For full-day hikes, the Arc’teryx Brize 32 (see image) is the better choice. This daypack features a 32-liter capacity.
Arc’teryx is the industry leader of quality technical gear paired with simplicity. This is precisely what you’ll find with the Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32. Lightweight and streamlined, the Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 are sleek daypacks with a range of versatility. However, for the fast and light crowd, you may want to look into the Arc’teryx Aerios 15.
The Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 are sophisticated enough for travel and functional enough for the trail. Any day hiker can appreciate the 25 liter capacity of the Arc’teryx Brize 25 that fits all the necessities. Those who are looking to trek 10 miles or more will be better outfitted with the Arc’teryx Brize 32. The 32-liter capacity could turn your day hike into an overnighter in a pinch.
Pack Size
How much gear do you typically bring on a day hike? The size of your pack should match what you intend to carry.
- #A sidenote here: REI's backpack capacity chart is GOLD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you read any further.
For full-day hikes, the Arc’teryx Brize 32 is the better choice. This daypack features a 32-liter capacity. That’s enough for everything the Arc’teryx Brize 25 can hold, plus more food, clothes, and 3 liters of water.
If you need more information on how to choose daypacks, this REI article may be a useful resource.
Pack Weight
Empty, the Arc’teryx Brize 25 weighs 32 ounces. For the minimalist crowd, this is more ideal.
Lighter pack weight allows you to hike faster, longer. So if you’re looking for a new personal-best or simply less weight, the Arc’teryx Brize 25 would be the better of the two.
The Arc’teryx Brize 32 is still rather lightweight at 42 ounces. Depending on how far you hike, you could get away with this pack weight.
However, there are ultralight backpacking packs on the market that weigh less and carry more. Unless you’re packing for two, I’d recommend sticking with the Arc’teryx Brize 25.
You may find the Arc’teryx daypack finder helpful in finding the right pack weight for your style of trekking.
Comfortability
The Arc’teryx Brize 25 (see image) has a smaller capacity that’s better for short to half-day hikes.
There are several features that up the comfortability factor of a daypack. Two of those being shoulder straps and waist belts.
Both the Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 feature fairly comfortable shoulder straps. The waist belts are another story.
The thin waist strap of the Arc’teryx Brize 25 provides little in the way of comfort. And even less in the way of transferring weight.
The waist strap of the Arc’teryx Brize 32 is also minimal. However, the design does offer a tad more comfort.
I feel both options would be more comfortable if offered in different torso sizes to better tailor the harness to your height.
Versatility
What do you need your daypack to do? The Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 could easily take you from trail to town.
Both feature a clean, streamlined design with internal organizational and side pockets. So you can swap out headlamps for pocket notepads and water bladders for insulated water bottles.
The Arc’teryx Brize 25 is a solid option for an airplane carry-on. Whereas the Arc’teryx Brize 32 is better for packing clothes if you’re renting an Airbnb for the weekend.
However, the main differences in versatility will be most noticeable on the trail.
The Arc’teryx Brize 25 has a smaller capacity that’s better for short to half-day hikes. Plus, the 32-ounce weight is better for agility.
Meanwhile, the Arc’teryx Brize 32 offers more internal space, so you can stay out on the trail all day.
Value
Arc’teryx has a reputation for producing some of the highest quality gear around. And with premium gear comes a premium price.
You could certainly find less expensive options out there. Yet you will likely trade for it in durability and quality.
Both the Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 are built to last. Even when put through repetitive abuse trekking on the trail.
I do wish the Arc’teryx Brize 25 had a better waist strap, given the price. Yet, the capacity, weight, and versatility are good for day hikes or laptop sessions at the local grind.
The Arc’teryx Brize 32 costs a bit more but not enough to break the bank. What you get in return is a quality daypack offering all-day use.
Conclusion
The Arc’teryx Brize 25 and 32 are clean-designed daypacks big enough to hold all the hiking essentials. The one drawback is both daypacks could be more comfortable.
Despite this one flaw, I would recommend either of these daypacks. For short hikes, the Arc’teryx Brize 25 is where it’s at. For longer hikes, I would opt for the Arc’teryx Brize 32. Short or long trekking, both offers town and travel versatility.