A great daypack for hiking should be comfortable, easy to use, durable and have enough space to carry everything you need. Simple right? Well, not always. Predictably there are a whole load of other things to consider too, like whether it can hold a hydration reservoir, or if it you want it to have good ventilation. Perhaps you need it for other things and not just hiking (the best daypacks for hiking should also be good to use for loads of other outdoor and everyday escapades). Or maybe you just don’t know what you want!
Fear not happy hikers. We’ve put together a sparkling list of the best daypacks for hiking that you can get your hands on. Our team of testers are always getting hold of the latest and greatest of what the outdoor industry has to throw at us. And we LOVE filling our packs with stuff and getting out into the wild to us and abuse them as much as possible.
So whether you’re after a full-featured, mega-ventilated, super comfy hiking bag, or an everyday, simple but stylish workhorse, we’ve got you and your carrying needs covered.
- FAQs when choosing the best daypack for hiking
- The best daypacks for hiking
- What to look for in a great daypack for hiking
- Features of the best daypacks for storage and ease
This quick overview of the best daypacks for hiking gives you a basic idea of which bags are leading the way in the hiking world, with more detailed info on each bag show later in the article. But if you really want to understand what to look for in an excellent daypack then skip down to the section on what to look for in a daypack for hiking.
Summary of the best daypacks in 2023
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| Product | Features | Capacity | Weight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rab Women's Aeon 33L Daypack | Lightweight and comfortable | 33 litres | 1kg / 2lb 3oz | $$$ |
| Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader 24 Pack | Rain cover, great entry options | 24 litres | 870g (1.9lbs) | $$$ |
| Osprey Talon Earth 22 | Great all-rounder, very comfortable | 22 litres | 1100g (2.4lbs) | $$$ |
| Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Backpack | Ski and snowboard attachment points | 40+ litres | 1500g (3.3lbs) | $$$$ |
| Gregory Arrio 24 | Rain cover, versatile, good in warm weather | 24 litres | 760g (1.76lbs) | $$$ |
| Matador Freerain 22 Waterproof Backpack | Waterproof, super lightweight and packable | 22 litres | 300g (10.6oz) | $$$ |
| Deuter Speed Lite 20 | Lightweight, versatile | 20 litres | 530g (1.2lb) | $$ |
| Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry Backpack | Waterproof, climbing specific features | 30 litres | 770g (1.7lbs) | $$$ |
| Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 | Full-featured, comfortable and versatile | 27 litres | 850g (1.87lbs) | $$$ |
| Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL | Women's fit, very comfortable, good for overnighters | 30 litres | 1390g (3lbs) | $$$$ |
FAQs when choosing the best daypack for hiking
First up, look for a pack that holds no more than 30 litres of gear, less if possible. Then you need to figure out where and when you will be hiking the most, and what features are important to you. Then you should try a bunch on with weight in them to ensure that the one you choose is mega comfortable and stable on your back.
Take a read of our buying guide for more information on what to look for in a great daypack for hiking.
Much like daypacks for hiking, the best daypack for travelling should feel comfortable to carry and with good storage features. That said, there’s no need for excessive padding, a hip belt or technical support features. It also doesn’t need to be huge and you’ll want to access it’s contents easily. So opt for something simple, lightweight and streamlined.
The best daypacks for travelling on our list are the Deuter Speed Lite 20, the REI Flash 22 and the Marmot Kompressor Plus.
The capacity of the best daypacks are between 20 and 30 litres. However, this depends on the time of year you are hiking (winter means you’ll need to carry more stuff) and also the duration of your day hikes (longer hikes means more food and layers etc). Some people will need something larger — up to 40 litres — whilst others will only need something between 10 and 20 litres.
For a better idea of what size daypack is best for you read the section on the size/capacity of the best daypacks.
The best lightweight daypack on our list is the Deuter Speed Lite 20 which weighs only 530g (1.2lb). The Matador Freerain 22 Waterproof Backpack weighs less (300g (10.6oz), however, it lacks the comfort and support offered by the Speed Lite.
For something with a greater carry capacity, the Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 is a superb lightweight option. It has lots of storage features, plus a supportive and comfortable back panel and hip belt. It weighs only 850g (1.87lbs).
