I am looking for a small front/panel-loading hiking backpack with some organizational pockets. I would like something on the smaller side like around 20 liters. I already have a 5.11 Covrt 18 and it is the type and style I am looking for but it is a little too big for what I want to use this pack for.
Essentially, this pack is going to be for walks in large parks, amusement parks, national monuments, etc. I am just carrying essentials like sun screen, insect repellent, extra socks, small first aid kit, spare phone battery, snacks, water, etc. Therefore, I don’t want a large, heavy pack. And I definitely do not want something that looks tactical.
I have looked at many different packs online including North Face, Osprey, Gregory, Deuter. There are so many packs in so many configurations that it has literally taken me days of research just to get to the point where I am still not sure what I should get. My plan was to go to REI and see what they have and try them on but the shear number of packs I would have to wade through would just give me a headache. So I figured I would just ask the experts what they recommend. I can then narrow down my choices based on what you think would be a good choice.
Thank you in advance.