Day Hike Pack

The REI Flash 22 has the side pockets and internal sleeve.

https://zpacks.com/products/bagger-25l-backpack?variant=39586165948452

I have been using the Flash 22 with a added water bottle holder on the shoulder strap for years. I really love this pack.

I currently use a Osprey Talon 22.  But it’s overkill.  I’m thinking of switching to this one:

https://www.backcountry.com/salomon-adv-skin-12-set-hydration-vest-732cu-in?s=a

People are throwing out $60 to $200 options that weigh 13-14 ounces.

So, I’ll go to the other extreme:

20-liters, with two side pockets, 7-8 ounces, $10.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264700158714

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392309376648

Or what I’ve used on some 20-mile day hikes on established trails (no bushwhacking) at 3 ounces and $8: https://www.ebay.com/itm/232358422322  It lacks the side pockets, but those could be sewed on, or, if you just need more than 20-liters of room, get two (6 ounces, $16, 40 liters) and wear the second one on your chest for easy access to water bottles, sunscreen and lunch.

Usually, I use those fold-up-to-a-lemon-size travel packs for 1) on vacation for mission creep, 2) a day out on the town in my pocket during the day, then with the shopping in it on the return, but I have used them for longer day hikes because it does reduce the pound-miles.

I’ve been considering the 20L Quechua, I have the 10L version which I like, but need a little more room and padding on longer day hikes:

https://www.decathlon.com/products/nature-hiking-backpack-20-l-nh100

I like the Osprey Talon 22-has fantastic hip belt which I only use for long water carry day hikes.

For a budget pack I have this and use it all the time when I travel. It’s great airplane backpack. Packs up very small. https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300168/stowaway-packable-20l-daypack?sp=1&color=Black&size=ONE%20SIZE&sizeType=Regular&ch=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-brand_PLA_B_Brand_New-_-Unisex_-_Gear_-_Backpacks-_-0230168100000000-_-102823446232&utm_medium=psrch_pla&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=brand_PLA_B_Brand_New&utm_content=Unisex_-_Gear_-_Backpacks&utm_term=0230168100000000&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_4-SBhCgARIsAAlegrWj9CImC4QY8gG9khBgXe76PWOwJ262PMI2xVJqUKoOth9YAFYqiYEaAr0-EALw_wcB

My current problem with the Talon is that I can’t even jog in it without it bouncing up and down.  Now, I hike mainly in the desert, so I carry up to 4 liters of water.  I’m usually carrying 2-3.  I’ve carried up to 5 liters (2 smartwater bottles and a 3 liter plat) down the north rim of the GC without any problems.  I ended up giving the smartwater bottles to hikers that didn’t bring enough water to get back up to the top.   But I use maybe half of the capacity on a given day hike.  And that’s usually layers I’m taking off.

I wonder what the OP is carrying in their day pack.

Zimmerbuilt has a real nice 27 liter (not including pockets) pack.

https://www.zimmerbuilt.com/store/p46/QuickStep_Xpac.html

David,

Thanks for the tips.

Most packs have too many pockets for my taste.  The ones you listed look perfect.

The two sites you listed were out of my goto color…..black, so I threw another dollar at the project and went to the merchent one-up the “list least expensive first” ladder.

I use one pack for backpacking and day hiking, the ULA Ohm.  My older version weighs 24 oz, stripped, and has a volume of 3600 c.i.  It can carry up to 25# comfortably, enough for trips which require a lot of water, and has enough volume for the extra gear required for winter hikes up here in the PNW.   The side pockets and hip belt pockets are voluminous and well designed.  All in all, I have never felt the need to buy a specific pack just for day hikes, when my backpacking pack will do the job just as well for no additional cost.