Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak 22

Description

Rikkar Specs

The 19.2 oz / 544 g weight is the listed pack weight.

Key Features

• Lightweight 22-liter daypack
• 19.2 oz / 544 g weight
• 22 L internal capacity
• 4.5 L external capacity
• Dyneema® Composite Hybrid construction
• Water-resistant clamshell zipper
• Integrated 1/4-inch foam back panel
• Redesigned shoulder straps
• Adjustable 3/4-inch sternum strap
• Removable 1-inch webbing hip belt
• Compatible with optional Contour Removable Hip Belt
• Two front zippered pockets
• Front stretch mesh pocket
• Front shock cord system
• Two stretch mesh side pockets
• Expanded laptop sleeve fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Removable internal zippered pocket
• Dual hydration ports
• Low-profile front daisy chains
• Designed for day hiking and commuting
• Water-resistant construction

Dyneema® Composite Construction

The Daybreak 22 uses Dyneema® Composite Hybrid fabric to keep the pack lightweight while providing excellent resistance to water and everyday wear.

The current version uses Dyneema® Composite Hybrid 5.1 in white and Dyneema® Composite Hybrid 5.9 in black, along with Dyneema® Stretch Mesh for the external pockets. Hyperlite Mountain Gear describes the main fabric as 100% waterproof, while the overall design provides substantial protection from wet weather.

For a daypack that can move between the trail and daily life, that combination makes a lot of sense. You get the low weight and weather protection associated with Hyperlite’s Dyneema construction without having to treat the pack like specialized expedition equipment.

Comfortable All-Day Carry

The Daybreak 22 has been updated with redesigned shoulder straps that follow a more natural curve around the neck.

The 3/4-inch sternum strap can be adjusted along the shoulder-strap daisy chains, giving you multiple adjustment positions for dialing in the fit.

An integrated 1/4-inch foam back panel adds cushioning and structure without adding significant weight. The removable webbing hip belt provides another point of stability when carrying a heavier load, while those who want additional padding and storage can replace it with Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s optional Contour Removable Hip Belt.

The result is a daypack that feels more substantial and supportive than its sub-20-ounce weight might suggest.

Storage & Organization

The Daybreak 22 is designed to keep frequently used gear accessible without making the main compartment difficult to organize.

Two front zippered pockets provide protected storage for smaller items, while a front stretch mesh pocket keeps things like a jacket or other quick-access gear immediately available.

The front shock cord system provides another convenient place to secure a layer, shoes, or other equipment that you want to carry outside the main compartment.

Dual stretch mesh side pockets provide room for water bottles, trekking poles, or other equipment and also help compress the pack’s contents.

Inside, the expanded laptop sleeve can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches, making the Daybreak 22 particularly useful for people who want one pack that can handle both weekday commuting and weekend adventures.

Clamshell Access

One of the Daybreak 22’s most useful features is its clamshell opening.

Instead of having to reach down through a narrow top opening, the water-resistant YKK #5 zipper allows the pack to open widely, making it easier to see and access the contents.

That’s especially useful when the pack is being used for travel or commuting, where organization matters just as much as weight.

For hiking, it also makes it easier to reach layers, food, electronics, or other equipment without having to unpack everything above it.

Hydration

The Daybreak 22 is compatible with a hydration bladder and includes dual hydration ports.

The two ports allow the hydration hose to be routed through either shoulder strap, giving you some flexibility depending on how you prefer to carry and route your hydration system.

Combined with the two stretch mesh side pockets, the pack gives you several options for carrying water on the trail.

Trail-to-Town Versatility

The Daybreak 22 is designed to work just as well away from the trail.

Its clean exterior, laptop sleeve, clamshell opening, and internal organization make it a practical commuter and travel pack, while the lightweight Dyneema® construction and external carry options give it enough trail-oriented functionality for day hikes and outdoor adventures.

The low-profile design also means it doesn’t feel unnecessarily bulky when you’re carrying it around town.

It’s essentially a lightweight daily driver that happens to be very capable outdoors.

What Is The Daybreak 22 Best For?

The Daybreak 22 is designed primarily for day hiking, commuting, travel, and everyday carry.

It’s particularly well suited to:

• Day hiking
• Travel
• Commuting
• Urban exploration
• Peak-bagging
• All-day adventures
• Bike commuting
• Overnight trips with a minimal kit
• Trail-to-town use

The 22-liter internal capacity gives you enough room for clothing, food, water, electronics, and other day-trip essentials without turning the pack into a bulky load hauler.

With a maximum recommended load of approximately 20 pounds, it’s best suited to relatively light and efficiently packed gear rather than heavy backpacking loads.

The Tradeoff

The Daybreak 22’s greatest strength is its versatility, but that also means it isn’t specialized for one particular activity.

It doesn’t have the suspension system of a dedicated backpacking pack, and its 20-pound load recommendation means it’s not intended for carrying a heavy overnight or multi-day load.

The removable webbing hip belt is useful for stabilizing the pack, but it isn’t a substitute for a substantial backpacking hip belt when carrying heavier equipment.

For its intended use, however, those compromises make sense. The Daybreak 22 stays simple, light, and comfortable while providing considerably more structure and organization than many ultralight daypacks.

Rikkar Take

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak 22 is a great example of a pack that doesn’t force you to choose between outdoor performance and everyday practicality.

At 19.2 ounces, it’s light enough for serious day hiking, but the 22-liter capacity, laptop sleeve, clamshell opening, and multiple organizational pockets make it equally useful for commuting and travel.

We especially like the combination of the Dyneema® Composite Hybrid construction and the redesigned carrying system. The pack provides excellent weather protection without feeling like a specialized piece of ultralight gear that only makes sense on the trail.

The external storage is also thoughtfully designed. The front zippered pockets protect important items, the stretch mesh pocket keeps frequently used gear accessible, and the side pockets can handle water bottles or trekking poles without adding much bulk.

For hikers who want one lightweight pack that can handle a morning on the trail, a flight across the country, and a workday in town, the Daybreak 22 makes a compelling case.

It’s light, weather-resistant, organized, and versatile — exactly what a good everyday pack should be.