This text about the best daypack for 2017 includes 15 great backpacks in various categories and for various purposes, all new models launched in the fall 2016 and in 2017.
The list includes impressive tools for various activities, like snow sports, mountain bicycle riding, hiking, and for any other outdoor activity. Here you have unisex models, packs for men, and women-specific packs.
The packs belong to either of the following two groups:
- Completely new models & series. Here you have Kelty’s Riot packs, Gregory Maven 35, Osprey Kamber and Kresta series, Exped Skyline packs, and Osprey Daylite pack.
- Modified and improved versions of the existing packs. This group includes Deuter Freerider pack, Kelty Redtail 27, Osprey Radial 26, Sirus 24, Stratos 24, Talon 22, and Tempest 20 packs.
Obviously, there can be no strict limit which defines the size and volume of a daypack, so I give packs in the range 15 – 35 liters. I am convinced, from my own 30 years of mountaineering experience, that packs from such a size range will serve the purpose for a day tour, at least for the majority of situations.
Please note, all of them are described in detail in my separate posts. So here is the list of the packs, given in alphabetical order:
| Weight (kg) | Volume (L) | Best use | |
| 1. Deuter Freerider Pro 30 | 1.72 | 30 | snowpack |
| 2. Exped Skyline 15 | 1.05 | 17 | multipurpose |
| 3. Exped Skyline 25 | 1.08 | 25 | multipurpose |
| 4. Gregory Maven 35 | 1.33 | 35 | multipurpose |
| 5. Kelty Riot 15 | 0.48 | 15 | multipurpose |
| 6. Kelty Riot 22 | 0.54 | 22 | multipurpose |
| 7. Kelty Redtail 27 | 0.7 | 27 | multipurpose |
| 8. Osprey Daylite Plus | 0.54 | 20 | multipurpose |
| 9. Osprey Kamber 32 | 1.54 | 32 | snowpack |
| 10. Osprey Kresta 30 | 1.43 | 30 | snowpack |
| 11. Osprey Radial 26 | 1.37 | 26 | for cyclists |
| 12. Osprey Stratos 24 | 1.25 | 24 | multipurpose |
| 13. Osprey Sirrus 24 | 1.16 | 24 | multipurpose |
| 14. Osprey Talon 22 | 0.81 | 22 | multipurpose |
| 15. Osprey Tempest 20 | 0.74 | 20 | multipurpose |
As you see, the weight of the packs is in the range 0.48 – 1.72 kg. Such a big difference in weight is due to the following two main reasons:
- The size difference, 15 – 35 liters.
- The different purpose of the packs. The snowpacks are relatively small, but they are built to carry a heavier load, so more sturdy and abrasion-resistant materials are used, and they are with frames.
1. Deuter Freerider Pro 30
This is an incredibly well-built pack, small but functional for any activity on the snow. See its most important features and benefits:
- Very reliable tool from a company which started in 1898.
- Several attachments options to carry skis, snowboard, helmet, and snow shoes.
- Dual access to the main compartment.
- Versatile.
- Very reliable and durable construction.
- Great organization features.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Only one hip belt pocket.
Please follow the link to see more.
2. Exped Skyline 15
Exped Skyline 15 Daypack is a pack from a completely new series of technical hiking packs launched in 2017. It offers a completely unique and innovative design and plenty of features.
- Switchback suspension system, completely unique.
- Extra front access.
- Internal side pockets.
- Extra large external side pockets.
- Extra large hip belt pockets.
- Rain cover as an obvious bonus.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No bottom straps.
See here my full review.
3. Exped Skyline 22
This is a panel-type pack with a long horseshoe-shaped zipper that runs around the sides and the top of the pack. But apart from this, you have an extra smaller zippered entrance on the front.
The pack is with the same features as its smaller cousin the Skyline 15. So you have the completely unique Switchback suspension system which allows for the standard flat back setup, and for so-called Air mode with an improved ventilation.
- Very advanced design.
- Bonus rain cover.
- Many pockets, 9 in total.
