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Day Packs
We tested these so you don’t have to.
// Dina Mishev
EAGLE CREEK GEAR WARRIOR CONVERTIBLE 21.75” CARRY ON BACKPACK
What is it?
A wheeled, carry-on-sized bag that converts to a backpack and has a removable daypack.
Strengths
Full disclosure: This bag is so popular it’s backordered until August, so we haven’t tested it ourselves. But, we know we’ll love being able to put the 37-liter bag in the overhead bin and the 17-liter daypack beneath the seat in front of us, and then use it on mountain adventures.
Weaknesses
It is backordered until August.
Best for
Frequent travelers looking for one bag (that’s secretly two) that does everything.
Details
$309, available at eaglecreek.com
COTAPAXI KAPAI DEL DIA 3L HIP PACK
What is it?
A colorful fanny pack made from nylon shell fabric and just big enough to fit everything you need for a short frontcountry hike.
Strengths
Made from repurposed factory-remnant materials, this hip pack keeps fabric out of the landfill. A contoured and padded back panel and wide hip belt ensure it’s as comfortable as it is colorful.
Weaknesses
There’s no being low-key while rocking this fanny pack. During the dozens of times we’ve been out and about with it, there hasn’t yet been an instance in which someone didn’t comment—albeit always positively—on its bold and many colors.
Best for
Eco-conscious fans of color for hiking up Snow King, or town explorers looking for something smaller than a backpack and more easily carried than a purse.
Details
$50, available at cotapaxi.com
BLACK DIAMOND PURSUIT 6 WAIST PACK
What is it?
A unisex technical 6-liter waist pack made from 100 percent recycled body fabrics with quick-access side water bottle pockets.
Strengths
The Pursuit 6 has the features you want, including a back panel that is actually breathable and a key clip, and nothing extra.
Weaknesses
We’ve yet to find a waist pack that can carry two full water bottles and not bounce around, and the Pursuit 6 is no exception. Once you’ve drunk the bottles down to two-thirds, the bouncing stops, though.
Best for
Fast and light mountain missions when all you need to carry is water, snacks, and an extra layer.
Details
$75, available at Black Diamond Equipment, 160 W. Pearl Ave. and blackdiamondequipment.com
PEAK DESIGN 30L TRAVEL BACKPACK
What is it?
A carry-on-sized, super-stylish, and weatherproof 30-liter backpack that can hold enough for a 3-day trip, and, once you’ve arrived, work as a daypack, whether you’re going hiking or to meetings.
Strengths
We love this bag for its looks alone. Its wealth of features—hugely stretchy side pockets; padded, stowable shoulder straps; padded sleeves for laptops and tablets; and a waterproof bottom —is a bonus.
Weaknesses
The ultralight foam that provides structure to the bag (which is good) makes it hot against your back when it’s being used as a hiking pack.
Best for
Travelers on short trips who want to use onlyone bag.
Details
$230, available at peakdesign.com
MAMMUT LITHIUM 50L PACK
What is it?
A great value, full-feature 50-liter backpack made from mostly (89 percent) recycled materials that comes in men’s and women’s sizing.
Strengths
Yes, that is an integrated, detachable rain cover and a detachable bottom compartment. Smartly designed and placed exterior pockets and straps allow this pack to carry more than 50 liters.
Weaknesses
If you’re not an efficient packer, even with the abundance of exterior pockets and straps, this pack won’t be big enough.
Best for
Short 2- to 3-night backpacking trips and backpackers looking to force themselves to become more efficient packers.
Details
Available in men’s and women’s sizing. $200, available at Teton Mountaineering, 170 N. Cache St., and mammut.com
EAGLE CREEK RANGER XE CROSS-BODY 7L
What is it?
Neither a fanny/waist pack nor a backpack, the unisex 7-liter Ranger XE has some of the best features of both and is made from tough, 100 percent recycled fabric.
Strengths
Maximum storage—think a sandwich, 1-liter water bottle, sunscreen, and a down sweater—for minimal weight (7 ounces) and bulk (it can be compressed down to fit in a jacket pocket).
Weaknesses
This is not the bag to take running; it, like almost all cross-body bags, will bang around until you slow to a walk.
Best for
Hikers heading out on shorter adventures who prefer the feel of a shoulder strap over a waist belt.
Details
$49, available at eaglecreek.com JH
