A good daypack is an ideal basis for a successful day out. Be that a commute to work or a trip into the city, having a usefully designed backpack can ensure you’ve got all of your must-have gear right to hand.
Over winter, it’s more important than ever to keep your valuables safe and secure with poor weather and longer nights making it easier for your gear to somehow wander away. A daypack which is made for the job is essential – and we’ve picked out some of the very best for a variety of budgets.
Côte&ciel Saru Backpack – £241
We really like Côte&ciel’s modern designs and the Saru is one of the Parisian firm’s core daypacks. It’s got all of the essentials you could want, including a full laptop pocket that closes with two top-mounted buckles to keep it away from prying eyes when stored.
Crafted from 100% recycled polyester, the Saru has a capacity of 16.5 litres, while three external pockets ensure you’ve always got space to keep things stashed away right where you need them. It’s also water-repellent – ideal for adventures in the UK.
Db Hugger – £169
The Hugger sounds like a friendly backpack, don’t you think? Coming straight from GS favourites Db, it’s a backpack with a 20-litre capacity which makes it ideal not only for day trips, but also the odd night away. There’s a spacious top pocket for those most-reached-for items, while Db’s Rib Cage system adds some extra structure to the backpack and helps keep your things safe.
Plus, a clever hook setup allows you to easily connect the Hugger with one of Db’s trolley bags for even easier carrying when you’re travelling further afield.
Patagonia Fieldsmith Pack – £75
Coming in under the £100 mark makes the Patagonia Fieldsmith reasonably good value with this 25-litre pack offering great levels of usability thanks to a simple drawstring opening which gives you an easy way of getting to your equipment. There’s also a separate laptop sleeve to help keep your device secure when you’re on the move.
It’s made from 100% recycled materials, too, while the exterior has been finished in a PFC-free water-resistant finish to help keep the elements at bay.
Finisterre Nautilus – £145
We’ve always liked Finisterre’s no-frills approach to design and that’s definitely present in the Nautilus. It seems to draw inspiration from classic drybags, with a roll-top design which means you don’t have to be messing about with buckles and poppers when you’re in a rush. It’s also got 23 litres of capacity, so more than enough for most occasions.
There’s a wax-based treatment to help keep the rain from getting inside while the laptop sleeve can be accessed from the back in case you need to get some work done in a pinch.
Antler Chelsea – currently £98
If you’re after expertise in the luggage segment, then Antler is where to head. Best known for its trusted range of flight-ready luggage, Antler has also turned its attention to daypacks with the classic-looking Chelsea. Available in a variety of colours, the Chelsea has a 19-litre capacity and is made from hard-wearing nylon which is water-resistant.
The back sleeve can go over the handles of a wheel case, too, while the laptop pocket has room for a 16.5-inch ‘slimline’ computer – so you may want to leave the 2000s Dell at home.
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