Backpacks

Patagonia Nine Trails 28l Daypack | Review

A minimalist looking pack that is actually stuffed to the brim with features

If you’re spending a full day in the mountains then the last thing you need is a bag that’s going to wear you down more than the exercise, and that will also feel like it’s constantly niggling away somewhere.

The Nine Trails bag from Patagonia is a daypack which does everything right, and it’s a good looking bit of kit as well – as you’d expect from the Californian outdoor brand. The practicality still comes ahead of the aesthetics though as the Nine Trails boasts the combination of being comfortable, supportive, lightweight and also super durable thanks to its 201D Cordura nylon that’s anti-rip to the extreme.

One of the nice touches with the design is the easy access to the main compartment via a long U-shaped, two-way zip that extends right down the side of the bag. Inside there’s a hydration pouch plus a mini zipped pocket. On the outside you’ll find several pockets for stashing food, water, maps or whatever else takes your fancy when you’re out for the day, including a huge stretch pocket on the front which, as well as providing great storage, gives the bag a very minimalistic, clean-cut look. We loved the generously-sized hipbelt pockets plus the concealed zipper on the top which is tucked away under a protective storm flap.

“Nine Trails boasts the combination of being comfortable, supportive, lightweight and also super durable thanks to its 201D Cordura nylon that’s anti-rip to the extreme.”

Onto the back system. Patagonia have put a good deal of thought into this, and it seems to have paid off. It features a foam and mono-mesh back panel with perforations that all combine to help prevent those pesky back sweats we all know and definitely do not love. The slightly padded shoulders and hipbelt, plus the sternum strap ensure that you can adapt the pack to get the fit that is right for you. And adjusting them is easy to do, even while on the go.

The slightly padded shoulders and hipbelt, plus the sternum strap ensure that you can get the fit that is right for you. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The Nine Trails boasts the combination of being comfortable and supportive. Photo: Chris Johnson

On the outside you'll find several pockets for stashing food, water, maps or whatever else takes your fancy. Photo: Chris Johnson

“The PU coating… should protect the kit you’re carrying from all but heavy and prolonged rainfall”

The back length isn’t adjustable however, so you need to make sure you purchase the right size bag for you (either Small of Large).

Oh and when the rain arrives, the PU coating plus durable water repellent finish should protect the kit you’re carrying from all but heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Overall, this is clean-looking, highly functional and practical backpack that’s ideal for single day adventures on the trail. While we tested out the 28-litre version, bear in mind that the line features six different men’s and women’s packs altogether, ranging from 14L to 36L.

Tester’s Verdict

“The first thing I noticed when I was using this is the slight rigidness to the back panel, but you quickly begin to see how much you can fit inside and how useful all the details really are. It’s deep, and the long two-way zip means you can access your contents either form the top of from right down at the side. The stretch pocket on the front is one you’ll end up using far more than you imagine. It’s so handy. And the side pockets can stash a fair bit into them to as well. Despite the rigid back, it is still a comfortable wear overall. I feel there’s no upper limit to how long I could spend wearing it. And it looks good too. A really great pack from Patagonia.”