Exped Skyline 20 Daypack Review

Bottom Line

The Exped Skyline 20L stands out as a versatile daypack that excels in warm-weather hiking and multi-sport activities. The combination of mesh and foam in the back panel delivers excellent ventilation without sacrificing support. Wide shoulder straps keep a comfortable fit even when fully loaded. The packs’ intuitive organization includes stretchy side pockets, a roomy top pocket, and an external hydration sleeve that simplifies refilling on the go. 

The frame isn’t removable, and the main compartment could use more separation. Still, the pack’s multi-sport-ready design and built-in rain cover make it a durable and reliable choice for any adventure. It’s especially well-suited for those seeking a technical pack that balances outdoor performance with urban style, though shorter users might find the frame length a bit long for climbing or scrambling. Tested on backcountry fly fishing hikes, whitewater safety runs, and steep summer climbs, it proved a favorite for all-day comfort and organization. For other options to take on your next adventure, check out our guide to the Best Hiking Daypacks.

How We Tested

We put the Skyline 20L through a variety of adventure scenarios to test its features and versatility. It carried fly fishing gear and a rod on alpine lake hikes, hauled whitewater safety equipment on a trek into Box Canyon, and held up on dusty trails at Thousand Springs State Park in Idaho. We also paddled across a river on a stand-up paddleboard and tackled a steep, wet climb up Monmouth Canyon in Squamish, BC. Diverse usage allowed us to assess comfort, organization, and durability across different environments and activities.

Comfort

The Skyline 20L delivers exceptional comfort thanks to its innovative “Air Flow” combo-mesh and frame back panel, which strikes a balance between support and ventilation. During testing, the breathable back panel kept us cool on steep, sweaty climbs, and the flexible foam frame provided enough structure to protect from awkwardly shaped gear without feeling rigid or bulky. The wide, honeycomb-mesh shoulder straps were soft yet supportive, reducing pressure points even when loaded down on steep hikes.

One of the standout comfort features is the lightweight hip belt, which molds closely to the body. We found the hip belt fit snugly and comfortably – in spite of our different body types – which made carrying heavier loads feel surprisingly effortless. Plus, the option to tuck the hip belt away allows the pack to adapt for urban or travel use when we need less support. We tested the S/M size, but EXPED also offers a M/L size for longer torsos. 

Adjustability is another highlight. Load lifters, sternum straps, and other fit adjustments allow for a truly customized carry. Overall, the Skyline offers comfortable performance, making it an ideal pack for technical day trips or multi-sport use.

Organization

Exped has thoughtfully designed this pack with organizational features that strike a smart balance between accessibility and capacity. The spacious main compartment is practical and features an internal zippered mesh pocket for small essentials, as well as a stretchy mesh pocket near the bottom for separating gear. An internal bungee strap and webbing loops offer versatile options for securing items – though their intended use wasn’t clear.

Quick access is effortless thanks to a top zippered pocket, which includes a mesh side panel and key clip—making it easy to secure and locate essentials without rummaging through the entire pack. Dual deep, stretchy side pockets can hold 2L water bottles or gear snugly, while a large front mesh stash pocket provides extra room for items you want within easy reach.

The pack also offers a variety of thoughtful attachment points: trekking pole bungees stretch from the shoulder strap to the hip belt, and there’s a discreet mounting point near the bottom for a light or knife. The hydration bladder sleeve, complete with a Velcro hanger, is accessible without having to fully open the pack—a welcome convenience that helps prevent water from dripping onto your gear.

Additional storage on the shoulder straps and hip belt includes mesh stash pockets and bungee attachments, offering quick-access spots for small items. All webbing adjustment straps come with Velcro wraps to keep loose ends neat and out of the way. The ability to tuck away the hip belt and ice axe loops contributes to the pack’s clean, streamlined design, making it both adaptable and user-friendly.

User-Friendliness

The Skyline 20L is intuitive and easy to use, allowing access to gear and adjustment on the fly. EXPED’s design team really pulled out all the stops. Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are a simple but effective touch, and the built-in, removable rain cover stashes neatly and deploys quickly. 

