5. Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20: Best Day Hiking Backpack
The Osprey men’s Talon 22 (or the women’s Tempest 20) is a lightweight hiking pack, perfect for your day hiking adventures. The pack is durable thanks to the recycled 100D and 420D nylon fabric it’s made with, which also happens to be water-resistant. The pack features great suspension via the padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel that keeps sweat from being a major issue.
Despite being small in size, there are many features that make this my pick for the best backpack for single-day outings. It can fit 22 liters (20 for the Tempest) and can load between 20 and 30 pounds comfortably. That’s pretty impressive for a day pack. It’s easy to load up everything you need for gear-intensive day hikes and still be comfortable.
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The pack features a zippered top pocket and hip belt pockets ideal for storing handy equipment like phones, sunscreen, and more. It also has space for a 3-liter hydration sleeve and there are two side pockets for water bottles, keeping you hydrated throughout your trip.
The adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt mean you’re provided great comfort and a snug fit, plus you get a whistle to sound just in case you need help. The packs also feature a helmet, ice ax, and trekking pole attachments to support all your other activities beyond standard day hikes.
If you want to know more about the Osprey Talon in particular, read my full review.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Highly adjustable
- Well ventilate
- Perfect size for day hikes
Cons
- Side pockets may be too small
- Zippers can jam frequently