Hi there! I’m hoping to find a good day hike backpack for my boyfriend as a Christmas gift. He loves tackling high-difficulty 10-mile treks, so I’m looking for something comfortable with chest and waist straps, under $100 if possible. Any recommendations would be super appreciated!
Does he already have a pack? I love my Osprey Stratos, but it’s probably above your budget.
Gear as a gift can be tricky since people often have specific preferences. Taking him shopping or asking what he’d like could be a good approach.
Pick one out that seems good from REI so he can return or exchange it if needed, and let him know it’s totally okay if he wants to swap it.
I use an Osprey Talon Velocity 20L for day hikes, and I absolutely love it! It’s really comfortable, though I’m in the UK, so I’m not sure what the price is in the US.
The Black Diamond Pursuit 30L is amazing. It’s like a mix between a running vest and a daypack. It’s light, stable, and holds a 3L bladder, but it might be over your budget unless you can find it on sale. If he’s into rock climbing, this may not be durable enough, but it’s perfect for most other hikes.
I recently got a Quechua MH500 20L from Decathlon for about €55, and it’s perfect for day hikes. It’s spacious, comfortable, and has a built-in rain cover. Only downside is the buckles are a bit stiff compared to Osprey, but honestly, it’s a great pack for the price.
I really like my Deuter Futura 27, which should be around $100 or less.
Backpacks can be a very personal choice, so a gift card might be a great option. He can pick out what works best for him.
Thank you all so much for the suggestions! He does have a pack, but it’s worn out, so I thought a new one would be a great Christmas gift. Going through a store like REI that allows returns sounds like a good plan. Osprey packs caught my eye online, but they were pretty pricey. Thanks again for all the tips!
Consider the REI Flash 22 or Gregory Nano 16 if he prefers a smaller pack. Both are solid and affordable, plus REI’s warranty is a nice perk. A $100 gift card could also be a safe bet!
I’d also recommend the gift card and maybe going with him to pick it out. Hiking styles vary so much. Personally, I go light for day hikes with a simple 18L REI Flash that just holds water, snacks, and maybe a rain jacket. It really depends on his style.