The best daypacks for hiking
Rab Women’s Aeon 33L Daypack
New to the Rab backpack range in spring 2022 is the lightweight Aeon range, which includes the Women’s Aeon 33L Daypack. This multi-activity pack is ideal for big days on the trail when you need to carry extra food and water or for winter day hikes when multiple layers are needed. The rain cover makes it even more well suited to changeable conditions. But this lightweight daypack also provides enough storage for a fast and light overnight hike. Like the Deuter Trail Pro, fitting enough gear for a weekend adventure is a squeeze but most certainly possible, especially during the warmer months.
Additionally, the women’s specific fit can be cinched and adjusted for the perfect fit, making it a super comfortable option when moving fast over tricky terrain, even when fully loaded.
It lacks the padding of the Deuter Trail Pro but makes up for it with 3 more litres of storage and an overall lower weight that still manages to offer excellent levels of comfort.
The main downsides are the loose side pockets from which bottles can easily tumble when you bend over. The lack of access to the main compartment via the side of the pack is also a consideration which, for a pack with this level of carrying capacity, might be a bit of a deal breaker for some.
Other notable features:
- Big stretch mesh front pocket
- Zippered front pocket
- Top lid pockets
- Hip belt pockets
- Rain cover
- Hiking pole attachment points
- Hydration compatible
- Side compression straps
Cons – Lack of side access to main compartment, bottles fall out of side pockets
Verdict – read our full review of this super comfortable, multi-use and stable daypack.
Find the latest price at:
Rab
Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader 24 Pack
New in 2020, the innovative and rather aesthetic design of the Jack Wolfskin Ecoloader 24 Pack is another great option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly daypack. As well as all the synthetic components of the backpack being made of 100% recycled plastic bottles (18 per pack!), the shoulder straps and back padding are made from BLOOM algae!
From a practical point of view, I love the opening system of the Ecoloader, which is surprisingly usable and an excellent feature if you’re constantly in and out of your backpack to grab layers in changeable conditions. The four-way zip provides easy access to the gear in your bag, whether it’s crammed at the bottom or sitting at the top. You can also open the zip all the way up to view the whole of its contents. Plus, there’s a small zippered pocket for your phone and keys, a hydration sleeve in the main compartment and a zippered pocket at the base of the bag which contains a waterproof rain cover.
I’d like to see a couple more pockets for organising things. And it also won’t win any prizes in terms of comfort and support. However, this lightweight daypack is comfortable enough for easy day hikes, assuming you’re not carrying a very heavy load. And the sternum strap and removable waist belt help to stabilise the bag.
Notable features:
- Four-way zippered opening
- Hydration sleeve
- Zippered side security pocket
- Removable rain cover
- Four-way zippered opening
- Sternum strap and removable waist belt
Cons: Not super comfortable when carrying heavy loads
Verdict: Read our full reviewof this great looking and highly practical daypack which is ideal for those who delve in and out of their pack lots!
Find the latest price at:
Alpine Trek | Jack Wolfskin | Amazon
Osprey Talon Earth 22
The newest version of the ever-popular Osprey Talon is this limited edition 2022 Earth model which boasts some impressive sustainability credentials. But it also seriously delivers on performance, functionality and the usual Osprey quality. Plus, it’s designed as a multi-sport daypack as well as for days hiking on the trail, upping its appeal even further.
As a previous Osprey Escapist fan, I’m very much enjoying some of the same features that have endured the test of time. These include the comfortable winged waist belt complete with zippered pockets, the low profile yet well ventilated back panel, the Lid-Lock to store my bike helmet, and the top zippered pocket for easy access to my phone and wallet. It really is a very well thought out daypack for whatever adventures you’re taking on as well as everyday use.
On the trail, the Talon is super comfortable when loaded full, with an adjustable sternum strap that sits high up enough on the chest for female wearers. Plus, the zippered main entry is certainly preferable for easy, on-the-go access compared with the top lid entry of the Deuter Freescape, Gregory Arrio and Mountain Hardwear Scrambler. And with plenty of adjustment straps and the adjustable back panel, it’s very easy to make it fit snugly and securely.
