How to Choose Daypacks

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This genuinely versatile, ultralight daypack returns with a revamped design and wraparound compression, arming you with extra load-shrinking capability for speedy summit runs.
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View all Marmot DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
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Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | 18 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1100 cubic inches |
Weight | 10.2 ounces |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | Unavailable |
Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
Material(s) | 70-denier ripstop nylon/210-denier double-ripstop nylon/polyester |
Frame Material | Foam sheet |
Number of Stays | Unavailable |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | Main compartment |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Gender | Unisex |
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I love REI's Flash 18 so much that when my much-abused but fabulous bag went missing -- around the same time another family member needed a day pack -- I thought I'd try this very similar bag by Marmot. The comparison came super-close for me, but Kompressor lost. You might choose differently. Kompressor 18 is a great bag, but the fact that it costs quite a bit more than the Flash caused me to weigh my "cons" pretty harshly. My uses: 3-season hiking, airplane carry-on, minimalist overnight. PROS: (1) Marmot's Kompressor 18 is well-sewn. It has better stitching & stronger reinforcement than Flash 18 in several places, including the top of the shoulder straps -- which are also wider and I think could last longer than the Flash 18. (2) Marmot's fabric may be slightly thicker, more durable, and scrape-resistant. (3) There's a handy, reinforced drain-hole at the bottom of the bladder pocket. (4) Lid pocket is nice and big, though shallow. (5) Flexible foam panel for a tiny bit of structure or insulation in bladder pocket (not really a pro for me, but you might like it; easily removed). (6) Open/close is more rugged than Flash's wee and slightly finicky drawstring (but I got used to that drawstring and like it). CONS: (1) Compared to Flash 18, the overall dimensions of Kompressor 18 are somehow just a bit awkwardly short and wide for my hiking gear and my relatively narrow and long (female) back. Somehow, I must dig about more because of how my hiking items settle in this bag. (2) Kompressor doesn't have that groovy little interior, mesh, zippered pocket which Flash positions next to a great key loop at the very top. Flash's mesh pouch is perfect for quick access to money/1st aid/Epi Pen. I find it very accessible when I have the Flash pulled open, whether it's propped on the ground, my feet, my lap, or a store counter. That's because the Flash pouch with my items is facing me in the same orientation as the main contents of the bag -- rather than being in an upside-down, flipped lid pocket, as must be the case with Kompressor when it's open. (You might not care. I just like less fumbling and flipping.) (3) Kompressor's bladder pocket is just a bit too short for my 3-liter Camelbak, which works much better in the Flash. (4) Kompressor's unnecessary grey, plastic bladder hook (see photos) doesn't play well with some bladders, including that Camelbak. I nearly broke the bladder rim trying to get it off! However, the Kompressor hook is easy to break off with metal snips, leaving the much simpler and completely effective ribbon loop intact. (5) I realize this won't matter to those who don't care about a few extra grams or swishy, clattery, dangling things, but for me the Kompressor straps are too heavy/long/endowed with buckles. I like the daisy chain straps on Flash better. Good spacing with Flash loops. BOTH bags have a whistle in the sternum strap buckle (not mentioned at this writing in the REI description of Kompressor). Both have pretty color choices. Both have punched-hole, meshy straps with a bit of light foam for a game attempt at trying to reduce the sweatiness on your back a teeny, tiny bit. (Ha!) Neither would be a good book bag for high school, college, or grad school unless you're toting only a couple of paperbacks. Bottom line: both are great hiking packs, provided you're not a whiner who misses her Flash 18. Finally, REI specs indicate that Kompressor is a bit lighter, but I'd have to weigh both to believe it. Will update when I find my Flash. Soon, I hope.
My first online review ever, I love this pack so much I am compelled to write something. The beauty of this pack is it combines simplicity of an old-style pack (from the days when one would throw a "sack" over their shoulder to carry one's school books) with modern advances (materials and ergonomics) without all the gadgetry that comes with the over-designining of every nuance of every product. It weighs nothing, takes one second to put on and is completely unencumbering.
I bought this as a comparable pack to the Flash. It was on sale. It is fine except that the shoulder straps have a narrow webbing piece running the whole length and it really digs into your shoulders. For this reason I will be returning it. Also, the back was surprisingly short because they put the shoulder straps starting about an inch below the top, where it easily could have been. Being taller, this made the pack sit weird on my back and the load always sat in a little lump at the bottom of the bag. Perhaps this is n issue because I am tall. Hope this helps.
I love the looks of this pack. Unfortunately I'm finding that it doesn't quite live up to my expectations. I've been using this for day hikes and the first major issue is that there is no secure place for a water bottle on the exterior. Putting a water bottle in the main compartment then reveals the second flaw- this pack is horrible at distributing weight and ends up being extremely uncomfortable. It will still have some uses. For spare layers that need to be compressed down this bag would be ideal. Add a water bottle pocket to the outside and figure out a way to distribute weight a bit and this would be my go-to pack.
It took me awhile to fall in love with my Kompressor. But now I won't let go. It works for both the Rockies and London, my two homes. It is a summit/day pack in the mountains. But even better, it is an unobtrusive urban backpack. I use it for everything, including groceries. It is hard to find a good small pack with clipped hood (instead of zipper.) That allows you to overstuff it, which is really crucial when you have a small pack. The outside zipper mesh pocket is great. But it could use another small pocket inside for loose things. Because it stuffs into itself, like a thin jacket, I take it everywhere. Without the foam pad, which is pointless....
I bought this last year for a trip to Thailand, and this thing is fantastic. Fits everything I need for a day out and offers more support than you might think. I use it all the time for bike rides, day hikes, a carry on when flying, you name it. For being as lightweight as it is, it has held up extremely well. If mine ever starts to fall apart I will definitely purchase a new one.
Love this little pack! I use it while backpacking and stuff it into the bottom of my backpack under my sleeping bag. Takes up minimal space and in my opinion a perfect companion for day hikes. The amount of internal space is sufficient for myself and this includes a three-liter hydration reservoir and still leaves enough room for some extra layers, first aid kit, food, and whatever else I bring along. Let's just say I have not ran out of room. I also use an external sleeve for my Nalgene bottle and attach it to the lower part of the shoulder strap for carrying more water. Completely resolves the "issue" of no external bottle sleeve. The pack is super sturdy when on surprisingly, without a hip belt I have had no issues of it shifting around when hiking.
I use this pack as a summit pack leaving my backpackers pack at camp, and on small day hikes, even take it to the gym. This pack is great, versatile, and most important for me light and packable. I've had this pack in pouring desert rain and the inside stayed nice and dry. My only complaint would be there's no side pockets to place water bottles in, but that would be just way to perfect and how many things come perfect? Overall, this is my staple pack that has gone with me every where so far this year. Thank you!
This is a well made product that is attractive and quite useful for its intended purpose. I use mine when walking the bazzars of China and Thialand. It is small to pack in my suitcase when traveling and then pull it out to go shopping. I wear it as a pack and not worry about setting it down and walking off. The sewn in pad protects my back from bulky purchases or would protect a laptop. The pack is also good for returning books to the library, etc. The price is about right for what you get.
I carried another name brand day pack for a while and it served me just fine, but it was heavy, bulky, and didnt pack down well at all. It was just unsuitable to bring as a side hike bag on backpacking trips. I have since given that old pack as a hand-me-down to a friend and exclusively use the Kompressor. It's lightweight and durable. I have used this pack for so many different things and it's amazing. Best day bag ever!! **can also be used as a lightweight multiday pack if you want too!)