I am in need of a day pack as mine is too big and falling apart. I'm hoping someone here will have a great recommendation/suggestions for a new one.

What I need: a study day pack with the waist belt for support as I often hike 5+miles and wish I had it on the pack I have now. One that fits a short girl. I'm 5'2" and almost every pack I have tried on including my curent one, is 2" too big in the shoulder straps. This is with them tightened as far as they will go. Ugh. No Bueno. My other need is it to fit in my budget of $40 or less, preferably less.

Thank you in advance!

Now is the season for back-to-school day packs. Maybe a large kid size would be better for you?

If you don't mind spending the money, Osprey makes great packs for women. I tried on on at Cabellas and couldn't believe how perfectly it got! They come in every size imaginable too!

Traveling Garden Gnome
Saving pennies for an Osprey
Still using my Target lumbar pack

Yes! I tried one on at REI yesterday, but the $89 on sale price was way too much for me, hence the question here. Maybe if I lived in Colorado and hiked everywhere.... ;)

I would spend the money on one, but I am thinking of backpacking soon, so I'll need money for one of those as well.

So... I dunno...