Hiking is great and as long as you have the right gear, you shouldn’t have any problems for great experiences every single time.
Daypack for hiking
When you like the short hiking experiences, you need a hiking daypack for all the gear, food and water you may need. Your daypack has also to be breathable, lightweight and great for organizing all your small items.
This doesn’t mean that the comfort has to compromise though and you want your daypack to be all padded and full of features that makes hiking easier for you back and shoulders.
It wouldn’t hurt for your daypack to also be waterproof, especially if you’re day hiking in the summertime or the early fall.
The more adjustable your daypack is, the better the chances for you to feel nice and cozy when on the move. Look for a hiking daypack that has adjustable straps and many features for the best customization.
The hiking daypack is great to have especially if you’re a devoted hiker. The short hiking are more challenging as you need to speed up and take the best out of the trail, in just one day.
No matter which way you go, a hiking daypack is a great asset to have in your hiking gear.
Our Top 7 Daypack
1). Going shopping on a very tight budget is no picnic, but you may still come back home with some good daypack that meets your needs and likings. The G4Free Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack is a good backpack like that and does a good job for a good amount of time.
The backpack is made with high quality water and tear resistant nylon and it’s reinforced in more than 14 places with rope Process. The zippers are also made with long lasting Abrasion resistant SBS metal.
Lightweight and thin, the backpack folds into a compact pouch for storage.
The organization is good and the backpack gives you three zippered compartments with a main compartment roomy enough for a day hike. You may store some smaller items in the outer pocket and use the inner zippered pocket for the valuable items like cash or passport. The side mesh pockets are large and great for some umbrellas.
Well made, lightweight and comfortable, the backpack is a great bang for your buck.
- The backpack gives plenty of storage options
- It’s well made and has reinforced points
- It’s lightweight and comfortable
- It’s cheap
- The side pouches are a tad small
- The fabric is quite thin
Giving the money you pay, we’d say you may rely on the backpack for your day hikes, as long as you’re aware of its limitations.
2). Compact and easy to fold when not in use, the 20L/33L- Most Durable Packable Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack is a good option especially when you go shopping on a fixed budget.
The backpack folds into zippered inner pocket so you may practically store it anywhere when you don’t use it.
The organizing options are good and the daypack has several compartments. The main compartment is large and two front zippered pockets store your smaller items. You also get to use an internal zippered security pocket for the most valuable items and two side pockets for some umbrellas or water bottles.
The backpack is lightweight and durable as it’s made with good quality rip and water-resistant nylon fabric. The backpack takes the long use and its stress points are reinforced with bar tacking to extend its lifespan.
The zippers are made with Abrasion Resistant SBS metal and 2-way, placed across the backpack.
As for the straps, they are breathable and pretty easy to carry all day.
On top of everything else, the backpack looks nice.
- The backpack folds to a pocket for easy storage
- It gives plenty of pockets for an effective organization of your items
- It’s tear resistant
- It’s lightweight and durable
- It has no chest straps
- It could use more padding
All in all, for a very low price, you get a durable, lightweight and easy to carry backpack for your short hikes.
3). Folding into zippered pocket so you may easily store it anywhere, the Free Knight 25L Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack is a fairly-priced backpack that saves you on any day hike.
The backpack is compact and gives you many compartments to organize your belongings. It has a classic shape and many pockets for the small items. The main compartment is roomy and the three front zipper pockets store the smaller accessories. You may safely use the two side pockets for water bottles or some umbrella.
Made of rip and water resistant nylon fabric, the backpack may serve you for a good amount of time. The bar tacking are reinforcing the stress points, extending the durability of the pack. The 2-way zippers match the backpack as they’re made with abrasion resistant metal.
The straps are adjustable for a customized fit and the backpack has a fluid structure for increased comfort.
The backpack is machine washable and dependable.
