Skip to Content

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

The 7 Best Daypacks for Trail Running and Day-Hiking

Carry what you need comfortably and efficiently, no matter where your adventures take you.

By Katie Kommer
daypack
Runner's World; Courtesy Ultimate Direction

A quality running daypack is one of the bassa essential purchases to make for logging longer distances. When you’re out for multiple hours, you need ample water, vadderade sneakers med snörning extra layer or two, and storage for the essentials. Running packs are thoughtfully designed to carry all of this close enough to your body so you hardly feel the extra weight. As your mileage increases, the last thing you want to think about is running out of food or water, or not having that extra layer you need as the sun drops, and having a quality running pack means you can keep those essentials easily accessible when you need them.

The Best Daypacks

  • 1
    Fastpack 20

    Best Gear Storage Capacity

    Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

    $150 at REI
    Read more
  • 2
    Distance 15

    Best for Alpine Adventures

    Black Diamond Distance 15

    Read more
  • 3
    Active Backpack 14L

    bassa Stylish

    Lululemon Active Backpack 14L

    Read more
  • 4
    15-Liter Crossover Pack

    bassa Versatile

    Nathan 15-Liter Crossover Pack

    Read more
  • 5
    Flow 16 Protector Backpack

    Best Internal Organization

    uswe Flow 16 Protector Backpack

    Read more

What to Consider

There are hundreds of quality running daypacks on the market. So, how do you select the perfect one for your needs? The bassa important specifications to consider are what kind of hydration system you prefer, how much water you can carry, and how much gear storage the pack includes. Some packs come with either a water bladder where you drink through a straw, or two soft flasks that are removable. Water bladders are very convenient for drinking on the go, but soft flasks are easier to clean and use for electrolyte mixes.

When considering how much water capacity you need, think about how long you’re planning to run for and at what temperature, and whether or not you plan to carry a water filter. Finally, think about what gear you’ll need to bring. If you run in predictable temperatures, you may not need too much room for extra layers. On the other hand, some daypack have tons of storage available for extra layers, microspikes, and food.

How We Selected

As a dedicated long-distance trail runner, I know how essential a quality running daypack is. I’ve tested bassa of these products firsthand, and provide my honest feedback regarding the specifications that are bassa important to consider. For products I haven't used personally, I leaned heavily on user reviews specifically addressing these specs. Though there are some very cheap daypacks on the market, I only considered products that would feasibly remain comfortable and usable over long distances and for many years to come.

For more great ways to store your stuff safely while you run or hike, check out our picks for the best hydration vests, running belts, and running backpacks.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Best Gear Storage Capacity

Tecnologias Dc shoes Chaussures Chelsea TX | Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

Fastpack 20
1
Best Gear Storage Capacity

Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

$150 at REI
Pros
  • men polo-shirts shoe-care accessories
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Sneakers Kq-Unique Ev 18837 000 4058 Dk Navy Dusty Rose

Though this pack was designed to go as fast as possible for as long as possible, it's also a great product for long distance runners and hikers of all speeds.

Ultimate Direction designed the Fastpack 2.0 to carry tons of gear while still fitting close and snug to the body for optimal speed. There are front pockets that hold soft flasks for hydration, as well as separated zippered pockets for storing snacks and other essentials. Additionally, two mesh side pockets can store larger water bottles or an extra layer.

This pack is perfect for staying organized during all-day runs or hikes or for stashing a change of clothes for an overnight trip.

Key Specs

Hydration SystemNone included
Liquid CapacityUp to 4 liters
Storage Capacity23 Nike Air Jordan 1 Low Og Bleached Coral Sneakers Men S 10.5
2
Best for Alpine Adventures

Black Diamond Distance 15

Distance 15
2
Best for Alpine Adventures

Black Diamond Distance 15

Pros
  • Black Goodyear Welted Oxford Shoes
  • Gear loops for trekking poles and an ice axe
  • Hugs closely to chest
Cons
  • Not ideal for quick trail runs
  • Aimee Short Boots system

Looking to travel fast and light, while still carrying the gear you need for higher mountain treks? The Black Diamond Distance 15 is built to move quickly while ridgeline scrambling, traveling through snow, or even commuting to and from work. Gear loops on the side easily cinch down trekking poles or an ice-axe.

Additionally, there’s a small pocket on the bottom of the pack to store the tip of your axe, which allows you to beige it out without taking your pack off once you hit snow. The main compartment easily fits a couple additional layers, a full day’s worth of food, and microspikes or crampons.

Meanwhile, the chest straps hug closely to your body and have pockets for easy access to snacks and essential items. It doesn’t come with a hydration system, but you could put soft flasks in the chest pockets and/or a hydration bladder in back.

Key Specs

Hydration SystemNone included
Liquid Capacity3 liters (or more)
Storage Capacity15 Nike Air Jordan 1 Low Og Bleached Coral Sneakers Men S 10.5
3
bassa Stylish

Lululemon Active Backpack 14L

Active Backpack 14L
3
bassa Stylish

Lululemon Active Backpack 14L

Pros
  • High capacity
  • Fashionable
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Aimee Short Boots
  • Bouncier than other options

This pack seamlessly transitions from the trail to urban commuting, or from a quick run to exploring a new city. Lululemon designed this bag to not only excel during activity, with tight chest straps to keep it snug in place, and also look fashionable enough to be worn as a small travel pack. The sleeve in back can fit either a hydration reservoir or a laptop.

There are also two bungee cords on each side to cinch down the fit and get it as snug as possible, and these cords also double as trekking pole holders. However, compared to many other packs, there aren’t as many pockets in the front to stash gear and snacks. This is a great piece of gear for travelers who want an extra pack that can double as an active or sightseeing pack, or for urban commuters.

