10 Best Daypacks for Climbing Kilimanjaro

August 21

Mount Kilimanjaro wildlife

10 Best Daypacks for Climbing Kilimanjaro

By William Sanga

10 Best Daypacks for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, with its majestic peaks and breathtaking views, stands as a formidable challenge for adventurers around the world. To embark on this journey, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right gear, and a suitable duffle bag is an essential component. In this guide, we will explore the key considerations for selecting the best Kilimanjaro climbing duffle bag, ensuring a successful and comfortable climb.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Daypack:

Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand the key factors to consider when selecting a daypack for Mount Kilimanjaro:

Weight and capacity: opt for lightweight packs that can accommodate your necessary gear without adding unnecessary bulk.

Comfort and adjustability: Look for well-padded back panels, shoulder straps, and hip belts to distribute weight evenly and minimize discomfort during long hikes.

Durability and weather resistance: Ensure your daypack is made from durable materials and offers weather resistance to protect your belongings from the elements

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of the best daypacks, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.

Best daypack overall: Osprey Talon 22 (men’s) / Tempest 20 (women’s)
Best budget ultralight daypack: REI Flash 22
Best hydration pack: Gregory Citro 24 H20 (men’s) / Juno 24 H20 (women’s)
Excellent balance of simplicity & support: Deuter Speed Lite 21
Roomy daypack for travel & long hikes: REI Trail 40 Men’s / Women’s
Supportive & well-ventilated pack for long hikes: Osprey Stratos 24 (men’s) / Sirrus 24 (women’s)
Ultralight daypack with a large capacity: Six Moon Designs Wy’east
Affordable daypack with a minimal design: Osprey Daylite Plus
Ultralight & packable daypack for short hikes: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil
Weather-resistant & durable daypack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak

Best budget hiking daypacks

Best mid-range daypacks

Best high-end daypack

Capacity – For short day hikes on well-established trails, a lightweight minimalist pack with a capacity around 20L may be all you need. If you’re a peak bagger, in an area with unpredictable weather, or you like spending long days on the trail, you’ll likely want a pack with more support and capacity (30-40L).

Best daypacks for short day hikes

Best daypacks for long day hikes

WEIGHT – When you’re just out for the day, weight isn’t as big of a concern and you can pack along a few extra luxuries. That said, we still recommend keeping your load as light as possible to reduce strain on your muscles and joints.

Sometimes your adventure will call for heavier/bulkier gear, like when you’re heading deeper into the backcountry, traveling over snow, or carrying equipment for summiting mountains. If this describes the majority of your hiking trips, you should consider one of the more supportive daypacks below.

Best ultralight daypacks

Most supportive daypacks

Best Kilimanjaro Hiking Daypacks of 2024/2025

Osprey Talon 22 & Tempest 20

BEST DAYPACK OVERALL FOR COMFORT & FUNCTIONALITY

MSRP: $160

WEIGHT: (L/XL) 2 lb. 0.6 oz. / (M/L) 1 lb. 14.6 oz.

CAPACITY: 22L / 20L

PROS: Comfortable, padded/ventilated back panel, supportive, good organization, large/convenient opening for main compartment, helmet clip for commuting, good value, durable, external hydration sleeve, plus size available

CONS: Heavier than some, a bit expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The Osprey Talon 22 (men’s) and Tempest 20 (women’s) are two of our all-time favorite daypacks due to their exceptional comfort and versatility. With cushy hipbelts, padded shoulder straps, and ventilated back panels, these packs form nicely to the body and ride comfortably on the trail.

The Talon and Tempest are suitable for a wide array of activities – they have plenty of room for a full-day hiking adventure, convenient storage compartments to keep you organized on trail or around town, and a bike helmet attachment for using them as commuter bags. They’re also the only daypacks on our list that have an exterior hydration sleeve. This design makes it far easier to check how much water you have left and refill your reservoir since you don’t have to pull all of your other gear out to access an internal sleeve.

While the price of the Talon and Tempest are on the higher end for daypacks, Osprey is known for producing high-quality backpacks and these two are no exception. We think they’re worth every penny if you’re after a do-it-all workhorse that can take you from forest paths to city streets.

REI Flash 22

BEST ULTRALIGHT BUDGET DAYPACK

MSRP: $60

WEIGHT: 14 oz.

