My two most used small day packs are my Seek Outside Merlin, and SG Avail.
The Merlin day pack is ultralight and ultra basic. There’s no frame, stays or support of any kind. I’ve used it for scouting trips, a carry-on bag, and as compression on my Unaweep pack. The quality is there and it’s waterproof enough to keep my extra layers dry on Kodiak.
The avail is a great little pack. I’ve had mine for several years and have used it more than any other day pack with the exception of my Badlands super day pack that I used for 20 years until I got the avail. It has everything I need and nothing. I don’t for scouting trips, day hunts, and simple overnight early season hunts. It handles weight much better than anything else in its class that I’ve ever tried. if you want something that has decent volume, usable integrated storage pockets, exterior compression straps, a hip belt and adjustable shoulder harness, this is your pack.
