In this interview, Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia, offered some amazing advice, which included, “keep it simple, climb every mountain, cheaters never prosper, and ‘slow’ travel is important.” This is all advice I can support, which is why I’ve compiled 5 Patagonia daypacks for hiking and commuting.
Article Overview
Patagonia Daypacks for Commuting
The Arbor Lid Patagonia Daypack
Pack Capacity: 28 liters
Pack Weight: 520 grams
Body Material: 6.2-oz 600-denier 100% recycled polyester (solution-dyed) with a PU (polyurethane) coating and a (perfluorinated chemicals) PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) finish
Lining Material: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
The recycled polyester and durable water-repellent finish of this pack make it durable but also perfectly balanced for daily use. This pack features a large main compartment, zippered stack pocket beneath the flap, and a padded laptop sleeve that protects most 15-inch laptops.
Users of the Patagonia Arbor Pack have left positive comments on the pack’s lightweight design, simple organization, and sizable carrying capacity. One user remarked, “Honestly doubt it’ll ever go south on me but if it does, I’m definitely getting me another!”
The Fieldsmith Roll-Top Patagonia Daypack
Pack Capacity: 30 liters
Pack Weight: 660 grams
Body Material: 6.2-oz 600-denier 100% recycled polyester (solution-dyed) with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish
Lining Material: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
The Patagonia Fieldsmith daypack is perfect for everyday adventure – or just getting to and from work or school. The roll-top closure adds extra water protection and the interior features a protective sleeve for laptops and tablets up to 15 inches.
The large front pocket and quick stash side pockets provide easy organization and quick access to water bottles, snacks, keys, and other small items. It’s also made from 98% recycled and 87% Fair Trade materials.
The Black Hole Patagonia Daypack
Pack Capacity: 25 and 32 liters
Pack Weight: 650 grams (25L) or 810 grams (32L)
Body Material: 8.7-oz 300-denier 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate
Lining Material: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
The Black Hole daypack is designed for easy everyday carry with a comfortable back panel that provides excellent ventilation. It boasts an easily accessible main compartment with a laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to 15″ computers and a zippered pocket for smaller items.
The front pocket is perfect for a notebook, pens, pencils, Sharpies, and other school or work supplies. IT also features padded shoulder straps and it’s compatible with a hydration bladder if you do need to use it for any quick hiking adventures.
Patagonia Daypacks for Hiking
The Refugio Patagonia Daypack
Pack Capacity: 26 and 30 liters
Pack Weight: 735 grams (26L) or 795 grams (30L)
Body Material: 7.3-oz 400-denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with a PU coating and a PFC-free DWR finish.
Lining Material: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
The Refugio is a great “middle-ground” between the Chacabuco and the Arbor. Like both, it features a cavernous main compartment and padded laptop sleeve capable of handling up to 15-inch laptops. Unlike those, however, it also features a lined tablet pocket and an additional front organization compartment that’s great for storing cords and other accessories.
In addition, the Refugio features two large water bottle pockets, a front stash pocket for smaller items, and an adjustable and removable sternum strap. While the Refugio offers a few features that its other Patagonia comrades don’t, there has been a trend of users suggesting that the breathable mesh on the pack’s shoulder straps doesn’t hold up that well.
One reviewer commented, “It’s an awesome design but ruins every type of material I own. It has ruined knit sweaters, cotton t-shirts, fleece hoodies, and polyester leggings.” Interestingly, there are a number of reviewers that have purchased this pack and expressed the same concern, so this may be one option to shy away from!
The Altvia 36L Patagonia Daypack
Pack Capacity: 36 liters
Pack Weight: 992 grams
Shell Material: 4-oz 140-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop
Lining Material: 3-oz 200-denier 100% recycled polyester with a PU coating
Patagonia’s Altvia 36-liter pack can handle rigorous day hikes. It’s even an option for the ultralight hiker adept at keeping gear to a minimum, but it’s more likely to be used for hut-to-hut trips where you don’t have to worry about bringing a tent along.
The suspended mesh back panel is made for comfortable, all-day wearing and the versatile hip belt includes small side pockets for stashing snacks, keys, or dog treats if you’re hiking with your furry companion. As a bonus, it’s compatible with most hydration bladders and comes with a rain cover.
What do you think of these Patagonia Daypacks?
When considering which of these Patagonia daypacks to buy, consider where you’ll primarily be using it and what you’ll be carrying. Keeping these two things in mind will help you decide on the pack that’s right for you.
In the meantime, here are a few other recent articles and reviews you might be interested in:
- The Best Gregory Hiking Backpacks For Men and Women
- The Best Leki Trekking Poles
- Flybird Fitness: Gear For Your Home Gym
- Reviewing the Kühl Silencr Shorts
- Are The Kühl Resistor Chino Pants The Best Stretchy Pants for Men?
About The Backpack Guide
At The Backpack Guide, I’m always looking for new trails and wildernesses to explore. And I’m always on the lookout for new products to test out! If you have feedback on this pack, or any other I’ve reviewed, I’d love to hear from you! Also, let me know if you’d like to write your own review!
Drop me a line here or find me on social media @thebackpackguide on Instagram and Facebook. Tag me in your photos with your newest pack or from your most recent adventure!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section below. I’ll be quick to reply to any questions, comments, or concerns you feel like sharing!
Happy Pata-Gucci Shopping!
The Backpack Guide
Comments
I think I would go for the Ironwood. I need something comfy for carrying my basic daily stuff and 14″ inch laptop. Right now I’m using either my nice little Deuter bike backpack (can’t remember the model) but it doesn’t have the laptop compartment or some company backpack which has beautiful laptop compartment but is huge for me (I’m a small guy:D)
Thanks for the comparison of Patagonia backpacks.
Author
Of course Marek!
I’m very glad that you found it useful, as that’s why I’m striving to provide this content! I’m in the market for a new daypack myself right now, and I do like the Ironwood as well. It’s important for me to have laptop carrying space, and I would’ve preferred the amount of space offered by the Refugio, but the many users expressing concern over the durability of the shoulder straps is certainly a deterrent.
Thanks for the comment!
I have a friend who is visiting Peurto Rico in a couple of weeks and she thinks a lot of the attractions there require some amount of hiking. I thought taking a backpack on the trip would be smart so she and her husband can pack what they need when they go on these hikes. Thanks so much for this helpful info!
Author
You’re very welcome Debra!
Recently my backpack that I had for more than 15 years started to go bad so I was thinking a change was needed but never decided to buy a new one. The backpacks you have here are far better than anything I owned so far and they look really good. I will certainly take a closer look to them. Thanks for the share!
Author
You are most welcome! I’d love to hear what you choose and what you like/dislike about it once you’ve used it for a bit!