CAPACITY: 22L

PROS: Affordable, ultralight, good organization for a minimal design, removable hipbelt, comfortable, packable, plenty of color & pattern choices

CONS: Not as supportive as some

BOTTOM LINE: We’re not kidding when we say hardly a day goes by where we don’t see at least one person rocking an REI Flash 22 on trail or around town. This daypack is incredibly popular due to its affordable price, ultralight design, and smart pocket layout. On top of that, it’s offered in a wide variety of colors and patterns to show off your personal style.

You can use them all the time for everything from short hikes where you don’t need to pack a lot of extras to quick grocery runs. For full-day adventures, you may want a pack with a more substantial hip-belt and carrying capacity. But often find that a small pack like the Flash 22 is all you really need.

Despite its minimal structure, the Flash 22 is surprisingly comfortable and convenient. The water bottle holsters are easy to reach, the zippered pocket on the top lid is perfect for storing small items we need often, and there’s enough structure in the back panel and hip belt to feel comfortable for long periods. We love this little daypack and we think you will too.

Gregory Citro 24 H20 & Juno 24 H20

BEST HYDRATION DAYPACK FOR HIKING

MSRP: $170

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. / 1 lb. 15 oz.

CAPACITY: 24L

PROS: Hydration bladder included, very comfortable, supportive, transfers weight to hips well, good organization, large/convenient opening for main compartment, durable, plus size available

CONS: Heavier than some, expensive (but includes a water bladder), side pockets are tight for wide bottles

BOTTOM LINE: The Gregory Citro 24 H20 (men’s) and Juno 24 H20 (women’s) are our favorite hydration packs overall because they have just enough support to transfer weight to your hips for a very comfortable carry. But they’re still relatively light and streamlined compared to other daypacks with a similar capacity – especially when you consider the fact that they include a hydration bladder.

They have a ton of useful pockets including large and small zippered compartments, hipbelt pockets, and a stretchy front mesh pocket to name a few. We tend to prefer daypacks with zippered main compartments like this – as opposed to backpacks with the drawstring and top lid design – since they’re quicker and easier to get in and out of.

And of course, we can’t forget about the hydration reservoir. The Citro and Juno come with one of the best hydration bladders out there, the Gregory 3D Hydro. We’re big fans of this reservoir because it’s durable and exceptionally easy to keep fresh and clean.

If you prefer to use water bottles, we also love the Citro 24 and Juno 24, which cost a little less and come without the bladder.

Deuter Speed Lite 21

EXCELLENT BALANCE OF SIMPLICITY & SUPPORT

MSRP: $80

WEIGHT: 15.2 oz.

CAPACITY: 20L

PROS: Affordable, durable, comfortable, ultralight, padded back panel, removable hipbelt, large/convenient opening for the main compartment, good ventilation

CONS: The front stash pocket is somewhat inconvenient to access

BOTTOM LINE: The Deuter Speed Lite 21 is comparable in size, shape, and comfort to the REI Flash 22, but it features more padding and better durability. It’s a fairly simple pack, but the lightweight design is perfect for short hikes where you’re only taking a few essentials.

The Speed Lite comes with a basic removable hip belt to keep your load stable when scrambling, and the mesh back panel provides ample ventilation for when things start to heat up. Overall, the storage design of the Speed Lite with its large main pocket, but the front stash pocket is a bit easier to access. The small opening on this mesh pocket keeps gear more secure, but it leaves you having to feel around for items since you can’t easily see inside.

We think the Speed Lite 21 goes toe-to-toe with the Flash 22 for the best small daypack design. If you’re after more durability and cushion, go with the Speed Lite. If ultimate simplicity and low weight is what you want, choose the Flash 22.

REI Trail 40

ROOMY PACK THAT’S GREAT FOR TRAVEL & LONG DAY HIKES

MSRP: $129

WEIGHT: 3 lbs.

CAPACITY: 40L

PROS: Excellent pocket organization, large/convenient opening for main compartment, durable, spacious, supportive hipbelt, good value, rain cover included

CONS: Heavy, more room than necessary for short hikes

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Trail 40 (view women’s) is a great choice for those who need one pack that can do it all. This is the roomiest backpack on our list, and it’s also one of the most durable and comfortable.