- The backpack is compact and folds small
- It’s made with rip and water resistant material
- It has a fluid structure and adjustable straps
- It gives plenty of space for organizing your items
- It could use more padding
- It has its limit when it comes to heavy loading
Nevertheless, the backpack is lightweight, compact and gives plenty of storage space when you’re day hiking, which is quite enough for many.
4). Step out of your comfort zone and get a canvas daypack for your short hiking adventures. The ibagbar Canvas Backpack Travel Bag Hiking Bag Camping Bag Rucksack may surprise you with its durability and features and you may totally rely on it for quite some time.
The daypack is made with 90% high density canvas and 10% PU leather and takes the intense use for a good amount of time. It doesn’t just leave a durability feel, but it also looks well and its PU leather details are nice.
The design is good and you may organize your items pretty efficient thanks to the main zip pocket, the 2 front zip pockets and the one side mesh pocket. Let’s not forget the laptop compartment that fits a 15 in. laptop.
The versatility of the daypack is great and you may use it as a brief case or duffle when travelling.
The straps are long lasting and placed in a hidden compartment when you want to carry the bag as a satchel/rucksack. You may very well turn the daypack into a messenger bag by using the shoulder strap that is also detachable.
The daypack leaves a durability feel and has a rugged build. It looks nice and it’s quite comfortable. Its shoulder straps are well padded.
Even though it’s not waterproof, the daypack is going to protect your items in a light rain.
- The daypack is made with 90% cotton and 10% PU leather
- It’s versatile and you may wear it in several ways
- The shoulder straps are well padded
- The daypack looks durable and nice
- It’s not waterproof
- It may dig into your shoulders if heavily loaded
All in all, for a good price, you get a good, versatile and nice looking daypack that does a good job when hiking or travelling.
5). Lightweight and easy to use on a day hike, the Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack is a good choice for many out there.
Made of nylon, the daypack features a large panel loading main compartment where you may fit several items.
The side pockets are made with dual stretch mesh so you get to better organize smaller things, whereas a front zippered pocket with mesh organizer and key clip lets you have a nice organization of the smaller items.
We also notice the multi-function interior sleeve that you may use it for a tablet or an Osprey hydraulics reservoir.
The die-cut foam back panel is mesh-covered so it’s both comfortable and quite breathable as well.
The daypack gives you plenty of space to organize your items and you may attach it to various Osprey larger packs.
The access to the main compartment is easy to do thanks to the large zippered panel.
Well-made and expandable, the daypack is a good option for many.
- The daypack is lightweight and comfortable
- It gives plenty of space for storage
- The straps are well padded
- The daypack is well made and expandable
- The side pockets could be bigger
- The breathability may be improved
No matter how you see it though, we don’t change our mind about the daypack, which we confidently recommend it for the day hiking.
6). Even though it may not be the typical daypack, the Osprey Porter Travel Backpack Bag, 46-Liter may work very well when day hiking or simply travelling.
The daypack is made with 420D nylon hex rip and 420HD nylon so it’s able to take a beat.
The design of the daypack is well thought out and it comes with many pockets for organizing your items. The backpack features a zippered top accessory pocket so you may have easy access to the items you’re using the most.
The panel load lockable zippered access to the main compartment is good and the daypack has a secure entry to the items inside. The daypack features one internal mesh zippered pocket and one internal fabric zippered pocket.
The sidewalls are foam padded for better protection over your items and they also features StraightJacket compression for increased compression of loads.
We also notice a stow away padded shoulder harness with a sternum strap that is easy to adjust for more comfort. The rescue whistle buckle simply makes things safe when out in the wild and the backpack style carry offers good support.
The four reinforced cord loops make the daypack more versatile so you may carry more items when in need.
- The daypack comes with many pockets for better organization of your items
- It features reinforced cord loops
- It has a stow away padded shoulder harness with sternum strap
- It’s comfortable and lightweight
- It’s a bit bulky
- The zipper has to be more durable
Despite the minor problems, we still think the daypack is a great option for your day hiking experiences.