Other notable features:
- Hydration compatible
- Ice axe loops
- Zippered top pocket
- Side compression straps
- Internal laptop sleeve
- Blinky light attachment
- Hip belt pockets
- Sunglasses pocket on shoulder strap
- Internal, zippered mesh pocket with key attachment
Cons – no rain cover
Verdict – read ourfull review of this super comfortable, multi-use and versatile daypack that’s also sustainably made.
Find the latest price at:
Osprey
Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Backpack
The Deuter Freescape Pro 40+ Backpack is a lightweight backpack that is designed for winter hiking, ski and snowboard touring and ski mountaineering. It has the capacity to hold over 40 litres of gear, making it the largest pack on our list. As such, this full featured backpack is the best daypack for hiking in the winter that our team has tried out.
There are a ton of excellent features that are well designed and highly functional for big days in the mountains which Owain George, our reviewer, has been very much enjoying. These include a rear entry zipper to easily access everything in the main compartment, ski / snowboard attachment system and gear loops on the hip belt.
Above all, the bag’s framework and adjustment system makes for a secure and comfortable companion. Even after hiking long distances and with a fully loaded pack it still manages to feel light on the back.
Other notable features:
- Hydration compatible
- Ice axe loops
- Zippered front pocket
- Side compression straps
- Floating lid with zippered pockets
- Pole and helmet attachment points
- Hip belt pocket
Cons – No side bottle pockets and weak ice axe loops
Verdict – Read our full review lightweight and comfortable winter daypack, stacked with well designed features
Find the latest price at:
Alpine Trek | Deuter
Gregory Packs Arrio 24
The Gregory Packs Arrio 24 is a streamlined daypack that is as well suited to a day on the trail as it is to biking adventures or around town. It boasts an excellent ventilation panel that makes it ideal for summer escapes. Plus, you can be sure to stay well hydrated as it can store both a large water bottle in the side mesh pocket as well as a hydration reservoir in the internal sleeve.
It lacks the padding around the back panel that other daypacks (especially the Deuter Trail) offer. And as a result, smaller people may find that the bottom corners of the frame dig in slightly. However, the shoulder straps are well padded and comfortable, as is the overall fit and feel of the bag.
The Arrio is a unisex daypack which makes it versatile for most people. Ladies, it’s worth trying it on before you commit to buying. I find that the the sternum strap adjustability sits a little low over the chest, which may be an issue for some.
Finally, I really love the zippered side and front pockets, unusual for a daypack. They offer security and lots of options for organising your gear.
Notable features:
- Hydration compatible
- Sternum strap
- Removable waist strap
- Zippered front pocket
- Zippered side pocket with key clip
- Mesh side pocket
- Zippered top pocket
- Zippered internal lid pocket
- Rain cover
- Compression straps
- Trekking pole holder
Cons: The base of the frame can dig in if you are a small person. The sternum strap sits a little low on the chest for ladies.
Verdict: Read our full review of this highly versatile daypack for summer hiking, biking and adventuring, with lots of features yet a streamlined design.
Find the latest price at:
Gregory Packs | Backcountry
Matador Freerain 22 Waterproof Backpack
Weighing in at a featherweight 300g (10.6oz), the Matador Freerain 22 Waterproof Backpack is the lightest daypack on our list, closely followed by the Deuter Speed Lite. It also packs down into a pocket-sized package (3.75 x 5.75in / 9.5 x 14.6cm), making it one of the best daypacks on our list for traveling. Just shove it in your big pack or suitcase when not in use and you’re good to go, wherever that may be!
But low weight and packability aren’t all that this versatile daypack has got going for it. It also has a fully waterproof main compartment that can endure a full dunking in water making it ideal for biking and hiking in wet conditions, as well as SUP and canoe trips. There are also good pocket options as well as external gear loops for carrying extra, if needed.
The main downside is the lack of padding on the shoulder straps and back panel. So be sure not to overload it and place soft items closest to your back.
Notable features:
- Mesh side pockets
- Compression straps
- Gear loops
- Zippered roll top entry
- Sternum strap
- Removable hip belt
- Load lifters
Cons: No padded straps or back panel.
