Daypack Buying Guide

"What do you want to do with it?"

That's the first question you need to ask yourself when you're looking to buy a daypack (or anything for that matter). What do you want to do with it. These days, packs included, there are no general purpose items, everything is about specificity. So take a moment and think about what you plan to use a new pack for, or what you want a new pack to do most often.

Once you have the purpose figured out, it relates directly with the next point: size. Volume, in particular. Using the pack for school? It needs to be big enough for your books. Climbing? It has to hold your gear. Day hiking? Jacket and a lunch. For trail running, you may just need some space for a water bladder and some energy bars. Whatever it is your doing, try not to oversize it. The erroneous thought process usually goes something like this:

"This pack looks perfect. But wait, this one's a little bigger, and has those compression straps so I can just cinch it down when I don't need the space. The extra volume will really make this pack more versatile."

This takes you down a bad road. You end up doing one of two things: taking extra junk you don't need and weighs you down, or not using it for its original purpose because it's just a touch too big. Stick with your original size needs. If it helps, you can think of it as a being a touch too big for a small pack you'll want later. But it's perfect for what you want to do now.

After use and size, start looking at features. Here are a few key ones:

Framesheet: Most daypacks won't come with a framesheet, but some do, and others may provide some kind of structure features. Framesheets, stiff padding, and other features that provide structure help to keep odd shaped items in the pack from interfering with the packs interface with your back. They also help with load transfer: that lovely aspect of packs that takes the pressure off your shoulders and onto your hips. Like I said, most daypacks won't have much in this area, as the loads are usually too small or light to make a substantial difference. But take a look anyways. If you want the lightest weight pack possible, avoid these features. If you want a more comfortable carry, framesheets and padding are a definite plus.

Laptop Sleeve: These are a must if you're carrying a laptop. Make sure it's big enough for your particular computer (bring it with you when shopping for your pack), and keep an eye out for suspended laptop sleeves. These keep the computer from hitting the ground when the pack does. Arcteryx's Blade packs are featuring these kinds of laptop sleeves, as well as some Mountain Hardwear daypacks.

Bladder Compatibility: More for trail than school, bladder sleeves and clips give you a place to hang your hydration bladder, usually protected from other objects in the pack. If you haven't started using a hydration bladder, try it today.

Compression Straps: These keep the pack compact, allowing it to stay with your body. The more the you and your pack are "one," the more stable you will be. Be conscientious of excessive straps, as they can get in the way of function: snagging, whipping you in the face when windy, hindering access to zippers, etc. You can always cut them down to size, just keep it in the back of your mind.

External Pockets: More pockets = more organization. Know where everything is in nicely segmented areas. Just remember that separated pockets take away from the overall useable space. When packs list their volume as 1850 cubic inches, that includes these external pockets. In some applications, one larger storage pocket and a streamlined exterior are preferable. Keep in mind your original intentions and whether external pockets will help or hinder your intended use for any given pack.

Hipbelt: Like framesheets, most daypacks do not have substantial hipbelts. Often the weight being carried doesn't necessitate the load transfer larger packs need, and daypacks usually don't have a frame system that does it effectively anyways. However, there is one nice feature I love to see in daypack hipbelts: pockets. Put a camera or energy bar in extreme accessibility with zippered pockets right on the hipbelt.

Now that you've thought out what you want from a pack, and you've got a heads up on the features to keep an eye out for, browse through some packs (technical day packs or less-technical)! Still have some questions? That's why we employ real live experts that use this stuff, a lot. Stop by the store or give us a call for more advice.

After you get your perfect pack for your particular endeavors? Get out there and have an adventure!