Daylight Backpack in Mars Red Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Mars Red Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Burnt Orange Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Burnt Orange Ballistic with Mountain (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Wilderness (dark green) 525 Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Wilderness (dark green) 525 Ballistic with Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Wilderness (dark green) 525 Ballistic with Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior Daylight Backpack in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with Mountain Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Taiga (olive green with grey grid) 400 Halcyon Daylight Backpack in Taiga (olive geen with grey grid) 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior Daylight Backpack in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic with Marigold (yellow with light yellow grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Black 630 Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Black 630 Ballistic with Cobalt Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Black Ballistic with Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Black Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Black Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior Daylight Backpack in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with Coyote (brown) 210 Ballistic interior Daylight Backpack in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Coyote (tan) Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Coyote (tan) Ballistic with Cobalt (blue) Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Coyote (brown) 525 Ballistic with Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior Daylight Backpack in Coyote (tan) 525 Ballistic with Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior Daylight Backpack in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic Daylight Backpack in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior Daylight Backpack in Ursa (brown-grey) 525 Ballistic with Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior
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Daylight Backpack

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 Stars (226 Reviews)

$106.00

Color: Wilderness Ballistic/Cobalt 210 Cerylon

In Stock

Available Color options

Your solid, ultralight, and true daypack.

17 liters / 1000 cu. in.

Back shot of the Daylight Backpack Profile shot of the Daylight Backpack Daylight Backpack with a full loadout including a jacket, hiking guide, binoculars, and trail rations. Daylight Backpack with a full loadout including a jacket, hiking guide, binoculars, and trail rations. Daylight Backpack with a pair of keys attached to the o-ring in the front zippered pocket Close shot of the gatekeeper waist belt connected to the Daylight Backpack Close shot of a snaphook attached to the o-ring in the front zippered pocket of the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the elasticized pocket in the main compartment of the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the locking slider for the backpack straps on the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the gatekeeper waist belt attached to the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the front zippered pocket on the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the label at the top of the face of the Daylight Backpack Close shot of the zippers on the main compartment of the Daylight Backpack Possible loadout for the Daylight Backpack; a puff jacket, magazine, sushi lunch, bottle of soda, laptop and Cache, Small Snake Charmer with charge cables, and a phone. Possible loadout for the Daylight Backpack; a knit sweater, sunglasses, magazine, , laptop and Cache, snack bag, juice, keys, organizer pouches, and a phone. Possible loadout for the Daylight Backpack; a rain shell, soda can, apple, First Aid pouch, multitool and phone
A person wearing the Daylight Backpack while shopping. A person carrying the Daylight Backpack A person accessing the main compartment of the Daylight Backpack A person carrying the Daylight Backpack A person carrying the Daylight Backpack A person carrying the Daylight Backpack The Daylight Backpack next to a Synapse 25 Daylight Backpack next to the Night Flight Travel Duffel A person carrying the Daylight Backpack and another carrying a Synapse 25 A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person removing a notebook from the Daylight Backpack's main compartment A person accessing the main compartment of the Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack A person carrying a Daylight Backpack The Daylight Backpack filled with clothes. The Daylight Backpack packed inside a Techonaut 30.
Thumbnail for a video about travelling with the Daylight Backpack

TLDR

The Daylight Backpack is the go-to 17L ultralight bag for everyday carry, hiking, or as a packable backpack inside your larger travel bag.

  • No padding on the back panel keeps bag ultralight and rollable
  • Exterior front zippered pocket that securely holds various smaller items
  • Main compartment has 2 overlapping, open-top, elasticized interior pouches on the back panel
  • 2 O-rings in the exterior front zippered pocket and 3 O-rings in the main compartment for hooking on optional additional organizer pouches
  • Adjustable, 2.5"/65 mm padded fabric shoulder straps that will keep you feeling supported
  • Webbing hanging loop/grab handle
  • Removable waist belt

Full Description

The minimalist approach: thin (but padded!) straps, build your own padded back panel, and just a pocket or two.

