The Best Small Daypacks Of 2024: Top Models & Buying Guide

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best small daypacks
Best small daypacks

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack

This small backpack is suitable for those people who do not want a big size, but just need to take necessity when doing outdoor sports. It is big enough to carry 2 liters of water, this product is perfect for activities like hiking, camping, climbing, traveling, cycling and other outdoor sports. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Waterproof Packable Travel Small

This water-resistant, lightweight and durable backpack is a must have for your next trip. With large capacity and multi-compartment design, this backpack features one main zippered compartment, one zippered front pocket and two side pockets. One separator and one small zippered pocket in the main compartment, it’s perfect for organizing all your essentials. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack: Foldable Travel Daypack

The WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a new way to take your gear with you. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to pack; with a cable hole for charging on the go. Ergonomically-designed shoulder straps provide you with lightweight comfort when carrying. The wet pocket for leaky or wet items helps make sure your gear stays dry, no matter how hard you hike. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: ZOMAKE Small Hiking Backpack, 25L Lightweight Travel Backpack

The ZOMAKE small hiking backpack is an excellent choice for the adventurer who wants to take their adventure beyond local city limits. With the capacity to carry 25 liters of personal items, this lightweight travel backpack makes a perfect fit for your day-to-day adventures. Read Review

When planning a backpacking trip, you need to be prepared for anything. That means you need a backpack that can carry everything you need and more. But choosing a suitable small daypack can be a challenge.

In this article, we’ll advise you on choosing the suitable small daypack for your needs. We’ll also give you a list of the best small daypacks on the market. So, whether you’re planning a short hike or an extended expedition, you’ll be prepared.

