Hiking is a great way to stay physically active, relieve stress, and connect with nature. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a beginner, or just starting, having the right gear is essential. One of the most important items you will need is a hiking daypack. A day pack is perfect for carrying your water, snacks, maps, and other essentials on short hikes.
In this blog post, I’ve broken down the different styles of daypacks and the key components to look for while shopping for the best day pack to fit your needs. From there, I have rounded up the top 11 best daypacks for hiking. From budget-friendly options to premium models, I am confident you’ll find the best day pack for your next hiking adventure.
Introducing the top 11 best daypacks for hiking:
- Osprey Daylite (Best entry-level)
- Deuter Speed 21 (Most comfortable)
- REI Co-op Trail 25 (Options for men and women)
- The North Face Terra 55 (Best for heavy loads)
- Teton Sports Oasis 18L (Cheapest price point)
- Kelty Redwing 36 (Best for short trips)
- Black Diamond Distance 15 (Most versatile – best for running, hiking, and climbing)
- Osprey Manta 24 (Best overall)
- CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 (Best for hydration)
- Granite Gear Virga3 26 (Best adjustable lightweight)
- Vaude Wizard 24+4 (Best ventilation technology)
The Anatomy of a Daypack – Understanding the types, sizes, features, and benefits.
Daypacks are designed with specific features in mind, such as weight, comfort, ventilation, storage capacity, hydration capacity, and accessibility. Typically ranging from 10-35 liters in size, daypacks come in different sizes depending on the size of your torso length and hip belt circumference. Knowing what type of day pack is best suited for each activity will help you make the most out of every adventure.
Types of daypacks.
Daypacks can be divided into three main types: Travel Packs, Summit Packs, and Urban Packs. Travel packs are best for medium to long trips with plenty of gear and supplies, while summit packs are designed for fast ascents with minimal gear. Urban packs are optimized for everyday use and city exploration.
Travel Packs.
Travel packs are the largest of the daypacks, ranging from 30-60 liters in capacity. They are typically designed with several compartments to organize your gear on long trips. Features like adjustable hip belts and sternum straps offer extra stability when carrying heavy loads. For day hikers, travel packs provide enough space for essential items like food, water, and rain gear.
Summit Packs.
Summit packs are smaller than travel packs and generally have a capacity of 20-40 liters. They are designed for light and fast ascents that require minimal gear. Features like breathable back panels and lightweight, durable fabrics make these packs ideal for strenuous activities like mountain climbing and running. Summit packs also feature adjustable compression straps to help keep your gear secure on the move.
Urban Packs.
Urban packs are designed for everyday use. These packs come in a variety of styles and sizes, from messenger bags to backpacks. They feature plenty of secure pockets for your laptop, phone, wallet, and other items you need to carry throughout the day. Many urban packs also have water-resistant fabrics to keep your belongings protected from the elements. Whether you’re headed to school, work, or an adventure, urban packs make carrying everything you need easy and convenient.
What is the ideal size for a daypack to use while hiking?
Daypack size depends on the gear you want to bring with you on your hike. Typically, 21 -35 liters is optimal for a day’s worth of hiking gear.
Check out the specifications for each day pack listed from my top picks below.
What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?
Daypacks are a specialized type of backpack. A daypack is a smaller version of a backpack that is primarily used to store essential gear and equipment for hiking and camping. Daypacks typically have a lightweight design and are usually made from lightweight materials. Backpacks, on the other hand, are designed for multi-day trips or extended outings and can be used to store more gear than a daypack.
What type of material should a daypack be made of?
The best material for a day pack is one that is lightweight yet durable. For example, most daypacks are made of nylon or polyester and have strong seams and stitching. Some models also feature water-resistant materials that can keep your gear dry in wet conditions. Additionally, many daypacks have breathable mesh panels that help regulate internal temperatures and keep the body cool during extended use.
Consider Water Storage.
If you plan on hiking for extended distances, storing drinkable fresh water is a must. The best way to store water while hiking is by storing drinkable water in water bottles or built-in hydration bladders. Today, most daypacks – and all of the packs listed – feature a water bottle pocket (or two) or built-in hydration bladder storage systems.
A trick to calculate the size of the daypack you need.
Planning and organizing your gear beforehand is essential to ensure a successful day hike. Keep in mind that these packs are designed for day trips rather than extended camping expeditions. Day pack sizes are typically measured in liters, which can sometimes be confusing.
If you’re looking for a reference, a standard gallon of milk is equivalent to approximately 4 liters. Now, imagine carrying five one-gallon-sized containers on your hike. This can help you gauge the number of essential items you’ll need for a full day on the trails.
Consider allocating one gallon of your gear for water, another for clothes and equipment, the third for food and snacks, and the last for miscellaneous items such as cameras, phones, and navigation systems.
