Best Day Rucksacks with a 25 to 35 Litre Capacity
Day rucksacks need to be light, practical and deceptively roomy and if they’ve got a few cool little features such as water bladder pouches, comfy straps, practical compartments and waterproof pockets for keys and phones, then all the better!
For hikers out for a stomp in the hills for a duration of anything from 2 to 8 hours, if you need more than a 35-litre backpack, you’re either carrying all the food and equipment for a family of four, or you’re simply carrying too much stuff. A decent 25 to 35-litre day rucksack should be ample to fit in food and drink, maps, waterproof, hats and perhaps a first aid kit for a quality day’s walking.
We look at 4 backpacks in the 25 to 35-litre range that are in the ‘premier league’ of day packs at the moment.
Our Pick
Deuter Futura 28
The Deuter Futura boasts the latest in backpack technology from an astonishing £50 (with Go Outdoors). Possibly it’s finest point is the load balancing transfer via subtle steel spring frame. The steel slots into the padded hip belt which keeps this backpack incredibly stable and snug to the hikers back. In terms of construction material, it’s made from a very durable Dynajun 210 and PES 600 fabrics so you should you take a tumble down some Lake District scree (heaven forbid!) the Deuter Futura should stand up to it, likewise, brushing past brambles or low hanging branches, it’ll survive.
Any ergonomic carrying expert will tell you to keep your pack weight as close to the back as possible – this Futura has fantastic straps that can extend or compress depending on what you’re carrying. This 28-litre rucksack has numerous compartments including substantial pockets on the top, front and the main cavernous compartment. What is also really useful, and ideal for wet clothing or things you need to access quickly is the stuff sack compartment in the front.
- Useful Raincover
- Comfy Hipbelt
- Hydration System for Bladders
- Side pocket for bottles or flasks
- Zipped pocket for Valuables
- No negatives here! It’s even a great price!
Osprey Stratos (mens) and Sirrus (ladies)
The Osprey brand is synonymous with quality and so justifies a slightly more expensive price tag. The Stratos is aimed at the gents, whilst the Sirrus is for the ladies. Both versions of this 24-litre day rucksack are very breathable, check out the mesh system against your back. You’ll note its 24 litres, not 25 as is the title of this review post but please give us the benefit of the doubt!
Again, both the Stratos and Sirrus models have a thick padded hip strap that will stop the rucksack from bouncing about especially on descents. It also boasts front pockets ideal for quick-to-access maps. There is a side pocket for accessibility to drinks bottles and loops and toggles on the exterior for things like walking poles and waterproof layers.
- Great breathability and ventilation
- Brand renowned for durability and quality
- Padded hip belt
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
Regatta Kota Expedition 25 & 35 Litre Options
This is a great, budget-friendly 25-litre backpack from Regatta a trusted UK outdoor clothing company. The rucksack also comes in a slightly larger 35-litre size too. It’s around £25 currently which is incredible value – click the link to Amazon for the latest pricing but rest assured the cheaper price point doesn’t detract from the quality of this Kota backpack. It has an aluminium frame, subtly sewn into the material of the rucksack and on the outside, there are loops and tacks for things like poles and crampons. Needless to say, there’s a hydration reservoir to accommodate a water bladder and it’s constructed very hard-wearing 100% ripstop polyester fabric.
- Durable fabric (ripstop)
- Incredible value
- Option of 25 to 25 litre
- Hi-vis panel
- Daisy Chain webbing
- Brand conscious shoppers might look elsewhere
Vaude Splash 25 Litre
A backpack that starts out as a 20 litre but via a snazzy little pocket (optional) opens up to a 25 litre. It’s targeted slightly more at cyclists due to it’s Aeroflex mesh back and ergonomic, air-permeable hip-belt. The Vaude splash solves the problem of what to do with your cycling helmet when you’re parked up in the cafe or strolling around town – it’s got a very cool clip function that allows you to connect your helmet on the exterior of the backpack and a neat little zippable pocket for keys. The curved design is both a pro and a con for this Vaude Splash however.
The pro reason is that the curve really syncs with the riders back, the con is that some users have complained it’s not quite big enough for a laptop which may dissuade commuters who should look elsewhere perhaps like this Berghaus Trailbyte (purpose-built for commuters with laptops). For those with an environmental conscience, the Vaude Splash is made with eco-friendly bluesign® certified primary material.
- Ergonomic
- Map pocket
- Capable of carrying a helmet
- Expands from 20 to 25 litres if required
- Good for Green aware riders
- Curved shape has both pros and cons
