The 10 Best Daypacks of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Camp Buyer | July 17, 2023
Whether navigating the bustling city streets or packing for the serene hiking trails, a reliable daypack becomes an essential companion. When navigating the best daypacks of 2023, it's imperative to consider a multitude of factors. The capacity, comfort, durability, and organization of the backpack are all pivotal points in the decision-making process. The perfect daypack caters to your specific requirements, whether that be the hiker's need for hydration compatibility or the city dweller's quest for tech-friendly compartments.
Heading into 2023, the focus remains on time-tested designs that have consistently performed and catered to the needs of both urban and outdoor adventurers. This demonstrates the industry's preference for refining and perfecting the classics, rather than constant reinvention. Join us as we explore the best daypacks of 2023, each with a unique blend of functionality and style that makes them a trustworthy choice. With a fine-tuned collection that harmonizes tried-and-true design principles with modern expectations, we're certain you'll find the perfect daypack for your next adventure.
evo Sea to Sky 26L
From the skin track, to the work slog: the evo Sea to Sky 26L Backpack is a multi-functional day bag that makes it from the office to the outdoors with ease. Featuring a laptop sleeve that doubles as a shovel pocket and dual internal water bottle pockets that also store your probe, it's never been easier to close the computer and hit the skin track.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 26 L | Laptop Sleeve Doubles as Shovel Blade Pocket | $99.95 |
DB Equipment The Strøm 30L
The DB Equipment The Strøm 30L Backpack straddles the line between a boot bag and a super versatile duffel/backpack. Designed with EVA front and back panels and DB's patented Rib Cage technology, the Hugger 30L ensures everything makes it from A to B in one piece, plus it's 100% compatible with DB's Hook-Up systems so you can easily marry it to your bigger luggage.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 30 L | Rib Cage Construction, Hook-Up System | $199.00 - $229.00 |
Patagonia Black Hole® 25L
A tough and very water resistant day pack that's perfect for work or commuting, the Patagonia Black Hole® 25L Backpack is laptop-friendly and built to take years of abuse. Rugged 300 denier Polyester ripstop with a TPU coating takes abrasion and atmospheric water in stride, and the trademark Black Hole® shiny look turns heads everywhere.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 25 L | Air-Mesh Back Panel for Comfort and Increased Ventilation | $149.00 |
Topo Designs Rover Mini
The Topo Designs Rover Mini Backpack is the cleaniest lookin' mini pack out there. Don't let the size fool you! This well designed pack can fit a laptop, water bottle and other miscellaneous gear, no problem. Whether you are looking at a long list of errands, or have another trail to check off, grab the Topo Designs Rover Mini Backpack and get after it!
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 10.7 L | Flap Top with Dual Side-Release Buckle Closures | $69.00 |
Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag
An everyday pack for all your various adventures and activities, the Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag boasts a magnetic roll top closure that allows for secure access on the go. Add in a padded laptop pocket, dual waterproof storage pockets, a hidden passport pocket, and air-mesh shoulder straps, the Passenger 27L 2.0 Backpack is a daypack you can always rely on.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 27 L | External Entry Padded Laptop Storage – Accommodates up to 16" device. | $99.00 |
Arc'teryx Mantis 26L
The Arc'teryx Mantis 26L Backpack is ready for the trails and the daily grind. The streamlined silhouette and optimized organization will get you from point A to B, wherever and however you get around.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 26 L | Adjustable Sternum Strap and Removable Waist Belt | $160.00 |
The North Face Basin 18 Pack
Look up The North Face Basin 18 Pack and you'll find it under dictionary.com's definition of "prepared." The integrated rain cover deploys in a flash and the low profile trekking pole attachments will hold your poles as you scramble to the summit. The nylon ripstop body and recycled polyester boot shave grams and provide durability where it counts for a lifetime of adventure.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 18 L | NextVent™ Back Panel and Shoulder Straps are Padded and Breathable | $88.95 |
Mountain Hardwear UL™ 20
The Mountain Hardwear UL™ 20 Backpack is the superlight pack you need for lightning fast day trips or peak-bagging expeditions from base camp. It has standard backpack features like the side bottle pockets, front stash pocket, and sternum strap but packs up so small you'll forget it's there until you're ready to nab that extra backcountry summit.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 20 L | Lightweight Design Packs Small and Stows in Pocket | $89.95 |
Cotopaxi Torre 24L Bucket Pack
A quality daypack that you can rely on is a total game changer. Just like a favorite water bottle that has become part of you regardless of dents and scratches, the Cotopaxi Torre 24L Bucket Pack only gets better as it ages. This versatile pack has internal organization features like the padded 15" laptop sleeve and a few accessory pockets to keep your items organized and easily accessible. Long days on foot can be grueling, but the padded back panel and shoulder straps have breathable air mesh to keep you comfy and cool no matter the miles you're covering each day. Well-loved gear is the best kind, so show the Cotopaxi Torre 24L Bucket Pack all your favorite spaces and places, and it will surely love you back.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 24 L | Padded Airmesh Back Panel Offers Breathability | $135.00 |
DB Equipment Ramverk 21L
The DB Equipment Ramverk 21L Backpack is a best-seller year after year for good reason. This stylish and versatile pack is stacked with functional compartments, including a quick-access top pocket, 16" laptop compartment, and multiple interior mesh organizational pockets. Whether you're looking for a daily driver to haul work or school stuff, or an efficient carry-on for traveling, the Ramverk 21L Backpack delivers in spades.
| Volume | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| 21 L | Roomy Top Pocket – Provides quick access to your essentials. | $219.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Camping Guides:
- Camping - What to Bring Camping & Checklist
- Sleeping Bags - How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bags - How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
- Tents - How to Choose a Tent for Camping
- Stoves - How to Choose a Camping Stove
- Sleeping Pads - How to Choose a Sleeping Pad
- What to Pack for a Day Hike
Learn About Some of Our Favorite Gear:
- The Best Sleeping Bags
- The Best Sleeping Pads
- The Best Camping Tents
- The Best Backpacking Tents
- The Best Camping Stoves
- The Best Camping Hammocks
- The Best Camping Coffee Makers
- The Best Camping Chairs
- The Best Camping Water Filters & Water Purifiers
- The Best Camping Coolers
- The Best Camping Accessories
- The Best Camping Cookware
- The Best Headlamps & Camping Lights
- The Best Headlamps Camping Blankets
- The Best Daypacks
- The Best Duffel Bags
The Selection Process:
Our camp buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things camping stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the trail and hanging at the campsite. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
Hey there! My name is Jack Mace, and I am the camp buyer for evo. I grew up in Washington and spent most of my childhood summers on the water or in the mountains, which drove my passion for fun activities such as camping. I attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, which provides plenty of excellent camping locations, such as Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake. Then, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for several years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012. At evo, I started on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team, which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the outdoors into a career as the Camp Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife, Katie, and two sons, Wes and Carter.