Daypacks are simple pieces of gear, but it can be tricky to find the right one based on style, fit, and your needs. We’ve broken down the best daypacks into a few different categories to help you choose.
What we love most about all of these best daypacks is their versatility. Grab one when taking your dog on a walk, heading into the office or the classroom, or hitting the mountains for a day hike, bike ride, and more. The trick is to find one that hits these four criteria: comfort, fit, included features, and ideal price.
For review purposes, we considered and tested the best small backpacks that hold between 12 and 30 liters. To choose the best of the best, we ranked each pack on quality, feedback from our testing, and price.
Read on for our best daypack selections as well as our daypack buyer’s guide. And for help with any hairsplitting decisions, check out our comparison chart and FAQ sections.
The Best Daypacks of 2023
- Best Overall Daypack: Deuter Speed Lite 25
- Best Budget Daypack: REI Co-op Flash 18
- Runner-Up Best Daypack: Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack
- Best Commuter Daypack: Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Pack
- Most Technical Daypack: Black Diamond Trail Zip 18L
- Most Packable Daypack: Matador Freerain22 Packable Daypack
- Best Women’s-Specific Daypack: Osprey Tempest 20
Deuter Speed Lite 25
Specs
- Material 100D and 140D high-tenacity 100% recycled polyamide
- Pockets Three external stretch
- Suspension style Deuter’s Lite System, a tensioned Derlin U frame
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 3 L
- Ideal use Any and everything
- Weight 1 lb., 9 oz.
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Carries weight well
- Bluesign-certified body fabric
Cons
- Frame limits packability for travel
- Shoulder pocket a bit too small to hold phone
REI Co-op Flash 18
Specs
- Material Recycled ripstop nylon
- Pockets One external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 3 L
- Ideal use Trail to town
- Weight 9.5 oz.
Pros
- Budget price
- Packability
Cons
- Lower capacity
- Not much structure
Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack
Specs
- Material 100D/420D recycled nylon
- Pockets Two external stretch, one zippered
- Suspension style Alloy wire frame, breathable mesh back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 3 L
- Ideal use Backpacking, travel
- Weight 1 lb., 8.7 oz.
Pros
- Breathable back panel and straps
- Plenty of color options
- Integrated rain cover
Cons
- Limited external attachment options
Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Pack
Specs
- Material 100% repurposed ripstop nylon
- Pockets One external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 2 L
- Ideal use Travel, commuting
- Weight 10.6 oz.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Price
- Slender profile for commuting
Cons
- Fabric colors sometimes aren’t as advertised
- Requires careful packing
Black Diamond Trail Zip 18L
Specs
- Material 100D ripstop nylon
- Pockets One external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes
- Ideal use Scrambling or summit pack
- Weight 14.6 oz.
Pros
- Streamlined design
- Suspension system fits many body types
Cons
- Limited access
Matador Freerain22 Packable Daypack
Specs
- Material 50D ripstop nylon, with 100D Robic wear panels
- Pockets Two external stretch, One external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless
- Hydration-compatible No
- Ideal use Travel
- Weight 10.6 oz.
Pros
- Great packability
- Waterproof fabric
- Rugged wear panels
Cons
- No foam back panel or frame in a larger volume pack
- Uncomfortable pack straps
Osprey Tempest 20
Specs
- Material 210D/420D recycled ripstop nylon
- Pockets Three external stretch, one external zippered, and two hipbelt
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 3 L
- Ideal use Hiking, biking
- Weight 1 lb., 15.6 oz.
Pros
- Feature-rich
- Highly adjustable hip belt and harness
- Multisport ready
Cons
- Expensive
Patagonia Altvia 28L
Specs
- Material 100% recycled nylon
- Pockets Three external stretch, one zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 3 L
- Ideal use Day trips that require a lot of gear or might run long
- Weight 1 lb., 12 oz.
