A backpack daypack is significantly different from a standard backpacking rucksack. They are significantly smaller and intended only to store the items you need for a particular day rather than the equipment you need for the whole trip. They are perfect for mini expeditions such as walks around towns or day hikes away from base camp and if used for nothing more than carrying food for lunch then they are worth the investment (some even have compartments for keeping foot cold/hot).
Some of the more expensive backpacking backpacks come with daypacks which fasten on the outside of backpack. This is perfect for travelling between destinations as it means you still only have one backpack to carry but means that once you have arrived at your hostel or camp you can separate the two and use the daypack on it’s own.
Top Loading/Panel Loading Daypack
Click here to see Amazon.com’s range of backpacking daypacks
Daypacks are either top-loading or side loading (see diagram). Top loaders are normally simpler in design and have a drawstring at the top to prevent the contents of the daypack falling out. The problem with this is that it can be difficult to access equipment that has been packed at the very bottom without removing everything that has been packed after it first. For this reason, I would always choose a panel loader where possible.
Backpack daypacks come in a variety of sizes but the most popular is 30 litres. Some packs that are used in trail running can hold as little as 10 litres and climbing packs could hold as much as 50 litres.
If you are a trip leader it is important you allow more space than you require as you will often end up carrying equipment for others.
If you plan on using your daypack in hot conditions then it will be beneficial to purchase a pack that has a hydration compartment. These are often referred to as a ‘Platypus’ and have a sack of water in the backpack that has a tube attached to it that enables the backpacker to draw water from it at all times by merely sucking on the tube.
Click here to see Amazon.com’s range of backpacking daypacks
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