- Lightweight.
- Very wide-open access.
- Extra front access.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No bottom straps.
Please see my detailed review here.
4. Gregory Maven 35 pack for women
Gregory Maven 35 pack for women is the smallest from a completely new series launched in 2017. With 1.33 kg of weight, this is a very lightweight hiking tool ideal for light overnight and day tours. See this impressive list of benefits, bonuses, unique features, and pros:
- Internal frame.
- Rain cover included.
- Very lightweight.
- New Aerolon suspension.
- Quick-stow feature on the shoulder strap for attaching glasses on the go.
- Adjustable harness.
- Unique adjustable hip belt.
- Durable fabric.
- Great organization.
- Bottom compartment.
- Several unique features.
- Women-specific design.
Cons:
- No side zippered pockets.
Please check here for more information about this extraordinary pack.
5. Kelty Riot 15
Kelty Riot 15 backpack is a part of a completely new daypacks series launched by Kelty in 2017. This is an ultra-lightweight pack, 0.48 kg only, suitable for any outdoor day tours, for commuting, and for travel.
- Ultra lightweight pack.
- External hydration sleeve.
- Great price.
- Multi-purpose tool.
- Shoulder harness pockets.
- Side zippered pocket.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No rain cover.
- Not the best ventilation.
- No side pockets.
- No bottom straps.
- No attachment loops.
To see more please check here.
6. Kelty Riot 22
This is a panel-loading type pack from the same new 2017 series as the pack above, with the access zipper on the upper top section. I find this good because this makes it looking as an ordinary backpack for around town use and for daily life. The benefits and pros are as follows:
- Ultra lightweight pack.
- External hydration sleeve.
- Hideaway hip belt.
- Multi-purpose tool.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No rain cover.
- No torso adjustment.
- Not the best ventilation.
- No attachment elements.
Please follow this link to see more.
7. Kelty Redtail 27 daypack
This is a modified and improved 2017 version of the existing pack, an ultra-lightweight multi-functional tool with only 1 lb 9 oz (0.7 kg) of weight.
- Versatile pack.
- Ultra lightweight.
- Great price.
- Multi-purpose tool.
- Reliable.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No rain cover.
- No torso adjustment.
- No frame.
- Tiny hip belt.
- No bottom compression straps.
- No attachment loops.
Please check here to see more.
8. Osprey Daylite Plus
The Osprey Daylite Plus is a completely new ultra-lightweight pack, 0.54 kg, from Osprey’s Daylight series. This is a very versatile 20-liter daypack for outdoor adventures, travel, and for around town use.
- Ultra lightweight.
- Versatile & functional.
- Can be attached to larger Osprey packs as a day pack.
- Great price.
- Very reliable and durable construction.
- Unisex.
Cons:
- No frame.
- Tiny hip belt.
- No rain cover.
Please check here for more.
9. Osprey Kamber 32
Osprey Kamber 32 snowpack is a great tool for skiers and snowboarders. With its 32 liters of volume, it provides a lot of space for day activities on the snow. The pack is designed for the toughest outdoor conditions and it gives a maximum level of durability and safety.
- Snow-shedding design.
- Attachment elements for skis, snowboard, and helmet.
- Unique insulated hydration routing system through the right shoulder strap.
- Very durable materials, and reinforcements at various segments of the pack.
- Great organization features.
- Modern design.
- Two sizes available.
- Gender: for men.
- There is a smaller 22 liters option available.
Cons:
- The price.
Please follow the link for more information.
10. Osprey Kresta 30 snow backpack for women
Osprey Kresta 30 snow backpack for women is a great pack for day tours in winter conditions, suitable for any activity on the snow. It allows for carrying skis, snowboard, and snowshoes.
- Ideal size for day tours.
- Very modern design.
- Plenty of useful features to carry snow equipment: helmet, skis, snowshoes, and snowboard.
- Unique insulated water hose sleeve along the shoulder strap.
- Zippered hydration pocket separated from the dry compartment.
