I’m upgrading my backpack after 30 years and need some advice.
I’m not into multi-day hikes, so I’m looking for something suitable for day hikes and maybe the occasional overnight trip. I need a smaller pack since my current one is huge—60 or 70 liters and very heavy even when empty. The design is inefficient for packing.
What sizes do you all use for shorter hikes? What would you recommend? Any tips on what to look for in terms of model and build? I know a lot has changed in 30 years, so I’m excited about a new backpack.
For day hikes, I recommend the Osprey Talon 22. It also comes in bigger sizes, but the 22L has worked great for me, even in winter hiking in the UK. I’ve had mine for 11 years and taken it everywhere, including Mount Elbrus and the Himalayas. It’s still holding up well!
@Vick
The women’s version is called the Tempest. It’s my top recommendation at my shop. The 20L version is perfect for most day hikes. I’ve used it in winter too; it was snug but manageable.
Just make sure you get the right torso length for a good fit. Measure your torso with someone’s help for accuracy.
I like my Osprey 22L for day hikes. It fits everything I need: a water bladder, filter, jacket, safety gear, and food.
For overnight trips, I use the Osprey 65L. My gear doesn’t change much between one night and three to five, mainly depending on water, clothing, and food availability. I’m considering an 85L bag for when I hike with friends so I can carry more shared gear.
For day hikes, something simple and light like an REI Flash 22 works well. I’ve used it for big days like Whitney and multi-peak hikes in the Adirondack 46ers.
You likely don’t need to spend a lot or get an over-engineered suspension for day hikes. Try the Osprey design if you want, but make sure you really like it before buying. I tried upgrading to nicer Ospreys but always returned to the Flash.
I have a 30L pack for day hikes. It might be a bit bigger than I need, but it’s light, so it’s fine. I also carry some camera gear, so a 25L pack could work depending on your clothing size.
I have various bags for different needs. For everyday use, I have an Arc’teryx waist pack that I wear across my shoulder; it holds essentials like band-aids, lip balm, and a flashlight. For quick day hikes, I add a light Black Diamond backpack for an extra layer, water, and snacks. For more serious hikes, I use a bigger pack with extra food, clothing layers, and gloves. I always come prepared!
For me, hiking means not overnight. I use the REI Trail 25L for day hikes.
I also have backpacks between 15-20L from brands like Nike and New Balance. If needed, I use an Osprey Nebula 32L for travel with a laptop and an REI Lookout 40L for weekend trips.
For day hikes, I usually go with around 20L, depending on how much water I need. For multi-day hikes, I opt for 40-50L, which varies based on my gear size, like bulky jackets or sleeping bags.
If you can, check out packs at a store. What works for one person may not fit you. Lay out your hiking essentials and see how much space they take. Visit a local outdoor shop to try on packs.
I use the REI Flash 22 for travel, an Osprey Raptor 14L for short hikes, and an Osprey Tempest 20L for more food and gear for friends.
I use a Montane Mezzo 16L for summer hikes and a Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail 30L for winter or when I carry my DSLR. The Montane feels small for anything but summer day trips, so I’m considering a 20-25L pack as a good all-around option.
Your gear size is the best guide for what pack size you need. If your gear is old or bulky, you’ll need a bigger pack. If you have ultralight gear, you can use a smaller pack.