The supportive hipbelt makes the Trail 40 one of the best options on our list for hikes where you need to carry a little extra weight. The wrap-around zipper on the main compartment makes it easy to pack and access your items when travelling. The Trail 40 can even work as a school backpack because of all the organizational pockets and the padding on the back.

The only reason the Trail 40 didn’t rank higher is because it’s a bit large and heavy for most casual day hikes, but it’s still versatile enough to be practical in many situations. If you’re looking for something smaller – and don’t mind less cushioning – the Trail Pack also comes in a 25L size for men and women.

Osprey Stratos 24 & Sirrus 24

SUPPORTIVE & WELL-VENTILATED HIKING DAYPACK FOR LONGER HIKES

MSRP: $180

WEIGHT: 2 lbs. 12 oz. / 2 lbs. 12 oz.

CAPACITY: 24L

PROS: Very comfortable, supportive, transfers weight to hips well, good pocket organization, durable, excellent ventilation, rain cover included

CONS: Expensive, we would prefer a mesh front pocket over the zippered pocket, heavier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Osprey Stratos 24 (men’s) and Sirrus 24 (women’s) have some of the most comfortable frames of any daypacks we’ve tested, hands down. Their stretch-mesh back panels feel cushy against the back and seamlessly transition into their hipbelts for excellent weight transfer.

These packs have a solid organizational system with convenient gear storage pockets, two hipbelt pockets, and easy-to-reach water bottle holsters. We’re not the biggest fans of the zippered front panel pocket, as we find stretch mesh to be more accessible. But many hikers will love this zippered design because it keeps items more secure.

Featuring Osprey’s popular Airspeed suspension system, The Stratos 24 and Sirrus 24 are exceptionally comfortable and well-ventilated daypacks built for extended adventures. If you need extra support for carrying heavier loads, these backpacks are going to be tough to beat.

Six Moon Designs Wy’east

ULTRALIGHT PACK FOR LONG DAY HIKES & QUICK OVERNIGHTS

MSRP: $155

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 9 oz.

CAPACITY: 30L

PROS: Ultralight, frame is a removable sit pad, shoulder strap pockets, roomy, durable, affordable for the specs, highly water-resistant

CONS: Wide shoulder straps don’t sit well on all body types, more room than necessary for short hikes

BOTTOM LINE: The Six Moon Designs Wy’east is one of the lightest daypacks we’ve tested with this much capacity, and it’s loaded with convenient features. This pack is great for long hikes when you need to carry bulky items, and it can even work as an overnight bag for those with truly ultralight setups.

The Wy’east comes with two useful shoulder strap pockets and the frame doubles as a foam sit pad. Our one gripe with this bag is that the shoulder straps are a bit wide, so it’s not a great fit for those with narrow shoulders or small frames.

For a 30L daypack, the Wy’east is quite affordable, especially considering how light it is and that it’s highly water-resistant. Ultralight hikers looking for the perfect go-between for big mile day hikes and short overnights can’t go wrong with the Wy’east.

Osprey Daylite Plus

AFFORDABLE DAYPACK WITH A MINIMAL BUT FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

MSRP: $75

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 5 oz.

CAPACITY: 20L

PROS: Affordable, ultralight, removable hipbelt, compatible as an accessory with several Osprey backpacking & travel backpacks

CONS: Not as supportive as some, pockets aren’t as convenient

BOTTOM LINE: The Osprey Daylite Plus is a simple, sleek, and affordable daypack that’s a great option for use around town or on short hikes with light loads.

One of the coolest and most unexpected uses for this pack is its compatibility with several Osprey backpacking packs and travel bags. It can clip onto the Aether/Ariel from our Best Backpacking Backpacks list or the Farpoint/Fairview and Porter from our Best Travel Backpacks list, so you can leave your full bag behind while the Daylite carries daily essentials. Another feature that makes the Daylite Plus versatile is the internal padded sleeve that can be used for a hydration bladder while hiking, or a laptop when commuting.

The Daylite Plus doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles we find most convenient about the packs that’re higher on this list. But if you’re after something affordable that comes in handy when you just need to carry the bare necessities, the Daylite Plus is a solid choice.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil

ULTRALIGHT & PACKABLE DAYPACK FOR SHORT HIKES

MSRP: $45

WEIGHT: 2.5 oz.

