Best daypack for traveling

Patagonia day packs are my choice. I have two sizes and take the one best suited to the trip. The finish and fit are great, and they've lasted years with very extensive use and reveal limited wear. They are water resistant to some level...not waterproof and I would not want such. At times, a DSLR camera and soft are included and I just include a plastic sack to spare the camera from possible rain damage. It takes much rain before the plastic sack is utilized...only once in many trips. Are you near an REI store?

I like to carry the Civita daypack. It's not the greatest daypack but, when empty, it weighs next to nothing and adds almost no bulk in my carry on. I use it to carry supplies, groceries, a sweater, a towel, a swiss army knife, sunscreen, umbrella, etc. Typically, I load up only with things I specifically need for the day.

The one thing it doesn't accomplish on your list is waterproof.

I'd suggest the (I really don't know what they're called) sportbags that only have strings going over your shoulders. I have a Brazil flag one that is made out of water proof material. I've used it for biking to the beach/pool. I don't like biking with wet shorts, the waterproof aspect gives me a place to keep my wet things and ride comfortably. They're smaller than the Civita, but the way they're constructed makes them very hard to get into without taking them off your back, which is a great security feature while touring Europe. When not in use, they'll take up less space than any other daypack.

We've used the Civita daypack. It is light but has very little "structure" and few compartments. We've also used the RS Veloce bags. They are a little heavier, but do have "structure" and many compartments. If you go to the RS store on line you can see close up view of both. Neither is really waterproof, but we solve that problem by just putting items that would be damaged by a downpour in zip lock bags in the day bag.

jenna,

As you'll be carrying a DSLR, the Civita pack may not be the best choice as the material is very thin and won't provide much "bump" protection. You could also consider some type of cross-body or messenger bag rather than a Daypack. That will not only be easier to access but also easier to monitor to prevent theft.

One of these websites might provide the answer on the best daypack....

• https://www.tombihn.com/collections/briefcases-and-messenger-bags
• https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/travel-bags
• http://shop.eaglecreek.com/backpacks/l/412
• https://www.ospreypacks.com/ca/en/category/active-everyday-packs/everyday/
• http://www.pacsafe.com/bags/shoulder-bags-cross-body.html

Good luck with your choice!

I also like the RS Civita bag and have used it abroad and at home. It is indeed very, very light and easy to handle, with several zippered pockets and mesh water-bottle pockets on each side . Though it's small and weighs almost nothing, you can cram an amazing amount of stuff into it if you choose. I've used it enough to declare it durable and well-made, too. It's definitely not waterproof, though. I carry my Nikon P530 -- think mini-SLR for size -- in the Civita, but I'd choose something else to carry a full-size DSLR, especially if you have multiple lenses.

I generally sling the bag over one shoulder, moving it in front of me in tight quarters, but it can be carried hands-free as a small backpack using both shoulder straps.

I'm a big fan of Osprey packs. Check out some of the ultralight ones. I have a Talon 44 (use for summer but mainly winter hikes when carrying more gear). Something like a talon 22 may work well. Not sure it is waterproof. Easy way around this is to get a garbage bag and put it inside your pack and then the things inside the garbage bags.

I do know of some backpacks that do come with a rainfly built into the bottom of the packs. Can't recall if any of the ospreys have this feature.