- Very reliable and durable construction.
- Women-specific design.
- There exists also the smaller Kresta 20 pack.
Cons:
- The price.
Please check here for more information.
11. Osprey Radial 26
The Osprey Radial 26 is a new 2016-2017 version of a great and popular pack. This is a technical pack for cyclists and a daypack for hikers, or a pack for around town use. See some exceptional features:
- Integrated rain cover.
- A lot of organization features and pockets.
- Great ventilation due to AirSpeed suspended mesh back system.
- Versatility.
- Unique zippered side pocket with a retractable string for keys.
- Integrated kickstand which keeps the pack upright.
- The pack really looks great.
- There exists also a larger 34 liters version.
Cons:
- No hip belt pockets.
- Rather tiny hip belt.
- Not hydration compatible.
- No attachment loops of any kind.
12. Osprey Stratos 24 for men
This is a new 2017 version of a very popular pack. The pack has been incredibly improved and some great new features are added, see some more in my text about the new Stratos and Sirrus versions. See the summary:
- Adjustable torso length. This is a completely new feature.
- A very visible difference is the seamless mesh on the back, the design inspired by the Osprey’s anti-gravity system.
- The pack is now one-size.
- The weight of the new version is 1.25 kg (2.75 lb).
- The size of the pack is slightly changed (H x W x D): 22 x 12 x 12 in (56 x 30 x 30 cm).
- Front zippered pocket with a centrally positioned vertical zipper.
Cons:
- It is hard to find any.
Please follow this link for more information about this new version.
13. Osprey Sirrus 24 for women
Similar to the Stratos 24, this is a women-specific series which has also been redesigned and improved in this 2017 version. See its most important features:
- The most visible difference is the seamless mesh on the back, on the harness, and on the hip belt. This design is inspired by the Osprey’s anti-gravity system.
- The weight of the new version is 1.16 kg (2.56 lb).
- The size of the pack is slightly changed (H x W x D): 19 x 12 x 12 in (49 x 30 x 30 cm).
- Adjustable torso length.
- Front zippered pocket with a centrally positioned vertical zipper.
Cons:
- NA.
Please check here for more information about the previous and new version.
14. Osprey Talon 22
The complete Osprey Talon series has been updated in 2017. The main changes are in the back panel padding and in the hip belt design.
- Adjustable torso length.
- AirScape mesh covered accordion foam back panel.
- External hydration access.
- LidLock bike helmet attachment.
- Seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap.
- Zippered panel access.
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment.
- Weight: 0.81 kg (M/L).
- Maximum dimensions (L x W x D): 51 x 28 x 28 cm.
Cons:
- No rain cover.
- No frame.
Please check here for more.
15. Osprey Tempest 20
Similar as in the case of the Talon 22, this is a new 2017 version of a very popular daypack for women. The main changes are in the back of the pack and in the hip belt which is inspired with the Osprey’s AG design used in some other packs.
- Adjustable torso length.
- Weight: 0.74 kg.
- AirScape mesh covered accordion foam back panel.
- Women-specific design.
- External hydration access.
- LED light attachment point.
- LidLock bike helmet attachment.
- Seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap.
- Maximum size (L x W x D): 50 x 28 x 27 cm.
Cons:
- No rain cover.
- No frame.
Please see here for more.
Summary
So after you have seen all models, what do you think? Is there any of them which you would choose as the best daypack for 2017? I do not give the ranking for these packs here because they are so different and built for different outdoor use.
The common feature for all of them is that they are completely new or modified models, nothing from the previous years. Three of them are for snow activities (the Deuter Freerider, and Osprey’s Kamber and Kresta packs), and all others are more or less multipurpose tools. Some of them are women-specific packs (Osprey Kresta, Sirrus and Tempest, Gregory Maven). Some are packs for men (Osprey Kamber, Stratos, and Talon) and the remaining are unisex models.
Thank you for reading. Is there any top brand model which you would like to see included in the list? If so, please let me know, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.
Leave a Reply