7). When you want to step up your game on your day hikes, put your money at stake with a rugged backpack like The North Face Recon Backpack.
Made with 210D Cordura nylon mini-rip stop, this backpack has a tough build and is ready to take the challenges of a day hike and so much more anytime.
The FlexVent suspension system includes the injection-molded shoulder straps, whereas a padded mesh back panel with a spine channel ensures increased support and ventilations.
You may also carry your 15in laptop as the backpack features a padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve in its main compartment. In the front compartment you’re going to find a padded, fleece-lined tablet sleeve that gives you fast and easy access to your tablet.
The list of features continues with a front stash pocket with stretch side panels that offer you even more storage space for your items.
A secondary compartment has effective internal organization and a fleece-lined media pocket. Add a secure zippered pocket and elastic webbing for cord management, and you got yourself a winning backpack for your day hikes.
The comfort is great when carrying the backpack and it’s easy to adjust the sternum strap or to remove the waist belt.
Durable, comfortable and taking the intense use, the daypack is one dependable option to try.
- The backpack has plenty of organizational pockets
- It features padded sleeve for your laptop and tablet
- It comes with adjustable straps and removable waist strap
- It’s well made and tough
- It’s not waterproof
- The straps may get in the way when let loose
All things considered, for the tough build and great organizational space, we wouldn’t sit on a fence when shopping for a hiking daypack.
Best Hiking Daypack with Hydration
If ever in need for a hiking daypack that also comes with hydration, give it a go with the Teton Sports Oasis 1100 2 Liter Hydration Backpack.
Lightweight and comfortable, the backpack gives you plenty of reasons for getting it. It comes with a BPA free 2-Liter hydration bladder and a long tube. The bite valve works well and the water loses the specific plastic taste quite fast. The kink-free sip tube is lightweight and the push-lock cushioned bite valve seems durable. The bladder features a large 2-in opening for ice and easier cleaning when in need.
The backpack has a low profile and fits quite cozy. The comfort-taped straps feature high-density notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering, which increase the comfort.
You also get a good storage space for your items and the large pocket with hidden-teeth zipper and weather guard is great for the more sensitive items.
The backpack is full of functional details like the bungee cord system for bike helmet or the butterfly opening for jackets.
Let’s not forget to mention the wide mesh straps with ventilated foam and chest shock absorber.
The backpack sits low on your body, but close to it. You may adjust it on the shoulder, chest and waist for the best fit.
The stitches are barely visible and the backpacks seems durable.
- The bladder is good and has a 2in opening for ice
- It has plenty of pockets for your items
- It’s well made and resistant
- It’s comfortable and adjustable in many ways
- The hydration pack may be improved
- The backpack isn’t the strongest option out there
All in all, considering the money you’re paying, we’d say you end up with a reliable daypack with hydration anyway.
Best Daypack for Travel and Hiking
Lightweight and easy to fold into a pocket when you’re travelling, the Gonex 30L Lightweight Packable Backpack Handy Travel Hiking Daypack shouldn’t be missed whenever in need.
The daypack is quite roomy, giving you a 30L capacity and features plenty of compartments that are great for organizing your things.
You may easily store your water bottles inside the two-nylon mesh on sides and hide your very small items in the inner zip pocket. The large front pocket is a nice choice for your utilities, whereas the money pouch is easy to access at all time.
The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh and the whole backpack is made with rip and water resistant nylon fabric. Stress points are reinforced with bar tacking so the backpack is longer lasting. As for the zippers, they match the good build of the backpack as they’re made of abrasion resistant SBS metal and across the backpack. They’re 2-way zippers, giving the backpack easier access.
The front waste strap increases your comfort and the backpack is great when travelling or hiking as well.
