A good hiking backpack daypack might be the single most versatile piece of gear you'll ever buy. It's not just for the trail — the right daypack goes with you travelling overseas, running errands around the city, commuting to work, or heading out for a quick recreational walk on the weekend. If you've been putting off investing in a proper daypack because you're "just" using it for short trips, it's worth rethinking that. Here's why daypacks deserve a serious look, and a detailed breakdown of five standout options in our range.

Why a daypack belongs in every kit, not just your hiking gear

It's easy to assume a daypack is only useful for day hikes, but that undersells what a well-designed hiking backpack daypack can actually do. Because daypacks are built to be comfortable under real load and genuinely weather-resistant, they end up outperforming generic backpacks or shoulder bags in almost every everyday scenario.

Travel: A daypack is the perfect companion for exploring a new city, whether you're using it as a carry-on for flights or as your go-to bag for a day of sightseeing. It's compact enough to move through crowds and airports easily, but still has the capacity for a water bottle, camera, layers, and souvenirs.

Recreation: Beyond hiking, a daypack is genuinely useful for cycling, fishing trips, picnics, or a day at the beach. The organisation and comfort built into a proper hiking backpack daypack beats a generic tote or gym bag every time you're carrying anything with real weight.

City and everyday use: Plenty of our daypacks double as commuter bags, with laptop sleeves, organised pockets, and weather-resistant fabrics that hold up to daily use in a way cheaper city backpacks simply don't. If you're going to buy one bag that does it all, a quality daypack is the smartest place to spend your money.

We've covered the sizing side of this decision in more detail in our guide, day pack and hiking backpack bags in Australia.

Comparing our top hiking backpack daypacks

We've pulled together five standout daypacks from our range, each suited to a slightly different use case. Here's how they stack up side by side.

A closer look at each pack

The Osprey Talon 22 is built for hikers who move fast and need their gear to keep up. Its breathable AirScape backpanel and continuous-wrap harness and hipbelt flex naturally with your body, and attachment points for trekking poles, an ice axe, and even a bike helmet make it a genuinely multi-sport hiking backpack daypack.

Stepping up in capacity, the Osprey Stratos 36 is ideal for longer days on the trail or trips where you need a bit more room. Its suspended mesh back panel delivers excellent airflow, and the organised top-loading design keeps gear accessible without adding bulk. An included raincover means you're never caught out if conditions change.

The Fjällräven Skule 28L takes a slightly different approach, built as much for daily commuting and city use as it is for day hikes. Its durable, water-resistant Oxford fabric is made from recycled polyester, and a padded 15" laptop sleeve makes it just as suited to the office as it is to the trail.

The Exped Skyline 20L offers a slimmer, close-to-body fit with genuine hiking credentials, including a stowable hip belt and a full-length side zip for easy access to your gear. It's a great option if you want something equally capable for hiking, travel, and everyday sport.

Finally, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is the ultimate backup option. At just 72 grams and able to pack down to the size of a tennis ball, it's perfect for stashing in your main pack for impromptu side trips, or as a lightweight day bag while travelling.

Choosing between a daypack and a bigger pack

If you're not sure whether a daypack is the right choice for your trip, it's worth thinking about how self-sufficient you need to be. A daypack covers everything from water and snacks to layers and a first aid kit for outings that don't require overnight gear, while longer or more remote trips call for a larger hiking backpack with genuine load-carrying capacity. We've broken this decision down in detail in our guide, the ultimate guide to ultralight pack.

It's also worth understanding what sets a properly engineered pack apart from a generic one, particularly if you're new to hiking. We've unpacked the design principles behind our range in our guide, Osprey backpacks built for every trail.

Our Founder and CEO, Dave Parker, on a recent trip to Canterbury, New Zealand.

Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors

We're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer with a genuine passion for helping people get out on the trail, and through their everyday lives, properly equipped. Our team tests and uses the daypacks we sell, so when we recommend a hiking backpack daypack, it's because we trust it ourselves on real trails, not just because it's on the shelf. We're proud to stock trusted brands like Osprey, Fjällräven, Exped, and Sea to Summit, and back every purchase with honest advice from people who actually spend time outdoors.

Thousands of hikers and campers across Australia have trusted us to kit them out for everything from weekend day walks to serious multi-day treks, and our customers keep coming back because we get the details right. If you're ready to find the right hiking backpack daypack for your next trip, browse our full range online today, or reach out to our team for personalised recommendations. We're here to help you get out there, properly equipped.

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