How to choose a backpack without wasting money on the wrong one

By Editorial Team | April 2026

You do not need a giant pack for daily life. Most people just need something that holds a laptop, a layer, a bottle, and the random stuff that keeps ending up in their hands.

The trap is buying for worst-case scenarios. That is how you end up with a heavy work bag you hate, or a hiking pack that feels silly on the Tube.

The short answer

A 20L daypack is the sweet spot for commuting, travel, and light outdoor use. The Osprey Daylite is worth it if you want one simple bag that stays compact instead of trying to do everything.

What actually matters when choosing

Capacity is the first decision, and it matters more than brand. Around 20L is enough for a normal daily carry without turning into a bulky travel backpack; once you start pushing much beyond that, you are usually buying space you will not use.

Organisation is the second filter. The Osprey Daylite keeps it basic: a padded base, two side pockets, and a straightforward layout. That is fine if you want grab-and-go convenience, but it is not the right call if you live out of your bag all day and want laptop sleeves, admin pockets, and dedicated tech storage.

Comfort is where cheap bags usually fall apart. Reviews of the Daylite family consistently describe it as a strong light-load pack, with the obvious caveat that comfort drops when you overload it. That is the real line here: light and useful beats structured and overbuilt for most everyday use.

The other thing worth noticing is how the bag carries by hand. The harness straps join to form a top handle, and there are low-profile padded carry points too. That sounds minor until you are hauling it through an airport, a train station, or into the office and do not want to wear it for another hour.

Our pick: Osprey Daylite — £66.99

This is a sensible 20L daypack with a score of 7.3/10, and it earns that by being useful rather than clever. You get enough room for the daily essentials, a padded base for hard floors, two side pockets for fast access, and a shape that works for commuting, travel, and short hikes without feeling overdesigned.

Why it works:

• 20L is the right size for everyday carry without tipping into bulky.
• The padded base and simple pocket layout make it easy to live with.
• The carry handles and harness design make it more practical than a pure hiking pack.

Worth skipping if: you need strong laptop protection, heavy-load comfort, or a work backpack packed with organisation.

If that sounds like your use case, buy the Osprey Daylite and move on. It does the job without pretending to be a more expensive bag than it is.

Frequently asked questions

Is 20L enough for a work backpack? Yes, if you carry the basics: laptop, charger, bottle, lunch, and a layer. No, if you want a padded office bag with proper admin organisation and room for bulky extras.

Is the Osprey Daylite good for travel? Yes, as a light personal bag or day bag on a trip. It is not a substitute for a proper carry-on backpack if you plan to pack it full.