- The backpack is thin and lightweight
- It packs small into a pocket
- It gives plenty of pockets and space for you to organize your belongings
- It’s made with water and rip resistant material
- The straps hang a bit low
- The buckles add a bulk feel to the backpack
Nevertheless, for the versatility and reliability, the backpack is going to be great when travelling or hiking as well.
Best Budget Hiking Daypack
Don’t let the size of the Hikpro 20L Ultra Lightweight Packable backpack fool you as the daypack gives you plenty of storage space for your items when day hiking.
The backpack is great for organizing your personal items and it gives you 3 zippered compartments, 1 main pocket for the larger items, one outer smaller pocket and 1 inner zippered pocket which doubles. It also features 2 large size mesh pockets.
The 20Liters capacity of the daypack is great for a one-day hike and the daypack is lightweight, yet tough. It’s made with high quality water and tear resistant nylon material, taking the intense use. The zippers match the durable build and they are made with abrasion resistant SBS metal, with minimal risk for being stuck. As if all of this wasn’t enough, the daypack is also reinforced in more than 14 places with Bartack process to increase its strength.
The shoulder straps are padded and breathable so carrying the daypack is quite comfortable.
When you don’t want to use the daypack, you simply fold it into a small pocket so you can have it with you, without even noticing.
- The backpack is tear and water resistant
- It gives many pockets for organizing your items
- The zippers are strong and don’t stuck
- The daypack is durable and foldable to a pocket
- It could use more padding
- Some find it difficult to fold it
Durable, lightweight and reliable, the backpack is a great choice on a fixed budget.
Best Value Hiking Daypack
Compact and foldable into its own pocket, the Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Durable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack is one of the most popular hiking daypacks and you only need to scroll down to get a better understanding of this.
The daypack is made with high quality materials that is resistant to tear and water as well. The backpack is lightweight, yet so long lasting and able to take the intense use.
The double-layer bottom piece increases the durability of the backpack, but the bar-tacks at the important stress points do the same thing for the strength of the backpack.
The backpack is very easy to use and its tough two-way SBS metal zippers across the backpack are easy to open/close from any side.
The shoulder straps are pretty well padded and breathable as well. The sponge padding lowers the stress from your shoulder and the straps are adjustable for best fit. The backpack also features a chest strap that is easy to adjust and the whistle buckle is great for locking the backpack in place.
When it comes to organizing your items, the backpack isn’t bad at all. It features one main zipped compartment, two side pockets that you may use for water and two zipped front pockets. The main compartment has a 35Liters capacity and features two separator for better organization of your things.
You may easily fit small items in the two front pockets and the some water or umbrellas in the side pockets.
On top of everything else, the backpack folds into its own pocket for easier storage.
- The backpack is compact and folds into its own pocket
- It gives plenty of compartments for organizing your items
- It’s lightweight, yet durable
- It’s tear and water resistant
- The zipper may get stuck when folding the backpack
- The body strap simply hangs when not in use
For the storage options, durability, lightweight and foldable feature, the daypack is one reliable choice for your short hikes.
Best Daypack for Hiking with Camera
Offering multi-functional compartments, the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L Camera Backpack – Daypack Style Backpack is a great backpack that you may take on your day hikes when in need.
The backpack has a sleek and modern design and its multi-functional compartments give better options for you to organize the gear. The camera box is padded and removable and comes with storm-flap closure. The grab handles help you better customize the storage space as you may remove it for turning the pack into a hiking daypack.
The body side, hatchback opening gives you fast and easy access to your camera gear, whereas the front padded stash pocket offers fast access to a dual compartment that you may use for a tablet or laptop.
The mesh-covered back pad ensures soft and breathable comfort and the stretch-mesh side pockets are tall and perfect for some water bottles.
The upper compartment is large and features a zippered pocket with built-in key fob and 2 stretch=mesh pockets.
Let’s not forget the built-in All Weather AW cover that protects your gear from the elements.