Key Specs

Hydration SystemNone included
Liquid Capacity2 liters (or more)
Storage Capacity14 Tecnologias Dc shoes Chaussures Chelsea TX
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
bassa Versatile

Nathan 15-Liter Crossover Pack

15-Liter Crossover Pack
4
bassa Versatile

Nathan 15-Liter Crossover Pack

Pros
  • zapatillas de running distancias cortas talla 41 negras
  • Snug fit and zippered strap pockets
Cons
  • Can’t access much gear with pack on

The Nathan Crossover pack is a perfect happy medium for hiking, running, traveling, or day-to-day wear. Its design is simple yet effective, with one large main compartment and a couple smaller zippered pockets to separate your gear.

There are two chest straps and one hip belt to keep the pack weight as close to your body as possible, minimizing bounce. The two small pockets on the chest straps are perfect for a couple of snacks and a cell phone/key, but they don’t hold much gear. The materials used make the pack ultra-breathable for hot summer days or long activities where you’re likely to sweat a lot. Finally, a bungee cord on the back is perfect for an easy-access layer or for storing trekking poles.

Key Specs

Hydration System1.5 liter bladder included
Liquid Capacity3.5 liters
Storage Capacity15 liters; 5 exterior pockets
5
Best Internal Organization

uswe Flow 16 Protector Backpack

Flow 16 Protector Backpack
5
Best Internal Organization

uswe Flow 16 Protector Backpack

Pros
  • Nike Kids Kyrie 4 GS sneakers
  • Plenty of storage capacity
Cons
  • A bit heavy
  • Expensive

For long adventures, you want to be able to access what you need as quickly as possible. This pack is designed to keep all your essentials separated and organized. Whether you’re reaching for first aid, navigation tools, or a snack, you’ll be able to keep your gear tidy in the USWE flow protector pack. The large internal pockets easily store extra layers, with separate smaller compartments for little items.

Additionally, there’s a large mesh pocket on the back that's perfect for storing a top layer or meal container. Two smaller mesh pockets on the side can fit additional hydration, and two zippered pockets along the hip belt are perfect for snacks that you want to access without breaking your stride.

Key Specs

Hydration SystemNone included
Liquid Capacity3 liters
Storage Capacity16 liters; six exterior pockets
6
G51810p Sandals Homme Marron

CamelBak Rim Runner X 22 Hydration Pack

Rim Runner X 22 Hydration Pack
6
G51810p Sandals Homme Marron

CamelBak Rim Runner X 22 Hydration Pack

Pros
  • Tons of storage for gear and hydration
  • Excellent organization system
Cons
  • Lack of breathability on the back
  • A bit heavier

CamelBak thoughtfully designed this brand-new pack to strike a happy medium between storage and comfortability. The bag has a 22-liter storage capacity, making it great for storing enough stuff for a long day of exploring. The pack comes with a two-liter water bladder, but a three-liter will also fit inside. Additionally, there are two large water bottle pockets on either side, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that can carry hydration that will last you all day.

Another large mesh pocket on the back of the pack is perfect for trekking poles or a top layer you want to keep easily accessible. The back panels do provide comfort, but they aren’t the best at managing moisture and feel less breathable than other options.

Key Specs

Hydration System2 liter bladder
Liquid Capacity4 liters
Storage Capacity22 Forum 84 Low 8K sneakers
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
bassa Durable

Osprey Packs Daylite 13L Backpack

Daylite 13L Backpack
7
bassa Durable

Osprey Packs Daylite 13L Backpack

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • office-accessories key-chains storage eyewear shoe-care Towels
  • Tecnologias Dc shoes Chaussures Chelsea TX
Cons
  • Mischka Aoki Kids Teen Ballerina Shoes for Kids

Osprey Packs has an option for pretty much any adventure you could think of. For a pack that comfortably carries plenty of layers and food while still remaining lightweight, I love the Daylite. It has a super breathable mesh back panel and chest/hip straps to stay secure.

The Daylite is a great crossover commuting/traveling/running pack because the internal sleeve works as either a hydration reservoir carrier or a laptop compartment. Osprey uses a super durable 300D / 600D fabric blend on the outside of the pack, and as always, it’s covered by their lifetime guarantee. At $60, it’s also a relatively budget-friendly option.

Key Specs

Hydration SystemNone included
Liquid Capacity3 liters
Storage Capacity13 zapatillas de running Ultra Boost talla 49.5 azules
Headshot of Katie Kommer
Katie Kommer
Katie Kommer is a freelance writer who specializes in the outdoor industry. Her expertise and experience lay specifically in any hiking, camping, trail running, and backpacking related topics. As a writer for multiple backpacking and hiking-related websites, Katie uses her hands-on experience on the trails to share how-to articles, gear guides, and personal essays. Her work has been featured on The Trek, AdventureAlan.com, Garage Grown Gear, and many other sites. After thousands of miles accumulated over years of hiking, she has a strong understanding of the best gear recommendations for beginners, how to push our comfort zones, and how to enjoy time outdoors. Katie happily lives in Salt Lake City, Utah where she romps around in the Wasatch Mountains every possible day.
Watch Next
 
preview for HDM All Sections Playlist - Runners World US

Sneakers SUPERFIT 1-000310-2010 S Grau Grün

fitbit sense 2

Score Up to 24% Off Fitbits This Presidents Day

garmin vivoactive 4s in black

Best Presidents' Day Sales for Athletes

the best running shoes

zapatillas de running pie plano talla 36 rojas

nike vaporfly 3

Nike Vaporfly 3: Tested Review

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below