How to Choose Daypacks

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Built specifically to fit a man's frame, the Osprey Stratos 34 Pack is a fast, well-ventilated and comfortable hauler for peak bagging and other 1-day excursions.
Shop newer version| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Material(s) | High-tenacity nylon |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
| Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top/bottom |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
| Hipbelt | Yes |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Raincover Included | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
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So far I have only used this for my weekend fishing trips. It holds 2 pair of pants, 2 shirts, under garments, sandals for evenings, and snacks. I have everything I need. I am learning to pack light so I can get ready for the Camino with my son, and I am planning on using this pack. I like the way the pack sits on my back, it's VERY comfortable. The air flow under the mesh suspension keeps my back from sweating like it does with most packs. I am very happy with my purchase.
I've been hiking for over 40 years and have used 'em all. From the Jansport book bag without so much as a belly strap, to the more refined packs that have a center support rod and full on hip belt. None of them can touch this pack. Just took it on tough day trek with about 20 lbs. in it (camera, 2 ltr. bladder, lunch, etc.) and it performed amazingly well. The only way I can describe it is I was not carrying the load, it was; the pack just happened to be attached to me. If that sound loony, so be it. but never have I carried that much weigh and had it so well distributed and supported. I chose to couple it with Osprey's 2 ltr. Hydraulics bladder (had never used one of these before), and it worked out perfectly. I was sipping the whole way up and down, and the hike was much more enjoyable for it. Cannot recommend this pack to highly. Thanks Osprey for figuring out what a daypack should do and be!
I bought this backpack for my son who is traveling for 5 weeks out of the country. It has space for everything he needs, including the water bladder, sunscreen, sweatshirt, etc. It is perfect to fit on the plane and has has many pockets for him to keep small items easily accessible throughout the day. More importantly, I got a great hidden Pocket for things like a passport and money.
I was looking for a versatile day pack that would have enough space for an all-day hike (lots of water, multiple layers, food, etc) but that would be functional on short 2-3 hour hikes. If that's what you're in the market for, look no further. There is plenty of room for multiple layers including a thick fleece layer if that's your thing. The built-in rain cover/compartment is great! I use the bottom sleeping bag compartment for my rain shell - I don't foresee using this pack for an overnight trip, but the separate compartment is useful to me for organization. The mesh back panel is extremely comfortable, and is a big reason I'm the owner of two Osprey packs. The pack is comfortable when I'm all buckled in and cinched down. It rides nice and tight/stable while hiking. And if you're on a short hike with little gear, the pack cinches-down nicely and isn't too bulky. The best feature of the pack is how they laid out the two small pockets on top. Between the small front pocket and the interior hanging mesh pocket, I can keep everything I need accessible and I don't have to unclip any compression straps like I do to access the main compartment. All-in-all, I'm as happy as could be with this purchase, and this pack will be with me for a long time to come.