Getting the results, you will read next is thanks to the hard work of our team during 21 hours of product research and analysis. Consequently, we identified sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack as the top model for this year. It is made of highly tear-resistant Nylon. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • 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.
  • Dimensions:15.8H x 9.4L x 5.9W inches/ 40 x 24 x 15 cm. Weight:12.3oz. Capacity: About 20-25L.
  • 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.
  • 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 #2 FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Waterproof Packable Travel Small
Our Score:
9.5
FENGDONG
  • 【MULTIPURPOSE】 - Ultra-light with weight only 0.55 pounds. The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use or day trips, vacation,fishing,cycling,hiking,travel, day hikes, school, camping or shopping etc. A great gift for every travel enthusiast
  • 【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 FENGDONG backpack can accompany you for a long time. Add your FENGDONG backpack to cart, and enjoy taking it on your upcoming trips!
  • 【Large Capacity & Multi Compartment】With 35L 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,two side pockets are good for holding water bottles and umbrellas to help you further organize things.Large capacity helps you easily organize all your essential items.
  • 【INCOMPARABLE QUALITY】Ultra-durable.This backpack is made of high quality tear and water resistant nylon fabric, Heavy duty two-way SBS 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.
  • 【Compact & Comfortable】It can easily fold into its own pocket for storage,and unfold it when you need it. A must have for every trip.Breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help relieve the stress from your shoulder. A must have for sports , hiking, camping and traveling.
  • Supercharge Your Day: Designed with a cable hole and an internal pocket for your portable battery, it is convenient to charge your electronic products when they are low on juice. In addition, the sturdy side buckles can endure the low temperature of -40℃.
  • Optimize Design: An external wet pocket for your storage of leaky or wet items. Ergonomically-designed shoulder straps provide you with lightweight comfort. Breathable air-mesh helps dissipate heat when you are carrying. An adjustable chest strap increases stability while reducing the stress on the shoulders and back.
  • Improved Organization: With one hidden zipped pouch for your essentials, one spacious zipped compartment and one zipped front pocket, the backpack has the capacity for whatever you need to bring. Solid SBS zippers are smooth to operate and can withstand decades of use. Reflective stripe across the front for safety.
  • Packable and Multipurpose: The backpack is protable and folds into a compact zip pocket, which can easily be stored in a suitcase or luggage as an extra bag on a trip. Suitable for men, women and youth, the backpack is a perfect companion for casual hiking, camping, day trips, traveling, cycling, outdoor sports, trekking, daily activities, school, etc.
  • Lightweight and Superb: Crafted with hard-wearing and high-quality 900D oxford nylon, the lightweight hiking backpack is packable. It weighs 420g. Unfold size is 19.3 x 12.5 x 8.6 inches, fold size 7.5 x 7.9 x 1.97 inches.
  • 🏅ENOUGH CAPACITY: Featuring one main roomy compartment, two front pockets and two mesh side pockets, our travel backpack with 25L capacity can carry essentials like daily clothes, water bottles and snacks while keeping things organized. It would be a good choice heading out to day hike, traveling
  • 💖MULTIPURPOSE: This large backpacks are perfect for indoor or outdoor activities. You can use it for international travel, camping, mountaineering, hiking and overnight trips. Just imagine that you explore the outside world with good friends on weekends you really need a lightweight and comfortable backpack at the moment to carry your belongings
  • 💯ZOMAKE PROMISE -- Reach out to our product support team if you have any questions or concerns; We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase and have a WORRY-FREE 90-Day WARRANTY. Get the travel daypack and explore your adventure
  • 💌 UNEXPECTED LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 0.7 pounds, you hardly feel its weight, you can easily fold the lightweight backpack into its own pocket for storage, and unfold it when you needed. A heavy backpack is enough to make you tired, not to mention to pack something in
  • ✨FABRIC UPGRADE: The hiking daypack is made of water resistant and durable thicker nylon fabric, we refuse to use fabrics that will break after a few uses. The zipper is optimized by design to reduce the situation of jamming and can be pulled in two directions smoothly
  • VERSATILE: The unique advantages of the WEREWOLVES backpack make it the perfect companion for hiking, day trips, vacations, camping, travel, overnight trips, daily use, excursions, school, carry-ons, Disney trips, and more! This is a great gift for men and women for outdoor sports or leisure activities in and out of the city.
  • Quality and 100% money-back guarantee: WEREWOLVES is a store specializing in outdoor products, with its own unique achievements in outdoor product manufacturing. If you encounter any problems or dissatisfaction during the purchase process, you can contact us, We guarantee 100% refund for unsatisfied.
  • Lightweight and easy to fold: WEREWOLVES foldable backpacks give you a choice of 20 liters and 35 liters in different capacities. 35L:Collapse size only 9.8 x 8.6 x1.1 inches. Unfold size is 20.8 x 12.6 x 9 inches. Weight:0.8lb 20L:Collapse size only 6.7 x 5.5 x1.1 inches. Unfold size is 16.1 x 10.6 x 7.9 inches. Weight:0.7lb Decompress your trip!
  • DURABLE AND COMFORTABLE: Made from ultra-strong rip-stop 36D nylon fabric, there is no need to worry about its quality even under heavy loads. Its adjustable breathable shoulder and chest straps fit comfortably around your body. Make your travel experience great!
  • Unique Design: One main zipper compartment, three front pockets and two side pockets keep your things organized and kept separate. Heavy-duty SBS two-way metal zipper for long-term use. A zippered lid keeps water out. The whistle buckle of the chest strap and the reflective strips on the surface of the backpack greatly increase the practicality of travel.
  • Dual stretch mesh side pockets provide additional storage options
  • The multi-function interior sleeve can be used for either a hydration reservoir or tablet
  • Front zippered pocket with mesh organizer and key clip
  • Mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel provides both comfort and ventilation.
  • Dimensions: 16.93 x 10.24 x 7.87 Inch
  • PERFECT SIZE & MULTI COMPARTMENT -- Spacious backpack packed with roomy zipper main compartment, 1 zipper Secondary compartment, 2 front zipper pocket, 3 internal pocket, and 2 mesh side pockets. 25-liter Ultra-light Foldable backpack provides enough space for outdoor travel, camping, hiking, cycling and fishing.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT and FOLDABLE -- Easy to carry. 25L Hiking backpack itself weight Only 0.7 pounds, making your journey relaxing. It also can be easily stuffed into its own zippered pocket with Sandwich size -- space-saving storage and compact portability. Unfold Size: 16.9x9.8x6.3 inches. Folded Size: 6.7x6.5x1.9 inches.It meet size requirements for most airlines, enough room for 1 or 2 days trips
  • WATER RESISTANT and 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.
  • MULTI-PURPOSE TRAVEL BACKPACK -- A must for travel and hiking enthusiasts. TOMULE 25L ultra-light backpack Can be used as hiking backpack daypack / sling bags / outdoor travel backpack / working or business backpack , suitable for women /men/youth/ girls /boys/kids, perfect for day trips and short trips, travel, daily use,vacation,outdoor day hikes, camping,cycling, school, office, business or shopping etc. Camping out with TOMULE Backpack to breath fresh air and refresh your mood.
  • SMALL SIZE!COMFORTABLE & EASY BURDEN -- TOMULE 25L Small Hiking Daypack /Camping Backpack / Traveling Daypack / Cycling Backpack /Bike Backpack/ Outdoor sport 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.
  • 👍Ultra Compact Till You Open IT---easily fold into its hand-size pouch. This super space saver can be rolled small to fit in your luggage and expanded to an extra 16L bag when you need.
  • 👍Ultralight and Durable--- 0.22 pounds, the tear and water resistant material provides long-lasting performance.
  • 👍Large capacity and good pocket Organized---16L compartment, two zippered pockets and two water bottle mesh pockets. The rommy main compartment is large enough to carry your essentials. Front zippered pocket is great for easy access such as map, wipes or keys. Two large mesh pockets are convenient for water bottles or umbrella. Perfect for day trips, adventures, travel, school, camping or even shopping.
  • 👍Lifetime warranty--- lifetime satisfaction guarantee and friendly customer service anytime.
  • 👍Water Resistant Fabrics and Zippers---made of high-quality water resistant nylon material. Though not fully waterproof, the excellent water-resistant function keep your gear dry for at least 40-60mins in the rain.
  • ➤MULTIPURPOSE --- The backpack is perfect for day-to-day use, vacation, travel, hiking, school, climbing camping and shopping.
  • ➤MATERIAL --- Made of 420D High quality density nylon fabric, anti tear characteristics, classic silhouette makes the bag fashion and easy to go with.
  • ➤FEATURE --- This lightweight backpack is perfect short-distance trekking. 3D touch suspension system keeps the back and the pack apart, providing excellent breathability, front stretchy pocket, hydration bladder compartment , adjustable chest straps meet different needs, waist zippered pockets store small items, side mesh pockets for water bottles and small items.
  • ➤DIMENSIONS --- 18.5(H) x 9.3(W) x 6.5(L) inches. Weight: 700g. The main compartment has 26L of space that can hold a size like 14inches laptop with spare space, your climbing gear, camping tents, wallet, folders can be taken in.
  • ➤MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS --- This backpack has a roomy main compartment, one internal security pockets to help you store your laptop and two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.
  • ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE STRAP SYSTEM: The hiking daypack is designed to have convenient trekking pole fixtures that can be operated with one hand. Open front-end plugins can also be adapted to different hiking gear and multi-functional extensions. The 20L backpack also features a detachable belt and an adjustable chest strap, allowing it to meet the requirements of a variety of situations. It comes with safety whistle, making it the perfect hiking backpack for outdoor activities.
  • UNIQUE APPEARANCE AND SAFETY DESIGN: The camping backpack features an anti-theft zipper to prevent important documents and items from being stolen while on the road. The small daypack comes with an outdoor emergency rescue guide providing additional safety information for lovers of the outdoors. The LANTC20 backpack is the perfect combination of function and fashion, with a simple and smooth design featuring yellow webbing on the front panel and contrasting embroidery.
  • QUALITY GUARANTEED: 100% Money Back Guarantee - SKYSPER is a store specializing in outdoor products with its own unique achievements in outdoor product manufacturing. Now, we’ve launched our newest hiking backpack series: LANTC and BOGDA. If you encounter any problems or dissatisfaction during the purchase process, please contact us! Shop worry-free with our 100% money back guarantee!
  • WATER-RESISTANT AND DURABLE MATERIAL: SKYSPER 20l Hiking Backpack is made of high-density 600D polyester fabric, which is impermeable, water-resistant, tear resistant and wear-resistant. All of the backpack's stress points and shoulder straps are reinforced with lap-knots to ensure long lasting durability.
  • ERGONOMIC AND LIGHTWEIGHT: 10.3 x 7.4 x 16.9 inches, 1.1 lbs. The breathable grooved carrying system keeps your back comfortable and relaxed during travel. Breathable mesh on the back fabric can reduce sweating for extra comfort. Our packs are designed so that you won't feel any burden during a hiking or a trip. The reflective design also increases visibility and makes night riding safer.

