Joseph R.
I own two 28L Mile backpacks. One gets used every day. I have hiked the Adirondack mountains continually for the past 45 years and have been through dozens of packs. The Mile pack is the best day pack I’ve ever owned. 16 oz, perfect shoulder strap cut, perfect pockets, perfect simplicity.
The newer version has a reinforced front stretch pocket. Great material. American made by American artists. Thank you, Waymark.
Roberta B.
Perfect pack! Lightweight, super comfortable and served me well this past week hiking the Grand Canyon. Carried 15 lbs beautifully and the 1” hip belt left me without a worry as I hopped rocks across creeks. Appreciate the zippered pocket for small necessities like medicine, cash and keys. Added bonus - cottage company close to Idaho!
Millie H.
I love this pack. Lite weight, plenty of room and comfortable. I really like the zippered pouch where you can put keys and items you don’t want to dig for.
A mesh pocket, of some sort in the straps, for water bottle or snacks would be an added bonus. But still a great pack!
Timothy B.
Got it for my 9 year old to grow into for the next few years. He’s 4’ 9” and 75lbs and it fits him fine already. I will probably steal it for my own attempts at super-ultralight packing this year too. It’s very durable and a great shape, sensibly minimal features.
Duane R.
I love this simplistic bag. Well made and easy to
Use. I love that’s it’s made in the US and I’m considering trying there 50L bag next!!!
Jeffrey A.
Awesome pack, great size and features especially the front zip pocket. The quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding and Devin handles any customer service issues with ease quickly and efficiently..I'm definitely considering one of thier larger packs in the future..but the Mile is an easy choice by a mile for a day pack..I'm pretty sure I could fit my dialed in gear for a short summer overnight or two..might need to leave the micro gas lantern, chair and camp shoes at home
Troy B.
Best day pack ever. Super comfy have loaded it to 18 pounds just to push it a little. Not a lot of straps flopping around. No need for a hip belt either which feels so much more free on the body. Would not change anything about this pack. I’ll use it for day hiking and fishing hikes for small streams and lakes.
Eric N.
Wait time spot on to what Waymark provided. The pack is OUTSTANDING! Needed a pack for winter day hikes (more capacity), bagging 14ers, and a UL one-nighter in the summer. The Mile does it all flawlessly. Durable, functional, comfortable, and sleek; this pack is the total package. The features are exactly what I want and wear I want them on thr pack. Highly recommend.
Jeff G.
Had the mile for about a month now and it is by far my favorite pack. I also ordered a lite for longer trips and the shipping time was cutting it close for when I leave for a trip. I emailed Waymark and Devin helped me get it in time. Can't speak for the lite yet but the Mile is the best pack I own. Great product. Great quality. Great service.
Lisa P.
Streamline perfection!
Michael S.
I've put plenty of miles on my Mile. I do like it as a 'do anything' day pack. It's comfortable and surprisingly roomy for a small pack. The pockets are good and I love the zippered pocket, which is super handy. BUT... my model is whatever the opposite of waterproof is. If I happen to get caught in the rain with it, I might as well be carrying everything inside it in a mesh bag. Everything gets immediately—and very thoroughly—soaked. I don't know if the newer Ecopak version might be an answer to this, but it's a major drawback on my Jan 2022 version.
Keith J.
Hey guys, I haven't been able to use it in the wilds as the mountains are under a ton of snow. I've loaded it up at home and readjusted my kit to make it even smaller. I love how it rides, and the straps feel great. Because it's small I ordered some things that will decrease my volume even more. So psyched to try it out for real! Love the construction and attention to detail. Really great.
Keith Johnson
Kodiak F.
Bought this pack specifically because of the waterproof zippered pocket, which is the main item missing from most roll-top packs - this part is just as good as I'd hoped for.
The main area where this seems to fall down for me are the rest of the pockets - the side pockets are about 3/4" too short to hug a Nalgene 32oz bottle properly, unlike every other hiking pack I've owned.
The strap pockets, in addition to needing to pay an extra $44 for, sit painfully high even at their lowest setting - it feels like this pack is made for people with shorter, thinner frames as it sits pretty high on my back.
