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Daypacks

A day hike usually needs 20 to 30 litres, and the city or office needs less. Comfort comes down to the back panel: mesh lets air through, while a contact back keeps heavier loads more stable. Open the advisor ›

Guide

Daypacks

A daypack carries what you need for a day. For day hikes, 20 to 30 litres is often enough; for town and office, less will do.

Key points

For day hikes, 20 to 30 litres is often enough.
Laptop sleeves are sized in inches.
Mesh back for airflow, contact back for heavy loads.

Buying advice

Which backpack suits your day?

Compare your journey, packing needs and carrying options to find suitable models.

Journey and carrying
Space for your kit
Suitable models

Open buying guide ›

Which daypack for which day?

Use	Choice	Limit
Day hikes, warm days	ChoiceHiking daypack	LimitA contact back is more stable with heavy loads.
Office, university, commuting	ChoiceEveryday backpack	LimitFor long hiking days it often lacks a mesh back and rain cover.
Rain, cycling, commuting	ChoiceRoll-top daypack	LimitYou have to unroll the closure to open it.
Travel, summits from a hut	ChoicePackable daypack	LimitNo padding, uncomfortable with heavy loads.
Town, short trips	ChoiceMini backpack	LimitToo small for a jacket and food.

Types compared

Hiking daypack (Mesh back)
For day hikes and warm days.
- Advantage: Air at your back
- Drawback: Less stable with heavy loads
Example: Osprey Hikelite 26 ›
Everyday backpack (Compact daypack)
For work, university and commuting.
- Advantage: Easy-access main compartment
- Drawback: No dedicated laptop compartment
Example: Fjällräven Kånken ›
Roll-top daypack (Roll-top closure)
For rain, cycling and commuting.
- Advantage: Sealed against splashes
- Drawback: Front pocket not waterproof
Example: Exped Torrent 30 ›

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
Will my laptop fit?	In shortMeasure in inches	WhyLaptop sleeves are sized in inches: Fjällräven makes its laptop backpack for 13, 15 and 17 inches.
Mesh back or contact back?	In shortAirflow or stability	WhyOn a mesh back, a spring steel frame keeps the mesh taut and air flows in between. A contact back sits directly against your body and transfers heavy loads more effectively.
Do I need a hip belt?	In shortNot for light loads	WhyDaypacks under 30 litres are usually packed light, so shifting weight to the hips hardly matters. A slim belt does keep the pack steady, though.
How do I protect valuables?	In shortHidden pockets	WhyA pocket against your back is harder to reach in a crowd than a front pocket. Thule builds a hidden compartment behind a hard-shell insert for this.

Frequently asked questions

What does SL mean on Deuter packs?

Slim Line. SL models are made for women and anyone with a slim, athletic build: shorter back, narrower shoulder straps, conical hip fins.

Is a roll-top backpack fully waterproof?

A roll-top closure alone does not make a pack waterproof. Check the fabric, welded seams and closure instructions for the model. Rain protection does not automatically include protection when submerged.

Can I take a daypack on a plane as cabin baggage?

Usually yes, as a personal item or cabin bag. Each airline sets the dimensions, often per fare.

What should I look for in a backpack for children?

A short back and low weight. An adult daypack is usually too long for children.