The 7 Best Packs for Every Type of Summer Expedition

1. Easy walks

Photo: REI

The feel-good factor is high with the Gregory Border 18 Travel Pack, with a large main compartment and side pouches. The interior fits snacks, water, and basic supplies for a day out on the trail, exploring a city, or hanging out on the train. Now there’s no excuse to stick to scenic drives this summer.

• Sleek, compact design
• Storage compartment compatible
• Lightweight

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2. Day hikes

Photo: Osprey

On a day hike, all it takes is a couple hours of effort for a magical payoff. Osprey’s Hikelite 18 will take care of storing what you need for a one-day trip. There are no frills here, just features that matter, like a well-ventilated back panel, fitted shoulder harness, and quick-access side pockets. It fits a thirst-quenching hydration reservoir, with the added nice touch of a hiking-pole attachment strap system.

• Easy access to everything inside
• Comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps fit hikers of all sizes
• Sleek, form-fitting design makes for easy movement

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3. Multi-night wilderness journeys – men’s

Photo: REI

If you’re embarking on a two-night journey, the Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65 blends key needs that backpackers will happy-dance over, thanks to its painstakingly good design, fit, and low weight. It’s a given considering the company’s pedigree that this pack entails high-quality materials and is built to withstand years on rocky trails.

• External frame
• 3L hydration reservoir
• Easy access to everything in the pack

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4. Multi-night wilderness journeys – women’s

Photo: Gregory Mountain Products

When you’re heading out on a long trail, the Gregory Deva 70 delivers elements that count — not only the needed form fit but also a hip-belt and shoulder harness that are meant to handle heavy loads. This pack is a big bonus when you’re halfway down that wet, rut-filled mud track since the material dries quickly and reduces hot spots.

• Internal frame
• Removable daypack
• Women-specific frame build and metrics

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5. Hot steps

Photo: Patagonia

Lightweight yet able to take a sand-storm pelting, Patagonia’s Nine Trails Pack comes complete with a must-have sleeve to fit your hydration bladder and easy-access pockets for key items on ultra-hot treks, like sunscreen and energy bars. You’ll appreciate that mesh on your back, too. Amen for air flow.

• Snug-fit and frameless
• Plenty of pockets
• 28L size allows plenty of room

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6. River and ocean trips

Photo: Outdoor Research

The Outdoor Research Dry Payload Pack has deluge-proof bomber construction, which is perfect for taking a beating on day hikes during multi-day river journeys, or walks into the gully-washer rainforest of British Columbia’s coastline. Don’t worry about your valuables getting soaked: this pack will keep your devices dry, so it’ll function just fine for capturing the moment a rainbow peaks through the storm clouds.

• Guaranteed dry storage
• Textile lining
• Lightweight, affordable, and long-lasting

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7. Trail runs

Photo: REI

Go ahead and hit your dirt-track stride this summer with the Osprey Duro 15 Hydration Pack is designed to carry what you need but not interfere with your step. With room for all the essentials, this pack has a form fit that prevents pack sway and provides ease of access to snacks when you’re about to collapse.

• Lightweight and easy to run with
• 2.5L liquid capacity, 13-15L internal capacity
• Extra-stretchable for comfort and function

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