Mountainsmith Zerk 20 UL Daypack

The Zerk 40 is Mountainsmith's ultralight entry, using Robic X-Grid Extreema ripstop and a removable frame sheet so it can run framed or frameless. Mountainsmith lists 40 L (44 L with the roll top extended), and one review measured about 51 L, so it may hold more than the badge suggests.

With the Scream 55 gone, the Zerk 55 UL is the only current 55 L pack in Mountainsmith's range, the larger-volume version of its 2026 roll-top Zerk update. It holds 53 L, or 58 L with the roll top extended, on a removable EVA/Atilon frame sheet rated for a suggested 40 lb. At 3 lb 8 oz it is heavier than most packs sold as ultralight, so it suits hikers who want a burly fabric and a sheet frame more than a minimal gram count.

One size, 15 L and 540 g, the Pursuit 15 is the smallest pack in Black Diamond's 2026 Pursuit hiking line. It has a trimmed waist belt, an external hydration pocket and Z-pole storage for trekking poles.

Released in January 2026, the Women's Pursuit 15 is the women's-fit version of Black Diamond's 15 L Pursuit daypack. It shares the unisex pack's 540 g weight, price and feature set, including the external hydration pocket and pole storage.

Sized for day hikes, the Virga3 26 is a scaled-down Virga: 26 L, 1.26 lb, frameless, rated to 25 lb, in the same DWR-treated Robic as the 55 L version. A hydration port with a toggle is the main feature beyond the bag itself.

The Citro is Gregory's hydration day pack and ships with a 3 L reservoir included. At 2.0 lb it is lighter than Osprey's equivalent Manta 24 by well over a pound, and $30 cheaper, while bundling a larger bladder.