The Best Ultralight Daypack For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Backpack Daypack
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Backpack Daypack

Venture Pal offers a lightweight, durable backpack daypack that is great for travelling, hiking, or everyday use. It's made with high quality tear and water resistant material and comes with two compartments that are perfect for keeping things organized. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: WATERFLY Lightweight Travel Daypack Ultralight Camping Day Pack

Transforming your way of life. WATERFLY Lightweight Travel Daypack Ultralight Camping Day Pack is a highly-sought after day pack that will change your life. It was designed to be functional and lightweight and is made with the best craftsmanship in mind. With a tear resistant exterior and strong, durable material, you can wear it on all of your adventures without worry. Read Review

3. Best Performance: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is a lightweight and compact backpack with a durable fabric, easy-access zippered pockets, and comfortable carry anywhere. The pack has a large main compartment with an expandable front pocket and two side mesh pockets. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Ultralight Day Pack

The Ultra-Sil Ultralight Day Pack is a lightweight pack made with durable and water-resistant 30D siliconized Cordura Nylon with reinforced bar-tacks. It's versatile and perfect for day hikes, backpacking or travel. Read Review

We all have different needs. Some of us may need a pack that’s lightweight, highly- adjustable and easily accessible for day hikes, while others may need more space for overnight trips or even camping. That is why we have different ultralight daypacks on the market today.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, to help you choose the best backcountry pack for your needs. If you’re looking for an ultralight daypack to take with you on shorter day hikes or outdoor activities around town, then an external frame backpack is probably not what you’re after.  Here are our top picks for the best ultralight daypack.

Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Backpack Daypack, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and a number of different options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Venture Pal Ultralight Lightweight Backpack Daypack
Our Score:
9.7
Venture Pal
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • COMPACT. Folds into zipped inner pocket to fit anywhere, and unfolds from pocket to backpack in seconds. A must have for every trip.
  • 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.
TOP Choice #2 WATERFLY Lightweight Travel Daypack Ultralight Camping Day Pack
Our Score:
9.5
WATERFLY
  • Best Craftsmanship: Ergonomically-designed shoulder straps help relieve the stress from your shoulders. Breathable air-mesh helps dissipate heat when you are carrying. Crafted with high-quality nylon fabric, the backpack is tear-resistant.
  • Intelligent Organization: Two separators in the main compartment are convenient enough to help you further organize things. Top front pocket great for your quick access to your stuff. The front bottom pocket for your keys, cards, earphones, lipstick and so on. Two elastic mesh pockets for your water bottles and umbrellas.
  • A Perfect Companion: A must-have durable backpack for men and women. Ultralight and ultra-durable, it is the perfect companion for hiking, camping, vacation, traveling, overnight trips, daily use, shopping, family activities, and so on.
  • Ultralight and Packable: Weighing 280g, it is lightweight and can be easily folded into a compact pocket and stored in your suitcase and luggage. Unfold it when you reach your destination and take it as an extra bag. The fold size is 8 x 1.5 x 6 inches, and the unfold size is 10.7 x 6 x 17 inches.
  • Concentrate on Details: Our products focus on details, and the backpack features a durable buckle for quick untie. Solid two-way SBS zippers across the backpack are convenient to operate on whichever side you prefer. The reflective strap on the front keeps you safe at night.
TOP Choice #3 Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
Our Score:
9.3
Osprey
  • Packs down into its own carrying case
  • Features volume of 1098 cubic inches or approximately 18 liters
  • Airmesh harness provides comfortable carry anywhere in the world
  • Stretch mesh side pocket for gear or water bottles
4 Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Ultralight Day Pack
Our Score:
9.2
Sea to Summit
  • 20-liter capacity day pack weighs less than three ounces and packs down to the size of a tennis ball
  • Two-way zipper closure, ergonomic shoulder straps and webbing loops for attaching a bike light
  • Made from durable and water-resistant 30D siliconized Cordura Nylon with reinforced bar-tacks
  • Versatile enough for travel, grocery runs, cycling or peak bagging
  • Includes attached stuff sack and handy aluminum carabiner; weight 2.5-ounces
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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℃.
  • ✔️ HYDRATION BLADDER COMPATIBLE – You can’t hike without water! Our folding pack has a mesh compartment designed for 1L – 3L hydration bladders, complete with a hanging strap and tube portals. If you need even more water, our enormous side pockets accommodate 20 oz. - 40 oz water bottles!
  • ✔️ WEATHER RESISTANT – You shouldn’t have to worry about keeping your phone and change of clothes dry when it rains. We use DWR coated 40D ripstop nylon with an internal waterproof layer so that your things can stay dry when you’re out on the trail (NOTE: zippers are not waterproof).
  • ✔️ LARGE CAPACITY, PACKS SMALL – The Onda Atlas foldable backpack’s 20L capacity gives you plenty of space for everything you need for a day hike, but collapses small enough to fit in your pocket (3” x 4.5”), and it weighs only 6 oz.!
  • ✔️ LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE FOR MEN AND WOMEN – Our ultralight pack is fully adjustable for any size individual. Our straps cinch up small, but expand big for all body types. The pack is so light with super-wide mesh shoulder straps that wick away moisture, so you can hike for hours without discomfort.
  • ✔️ MOST FEATURES OF ANY OUTDOOR DAYPACK – We thought of things other packs were afraid to include, like an adjustable sternum strap, comfortable mesh shoulder straps, provisions for a hydration bladder, lashing loops (daisy chains), huge mesh side pockets, and more.
7 Granite Gear Dagger Ultralight Day Pack
Our Score:
8.7
Granite Gear
  • This pack is built for the hiking trails. We've boiled down our ultralight multi-day pack knowledge into a day hiking pack. Utilizing the iconic Granite Gear arch system to anchor your pack down, the weight is distributed to a thin frame sheet and down to the hip-hugging webbing waist belt. It's a 22-Liter pack, ready to carry all you'd need for the day- and then some, with added volume in the external stretch woven side pockets and large front pocket with an overlapping cord system.
  • Zippered access to main compartment. Top secondary quick stash pocket. Hydration port and internal sleeve.
  • Tall front stretch woven pocket with reflective cord system. Adjustable sternum strap. Robic high tenacity nylon (100D and custom 210D)
  • Dual-density padded back panel and shoulder straps. Removable frame sheet.
  • Removable webbing waist belt with emphasized hip hugging form. Arched compression strap system. Stretch woven side pockets.
  • 20L TRAVEL CAPACITY: Suitable for day trips or hikes. One huge main compartment for books and personal computer, One zipped pocket with an extra padded tablet sleeve, Two small zipped front pockets for cell phone, keys and sunglasses, two side pockets for holding water bottles and umbrellas. Spacious pockets keep all things organized, such as hydration reservoir, clothes, laptop and more.
  • FEATURES: There is a mesh hood with elasticized loops on each corner that can be used to attach something oversized to the outside,such as helmet and basketball. Sternum strap with whistle buckle work perfectly to distribute the pack's weight and keep it steady and centered. The length of the shoulder straps are adjustable.
  • COMFORTABLE: The updated suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom mesh shoulder straps which avoid making you sweaty, an unbelievably comfortable padded mesh back panel and a highly breathable sponge lumbar padding for maximum breathability all day long.
  • DURABLE: This LOCAL LION 20L Hiking Mountaineering Backpack is made with high quality tear and water resistant material, which provides extra strength and long-lasting performance with the lightest weight possible. Heavy duty two-way SBS zippers across the backpack are convenient to operate it whichever side you prefer.
  • VERSATILE: Ultra-light, Ultra-durable daypack perfect for biking, hiking, camping, traveling, overnight trip, day-to-day use and more. A great gift for men, women, girls and boys. Volume: 20L, Avg weight: 1.1lb, 17.6 oz, Dimensions: 16.38" x 9.75" x 5.85".
9 Roamm Cram 20 Ultralight Packable Backpack
Our Score:
8.5
Roamm Outdoors
  • YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRADE DURABILITY FOR WEIGHT SAVINGS, the Cram 20 is built tough with high-tenacity nylon, and still weighs only 3.5oz
  • PACK IT DOWN TO POCKET SIZE in the integrated stuff sack, and use the same pocket to hold small items while wearing the pack + Easy to use with a large two way zippered main compartment and an external mesh water bottle pocket
  • EASILY ATTACH TO A KEYCHAIN or purse with a snap loop attachment + CARRY LOTS OF GEAR IN THE 20L LITER main compartment and an external mesh water bottle pocket, perfect as a daypack, tote, purse, or shopping bag
  • CARRY IT IN YOUR PACK, purse, or pocket, and you’ll forget it’s there until you need it + PERFECT BACKPACK FOR CAMPING, HIKING, BACKPACKING, OR SHOPPING, pack the Cram 20 into its integrated, pocket-sized stuff sack and you’ll forget it’s there until you need it
  • 【REFLECTIVE DESIGN AT NIGHT】The front pocket of the lightweight backpack is equipped with a reflective safety screen print that allows the user to be noticed in advance at night, ensuring the user's safety.
  • 【MULTI-OCCASION APPLICATION & AFTER-SALES】Ultra-light packable backpack is suitable for travel, hiking, camping, sports, overnight trips, everyday use, shopping and more. It is the perfect companion in and out of the city, for outdoor sports or leisure activities. If you have any problems with your purchase, please contact us at first and we will give you a satisfactory solution.
  • 【COMFORTABLE】The packable backpack is made of lightweight, breathable fabric and using very thick shoulder mesh straps material to help relieve pressure on the shoulders.
  • 【ULTRA-LIGHT AND HIGH-CAPACITY DESIGN】The foldable lightweight backpack weight only 11.8oz and contains 5 extra large external pockets, 1 inner zipper pocket & 1 anti-theft back pocket for easy storage. It has multi-storage space for laptops up to 15" and mesh pockets on the left and right sides for water bottles and umbrellas, which distribute the weight of the backpack perfectly. The ultra-lightweight design brings lightness to travel and outdoors activities.
  • 【WATER-RESISTANT AND WEAR-RESISTANT】The light hiking backpack is made of wear-resistant as well as water-resistant high quality nylon material to fully protect your personal belongings The heavy duty SBS metal zippers and enhanced bar-tacks at major stress points provide long-lasting and durability for daily activities. (Please note that it's not 100% waterproof, therefore cannot resist heavy rain for a long time and do not immerse the bag into the water.)

What to Look For in a best ultralight daypack?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best ultralight daypack:

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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 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.

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 Pack Do I Need For A 5-Day Hike?

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

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 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.

In general, we keep collecting and researching new information for best ultralight daypack. Please pay more attention to checking our website regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to read the latest updates.

Along with product-related issues, we can also support you more. So please give us your feedback and response whenever you need it. It will be a significant motivation for us to improve everything


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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