- It offers plenty of space for your camera and accessories
- It comes with an All Weather AW cover that protects your gear
- You may easily turn it into a hiking daypack
- It has a comfortable and modern design
- The backpack does’t give much padding for protecting your laptop
- Some would have liked the colors not to be so bright
Despite the minor problems, put your money at stake when you want a hiking daypack that offers protection to your camera as well.
Best Small Hiking Daypack
Whether you go day hiking or cycling, take a leap of faith and try the Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack Lightweight SMALL Daypack.
Made with highly tear resistant nylon that is also water-resistant, the backpack is small and lightweight, without sacrificing on the comfort or the functionality.
The backpack features Mat reflective stripe so you’re more visible when on the run. It features also volume control system so it becomes more compact when it’s fully loaded.
The shoulder straps are easy to adjust, but the backpack also comes with waist and chest straps, for better fitting.
Either way, the straps are comfortable and breathable, increasing your comfort.
The bottle holders on both sides are great and the backpack works for day hiking, travelling or cycling.
Lightweight and comfortable, the backpack comes in nice colors too. Its zippers are good and work well. The backpack is well made and leaves a durability feel.
- The backpack is small and lightweight
- It’s made with tear and water resistant nylon
- It comes with adjustable chest, waist and shoulder straps
- It’s comfortable and well made
- Some would have liked small pouch for the phone
- The front zipper pouch could be bigger
Small, lightweight and dependable for a day hike or any other outdoor activity, the backpack is worth to try.
Best Lightweight Hiking Daypack
Easy to fold into a pocket and amazingly lightweight, the Gonex Ultralight Handy Travel Backpack, Water Resistant Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack brings many good things to the table which you should consider when on a hunt for a lightweight hiking daypack.
Made with tear and water resistant nylon, the backpack is compact and it’s great for day trips, day hikes or simply shopping.
The SBS Abrasion resistant metal zippers are tough and take the intense use. The whole backpack is durable and it’s actually reinforced in more than 25 places with bar tack process.
You get plenty of space to store and organize your items. The daypack gives you three zippered compartments and its main pocket is large enough for a day hike.
When you want fast and easy access to some important items, don’t hesitate to use the outer smaller pocket. Use the inner zippered pocket for the most valuable items like a credit card or a passport.
The shoulder straps are well padded and they’re easy to adjust. They have a good design and their shape increases your comfort.
The backpack comes in 8 pretty colors to choose from and looks quite nice.
- The backpack is made with tear and water resistant nylon
- It comes with padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- It gives plenty of pockets to organize your items
- It comes in 8 nice colors to choose from
- It’s not waterproof
- It’s not the toughest daypack out there
Thin, lightweight, reliable for a day hike, the backpack should be put on your shopping list anytime.
Best Waterproof Hiking Daypack
When remaining nice and dry is the most important thing to you, don’t hesitate to give it a go with the Chaos Ready Waterproof Backpack – Dry Bag – Quality Heavy Duty.
The daypack is 100% waterproof (Class 3) and its main compartments protects your belongings from water, dust, dirt and sand. Additionally, the daypack floats safely if dropped in water, which makes it safe for even a fast submersion.
The backpack is made with heavy-duty 500PVC tarpaulin with high frequency welded seams. The backpack is long lasting, but still flexible for a comfortable use. It’s very easy to wipe it clean and store it away.
You also get good storage options with mesh sides and front pocket that is easy to access. You may even add two water bottles in you backpack. Keep in mind that the front pocket isn’t waterproof, though.
The tightly sealed fold system maintain the 22 Liter main compartment water and airtight.
The shoulders straps are well padded, increasing the comfort.
The backpack is sturdy, roomy and easy to roll with.
- The backpack has a main compartment 100% waterproof
- It gives good organization storage space
- It’s comfortable and sturdy
- The straps are well padded
- It’s not the toughest daypack
- Some wish it came in more colors
Giving the waterproofness and the good build, you’re not ending up with a lemon when getting the backpack though.