The Best Light Backpack For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Light Backpack
Best Light Backpack

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Venture Pal 40L Backpack

Whether you're looking for something light and easy to carry on your back or shoulder, or something with more compartments to organize the essentials, the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack-Navy is perfect for weekend adventures. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Sunhiker Hiking Backpack

The Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack Lightweight is a best-selling backpack. This backpack features lightweight and durable material that allows for maximum breathability, as well as a size detail, making this backpack an excellent option for all day hikes. Read Review

3. Best For The Price: Speedpark Hiking Backpack

The Hiking Backpack 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack by Backpacks4less is a quality backpack that is durable and water-resistant. This backpack is made with an excellent high-quality material, and designed to be durable. Read Review

4. Top Choice: Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable

Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Travel Camping Hiking Outdoor Sports Backpack is a great backpack for outdoor enthusiasts. It is designed with lightweight materials, high-quality fabric and durable stitching. The packable design makes it easy to fold and carry on the go with this practical backpack. Read Review

Finding the right pack is an essential part of your back country adventures. No matter how good a hiker you are, without the right gear you won’t make it very far. Having the right backpack is one of those essentials that can really make or break your trip.

Finding the perfect lightweight backpack can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for something that will last as long as possible. After all, it doesn’t make any sense to invest money in something that will start falling apart after a few short trips. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best light backpacks on the market right now.

We think the product that comes highly recommended for the best light backpack is Venture Pal 40L Backpack. Made of durable, lightweight nylon material in a water-resistant coating, this packable backpack is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone just looking to stay organized. In case you need more alternatives and more in-depth guidance, you may explore the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Venture Pal 40L Backpack
Our Score:
9.7
Venture Pal

【Upgraded Wet Pocket Design】Venture Pal backpack stands out with more humane design for easy and convenient use. One waterproof wet pocket is added to the main compartment, a zipper on the back of this backpack which led to the internal wet pocket, to better separate sweaty clothes, towels or other personal things after swimming or taking exercise.

【Compact & Comfortable】It weighs only 1 pounds, can easily fold into its own pocket for storage,and unfold it when you need it. Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. The chest clip with a whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. A must have for sports , hiking, camping and traveling.

【Durable Material】This backpack is made of high quality tear and water resistant nylon fabric,heavy duty metal zippers and enhanced by bar-tacks at major stress points provide long-lasting durability against daily activities.The extra strength provided by the double-layer bottom piece makes it possible to carry more stuff.

【Purchase Tips】- If there is any problem, just contact with us, we will handle with it immediately.

【Large Capacity & Multi Compartment】With 40L storage space, this backpack features with multi-compartment design includes one main zipped compartment, one zipped front pockets and two side pockets. One separator and one small zippered pocket in the main compartment are convenient enough to help you further organize things.Large capacity helps you easily organize all your essential items.

TOP Choice #2 Sunhiker Hiking Backpack
Our Score:
9.5
Sunhiker

It is a small backpack, suitable for those people who do not want a big size and just need to take necessity when doing outdoors sports. Suitable for Kids Girls Boys Children Over 3 Years.

Material: Highly tear resistant Nylon, Water-resistant, Lightweight, Scratch-resistant, Durable & Comfortable. Provides you a long-term, secure daily using.

Breathable mesh shoulder straps which helps relieve the stress of shoulder. Multiple compartments offering enough place to save your belongs more detailed classification and well. Bottle holder on the both sides. With high quality smooth zipper and durable whistle buckle.

Dimensions:15.8H x 9.4L x 5.9W inches/ 40 x 24 x 15 cm. Weight:12.3oz. Capacity: About 20-25L.

Perfect for activities like hiking, camping, climbing, traveling, cycling and other outdoors sports. Any problems please contact us in your free time, we will solve it within 24 hours.