I'm 6' and 160lb so I'm pretty normal for build.
Honestly what I think I need is something the size of an EVLV, but with the waterproof zippered pocket.
Xavier A.
I been doing shakedowns the last couple of weeks testing this pack with all the accessories for the PCT, I’m taking this pack through the whole trail but so far I’m loving this pack and have a lot of confidence. I will return after the pct for a more complete review of this pack.
Linda P.
Durable, yet lightweight. Simple, easy to use design. Comfortable. Holds water bottles securely.
Shane M.
Really like this pack. All the features one needs, without unnecessary extras. Really like the useful webbed outer pocket. The one external zippered pouch comes in very handy for items that may need to be accessed quickly. Highly recommend.
Ben M.
This pack is exactly what I was looking for. I've been downsizing my gear over the past year, and this is the perfect pack for a day hike or up to about 4 days overnight with the right kit. Amazing quality and craftsmanship, and really good price for what you get. The only things I wish it had were an inner pocket on the side up against your back for a sleeping pad to fold up into (like on most standard backpacking packs), and a longer roll top (the material is only good for about 2-3 rolls before you hit the main pack material). But these cons are very nit-picky, and overall the pack is just perfect for what I need. I WILL be buying another Waymark pack when the time comes for a longer thru-hike. Great company and product.
Matthew S.
Barely been able to put this to use yet but really excited about the construction and overall build quality. On some short walks of 2 miles with approximately 10 pounds loaded, the Mile feels comfortable without a waist belt. I can fit my Enlightned equipment quilt, thermarest uberlite, and Durston xmid2 pro with room for some food. Excited to see what kind of trips I can do with this little beaut.
Robert R.
I have not had the opportunity to try it out yet but look forward to do a few day hikes and eventually an overnighter. The construction looks sound and hopefully it will ride as good as it looks .
Ted C.
I haven't had it very long. But Waymark was bugging me to leave a review. So far I really like it as a daypack or overnight pack. I haven't had it in the rain yet so I can't speak about it's water resistance. The layout and setup of the pockets and straps is great. I will use the trekking pole loops for sure. It's just the right size.
Manfred J.
This is my first experience using a frameless pack and it is perfect for long day hikes. Plenty of room for everything you'd need, Feels quite durable, and comfortable enough to carry that I don't notice it even on a 10+ hour hike. I added a water bottle pocket and a shoulder pocket. A full water bottle on the front of the pack balances things out well. My first hike with the pack was 11 miles in a downpour and only a very small amount of water found its way into the pack (I believe it came through the stitching on the zippered pocket). My old pack would've been soaked. I'd highly recommend this pack.
Lucas O.
Great backpack for the rainy Pacific Northwest!
Michael D.
This pack succeeds a previous version of the Mile that I’ve used extensively over the last three hiking seasons. Both are wonderful packs, well-suited to ultralight hiking, although I use them for day hiking rather than overnight trips. They work great in that role. The current version includes the following modifications/upgrades:
*slightly smaller size - not a big deal, but not an improvement in my view
*addition of small-items pocket on the front of the pack with waterproof zipper - this is a substantial improvement
*removal of bottom lashing system - I never used this feature of the old pack, so no problem, but it would make this pack harder to use for overnight trips
* use of Ecopak fabric instead of XPack - Ecopak seems smoother and is reputedly more abrasion-resistant, which would be an improvement. The old XPack fabric is durable and stiff but not quite as abrasion-resistant as it should be, so this change is probably for the better.
*addition of light foam padding on the inside of the back panel - this is a definite improvement, as the old pack needed some padding, but the added foam doesn’t seem to add much structure to the pack
*change in mesh-pocket material from Lycra to an Ultra mesh - the new material is less stretchy but probably more durable. I haven’t had issues with the durability of the old Lycra fabric, but one pointy branch could change that. This seems to be an improvement.
A couple of head-scratching features which have stayed the same:
*the top mini Y-strap has been retained, which doesn’t really function as a Y-strap, which would have been very nice to have
*the webbing on the lower part of the shoulder straps is still a bit too short. When the pack is full, I almost max-out on the strap length, and I’m not particularly broad in the shoulders.
