Thank you for taking the time to nominate and vote for your favorite daypacks in the 2013 Reader's Choice Awards! The polls are now closed but you can view the final poll results, see the winners in all 10 About Hiking categories, or check out vital stats on each of this category's five finalists (below).
Gregory Z 30
- Sizes: M and L
- Torso length: 18 - 20 inches/20 - 22 inches
- Weight: 2 lb. 10 oz./2 lb. 12 oz.
- Capacity (cubic inches): 1,831/2,014
- Access: Front and top
- Attachments/pockets: Hydration sleeve, expandable front bucket pocket, zippered front and top pockets, two side mesh pockets, two quick-access waistbelt pockets, two axe/tool attachment points
- Ventilated? Yes
- Padded hipbelt? Yes
- Other features: Removable raincover in zippered pocket; dual hydration ports; per the manufacturer, carries up to 35 pounds
CamelBak Rim Runner
- Torso length: 19 inches
- Weight: 1.87 pounds
- Capacity (cubic inches): 1,342
- Access: N/A
- Attachments/pockets: Hydration sleeve, single tool attachment, two side mesh pockets, "hike essentials organizer pocket"
- Ventilated? Yes
- Padded hipbelt? No (but it's removable)
- Other features: 3-liter hydration reservoir with Quick Link System and Big Bite Valve
Mountain Hardwear Fluid 26
- Sizes: S/M and M/L
- Torso length: 16 - 19 inches/18.5 - 22 inches
- Weight: 1 lb., 11 oz./1 lb., 13 oz.
- Capacity (cubic inches): 1,585/1,700
- Access: N/A
- Attachments/pockets: Hydration sleeve, security pocket inside main compartment; front compression pocket; two side mesh pockets; zippered mesh pockets on hipbelt; single ice axe/dual trekking pole attachments
- Ventilated? Yes
- Padded hipbelt? Yes
- Other features: Can adjust compression straps while wearing pack; dual hydration ports; reflective features for extra stability
Mountain Hardwear Summit Rocket 30
- Torso length: 16 - 22 inches
- Weight: 15.5 ounces
- Capacity (cubic inches): 1,830
- Access: Top
- Attachments/pockets: Dual vertical and horizontal daisy chains; clip-secure front and rear grab loops; zippered top pocket
- Ventilated? Yes
- Padded hipbelt? Yes
- Other features: Removable framesheet; removable compression straps
Deuter ACT Trail 24/ACT Trail 20 SL
- Torso length: ?
- Weight: 2 lbs., 10 oz./
- Capacity (cubic inches): 1,460/1,220
- Access: Front and top
- Attachments/pockets: Stretch front pocket; two zip-close side pockets; single ice axe/dual trekking pole loops; zippered top compartment; no doubt a hydration sleeve and port as well, although this isn't listed in the documentation
- Ventilated? Yes
- Padded hipbelt? Yes, and it's stowable
- Other features: Stowable rain-cover; women-specific fit on the ACT Trail 20 SL