TOP Choice #3 Speedpark Hiking Backpack
Our Score:
9.4
SPEEDPARK

DURABLE MATERIAL: Our camping backpacks made of high quality tear and waterproof polyester fabrics with smooth metal zippers. Pack and shoulder strap stitching is not easy to tear even if it bears heavy items. All stress points are reinforced with bar tacking to increase its longevity.

COMFORTABLE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This travel backpack can be easily fold into its own pocket for storage; the sturdy shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. Ideal comfort for daily use or day trips, holiday, travel, hiking, school, camping and shopping.

100% SATISFACTION: If you are unhappy with our hiking daypacks, please do not hesitate to contact us. Support returns and exchanges within 90 days.

BREATHABLE MESH PADDING: It is a ergonomically designed daypack. With ventilated mesh padding shoulder straps and backside. It is a perfect hiking backpack for outdoor sports.

LARGE CAPACITY BACKPACK: This hiking backpack has 40L storage space, dimension is 21.3*13.8*9.1 inch. With multi-compartment design includes one main zipped compartment, one zipped front pockets and two side pockets, one separator and one small zippered pocket in the main compartment, there is more than 10 pockets can hold everything you need in travels, such as phone, pens, maps,bottles or umbrella etc. You can easily organize all your essential stuffs.

DURABLE. This Venture Pal Backpack is made with high quality tear and water resistant material, provides extra strength and long-lasting performance with the lightest weight possible. The extra strength provided by the double-layer bottom piece makes it very convenient to carry more load on your journeys. Heavy duty two-way SBS metal zippers across the backpack are convenient to operation on whichever side you prefer. Longevity is further enhanced by bar-tacks at major stress points.

MULTI COMPARTMENTS and KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED. This backpack features one main zipped compartment, two zipped front pockets and two side pockets. The main compartment provide enough room (35 liters) no matter if it's a day trip or a week long journey. Two separators in the main compartment are convenient enough to help you further organize things. The two front pockets are good for holding small accessories and for easy access. Two side pockets are good for holding water bottles and umbrellas.

LIGHTWEIGHT(0.7LB) and ROOMY(35Liters).A true space saver. Fold the backpack into its own pocket for storage(no more excess baggage fees),and unfold it when you reach your destination. To avoid overweight charge, simply unfold from your checked bags and use it as a carry on for your excess baggage.

COMFORTABLE. Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. The length of the shoulder straps is adjustable. The chest strap with a whistle buckle help you lock your backpack in place securely.

COMPACT. Folds into zipped inner pocket to fit anywhere, and unfolds from pocket to backpack in seconds. A must have for every trip.

5 4Monster Hiking Backpack
Our Score:
9.1
4Monster

【Multipurpose】This Foldable backpack provides enough space for outdoor travel, camping, hiking, day trips and shopping. Comes with a main zipper pocket, a front zipper pocket and two mesh side pockets. The main compartment provides enough storage space for day trips, hiking and shopping. It is also an ideal choice for international travel at the airport.

【Lightweight & Compact】Weight only 4 (oz), which is about half of the weight of a iphone. Easy to carry, can be folded into the wallet size fit into a pocket.

【Water Resistant material】This lightweight hiking daypack is made of water-resistant material and zipper. Effectively prevent rainwater from wetting the phone or cash and other items in the backpack.

We want to make sure you have an amazing experience with us. 30 day no hassle returns / free exchange,12 month warranty.

【Durable】Tear-resistant 30D nylon will effectively prevent branches, stones from scratching the pack, keys and other products can also be safely placed inside. All stitches are strengthened to suit long-term use.

6 MAXTOP Hiking Backpack
Our Score:
8.9
MAXTOP

▶ Multipurpose - MAXTOP 40L hiking backpack ideal comfort for day-to-day use or day trips, vacation, fishing, travel, hiking, school, work, camping and Disney day trip. Great hiking backpack for women and men. If you have any questions about the product, please feel free to contact us.