Overall, this is a great pack for day hiking and superultralight loads. It’s very well-made and the details seem to have been very well thought-out. Other than the new small-items pocket, the major design elements of the pack are very conventional, but the execution of this pack is outstanding. I would give it 5 Stars
William R.
Excellent pack, great attention to detail, and the fit and finish is second to none.
The customer service was remarkable. That alone is enough to secure my future business.
Lead times were even shorter than Waymark claimed when I purchased the pack. All in all I definitely recommend.
john A.
I have had several other packs. But for me, hands down, this is the greatest. I adore my Waymark Mile.
~ The price was beyond fair and such great quality! Stunningly so.
~ Carry it everywhere I go and
~ I have a feeling this pack just might outlast me.
I must say--Thank You all, so very much.
MYRON H.
This pack is extremely well constructed. Feels very comfortable while day hiking. Best of all is the feeling that I'm supporting a true U.S. business, their employees and families.
Mikael H.
Both me and my wife have them, a ranger green and a golden dazy. Great packs for the day, many good details, light and fits perfect. We use them mostly as day hike packs but they will work just as good for overnights and travel.
Jeremy M.
It is a great pack for a dayhike! Carries very well. My only critique would be that the stretch pouch on the front of the pack be a little snugger when there isnt much in it . I had a few things in it on one day hike and they seemed to fumble around too much and I found myself checking every mile or so to see if anything popped out. When i stuffed it with my rain jacket and pants the pocket filled out and remained tight . Its a great pack though!
Cameron R.
This pack is great! I picked one up to use on my section hike of the AT this spring and the pack held up well for my entire hike from Springer Mountain all the way to Harper's Ferry(1000+ miles).I carried an average max of about 4-5 days of food and no more than a liter of water at any one time, so the 28 liter volume was great with my 6-7 pound base weight. Maximum carry weight was probably 18 pounds and it rode comfortably without a hipbelt. My favorite thing about the pack was the zippered pocket, which I was able to put all of my small miscellaneous and electronic items in. My one note about the pack is that you need to use a pack liner or pack cover with it. While the fabric is supposedly waterproof I found this to not be true. It got wet inside fairly easily and the seams not being taped made for a number of spots for water to seep in. The only other thing I saw was it suffered some abrasions on the pockets and some wear to the back panel near the bottom seam of the pack. The latter of which was likely caused by the zipper on the back of my running shorts. I believe the Ecopak fabric used in these spots was a lighter weight than the Ecopak 200 used throughout the pack now. All in all it is a great pack and props to Waymark for making such a stellar product! I look forward to using it again for the northern half of the AT in the near future.
Dan B.
First of all the craftsmanship and quality is second to none. Not a missed stitch and everything is as it should be . I was highly impressed with my initial inspection (and I'm a very picky person). There are a couple of things I would change to improve its versatility but all in all I am very happy. I took it out for an overnight-er on the AT here in Ct. The MILE rode very comfortably with approximately 16lb total weight. I would definitely recommend this pack to anyone looking for a day pack or a 1 to 2 night pack if they have their gear dialed in.
Jonathan G.
I received my Mile 28 a few weeks ago. I have taken it on two overnights to AMC huts in the White Mountains. I did not need to pack a tent, but I did need a sleeping bag, warm clothes, rain gear, etc. The pack is the perfect size for this kind of trip. Very comfortable and just the right size. The foam pad really keeps the shape even when you have less to carry. My only "complaint" is that there aren't attachment points on the bottom so attaching my closed cell sleeping pad was not easy. Perhaps someone can comment on how they accomplished this. I highly recommend the bag.
Caitlin D.
Successfully completed my first backpacking trip with my seven year old daughter! The pack fit her well, and she was able to carry her sleeping mat, quilt, pillow, clothes, and water, equalling about eight pounds. She is so pleased with it, and wants to wear it for "backpacking trips" around the neighborhood now. Thank you!
Erick R.
Great pack .. excellent quality.. great company.. wanted a pack made to my liking and not a off the shelf.. pack is going to be used for.. day hikes an a single night outings… HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!
Yvonne T.
Finally got a chance to try out my new mile 28L. It’s the perfect daypack I have been looking for. Very comfortable and will hold a good amount of gear for day or even ultra light over night. Love it!