Verdict: A super versatile, mega lightweight, highly packable and waterproof backpack with some useful features for day hikes and biking in wet conditions.
Find the latest price at:
Matador
Deuter Speed Lite 20
Despite its seemingly simple design, the Speedlite 20 is a deceptively versatile daypack for hiking and adventures. And although the capacity is only 20 litres, this is a big little bag that holds a surprisingly good amount of stuff. The innovative compression strap system can be used to secure skis and trekking poles on the back of the pack or it can cinch the whole bag down to little more than the size of a hydration pack. There are also four small gear attachment loops that can be used to attach a helmet (attachment sold separately), or you can rig up your own storage solutions if you need to carry extra gear like ropes etc.
Where the Speedlight lacks in organisation pockets, it makes up for it with its easy to use design and the spacious main compartment that provides plenty of room to pack everything you need . It is ideal for those wanting to keep things skipping along quickly on a big day in the mountains.
The 210D ripstop nylon does a great job at making sure the Speedlite will stand up to the rough and tumble of life on the trail, and although the Marmot Kompressor is over 150g lighter, its 70D nylon will struggle to compete when it comes to durability.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap
- Internal key attachment clip
- Lightweight, removable waist strap
- Front mesh pocket with access from both sides
- Two side mesh pockets
- Hydration pocket can hold a 3 litre reservoir
- Hydration port
- Padded back panel
Cons: Lacks pockets for storage, no rain cover
Verdict: Read our full and in depth review of this simple, durable, versatile and lightweight daypack.
Find the latest price on:
Alpine Trek | REI | Backcountry
Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry
This 30 litre Scrambler Outdry Backpack by Mountain Hardwear is the only waterproof daypack on our list. This is a bit of a game changer when hiking in changeable conditions. It is also one of the larger packs making it the best daypack for winter hikes when you need to carry more fuel, extra layers and specialist winter hiking gear.
Although a superb option for big day hikes in cold weather, the Scrambler lacks some of the comfort and ventilation offered by other daypacks like the Osprey Talon and the Gregory Arrio. However, with plenty of features specifically designed with more adventurous hikers in mind, this super robust daypack is named the Scrambler for good reason. The highly durable 400D HD Nylon Plain Weave means that it can really take a battering on the rock, or on the trail. Plus the extra layer of 600D HardWear Tarp 18 TPU Poly Composite fabric covering the top pocket keeps your valuables VERY safe and dry.
Some nice climbing and scrambling specific features include a rope attachment strap over the main compartment, reinforced gear loops on the sides of the pack and trekking pole or ice axe attachment loops.
Other notable features:
- Hydration sleeve
- Side pockets
- Zippered external top pocket
- Stowable waist belt straps
- Compression straps
- Integrated whistle on sternum strap
Cons: Not as comfortable as other packs
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry Backpack.
Find the latest price at:
Mountain Hardwear | Amazon | Alpine Trek | Backcountry
Lowe Alpine Aeon 27
New to their 2018 range, Lowe Alpine claim that the Aeon 27 is their greatest creation yet. And we’re inclined to agree. It’s comfortable, versatile and relatively lightweight for such a high capacity and full-featured daypack. The pack has some super useful features that make it very much home on climbing, scrambling and biking adventures, as well as for big days hiking. It has a ton of pockets making it highly appealing for the organised hikers out there! And we love the stretchy mesh side and front pockets that hold loads more than you might initially think. The pack also features a MultiLock tool carrier system that is similar to the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler. This carriers hiking poles, helmets, ice tools and extra layers with ease. It may lack the support and ventilation offered by trampoline-style back panel designs, but it makes up for it with a very sturdy and well ventilated hip belt (with pockets!) and a comfortable fit.
Other notable features:
- Main access through top zipper
- Sternum strap with integrated whistle
- Internal key attachment clip
- Mesh side pockets
- Cargo storage pocket
- Two small zippered top pockets
- Padded hip belt with zippered pockets
- Hydration sleeve with hose loops on the shoulder straps
- Compression straps
Cons: No waterproof cover
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Lowe Alpine Aeon 27.
