Best hiking daypacks we tested
Best hiking daypacks: Gregory Miko 25 (men's) and Gregory Maya 25 (women's)
The best hiking daypack is an essential piece of outdoor gear for day-long adventures on the trail. Heading out to take on a bite-sized adventure, no matter if you’re close to home or traveling, is more enjoyable with a solid daypack in tow. Longer treks may require specific backpacking gear that’s lightweight and has a larger capacity. However, daypacks come in handy for a more streamlined list of hiking gear: snacks, water, extra layers, a trail map and accessories like a headlamp or multitool.
Just as with hiking boots, hikers have a lot to consider when picking out the best hiking backpack to suit their specific needs and budget. Because of that, I tested 12 hiking daypacks from the most well-known and fan-favorite brands, putting them to the test on several day hikes to find which packs stood out among the rest. To help day hikers of all skill levels find their ultimate day hiking backpack, I narrowed down the top performers based on capacity, comfort, features, functionality and durability. After testing, one pack stood out above the rest in both it’s men’s and women’s models.
Best hiking daypacks
The Maya 25 ranked at the top of nearly every test we ran. With amazing adjustability, unmatched comfort, great water resistance, stellar breathability and plenty of pockets, the Maya 25 is loaded with all the features you want and need for a day hike. For larger-bodied hikers, this pack comes in a plus-size 20-liter option too.
The men’s version of Maya, the Miko weighs only 2.1 pounds and is one of the lightest and most comfortable daypacks you’ll find on the shelves. It comes in extended sizing from 2X to 6X for larger bodies and can comfortably hold up to 25 pounds of gear.?
Best hiking daypacks: Gregory Maya 25 and Gregory Miko 25
The women’s fit Gregory Maya 25 — which also comes in a men’s fit version, the Gregory Miko 25 — is the most comfortable, feature-filled backpack we tested. With an ergonomic design that disperses pack weight across your shoulders and an adjustable torso height back panel, it’s easy to dial in a finely tuned fit no matter your body type and size. The Gregory Maya also comes in a 20-liter, plus-size version for hikers with bigger body types, fitting folks who wear 2X to 6X in apparel sizing.
Most day hikers want a pack with accessible pockets that are easy to reach and large enough to fit all types of items — from snacks and water to a phone, bear spray or an extra layer. The Maya 25 doesn’t disappoint in this category. With five generously sized pockets and 1,526 cubic inches of interior storage, we had no problem fitting all our trail essentials in the Maya’s pockets while testing this pack on hikes around the Midwest.
Similar to other packs we tested like the Osprey Mira 22 and Camelbak Rim Runner X22 Hydration, the Maya features a massive front mesh stuff pouch for storing gear outside the inner zipper pockets. The pack also includes a top quick-access pocket and dual side stretch mesh pockets to secure a water bottle or extra gear. If you’re looking for even more pockets, the six-pocket Camelbak Rim Runner X22 Hydration Pack and eight-pocket Cotopaxi Lagos 25 Hiking Hydration Pack provide added storage.
An iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 11 fit into the Maya’s zippered hip pockets with easy access to reach the phone while on the move. While hiking in West Michigan during peak mosquito season, I appreciated having quick access to bug spray tucked into the front mesh pocket of the pack. An interior, mesh zip pocket in the pack’s main compartment makes a great spot to store your car keys and other important items you don’t want to lose while on the trail, like a wallet, medicine or other electronics.
When it comes to comfort, the Maya 25 fits like a glove. The design of this pack is meant to hug close to your body and waistline, which helps prevent the pack from slipping and sliding while hiking on technical terrain. It has a similar fit and feel as the slightly smaller Gregory Women’s Swift 22 H20 and Cotopaxi Lagos 25 Hiking Hydration Pack, which sits flush against the back and snugly around the hips. Hikers with a slimmer form and taller torso may prefer the fit of the Black Diamond Pursuit 30 or Deuter AC Lite 24, which have a narrower width and taller pack height.
Gregory designed the Maya pack with its BioSync flexible hip belt and shoulder harness that helps it move with your body while you hike. Unlike the REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack and Nemo Resolve Women’s 25 Endless Promise which have a boxier shape and thinner hip belt straps, the Gregory Maya felt extremely stable and supported around my waist. While hiking on hilly sections of the Palos Trail System on the outskirts of Chicago, I seamlessly navigated ducking under branches, hopping over downed tree trunks and walking uphill without the pack slipping off or needing constant adjustment.
The Maya 25 excelled when tested alongside similar packs that hug your body too. For instance, it has larger hip pockets than the Cotopaxi Lagos 25 Hiking Hydration Pack and has more pockets while also fitting a wider range of body sizes than the Black Diamond Pursuit 30.