Now, let’s dive into my list of top 11 best daypacks for hiking!
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via Amazon.com
1. Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack is an excellent entry-level day pack with a lightweight and minimalistic design. It boasts a spacious main compartment, hydration sleeve, and several pockets for organization. The back panel is breathable, and the shoulder straps are comfortable, making it perfect for short hikes. It’s also compatible with other Osprey backpacks, making it a great accessory for longer hikes.
Key features to note about the Osprey Daylite:
- Adjustable sternum strap with whistle.
- An interior sheath that can be used as a hydration reservoir or laptop/tablet sleeve (up to 13 in.).
- Large panel-loading main compartment.
- Dual mesh side pockets made for water bottles.
- Organizational front pocket with key clip.
- Grab handle that can double as a luggage pass-through.
- Removable hip belt.
- Compatible with other Osprey packs.
Specifications of the Osprey Daylite:
- Size: One Size fits all (O/S).
- Volume: 13 Liters.
- Dimensions: 16.93H X 10.42W X 7.87D inches.
- Dry Weight: 1.087 lbs.
- Color Options: Wave Blue, Cosmic Red, Dream Purple, Palm Foliage Print, Black, Magnolia Print Jubilee Blue, Escapade Green Baikal Green, Ash Blush Pink Earl Grey, Green Canopy Green Creek, Enjoy Outside Print, or Tie Dye Print.
2. Deuter Speed Lite 21 Hiking Backpack
If you’re looking for a versatile daypack that is highly adjustable, the Deuter Speed Lite 21 Hiking Backpack is your best bet. It’s a lightweight and compact backpack that is suitable for fast-paced hiking. It has excellent ventilation, a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, and a comfortable back panel.
This day pack was designed for maximum comfort.
The pack’s main compartment has side access and several pockets, including a zippered top pocket for valuables. The Deuter Lite series daypacks are reduced to the bare minimum and are ideal for carrying lighter loads.
Key features to note about the Deuter Speed Lite 21:
- Adjustable sternum belt.
- Removable waist belt.
- Two elastic side pockets.
- Valuables compartment.
- Sturdy zipper clips.
- SOS label.
- Goggle holder on strap.
- Stretchy inner compartment for storing water reservoir – also doubles as a storage compartment for wet items.
Specifications of the Deuter Speed Lite 21:
- Size: Small – Medium.
- Volume: 21 Liters.
- Dimensions: 18.11H X 10.63W X 7.48D inches.
- Dry Weight: 0.948 lbs.
- Color Options: Azure-Reef, Jade-Citrus, Tin-Indigo, Shale-Graphite, or Paprika-Saffron.
3. REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack
The REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack is one of REI’s top-rated daypacks designed for day hikers needing a high-capacity pack. It has several pockets for organization, and the main compartment can hold plenty of gear. It’s lightweight and has several compression straps to reduce the pack’s overall volume. The pack also comes with a whistle buckle chest strap that doubles as an emergency whistle.
Key features to note about the REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack:
- Made from recycled nylon materials so the pack is highly abrasion resistant.
- Internal frame.
- 5 compartments + main compartment.
- Includes an integrated rain cover that stows within the pack.
- Side mesh pockets with elastic closures
- Removable hip belt
- Outer pocket with a soft lining that can be used for storing phones and sunglasses.
- Padded, mesh-covered straps that are light and breathable.
- U-Shaped main compartment with 2 zipper sliders that offer quick access to gear.
- Internal plastic frame sheet that shields the user from protruding gear.
- Special fasteners to hold hiking poles in place.
- An inner sleeve that holds a hydration reservoir (hydration reservoir not included).
- A zip pocket on the top of the pack for easy access to keys and other valuables.
Specifications of the REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack:
- Size: (O/S)
- Volume: 25 Liters.
- Dimensions: 19.5 X 13.25 X 7.5 inches.
- Dry Weight: 2 lbs.
- Color Options: For men: Black, Dark Red, and Indigo. For women: Black, Frosted Meadow, or Rust Marsala.
4. The North Face Terra 55 Backpack
The North Face Terra 55 is designed for weekend backpacking trips. It has a large main compartment with dual side access and several pockets for organizing your gear. The North Face’s patent-pending Dyno Lift System is self-adjusting and provides plenty of cushioning and support, making it a comfortable pack to carry even when fully loaded.
This day pack was specifically designed and engineered for carrying heavier loads.
Key features to note about The North Face Terra 55:
- OPTFIT suspension system allows users to easily adjust the backpack on-the-fly.
- Cushioned mesh back panel that is breathable and provides a comfortable and secure fit.
- Molded hip belt for extra support.