Thomas M.
Great pack, love the build and quality. Fantastic attention to detail and craftsmanship. Well designed as a functional day pack, but I also used it as a 2 night pack in the sierras (warm weather), and it worked just fine with 24 pounds fully loaded with food and water. I don’t think you can get a better more versatile pack for this purpose for the money. Good job guys! It makes me happy to see US companies produce products like this that I will probably give to my kids when they are ready.
There’s a small learning curve about how to pack the bag so it rides comfortably without a frame. If you only have 2-3 pounds, it’s a bit awkward as a day pack. But it’s so cool and functional that I’ll over pack and still use it because I love it so much. Excellent.
Nicolas K.
Picked this pack along with two shoulder stretch pockets for day hiking/scrambling in the States and Norway, where I now live. First outing was the class-3 Keyhole Route on Longs Peak, CO—the pack did not disappoint! All-day comfort thanks to the wide straps. Secure on the back during technical movements thanks to the removable hip belt and sternum strap. I could easily reach 1L SmartWater bottles in the side pockets and used the side compression cords to secure the bottles from falling while scrambling. I could fit all the necessary gear (rain, warm layers, emergency, food, extra water, climbing helmet, etc.) and still had room to spare. Lastly I found the water resistant front pocket to be super accessible and versatile for sunglasses, car keys, first aid, navigation, etc. I heartily recommend this pack for long day hikes—and would recommend the Fanny pack as well for photo gear or if more accessible storage is needed while moving. -TrailKrum
Roxanne B.
I already had and loved a Waymark Lite 50 backpack. So, I had to also have the Mile for different reasons. I find the Mile is useful in many situations! I use it for weekend getaways; it holds a lot! I plan to use it for quick overnight camping expeditions when all I need is a sleeping bag, pad, and a few bars and water. And, finally, I use it as a daypack for long hikes. I had an ancient daypack I've probably had for 25 years (don't judge me). It's faded and been repaired a few times, but it's fine for working as a field biologist. I am not quite ready to take the Mile on my fieldwork days, because those days are so dirty and rough, but I certainly could do that; maybe I'll work up to it. In any case, I really love the Mile due to its versatility and yes, its aesthetics. It's a beautiful pack with so many uses!
Chris W.
Is this a great pack? Yes. I use it for everyday life (work, biking, etc.) and some day hiking.
It rides very comfortably, the sternum strap is great, the foam back panel creates a stable pack that doesn't collapse as soon as you let go of it. The zipper pocket is perfect for a little organization and everyday use, the front stretch pocket is decently sized and really convenient.
The water bottle pockets are a tad high up for me, so I can't reach my bottle without taking of one of my shoulder straps, but I feel that is mostly due to the size.
The top strap that goes across the roll top closure is a little short for my taste. When the pack is full it's hard to attach bulkier items.
Lastly: non-snagging Velcro is a lie. The Velcro is honestly a little annoying, since it does snag delicate materials and really doesn't help closing the pack especially, when it's kind of full.
Sean L.
I haven't been able to use this pack on trail yet, but have used it daily and have been surprised how its performed. It seems to be fairly robust and durable, but time will tell.
Gavain M.
This is a great pack in a lot of ways.
The pros:
The construction is great. The straps are comfortable. Even at 6'2", it still fit well for me. It sits a little high (sizing for taller hikers would be a plus) but it's manageable. I like the stretch mesh and really like the waterproof pocket. The option to add shoulder strap pockets is great.
The cons:
The side pockets are frustrating. The elastic is awful and makes using the pockets more work than it should be. ULA has the perfect side pocket restraint design, and that style of side pocket shock cord system would be much better than what the Mile28 currently has (what I call waistband elastic ... no control, one tension all the time ... tight). With a pack this compact, and no hip belts, the side pockets matter more than you think. Make them bigger, and fix the elastic so you can actually use them while hiking. I hate taking my pack off to get to those pockets. Since there's no way to add hip belt pockets, you need to add something on those side pockets to expand the storage options for in-hike snacks, cell phones, gps units, etc.