Find the latest price at:
Alpine Trek | Amazon | Cotswold Outdoor
Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL
This may be one of the heaviest daypacks on our list, but the Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL is also one of the most comfortable. Specifically designed for women, by women, the SL version of the Trail Pro offers an exceptionally well constructed daypack that molds to the body. The highly padded AirContact back panel provides a ton of comfort and reasonable airflow too. Plus the narrow cut, high sternum strap and shaped shoulder straps contribute to all day comfort and stability, even when fully loaded.
Big enough to hold everything you need for an overnighter, and strong enough to deal with that extra weight, too, this spacious and full-featured backpack is also well-suited to winter hiking and touring when extra gear is needed. The 30 litre capacity is a little on the large side for summer hikes unless you are carrying gear, food, water and clothing for more than one person. Additionally, the good selection of pockets and storage options makes this one versatile daypack for multiple adventures.
Other notable features:
- Hydration sleeve and port
- Stretch side pockets
- Zippered top pocket with key attachment
- Removable rain cover
- Compression straps
- Pole attachment points
- Huge from pocket
- Padded waist belt with zippered pockets
Cons: A little overkill for short summer day hikes.
Verdict: For more information read our full review of the Deuter Trail Pro 30 SL.
Find the latest price on:
Alpine Trek | REI
What to look for in a great daypack for hiking
As with almost any bit of outdoor gear, many of the reasons for choosing one excellently rated daypack over another, comes down to how, where and when it will be used. There’s no point spending a fortune on something you plan on using for the odd hike here and there when there are plenty of great value daypacks available, like the REI Flash, that will perform perfectly well without breaking the bank.
So before we get into the details of what to look for, take a moment to consider a few things:
- How far will you be hiking?
- What conditions will you be hiking in? (Rainy, snowy, hot etc)
- Do you like to keep your stuff well organised?
- Will you want to use your daypack for more than just hiking?
- Do you hike with trekking poles?
- How important is comfort to you?
- Do you sweat lots, even in cooler weather?
If you know the answer to most of these questions, then it will make choosing the best bag for you much easier. So with those things in mind, here’s a little more info on what to look for in the best daypacks for hiking.
Size/capacity
The capacity of most daypacks for hiking range from around 10-40 litres. This is a pretty big range, and the size you choose really depends on what sort of hiking you are doing. Here’s a rough guide to what the different sizes are best suited to:
10-20 litre daypacks
Best use: Short day hikes
Your main consideration on short day hikes is having enough room to carry your water, food and an extra layer or jacket. Anything above 20 litres is overkill for a short day hike and it’s likely that you’ll just end up filling it with stuff you don’t really need.
Also great for: sightseeing
20-30 litre daypacks
Best use: Full day hikes in the summer
A big day of summer hiking will require you to carry plenty of water and/or a filtration device, more food than for a short day, and often an extra layer for the cool of the morning and evening.
Also great for: Everyday use and short hikes in the winter
30-40 litre daypacks
Best use: Full day hikes in the winter
A full day out in the backcountry during winter will require you to carry lots more gear than during the summer months: more food, more clothing, a stove, and just as much water despite the cold.
Also great for: Lightweight overnighters in the summer
As always, if money and the environmental implications of excess gear weren’t considerations, we’d all have a selection of daypacks for each different hiking scenario. But they are. So your best bet is to go for something that will be most suited to what you do the most of. And if you’re not sure, then go for something that is around 25-30 litres. This will cover your carrying needs in almost all hiking scenarios, and will be ideal for lots of other outdoors sports and everyday use too.
Weight
Generally speaking, the greater the capacity of your daypack, the heavier it will be. And the heavier it is, the more work you have to do to lug it with you for miles on end. So ideally, getting something lightweight should be considered, especially if you like to hike fast. However, the heavier packs like the Thule Capstone 32 are usually heavier for a reason. They feature padded waist belts, an internal frame, a comfortable and ventilated back panel, and more pockets and storage options. So before you go dismissing anything that weighs over 1kg, you’ll need to consider these things and how important they are to you.
