Shopping Tips - Day Packs

The latest in our series of Shopping Tips is a low down in how to buy a day pack. You can find detailed information on technical features and more in our Buyers Guides series, but these tips should give you an easy hit list of what to look for when you're actually there, in the store, trying and buying a pack.

Very few daypacks have adjustable back systems, so you need to check that the pack length works with your body. Ask the staff to load the pack up with roughly what you're going to carry in weight terms, put the pack on, adjust the sholder straps so they're comfy and then see where the waist belt is. Too high? Too low? Try another pack.

Is It Stable?

Next you need to check that the pack will be nice and stable on your back. That's particularly important if you're going to be running. Cinch down any compression system, adjust chest and upper shoulder tensioners so they're snug then run on the spot and / or jump around. The pack should stay planted, if it doesn't, it'll be uncomfortable and the rubbing from strap movement may also abrade your clothes.

Can You Move Easily?

If you're going to be climbing or scrambling using your new pack, make sure it doesn't obstruct your movement, arm or legs. For climbing packs, make sure the pack isn't wider than you or you'll be dragging it through chimnies.

Pocket Reach

Lots of modern packs, particularly lightweight ones, come with mesh stuff pockets at the side. Ideally you want to be able to reach them without removing the pack? See if you can stow a bottle or a pair of gloves in them easily. Do you have enough pockets for your general needs?

Pole / Ice Axe Attachments

If you're going to be using trekking poles or ice tools with the pack, have a close look at any holder arrangements. We reckon the best are those with shockcorded loops and hooks which work easily in icy conditions and are quick to adjust to size.

General Comfort

Is the loaded pack comfortable? Make sure there aren't any points where frame sheets or struts dig into your body. Are the pads padded but not too soft? Do your arms catch on anything when you're walking normally?

With packs featuring a trampolene-style back system, make sure the pack doesn't lever itself away from your back. The same's worth considering if there are no top tensioner straps to pull the pack in at the top, in fact, unless it's a very small pack, we'd suggest avoiding a design without these tensioners.

Abrasion Considerations

As clothing gets lighter, it becomes more susceptible to abrasion damage. The abrasiveness of the fabrics used in pack back systems and particularly on shoulder straps varies greatly. Try running the inside of your wrist down the strap and seeing how rough it feels. If you're a lightweight clothing user, you might want to opt for a smooth-finished fabric rather than one with a sandpaper-like texture.

Tibs and Tabs

Try zip-pulls, belt fasteners, pack entry and exit points and make sure they're easy to use and as little faff as possible. The same's true of hydration sleeves, if you use a hydration system. Is the sleeve big enough for your bladder? Does the entry point match your needs? Are there guides for the drinking tube fitted on both sides of the pack, or at least on the side you favour?

As with boots, an uncomfortable pack can ruin your day on the hills, so don't just assume that it'll fit and be comfortable, even if it scores highly in the reviews. Take the time to try it properly and make sure it suits your body. We know of at least one daypack from a major and well-reviewed brand that can dig uncomfortably into your lower back, so don't take fit for granted.