What daypacks are seen on organised day walks?

[trekker76]

Looking at biting the bullet and joining a local bushwalk club, mostly to see how they run and the leaders operate, as I'd like to guide some groups myself to remote areas. Just wondering what sort of gear folks are seen in for day trips? My daypack is a military looking black 30L hydro pack- I use it as I got it for free, its also my carry-on bag for FIFO work, I multi-purpose everything. However will I draw strange glances? Will there be UL people there with luggage scales? Joking about the last one but anyway I've never walked with strangers before, and am usually offtrail. Just trying to sus out the day trip culture in advance

[ChrisJHC]

An unscientific survey I conducted showed that 80% of serious day hikers use Osprey packs.

The things to consider are:
Weight
Robustness
Access to external pockets
Does it have a good waist belt
Cost
And probably some more

I would suggest starting with the day pack you’ve got and asking people what works and doesn’t work with their pack.
If the benefits outweigh the cost then go for it.

I have always found other hikers very happy to talk about their gear!

[trekker76]

Thanks Chris. I'm not after a new daypack, too tightfisted .More curious as to what other folks are using . Osprey packs, thanks for the info.

[CBee]

I often see people without a pack on. Just a small bottle in one hand and a selfie stick on the other.

[Tortoise]

I often see people without a pack on. Just a small bottle in one hand and a selfie stick on the other.

I've never seen that in a bushwalking club.

[CraigVIC]

Clubs seem to standout mainly because they seem to all, or nearly all, use two poles. Otherwise, seem to be decked out in traditional, mainstream gear rather than UL or bush craft style etc.
Only the view from afar though, I've never done a club walk.

[michael_p]

Everything from $150 engineering masterpieces to $10 Kmart specials. It doesn't matter what you carry, just go for a walk.

[ribuck]

Beware of people who are walking with a club. If you are caught by surprise, find a big stick to defend yourself with.

But seriously, day walkers are not generally the judgemental type.

[trekker76]

Sounds pretty relaxed then

[onward]

Very relaxed in any daywalk club hiking...for packs I've seen everything from 60L 40 year old canvas packs to conference giveaway types (and the above mentioned Kmart specials). Yet to meet any club that doesn't try to be very inclusive for anyone on daywalks).
Very few lightweight let alone ultralight hikers in clubs...most think I'm mad, but slowly changing minds (about the lighter weight, not whether I am mad)!

[trekker76]

Ok thanks. I tend to slacken on lightweight principals myself if its only a day. I got a military style daypack for free with all those neat little zippers and extra pouches. The only time I indulge in such fluff.

[cajun]

Very relaxed in any daywalk club hiking...for packs I've seen everything from 60L 40 year old canvas packs to conference giveaway types (and the above mentioned Kmart specials). Yet to meet any club that doesn't try to be very inclusive for anyone on daywalks).
Very few lightweight let alone ultralight hikers in clubs...most think I'm mad, but slowly changing minds (about the lighter weight, not whether I am mad)!

I love to walk with the club I am affiliated with, and the above is totally correct. No one gives a rats what you carry, just as long as you are out walking. I would agree that Ospreys do tend to be the majority.

[davidn3875]

As said by those already, but I would add that amongst my circle of walking friends (and I) that Tatonka Day Packs are popular. As with all pack purchases, chose the minimum size for your needs as "junk expands to fit the available space". Enough to carry water, food, camera,waterproofs etc etc etc!