I also weighed this pack down with 20 pounds of gear to test the load lifters on the shoulder straps of the Maya. The ability to pull the weight off my lower back by adjusting the load lifters, plus the support of the hip belt and thick, padded shoulder straps, made wearing this pack extremely comfortable, even when stuffed to the brim with gear. The REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack has the most comfortable padded shoulders of all the packs if you’re looking for extra cushion and support around your shoulders.
All the packs leaked some water inside during our water-resistance testing, but the Maya 25 held up best. While the exterior pockets let water in through the zippers, the largest inner compartment pocket of the Maya stayed completely dry. We also were impressed with the Osprey Mira 22 and Deuter Speed Lite 25’s water resistance, which only let in slightly more water than the Gregory Maya 25.
The Maya 25 performs extremely well in hot and humid climates as well. A ventilated foam back panel with an air channel running down the spine and aerodynamic grooves help promote airflow to keep your back cool and dry, even while you sweat. Lightweight shoulder straps are also ventilated with air holes and mesh fabric, providing even more breathability. The Maya 25 does not have as much ventilation on the back panel as the Osprey Mira 22, which was designed with a highly ventilated suspension system that pulls the back panel away from your body for added airflow.
As the most comfortable pack of the bunch with more than enough support, impressive breathability and water resistance that sheds water in less-than-ideal weather, the Gregory Maya 25 rose to the top as our favorite backpack for day hiking. Its adjustable back panel and load-lifter straps help fine-tune the fit, especially when loaded down with gear. Large mesh exterior pockets and several interior zippered organization pockets help keep accessories secure while hiking. And with a body-hugging fit that stays snug against your body while hiking, we candidly recommend the Maya as our go-to reliable, comfortable and fully-featured pack for day hiking adventures.
How we tested
Not all hiking daypacks are created equal. To assess the durability, functionality and comfort of each pack, we ran them through a comprehensive series of tests. I took the backpack test fleet on several day hikes to determine overall performance and design quality. While hiking, I considered the following.
Features
- Pockets: I counted to see if there were ample pockets and their ease of use, and I assessed how useful each pocket was in various hiking situations. I also sought out pockets on the hip belt, chest and top of the pack.
- User interface: It’s frustrating when zippers get snagged on your pack. It’s also frustrating when backpack brands overload their packs with unnecessary features that take away from the pack’s overall functionality. I tested the ease of use of all zippers and ensured the cinch and shoulder straps were functional and seamless to adjust. I aimed to put each pack through a general, hands-on usability evaluation, testing each feature, component and accessory.
- Hydration compatibility: I looked for an internal or external hydration reservoir pocket in every pack. I also made note if there were added hydration features to help with stabilization and ease of use, like a strap to secure the reservoir in the pack, a hole to run the hose up and out of the pack and magnetic sternum buckles or hose clips to secure the hose to the shoulder and chest straps.
Performance
- Water resistance: While most day hiking backpacks are not fully waterproof, many are constructed with fabric treated with durable water repellant (DWR) to enable water resistance in inclement weather. To test water resistance, I soaked each pack under the garden hose for one minute and felt the inside of the backpack afterward for any moisture or water seepage, noting which stayed drier than others.
- Breathability: Sweating in hot weather climates can cause problems for endurance and comfort on the trail. I noted the thickness and features of the straps and back panel of each backpack, testing to see how much airflow each pack provided while hiking. Hiking daypacks that included mesh back panels and ventilation features scored higher throughout the testing process. Some packs even have a ventilated, mesh back panel that extends the back of the pack away from your body to allow for better airflow. I also kept an eye out for these types of airflow-improving features.
- Durability: I carefully inspected and evaluated the ruggedness and durability of each hiking daypack, noticing if any models felt flimsy, low quality or abrasion-prone. This included handles, zippers, zipper tabs, mesh pouches, pockets and the main fabric of the pack. To test overall durability, I ran a serrated knife back and forth several times on the external fabric to check for any fraying, tearing or ripping on the fabric.
Comfort
- Carrying comfort: I loaded each pack with 30 pounds of weight to test overall comfort. Any signs of shoulder strap abrasion, discomfort or irritation, I took note. In addition, I looked for thoughtful features like load lifters and padded hip belts that help with overall comfort while carrying heavier weighted packs.
- Padding: Some day hiking backpacks have more padding than others, which, depending on personal preference, can be a positive or negative component. Regardless, I made note of the overall padding on the back panel, shoulder straps and/or hip belt (if applicable) for each pack.
- Adjustability: Having the ability to adjust the backpack’s fit can be a game changer for comfort. I noted if the packs included adjustability features, like the ability to change the length of the torso height or extra strap length on the shoulder and chest straps to fit a wider range of body types and sizes.
- Suspension: Backpack suspension systems are key for carrying heavier loads on your back. Common suspension systems include frames, stays, load lifters and hip belts. Suspension systems help disperse the weight of your pack across your back and torso.
