Wearing a backpack for hiking is essential and you shouldn’t leave home without one. The length of your trail and the conditions you face (thus the extra layers and safety kit you’ll have to carry) will both impact the pack you take out with you. If you’re unsure what you need – and whether it’s worth investing in a larger pack with a better support system – then check out our explainer on what are the different types of backpack?

If you’re thinking about heading out with just your high school rucksack, then you may want to reconsider. We’ve got a handy guide that answers the question of whether you can use a regular backpack for hiking. Gear shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to enjoying the outdoors but it’s always good to know the limitations of what you’re taking.

Main image: Guduru Ajay Bhargav

For now, we’ll focus on daypacks that can fit all you need for a day in the hills without compromising on support and durability. Here, we have tested some of the best hiking daypacks available, all of which have received a TGO recommended or TGO best buy award. Most command a high price, with the TrekMates DryPack RS 30 proving a welcome exception.

In our guide to the best budget backpacks for hiking we cover different types of backpacks and the best budget options offering good investment value without compromising too much on quality.

Once you’ve got your brand-new hiking backpack and given it a few practice familiar hill days, it may start to need some TLC. Cleaning your backpack on a regular basis is a great way to help it last longer. If you’re not sure how to best care for your kit, outdoor expert Chris Townsend has some great tips on how to clean your backpack.

Here are some of the best men’s and women’s daypacks as tested by our experts. If you want to see the separate guides then check them out here: