Wy'east Daypack

Disappointing Design: Great Concept, Poor Engineering

I really wanted to love this pack, especially with the swappable hip belt idea, but the execution falls short in almost every category. After testing it out, several major design flaws make it difficult to recommend for serious hiking/trekking/travel. 1. Packing & Storage Limitations * Fixed Top Lid (Brain): The brain is sewn directly to the main body with a solid seam. Because it cannot float, you cannot secure it over the top if you utilize the expandable drawstring collar. * Tiny Brain Capacity: The compartment is way too small. It fits a wallet and keys, but good luck trying to pack a sandwich, phone, first aid kit, sunscreen, knife, compass, and other trail essentials. * Inaccessible Internal Pocket: The "convenient" small zippered pouch on the inside becomes completely impossible to access once the main compartment is packed full. 2. Fit, Comfort, & Structure * No Load Lifters: The omission of load lifters causes the pack to slump away from the body and sag downward. * Sizing Issue on Hip Belt: I love the option to swap between the beefy hip belt and the simple webbing strap. However, the beefy belt is sized too large. Even at its absolute tightest setting, it is too loose to cinch securely around my pelvic crest to transfer weight. * Lacks Rigidity: The back pad and removable pad do not provide enough structural integrity. If the pack is on the lighter side, it actually doubles over on itself when using the heavier hip pads. * Zero Airflow: The back pad offers no ventilation whatsoever, turning your back into a hot, sweaty mess. 3. Poorly Thought-Out Gear & Hydration Attachments * Awkward Hydration System: A standard 3-liter bladder barely fits into the short internal pouch. While there are hose ports on both sides, only one side of the chest strap has a routing loop. Furthermore, there are no extra loops on the shoulder straps, leaving the hose to flap against your arm and neck or catch your arm every time you put the pack on. * Severe Back Bulging: If the water bladder is full and the main pack is packed to capacity, the lack of proper backing allows the bladder to create a massive bulge right against your spine. It pushes directly into your back and is incredibly uncomfortable. * Incomplete Pole Attachments: While there is a loop at the bottom for hiking poles, there are no midway loops to secure the tops of the poles, leaving them uselessly dangling. * No Side Compression Straps: The exterior lacks any side straps to secure longer gear like a fishing rod, tent poles, or a rolled-up raincoat.

Three Weeks in Europe

I realize that this is supposed to be a "daypack" but I used it as my travel backpack for a three week trip to Scandinavia and it was perfect! Everything I needed fit inside: clothes, toiletries, books, water bottle, etc. It is lightweight, so I could carry it all over town and on hikes, no problem. It fits easily under an airplane seat or in an overhead bin, and roomy enough to carry everything I needed for my trip. I appreciate the little pockets and designated spaces in the pack for small items that I always have to dig for, like lip balm, sunscreen, or keys. The packing pods are great for keeping all of the larger items contained and organized as well. This is an excellent, versatile pack for travel, day hiking, or everyday use.

Simply the best and most comfortable backpack ive ever worn. Carries much more than 30L