Top 10 Daypacks [2016]

Backpacker's Best Of

Possibly one of the most important purchases you will make before traveling is that of a daypack. This backpack needs to be your go-to accessory, capable of carrying your camera, snacks, sweater, and everything in-between.

We’ve carefully selected 10 excellent daypacks to help you make a better choice when you decide to purchase a new pack. If you are looking for something bigger, see our Top 10 Travel Backpacks for 2016.

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Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L

1. Pacsafe Venturesafe 25L GII Anti-theft Backpack

Lightweight, durable, and secure, the Venturesafe 25L GII anti-theft daypack is ideal for use on long hikes, adventures abroad, your daily commute, and as a handy carry-on. The Venturesafe 25L GII offers a wealth of organizational options, plus an internal padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop.

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Osprey Axis Daypack

2. Osprey Axis Daypack

Osprey’s Axis Daypack comes with 1100 cubic inches of space for you to tote your favorite gear. Take it for an out-and-back hike and carry your water bottle, a few extra layers, and an afternoon snack. Throw it on your back for your next bike commute and clip your blinker light to the back attachment strap.

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Marmot Kompressor Plus Pack

3. Marmot Kompressor Plus Pack

The updated Marmot Kompressor Plus pack combines wrap-around compression and ultralight performance with plush comfort and generous volume for a day of outdoor fun. And it packs into its own lid!

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Deuter Speed Lite 20 Backpack

4. Deuter Speed Lite 20 Backpack

You want an ultralight, speed-friendly pack that will hold your essentials, so it sounds like you want the Deuter Speed Lite 20 Backpack. The wraparound compression straps minimize your pack’s profile, reduce excess movement, and keep your gear from getting jumbled, while the Delrin frame-support rod can be removed if you want even less weight and a closer fit.

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Kelty Capture 25

5. Kelty Capture 25L Backpack

The Capture 25 all-terrain backpack doesn’t just provide generous storage space and a front-shove-it pocket that offers easy access to essentials. It gives you the freedom to film every moment on your smartphone with a built-in action pocket that works hands-free. Whether it’s on your chest or on the ground, you can capture the awe of any day and instantly turn yourself into an action-in-the-outdoors adventure star.

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Osprey Questa Daypack

6. Osprey Questa Daypack

This affordable, full-sized backpack features a spacious main compartment that holds your gear and food for a week of trekking in the wilderness. Plus, its separate sleeping bag compartment makes it easy to pull out your bag without totally unpacking, and a side-access zipper lets you quickly grab gear or a puffy when the weather gets a bit chilly.

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Granite Gear Voyageurs Backpack

7. Granite Gear Voyageurs Backpack

Granite Gear’s Barrier Technology provides 360-degree water repellency coverage. Our durable water repellent zippers, Taurolite material, repel weave fabric, and extreme water-resistant valuables pocket zipper shelter your gear from the elements.

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The North Face Surge II Backpack

8. The North Face Surge Backpack

Designed with hyper-durable ballistic nylon, this thick-skinned daypack doesn’t take abuse from anything. Fully-dialed features include a separate, zip laptop compartment (which fits most 17″ laptops), a dedicated tablet sleeve, and three other main compartments with plenty of space to stash essentials for a day’s outing.

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Osprey Flare Daypack

9. Osprey Flare Daypack

Whether you need a daypack for an excursion downtown or a walk in the woods, reach for Osprey’s Flare. The mesh shoulder harness and back panel provide comfort, even when the pack is fully loaded with gear, books, or heavy electronics. A comfortable hip belt adds extra stability under load and vanishes inside the stretch mesh side pockets when you’re traveling light.

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Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Backpack

10. Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Backpack

American inspired with a modern twist – this backpack works equally well for travel and everyday use. It features a roomy main compartment with a padded sleeve to hold a 15.6-inch laptop. Two easy accesses, locking front compartments, and an organizer includes a zippered RFID blocking pocket. Anti-theft features have slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, and slash-resistant adjustable straps that will keep you and your belongings protected.

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Michael Glass

Michael is the founder of Backpacker Travel. He also runs walking tours in San Francisco and is a freelance travel writer. Michael is extremely passionate about travel and loves to explore festivals around the world.

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