We stopped by an outlet mall this weekend and I had a look at the local Eddie Bauer outlet store and I found this backpack for sale. It is a bit of a mystery as I can find nothing about it in the Eddie Bauer web site, nor any mention on Google. It is labled as a "Quickpack Daypack" style 0483 and the interior label reads "Season: Spring 13". MSRP is $24.99 and it was on sale for $5 off.
It is very similar to the REI Flash 18, but it has outside water bottle pockets, which is Nirvana for me. Weight is 11 ounces, which is identical to the Flash 18. The outer dimensions are very similar as well. This pack has a single daisy chain down the center and tool loop on the right, a drawstring and toggle top closure, yoke style shoulder straps with light 3D mesh padding, sliding sternum strap with whistle, and a removable 1" webbing waist belt with a side-release buckle. Inside is a 9"x6" zippered mesh pocket, a hydration pocket and there is a removable foam back panel with a Velcro closure. There is a well made exit port for the hydration hose.
It carries like most of the other packs of this size, with bearable comfort up to 10 pounds or so and good enough for day hikes with essentials, water, snacks and a small camera. Construction and materials are good and I see nothing to detract there.
As I said, I'm doing back-flips over the outer water bottle pockets. This is a feature left off many small packs and I think they need it more than a large pack. The ratio of space gained is huge and I much prefer having the wet stuff outside where it can't leak on my insulation layer and electronics. If you prefer a bladder, you get two good additions to the capacity and can keep a windshirt, gloves, beanie or other items there. As you can see in the photos, a one liter Nalgene will make it, but smaller bottles in the 27oz/800ml or smaller size are probably more appropriate. A couple recycled spring water bottles would be a perfect match.
I think this is a bargain , I would recommend it for light day hike and travel use. Hopefully, Eddie Bauer will get it into their main distribution channel.
The pack is turned inside out to show the interior details:
