The Daylite Everyday works well as a lightweight day bag for active use, but its small 13-liter size means you need to keep your expectations realistic. It’s comfortable for long hikes, but not ideal if you need lots of internal organization.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 87.97/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,446
STRENGTHS
- Ventilated Back: Back mesh and padding minimize sweating during long hikes.
- Water Bottle Security: Side pockets are deep and tall, snugly holding large Nalgene or Yeti bottles.
- Durability: Construction holds up well to “abuse” across 10-day trips and washing machine cycles.
- Travel Sizing: Easily fits under an airplane seat for use as a personal item.
LIMITATIONS
- Pocket Count: Users report a lack of internal zippered pockets for securing a wallet or keys.
- Torso Fit: The pack is too small for users over 6’0″ or those with broad shoulders.
- Capacity Limit: The main compartment restricts access when the front pocket is fully packed.
- Strap Rub: Shoulder straps feel “scratchy” or “dug into my shoulders” when worn with tank tops.
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Contents
Daylite 13L Pack Earns 87.97 Despite High Carry Limits.
The Daylite 13L Pack gets high marks for comfort on day trips. Its lightweight, breathable back panel is the main reason people like it.
Still, the lack of pocket organization is a common complaint, especially for minimalist travelers. The score reflects its comfort and long-term reliability, even though some users wish for better pockets.
- DVSS Score: 87.97/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 1,446
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Short-Distance Hikers and Petite Travelers
Shoulder Straps Maintain Comfort Until Load Exceeds 10 Pounds
The shoulder straps and back panel keep the pack comfortable on long hikes. Padded straps and air vents help reduce sweating during long walks. The lightweight material means you don’t feel strain on your back.
But comfort drops quickly if you pack too much. The straps are thin and can cause sore shoulders on long hikes with a heavy load. People wearing tank tops also said the straps felt “scratchy” or “dug into” their shoulders.
Water Bottle Pockets Secure 32-Ounce Bottles With Retention
The side pockets are tall and deep, so bottles stay put even when you’re moving around. People like how “snug and secure” the pockets feel, even when ducking under branches. The pockets also have adjustable straps for extra security.
The secure pockets can be tricky when the pack is on your back. Some people said they “couldn’t pull my water bottle out” while wearing it. The pocket fits a 26-oz Yeti well, but a 32-oz Nalgene is a very tight fit.
Build Quality Withstands Overstuffing and Long-Term Use
The Daylite 13L Pack’s fabric and zippers hold up well to heavy use. People describe the zippers as “smooth” and “high quality,” even when the bag is “over stuff[ed]” and carrying a 10-pound load. The fabric is tough enough to handle “some abuse” and can be washed in the washing machine.
Some users of earlier models said the zipper was “the first to fail,” but only after extensive use. The lower back panel can show wear after a month of daily work use. One main issue is that the pack can’t stand upright, so things may fall out if the front pocket is unzipped.
Internal Organization Lacks Secure Zipped Compartments
The Daylite 13L Pack has two main pockets and not much else for organizing. It’s best for carrying “just the necessities” on a short trip. Many users wish it had an internal zipped pocket for things like a wallet, cash, or passport.
Without internal dividers, it’s hard to “store or find” small items like a first-aid kit or “various purse items.” This makes travel less convenient when you want to keep your valuables safe. When the front pocket is full, it’s also harder to get into the main compartment.
Laptop Sleeve Confined to 14-Inch Devices in Daily Carry
The Daylite 13L Pack can hold slim 14-inch laptops like a MacBook Pro in its sleeve. Some teachers like using it to carry a laptop and papers each day instead of a big handbag. However, the laptop sleeve isn’t sturdy enough for daily use.
The sleeve is too small for most 15-inch laptops, or it fits “snugly,” depending on the laptop’s size. People who need to carry a 15-inch device found the larger Daylite Plus worked “much better for me.”
Torso Fit Limits Use for Taller Individuals Over Six Feet
The Daylite 13L Pack’s small size and fixed straps don’t work well for taller people. One user who is 6’8″ and 260 pounds said they “could not get this comfortably on my shoulders.” The straps are too short, even for an “average-sized person.”
The handle at the top of the pack can be uncomfortable for shorter users around 5’3″—it was sticking into the back of my head.” Taller users over 5’11” also said the chest strap was too high, ending up “at my neck no matter how I adjusted.”
Daylite 13L Pack Supports Day Hiking and Travel Comfortably.
If you keep in mind the Daylite 13L Pack’s small size, you won’t be disappointed by its “ridiculously small” capacity. This bag isn’t meant to be a full-sized work or school backpack.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Holds a 14-inch MacBook Pro (snugly), tablet, mobile phones, and charger simultaneously. A 15-inch laptop will not fit comfortably.
- Gear: Holds a 32-ounce Nalgene (very tight) or a 26-oz Yeti (well), a water pack (hydration slot available), snacks, a rain jacket, and binoculars.
- Result: With all this gear, the bag is full, and it’s hard to get a water bottle out of the side pocket.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You are under 5’10” and value a small, lightweight day pack.
- Your daily carry is limited to a 14-inch laptop and a water bottle.
- You need a supplemental personal item for travel that fits under a plane seat.
✗ Skip This If You:
- Carry a 15-inch laptop and require easy access to it.
- Are over 6’0″ and have broad shoulders.
- Need multiple internal pockets for organizing cash, keys, and cards.
Daylite 13L Pack: Compact Day Hiker: Ventilated Comfort, But Short Torso Fit
This user highlights the pack’s main strength: it’s very comfortable for moderate loads. The Daylite 13L Pack feels light and supported on bike rides or long walks, thanks to the ventilated back panel. The main downside is that the thin shoulder straps can dig in when carrying a heavy load or wearing thin clothing.
Daylite 13L Pack: Minimalist Traveler: Secure Under Seat, Lacks Passport Pocket
Travelers like the Daylite 13L Pack’s durability and size, making it a great small carry-on. It’s good for day trips in cities or short getaways, with room for water and an extra layer. The main risk is the lack of an internal zipped pocket for a passport, cash, or other important items.
Daylite 13L Pack Secures Day-Use Niche Despite Size Limit
The Daylite 13L Pack is a great choice for carrying just the basics on short trips. Its strong build and secure water bottle pockets make it reliable for light use.
The main drawback is the lack of organization, so it’s not for travelers who need to keep cash, a wallet, and other small items separate. It’s best for people who want a lightweight, breathable pack and don’t need lots of pockets.
Check for the current price and availability of the Daylite 13L Pack, or explore the Best Minimalist EDC Backpacks (0L-19L).
