A good day pack is a great companion. At Bogong we have urban day packs for everyday use, technical day packs for bushwalking and hiking, larger day packs ideal for trekking the Kokoda trail or the Camino de Santiago, speciality day packs for skiing, mountaineering and alpine use, waterproof day packs, climbing day packs, ultralight day packs for adventure racing… you get the picture.Read More
Day packs are designed to help you carry gear on a short trip that will require more than you can store in your pockets. They are lightweight and offer a number of different options so that you can pick the right pack for your needs. Here are some important things to consider as you shop for a day pack.
Top loading day packs are excellent if you do not need easy access to your gear as you travel. They are also excellent because they can be overstuffed as needed. Some top loaders even have features that will allow you to extend the pack's capacity. With the addition of compression straps, the load of the top loader is also stabilised which makes them a good option for skiers and climbers.
Panel loading daypacks feature a main storage compartment that is accessible via U-shaped zipper on the pack. This means that all areas of the pack, except for any front storage pockets can be accessed via the main storage compartment. This large opening makes it easier for you to open the pack to search for items when you need them, as supposed to the top loading pack, which must be carefully packed to ensure that important items that you need aren't at the bottom of the pack. If you prefer to have easy access to all of the items that are stored in your pack, then a panel-loading daypack is the best option for you.
When it comes to selecting the size of pack that you will need, you should generally match the pack size with your planned activity. If you plan to go hiking for the day, a 30 litre pack should be able to provide the storage that you need. Opt for one that is compatible with a hydration-system.
For climbing, you'll need a slightly larger day pack that can hold around 40 litres in order to accommodate all of your climbing gear. For specific terrains, you may want features such as a daisy chain, crampon patches or an ice axe loop.
For trail running, a smaller pack at 25 litres is a good choice to ensure that it is lightweight. Daypacks that feature lumbar packs to fit over your waist are also a good option. You should also a pack that is compatible with a hydration-system to help you stay cool as you run.
We have over 80 different daypacks from Deuter, Exped, Grivel, Lowe Alpine, Mont, Ortlieb, Sea to Summit and Wilderness Equipment. Not sure which trekking pack you need? We’re here to help. Give us a call on 03 9600 0599 if you need assistance with selecting the right day pack for your next adventure.