Daypack recommendations under $150

[Mossyhorn]

T.H.E. PACK EDC from Spec Ops is on sale for $99.95. It's made in the USA and if it's anything like their other packs, It should outwear anything in it's class.

 

[PatrickKnight]

I can't say enough good things about my Osprey Kestrel 32. It's tough, comfortable, and very well set up for a day hike. I have gone on 3 day trips with it while a little small it handled it well.

I have tried the Talon line but I really like the Kestrel because it's a panel loader and I like the back panel better on the Kestrel.

 

[verysimple]

Rush 24

 

[mtwarden]

I can highly recommend a couple of packs, the aforementioned Patagonia Ascensionist in either 25 or 35 liters, they are a no nonsense, simple packs- stout, but still very light. They carry very nicely including heavier day loads typical of winter (including strapping on skis or shoes). Not many frills (it's designed as a climbing pack), but nothing I miss too much. If it's geared more towards winter, I'd go with the 35, more room for bulkier clothing and it has a frame (removable if not needed). I've even done a few overnighters with the 35.

I can also recommend the Osprey Talon 22, more frills, still solidly built and pretty light. Carries nicely as well.

I have a ton of miles on these packs and they are still going strong.

 

[murderedsongbird]

I'm use a Hill People Gear Umlindi. You'd have to spend about $70 more but their yolk system is killer. You can walk for miles and really never feel the weight.

 

[TLR]

I have a longer than normal torso for my height. Osprey looks great and my brother loves his but I've yet to find one that fits me at all. I had never found a pack that fit the waist belt where it should go until i found Camelbaks Trizip pack. It has Mystery Ranch's adjustable yoke system. I used it for years and just upgraded this summer to a Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer. It was a fantastic decision. It isn't the lightest option but it is extremely well made and it actually fits. Getting ready to take it to India at the end of the week.

 

[DAVE_M]

I have a longer than normal torso for my height. Osprey looks great and my brother loves his but I've yet to find one that fits me at all. I had never found a pack that fit the waist belt where it should go until i found Camelbaks Trizip pack. It has Mystery Ranch's adjustable yoke system. I used it for years and just upgraded this summer to a Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer. It was a fantastic decision. It isn't the lightest option but it is extremely well made and it actually fits. Getting ready to take it to India at the end of the week.

You might want to find a local retailer and get fitted for a pack. I'm 6'-4" and have worn many Osprey packs, which include the Kestrel, Atmos, Stratos, & Exos.

Mystery Ranch packs are well made, and with good reason. Although MR packs are heavier, they also hold much more weight than a technical backpacking pack. I'm currently using a Granite Gear Leopard VC 46 and in it's current form, it's only rated for 25lbs for near 50 L pack. I've carried more than that in my 18 L Mystery Ranch ASAP.

 

[Daniel L]

I have a Camelbak Trizip which is fantastic due to the adjusatble torso and removable belt, so it can be used for light day trips (no belt needed) to heavier urban travel or hikes (belt needed for weight distribution.) But it is darn heavy for it's size.... most of the "tactical" style packs weigh a ton more due to 500D Cordura / 1000D Cordura build and beefy straps.

For a more "hiking" styled pack, I was looking at the Gregory Z30 / Z35 range - they are typically light, reasonably durable and comfortable. Also available in multiple fixed back sizes as they are not meant to be lugging huge amounts of gear and prices $100-$130 online.

Personally I always find small (sub 25 liter packs) a little limiting and I always appreciate the extra capacity when its needed.

 

[metal0321]

T.H.E. PACK EDC from Spec Ops is on sale for $99.95. It's made in the USA and if it's anything like their other packs, It should outwear anything in it's class.

Have to agree. For durability, Spec Ops is pretty unrivaled. I've got a handful of Mystery Ranch and Kifaru products and I don't think any of it is built like my Spec Ops packs. Not the most comfortable though, but great for travel and military for sure.

 

[BeaverTail_Hunter]

Check out a brand called Direct Action.

I bought a model called "Dust" and it is awesome. You would likely want one of their larger models though. Excellent quality and they have obviously put some thought into the construction and configuration.

 

[sideways]

Get something that fits your back length and has a good hip belt. Getting the weight off your back and onto your hips is the THE thing that influences carry comfort long distance... and like others have said fit is a personal thing.

Beyond that the carry system needs to be proportional to the weight of the stuff you are hauling. The caveat is of course that pack weight is not guarantee of rigidity and load transfer. You can still make a heavy pack that does nothing for carry comfort.

I'd go for a hiking pack from a company that specializes in hiking equipment over any of the military inspired stuff.

Osprey, deuter, REI, salomon, gregory etc etc

 

[michaelm466]

+1 on Osprey, I have 3, definitely go some where that you can try them on with weight and walk around a little like REI

 

[leghog]

Osprey Exos 38

Stay away from all the tactical crap if you want to enjoy your hike.

I'd go for a hiking pack from a company that specializes in hiking equipment over any of the military inspired stuff.

Osprey, deuter, REI, salomon, gregory etc etc

That's very good advice. Much more comfortable backs than the tactical available that are plenty tough enough. Tough enough they've been used on expeditions that boggle the mind.

Yesterday at REI I returned my Osprey Talon 22 for the Osprey Stratos 24. It just has better features for me. After traveling with the Talon 22, I decided to give the Stratos 24 a try, ands REI has a liberal return policy --- one year return policy above and beyond the manufacturers warranty. I just told REI that I liked the Stratos better. Even better, with the current REI member sale, I actually got money back on the exchange even though the Stratos 24 is normally 20 bucks more than the Talon 22. On membership sale you can get the Stratos for $96 right now.

I also have an Osprey Kestrel 48 for larger hauls and can easily live out of it for a week if not in winter. When I bought this I gave my son my much larger Gregory. He's a Gregory fan. I'm an Osprey fan. The Osprey is in the foreground of the pic below. My old Gregory (~20 years old - yes, they're plenty tough enough) is in the background.

Properly fitted, you don't carry an Osprey. You wear it. Ospreys are the most comfortable packs (best suspension system) I've ever used. Also the coolest packs (least hot) I've ever used. The Stratos uses Osprey's Airspace system, and the Kestrel uses Osprey's Airscape system. Wish I'd have discovered Osprey long ago.