Best Hiking Daypacks for Men

If you need a backpack for day adventures outdoors or in an urban environment, check out our review of the best hiking daypacks for men.

---

I use the word hiking in the title, but these packs can also be described as best daypacks for men because this is not only about hiking. You can use them for travel, for city tours, for cycling, etc.

If you have been searching for a daypack already, then you surely know how difficult it is to choose a pack from this particular group. There are so many of them, and there are many best-known brands in this industry that have multiple packs in this volume group. I could easily make such a list with packs only from Osprey, or Gregory, or Deuter.

Now, speaking about volume, I limit myself here to packs that are below 35 liters of volume. In most cases, this is the size range that will be large enough for practically any one-day outdoor activity. Note that they usually have plenty of options to attach stuff from outside. So you may be surprised to see how much I can carry in some of my daypacks. In fact, being an active mountaineer, I own most of these packs and use them for day tours.

As you realize, these are packs for men. So can women use them? The answer is yes, they certainly can, and some of these packs may be described as unisex. But top brands do make gender-specific packs. This only means that, if you choose a pack that corresponds to your gender, you may have some features that make the pack even more comfortable than a unisex pack.

---

My list of best hiking daypacks for men

I have decided to order the packs by their official volume from smaller to larger. The volume is usually described in cubic inches or in liters, so I give both.

The list below contains packs that are usually representatives of the whole series. So if the volume in the list is not what you want, no worry, there are usually several packs available, with different volumes but with the same or very similar features.

Observe also that most of them are built in a variety of sub-sizes and they have adjustability options. This means that you can always find a pack that suits your body shape. Besides, these are top brands and you have very ergonomic designs so comfort should never be an issue.

---

1. Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

This Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Backpack has been around for many years already and this is a bestselling items at several global sellers. So it is not surprising that there are countless reports and reviews of this pack, and they are measured in 4-figures already. This is not surprising when you see that its price is below $40.

To start with the name, the number 1100 describes its volume in cubic inches, and this is around 18 liters. The word Hydration describes the fact that it comes with a bonus 2-liter BPA-free hydration bladder. Note that it has a separate zippered water bladder compartment. This compartment can also be used for a computer if you use the pack for commuting.

But this is not the only bonus here, you also have a rain cover included. It is stored in a separate pocket with Velcro closure on the bottom.

The pack is built from a 210D honeycomb ripstop fabric. Note that it is available in multiple colors, and this is a pack that can be described as unisex. The zippers are water-resistant.

There is no metal frame here and you do not need it for such a small pack. There are foam pads on the back of the pack and they create a ventilation chimney. The shoulder straps are padded and with holes for ventilation. There is a narrow hip belt without padding. The sternum strap is adjustable, and it is with an emergency whistle.

There is a nice bungee cord on the front to store your clothing or other things, and on the bottom you have reflective loops for equipment attachment. There are two straps on the sides.

As for pockets, you have the following. The front pocket is there, and there is also an extra storage space behind it. The 3 buckles and straps are in place to keep it in place if you store stuff in this opening. There is yet another smaller zippered pocket above the mentioned front pocket.

You also have mesh stretch pockets on the sides for water bottles or for trekking poles. There are compression straps above them to keep things stored in the pockets in place. Here are some numbers:

• Weight: 2 lb (0.91 kg).
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 10 x 7 in (47 x 25 x 18 cm).
• Capacity: 1100 cubic inches (18 liters).
• Waist belt fit: up to 60 in (152 cm).

Note that you have a limited lifetime warranty with this pack.

What I like:

• The weight.
• Storage options.
• Rain cover.
• Water blader.
• Incredible price.

What I dislike:

• Simple hip belt.

---

2. Osprey Stratos 24 Pack for Men

You remember what I mentioned about packs from the series? So this Osprey Stratos 24 pack for men is from one of the most numerous series of this brand, and this pack is the smallest of them. I have used it last year in several of my mountaineering day tours.