Pros
- Comfortable mesh backpanel
- Hydration compatible
- Integrated rain cover
Cons
- Hipbelt pockets are a bit shallow
Gregory Citro and Juno 30L Hydration Packs
Specs
- Material 210D/420D ripstop nylon
- Pockets Three external stretch, one external zippered, two hipbelt
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes, up to 2 L
- Ideal use All around
- Weight 2 lbs., 1.4 oz.
Pros
- Lots of external storage
- Hydration-friendly
Cons
- Heavier for a day pack
- Price
Fjallraven Kanken
Specs
- Material Vinylon F fabric
- Pockets Two external flat, one external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible No
- Ideal use School, city
- Weight 10.6 oz.
Pros
- Stylish
- Ergonomic
- Many color options
Cons
- Not many outdoor-focused features
Decathlon Quechua Arpenaz NH100 20 L
Specs
- Material Polyester
- Pockets Two external stretch, one external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible No
- Ideal use Occasional use
- Weight 16 oz.
Pros
- Budget price
- Comfortable back panel and straps
Cons
- Poor durability
Osprey Talon 22
Specs
- Material 210D/420D recycled ripstop nylon
- Pockets Three external stretch, one external zippered, and two hipbelt
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible Yes
- Ideal use Multisport days
- Weight 2 lbs.
Pros
- Many attachment features
- Cushy suspension system
Cons
- On the heavier end
Arc’teryx Granville 16 Zip Backpack
Specs
- Material 420D ripstop nylon
- Pockets One external zippered
- Suspension style Frameless foam back panel
- Hydration-compatible No
- Ideal use City, commuting
- Weight 1 lb., 10 oz.
Pros
- Burly pack fabric
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Waterproof zippers
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited torso size options
Daypack Comparison Chart
| Daypack | Material | Pockets | Suspension Style | Hydration Compatible | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deuter Speed Lite 25 | 100D and 140D high-tenacity 100% recycled polyamide | 3 external stretch | Deuter’s Lite System, a tensioned Derlin U frame | Yes, up to 3 L | 1 lb., 9 oz. |
| REI Co-op Flash 18 | Recycled ripstop nylon | 1 external zippered | Frameless foam back panel | Yes, up to 3 L | 9.5 oz. |
| Osprey Hikelite Pack | 300D recycled polyester | 2 external stretch | Frameless foam back panel | Yes, up to 3 L | 1 lb., 1.4 oz. |
| Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Pack | 100% repurposed ripstop nylon | 1 external zippered | Frameless | Yes, up to 2 L | 10.6 oz. |
| Black Diamond Trail Zip 18L | 100D ripstop nylon | 1 external zippered | Frameless foam back panel | Yes | 14.6 oz. |
| Matador Freerain22 Packable Daypack | 50D ripstop nylon, with 100D Robic wear panels | 2 external stretch, 1 external zippered | Frameless | No | 10.6 oz. |
| Osprey Tempest 20 | 210D/420D recycled ripstop nylon | 3 external stretch, 1 external zippered, and 2 hipbelt | Frameless foam back panel | Yes, up to 3 L | 1 lb., 15.6 oz. |
| Patagonia Altvia 28L | 100% recycled nylon | 3 external stretch, 1 zippered | Frameless foam back panel | Yes, up to 3 L | 1 lb., 12 oz. |
| Gregory Citro and Juno 30L Hydration Packs | 210D/420D ripstop nylon | 3 external stretch, 1 external zippered, 2 hipbelt | Frameless foam back panel | Yes, up to 2 L | 2 lbs., 1.4 oz. |
| Fjallraven Kanken | Vinylon F fabric | 2 external flat, 1 external zippered | Frameless foam back panel | No | 10.6 oz. |
| Decathlon Quechua Arpenaz NH100 20 L | Polyester | 2 external stretch, 1 external zippered | Frameless foam back panel | No | 16 oz. |
| Osprey Talon 22 | 210D/420D recycled ripstop nylon | 3 external stretch, 1 external zippered, and 2 hipbelt | Frameless foam back panel | Yes | 2 lbs. |
| Arc’teryx Granville 16 Zip Backpack | 420D ripstop nylon | 1 external zippered | Frameless foam back panel | No | 1 lb., 10 oz. |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our GearJunkie testers are a multisport bunch who take every opportunity to sneak out for the types of brief adventures that daypacks shine in. And, we’ve put our heads together here to drum up the best daypacks on the market in 2023.
