Best Daypack?

bfm

bfm

Joined
Mar 10, 2000
Messages
777
Daypack, not buttpack. Should have several main compartments and several small ones accessable from the outside for the little things (surefire, leatherman, cell phone, etc). Enough room inside for SLR and telephoto lens. Exterior web bottle holder and straps for tripod etc. Anyone now of the perfect solution? Seen a few that come close.
Thanks.
 
I've heard good things about Blackhawk and Eagle. You might want to do a search on the forum. Lots of posts on these.

I know you said back pack, but I just bought a Lumbar pack from Mountain Smith called the Day. You can hook up straps (optional) to turn it into a back pack, but it works well for me as a day pack.

S.
 
I've looked at those and the Mountain Smith with some accessories may be my best route. Thanks.
 
I picked up a The North Face "Recon": http://www.thenorthface.com/code/products/product_pages/10307_standard.html
pack at a local luggage shop- it has everything you described, and it is held up well, even after several months of being carried regularly and being crammed into the locker at work. It has an organizer in the front compartment, web water bottle retainers on either side, and a big stretchy mesh pocket in front for cramming things in there in a hurry, even bulky things like Gore-tex shells or bike helmets. It is nearly identical to the Arcter'yx "Volt", here: http://www.arcteryx.com/packs/urban/volt.asp

Both of these are great daypacks. Neither one is "hydration ready", however, meaning they don't have a special pocket for a hydration bladder and a hole to route a drinking tube. I wish mine did, and that's the only complaint I have.

JK
 
Keep in mind that the "best" pack isn't worth diddly to you if it doesn't fit you right, if the straps dig into your shoulders, etc. Make a short list, then go to REI and try them all on.

I use an Arc'teryx Volt as a daypack (link helpfully provided above :) ) and I like it very much. Very well constructed, including the zippers, lots of pockets and places to stick things, comfortable, removeable waist belt, etc.

Joe
 
I use a Gregory daypack(discontinued) and a Mountain Smith Back Country Express. The Mountain Smith has all of the pockects that you can need. This one is my choice for knife shows. My Gregory pack has seen 7 years of abuse and its still going strong, but I think that its about time that I retire it. I got to play with the Arc'teryx Arro 22 and I was very impressed with it. It seemed very well constructed with large water sealed zippers, it had a comfortable
foam back panel and its shoulder pads were also very well made with thick firm foam. It has everything you listed plus it was hydration ready. I will probably get one of these if Gregory doesn't make something that I like even more.

Frank Q.
 
I thought I'd tell a few things I looked for in a daypack. First and foremost, of course, is fit. I personally tend to have problems with straps digging into my neck, but depending on your physique, you might have other problems. Other things I looked for:

- padded, S-curved shoulder straps (I feel the curved shoulder
straps make a huge comfort difference. YMMV)
- sternum strap (although you can buy these aftermarket)
- padded back
- removeable waist belt, becomes sometimes you don't need it
- cinch straps to compress the pack when necessary
- Some easily-accessible external storage
- Multiple pockets and organizers, but a big enough main pocket
to be useful. I like at least one organizer sleeve for
small gadgets, like surefire flashlights, spare batteries,
small knives, etc. I also like at least one pocket that can
accomodate a camelback system.
- Good strong-looking zippers and seams.

There are plenty of packs that meet those requirements. As I said, I have the Arc'Teryx, and like it. That North Face looks good, too. Arc'Teryx has a full line of similar packs, from under 1000 cu.in. to close to 2000.

Joe
 
I use the Mountainsmith Day pack with the Strapettes for most of my outdoor carrying. In town, I use a MS Tour pack with the Strapettes. The Strapettes don't really make it a backpack, but a lumbar pack with extra support. The Mountainsmith stowables, though expensive, help organise inside the pack. (I know, I know; a ziplock bag would do the same thing)

Since you really wanted a daypack, I'll add one more choice. Despite tha fact that it's over priced for the name, the Oakley backpack is really quite functional. It's got two side pockets, a water bottle holder, some inner pockets for flat items and pens, and a large main compartment. I really like mine even though I only use it when I carry alot of stuff with me. www.oakley.com

gm
 
My wife deals in Blackhawk, largly because I had been buying much from them ;). I'd recommend any of their products (Guaranteed for life) and there is probably one for any occasion, activity or need. Also, she offers 20% off for military, LEOs, EMS and S&R.