If you need a pack with exceptional ventilation, this is it. Here you have a tensioned mesh that covers all the back area and it continues smoothly to the hip belt, they call it the Airspeed Suspension. The pack is panel-loading type, so you have zippered access to the main compartment. It comes with a rain cover included, it is stored in a separate pocket.

The torso length is adjustable. You have a Velcro hook-and-loop system, so simply break the connection and then move the harness into the desired position. Press after that to connect Velcro again and this is it. Although this is a small pack, it has a peripheral LightWire alloy frame.

The hip belt is quite wide for a pack of this size, you have a bit of padding there, and this is also a ventilated construction. You have their ErgoPull closure on the front.

There are 8 pockets in this small pack, so you have plenty of options for the organization of your small items. The straps and attachment options are also available, and this includes Osprey’s famous Stow-on-the-Go attachment system for trekking poles. On the sides you have lower and upper compression straps, etc.

The pack is one-size and the weight is 2.756 lb (1.25 kg). The official volume is 1465 in³ (24 l). Here are a few more numbers:

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 22 x 11.8 x 11.8 in (56 x 30 x 30 cm).
• Torso fit: 18 – 22 in (46 – 56 cm).
• Waist/Hips fit: 25 – 50 inches (64 – 127 cm).
• Maximum carry weight: 25 lb (11.3 kg).

What I like:

• Ventilation.
• Rain cover.
• Many pockets.
• Great warranty.

What I dislike:

• Nothing really.

---

3. Deuter Futura 30 Backpack

Such a list could not possibly be without some packs from Deuter. This Futura 30 pack is from their best-known series that include packs of all sizes for men and for women. I myself have been using these Futura packs for almost two decades already.

You might want to know that the tensioned trampoline-style mesh back panel was originally introduced for the first time in this Futura series. This is where it started, and now you can see it in many packs on the market and here in the list. So if you need a ventilated back panel, this is the best you will find.

As you realize from the picture, this is a classic-looking top-loading pack with a lid and a collar, and you also have a separate bottom compartment. The suspension is incredibly well done and it is based on a steel frame. This is what they call the Aircomfort Sensic System with foam padding columns along the edges of the mentioned tensioned mesh that separates the pack from the body. You have massive padding on the hip belt and on the shoulder harness. The pack comes with a rain cover included.

There are 7 + 1 pockets. Two zippered pockets are on the hip belt, two stretch mesh pockets are on the sides, the lid has one zippered top pocket and one smaller on its underside, and one large stretch mesh pocket is on the front. There is a separate pocket for the rain cover on the bottom.

There are also plenty of straps and attachment points that include dual side straps, 4 attachment loops on the lid, and the bottom loops for trekking poles that are paired with bungee tie-offs.

The fabric is an incredibly durable hard-wearing 420D and 210D density nylon with PU coating combined with 600D polyester. Here are some numbers:

• Weight: 3 lb 4 oz (1480 g).
• Volume: 1830 in³ (30 l).
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 26.8 x 11 x 9.5 in (68 x 28 x 24 cm).
• Torso fit: 16 – 20 in (41 – 51 cm).

What I like:

• Excellent ventilation.
• Padded harness.
• Rain cover.
• Many pockets.
• Separate bottom compartment.
• Durable materials.

What I dislike:

• A bit heavy.
• No torso adjustment.

---

4. Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 30 Liter Men’s Hiking Daypack

This Zulu 30 is the smallest in the Zulu series of three packs. These packs have been around for a number of years already and the version shown here is its latest update. Note that the pack is built in two sub-sizes S/M and M/L and this is a zippered panel-loading type.

All packs from this series are with an incredibly well-ventilated back panel that includes a tensioned mesh. The suspension is supported by a spring steel frame that gives tension to the mesh, and the pack is completely separated from the user’s body. The torso length is adjustable and this is based on the Velcro hook and loop connections.

On the lumbar zone you have a cut-out foam behind the mesh so this is all incredibly breathable. The hip belt is with what they call the Free Float system that includes flex panels so the hip belt can pivot and follow the body movements. You have a QuickStow system for glasses attachment on the left shoulder strap. There are 6 pockets in total.