▶Water-resistant & Durable Backpack - This MAXTOP lightweight backpack is made of high quality tear and water-resistant fabric, which can provide strength and long-lasting performance with the ultra light weight. The stress points are reinforced with positioning nails to extend the longevity. We use durable 2-way wear-resistant SBS metal zippers, so you don’t have to worry about the zipper being stuck on the flap.

▶Comfortable Outdoor Companion - We take comfort and functionality into consideration when designing. The breathable mesh shoulder strap helps relieve stress on your shoulders. The length of the shoulder strap is adjustable. Adjustable chest strap with WHISTLE buckle helps you hold the backpack securely in place and send messages for help. Not easy to fall when walking or running. The reflective strips on the backpack make it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures during day and night.

▶Ultra Lightweight Backpack and Compact (0.9pounds) - Weighing less than a pound,the portability of this pakable daypack is unrivaled.When not in use,just fold the backpack into its own zip front pocket(only 5 steps,8*8.5 inch after folding)for easy compact storage(no more excess baggage fees),this will become a very small size, and unfold from pocket to backpack within just 10 seconds when you reach your destination.One of the best mens and womens daypacks on the market.

▶Large Capacity & Organized(40 liters, 12 pockets) - 40L of storage rucksack and more than 12 pockets, convenient to put all your outdoor items in this foldable travel backpack. One main compartment with two spacious section to hold you clothes, and travel gears organized. 3 front pockets with additional pockets inside are great for quick access such as camera, pens. 2 mesh pockets to keep water bottle or umbrella. Moreover, 2 elastic straps can hang Trekking pole or the camping accessories.

7 ZOMAKE Lightweight Hiking Backpack
Our Score:
8.8
ZOMAKE

COMPACT - Can be folded into an inner zipper pocket with Sandwich size - Easy to carry and store. Designed to easily pack it in your suitcase for use at their destination as an extra bag for the trip

MULTIPURPOSE - Ultra-light. Ultra-durable. Ultra-awesome. The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use or day trips, vacation, travel, day hikes, school, camping or shopping etc. A great gift for every travel enthusiast

DURABLE - Made of High Quality tear and water resistant Nylon Material. Heavy duty SBS metal zippers can adapt to long-term use. Never worry about the broken zipper!

100% Satisfation Guarantee:If anything at all goes wrong with your backpack, you have 90 days to request a replacement, completely for free. We hope our ZOMAKE backpack can accompany you for a long time. Add your ZOMAKE backpack to cart, and enjoy taking it on your upcoming trips!

ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT & ROOMY - 25L capacity with only 0.6lb! Spacious enough to carry a day’s worth of necessities. Avoid overweight baggage charges by simply unfolding it from your luggage and using it as a carry on for your excess baggage. A must-have whether a daytrip or a long-way tour

8 G4Free 40L Backpack
Our Score:
8.6
G4Free

【Lightweight & Comfortable】Weighs 1lb. Unfold size: 18.9*12.9*9.4inch(L*W*H); Fold size: 9.4x8.7inch; A true space saver. Fold the backpack into its pocket for storage to avoid the overweight charge. Breathable widened s-type shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. The adjustable chest strap with a whistle buckle helps you lock your backpack in place securely or help to put in the luggage.

【Wet Pocket Design】100% waterproof wet pocket is designed in the back of this backpack. Take this outdoor backpack for swimming or hiking to avoid getting wet or stuck in the rain. Never worry about your phone, or purse getting wet, and separate your sweaty clothes, towels, or other personal things for outdoor activities.

【VERSATILTY】This is a packable backpack that can be easily folded into the front large pocket to fit anywhere and unfolds from pocket to backpack in seconds. Lightweight daypack backpacks for travel, hiking, camping, sport, overnight trip, day-to-day use, shopping, and more. It is the perfect companion no matter outdoor sports or leisure activities in or out of the city.

【Multi-Compartment Design】 This foldable backpack has 40L storage space. Featuring one main zipped compartment, a second large zipped front pocket, one front zipped hidden pouch, one front zipper compartment, and 2 side pockets. One separator and one small zippered pocket in the main compartment to organize your essential items.