Comfort
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a daypack is how comfortable it is for you. If you’re only doing short hikes and not hauling too much gear then you can get away without it feeling like you’re wrapped in cotton wool. But for longer hikes, choosing something comfortable is key. The following things will increase comfort levels in most daypacks:
Waist belt
This should be more than just a strap and should be fully padded and adjustable. Ideally it should also be breathable to prevent excess sweating.
Back panel
Look for something with padding around the lumbar area, and trampoline-style suspension to let lots of air flow between you and the back of the bag.
Shoulder straps
These should be padded and breathable, and ideally have load lifters – straps that connect to the top of the pack to draw the bag into the body. This prevents excess movement of the bag and helps keep the weight close to you putting less stress on your back, shoulders and neck.
Sternum strap
Most daypacks for hiking have an adjustable sternum strap that can be tightened to minimise movement and increase stability. Ladies, make sure you are able to fit the strap high enough on your chest to be comfortable whilst still being useful.
Torso length adjustment
Some bags like the Osprey Talon and Stratos allow you to adjust the height of the shoulder straps to fit your torso more specifically.
Durability
This is a tough one to quantify, especially when it comes to buying bags that are new on the market that won’t have been tested for years like older bags. Ideally your daypack should last you a good five years of regular use, or more if you are willing to get it repaired as it starts to get tired.
Generally speaking, the more you spend on your bag the better the quality and durability are likely to be. But that’s not always the case. So look for bags made with ripstop nylon or similar, with a high denier (D) rating.
Features of the best daypacks for storage and ease
When you’re not enjoying wearing your daypack in all its padded comfort, you’ll be using the hell out of all those cool features. For some people, having a ton of pockets is a disaster and they work much better just throwing everything in one compartment and hitting the trail. However, if you like to keep things in order and know where things are, choose a bag with lots of storage options like the Camelbak Franconia. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the usability of a bag, but there are a few things that without a doubt make life much easier when using your bag. These include:
Hydration reservoir pocket
Usually a separate sleeve within the main compartment of the bag (although the Osprey hydration pockets are accessed externally). These often include a clip or loop at the top of the pocket to hold the reservoir in place.
Hydration port
If the bag has an internal hydration pocket then it will also need a port that allows the hose of the reservoir to feed out of the bag and onto the shoulder strap.
Hydration hose clip
Having a hose just dangling around at your shoulder can be really annoying, so a good bag should have a loop or clip that holds the hose in place when not in use. The Camelbak Franconia takes this a step further with a magnetised system.
Top handle
This is an non-essential feature but is very useful when picking up your pack, or hanging it up when not in use.
Zipper ties
Having zipper ties that you can actually grab hold of easily is a small but important thing to look for, especially if you are hiking in cold conditions and wearing gloves.
Waterproof cover
Many daypacks don’t come with their own waterproof cover and have to be bought separately. So it can be a real bonus to have one integrated into your backpack. The Osprey Stratos and Thule Capstone both have rain covers.
Top pockets
Usually fairly small but really useful to organise things that you need to access easily like keys, phone, map, snacks etc.
Front pocket
This is either zippered and often with internal mesh pockets like the Kelty Redtail, or a stretch stash pocket that you can stuff extra layers into easily, like the Talon or Speedlite.
Hip belt pockets
These are great for accessing snacks or your phone without having to take your pack off.
External side pockets
Usually made of stretchy mesh, these should hold a bottle and ideally should be accessed without having to take your bag off. Some are angled smartly to make this easier.
Compression straps
These are great to cinch down your pack if it isn’t full to prevent too much movement. They are also great for attaching extra gear to the outside of your pack.
Gear loops
Having a few extra loops or daisy chains can be really useful for carry extra gear like helmets or ropes etc.
Trekking pole loops
Most good daypacks for hiking will have loops specially designed to hold trekking poles. These are located either on the back of the pack, or on the hip belt, like the Thule and Osprey packs.
Yep, there really are a load of great options to choose from in this wonderful selection of the best daypacks for hiking. With such varied designs and features in each one, at least one of these excellent bags will (hopefully) be exactly what you are looking for.
Happy hiking!