CAPACITY: 20L

PROS: Ultralight, very compact (folds to about the size of a Clif Bar), affordable

CONS: Less durable than others, only has one pocket, no structure, can be uncomfortable if not packed well

BOTTOM LINE: The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil daypack is a different type of backpack than the others on this list – it’s essentially a nylon stuff sack with a zipper and two shoulder straps. This simple design isn’t great for long days on the trail, but it’s very convenient for travel and short hikes.

The Ultra-Sil’s best assets are how lightweight and compressible it is. This makes it easy to throw in a large suitcase or backpack when heading out on longer trips. You can then deploy this little pack when you want to leave the rest of your gear behind for a bit.

The Ultra-Sil only has one pocket and no frame, so packing it carefully is a must for comfort. We usually put a clothing layer inside the pack against our back for cushioning, and it works great. This little pack is simple, but it’s also highly packable and very useful. If you keep the load light, you’ll hardly notice it on your back.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak

HIGHLY WEATHER-RESISTANT & DURABLE HIKING DAYPACK

MSRP: $229

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 4.3 oz.

CAPACITY: 23L

PROS: Ultralight, highly water-resistant, durable, large/convenient opening for main compartment, supportive/stashable hipbelt, high-quality materials/construction

CONS: Expensive, no hydration bladder pocket

BOTTOM LINE: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak is a tough, ultralight daypack built for a full day on the trail if your gear needs are minimal. Though not fully waterproof, the Daybreak is the most weather-resistant pack on this list and will shed moderate precipitation with ease.

The Daybreak is so expensive because it’s made of DCH, but that’s also what makes it so light, durable, and weather-worthy. Though it’s listed at 23L, the Daybreak feels roomier than that. The massive front pocket provides quick access to extra layers in areas where weather can change quickly, and the main compartment opens wide for convenient storage of other essentials.

Though the cost of this pack will be prohibitive for some, the Daybreak is a well-constructed, tough-as-nails ultralight daypack.

selecting the right daypack for your Kilimanjaro adventure is crucial for a comfortable and successful climb. The best Kilimanjaro daypacks should be lightweight, durable, and designed for optimal functionality. They should have enough capacity to carry your essentials, including water, snacks, extra layers, and personal items, while also providing easy access and organization. Additionally, adjustable straps, a padded back panel, and breathable materials contribute to overall comfort during long hikes. Remember to consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing a daypack, and always prioritize quality and reliability. With the right daypack by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

Why Choose Us

OUR CLIENTS REVIEWS

    
 
 
        
   Chao M 
 
 
 
 Verified A team of professionals that I would recommend
WilliamsomAdventures is a very recommendable Safari team, in the pre-consultation and confirmation of details William gave me the biggest feeling of professionalism and reliability. As I was travelling alone with my children on the safari, I was very satisfied with the safety and hassle-free experience throughout the trip, all the matters were just as William had arranged for us before departure, and all our requirements were greatly satisfied. Our guide, Ibra, was very professional on our safari and helped us to maximise our safari with safety in mind, we saw a lot of animals on our journey and he introduced us to many of them to help us understand the land better. Undoubtedly, my children and I were very impressed with this trip in July and I would gladly recommend them to friends who are interested in going Safari in Tanzania.
  
 
       
   jeff C 
 
 
 
 Verified 7-Day LeMosho Route
I'm thrilled with Williamson Adventures! My brother and I traveled from Canada and were initially quite nervous about trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. However, upon arriving in Moshi, all our nerves vanished. We were warmly welcomed at the hotel by William and one of our guides, who were incredibly friendly. The rest of the trip was fantastic! The guides, porters, and cooks were all amazing, and the food was delicious. The support and encouragement we received throughout exceeded our expectations. Planning the trip required some coordination, but William was always quick to respond and incredibly helpful. For example, he seamlessly arranged our pick-up from Nairobi to Moshi. He also organized an extra night at the hotel in Moshi and an airport shuttle, even though he didn't have to. This company truly goes above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable. We highly, highly recommend Williamson Adventures! Thanks to William, our guides Kevin and Yoeseff, and our amazing porters—the real superheroes!
  
 
       
   Xinyue Q 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Safari Experience
Experienced guide, saw all of the great five. Communication is fast with quick response. The itinerary arrangement is reasonable and interesting. Despite some misunderstanding in the beginning, William was able to rearrange accommodation within short period of time. Helped to celebrate birthday of one friend during the trip, very unforgettable experience!!
  
