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Whether you’re living in a small space or just can’t justify a whole collection of backpacks, there’s something nice about a daypack that can do it all. Why spend hundreds (if not thousands) on several bags that all do slightly different things when you can pare down your backpack collection and invest in a multi-purpose pack that prides itself on versatility?
A daypack that transitions well from the office to the trailhead balances style, storage, and comfort. You want something that has enough storage for all your office gear but isn’t too bulky on trail. Depending on where you work, you may want to keep style in mind. The self-employed may love Cotopaxi’s bright colors, while traditional office workers may want to steer toward some of North Face’s more conservative options.
Best Daypacks from the Office to the Trailhead
Best Overall
Patagonia Refugio 30L →
Patagonia has a long history of making high-quality gear, and the Refugio is no exception. The pack is equally at home on the trail and at work, with a variety of colorways to suit all sorts of offices. The Refugio is, first and foremost, a lifestyle-oriented daypack, though it’s very comfortable to carry on day hikes up to moderate intensity.
When I used this pack on the trail, I quickly forgot it was an office-oriented daypack. The 15-inch padded laptop sleeve can hold a hydration reservoir, and the organizational system fits protein bars and extra socks as well as it does office supplies. The Refugio also comes in a 26L version if you fly airlines with stricter carry-on requirements.
☺︎ Pros
This bag is the perfect size if you only want to buy one pack that can do it all
You can count on Patagonia’s quality and return policy
Office-first organization means you can have every essential at your fingertips, whether hiking or working
☹︎ Cons
If you plan on doing a high-intensity day hike, this may not be enough for you
As day packs go, it’s certainly not the cheapest
Best on a Budget
REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack →
If you don’t mind the smaller capacity, the REI Co-op Flash 22 is the perfect everyday companion. I’ve been using the previous version of this pack almost daily for the last year and have had absolutely no complaints. The updated version has beefed up the hip belt and added a two-strap closure at the top instead of the previous single-strap version.
If all you need is a simple and durable pack, there’s no better bag out there for the money. You get a pair of water bottle pockets, a large main compartment, and storage at the top.
☺︎ Pros
If you just need a bag that does the job day in and day out, there’s no better buy
The main pocket doesn’t have many organizational compartments, which frees you up to use every square inch as you see fit
The chest and hip belt straps are durable enough to keep you supported on intense hikes
☹︎ Cons
If you need a lot of organization, this isn’t the bag for you
The hydration reservoir doubles as a laptop sleeve. However, it isn’t padded.
The reservoir/laptop sleeve is slim and doesn’t have much room. My 13” Macbook Air fits, but only without the case.
Best High-end
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack →
Cotopaxi is known for its high quality, which is matched by its price. If money is no concern or you want to invest in a bag for the long term, you should consider the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack. This is a travel-oriented pack, so it’s a good middle ground between office and hiking-focused alternatives.
The combination of weight-distributing harnesses and an air-mesh back panel means you can log the miles in comfort. Whenever you need anything, it’s right at your fingertips, thanks to the suitcase-style zip.
☺︎ Pros
The laptop sleeve has fantastic padding, keeping your devices safe
The bag is constructed out of TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester and ballistic nylon paneling
The bag sports the bright styling Cotopaxi is known for but also offers some subdued, professional options
A raincover is included
☹︎ Cons
There are lighter packs out there that are more oriented toward strenuous day hikes
The high Cotopaxi price tag
Honorable Mention
REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack →
Alongside the REI Flash 22, I also own this 28L REI Co-op Ruckpack. Its capacity feels larger than 28 liters, with enough space for going directly from the office to the gym or heading out on longer day hikes. With side and top zips, it’s easy to get to whatever you need without having to root through your entire bag. Despite being hiking-first, this pack has great organization for workday needs.
☺︎ Pros
The ripstop nylon construction is made for even the toughest trails
The compression straps help you dial in a perfect fit
Laptop compartment fits up to 15” laptops
Comes with a stowable raincover
☹︎ Cons
It’s a bulkier bag. While it’s still maneuverable, there are more malleable options in the market
The styling isn’t the most exciting. The colors are a bit dull and subdued.
Honorable Mention
The North Face Recon Pack →
The North Face keeps things simple with its Recon Pack. .This no-fuss, middle-of-the-road pack offers tons of useful features. You’ve got three outer zippers, a pair of water bottle pockets, and solid internal organization for electronics and cords.
While the suspension system used isn’t as robust as that of the Cotopaxi Allpa, it’s comparably comfortable. The styling is more conservative, which will appeal to function over fashion fans.
☺︎ Pros
It’s a utilitarian, jack-of-all-trades daypack
Conservative styling means you can bring it anywhere without sticking out
Arguably the best organizational structure of any bag on this list, both in terms of internal and external storage
☹︎ Cons
It’s on the smaller side of 30L packs (though this may be a pro for some people)
Less hiking-oriented than either of the other REI packs on this list
While all these bags are great on the trail as well as in the office, the ideal use case is different from bag to bag. Which pack you choose is going to mostly depend on your primary use case.
Having personally used all these packs over the years, I can assure you of their top-notch quality. They are all solid buys that will hold up through intense daily use. They represent the best of the market today – you can’t go wrong with any of these choices!