- Frame type: The frame of a backpack gives the pack its shape and supports loads of varying weights. Most hiking daypacks feature an internal frame that rests flush against your body and provides a barrier between your back and the contents inside your pack. External frame packs can carry heavier loads but tend to weigh more. Then there are frameless packs that forgo frames altogether to provide the most lightweight daypack option.
Other hiking daypacks we tested
Nearly the winner of our tests, this REI Co-op pack offers tons of features for a fantastic price. However, it was slightly heavier, a bit less comfortable than the Gregory and lacked the mesh storage compartment we love.
A comfortable pack at an affordable price point, the REI Co-op Trail 25 checks all the boxes of a reliable day hiking pack: comfort, ample storage and durability. Made with 210-denier ripstop nylon, the Trail 25 stands up to abrasion from the elements. Its plentiful pockets allow you to customize your gear setup with two mesh side pockets, an oversized main compartment, a small storage pocket on top of the pack, a mesh zip pocket inside and an internal sleeve for a hydration reservoir.
This pack also includes a rain cover hidden and secured away in a zipper pouch on the bottom of the pack for quick access if the weather turns unexpectedly. Its slightly heavier weight (1 pound 13 ounces), bulkier shoulder straps and lack of a front mesh storage compartment knocked this pack down as a runner-up to our top pick.
It's not compatible with hydration reservoirs, but the Fj?llr?ven Abisko is one of the most stylish packs we tested.
This pack stood out for its internal capacity and sleek Scandinavian design. A roll-top makes the Abisko extremely easy to pack and unpack, and its fold-over closure adds an extra 4 to 5 liters of spac,e allowing you to secure items for longer treks like a sleeping pad or Jetboil. Thick padding on the back panel of this pack also adds extra comfort for longer-haul treks.
What this pack is missing, however, is adjustability and suspension features. Things like changing the torso height or load-lifter straps to balance out pack weight would be nice. For the price, you get more out of the Gregory Swift. I do think this pack is the most aesthetically pleasing of the lineup, though. It comes in five neutral earth tones and the sleek and simple design style that hikers have come to love from Fj?llr?ven.
Fashionable and the only recyclable backpack we tested, this Nemo model is a standout for sustainability. Still, we wish it had a couple more organizational features on the outside for easy access.
You’ll stand out on the trail with this bright and vibrant Nemo daypack. You’ll also tread lighter on the planet. A core product in the new Nemo Endless Promise collection, this backpack — and all other Endless Promise products — were created with one goal: to stay out of the landfill. The Nemo Resolve is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. All you need to do is send it back to Nemo and it’ll make sure to break it down and repurpose and reuse the materials accordingly.
In terms of functionality, the Nemo Resolve boasts 25 liters of internal capacity and five pockets. I found the wide, frameless back panel on this pack felt comfortable against my back while hiking, even with 30 pounds of weight inside. I would’ve liked to have more external pockets beyond the flanked water bottle holders on this pack; however, the lack of zippers and compartments offers a sleeker, more streamlined design.
This was one of the most breathable packs we tested. However, it's quite narrow, so it might not fit everyone.
Snag the Deuter AC Lite 24 if you’re searching for a lightweight day hiking pack with full suspension. This highly breathable pack was designed with a metal external frame and a springy, flexible mesh back panel for maximum ventilation. Deuter claims this pack design results in 25% less perspiration than your average hiking backpack. I’d have to say I agree, as I didn’t sweat at all while hiking in this pack, even on a muggy and humid spring day.
Keep in mind that I only really recommend this pack for hikers with a trimmer torso. I found the metal frame on this pack poked into my hips while hiking; however, my friends with narrower body types didn’t feel the pressure point and irritation like I did. One other downfall of this pack is its lack of pockets. But if you’re into simple, streamlined design, you’ll love the look and function of this pack.
Even though this pack's suspension system adds extra weight, it might be worth it for those carrying a heavier load.
A close runner-up to the Gregory Maya 25, this slightly smaller 22-liter day hiking pack looks nearly identical from the front. Flip the Mira around and you’ll notice an immediate difference: a highly ventilated suspension system known as AirSpeed suspension. Opt for this pack if you’re heading out on long-haul day hikes or plan to carry a heavier load. The suspension system adds extra weight, which is why this pack didn’t take home a top spot, but I did appreciate its thoughtful add-ons like an included rain cover, trekking pole straps and adjustable sternum strap with magnetic closure and bite valve attachment.
The men’s version of this pack, the Manta 24, is slightly larger with more pockets but otherwise identical in functionality and features. The Mira is also one of the most adjustable of the test fleet. An innovative, molded ladder torso adjuster on the suspension panel allows hikers to extend or shorten the torso height of the backpack.
Comfortable, stylish and featuring tons of pockets, this pack was held back by its lack of breathability.