When it's time to go — to work, on a hike, or on a trip — our Daylight Backpack will be your solid, ultralight, and true companion. With a tablet or laptop and a light sweater/jacket, you're off to work, with room for a few last-minute groceries on your way home. Or, pack a bit more clothing, a water bottle, and the other eight essentials: you're set for a hike. And because it's so light and packable, you can carry it inside your larger travel bag (Techonaut, Aeronaut, or a rolling suitcase of your choice), and you'll have it with you as an everyday carry at your destination, whether it's exploring the museums of D.C. or the street food stands of Mexico.

Two Overlapping, Open-Top, Elasticized Interior Pouches

We initially struggled with wanting to add a padded back panel, but we were reluctant with this ultra-light design to add that additional weight and bulk. First we tried adding a thin pouch against the interior back of the pack in which you could stow a light sweater or other clothing; this would create a padded back panel and protect your back from whatever hard things you might be carrying. As a result, because of gravity, the soft clothing items drifted to the bottom of the pouch.

The Daylight features two overlapping, open-top, elasticized interior pouches on the back panel. One gets your rain shell or windbreaker, the other a light sweater or down vest, beach towel, or change of socks. The lower of the two pouches is suitable for a 11" or 13" tablet/laptop (in a Cache or other protected sleeve) and/or paper files; the upper will easily store power supplies or similar items. These shingled pouches encourage whatever you've put in there for padding to stay more or less in place, better protecting you from hard or pointy stuff in the rest of the pack. Remember that you're in charge of packing something soft against your back — the Daylight just gives you a nice framework to encourage you to do so.

Exterior Front Zippered Pocket

The exterior front zippered pocket is perfect for storing the items you need quick access to: wallet, map, phone, knife/multi-tool, first-aid kit.

O-ring Tether Points

There are two O-ring tether points in the front pocket and three in the main compartment, allowing you to add significant organization using our Organizer Pouches and/or Key Straps.

Padded Fabric Shoulder Straps

The Daylight Backpack includes adjustable 2.5"/65 mm padded fabric shoulder straps that are reasonably comfortable for such a light pack.

Webbing Hanging Loop + Removable Webbing Waist Belt

At the top of the Daylight Backpack is a 1"/25 mm webbing hanging loop/handle and a removable 1"/25 mm webbing waist belt below.

Durable Materials + Expert Construction

No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years.

This bag requires a significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well, it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.

What's Included

Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap

As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!

Note: we slightly lowered the waist strap attachment point on the Synik so that it better fits a wider range of heights and tall folks in particular.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to. 

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

A set of pulls to extend or replace your pulls. 

We initially struggled with wanting to add a padded back panel, but we were reluctant with this ultra-light design to add that additional weight and bulk. First we tried adding a thin pouch against the interior back of the pack in which you could stow a light sweater or other clothing; this would create a padded back panel and protect your back from whatever hard things you might be carrying. As a result, because of gravity, the soft clothing items drifted to the bottom of the pouch.

The Daylight features two overlapping, open-top, elasticized interior pouches on the back panel. One gets your rain shell or windbreaker, the other a light sweater or down vest, beach towel, or change of socks. The lower of the two pouches is suitable for a 11" or 13" tablet/laptop (in a Cache or other protected sleeve) and/or paper files; the upper will easily store power supplies or similar items. These shingled pouches encourage whatever you've put in there for padding to stay more or less in place, better protecting you from hard or pointy stuff in the rest of the pack. Remember that you're in charge of packing something soft against your back — the Daylight just gives you a nice framework to encourage you to do so.

The exterior front zippered pocket is perfect for storing the items you need quick access to: wallet, map, phone, knife/multi-tool, first-aid kit.

There are two O-ring tether points in the front pocket and three in the main compartment, allowing you to add significant organization using our Organizer Pouches and/or Key Straps.

The Daylight Backpack includes adjustable 2.5"/65 mm padded fabric shoulder straps that are reasonably comfortable for such a light pack.

At the top of the Daylight Backpack is a 1"/25 mm webbing hanging loop/handle and a removable 1"/25 mm webbing waist belt below.

No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years.

This bag requires a significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well, it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.

Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap

As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!

Note: we slightly lowered the waist strap attachment point on the Synik so that it better fits a wider range of heights and tall folks in particular.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to. 

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

A set of pulls to extend or replace your pulls. 

Materials

Exterior

bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon

Fabric Lining

bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon

Zippers

#5 YKK coil zippers with plastic sliders

Straps

Contour 1/8" / 3mm shoulder straps (#4 Closed Cell Foam)

Components

Tough Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Specs

Dimensions

11.8" (w) x 17.3" (h) x 5.1" (d) / 300 (w) x 439 (h) x 130 (d) mm

Weight

630d Ballistic: 1lb 2.0 oz / 510 grams

Volume

17 liters / 1000 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

What's Included

1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
1x Black Zipper Pulls w/ Plastic Ends (8-Pack)

Total O-Rings

5

(3 in the main compartment
2 in the front pocket)

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 226 reviews
95%would recommend this product
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226 reviews
  • Paul S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Compact
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Compact
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect day pack

    Recently went on a day trip and realized all my packs were either old book backpacks or just too large for a day trip. Did some research and so happy I found this bag. Perfect size, great compartments and lots of functional accessories if needed. I think the bag would even work for an overnight trip. I have added the small mystery organizer pack, Freudian Slip - Synapse 19 (really like this), and the size 2 handy little thing with a belt/shoulder strap. All perfect add-ons to make the bag even more functional.

    Was this helpful?
  • Kailey T.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Compact, Good Storage Size, Thoughtful Design, Comfortable
    2 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Compact, Good Storage Size, Thoughtful Design, Comfortable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect for day trips!

    I bought the wilderness because I thought it would compliment my other aubergine bag really well if I took them both. This bag is great so far. Light, more space than I thought, and good looking! I recently used it for a day hike/walk and then hang out by the water. Here’s some pictures of what I brought with me on that hot summer day. I’ve also used it to carry my 13” MacBook and some other study materials for cafe dates. Eventually I could also see myself rolling this up to take on vacations because it would fit water and some extra clothes for walking around.

    Was this helpful?
  • Brad
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Craftsmanship
    3 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect travel work bag

    I’m continually impressed by TBs ability to make products that fit way more than they have any right too. I chose the black/grey as I wanted to use it for work and personal travel. In this color it fits well into an office environment. Overall the quality is high, with good materials and I couldn’t find any problems with construction. The two back panel pockets take some trial and error to see where your contents fit and feel best but they are very useful even for a tech pouch, laptop charger, my side effect, etc. This really helps keep contents from piling in the bottom of the bag, which is especially important because of how slim the bag is and having my 14” work laptop in a padded sleeve and an external monitor taking up the majority of the remaining space. The front pocket is great, I had the main compartment completely full and had no problem using the front pocket and filling it with a small book, small keyboard, water bottle, packable windbreaker, etc. it’s ridiculous how much this thing holds. New straps are very thin but wide and comfortable enough I had no issues with strap comfort. My only issue with the entire bag is the front has a lot of extra space above the zipper but no organization and no o-ring at the top, just two o-rings roughly in line with the zipper! I’d love to be able to hang a pouch of some kind and utilize that top space in the front pocket.

    Was this helpful?
  • Emma G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Compact, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship
    4 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Compact, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best little backpack

    My new favorite bag :) I wanted a light backpack for school to hold my 14 inch laptop, a charger, and some other goodies I bring along (I am a commuter student), and this bag is absolutely perfect. I’ve already gotten so many compliments too! If I could have one in every color, I would. ♾️/10

    Was this helpful?
  • Hayley L.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Compact, Versatile, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship
    5 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Compact, Versatile, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    my favorite everyday bag

    this pack is perfect for my needs. it is slim and lightweight when i don’t have much to pack, but can hold a great deal when i need it to. that fabric is waterproof and works great for when i need to wear it while snowboarding. my favorite features are the spacious front zip pocket and the comfortable straps.

    Was this helpful?
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Sewn in Seattle

Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?

Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.

THE BIHN Guarantee

Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.

If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.

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