Just the word 'daypack' starts my heart racing. Aaaah --sweet day hikes over mountains, meadows and streams with 15 pounds of rain gear, first aid, lunch, snacks and hydration nestled comfortably on my back. My hubby swiped my daypack shortly after we entered parenthood a few years ago, so I didn't have the energy to complain. Well, he can keep his stinking stolen daypack. Now that the kids are out of diapers, it's time to reclaim my outdoor gearhead mentality ... with a brand new daypack.

If it's time for you to buy a new daypack (or a first one), save your pennies and splurge on the best. Backpacker Magazine recently tested and reported on these Top 4 Daypacks:

• Camelbak M.U.L.E. ranked top for all-around performance, includes 100-ounce hydration reservoir, a water-resistant zipper pack for your tunes and can hold 10-15 pounds. L.U.X.E. is the women's version. Both will cost you $85.
• GoLite Rush (pictured) can handle 15-20 pounds easily for its lightweight design. Stable waist and shoulder belts produce a firm fit and pockets galore keep gear handy. Sternum strap even has a whistle. Available in men's and women's sizes for $70.
• Mountain Hardwear Riff offers compression straps for a close fit, staying on comfortably with 10 pounds. Side pockets designed to fit a Nalgene. Most stable pack tested. $65.
• The North Face Gulper's magnetized sternum strap keeps the hydration hose from slapping around. With the 70-ounce reservoir's quick connect hose, refills are easy. This small pack is better-sized for adventures requiring only snacks, water and rain gear. Dusky is the women's version. $75.