This is Blackhawk's latest bag -- the 2002 Raptor X3
1356.jpg

The X3 - R.A.P.T.O.R. is made with Heavy Duty 1000 denier Nytaneon®, with all seams Quad-Stitched and Trim Taped Edges.This X-3 Ranger Assualt Pack Tactical Operations Ruck has it all !! Inside the Main Compartment there are three securing cinch straps two horizontally and one centered verticality. Drain holes are provided for each compartment for easy and quick drainage. OVERALL CUBIC INCHES: 3,830

Many more to see at Go Get 'em Gear .com

Dan
 
I use Mountain Smiths as well.. Got a Tyrol, Backcountry Express (M), Travel trunk and Knockabout.. The packs are solid, but are not so happenning these days cos' they are manufactured in Sri Lanka and Taiwan... :( Had an adventure brief from MS rigged with the strapettes.. Lost it to some burglars.. :(
These days, I pack an Osprey daylight (17 litres) on daily carry basis. Quite roomy and the best part is this : Its made entirely in Colorado! :D Hey! The blackhawks are reputable as well, they are tough!

Sam
 
Does anyone use the Eagle Creek Travel Bug (12 x 9.5 x 5 inches) or something around that size? I've found these dimensions just about perfect.
 
Originally posted by bfm
Should have several main compartments and several small ones accessable from the outside for the little things Enough room inside for SLR and telephoto lens. Exterior web bottle holder and straps for tripod
Click to expand...
I think, since you're going to carry the SLR with lens + tripod, it's really worth checking out LowePro product.

LowePro S&F Rover AW seems to fit your need nicely. :) You could easily tie the tripod in front. :)
 
I can't agree enough with the post about the proper fit. The best pack in the world is absolutely useless if it doesn't comfortably fit you.

I prefer external frame packs for several reasons, especially having sturdy lashing points. I carry some unconventional equipment, and absolutely love having a good aluminum frame.

I am fortunate that the old fashioned ALICE pack fits me very well, it's much cheaper than all the fancy ones, and being a former Army officer, it's definitely a sentimental favorite for me. My pack and I have been through a lot together.

There are probably a lot more expensive packs out there that would fit me and my needs, but I'm happy with my ALICE pack, and we've shared many a night out, many road marches and patrols, I would feel lost without it.

Also, I should add that once you get a pack that you are used to, and have "your" way of packing it, it becomes really easy to make sure that you have everything that you need, because of your familiarity with where everything goes. I know where everything is, and exactly what I have. A new pack would probably take me years to re-learn how to pack. Now where did I put that lighter...
 
I prefer external frame packs for several reasons, especially
having sturdy lashing points. I carry some unconventional
equipment, and absolutely love having a good aluminum
frame.
Click to expand...

I would much rather have something smaller and lightweight for a daypack.

JK
 
Go to Eagle Industries and read about their 3 day assault pack, as well as the Becker Patrol Pack.

I need a new pack, and it looks like I'm going to go from my 1800ci North Face pack to an Airborne Assault Pack from Eagle. i really wanted a Becker, but it is too small for my needs.

Though, I stillneed a day pack, and I intend to get a Becker. The guy who designed the Becker knives, as well as wrote "The Joy of Cooking:, Mr. Ethan Becker, designed that pack too. It has everything you listed for criteria. But, it is expensive. You wouldn't need to buy another pack again, but it is expensive.

Check out Brad at Lightfighter for further info on the pack. He is a dealer too.

Consider what Javahead shows you too, he know shis stuff. Blackhawk isn't for me, but it may be for you.
 
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