- Sternum strap with a whistle buckle.
- Full J-Zip opening containing multiple zippers that allow for quick access to the pack’s contents.
- Large front stash pocket for valuables.
- Isolated sleeve for a hydration bladder.
- Floating lid for storing a sleeping bag or tent.
Specifications of The North Face Terra 55:
- Size: S/M – L/XL
- Volume: 55 Liters.
- Dimensions: 13.39 X 10.63 X 23.62 inches.
- Dry Weight: 3.63 lbs.
- Color Options: Blue Coral/Utility Brown/Led Yellow, Military Olive/The North Face Black, The North Face Black, or The North Face Dark Grey Heather/New Taupe Green.
5. Teton Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
The Teton Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack is an excellent option if you want a combination of hydration and storage. It features a 2-liter hydration system, a spacious main compartment, and several external pockets. The pack has a rain cover that protects the pack during wet weather. The back panel and shoulder straps are well-padded, making this durable pack comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Whether your next adventure is a day hike, festival, or a really long walk, the Teton Sports Oasis 18L Hydration pack is the optimal size and carries enough water for a full day of adventure.
Key features to note about the Teton Sports Oasis 18L:
- Contoured, padded shoulder straps.
- Ambidextrous – contains hydration ports on both the right and left shoulder straps.
- Contains a front zipper pocket that is simplistic and offers easy access to contents inside.
- Ripstop shell.
- Anti-shock chest strap with safety whistle.
- 2-Liter hydration bladder and two mesh water bottle pockets on each side.
- 18-Liter backpack + 2-Liter hydration bladder.
- Bungee shock cord on the back of the pack allows hikers to quickly store helmets or coats.
- Cushioned bite valve on sip tube. This prevents the valve from leaking and allows the valve to easily be pulled open or pushed to close.
- Reflective trim and accents.
- Included rain cover.
- Lifetime warranty.
Specifications of the Teton Sports Oasis 18L:
- Size: O/S
- Volume: 18 Liters (Pack Capacity) + 2 Liters (Hydration Capacity)
- Dimensions: 18.5 X 10 X 7 inches.
- Dry Weight: 2 lbs.
- Color Options: Plum, Stark Red, Onyx, Deep Teal, Olive, Burnt Orange, or High Tide.
6. Kelty Redwing 36 Backpack
The Kelty Redwing 36 Backpack is a versatile pack that can be used for day hiking or short trips. It has a spacious main compartment, several pockets and compartments of various sizes, and a front pocket suitable for carrying a helmet. The pack is customizable and features adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a sternum strap and a hip belt that distributes weight evenly.
The Kelty Redwing 36 Backpack is built for play and built to last.
Key features to note about the Kelty Redwing 36:
- Kelty signature Wing side pockets that have pass-throughs for trekking poles or fishing poles.
- Two front zippered pockets
- Hybrid U-zipper main compartment allowing for top or panel loading access.
- Aluminum frame that keeps your load secure and balanced for a stable and comfortable hike.
- A ventilated back panel that is designed to keep you cool and dry, even on longer-duration hikes.
- Shock-cord stash system.
- Padded hip belt and adjustable sternum strap.
- Daisy chains, mesh water bottle pockets, and side compression straps are equipped to keep everything tidy on the trail.
Specifications of the Kelty Redwing 36:
- Size: O/S
- Volume: 36 Liters.
- Dimensions: 17 X 10 X 23 inches.
- Dry Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Color Options: Blackout, Duck Green, or Lyons Blue.
7. Black Diamond Distance 15 Pack
The Black Diamond Distance 15 Pack is an ultralight backpack designed for speed and agility. It has a minimalist design but still has enough storage room for essentials. This hiking daypack combines Black Diamond’s running vest technology with their award-winning lightweight pack design.
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is the only day pack from this list that is truly built for multiple outdoor purposes. Redefine your outdoor adventures using this day pack to run, hike, or climb longer distances.
Key features to note about the Black Diamond Distance 15:
- Mesh shoulder straps are designed for ultimate comfort, movement, and weight reduction.
- Dual external sleeves are built into the pack to stash trekking poles when the terrain changes.
- Fully water-resistant main compartment for high altitude.
- The main storage portion of the pack contains a mesh divider wall that can store a water bladder that integrates with the pack’s hose routing.
- Dual piolet storage.
- Two mesh water bottle pockets on each side.
- Two stretchy mesh pockets on each shoulder strap.
- Two side stash pockets and one internal zippered pocket with a key clip.
- Deploy pocket for the new Deploy Wind Shell.
- Shoulder strap harness system that comes constructed with an adjustable, elastic-cording side compression system. This gives the day pack a more secure fit while running and climbing.
Specifications of the Black Diamond Distance 15:
- