Day pack
Overview
A day pack is a small backpack designed to carry the essentials for single-day hikes or side trips away from a main camp. Thru hikers may use one for town walks, side summits, or slackpacking.
Key points
- Typically smaller and lighter than overnight packs, with limited volume.
- Sized for water, snacks, layers, and basic safety items.
- Some thru hikers use compressible or detachable day packs within a larger kit.
- Can be useful for side trips from a base camp or town.
- Choice of carrying a dedicated day pack depends on route style and priorities.
Details
Day packs are designed for shorter outings where full overnight gear is not required. They usually feature simpler suspension systems, smaller capacities, and fewer structural elements than multi-day packs, reflecting the lower weight they are intended to carry.
On long-distance hikes, some people carry a very small day pack or use a packable bag for errands in town, side hikes to viewpoints, or short excursions from a base camp. Others use features like removable brain pockets, detachable front pouches, or lightweight stuff sacks with straps as improvised day packs.
Carrying a dedicated day pack adds weight and complexity to an already comprehensive kit, so not all thru hikers choose to bring one. The decision often depends on how many side trips are anticipated, how frequently towns are visited, and whether the main pack can be comfortably used in a compressed or partially loaded state for short outings.
Related topics
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.