The Daypacks I Use for Every Kind of Adventure

Some people collect running shoes, or bikes, but Kate Donald collects backpacks. She has an Osprey pack for every adventure, and she’s walked us through her troupe of daypacks and why she uses them.

When I first started getting into the outdoors, I used the Osprey Renn 50L for everything. It came on day hikes, overnighters, bike trips, and even splitboarding in the backcountry. I thought it was perfect until I found myself halfway up a mountain, splitboard in hand, trying to strap it to a pack that just wasn’t built for it.

The side straps were too short for an A-frame carry, and my patience was even shorter. That was the day I learned the hard truth: no single backpack can do everything. It’s like trying to hike, climb, and ride in the same shoes. Sure, you can, but it’s uncomfortable and you’ll probably have a bad time doing it.

My trusty Renn 50L | @sevans__

That’s how I ended up with a small fleet of Osprey packs that cover almost every adventure I do. Each one’s earned its place, tried and tested on hikes, rides, and snow trips over the last 10 years.

The Osprey Packs I Use

These are my top five Osprey daypacks:

• Raven 14 for mountain biking
• Hikelite 18 for short day hikes
• Tempest Velocity 30 for fastpacking
• Tempest Pro 30 for big day hikes
• Sopris 40 for splitboarding and ski touring

Kate’s a bit of a bag expert/fiend

Raven 14: The Mountain Bike Pack

Raven & Raptor, essential for snack carrying

Model: Osprey Raven (Womens)/Raptor (Mens)
Volume options: 10L & 14L
Sizes: One size
Weight: 800g (for 14L)
Key features: Tool roll + organisational pockets, AirScape back-panel, hydration sleeve, LidLock helmet carry

The Osprey Raven 14 is a purpose-built mountain biking pack, and it shows. Every feature is designed for movement on the trail. It’s low-profile and hugs close so it stays put even when things get a bit rowdy on the descent.

The tool roll is the real MVP. Instead of rummaging for tyre plugs and quick links mid-ride, everything lives in its own zip pocket, rolled neatly at the base of the pack. The helmet carrier is handy when heading straight from the trail to the pub for a post-ride feed. Which, let’s be honest, is half the reason I ride anyway.

It has just enough room for everything you need: snacks, tools, first aid kit, and a bit of extra optimism for the climbs. I’ve used it on big pedal days along the Indigo Epic Trail in Victoria and the Thredbo Valley Track in NSW, and had no notes at the end of the ride.

Mountain bike packs are made to fit properly when you’re in a riding position

HikeLite 18: Short Day Hike Pack

Simple and small, everything you need and nothing you don’t

Model: Osprey Hikelite (Unisex)
Volume options: 18L, 26L & 32L
Sizes: One size
Load range: 2-9kg (for 18L)
Weight: 600g (for 18L)
Key Features: AirSpeed mesh back-panel, built-in rain cover, stretch side pockets

Not every hike needs a feature-loaded pack. The Osprey Hikelite 18 is stripped back with no unnecessary straps or toggles. It’s light but structured enough to sit comfortably, especially with the AirSpeed mesh back-panel keeping airflow high on hot days.

It has all the essentials I expect in a daypack: mesh side pockets, an external zip pocket for keys and phone storage, and an internal reservoir sleeve with a hose port. The built-in rain cover, tucked away in the zip pocket at the base, is a nice added bonus. I keep this one by the door, ready to grab for a last-minute after work hike or early sunrise mission.

Focus on getting out there! | @sevans__

Tempest Velocity 30: Fastpacking

Enough for an overnighter, if you can pack light enough!

Model: Osprey Tempest Velocity (Womens)/Talon Velocity (Mens)
Volume options: 20L & 30L
Sizes: Two sizes – XS/S & M/L for each volume & model
Load Range: 1-15kg (for 30L)
Weight: 960g (for 30L)
Key features: Running-vest harness, drawstring top closure, stretch side & back pockets

The Osprey Tempest Velocity 30 seduced me with its looks before proving its worth on the trail. I first saw it at the Mont store in Canberra. It immediately caught my eye from across the room with its gorgeous colourway, vest-style straps, and all the fastpacking energy I could want. I figured if I couldn’t be fast, I could at least look fast.

