The Best Lightweight Daypacks Reviews & Buyers Guide In 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Lightweight Daypacks
Best Lightweight Daypacks

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack

Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Daypack is perfect for a day hike, adventure, or travel. This packable backpack features a large capacity that supports multiple items and built-in compartments for storing your essentials. With a durable nylon fabric, this bag boasts reinforced metal zippers and bar tacks at major stress points for long-lasting durability. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Chest Bag Daypack

This WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Chest Bag Daypack is a must-have for your next outing. Featuring the front zipper bag and buckle bag, it can effectively keep your small items like makeup, tissue, keys and so on. The shoulder strap and the back are made of breathable material, making you feel comfortable when traveling, hiking or so on. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Daypack

Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Packable Foldable Daypack is a versatile daypack with plenty of pockets. The main compartment provides enough room (35 liters) no matter if it's a day trip or a week long journey. One of the front pockets is good for holding small accessories and for easy access, while the other is perfect for water bottles. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Lightweight

This Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack is made of high-quality material that makes it durable. It features breathable mesh shoulder straps which helps relieve the stress of your shoulders and multiple compartments offering enough place to save your belongs. With its well-detailed classification, it is the best choice for everyone! Read Review

What gear do you take with you when you’re planning a day hike? Perhaps there’s no better indication of what gear you need for a particular outing than the weight. Depending on your activity, carrying the right gear can make all the difference. How much does your pack or other piece of clothing weigh? Do you know how much that snackpack will add to your load?

And if you’re like most people, do you have a vague notion of whether your current setup is heavy enough or if something else would be beneficial as well? No matter what type of outdoor activities you enjoy, chances are that not everything fits in one bag. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of lightweight daypacks in different price points and types so that they can cater to the needs of everyone who spends time outdoors.

You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack as our top product. Or you can check the WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Chest Bag Daypack as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • 【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.
  • 【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.
  • 【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 0.7 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 and traveling.
  • 【Purchase Tips】- If there is any problem, just contact with us, we will handle with it immediately.
TOP Choice #2 WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Chest Bag Daypack
Our Score:
9.8
WATERFLY
  • Hidden Earphone Hole: There is a hidden earphone hole on the front, providing easy access to your earphones, you can enjoy music anytime and anywhere.
  • 【After-sales guarantee】If you have any problem with broken or damaged items you purchased,please do not hesitate to contact us with your order ID. We will reply and address your issue within one day, so please purchase with confidence.
  • Keep Everything in Order: Size: 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches /18 x 9 x 38 cm. The front zipper bag and buckle bag allow you to store iPad mini, iPhone 7 Plus, power band, etc., with several separate small compartments inside, it can effectively keep your small items like makeup, tissue, keys and so on. The side mesh pocket is 6 inches height, it can hold 2.4 inch(diameter) bottle.
  • Superior Material: The shoulder strap and the back is made of breathable material, make you feel comfortable when travel, hiking and so on.
  • Adjustable Reversible Shoulder Strap: Designed with 3 D-rings on the lower part, the adjustable shoulder strap can be connected with the left or right D-ring for your preference, so that it is convenient to wear on your left or right shoulder. The shoulder strap pouch is 3.5 x 1.5 x 7.5 inches (L x W x H), it hold the phone screen size under 7 inches easily. Shoulder strap can be adjusted from 31 ” to 39.5 ”.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Dimensions:15.8H x 9.4L x 5.9W inches/ 40 x 24 x 15 cm. Weight:12.3oz. Capacity: About 20-25L.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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!
  • 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
  • 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
  • Stretch mesh side pocket for gear or water bottles
  • 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
  • 【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.
  • 【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!
  • 【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
  • 【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.
  • 【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.
8 Osprey Daylite Cinch Daypack
Our Score:
9.1
Osprey
  • Harness grab handle doubles as a luggage pass-thru
  • Dimensions: 16.14H X 9.45W X 7.48D Inches Weight: .752 lbs Size: 15L
  • Dual daisy chain loops
  • Top-loading access with cinch closing system
  • Front panel zippered slash pocket
  • Internal reservoir sleeve
  • Unique Function Design:The camping backpack is printed with reflective signs to remind safety. The sides of the backpack have elastic and fasteners that can hold two sets of trekking sticks or adjust the webbing according to needs. There is a headphone hole on the top of the backpack for you to enjoy music. There is a Velcro to fix the water bag liner in the main bag and a water pipe hole on the top side of the backpack to assemble the water bag system.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT -- Easy to carry:The 40L hiking backpack is lightweight and it’s breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge padding help to relieve the stress from your shoulder. The large capacity of 40L provides enough space for outdoor travel,camping,hiking and fishing. It meet size requirements for most airlines. This camping backpack can be used as hiking backpack, travel bags and business bag,which is suitable for men and women.
  • Ergonomic and Comfortable Design:Thicker padded back with ergonomic breathable design paired with adjustable, breathable and padded shoulder help to reduce fatigue during a long day of hiking. The hiking daypack comes with an ergonomic ring handle,which is labor-saving and durable. The adjustable chest buckle works perfectly to distribute the pack’s weight and keep it steady and centered. And chest buckle designed as a survival whistle for quick and easy use in case of emergency.
  • High-Quality Material:Hiking backpack is made of high quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric,which is water resistant,tear resistant,anti-scratch and wear resistant. Furthermore,we also give away a rain cover with a clear silver reflective logo. It is putted in the little pocket under the backpack. So it is no doubt that all your things will keep dry during rain. Just take this outdoor backpack,no matter the weather.
  • Strap type: Shoulder Strap
  • Large Capacity & Multi Compartment: Maelstrom Hiking Daypack provides several pockets for handy storage and convenient organization. Spacious backpack packed with roomy zipper main compartment, 1 top pocket, 3 front zipper pocket, 2 waist zipper pockets and 2 mesh side pockets.In addition,one waterproof wet pocket is added to the main compartment to better separate sweaty clothes or other personal things after swimming or taking exercise.
  • 👍Ultralight and Durable--- 0.22 pounds, the tear and water resistant material provides long-lasting performance.
  • 👍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.
  • 👍Lifetime warranty--- lifetime satisfaction guarantee and friendly customer service anytime.
  • 👍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.
  • 👍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.

Factors Related To best lightweight daypacks You Should Focus On For The Most Efficient Purchase

best lightweight daypacks will be discussed in-depth, and all of its characteristics will be closely investigated so you can determine whether or not it is ideal for your needs. It will save you time and effort since our guide to the best can assist you as much as possible.

Please read the following guide for easier select best lightweight daypacks in 2024:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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

Conclusion

The considerations outlined in this blog post should demonstrate that best lightweight daypacks is worth the money and then some. If you want a different model but still want performance, the long-lasting investment which provides you with years of enjoyment, you have no choice but to check TOMULE 25L Small Hiking Backpack Travel Daypack that is available.


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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.

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