The Verto is light for the size (as inaccurate as TNF's specs are), but the straps fail as many of this style do: anything over ten pounds makes them uncomfortable. The single side pocket was a waste for anything more than small stuff like gloves or beanie.
The straps on the Verto, the REI Flash 18 & 22 are all weak to me. You get to a certain weight and just adding one more water bottle turns them from passable packs to torture devices.
The Daylite is a whole other animal: much smaller at 13 liters, although I swear it seems larger. It has useable side pockets, a good organizer panel and a removeable waist belt tag all work for me. It is *just* enough pack for a light layer, rain gear, essentials, snacks, small electronics and a couple water bottles. It lives better with ~750ml bottles, although it handles 1 liter platys okay.
Look at the Osprey Talon series for larger day packs. The Gossamer Gear SUL day packs look promising with their fat straps, but I've never tried one. The Cilogear 20 liter Worksack is a tough, light, no frills pack if you want something more climbing oriented.
For me, a travel and day pack is something that becomes part of you for the trip, keeping you organized and your most precious valuables close at hand. It is my office, camera bag, clothes closet and snack bar :)
Getting the Daylite was more accident than decision: I got a brand new one on a thrift store and was happily surprised how well it works, especially for biking. I normally use a Stoke 29 for day hikes so this was quite a departure. It does force me to take only the absolute minimum.
I don't use pack covers. I'm sure Osprey has something. The cost of a pack cover is outrageous for what it is, let alone the weight. I use a trash compactor bag inside. A turkey roaster bag would be good in these smaller packs. If you wear a poncho (like all good UL hikers should), it all stays dry anyway :)
Have a great trip!
