For a day in the hills you need a small and comfortable pack that can carry your essentials.

Capacity

If you’re buying just 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 32l.

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 can provide ventilation. Load stabilisers on some shoulder straps draw the load close to a wearer’s back. 

Ventilation

Some daypacks feature a ‘breathable’ harness that creates an air space between the pack and a wearer’s back. Others use a combination of perforated foam and mesh. Such harnesses reduce pressure points and provide additional comfort in hot weather. 

Hip belt

If it’s planned to carry heavier loads or run with the pack, choose a model that has more than just a plain webbing belt. Some belts have pockets for small items like snacks.

Fabric and water resistance

Most daypacks are made from combinations of nylon and polyester, although more waterproof canvas can be an option. All are treated with a PFC-free durable water-repellent coating to improve water resistance. Most have water-resistant zips and many have a built-in rain cover.

Compression and overflow

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

Hydration

Most daypacks are hydration compatible: there’s a sleeve for a water reservoir and a hole to feed the hose through. Stretch side pockets can hold water bottles or snacks.

Tool attachment

Check ability to carry an ice axe or walking poles; look for dedicated mounting points.

Pack access

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

Tool attachments

There are usually dedicated hiking pole or ice axe mounting points.

Rab Veil XP 20 $339.95

An ultralight, fully waterproof pack for fast-moving pursuits. It has a 3D mesh back system, an ultralight Mono Mesh harness with a bungee chest strap system, a roll-top closure, and extra zipped and stash pockets. Capacity 20l Weight 476g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Rab Protium 27 $339.95

Featuring a soft, close-fitting and adjustable Air Contour back system, a pre-curved and moulded ABS backpanel with semi-rigid structure, an adjustable back length, versatile storage, a hipbelt and walking pole attachments. Capacity 27l Weight 1060g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Aarn Pace Magic 30 $299

This framed pack combines body movement, balance, stability and instant gear access. There are two shoulder-strap mesh bottle pockets and built-in Hip Balance Pockets. It uses the U-Flow harness system with a mesh air gap backpanel. Pole and ice axe attachments. Capacity 30l Weight 810g. www.aarnpacks.com

The North Face Trail Lite 24 $280

This pack offers on-the-move access and smart storage solutions. There’s an internal water bladder pocket, breathable back panel and shoulder straps, padded hipbelt, stretch mesh shoulder strap pockets, dual sternum straps, hiking pole and ice axe loops. Capacity 24l Weight 859g (m), 735g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

ONE PLANET Waratah from $279

A classic canvas top-loading daypack with a wider top-loading opening, drawcord throat, internal organisation, two side stretch bottle pockets and front pocket with key clip, and a padded air mesh back panel. Made in Melbourne. Capacity 25l Weight 950g. www.oneplanet.au

JR Gear Ultra Light Dry 30 $234.99

A waterproof Cordura fabric pack with easy-access drawcord and roll-top closure. It has a front stretch pocket, side bottle pockets, hydration bladder pocket on the back, die-cut back panel and shoulder straps and detachable bungee cord. Capacity 30l Weight 640g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Osprey Sportlite 25 $199.99

A minimalist technical day pack with a panel-loading design. It’s made from bluesign-approved recycled materials and has an AirScape back panel and suspension system, side bottle pockets, hiking pole loops, a light attachment slot, direct access external hydration sleeve and a stretch front pocket. Capacity 25l Weight 752g. www.southernapproach.co.nz

Rab Tygen 22 $189.95

This pack uses the lightweight, breathable Air Contour back system and has soft-feel shoulder straps. It is hydration-compatible, has multiple pockets, walking pole attachments, a sternum strap and side compression straps. Capacity 22l Weight 503g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Rab Adrift 24 $179.95

This versatile pack features a close-fitting Contour back system, two side mesh pockets, a U-shaped opening, internal zipped mesh security pocket and a front grab handle. Capacity 24l Weight 662g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Deuter SpeedLite 21 $169.95

This pack is for fast-paced hikes and has Deuter’s Lite back system, ergonomic perforated shoulder straps, detachable waist belt, and recycled bluesign-certified high-tenacity nylon fabric. There are also a sunglass holder, side pockets and hydration pockets. Capacity 21l Weight 430g. www.mountainadventure.co.nz

Patagonia Terravia Pack 14L $119

An essentials-only pack made from bluesign-approved recycled nylon ripstop. It’s hydration compatible and has organisation pockets, a rain cover, hiking pole loops and front bungee storage. Made in a Fair Trade certified factory. Capacity 14l Weight 471g. www.patagonia.co.nz