Nick Belcaster is a Washington-based trail hound who knows well the “get-it-while-you-can” aspect of adventuring in what is sometimes known as the Pacific North West. His exploits range from car-to-car alpine adventures in North Cascades National Park to ripping around on mountain bikes just outside of town, and in doing so he’s cultivated a taste for what makes a daypack the one.
The beauty of a daypack is in its absolute versatility, and we’ve used ours to tackle everything from single track to toting the laptop into the urban jungle. For this list, we looked at daypacks across the spectrum — from packable and travel-friendly rucksacks to full-featured hiking and riding packs — and sent them out for proving on bite-size adventures across the country.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Daypack
Whether you’re choosing a pack to take you from work to the mountains or a daypack that can fill one specific use, let’s break down the best way to choose the right daypack for you.
Pack Size
One of the most important items on the trail is your pack — it’s how you’ll carry all your gear and support yourself on the trail. For this review, we included daypacks from 12 to 30 liters, but that’s a huge range.
Consider what gear you’ll want to carry: the basics like water, a first-aid kit, wind/rain layer, snacks, glasses, and a cellphone. You might also carry extras like your kids’ layers, a doggie bowl, sun hat or sunscreen, camera, trekking poles, and water reservoir.
You’ll only have space for the essential items with an 11-13 liter pack, but these are usually a little more versatile for daily use. This is a good size if you’re commuting or going on a shorter hike or bike ride.
Meanwhile, a daypack of around 20-30 liters allows you to bring more water for longer trips in hotter environments or extra food and heavier layers if it’s spring or fall.
Larger packs also have better and more features if you’re traveling in alpine terrain — like headlamp pockets, trekking pole sleeves, ice axe loops, a hip belt, and a helmet compartment or exterior stretch pocket. Packs of this size are also better for quick overnights and multi-activity trips like hiking and climbing or short-term travel.
Apart from the volume, or carrying capacity, of a pack, there’s also pack sizing for your body. Daypacks are usually one size, as they’re meant to be adjustable and versatile yet streamlined. We had multiple testers of different body types try on these daypacks for comparison.
Any good daypack will have adjustable straps that help with fit. And even though they are daypacks, many have sternum straps or hip belts as well.
If a pack does come in multiple sizes (usually S/M or M/L size ranges or plus or tall sizes), make sure to check the brand’s size chart. Measure your torso or back length and find a pack that will fit your size and height. Things to look for: packs with sternum straps or a removable hip strap.
Frame Styles and Straps
Because the loads they carry are often lighter, daypacks don’t benefit greatly from the complicated frames of larger backpacking packs. More often, foam sheets are employed to provide some rigidity to the back panel and better distribute the weight.
Packs like the Gregory Citro and the Osprey Talon 22 or Tempest offer the greatest amount of support while remaining frameless. Some packs will also make their foam frame sheets removable, offering a cushioned seat on the go.
A frameless pack will have an upper comfortable limit when it comes to weight, and will need to be packed with care to avoid being poked in the back with your kit. We try to stay below 15 pounds maximum when saddling up a daypack for an extended jaunt.
The addition of a minimal frame can greatly increase the carrying capacity of a daypack, such as the tensioned Derlin U frame of the Deuter Speed Lite 25, but when you’re hauling the lightweight loads associated with day trips, it often isn’t a necessity.