【Water-resistant and Durable】This handy Backpack is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric. Bar-Tacks Processed at the seam will provide extra strength and long-lasting performance. Durable two-way SBS zippers are abrasion-resistant and ensure secure closure.

Multiple Compartment: Featuring a classic shape with several pockets for storage and organization, this ultralight backpack has 2 front zippered pockets, 2 side mesh pockets, one inner zipper pocket and one moist proof pocket apart from the main zippered compartment.

Wet and Dry Separation: A moist separated pocket is specially designed for you to store wet towels after exercise.

Lightweight to Carry: This 30L packable backpack only weighs 0.86lbs but has a capacity of 30litres, perfect for travelling, camping, hiking and daily use.

Foldable and Fashionable: This stylish 30l hiking daypack is available in multiple colors and can be folded into a space-saving backpack within few easy steps with strong and smooth zippers.

Functional and Durable: SKYSPER 30L foldable backpack is made from highly rip and water resistant 600D fabric to provide strengthen and long-lasting performance with minimal weight.

🌵LIGHTWEIGHT & FOLDABLE -- Easy to carry. 40L Hiking backpack itself weight Only 0.7 pounds, making your journey relaxing. It also can be easily stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability. Unfold Size: 19.3*12.5*6.3 inches. Folded Size: 6.6*8.2*1.9 inches. It meet size requirements for most airlines, enough room for 3 or 4 days trips.

🌸WET POCKET DESIGN -- One waterproof wet pocket is added to the main compartment, a zipper on the back of this backpack which led to the internal wet pocket, to better separate sweaty clothes, towels or other personal things after swimming or taking exercise.

🍁WATER RESISTANT & DURABLE -- Hiking backpack is made of High quality rip-stop nylon fabric, water resistant, tear resistant, anti-Scratch, wear resistant, breathable and moisture proof, smooth and comfortable.It can prevent the water and dust into the backpack, protect your valuables from heavy rain and keep everything dry. Durable two-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zipper for secure closure.

🌴LARGE CAPACITY & MULTI COMPARTMENT -- Spacious backpack packed with roomy zipper main compartment, 1 zipper Secondary compartment, 2 front zipper pocket, 1 wet pocket, 3 internal pocket, and 2 mesh side pockets. 40-liter Ultra-light Foldable backpack provides enough space for outdoor travel, camping, hiking and fishing. It meet size requirements for most airlines, enough room for 3 or 4 days trips.

🚀SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE -- We are offering 90-day replacement service and 24/7 service, if you have any question, please feel free to tell us! We will give you a satisfactory solution! You don’t have to worry about any problems!

🍄MULTIPLE-OCCASIONS -- This backpack Can be used as hiking backpack daypack / sling bags / travel bags / working or business bag, suitable for women /men/youth/ girls /kids outdoor hiking ,office, school, business and daypack. Camping out with TOMULE Backpack to breath fresh air and refresh your mood.

🌳COMFORTABLE & EASY BURDEN -- TOMULE 40L Hiking Daypack /Camping Backpack / Cycling Backpack /Fishing Backpack/ Traveling Daypack / Tactical Backpack is specially designed for traveling enthusiasts. Adjustable breathable shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder, ensure a proper fit and comfortable all-day use. The chest clip with a whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered.

What to Look For in a best light backpack?

Some consumers are concerned about ordering best light backpack. Various aspects should always be explored before making big product choices. Our expertise on best light backpack will help determine the best possible decision.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best light backpack:

Ventilation

A ventilated backpack can increase airflow to your back if you are prone to sweating or hiking in humid conditions. You can feel a big difference in how comfortable you are by having your back and shirt cool. There are many options for backpack ventilation. Some backpacks have an airflow-enhancing mesh cavity. They work well. Others have air channels between the foam cutouts or back padding to promote airflow.

