Why the Exped Torrent 20 Is the Best Waterproof Daypack at Any Price
Most daypacks are either stylish or weather-resistant — rarely both. The Exped Torrent 20 is one of those rare packs that nails both, and right now it's on sale for $45.49 (down from $179.95 retail). That's a 74% discount on a pack that outdoor enthusiasts have trusted for years of commutes, trail days, and everything in between.
What Makes the Torrent 20 Different
Exped is a Swiss gear company that has built a reputation for no-compromise waterproofing — the same philosophy behind their inflatable sleeping pads carries over to their packs. The Torrent 20 is not just water-resistant; it's designed to keep your gear dry in genuinely wet conditions.
The pack uses a TPU-laminated fabric with a 10,000mm water column rating — the same standard used in serious rain gear. Add taped seams throughout and a roll-top closure (waterproof when rolled at least 3 times), and you have a pack that can handle a day hike in a Pacific Northwest downpour without your electronics getting soaked.
The 2025 version also eliminated all intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from its textile construction — a significant move that Exped deserves credit for. You get waterproofing without the environmental cost of "forever chemicals."
Who This Pack Is For
The Torrent 20 is an honest 20-liter daypack, which means it hits the sweet spot for a lot of use cases. Here's where it shines:
- Commuters who bike to work. The pack has a tapered shape that sits snug against your back, reducing wind resistance on the bike. There's a bike light attachment loop built in, and the roll-top means you never have to stress about puddles or unexpected rain on your ride in.
- Day hikers tackling shoulder-season trails. Spring hiking in most of North America means unpredictable weather. The Torrent 20 carries enough for a full-day out (lunch, layers, first aid, water) while handling whatever the sky throws at you.
- Multi-pitch climbers and scramblers. The tapered profile was designed with technical use in mind — it doesn't catch on rock or create awkward weight distribution when you're moving over terrain. The hip belt strap is removable, so you can strip it down when climbing.
- Anyone who travels light through wet cities. Whether it's Seattle, Vancouver, or Portland, a waterproof bag that looks clean and professional is genuinely useful. The Torrent pulls this off without the bulky look of many drybag-style packs.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Volume: 20 liters
- Weight: 34.6 oz (2.16 lbs)
- Water resistance: 10,000mm water column with TPU laminate and taped seams
- Laptop compartment: Fits up to 15" laptops with padded neoprene sleeve
- Hip belt range: 12.2 – 45.3 inches (adjustable)
- Max load: 22 lbs
- PFAS-free: Yes (since 2025)
Organization and Carry Features
Inside the main compartment you'll find a padded 15" laptop sleeve — enough for most MacBook Pros and Windows laptops. A mesh zippered pocket at the front keeps smaller items organized without adding bulk.
The suspension system uses a contact padded back panel with anatomically shaped shoulder straps. This isn't a frameless drybag strapped to your back — Exped engineered real load transfer here, which matters when you're carrying 15–20 pounds for hours at a time. The hip belt strap handles extra load support on longer day trips and detaches cleanly when it's in the way.
Two exterior stretch side pockets accommodate water bottles or trekking poles. The front pocket is splash-proof and includes a key clip — a small detail that's worth more than it sounds.
The Value Case Right Now
At full retail, the Torrent 20 is a competitive option against the Arc'teryx Granville, the Patagonia Black Hole Pack, and other waterproof daypacks in the $150–$200 range. At 74% off, the math becomes absurd in the best way.
$45.49 for a genuinely waterproof, laptop-carrying, bike-commute-ready daypack from a serious Swiss outdoor brand is the kind of deal that doesn't come around often. If you've been waiting for the right moment to replace a tired old pack, this is it.
Our Verdict
The Exped Torrent 20 earns its reputation as one of the most versatile waterproof daypacks on the market. Its 10,000mm-rated construction handles real weather, its carry system supports full day loads comfortably, and its clean aesthetic works as well in the office as on the trail. At 74% off, it's the kind of gear deal worth acting on fast — sizes sell out at these prices.
Bottom line: If you spend any time outdoors in wet conditions, commute by bike, or just want a pack you never have to think twice about in the rain, the Torrent 20 is a genuinely excellent choice at a genuinely ridiculous price.