suggestions for ul Daypack around 20-25L

I used the first generation of the matador freerain24 (4oz)  as my EDC for two years (biking and running to work), and also a daypack on some trips. It carried better than a lot of the “pocket” daypacks like the patagonia ultralight blackhole which it replaced. When it wore out I replaced it with the  matador freerain24  2.0 (6.6oz) whose features are better thought out, but I find bounces a bit more when I am running, but fine when hiking. My wife really likes a 20L SeatoSummit bag which doesn’t seem to be made anymore.  The SeatoSummit Ultra-Sil™ Daypack looks somewhat similar but different fabric.

forgot to say that version 1 had around 5000 miles on it when I replaced it, more than 1/2 being subjected to a running gait.  Typically carrying  6-9lb (a macbook pro + daily things).  The reflective material was gone, and the zipper on the stash pocket was no longer water resistant which is  why I replaced, but the pack was still fine structurally.

The REI Flash 22 is pretty hard to beat since the demise of the equivalent Gossamer Gear packs (Type 2 and Type 2 Summit packs). Some folks like the Gossamer Gear Minimalist 24, and their Vagabond backpacks might be another option if you like their features.

The KS Packs Imo can be customized to similar effect.

. The North Face Flyweight Rolltop Backpack is 19.5 L  4.7oz  and $29.37 at backcountry

backcountry says 4.7oz but The North Face sight says 6oz either way it is light cheap and has the roll top you are looking for

I’m so sorry, in my previous reply the only pack that could be optioned with a roll-top is the KS Imo, none of the others I mentioned have this feature! Oops, another midlife moment!

The true ultralight answer would be to empty out your backpack, cinch it down, and hike out of that.

One step deviating from ultralight would be the Sea to Summit Nano Daypack, which is so light and small it makes the previous winner, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack look wildly overweight/overbuilt. I carry this pack when I am out cycling all kitted up like a roadie so I can still come home with groceries if I desire.

Two steps deviating from ultralight is the Hyperlite Gear Metro. I actually use this pack all the time for all-day winter/alpine summit bids. Don’t let the “Metro” moniker fool you, this is a very serious pack for all kinds of users. To be honest, I probably still should just empty out my backpacking pack for the summit bids.

Anything heavier than that just can’t be called ultralight. Ray Jardine feels a sharp pain in his left big toe every time someone calls a full-featured daypack ultralight.

The Flash 22 looks like a perfect pack… for an overnighter.

I could push it a bit further… Why empty / strip down, just load up your pack and go. You then have greater flexibility and can see more because you don’t have to go back to what you have already seen. Of course, some places are worth spending several days, and sometimes it’s nice to optimize for a specific even when it adds to the load.  For example if I was doing a day in day out, with 5 day of day trips… I would replace my sleeping bag drysack with the freerain.  On multi week trip with a few side trip I might strip down or just carry my full load because what I see will alter my plans and I don’t have to go back.

Here’s two I’ve being looking at for a similar purpose (and also for SUL overnight trips):

Sea to Summit Dry Daypack 22L 110g

Walmart Lithic UL Dry Pack 21L 114g