the Best Daypack for Hiking - Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack

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hiker at rocky mountain national park hiking with osprey 24 daypack

The Osprey Sirrus 24 is the best daypack for hiking Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hiking Daypack: Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack

The number one piece of outdoor gear that goes with us on every hike is our Osprey SIrrus 24 backpack.

This is not just your run of the mill hiking daypack. Nope! After many years of trying all kinds of daypacks, we landed on the holy grail…at least for these two middle aged outdoor hiking women!

Osprey is a pretty terrific company as well. As moms we love that the founder, Mike Pfotenhauer, created his first pack at 16. He custom made packs for hikers, creating a well needed niche in the outdoor adventure world!

BONUS! Osprey repairs any damage or defect for any reason free of charge. That alone has our vote. When Melody’s daughter’s barely used Osprey 24 had a mishap with a mouse on the trail. It took a few quick pictures, an email and the daypack was fixed in a matter of weeks. FREE OF CHARGE!

osprey sirrus 24

The Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack

How much does a good daypack cost?

We think the Osprey Sirrus 24 is worth every penny and then some. Coming in under $150, the Sirrus 24 quality is outstanding. Melody has owned her for almost 5 years without any tears, nicks, or damage.

What size is Sirrus 24 Backpack?

A good daypack needs to fit your body. The Sirrus 24 works for torsos ranging in size from 15-19 inches. If you’re unsure how to even measure your torso, head to Osprey’s Packfinder quiz. Found online, this simple online quiz helps you find in seconds the exact daypack for you!

What is the difference between the Osprey Stratos and the Sirrus 24?

male hiker with osprey stratos 24

Melody’s husband uses the Osprey Stratos 24 as teh best backpack daypack.

The key difference lies in size and fit. The Osprey Stratos is designed for a male body, while the Osprey Sirrus 24 caters to women's frames. However, like much of the outdoor gear world, Osprey also offers the Stratos for women. Melody uses hers for longer day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, as well as her treks up Mt. Kilimanjaro and Pico Duarte.

Unplanned, we all showed up to our Mt Kilimanjaro trek with Osprey backpacks!

Both Tanya and Melody’s husbands own the Osprey Stratos. They saw how much we loved ours and had to get on the action. For Melody’s husband, trying to find a hiking backpack that didn’t hurt his shoulders was a feat until he got the Stratos.

What is the best backpack for day to day hiking?

The Osprey Sirrus 24 of course! For under $150, we believe the Sirrus 24 is the best daypack for hiking. Not only is it comfortable, it has a few other perks.

Hot temps = Cool Back with Airspeed Back Panel.

  • Pockets and compartments

    Coloradans know that no matter the season, chap stick is a must along with sunscreen and layers and electrolytes and sunglasses. You get the idea. We need our things, and this pack has the best stash pockets!

  • The Airspeed Suspension Backpanel

    This super fancy dandy technology is literally THE BEST part of this pack. It keeps your daypack off your back on those hot sticky hikes as well as allows snow to flow freely down on long snow packed treks.

  • Straps

    Chest straps, dual side compression straps, trekking pole straps. With so many straps, you can stash literally anything. We like that our hiking poles are secure until we need them for downhill trails or uphill treks.

  • Rain Poncho

    Osprey is so sneaky, stashing the daypacks own waterproof layer in a safely zippered pouch at the bottom of the pack. It is truly perfect for those unexpected rain and snowstorms.

woman hiking in rain

The bold green Osprey rainfly keeps your pack nice and dry!

This is a great packing daypack for all those snacks, safety items and layers needed for a Colorado hike! We keep our packs lock and loaded, ready to head out the door at any time. The Osprey Sirrus 24 backpack is light but can hold up to 25 lbs which means more snacks (and hot adult beverages) on the trail!

Yep! When packing daypacks for Colorado hikes, all this comes along with us! And It ALL fits into the Osprey Sirrus 24 backpack.

This pack can handle weekly Manitou Incline workouts, all day snowshoe hikes as well as Rim to Rim to Rim extended day treks. For the price (around $130), this daypack has earned her keep. In fact, Melody loves her so much everyone in the family has one!

Can I wash Osprey backpack?

100%! Osprey provides a great step by step guide for how to clean their packs.

Melody’s Osprey Backpack Cleaning Recipe:

Once a season, fill a bathtub with room temperature water and add 2 tablespoons of regular TIDE powder detergent, swishing it around until dissolved.

Empty your Osprey backpack, ensuring all dust, dirt, and trash have been removed.

Fully immerse the backpack in the water and let it soak for at least an hour. For stubborn spots and stains, use an old toothbrush to scrub and brush them away.

Drain the tub and rinse the backpack repeatedly until all soap is removed. Hang it upside down to drip dry for at least 24 hours. Your Osprey backpack will look as good as new!

Melody took her Osprey all over the world - even getting popcorn in Brazil’s airport!

PS. We love traveling for hikes but wondered, do Osprey backpacks fit as carryons? Of course this is dependent on what size daypack you own. Melody carries her Osprey Sirrus 24 as a carryon for all trips, international and domestic. Her Mac fits perfectly in the water bladder pouch with plenty of room for snacks, layers, a compression sack filled with just in case clothes along with her journal!

Related Link: Hiking Backpacks that work as hard as you do