Shoulder straps also play an important role in providing support for a day on the trail. These are typically available in three flavors: J-style straps are the original, S-style straps accommodate those with large chests, and running-vest style straps are preferred for light loads and active movement. Look for shoulder straps that provide a good amount of cushioning foam and fit your torso appropriately.
Typically a requirement on backpacking packs, hip belts on daypacks can afford to be less supportive due to the lighter loads they carry. The most minimal style features simple webbing belts, and can even be removable, like on the Black Diamond Trail Zip 18L.
More supportive hip belts incorporate spacer mesh and foam to disperse the weight across the hips. If you’re looking to tack on the miles or just want a more cushioned ride, springing for a full-featured hip belt is well worth it.
Materials
Daypacks don’t often see the abuses of larger bags, and are commonly constructed of lighter fabrics to minimize weight and cut down on bulk. All of the daypacks on our list are tried and tested, and they’ll work for most outdoor activities.
That being said, if you want a pack to put through the paces year after year, consider one with a higher-denier material (like tight-weaved polyamide, polyester, or ripstop nylon). Deniers from 100 to 200 are a great sign a pack will be durable in the long run.
The material of the back panel in particular can be the difference between smooth sailing and a sweaty back. Daypacks that use spacer mesh and die-cut foam patterns in their back panels will breathe much better than their flat-back counterparts.
Back Panels
Most daypacks will rely on some type of foam and mesh to provide cushioning on your back, as well as promote airflow and breathability. In the pursuit of cutting ounces, daypacks on the ultralight side of the spectrum may exclude this altogether, meaning that perspiration can’t escape as easily.
The upside to this is that these packs compress down impressively, meaning they disappear into luggage or a larger pack.
Because daypacks often lack the bones of a frame to support weight, cushioned back panel design helps to shore up the structure and provides additional support, while keeping the weight close to your back.
A spacer mesh or segmented back panel will keep air moving and hopefully your shirt dry. We were impressed by the ventilation provided by the Deuter Speed Lite 25, as well as the Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest daypacks.
Features, Pockets, and Closures
What features does the pack offer? Look for how many pockets the pack has or if it has internal pockets or compartments. These features are great to have when it comes to organizing your gear. Is there an exterior pocket? Are there side pockets?
Things to look for: Our first thought when we examine a new pack in testing is to look for where we’ll store our water source, whether that’s a reservoir or bottle. Also, check to make sure the pack’s internal sleeve will fit your reservoir (which can run anywhere between 0.75 and 3 liters).
The second thing we check is the back panel. Almost all the packs that made it on our list have ventilated mesh or breathable back panels — this is a really great feature for almost all adventures.
The closure style of a day pack can have a big impact on how quickly accessible it is. Main compartments that open with a drawstring are a snap to pop open and closed, but aren’t the most secure.
Roll-tops, like the Matador Freerain22 Packable Daypack, offer the best protection from the elements, but can be slow to unravel on opening. Zippered closures are seen on the more feature-rich daypacks, and can even be watertight, but will need to be cared for more, as grit and sand can damage their sliders and cause them to split if neglected.
Sport-specific features, like a bike helmet lashing system or an ice axe loop, will often dictate the best usage style for your daypack. It’s often worth considering what you’ll be using your daypack for the most and purchasing a dedicated pack, or one that is feature-rich and can be used for many different outings.
Hydration Compatibility
Keeping your water accessible is the best way to ensure your thirst is quenched, and H2O systems like the Platypus BigZip EVO or Osprey Hydraulics Reservoirs make an excellent pairing with a daypack for extended trips. Many daypacks provide hydration compatibility, though not all, so choose based on your expected usage.
Hydration-oriented packs will have separate compartments for bladders, sometimes with insulated sleeves or hooks for securing a bladder, and routing for a hydration tube. Some packs, like Gregory’s H20 Series, have magnetic or quick clip attachments for easy sippin’ on the go. Hydration tube ports allow for drinking tubes to exit the interior of the pack.
