Looking for the perfect daypack

Take a look at the Vaude Minin Rock 16. Plenty of room for camera, extra clothes, lunch and water. If you want side mesh pockets go for the rock ultralight 25. Both packs are light, sturdy, and fold into their own lids.

Aaron

Can't remember if your Granite Gear has a top compression strap. Assuming it does, you might shop for an appropriately sized lumbar pack that can be secured to the top of your GG pack — use it like a detachable top pocket/day pack that's found in many traditional backpacks.

Chad,
I like Bens idea. I put a lid on my GG Vapor Trail, but it is inconvenient to remove since it is the factory offered one. The lumbar pack idea kills two birds with one stone.

I use a day pack similar to how you do, hiking from a campsite. I like a pack with a mesh pocket for a water bottle or shell, and a lid for frequently used essentials. So I use the Montbell Versalite 20 liter, $48, 325grams. It self-stows into its own lid to about the size of a bagel. At 20 liters it could be used as a summer SUL pack in its own right, but Im not SUL yet..

https://www2.montbell.com/english/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1303&hinban=1223267

If you can do without the lid and mesh, the REI Flash gets great reviews, and in fact I bought one and my GF uses it as a daypack. $25 and 9oz.
I have an older model; frankly this pea-green color makes me a little queasy..
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48111574&parent_category_rn=4500509&vcat=REI_SEARCH

A few options:
The oware daypack is $43, 2.4-2.9 oz, no real features.
Integral Designs silpack, $55 4.5 oz, again no features.
I would go with the oware personally. Both of these packs use webbing for straps, which can be uncomfortable at higher weights. The zilch would be better in that aspect, or for more weight, the rei flash.

If you gut an REI flash they get down to 5-6oz or less and still have better shoulder straps than webbing. I've been plenty comfortable in mine at 12lbs loads.

I second the Vaude. The pack is extremly comfortable with day hike loads.

>If you gut an REI flash they get down to 5-6oz or less and still have better shoulder straps than webbing. I’ve been plenty comfortable in mine at 12lbs loads.

I’ve comfortably carried up to 17 pounds in my REI Flash UL.

ive been adressing the same needs and decided on the aether 60 with the solo even though its heavier than i would like. the rei flash seems like the other promising option.

matt

I love my REI Flash pack. Picked mine up last spring during one of the sales for $25.

Thank you everyone for your input. I ended up going with the REI Flash UL. It's exactly what I'm looking for.