The fabric body is 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip HD Nylon & 210D High Tenacity Nylon and the base fabric is a combination of 630D High Density Nylon and 420D High Density Nylon. The pack is available in 3 different colors.

Here are some numbers:

• Weight:
  – S/M: 2 lb 9.9 oz (1.19 kg).
  – M/L: 2 lb 10.7 oz (1.21 kg).
• Volume:
  – S/M: 1709 in³ (28 l).
  – M/L: 1831 in³ (30 l).
• Dimensions:
  – S/M: 21 x 12.25 x 10 in (53 x 31 x 25 cm).
  – M/L: 23.5 x 12.25 x 10 in (60 x 31 x 25.4 cm.
• Fits torso:
  – S/M: 16 – 20 in (41 – 51 cm).
  – M/L: 18 – 22 in (46 – 56 cm).

What I like:

• Great ventilation.
• Adjustable torso length.
• Rain cover.

What I dislike:

• A bit expensive.

---

5. Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack

The Mountainsmith brand is best-known for the exceptional durability of their outdoor products, and this Mayhem 30 Pack is a great example of such a type. They have several packs in this Mayhem series.

In this small pack you have a metal frame and an ultra-durable and unique Spectra Fiber technology. As far as I know, this is the first pack in the U.S. with the 210D Spectra Fiber Technology. It is normally used by the US military and it includes ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene that is very strong and abrasion-resistant.

The mentioned metal frame includes a 2 mm diameter spring steel peripheral configuration. You also have a high-density foam frame sheet, plus a Hex ridged EVA back panel padding with ventilation channels. On shoulder straps, you have dual-density EVA/PU padding.

The pack has load lifters adjustment and an adjustable sternum strap. The torso length is in the range of 15 – 18 inches (38 – 46 cm). The forward pull waist belt is with side adjustment webbing for stabilization of the pack and for keeping it closer to the body.

The pack is a panel-loading type so you have a long inverted-U-shaped zipper that opens it almost to the bottom. There are 7 pockets in total and they include 2 pockets on the hip belt, 2 on the sides, one large pocket on the front, one zippered top pocket, and one zippered pocket on the underside of the top panel.

Attachment elements and straps include:

• Dual compression straps are on the sides.
• Dual set of loops and bungees on the front and bottom for poles.
• One central daisy chain on the front, plus a carry handle.
• Another carry loop is on the top.
• There are sleeves on the bottom to store an ice axe.

Here are some numbers:

• The volume of this Mayhem 30 is in fact 1770 in³ (29 l).
• Weight: 2 lb 9 oz (1.2 kg).
• Carry capacity: 40 lb (18 kg).
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 22 x 10.5 x 7 in (56 x 27 x 18 cm).
• Waist belt fit: 28 – 48 in (71 – 122 cm).

What I like:

• Incredibly durable.
• Very reliable.
• Great warranty.
• Affordable.

What I dislike:

• No rain cover.
• No torso adjustment.

---

6. Osprey Talon Pro 30 Pack for Men

This Osprey Talon Pro 30 pack for men is from a new series of 2 packs for men and 2 for women (under the name Tempest Pro). The pack is built in two sub-sizes L/XL and S/M.

It can be described as a panel-loading type with a zippered wide-mouth access. Note that this pack comes with a separate external hydration sleeve located behind the harness.

The pack is ultralight so see some numbers here before I continue with the rest of its features:

• Weight:
  – L/XL: 2.53 lb (1.15 kg).
  – S/M: 2.42 lb (1.1 kg).
• Volume:
  – L/XL: 1831 in³ (30 l).
  – S/M: 1709 in³ (28 l).
• Torso fit:
  – L/Xl: 19 – 22 in (48 – 56 cm).
  – S/M: 17 – 20 in (43 – 51 cm).
• Waist/hips fit:
  – L/XL: 30 – 46 in (76 – 117 cm).
  – S/M: 28 – 42 in (71 – 107 cm).
• Carry weight up to 25 lb (11 kg).
• Dimensions (L x W x D):
  – L/XL: 24.41 x 11.42 x 10.24 in (62 x 29 x 26 cm).
  – S/M: 22.44 x 11.42 x 10.24 in (57 x 29 x 26 cm).

