It’s a good idea bring basic emergency supplies on even the shortest day hikes. You’ll also want sufficient food, water and extra layers in case of bad weather. You don’t need a full-size backpacking pack for day hikes, but the right pack will be large and sturdy enough to carry everything that experienced hikers know they need on the trail.
Size
Assemble the items you plan to carry on your day hike, and eyeball how much space they take up. You can even pack your things into bags and take them to the store with you to load into packs, to make sure the packs provide enough capacity. REI recommends about 30 liters, or slightly more than 1,800 cubic inches, as the ideal size for a day-hiking pack -- but if you pack and travel very light, you can get by with less than that.
External Attachments
It might be tempting to buy a very small pack and hang, clip or bungee extra items on the outside. But these dangling items create extra noise, can get tangled in brush, and might even fall off your pack. It’s better to purchase a pack that’s large enough to carry everything you need, and deal with a little bit of empty pack space on very short hikes that don’t require much equipment. Only buy a tiny, ultralight pack if you really plan to travel that lightly.
Access
Most day packs are small enough that you can get to anything you need through the top-loading opening. Some packs also offer side or front access panels, allowing you to quickly reach in and grab things located in the bottom or middle of the pack. These extra openings are useful if quick access to multiple items matters -- for example, if you want to get to a child’s snacks or the first aid kit quickly.
Suspension
Day packs are designed to carry loads limited by not just size but by weight, too. According to Eastern Mountain Sports, a typical day pack has no internal frame at all and is designed to carry no more than 20 to 25 pounds. However, some day packs designed specifically for hiking do come with a light internal frame and hip belt. Together, these features place the bulk of the load on your pelvis, instead of your relatively weak shoulders; you’ll be thankful for the extra support at the end of a long day of hiking. For some ultralight waist packs, the hip belt is your only point of attachment.
Waist Packs
If you’re interested in an ultralight waist pack for day hikes, ask the staff in the store to load a few sandbags or other items into the pack to simulate a hiking load. Wear the loaded pack around the store to make sure it sits firmly against your spine without bouncing, twisting or pulling away, all common problems with smaller packs. This is also an excellent way to make sure a waist pack is actually big enough to carry everything you need.
Member Comments