Weight

Because you don't have as many gear, food or water, a daypack weighs less than a multiday backpack. It's always a good idea to have less weight but don't sacrifice your safety. A daypack should not collapse when it's packed. It should ride on your hips, and not your shoulders. You should look for bags that are 40 oz or less. This is a reasonable weight that will still give you plenty of options.

Capacity

What size should my daypack be? Daypacks come in a range of sizes, from 20L to 35L. The length of the hike and how many layers and clothing you will need to keep you safe from rain, snow, wind and other hazards determine which size backpack you should purchase. A smaller backpack can be sufficient for half-day hikes. However, we suggest a larger size for longer hikes and peak bagging. We also recommend the 30-35L range to transport extra water, food layers, water, as well as the 10 Essentials.

Hydration Compatibility

Daypacks and backpacks can be used with hydration systems. However, most require you to purchase a water hydration system. This can be costly. You can save money by choosing backpacks that have mesh sides and are able to hold water bottles.

Hip Belts

The amount of padding provided by daypack hip belts varies. Some daypacks come without a hip belt, others have a webbing strap and some include pockets and padding. Hip belts that are simple and unpadded are meant to prevent a daypack's bounce against your hips or back while you walk. However, hip belts with more padding can shift the weight to your hips. A padded hip belt should be fitted correctly. For more information, see our article: How should a backpack hip belt fit? For a more detailed explanation, please visit our article How Should a Backpack Hip Belt Fit?

Adjustable Length

Like clothing, backpack sizing is a key factor in how comfortable a daypack will feel. The torso length is the measurement between the bottom of your shoulder blades and your hips. A daypack can be resized to fit you perfectly with an adjustable-length backpack. It's like having a tailored suit. This is a very attractive feature. The fixed length backpack is sized for a wide range of body lengths. This can lead to a tight fit, especially if you have a longer torso. Beginner day hikers should consider purchasing an adjustable-length backpack to allow them to experiment with various torso sizes and find the right fit.

Rain Cover

A lot of daypacks come with a raincover, so you don't have to buy one individually. You can cover your daypack with plastic bags, but they won't protect your valuables in the small pockets on the top.

Pockets And Organization

Most backpacks have a distinct design that makes them different. Many backpacks feature open pockets which are vulnerable to the elements, and close pockets to protect items. For items that are frequently used, such as a jacket or sweater, snacks, or water filters, open pockets can be useful. It's not a good idea to have to reach into your bag every time you want one of these items. You can also store damp items in open pockets. They dry quickly and won't dampen the backpack. Closed pockets, including the main compartment are great for keeping items that you don't use as often but want dry and protected. These pockets will be found in most backpacks.

FAQs

What Is A Day Pack?

The daypack, which is often lighter than a larger backpack but still big enough to carry essentials on short hikes and overnight trips is the smaller variant of the large backpack.

What Should I Pack In My Day Pack?

It will all depend on the purpose of the daypack, however, if you're using it for hiking we suggest a spare set of clothes, water and snacks as well as a first-aid kit.

What Size Pack Do I Need For A 5-Day Hike?

Around 60L backpack. If you go below this, it will be difficult to carry your backpack.

Does A Daypack Have A Frame Or Not?

While some daypacks have frames, others don't. A frame is required only if the backpack is carrying heavy loads. Frames can transfer weight from the shoulders to your hips (hip belt), and also increase the overall backpack's weight.

What Size Is A Daypack?

A daypack typically has a volume between 20 and 35 liters. Daypacks are best for short hikes, but they can be useful for longer hikes.

What Is The Difference Between A Daypack And A Backpack?

Daypacks can be considered backpacks but they are not all daypacks. Daypacks are small, lightweight backpacks that can be used for short trips.

Are You Going To Hike?

A daypack is essential for everyday hiking. A day pack should be small, lightweight, sturdy and durable, as well as able to withstand a variety of weather conditions.

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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio