There are several different types of hiking backpacks that can be used for various purposes. Daypacks are lightweight and ideal for shorter hikes or one-day outings as opposed to larger, heavier backpacks that are typically used for longer hikes.
When you’re going on a short hike or when you’re not going to be out overnight, you’ll probably be more comfortable with a daypack. Assuming it can carry everything you need, a daypack is usually a wise choice.
Here we’ll highlight some of the best hiking daypacks available. Of course, these smaller lightweight packs are also priced much lower than larger hiking backpacks, so they’re all within an affordable range.
For longer hikes, be sure to see our list of the best hiking backpacks under $200.
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Daypacks
1. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Going for a short hike or a day trip? This daypack can be a great companion that’ll carry everything you need for the day. The backpack has plenty of features that are needed by the average user, whether male or female. The main compartment is easy to access and large enough for the daypack that it is. It also features side pockets that help to hold water and other needed items, while the mesh organizer in the front pocket helps to secure small items in a spot.
Key features
- It features a large panel-loading main compartment
- It has side mesh pockets
- It is designed to attach to a variety of Osprey packs
- The dimensions of the product are 21 x 13 x 3 inches
- It weighs 1.19 pounds
- It is made of 100% polyester
- The total volume capacity is 20L
- It has a built-in external hydration reservoir pocket
- It has an internal laptop pocket
Check the current price of the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
2. G4Free 35L Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Outdoor Sports Travel Daypack
The G4Free 35L Hiking Backpack is a water-resistant daypack that’s perfect for teens and adults; it’s also for all sizes. This backpack meets the size requirement of most airlines for carry-on luggage, and it’s large enough to fit an average person’s essential needs for a two-day trip. Other features that make it a noteworthy option include a sternum strap with emergency whistle buckle, accessory compartments, and a mesh side pocket for keeping an umbrella or bottle. It is also very spacious and can replace the need to carry multiple bags. The bag gives you a 90-day limited warranty.
Key features
- It has a 35L capacity
- It features breathable mesh shoulder straps
- It weighs only 2.14 pounds
- It features 2 front zipped pocket
- It has a sternum strap
- It has an accessory compartment for earphones, USB cables, iPads, etc.
- It features 2 hip-belt pockets
- There is a rain cover at the bottom of the bag
- The dimensions of the package are 10 x 8 x 2 inches
- The package weighs 1.5 pounds
3. Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack
Need a daypack that’s stylishly colorful and can keep your daily needs when outdoors? This might be great for you. Apart from this, it also has a host of features that can make purchasing this product a good choice. Some of these features include an upgraded pocket that stands out with its well-thought-out design that guarantees convenient use. With a 40L storage capacity, this bag has multiple storage compartments that include two side pockets, a zipped front pocket, and a main zipped compartment.
Key Features
- The daypack is made with nylon lining
- It has a zipper closure
- It has a waterproof main compartment
- It has heavy-duty metal zippers
- It weighs 0.7 pounds
- It has a 40L storage space
Check the current price of the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack
4. G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack 35/40L Travel Camping Daypack
The G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack can be considered a daypack due to its 35L storage capacity. However, it has enough room to carry things like clothes, food, a towel, and a couple of things that you may need for a one-day outdoor activity. This hiking backpack has straps for holding fishing bags, trekking poles, sleeping bags, and other accessories that you might find noteworthy enough to carry along. You don’t have to worry about using it on rough terrains since it’s made from high-quality tear-resistant and water-resistant fabrics. It is one of the most versatile daypacks in existence.
Key features
- It weighs 13.7 ounces
- It has an unfolded size of 21 x 11.5 x 8.8 inches
- The folded size is 9.85 x 9.06 inches
- It has a zipper closure
- The storage capacity is 35L
- It has bungee elastic rope for hanging trekking poles, sleeping bags, fishing rods, etc.
5. Cycling Hiking Backpack Sunhiker Water Resistant Travel Backpack Lightweight Small Daypack
This is one of the most portable and fitting daypacks in the market. It is a small daypack that’s suitable for individuals that don’t want a big-sized backpack but just want to take a few items for an outdoor sport. It has a host of features that makes this daypack a good choice, they include a breathable mesh shoulder strap that helps to reduce the pressure you’re experiencing in your shoulder. It also has multiple compartments that offer enough users extra space to keep bottles, phones, and any other thing that they’ll like to hold in a separate compartment.
