ABLE CARRY Daybreaker | An affordable low-vis daypack

I must admit that I am a big fan of backpacks. And think that they can be the most utilitarian and versatile yet under appreciated part of your kit. I approach my pack choices largely from a specificity of need point of view. Being handed the Daybreaker pack from ABLE CARRY made me look at it from a reverse perspective. Asking myself, “what would this be the perfect pack for?” From my “old days” in the military, I was always frustrated with the lack of creativity from the Load Bearing Equipment (LBE) approach. Or the ALICE rucksack with frame before the MOLLE packs became standard. At least in aviation we had the ALSE survival vest that served a great purpose to replace the other options at the time.

“The 25L daypack built for comfort, engineered for strength, and designed to be used all day, everyday.” ~ablecarry.com

In the interest of transparency and to give this review context, I have well over a dozen backpacks that I keep fully loaded based upon their specific need. I have found it easy to just grab a pack based upon what my adventure holds. The photo below shows two of those packs for size reference as well as highlighting the ABLE CARRY pack. My every day carry for work is an Oakley-Kitchen Sink backpack. I also have a Filson brand pack for my camera and photography adventures.

Daybreaker Specifications:

• Height: 50cm / 19.7″
• Width: 26cm / 10.2″
• Depth: 19cm / 7.5″
• Weight: Cordura Ripstop: 580g / 1.28lb, X-Pac: 560g / 1.23lb
• MSRP: $108

Internal divider will fit up to

• Height: 40cm / 15.8″
• Width: 28cm / 11″
• Depth: 4cm / 1.6″

Able Carry Daybreaker Overview

The Daybreaker volume is 25L or just over 6 gallons (1,500 cu. in.) for those of us that are metric challenged. In practical volume that is about two large beach towels for perspective. The material used is called X-Pac material which is waterproof, tear and abrasion resistant. Colors available are Castlerock Grey (VX21) which I tested here and black, both colors are made from rip-stop material.

Appearance

The material used for the Daybreaker is extremely lightweight and flexible. Thinner than most packs and has a very low profile. The Daybreaker measures an average height around 19.6 inches and rides higher on the back. Also included is a cloth bag that would be good for separating items like beach towels, flip flops or dirty laundry. With minimal branding and a very subtle logo, the Daybreaker maintains a low-vis profile.

Construction

The Daybreaker backpack is made with a Cordura 210D rip-stop nylon. It has some nicely padded shoulder straps that have extra stitching for durability. But the bag does have a lifetime guarantee.

Functional Pockets

I like the extra pockets. One exterior access zipper pocket with an attached clip to secure your keys inside. An expandable water bottle pocket on the exterior with three drain holes for leaks or sweating. An adjustable sternum strap, two small and six larger loop attachment points on the bottom and four on the sides. A hidden zipper pocket on the interior that is foam padded that runs the entire length of the bag. This also has a secondary pocket with an elastic top. A mesh pocket that is also zippered on the inside. Top and side carry handles so that it can also be hung up on a hook. The shoulder straps also each have a larger loop to accommodate a radio or GPS clip and two smaller loops on each strap.

Space and Organization Options

There are a total of three internal pockets, two are zippered in the main pack envelope, one external zippered pocket and a water bottle sleeve.

Suggested improvements

The material is a bit noisy or crinkly if that makes sense. Like a bag of Doritos. The website claims that it will hold most 15-inch devices. Yet I had a little difficulty getting my iPad into the protective zippered pouch. I wish it was just about an inch wider.

Final Thoughts

I think that the name “Daybreaker” is appropriate for this bag for use for day trips to the outdoors or urban adventures. Minimalist, low profile, very lightweight, waterproof, good utilitarian functionality and smaller than most packs. I could see this being part of my kit on the Sea Doo on the lake meeting up with friends to carry a dry set of clothes, extra shoes and a towel. A good bag for a hike with the dogs in a park or any activity that doesn’t require a great deal of gear to be taken with you.

About the Author: Vince Restucci enlisted in the Army right out of high school. After Basic Training and AIT, he attended WORWAC flight school becoming a Chief Warrant Officer and medevac helicopter pilot. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Vince enjoys hunting, fishing and watersports on the lake with his wife and three golden retrievers. He is also passionate about farming and modern agriculture.