Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack Review – Fantastic Do-it-all Pack

While the Southwest 2400 is our favorite backpacking pack, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack is our favorite pack for every other need. It is the waterproof ultralight daypack that we trust with $5K to $10K of camera gear in rain soaked places like Iceland or the Northern Coast of Ireland. It is our under-seat carry on pack on the plane. Then when off the plane, we can live out of this same pack for a week of hiking in foreign countries. It is an alpine climbing, done-in-a-day pack. We also use it technical canyoneering, skiing for groceries in a winter blizzard, etc. In summary, it may be the best multipurpose ultralight daypack on the market. Oh, and it also won National Geographic Adventure Mag 2016 “Gear Of The Year.”

Quick Specs – Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack

• Volume: Internal: 1040 cu. in. (17L)
• Load capacity: Up to 25 lbs
• Weight: Size Medium 1.27 lbs | 20.35 oz | 577g

5 Key Features of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack

1. It’s nearly waterproof. Important when you’re carrying expensive cameras, electronics or clothing you’re depending on to stay warm, like a down jacket.
2. It’s tough. The black Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), is strong and waterproof, but still light. Pockets are durable, solid fabric.
3. It’s light. At just over a pound for a 17 liter capacity, it is significantly lighter than most waterproof packs.
4. Fast gear Access. The clamshell, waterproof top zipper gives faster access to the main pack-bag vs. packs with lids, or roll-top closures. The Daybreak has the perfect combination of external storage: a large bellows back pocket; two side pockets for water bottles, etc.; a nice rear bungie system that you can attach a helmet, crampons or rainwear, etc.; and additional attachment points on both the back of the pack and on the shoulder straps. In summary, you can carry a lot of gear, organize it well and access it quickly.
5. “Precisely what you need and nothing more.” And finally as with all HMG products the 20 ounce Daybreak Ultralight Daypack epitomizes HMG’s minimal but supremely functional design. As such, they’ve included small details like drain holes for the external pockets, a zippered security pocket for passport, wallet, cash and keys, etc.; and an internal sleeve pocket (I use for maps/papers on-trail and for my 13″ laptop when off-trail/traveling). Oh, and the waist belt is beefy enough to actually handle a decent load!

5 Reasons We Like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack

There are a number of cheaper functional daypacks. We’ve outlined some of our favorite daypacks in 3 lb Ultralight Day Hiking Checklist.  So why is the $225 HMG Daybreak Ultralight Daypack our favorite?

1. First we carry a lot of expensive camera gear and electronics on every trip. A few hundred dollars to keep it dry and safe vs. the thousands of dollars of camera gear seems like a good investment. [In, fact we often use it as a dedicated camera bag/pack on some trips. It’s much lighter and more waterproof than many camera-specific packs that weigh 3 pounds or more.]
2. Second, we use our Daybreak Daypacks over and over again. As such the cost is very reasonable if you spread it out over many trips per year over a number of years. E.g. the pack goes on international trips (both carry on luggage and on-trail pack),  X-country ski trips, surviving temporary immersion when canyoneering, mountaineering, and trips all around the world.
3. We know that our packs will survive whatever the terrain or weather dishes out. The fabric is strong and durable and up to bushwhacking and abrasion on rocks. It doesn’t have annoying mesh pockets that snag and tear on everything in creation. And we know that the inside of our pack will remain relatively dry. This is especially important to us since we seem drawn to hiking wet and cold places like Patagonia, Scotland, Iceland, and South Island of New Zealand, etc.
4. It’s excellent external storage keeps our most needed gear easily accessible. This is much faster and convenient vs. diving into the main bag for commonly needed items. The huge, rear pocket and shock cord attachment system are keys for this.
5. Finally, the packs are amazingly light given how waterproof and durable they are. Greatly appreciated as much when traveling as when we are on the trail.

SPECIFICATIONS – DAYBREAK ULTRALIGHT DAYPACK

Weight

Small 1.26 lbs | 20.14 oz | 571g
Medium 1.27 lbs | 20.35 oz | 577g
Large 1.29 lbs | 20.56 oz | 583g

FEATURES

• Large external front pocket, great for hydration/snacks/rain jacket
• Removable ice axe attachments
• Front shock cord system allows you to lash gear or compress the pack
• Two angled side water bottle pockets that are easy to reach while wearing the pack
• Clamshell design and long water-resistant YKK zipper allows for wide pack access
• Lightly padded 1.5” hip belt with peekaboo pocket to store hip belt when it’s not in use
• Internal zippered pocket designed to hold phones/keys/money/etc
• Internal sleeve pocket helps to compartmentalize your gear (also fits a 13” laptop)
• Bright orange liner makes it easy to see what’s in your pack
• Comfortable ¼” padded back panel with chevron-stitched design
• Dyneema® Hardline shoulder straps with ¼” foam, spacer mesh and elastic hose keepers
• Adjustable sternum strap with whistle

Materials:

External: 150D Dyneema®/Poly Hybrid
Internal: 150D Dyneema®/Poly Hybrid | 210D Nylon
Volume: Internal: 1040 cu. in. (17L)

Dimensions:

Height: 21” (53.3cm) Bottom Width: 11” (27.9cm) Depth: 6.5″ (16.5cm)

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Disclaimers

1. This post contains affilate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the these links, a slight portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.  I am never under an obligation to write page post a review about any product. Finally, this post expresses my own independent opinion.
2. Hyperlite Mountain Gear provided the author a sample of this pack for review.