Backpacks

Bach Daydream 40 Backpack | Review

Our reviewers were impressed by the load-bearing and all-round durability of this new pack from Swiss brand, Bach

Why we chose the Bach Daydream 40: Durable, Handy storage options, comfortable

Last year, we reviewed Bach’s Dr Duffel bag and really liked what we saw. Now, having tested out their new entry into the rucksack market, we can say the same for that too.

The pack pictured and reviewed here is the Daydream 40. It’s a smart pack that we’d say is probably primarily suited to day hiking in all four seasons. That said, it serves nicely as a backpack for weekend backpacking adventures in the warmer seasons too.

“For me this is just the right size for some weekend summer wild camps

Bear in mind that there’s also a larger 50L version of this that comes in three different back lengths and has three different points of access into the main compartment too. There’s also their retro-looking Bach Roc 28 which we’ve included some pictures of in this article – you won’t miss it!

Materials and Construction

The Daydream has a back system with plenty of padding right across it. There’s inch-thick foam across the straps and hipbelt and then a thicker but softer foam across the back panel. Air channels and a suspended mesh both bring plenty of ventilation to the equation. It’s all ergonomically shaped too, most notably right at the base of the back where the foam panel tucks nicely against the lower back. As you’d expect from a modern pack, the frame is located internally and is non-removable.

The 50-litre version of the Daydream has a removable top lid and hipbelt, but on this 40-litre version the hipbelt is removable but the top lid is fixed. The weight is 1390g, so it’s not light but it’s not heavy either. With the hipbelt removed it’s about 1200g.

The fabric is 1000D nylon Cordura. So you won’t need to worry about any wear and tear going on here. It’s super tough stuff.

Features

The top lid has a large zipped overlid and underlid pocket, with a rain cover in the top one. There’s a big stretchy mesh pocket on the front of the pack for stashing an insulated or waterproof jacket and there’s one zipped mesh pocket on the hipbelt which is quite small but still stretchy enough to hold a large smartphone.

Inside the pack there’s an ever-so-slightly padded laptop sleeve that doubles as a place to stow a hydration bladder and there’s a zipped divider at the base (the bag, by the way, has top and bottom access). You’ve also got two big mesh pockets on the side of the pack – one zipped and one open – and there’s a cinch cord and loop where you can attach a pair of trekking poles or an ice axe.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Editor of Outdoors Magic

“For me this is just the right size for some weekend summer wild camps. Granted it’s not going to cater for those trips where you’re carrying loads of food and drink and a spare set of clothes, but I’ve found it’s great for managing my simple overnight set-up.

“What I can see it really coming into its own for is winter day hikes. It’s the right size for managing all the warm layers and safety kit you’ll need, including an ice axe; it’s durable enough to see off harsh conditions and while the back system is ventilated, it doesn’t have any gaps in it where any snow could creep in an d build up.

“I’d say the capacity and the carrying comfort also makes this nifty as an option for multi-day hikers who are staying in accommodation each night – think alpine hut-to-hut trekking. It’s easily big enough to manage a bunch of spare clothes and toiletries and it’s got the pockets and storage options to help you keep all that kit nicely organised and easy to access.”