 
       
   Leon C 
 
 
 
 Verified Lucky safari
We came across Williamson Adventure by accident, and we also chose a few ground handlers to compare, and Williamson was the one with the fastest feedback and the best value for money in terms of combined quotes. Our team of 10 people unanimously gave them five stars, they provide the best service. The owner of Williamson was patient and meticulous in communicating with us beforehand and tried his best to meet our every request, and he also solved the problems we encountered during the safari, and even went to the airport to see us off before we finally left Arusha. We are very satisfied with Williamson's sincerity, and would like to recommend it to every friend who is interested in safari in Tanzania, it's really great and very thoughtful!
  
 
       
   Navigate14938214079 
 
 
 
 Verified 一次精美的safari旅行
Williamson Adventures是一家特别棒的地接社，行程安排超过预期，在交流阶段针对各种细节都回复的特别耐心，酒店也很早就预定下来，而且还贴心为我们安排了从桑岛机场到酒店的接机服务，非常满意，超预期
  
 
       
   Ashley 
 
 
 
 Verified Outstanding experience with Williamson Adventures
I would say I couldn't be more impressed with their service provided by Williamson Adventures! William were incredibly helpful, he always replied to my messages in a quick and efficient way. The logistics of the trip were flawlessly managed. Transfers, guides were all arranged seamlessly, allowing me to relax and immerse myself in the safari adventure. The guide has experience of more than 10 year, was really a pro—well-informed, friendly, and passionate about sharing their knowledge of those animals and landscapes. And we managed to see Big Five! Overall, Williamson Adventures exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for their clients’ experiences make them a great choice for anyone planning a trip to Tanzania. I really appreciate that and will definitely come back again! x
  
 
       
   Wander09596438110 
 
 
 
 Verified 难忘的非洲之行
第一次去非洲旅游，通过safarigo与多家地接社取得了邮件联系，William是其中回复最迅速且沟通最顺畅的，添加微信后对行程的安排和细节都根据我们的要求一一修改核对，他替我们安排的最后一晚住宿甚至能在房间阳台看见斑马和水羚；因为国际航班晚点导致在坦桑尼亚国内转机时间不足的问题能及时帮忙与航司沟通解决,后续发生了一些不愉快也妥善处理了；向导Godlove车技杠杠的，我们车况OK工具齐全，路上碰到其他地接社的车辆故障他都会出手相助，safari途中多次近距离看到狮子也多亏有他。此外想提醒各位同胞，坦桑尼亚的中国游客相对较少，中文导游水平良莠不齐，如果需要地接社提供相关服务，建议通过即时通讯软件提前确认导游的口语水平，以免出现与预期大相径庭的情况。总的来说，这是一次非常难忘和美妙的非洲之行，希望有机会能再来坦桑尼亚。
  
 
       
   israel c 
 
 
 
 Verified Professional and reliable service. 100% recommended the company Williamson Adventures.
It was a pleasure to have booked my trip with this company. Very good communication from the beginning. They helped me with the 5-day itinerary in Tanzania, visiting the most important parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The guide we had was very punctual and also very professional at each point we visited. The Lodges that were booked were of good quality and generally very professional service. 100% recommendable. Thanks for everything William!!
  
 
       
   Rafael M 
 
 
 
 Verified Best safari in Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara
The best safari agency in Tanzania. The best price on a 5-day safari checked with 8 other agencies !!! Very good driver and guide.
  
 
       
   LCF20130907 
 
 
 
 Verified 7-Day Migration Safari with Williamson: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!
My friend and I had a 7-day migration safari (River Crossing) with Williamson Adventures exceeded our expectations. The captivating sights of wildebeest herds were absolutely breathtaking, a true testament to the wonders of nature. Our knowledgeable guide Raymond made the experience even more remarkable with his deep understanding of the wildlife and their behaviors. The seamless combination of the safari with a day trip to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour added a perfect touch of cultural immersion. The lush greenery and the thundering waterfall were a sight to behold, and the coffee tour was enlightening. Williamson's team orchestrated a flawless journey, ensuring comfort and safety throughout. This safari was a life-changing experience, and I'm incredibly grateful to William and his team for making it so exceptional.
  
 
  
 
  
 
  Showing our latest reviews