Review: Exped Skyline 15 Daypack

Daypack
Exped Skyline 15
$129, 2 lbs. 5 oz.
One size
moosejaw.com

Daypacks come in many sizes and designs these days, some for multi-sport use, some more specialized. But real technological innovation happens rarely in that market. Now comes Exped’s new Skyline 15, which, with one simple adjustment that takes a few seconds, essentially shape-shifts between two different types of pack. To see whether it really measures up to its promise, I took it out for a true test on a rugged dayhike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on a day of hot temperatures and humidity.

Exped Skyline 15 harness.
Exped Skyline 15 harness.

I wore the Skyline 15 on a 12-mile dayhike over Cannon Mountain and North Kinsman Mountain, sweating profusely in the humidity on some notoriously steep and rocky trails, because it would test this daypack’s most unique design element: Exped’s Switchback suspension. With many daypacks, you choose between two basic designs: Either a suspension system with a gap between your back and the pack, maximizing air flow to keep you cool; or a spine-hugging back panel to deliver the most stability when scrambling off-trail or in any difficult terrain that demands movement more precise than simply walking a trail.

The Skyline transforms in seconds between both types of pack. An adjustable band, aligned vertically in the middle of the back padding, can be repositioned using a hook-and-loop strip to customize the amount of arc (or bowing) in the back pad—kind of like pulling back the string on a bow. The design allows you to either have the pack hug your spine for optimum stability, or create a gap for optimum air flow. And it works: I liked the air flow when I had the Switchback suspension bowed, and the stability on very steep, rocky trails with the suspension flush against my back. The one, non-adjustable size fits torsos 16.5 to 20.5 inches, and not surprisingly, fit my 18-inch torso well because I’m right in the middle of its range.


Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.


 

Exped Skyline 15 Switchback suspension.
Exped Skyline 15 Switchback suspension set to ventilate.

Weighing under 2.5 pounds, the pack carries at least 20 pounds comfortably, thanks to a flexible, plastic framesheet with spring steel reinforcement, and adequate—but not overdone—EVA padding on the back pads, shoulder straps, and the wide hipbelt, which distributes weight to prevent pressure points; that EVA padding is also mesh-covered to ventilate and dry quickly.

Access is fast, with a single, panel-loading zipper providing a wide mouth into the main compartment, which has space for food, a three-liter bladder, extra clothes, plus the DSLR and two lenses I carried. A second, door-like front zipper opens into the main compartment, so you can yank out a jacket instantly. The two side pockets are deep and wide enough for a liter bottle, with a compression strap that helps secure their contents. The two zippered hipbelt pockets may be the most voluminous I’ve seen on any daypack—holding multiple bars, or a large smartphone with room to spare—without getting in the way of swinging arms while hiking. On the inside, there are two zippered mesh pockets and two stash pockets for bottles or an ultralight umbrella. The pack’s also a good size for a plane carry-on.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

Exped Skyline 15 front.
Exped Skyline 15 front.

Adjustable front attachments secure trekking poles or an ice axe. The included rain cover tucks into a zippered bottom pocket. PU-coated, 210-denier high-tenacity ripstop nylon fabric gives it a durable exterior.

The Verdict

The well-organized, streamlined Skyline 15’s innovative design offers great versatility for dayhikes of any distance (including ultra-hikes), mountain biking, one-day peak climbs, and bike commuting. I hope it’s not too techy for the hiking market to appreciate.

The larger Skyline 25 ($139) is just an ounce heavier.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase an Exped Skyline 15 at moosejaw.com or an Exped Skyline 25 at moosejaw.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of daypacks I like and my six favorite daypacks, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

 

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

 

Not sure you’re ready to join, but want to support my blog?

Click here to leave a tip for The Big Outside! Thank you.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Previous

Review: Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Backpack

Ask Me: The Best Multi-Day Wilderness Trips in Yellowstone

Next

Leave a Reply to Christoph Cancel reply

2 thoughts on “Review: Exped Skyline 15 Daypack”