Daypack: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What is a daypack?

• A daypack is a small to medium-sized backpack (usually between 10-30 liters) that can hold everything you need when you board a plane, go for a day hike, walk around the city or are on the go while traveling or backpacking.
• You carry your essentials in a daypack: work supplies, water, snacks, passport, sunscreen, camera, tissues and a banana (which you always forget to take out).
• A daypack is also called a day rucksack or small backpack.

What types of daypacks are there?

• There are many different types of daypacks, from simple versions with one large compartment, to special types with stabilization straps for around the hips, with a ventilated carrying system.
• Compact 10-15L backpack especially for light duty or minimalist travellers
• Mid-size 20-30L backpacks are ideal for hikes, laptops and lunch
• Large 30-45L daypack for longer hikes or very long days
• Foldable daypack is lightweight, fits in the palm of your hand, ideal as an extra bag for groceries and when travelling light.
• Waterproof or drybag daypack used for water trips or rainy seasons.
• Anti-theft backpack has hidden zippers, locks and RFID protection.

What do you use a daypack for when travelling and backpacking?

• A daypack: for day trips and hikes (with water, sunscreen, food, first aid kit).
• Use a daypack for city exploration (camera, water, jacket, souvenirs, book).
• A daypack for transport between hostels, where you don't put valuables in the big backpack.
• A daypack for remote workdays (laptop, chargers, notebook, snacks).
• Daypack to use as a beach bag, shopping bag, bus bag, jungle bag and so on!

When do you take a daypack with you on a trip or while backpacking?

• For almost all trips are daypacks useful, a daypack or hand luggage is not only handy, but almost a necessity.
• Daypacks are especially handy for round trips with many day trips, (city) walks and hikes, longer stays in a place where you make excursions during the day, or when working on the road.
• If your daypack is also your hand luggage, take into account the maximum permitted dimensions for the plane or bus.

Where can you buy a daypack locally in the world?

• Check for daypacks outdoor shops, backpacker shops or sports shops.
• Some hostels or travel shops sell second-hand or "lost and never reclaimed" copies of daypacks.
• Markets in Asia or South America offer creative versions of daypacks (quality: surprise package).