Key features
- The dimensions of the product are 15.8 x 9.4 x 5.9
- It weighs 12.3oz
- The backpack has a capacity of 20-25L
- It is made with a tear and water-resistant nylon
- It has a breathable mesh shoulder strap
- It has multiple compartments
6. Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Durable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack
The Venture Backpack is a multipurpose backpack that fits well for a single-day use. The bag provides long-lasting performance and extra strength with the lightest weight possible. The bottom piece is double-layered, which provides extra strength that makes it easy to carry extra loads when making a short trip. Bar-tacks at major stress points further enhance longevity. It also features adjustable shoulder straps that can help to lock your backpack securely on your body.
Key Features
- It is made with nylon lining
- It has a zip closure
- It has an extra bottom layered
- The backpack is reinforced with a 2-way Abrasion resistant
- It has multiple compartments
7. Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack
The Outlander Daypack is one that is designed for minimalists that want to go anywhere without sacrificing their comfort. It is ultra-light, ultra-awesome, and ultra-durable. This is a backpack for individuals that are interested in having a bag for occasional travel and day-to-day activities. For a daypack that weighs less than 0.5lb, it impressively has a storage capacity of 33L.
Key Features
- The dimension of the package is 6.2 x 5.6 x 2.8 inches
- The daypack itself weighs less than 0.5 lb.
- It is made of rip-proof and waterproof nylon
- The stress points have been reinforced
- It has a breathable mesh shoulder strap
- It features a zipper closure
- It has a 17.5” shoulder drop
- It has multiple compartments
8. POKARLA 35L Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Daypack
This is a stylish and compact backpack that’s designed for individuals that want something convenient to put their needs while on the move. The Porkarla 35L foldable daypack has a sturdy design and it’s highly wear-resistant and tear-resistant. It is also made with rain-resistant honeycomb nylon that helps it last longer and also makes it stronger. POKARLA reinforced the major stress points by the Bar-tack process. It also features a heavy-duty two-way SBS metal zipper. The daypack is so compact that you can easily fold it in its own zip front pocket, and you can unfold it back for use in a few Key features The ZOMAKE Small Hiking Backpack is a good choice for individuals that want a backpack that allows them to store and have their needs around while in an outdoor activity. It is ultra-weight and roomy as it has a 25 lb storage capacity with a very lightweight. You can fold and unfold it from your luggage to avoid overweight charges by carrying extra luggage. It is a perfect daypack for day hikes, travel, school, shopping, camping, day hikes, etc. It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee from its producers. Key Features The Maxtop 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Traveling & Hiking is a roomy and foldable daypack that has the capacity to carry all your daily needs and more in its compact body. It features a compartment and two large sections that can hold the cloth for travel. It is made of water and tear-resistant fabric which gives it longevity and strength with a small weight. It also has breathable mesh shoulder straps that help to relieve any pressure the load puts on the shoulder. Key features Check the current price of the MAXTOP 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Traveling & Hiking Their sizes vary widely. When you’re considering your preferred size, go through a list of the things you’ll love to put in your daypack regularly. Then ask yourself which of these sizes would fit. Most daypacks costs from $50 to $50 dollars, which is a very wide price range. The cheapest daypacks are probably made with low-quality materials, but you can also find a cheap daypack with good quality. The ones we’ve showcased here represent a good value. There is no particular ideal weight for buying a daypack, but you must ensure that it’s one that doesn’t impede on your movement, for example, buying a daypack that’s more than 1lb while hiking slows you down. Daypacks have two frame types, and they are: If you sweat easily, then you should be particular about the ventilation of the backpack. Individuals that sweat easily should opt for fully ventilated daypacks as that’ll increase the flow of air to your back. If you’re particular about having a defined space that grants you access to specific and smaller things, opt for a daypack that has numerous exterior and interior pockets. You may also opt for a daypack with numerous compartments as they are more spacious and will have more pockets.9. ZOMAKE Small Hiking Backpack, 25L Lightweight Travel Backpack Packable Backpack Daypack
10. MAXTOP 40L Lightweight Packable Backpack for Traveling & Hiking
How to Choose the Right Daypack
Size
Price
Weight
Frame Type
Ventilation
Storage and Pockets
