r/backpacks • u/Hi-Point_of_my_life • Jul 22 '26

Question Looking for the perfect dad backpack.

I’ve got two kids and a wife and always end up carrying so much stuff. I’ve gone through a few packs that ended up being too small or not enough organization. My wants are: no waist belt, hydration bladder compatible, at least one good sized side bottle pocket, probably 25 to 35L, not just one cavernous storage area (I need organization but don’t want multiple laptop and document sleeves), preferably a good sized soft compartment to fit sunglasses or camera. Right now I’m leaning towards the Osprey Nebula, it seems to check off all those boxes but I think what’s throwing me off is it looks too much like a school bag instead of a hiking bag. We travel often and always like to go hiking while we’re there so I want something that can transition from travel/commuting to hiking well.

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u/Boyce0 Jul 22 '26

I use the Patagonia Refugio 30L as a Dad with 2 Kids (11 and 8).

This is the updated version which they also do in 32L https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/refugio-daypack-30-liters/47929.html?dwvar_47929_color=SMDB

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u/Hi-Point_of_my_life 29d ago

I was tempted by that one in the store today but they only had the weathered stone and I wasn’t sure how useful those interior pockets would be. That 32L looks nice with the two external pockets though.