The suspension is based on a LightWire peripheral frame plus the AirScape injection-molded, die-cut foam back panel. The harness design is what they call the BioStretch, it is flexible and with die-cut EVA foam and a continuous lumbar-to-hip belt wrap. Note that the torso length is adjustable.

The fabric is their ultralight Nanofly high-tenacity nylon. There are 9 pockets plus the hydration sleeve. You also have Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, LidLock helmet attachment, and much more. It comes with Osprey’s All-Mighty warranty.

What I like:

• Ultralight.
• Adjustable torso length.
• Many pockets.
• Great warranty.

What I dislike:

• No rain cover.
• Expensive.

---

7. Osprey Packs Manta 34 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack

If you are not new in this, then you know that this pack has been around for a number of years, it is from one of the best known Osprey’s Manta/Mira series. But the version presented here is the new one with adjustable torso length and you have 5 inches (13 cm) adjustability range.

So this is a radically changed version with a metal 4 mm LightWire alloy frame and with the AirSpeed back panel which is with a tensioned mesh so you have the best possible ventilation. The hip belt is with enough padding for such a size, and it is covered with a very breathable mesh. You also have excellent padding on the shoulder harness. The pack is with load lifters and with an adjustable sternum strap.

Note that this pack comes with a hydration reservoir Hydraulics LT 2.5 included. But this is not the only bonus here, you also have a rain cover.

This is a panel loading pack with a zipper. There are 7 pockets plus 3 inner pockets plus a separate pocket for the rain cover. The attachment elements and straps include dual side compression straps, a Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment system, a tool loop on the bottom paired with a bungee tie-off, plus a light attachment loop.

Here are some numbers:

• Weight: 3 lb 1.4 oz (1.4 kg).
• Capacity: 2075 in³ (34 l).
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 14 in (56 x 36 x 36 cm).
• Torso fit range: 17 – 22 in (43 – 56 cm).
• Waist fit range: 25 – 50 in (64 – 127 cm).

What I like:

• Excellent ventilation.
• Many pockets.
• Bonus rain cover.
• Torso adjustment.
• Bonus reservoir.

What I dislike:

• No bottom straps.
• It looks expensive, but see the bonuses.

---

Final thoughts

So this was my selection of the best hiking daypacks for men, it was really tough to decide what to put on such a relatively short list of products. I could easily add 30 packs more and they would still be at the same level regarding the quality and features.

The point is, no matter which you choose, you will have a great pack. But there are differences and if you are still undecided, here are a few tips that might help.

Price

No doubt the Teton Sport pack is the most affordable here, all other packs are far more expensive. If you are on a budget, this should be easy. But bear in mind the following, I have a Deuter pack that is almost two decades old and it still looks intact. So these are packs built to last and they are totally worth the money.

Torso adjustment

These are day packs, so torso adjustment may not be crucial unless there are several family members that would use the same pack. In such a situation it is great to have this option.

Weight

There are big differences when you compare packs. But they are small and the weight is not substantial in any case. Some are heavier because they are more durable and offer more features. So the weight may not be essential, but if you see this differently, you have some great ultralight options here.

Rain cover

For outdoor use, I would never go without a rain cover. But this may not be so important for your environment. In any case, you have both options here, with and without a rain cover.

Editor’s Choice

Trust me this is tough. I love all these packs. But I use to put forward one product as the editor’s choice, and in this case this is the Deuter pack. I would say that the most important reasons for choosing this pack are its classic design with lid and its bottom compartment.

But I know that for some of you this lid and collar may not be so desirable features, and you are right. Those panel-loading type packs with zippers look indeed more versatile so you can use them for commuting and for everyday use.

Please look around if you need more stuff for the trail. Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.