel bag. When hiking, comfort is a key consideration for your gear, head to toe. The Osprey Sirrus is one of several models that utilize large velcro patches to create adjustable-sized back panels you can fit to your specific torso length (within the advertised range). For the person who is just as likely to take this pack to a coffee shop as on an after-work hike, the REI Trail 25 is the workhorse of budget packs, making it an easy pick for its excellent value. Intuitive and useful pockets and features, Hip belt webbing system doesn't support heavy loads. One of the most important things to getting a good fit is having the back panel line up with your torso length so that the shoulder straps and hip belt can be in the right place. The other top contender in this category was the Osprey Sirrus. The Gregory Juno 24 is another superbly comfortable pack to wear. The Gregory Jade 28 and Juno 24 have great hip belt coverage. For the dedicated hiker who won't settle for anything less than the most comfortable technical pack, the Gregory Jade 28 offers one of the biggest capacity bags of any we tested and was one of the plushest and most supportive, making this an easy pick to win our highest honor. The semi-flexible suspension system of the Juno actually distributes the weight of your load across its wide, comfortable hip belt. Both ultralight models we tested, the Osprey Ultralight and Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, lack hip belts altogether but are best used for entirely different adventures than their counterparts. Both are much less technical packs, threading between the ultralight, featureless packable models and full-featured technical bags. The shoulder straps are just thick enough while still flexible, making them easy to move in, while the ventilated back panel is one of the most effective we've tested. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We put women's daypacks to the test from brands like Osprey, Gregory, REI, and more to uncover the best models, Testing some of the top women's daypacks in the field.