After a few test runs, it quickly became one of the most used packs in my lineup. It hugs the torso and moves with you, perfect for running the flats or bombing descents. On our fastpack of the Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) route, it carried everything I needed without ever feeling restrictive. The outer stretch pockets are perfect for quick-access layers and water bottles, the main compartment is roomy, plus the drawstring top makes the size super versatile. If you like pushing big distances or dabbling in ultralight overnighters, this is more than a pretty pack.

Fastpacking sits somewhere between hiking and running, and the Tempest Velocity is made for it

Tempest Pro 30: Big Day Hike Pack

Tempest Pro 30 – same size as the Velocity, but used on different adventures

Model: Osprey Tempest Pro (Womens)/Talon Pro (Mens)
Volume options: 20L, 30L & 40L
Sizes: Two sizes for the women’s & men’s 40L – XS/S & M/L. One size for the 20L & 30L
Load range: N/A
Weight: 1260g (for 30L)
Key features: Frame support, durable fabric, helmet carry, stretch side and back pockets

The Tempest Pro 30 is one of Osprey’s most capable technical daypacks. It takes everything from the standard Tempest line and upgrades it for serious mountain use, bridging the gap between lightweight and rugged. The frame balances heavier loads perfectly, and the sturdier hip-belt provides heaps of support. The hip and top pocket fit snacks, sunscreen, and phone without having to dig into the main compartment.

It’s tough enough for rocky scrambles and off-track bush bashing, with fabric that can take a little bit of abuse. It has all the mountaineering extras including helmet carry, and ice axe loops, without unnecessary bulk. Next month, this one’s coming with me to Nepal for the Manaslu Base Camp trek.

The Pro is dealt with more technical missions in mind | @sevans__

Sopris 45: Winter Backcountry Pack

You have to carry a lot of stuff when day touring! | @mariahdhar

Model: Osprey Sopris (Womens)/Soelden (Mens)
Volume options: 25L, 32L & 45L
Sizes: One size
Load range: 12-18kg (for 45L)
Weight: 1400g (for 45L)
Key features: Avalanche pocket, helmet carry , goggle pocket, multiple board/ski carry options, removable lid, goggle pocket, back and top access. Insulated reservoir sold separately.

The Osprey Sopris 45 is made for the snow through and through. I use it for splitboarding missions in the backcountry, where gear carrying versatility is essential. You can strap a snowboard horizontally or vertically, or side A-frame carry for skis or splitboards. It has all the non-negotiables for a snow pack: a dedicated avalanche pocket, helmet carry sling, and an insulated hydration sleeve so the hose doesn’t freeze mid-tour.

What I love most is the dual-access design; top and back-panel entry. Lay it flat in the snow, unzip the back, and grab your jacket or skins without unpacking everything. There’s even a fleece-lined goggle pocket that keeps lenses scratch-free and away from crampons. I went for the 45L because it fits crampons, layers, and lunch, but the removable lid means it can shrink down for shorter days. This is what I recommended to anyone after a dedicated winter touring daypack.

Frothing in the Sopris 45L | @courtneyevewhite

What To Look For in a Daypack?

After years of trial and error, here’s what I consider before buying a new daypack:

• Fit and comfort: Osprey’s biggest strength is comfort. Each line has its own fit philosophy from the vest-style harness of the Tempest Velocity to the supportive frame of the Tempest Pro. The women’s-specific designs make a real difference in shoulder width, hipbelt shape, and torso length. If your pack shifts or rubs, the fit’s wrong for you, no matter how fancy the features are.
• Volume and load range: Think about how long you’re usually out for and what you carry. Packs perform best when loaded within their intended range. Too empty and they slump, too full and they strain under extra weight.
• Durability vs weight: For long days or fast missions, pay attention to how heavy the empty pack is. Tougher fabrics last longer, but every extra gram adds up on steep climbs. Stick to lighter models like the Velocity for formed trails, but for rougher terrain, step up to the Pro line for extra durability.
• Features: Pick activity-specific extras that make your life easier: helmet carriers, avalanche pockets, hydration sleeves, tool rolls. Features make life that little bit easier, and can completely improve a trip (hello, built-in rain cover!).

The perfect daypack lets you focus on exploring more, like this

One Pack is Never Enough

What I’ve learned after a decade with Osprey packs is that you can’t fake a good fit or design. When a pack’s built for a specific style of movement like riding, hiking, fastpacking, or touring, it just works better. You move better. You stop thinking about the gear and start focusing on where those feet, wheels, or board are taking you.