I found the top closure wonky. The bag has a similar closure system to the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36, but maybe a little less well executed. The collar on the bag needs to be a little taller so you can load the bag and still have enough roll to secure the bag closed. Mine started unrolling some while I was hiking if I didn't strap anything down to the top of my pack (which I don't like doing). Again, I'll refer to some other pack makers' approach to a more traditional roll-top design. I think you'd retain the weight saving of the pack but improve the top closure.
Recommendations:
I'd love to see some light gear straps on the bottom of the pack. Put some Molle style loops on the bottom (maybe two on each end) and supply a couple 1" buckle straps to run through those loops and secure additional gear. That would provide the ability to store a tent outside the pack (even small ultralight ones) to make room for gear inside. Just a thought. Maybe offer it as an option. I know I would have paid extra for it.
Overall:
I like the pack. I don't mean to sound overly critical, but I want to be honest with folks considering this as a multiday backpacking option. I just spent a week+ in the Ozarks, where we base camped and did two overnight backpacking outings. I brought the Mile28 to take on the trail, but when loading it I realized the ways it didn't work for me on that trip and ended up taking my Ohm 2.0 instead, which worked out great. I saved the Mile28 for use as a daypack while back at camp, and it worked great for that. Some of it is me, because I'm not really used to the pack yet and have my inertia established with my ULA packs. I'm not used to not having a hip belt with pockets, and found I couldn't find a good place to keep what I normally put there. I have shoulder pockets on my Mile28, but already have a plan for them just like I normally use on my other packs (which also have shoulder pockets). Altogether, I do not regret buying it, but I will need to make some mods to the pack to make it work for me the way I hoped it would. Materials are great. Construction is outstanding. This is a compact, ultralight pack. Space is going to be tight. You aren't taking this out for a 4-day hike. I want to take it out again, and plan to shortly, on an overnight. I do really like it. I think I need more time to get used to it (and I think I'm going to have to fix the side pockets so they are more usable).
Jason J.
All you need in a true day or minimal overnight pack. Great materials. Solid construction. Well designed. Has nearly all one needs and nothing you don’t but I wish I got the strap pocket. Wish it was included. Plan on using it regularly and will be taking it with me for a four month trip throughout Africa as my edc and bag for day hikes and for my summit of Kilimanjaro!
Justin P.
Great ultralight backpacking pack for my 10 yr olds!
Jim F.
Loved mine so much, I got one for my wife! Outstanding day pack or maybe even a super UL pack. Craftsmanship is top notch and and it’s very appealing to the eye. Great job Waymark!
John M.
I put in the comments the length of my torso and it’s too short. The removable hip belt goes across the center of my stomach well above my hips. I’m 6’2” and it’s not built for someone my heaving, or at least this one isn’t. It’s too bad because it’s a very well built pack. Guess I’ll let me daughter use it.
Mark S.
The Mile 28 is the smaller brother to my Waymark Thru 42. Both are great!
The Mile is great for me when I need a bit more great for a day hike, such as fishing or exploring new terrain.
I find it also very good for overnight trips using my UL gear combination.
Very well designed. Everything is where I need it. Everything I need and nothing I don't, and that keeps the weight low.
Very well constructed. I trust Waymark.
Michael D.
Great Day Pack!
Michael D.
Excellent backpack, High Quality, Quick turnaround time, Great Design. One of my favorite packs so far, i didn't realize what i was missing out on. Thanks again WayMark, Good Stuff!!
Yancy V.
I was always used to getting bigger packs for my weekend adventures as a newbie it what someone does albeit after I found out about the Mile pack thanks to Devin and many other youtubers I gave it a try and wow this is my go-to pack for every adventure. It is very versatile and love the zip pocket to keep my valuables safe and side pockets are perfect for water not to mention the slots for my hiking poles, I will purchase another one to gift to my father he loved it and asked where I got it from, shhh! It's a surprise for his birthday. Thank you.
Zach T.
I was looking for a sub 1-pound day bag for quick excursions and training. This bag did not disappoint! Comfortable suspension and I like the stash pocket and stretch pocket to throw quick access items in. The side pocket holds a water bottle securely, even while running. Great bag!
Matt M.
The pack is well made, holds all my stuff, but isn’t too big on my back. I would buy again, and recommend it. I use it as a day/ski pack.
Melissa M.
Great pack! Love the design. Very comfortable and big enough for everything you need! highly recommend and they have great customer service!
Chris T.
I’m a larger fella and my only complaint is that the plastic clips for the detachable waist belt dig into my sides and is pretty painful. I wish the flaps that go between the clips and my body were larger.
Otherwise great pack.
Tyler C.
I have only had the Mile out on a couple of day hikes, but already impressed. There was a change in fabric that needed made, and Waymark reached out and addressed the issue. This seems to be a great company to work with as well. So far, I can see this being my go-to pack for day hikes, travel, and minimalist overnights.
Mary B.
I like the bag but the color is more burnt orange rather than red.
Christopher H.
Bag is nice but I already knew that coming into the purchase because a friend has one. Customer service via email was rude. Asked a simple question and got a rather cold response about delivery request. Could have lived without that one.
Tad K.
Plenty of space for everything I need to carry, well made in the U.S. Good people to work with.
Franklin H.
Great quality! Perfect size for a daypack or ultralight overnight. My favorite pack by far. Looking forward to many years of service !
Mark G.
This day pack is great. The eco version is great for the environment. Hardly anyone seems to care that they are poisening animals when they use DWR products containing PFCs and PFOA's. It's the opposite of leave no trace in the backcountry.
It's great companies like waymark are starting to make products without this poisen inside of them.
As someone 6'1'' and fairly flexible my only complaint is that the water bottle holders are quite far back and i have to loosen the straps completly to reach them. Using other packs i am able to reach them. But this is easy fix to loosen the shoulder straps then reach back so I dont have to stop while hiking to drink water. YMMV. Ovevrall I absolutelyl love this pack and look forward to putting thousands of trail miles on it. Great job Waymark!
Brandon A.
The Mile is my favorite day pack that I own. It’s also the first “ultralight” pack I have used. The materials are of excellent quality and the construction is top notch. I absolutely love the rolltop main compartment. Stacking and stuffing gear is just so much easier on a rolltop than on a zippered bag. It also packs so much more than its size would suggest. It’s the lightest carrying pack I own regardless of the load I have in it. I opted for a pack without a hip belt as I just find them to get in the way and be generally unnecessary on a pack this size. I have had no issues with stability despite it’s lightweight feel. The stretchy outer pocket makes for quick stashing of jackets, gloves, snacks etc. and the large side pouches fit and secure all sorts of items. If I had to wish for something it would be a small d-ring sewn into the smaller zippered compartment for my car keys or other vital items that are easily lost. I also wish the side pouches were easier to reach while wearing the pack or maybe angled forward to make getting a water bottle out a little easier. These are minor gripes and won’t stop me from using this pack on every day trip for the foreseeable future.
Chip K.
I was looking for something that offered a bit more room than my standard 22L day pack. After talking with Devon, I decided that this was the pack for me, and I am so glad to take his advice. First off it is super comfortable. I am 6 foot 4 and most packs just do not fit my wide shoulders, but the MILE does. It sits high on my back and stays tight with every bend, twist, or movement I make. It holds my gear to include the standard essentials plus a folding chair, a cook pot and stove since every day trip MUST involve a cup of coffee or a hot lunch, and anything else I may want from an extra puffy or rain jacket. I am really impressed with its ability to keep water out. The flap the sits over the zipper on the back pouch is so simple that it makes you wonder why other manufactures do not do the same thing - I live just outside of Seattle and appreciate that detail.
If you are looking for a solid and comfortable day or overnight pack you would not go wrong with putting it at the top of your list. I am truly glad that I listened to Devon and pulled the trigger on purchasing a red MILE.
John K.
This is easily my favorite day pack! It's the perfect size to carry whatever I need without being too bulky. It's also great, because it's not "slouchy" like a lot of other day packs I've used. It keeps it's shape really well. I've also used it on some overnight trips as my pack. This has to be one of the best ultralight backpacking/dayhiking packs made. I've used it in some pretty decent rain, and my gear stayed nice and dry. It's also nice having a pack made out of recycled material. Great job, Waymark!
