Daypack Recommendation
 

I'm looking for daypack recommendations. Four of us are traveling together and I'd like a bag the men would carry too. The recommended ones I see are all lightweight but shapeless and I feel like that would make it uncomfortable and hard to find things. Since some reviews refer to them 'flopping over'. I like ones with the two exterior pockets for water bottles. Any recommendations? Ive looked at the highly rated ones on Amazon, the Rick Steves ones too. Thank you!

I buy mine from REI, but it may be bigger than you have in mind, as it doubles as my carry on for electronics, pharma and a change of clothes.

Daypack can mean lots of different things.

I have one that I bought from LL Bean about 7 years ago and I have used it for hundreds of miles of day hikes. It has served me very well. Sadly it appears to have been discontinued. It was similar to this one: http://global.llbean.com/shop/Approa...9.html#start=1

Then there's my Deuter replaced my LL Bean. I really like it. Here it is: http://amzn.to/1OBtXNW

I also have a Nat Geo camera rucksack that I wear when photography will be a big part of the outing. This is it: http://amzn.to/1VaYVDj

I also have a Lowepro sling but since I got the Nat Geo bag, this one doesn't see much use. It really doesn't have a lot of room for extras but it is small and light. This is it: http://amzn.to/1TpA1xg

Then there is my Bag of Holding messenger bag from Think Geek. This is a great bag and I cannot say enough good things about it. http://amzn.to/1Th6xoj

I bought mine at Eddie Bauer with the nylon side pockets for water, and it also is configured to hold a water bladder (several of them are; mine is the Shasta). Took it to South Dakota and Wyoming recently for vacation and it worked very out well. I'm a female and don't like a huge backpack since I have shoulder arthritis. My pack is the perfect size and comfy on the back. EB has a good selection of sizes and colors and even the womens' packs work for men and vice versa. They are made extremely well. Also, they have a lifetime return from manufacturer defects.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/browse/bac...Node=Backpacks

PS: Bauer has sales regularly and if you sign up for their emails, you'll get better discounts.

I have a Deuter Futura 22 I just bought to use on a 4 day cycle trip. It has a lightweight frame which holds a mesh panel so it is held away from my back to reduce sweating. I’m a senior women not accustomed to using a back pack, let alone taking multi-day cycle trip, so I was surprised how very comfortable it was. Hardly noticed it when I was riding. I bought it instead of panniers so I could use it as a carryon and hiking daypack and I think it will be just fine for those needs as well.

My suggestion is that you do some online research and try to get an idea of the features that matter most to you. You might even try assembling the things you will want to take on most trips and get an idea of how much room you need. Then go to an outdoor store which has a good reputation and knowledgeable sales staff and try some on. I did this and knew right away which pack was best for me.

You can see from the above posts that there are many excellent brands which sell a high quality product so it is a matter of finding the right fit, not only for your body but for your needs.

I have a Tom Bihn Synapse 19. It is extremely well designed with five zippered pockets and one central pocket. The pocket for the water bottle is in the centre of the pack, which is better than being at the side, in my opinion. Better balance. In each of the pockets are plastic O rings to attach your belongings. This is a great feature. I have several pouches (also with O rings) containing sunglasses, iPad mini and earphones that can be attached to the internal bag hardware. The original Halcyon is what I have - it's a lighter fabric. Tom Bihn also makes a 25-litre pack - Synapse 25. The Synapse 19 is perfect for a day pack (and personal carry-on item for plane travel). Here's a link to the product: https://www.tombihn.com/products/syn...nt=16396833735

The Northface Company has excellent travel gear and their products last for a long time. I purchase many travel gear items from them and have been very pleased.

I have a Nike day pack, works well and doesn't take up much space in luggage. It is , as you mentioned loghtweight and shapeless, but it works very well.