One standout feature is the hydration bladder setup, positioned between the back panel and main compartment. This design allows for external access to refill without opening the pack. This design has less potential for wet gear. Straps can be rolled up or tucked away, minimizing dangling ends and keeping the pack streamlined, which is especially nice for technical activities or urban use.

The main zipper runs along the pack’s length, creating a large opening that makes loading and finding items much easier than with top-only access. Stretch mesh pockets scattered on the front, sides, and shoulder strap offer versatile storage options, while small zippered pockets on the top and hip belt keep essentials close at hand.

Some internal attachments, like the bungee strap across the main compartment and certain corner loops, aren’t immediately apparent in their purpose. The numerous gear loops and hiking pole attachments are well-placed and straightforward to use, which rounds out a pack that strikes a balance between versatility and ease of use.

Weight and Compressibility

Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, the EXPED Skyline 20L strikes a solid balance between durability and lightweight performance. While it isn’t the most ultralight pack for minimalist hikers, its semi-rigid foam back panel adds valuable support and ventilation. The back panel slightly increases weight but enhances comfort and structure.

Compression options include diagonal cinch straps on each side and a top cinch for the mesh pocket, helping to stabilize loads and reduce bulk. These features work well to keep gear secure, though the pack doesn’t compress down as small as frameless, ultralight models. The rain cover and trekking pole bungees are removable, while ice axe loops and the hip belt can be stashed away for a streamlined carry when desired.

Overall, the Skyline’s weight and compression system make it a versatile choice for those who want comfort and organization without sacrificing too much packability.

Durability

The Exped Skyline 20L impresses with its robust construction and material choices, making it a reliable pack for rugged use. Its thicker denier nylon features enhanced water resistance and abrasion protection, giving it an edge over lighter, less durable packs. The pack body is fully lined, which reinforces the structure and guards against wear.

The mesh pockets are both sturdy and stretchy, holding up well even under repeated use and rough conditions. Stitching throughout the pack is clean and reinforced, with finished seams that prevent fraying and add to the overall longevity. After testing the Skyline on rocky granite surfaces and against coarse tree bark, it showed minimal signs of abrasion or damage.

Exped backs this durability with a solid 5-year parts and materials warranty, along with an in-house repair service for added peace of mind. Even without deploying the built-in rain cover, the pack demonstrated respectable water resistance in damp conditions, protecting gear from light rain and splashes.

Overall, the Skyline’s durable build and protective materials make it a standout choice for hikers and multi-sport enthusiasts wanting a pack that can withstand regular use in harsh environments.

Should you buy the EXPED Skyline Daypack?

The Exped Skyline 20L is ideal for hikers and multi-sport adventurers who want a technically capable, comfortable daypack that performs well in a variety of environments. Hiker-focused features—like a ventilated back panel, hydration compatibility, and versatile attachment points—make it perfect for everything from backcountry fishing to summit scrambles. While the pack doesn’t include a hydration bladder, the external sleeve makes adding one easy.

It’s not the lightest option, but the Skyline offers excellent value for those who want durable materials and smart organization without the ultra-minimalist design. Its sleek, understated style also works well as an everyday carry, so it suits users who want one bag for both on-trail and off-trail use.

For a reliable and comfortable daypack that seamlessly blends technical features with everyday usability, the Skyline is a standout choice.

What other day packs should you consider for hiking?

Still searching for the perfect day pack? Check out our other top-performing options on our guide to Best Hiking Daypacks.

REI Flash 22 Review: Similar in size with increased packability, the Flash 22 is a more affordable, slightly less durable option. The Flash is a great choice for those who want a lightweight, basic daypack for casual hikes and travel, and don’t need as many technical features.

Deuter Speedlite Pro 25 Review: A close competitor with a similar price, this pack includes a hydration bladder and leans more toward fast-and-light hiking. It’s a solid choice for users seeking a slightly lighter, more streamlined pack with excellent ventilation.

Exped Skyline 12, 30, 45: The Skyline series offers smaller and larger versions, providing the same comfortable design and ventilation in sizes suited for micro day trips or overnight adventures. Ideal if you want to stick with the Skyline’s style but need a different capacity.