Another sleek daypack similar to the Gregory Maya 25, this Cotopaxi hiking backpack is lightweight and durable and comes with an included hydration reservoir at purchase. I found this pack comfortable to wear during cool weather conditions and was also blown away by the number of pockets on the inside and outside of this pack.
The hip belt features sizable pockets big enough to fit a smaller cell phone, snacks or hiking accessories. A stretch front mesh pocket and felted front zipper pocket allow you to stash items on the go. A front compartment features two large mesh storage pockets for internal organization. A large middle compartment lets you store larger items like a rain jacket, puffy coat or extra layer. However, this pack lacks the same breathability and ventilation as similar packs like the Gregory Maya and Osprey Mira. However, if you’re a fan of Cotopaxi’s sleek and stylish design, make this pack your pick.
This affordable pack was solid but not quite as nice as our top pick.
If you want a reliable and affordable hydration pack, the CamelBak Rim Runner won’t disappoint. It comes with a 2.5-liter CamelBak hydration reservoir that fits snugly and securely in the inner main compartment pocket. Three oversized mesh pockets on the front of the pack offer plenty of storage for one or multiple water bottles, spare layers or other accessories like phones, cameras and headlamps. On the hips, small zippered pockets allow you to stash snacks for easy access on the trail.
CamelBak designed this women’s fit pack with wide, S-shaped shoulder straps for thoughtful contour to deliver improved comfort and stability. This design detail resulted in the shoulder straps on this pack hugging closer to my armpit than the center of my chest, giving me more space and greater comfort.
Light and lean, the Gregory Swift 22 H2O keeps hikers cool and hydrated on the trail. This durable daypack overflows with zipper-secured pockets and includes a 2-liter water reservoir. Its 3D foam back panel and perforated shoulder straps provide airflow to help regulate body temperature while you hike. This pack strikes a thoughtful balance between functionality and simplicity, with fewer features like pockets, straps and hip belts to fuss with, and instead, it offers a more streamlined design that makes finding gear and packing up for adventures easier and less stressful.
You can also remove the hydration bladder and use this pack as a commuter backpack for work, travel or walking around the neighborhood or city. The main reason it didn’t get a top spot is the durability of the included water reservoir. We’ve tested multiple ones that have broken within a year, and online reviews echo similar issues.
This pack is great for hikers who want to move fast in the mountains and it has a super-comfortable fit. But for most day hikers, we liked the less technical Gregory better.
A lighter-weight version of the Deuter AC Lite 24, the Speed Lite 25 fits more like a trail-running pack than a day hiker. This pack swaps a suspension system for a frameless design that sits flat against your back while hiking. The ultra-light and minimalist design with extra-wide shoulder straps allows you to hug the pack tight to your body, which is great for technical trails with Class 3 and Class 4 scrambles. Its impressively thin shoulder straps and hip belt will dry quickly on hot days when sweating can’t be avoided or if you unexpectedly get caught in the rain.
I almost forgot I was wearing this pack while hiking because it fits so seamlessly against my body. You’ll only find one zippered pocket on the top of this pack and a main compartment that’s hydration reservoir-compatible. Three mesh pockets on the front fit water bottles and extra layers, and zippers on the shoulder straps and hip belt offer easy access to snacks while on the trail.
This pack is a bit overkill for most, but if you want to hike light and fast, the past season's Black Diamond Pursuit is a stellar deal at 50% off.
If highly technical trails are your style, then consider the Black Diamond Pursuit 30 for your daypack purchase. This pack was designed for light and fast hiking in which weight management is vital. It weighs a mere 1 pound 7 ounces, the lightest pack of the testing pool alongside the Mystery Ranch Gallagator 25. Black Diamond’s Pursuit Daypacks are designed to contour the body for maximum comfort while you’re on the move uphill and downhill.
A unique, quick-pull compression system tightens the bag with one simple pull, cinching the pack and all its contents inside snug against your body. I found this pack to be more technical than I need for casual day hiking in the Midwest, but for Western frontier peak baggers heading to the summit or avid rock climbers who want a daypack to get their gear to the crag, the Pursuit 30 is a great pick.
Another pack that's a bit too technical for most, the Mystery Ranch Gallagator 25 has massive pockets but not as much support as other daypacks.
Like the Black Diamond Pursuit 30, the Mystery Ranch Gallagator 25 was made for ultra-light adventure in the mountains and around town. What stands out is this pack’s massive pockets and unique three-zipper design that gives you easy access to the contents inside of your pack.
A Y-shaped zipper system on the front of the pack allows you to unzip the entire front of the pack wide. That means you can quickly and efficiently access everything without fumbling or digging for specific items from top to bottom. When this pack was loaded up with the full 30 pounds of weight, the thin shoulder straps cut into the top of my shoulders. However, with a lighter load on the trail or a quick trip across town to the local park, this pack works wonders.
