The idea behind this page is to present a line-up of hiking backpacks which, although not exactly belonging to the tactical class, are some of the sturdiest and best backpacks for hiking out there from all points of view.Depending on the purpose of your buying of a daypack, you’ll want to know details about it. If you’re looking for a daypack for hiking, that already implies a couple of assumptions: first, it’s a daypack. A daypack is a backpack that’s not too large, say up to 30-40 liters in volume, able to fit your gear for a day or two. Second, it’s a daypack for hiking, which already implies a certain build sturdiness and specialized functionality.You may also be looking for a hiking-grade daypack, but for everyday use or for traveling. You have also come to the right place, since most of the daypacks we’re presenting have the proper organization, with laptop and tablet pockets, and plenty of storage for books, documents, equipment, and everything else you may want to carry.

As a side note, any of the hiking daypacks listed below can last you for years to come. This is a 29 liter or 1770 cubic inch daypack that’s lightweight at 2.6 pounds. It’s built from several flavors of nylon for increased toughness. The build and the stitching, the materials and zippers are top quality with a durable feel to them (Tip: here’s how to test a zipper). The Recon features one large main compartment with a laptop sleeve that fits most 15” notebooks (won’t fit a 15.6” one), a tablet sleeve, and hydration port. There is also a secondary compartment with organization for holding the various items for easy reach.The mesh side pockets can hold a Nalgene bottle each, or a hat and gloves, or sneakers, or whatever you throw at them. The pocket on top is fleece-lined to hold things like glasses, cell phone, GPS. The shoulder straps and hip belt have good padding for comfort, and mesh on the inside for better air circulation. The hip belt is removable to make the backpack fitter for carrying around town or campus.

The Recon allows for easy organization of your stuff. With two compartments and two pockets, you’re sure to not forget which item is where. Stick a jacket in the front pocket, your breakables in the top pocket, your large electronics and a change of clothes in the main compartment, your smaller items or gear and snacks in the organizational compartment, and you’re good to go, whether in the city or the outdoors.ak 23l backpackThe The North Face Recon is available in men’s and women’s versions. eq2 backpackIf you prefer a unisex backpack, try the North Face Jester at the same size as the Recon. luxurylite backpackOr if you require larger, you can’t go wrong with the Heckler. badlands 2200 backpack for sale

This is truly an Everest-grade backpack, and perfect for day hikes. You’re more likely to get this pack for mountain tours rather than for travel or city carrying. If you travel to a foreign country, you may find the stylish look of the Stratos to be more of an inconvenience, as this is not an inconspicuous backpack. thinkpad w530 backpackBut it’s the great outdoors where it really shines.jly backpackThe main feature of all the models in the Stratos series is the suspended mesh back panel for the best ventilation possible. This does not mean simply that the back panel is covered in mesh for better breathing, but that the backpack is actually suspended from your back, with only the mesh touching the back. Feeling the wind on your back already?The shoulder straps and hip belt are also covered in mesh and are made of breathable foam.

A neat addition are the side pockets on the hip belt, perfect for storing items that you need on hand. A fairly large smartphone can fit in there well. The hip belt is not removable. The chest strap comes with an emergency whistle attached to it.The Stratos offers a lot of adjustability: top and bottom load compression straps on the front, and adjustable straps on the shoulders, chest and hip belt, to allow you to achieve the perfect point of comfort.The Stratos packs a slew of other features:While some people may view the lack of many pockets as a con, those who like simple organization will appreciate it.The Stratos series comes in different sizes. The Stratos 24, or the 24 liter version that we’re reviewing weighs 1.1 kg, which makes it lightweight. The sizes in the series however can go up to 50 liters. The 24L and 34L models are panel loaded, but they have a 26L and a 36L brother respectively, with top loading access.The Osprey Stratos is intended for men’s use, although women use it too.

However for a women’s-only version, have a look at the Osprey Sirrus.As for price, it certainly won’t break the bank. For the features it offers and for being one top daypack for hiking, the Stratos 24 carries one of the best price-quality ratios out there. If you need a backpack to sustain water and mud, then this is one you can trust. It works well in the rainy outdoors, from Florida to the rainforest, if you go out in extreme conditions, and also as a motorcycle backpack. It is 100% waterproof: you can leave it in a puddle, or ride the motorcycle at 80 miles an hour, and will not soak through.The Phantom backpack is able to achieve this by using a welded seamless construction of PVC coated 600D nylon. There are no other pockets besides the main compartment and one mesh side pocket, and the top gets sealed by folding in on itself three times. The two ends then buckle together or to the sides, and are secured with a Velcro strap that holds the lid in place. You can submerge this backpack, or float on it.