A comfortable daypack is the mainstay of every tramper’s backpack arsenal. Prioritise comfort and capacity to ensure it can carry all you require. 

Capacity

If you’re only buying one daypack, make sure it’s roomy enough for all your waterproof clothing, food and water along with other outdoor essentials. Capacities range from 10l to around 30l 

Shoulder straps

The most comfortable packs have contoured shoulder straps and a sternum strap, which helps keep the pack firmly attached. Straps with perforated foam or a mesh component will breathe well in hot weather. Load stabilisers on the top of some shoulder straps draw the load close to your back. 

Ventilation

Some daypacks feature ‘breathable’ harnesses that create an air space between the pack and your back, or use a combination of perforated foam and mesh. These provide additional comfort in hot weather and reduce pressure points. 

Hip belt

If you plan to carry heavier loads or run with the pack, choose a model that has more than just a plain webbing belt. Some hip belts have small accessory pockets which are good for on-the-go snacking.

Fabric and water resistance

Most daypacks are made from combinations of nylon and polyester, although more waterproof canvas can be an option. All packs are treated with a durable water-repellent coating to improve water resistance. Water-resistant zips help to keep gear dry. Many packs come with a built-in rain cover.

Compression and overflow

Compression straps, bungy cord and front stash pockets help stabilise the contents of a partly-full pack and allow the attachment of accessories and the stashing of quick-to-reach gear.

Hydration

Most daypacks are hydration compatible – they include a water bladder sleeve and a hole to feed the hose through. Stretch side pockets can hold water bottles or snacks.

Tool attachment

If you need to carry an ice axe or walking poles, look for dedicated mounting points.

Pack access

Zip-opening packs are convenient but more leak-prone, while packs with a storm throat and lid will take greater loads and will usually be more water-resistant. An outside-accessible pocket is useful for things like sunblock or sunglasses.

Lowe Alpine Women’s Airzone Trail ND24 $279.95

A specific women’s pack with a ventilated breathable back for comfort on easy day hikes. It utilises a single buckle entry for the main compartment and upper and lower side compression straps to aid stability. Other features include hip belt pockets, stretch mesh side pockets, a zipped front pocket, ice axe loop and secure TipGripper walking pole attachments. It’s also hydration compatible. Fabric 210D mini ripstop nylon Capacity 24l Weight 1050g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine Airzone Spirit 25 $279.95

A crossover pack for trail and work commuting. It has a suspended open-weave mesh back panel and fully ventilated AirZone LT carry system. Fast-wicking hip fins spread the load without trapping sweat and the main storage space has multiple compartments, including a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve. It’s hydration compatible and has a pole attachment. Fabric Ripstop nylon Capacity 25l Weight 870g www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine Edge 26 $149.95

A multi-activity pack for use in the hills and when commuting or travelling.  It uses Lowe Alpine’s updated Air Contour carry system with a repositioned harness and improved load distribution. Also featured is a more modern aesthetic with fewer seams, as well as a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve which doubles as a two-litre hydration pocket. There are pole carrying points, a map pocket and reflective bike light loop. Fabric 420D polyester Capacity 26l Weight 600g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 / ND 25 $259.95

A technical top-loading pack for a day on the trail, at the crag or even for ultralight overnighters. It features a large front stretch stash pocket, easy-reach side pockets, secure TipGripper walking pole attachments, ice axe loops, and double side compression for stability. It’s also hydration compatible. Fabric TriShield 100D and 210D nylon Capacity 27l (m), 25l (w) Weight 854g (m), 840g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz

Montane Trailblazer Lite 20 $179

This pack is designed for day trips where low weight and speed are priorities. It uses Montane’s Covalent Harness system with customisable body-hugging design. Other features include two off-centre Montane Click and Go chest harness straps, harness pockets with security zips, wrap-around wand pockets, minimal seams, fully taped waterproof construction. Fabric 40D ripstop nylon Capacity 20l Weight 300g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

The North Face Basin 24 $240

A pack made completely from recycled materials, with an external hydration sleeve, easy-access bottle stash, breathable NextVent back panel and shoulder straps. It also has a minimalist, two-point pole attachment, and an integrated rain cover. Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop, 600D recycled polyester base Capacity 24-litre Weight 695g. www.thenorthface.co.nz

Patagonia Altvia Pack 14 $199.99

This small capacity pack is designed specifically for moving quickly and comfortably on scrambles and hikes when only the essentials are needed. It features highly breathable shoulder straps and suspended mesh back panel, a top zip pocket, rain cover and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 100% recycled nylon Capacity 14l Weight 477g. www.patagonia.co.nz

Lowe Alpine Airzone Active 22 $179.95

With the suspended mesh back panel of the AirZone LT carry system, this pack offers reliable ventilation and the rapid dispersal of moisture at traditional high-sweat zones. It’s hydration compatible and has pole attachments, compression straps, front stash pocket and an integrated rain cover. Fabric Ripstop nylon Capacity 22l Weight 1050g. www.outfitters.net.nz