You’ll want to check the sizing of your daypack with the size of your bladder. For example, a large 3-liter bladder might not fit in a 16-liter pack. See what the brand recommends and check the sizing.
It’s also worth mentioning that water can be one of the heaviest things you carry in a daypack, and choosing a pack with a more robust suspension system to accommodate it will keep your back happy. A pack without a frame like the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia Pack isn’t likely to haul a full 3 liters of water nearly as well as one with a more robustly supportive frame.
Waterproofness
Do you live in a climate where there’s lots of rain? Are you looking for a daypack that’s more durable and can stand up to travel and use in different places? Check the waterproofing on the pack.
Look for a DWR coating, polyamide, or PU abrasion resistance coating (these packs will be more durable), taped seams, roll-top closures, and waterproof or sealed zippers. Daypacks that incorporate a number of these features, like the Matador Freerain22 Packable Daypack, will have a high level of waterproofness and keep afternoon storms at bay.
You can also employ a pack cover or liner to keep items like an insulated jacket or electronics dry for when you need them most. Some packs, like the Patagonia Altvia 28L, even come with integrated pack covers that deploy from a hidden pocket.
Don’t forget to check the quality of the zippers and zipper pulls as well as the overall construction of the pack. Also, check the material on the pack bottom for durability.
Women’s-Specific Daypacks
Women are built differently than men. Women’s packs tend to have a shorter torso length, narrower shoulder-width straps, and different hip measurements to reflect that. For some, having a women’s pack makes all the difference.
Unfortunately, many smaller volume daypacks are often only available in one unisex size, which means you’ll get less of a customized fit. Larger volume daypacks tend to see increased loads, and some on the market will be offered in a Small/Medium, Medium/Large sizing, or include a women’s-specific model.
Be sure to check to see if a brand offers a pack series in men’s/women’s-specific, and see which measurements or size offerings will best fit you. The pack we zeroed in on as the best women’s-specific was the Osprey Women’s Tempest.
Value
Daypacks run the gamut in terms of cost, from budget-minded sacks to high-end bags for in-a-day adventures. The best bang-for-your-buck daypack we’ve encountered has been the REI Co-op Flash 18.
A good rule to follow is the broader your horizons, the more you’re likely to spend. Additional features add up quickly, and the daypack that can do it all certainly comes with a price tag. More budget-minded options will also likely have a limited lifespan, so treat them with care.
FAQ
The best daypack is hard to define because the sizing will vary based on your needs. Some days, we’ll reach for our trusty 18-liter REI Flash. On other days, we might need a 24-30 liter pack depending on the activity.
That being said, the Deuter Speed Lites, Cotopaxi Luzon, Osprey Talon, and Tempest packs were some top staff favorites.
Simply, size. A daypack is meant to comfortably carry all of the essentials you might need on a daily outing and are typically between 12 and 30 liters. A backpacking pack will have additional space to accommodate all of the equipment needed for an overnight trip or a more technical outing like rock climbing.
As we mentioned in the intro, you’ll want a 15-30 liter daypack for hiking. Any larger, and it will be a heavier load to carry; any smaller, and you won’t have room for the 10 essentials. Based on experience and what’s on the market, 20-24 liter packs tend to be the most popular choice.
Great question — we’ve got an article on this exact topic, with a handy, comprehensive list you can even print out!
But you can expect to always start with the basics: extra layers or a rain layer (depending on the season), water, food, a small first-aid kit, and sun protection.
For the daypack itself, look for durable — maybe even water-resistant — fabric, a breathable back panel, straps or loops for securing gear, and a good mix of internal and external pockets.
Other features that are great to have on a daypack are a hip belt, sternum strap, key clip, hydration sleeve, and attachment points for trekking poles.
Now that you have all the tools you need to choose the right pack, get out there and enjoy the outdoors!
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