What Should You Know Before Selecting best small daypacks?

Our website is an online source that provides clients with a diverse selection of best small daypacks. Many items on the site perfectly suit the demands of clients and serve their intended function.

So, how can you determine which of the best small daypacks is the best fit for your needs? Don't be concerned! This article will walk you through all you need to know about the best small daypacks before you buy it.

 

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Color

It is personal to choose the color of a pack. Today's daypacks come in many colors and styles. You can choose what works best for you. Remember that the packs' high-visibility "fluorescent" colors are used to aid rescuers in an unfortunate event.

Activities

Multisports are possible with most daypacks, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing. If you plan to use your daypack for mountain biking and hiking, then look out for one with reflective accents, a helmet holder and a blinky-light attachment. Daypacks for climbing and hiking should be able to carry additional climbing gear such as ropes and can also hold a helmet. Daypacks for hiking, skiing, or snowboarding should have an insulated water pocket and straps to carry skis and boards.

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.

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.

 

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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

Around 60L backpack. Any less and you will need to make sacrifices.

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 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 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.

Conclusion

In short, you have just been shown all the things related to best small daypacks, including the top models, buyer’s guides, and the comparison between products as well. At this moment, it’s obvious that you acquire the mentioned information and are ready to pick one among the list of best small daypacks above. In case there is no model that suits your needs, then The North Face Berkeley Daypack, Lavender Fog, One Size will be the best to pay attention to. Hopefully, our sharing today will help you choose the best item for your requirement. 


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio