Desert island backpack - Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight 17L Daypack

I almost overlooked this pack because it seemed like an expensive version of something very common - a medium sized black daypack with some bottle holders and stretchy pocket. It only took one use to realize this is the most well specced and versatile pack I've ever used. The material is something from outer space - lightweight, burly, collapses down or fills out as needed. I can toss it around in the dirt then rinse it all clean in the shower and take it traveling. The side pockets fit a Nalgene perfectly, and I can even grab the bottle in and out without taking the pack off my shoulders. I've seen mixed reviews of people claiming this can't be done, but it really depends on how flexible your joints are. I was a little worried that there is no mesh back, but there is benefit to not having something squishy sinking into your back, and having solid material back there is just tougher. The shoulder straps are just padded enough and the waist strap just wide enough to lock you down and give support without being too noticeable. And the generic black look helps keep you stealth.

I have a huge collection of packs from boutique brands, but if I were ever stranded on a desert island this would be THE ONE.