North Face Daypack Buying Guide

This daypack is a good choice for active students whose days constantly turn into a mix of literature lectures and spontaneous camping trips. The Slingshot's cavernous main compartment allows you to drop in your textbooks, sketchbooks, and Cliff Notes and still have plenty of room for your rain gear. The hipbelt at the trail head is removable, so you can attach it for extra support on your day hike, or stow it away for educational purposes.

If you want a pack that can get you from campus to campsite, buy a Slingshot - a campus pack with the heart of a camper.

The North Face Gulper/ Dusky (Dusky is the women's version)

TNF's Gulper/ Dustky is a nice, simple bag with just enough storage to keep things tidy without over complicating matters. Featuring a clever hydration system, it eliminates that annoyingly bouncy hydration hose. A separate bladder pocket guards against leakage disasters, and a magnet on the sternum strap holds the bite valve securely in place. Perforated foam in the back panel and shoulder straps helps keep things cool.

Some reviewers complain that Gulper lacks venting, and is not particularly stable when heavily loaded.

The North Face Recon II Daypack

The Recon II uses a classic panel-loading design, allowing easy access to the entire main compartment. A front compartment contains an organizer, so you can neatly store all the small items such as pens, cell phones, MP3 players, and so on. The padded compartment in the back of the main compartment offers protection to a laptop, and doubles as a hydration pocket. Like most other daypacks, there is a mesh pocket in the front for larger items, and mesh pockets on each side for water bottles and other items.

The shoulder straps are S-curved and padded, and there is a sternum strap and a webbing waist belt as well. Wide compression straps and bottom straps help secure loads. The back panel is padded and uses a laminated, breathable mesh material for long-time comfort.

The Recon II daypack is a versatile backpack that is suited for both urban adventures and backcountry hiking/camping. Not only does it have the volume and features for campus and commuting duties, but it is also good for carrying heavier loads on day hikes. Plus, it is available in a variety of colors to suit your personal style.

What to Look for in Quality Daypacks

The design refinements in top-brand packs ensure better performance, convenience and comfort. Here is a list of some features to look for when shopping for a TNF daypack:

1. Tougher fabrics at lighter weights: Generally speaking, cheep packs use weightier fabrics purchased in bulk to cut costs, while quality packs may use rugged higher-denier nylon, so they boast enhanced durability at noticeable weight savings.

2. Pockets: A nice daypack should come with several outside mesh pockets for carrying water bottles, field guides, or clothing. You may also want some easy-access pockets in order to keep your cameras, GPS units, or other items well protected and easily accessible.

3. Hydration: Most TNF daypacks are compatible with common hydration reservoir systems ranging from 1 to 3 liters. Besides the "hydration-compatible" packs, some daypacks are labeled "hydration packs", meaning they come equipped with reservoirs and hose systems. These models are likely to cost a little more.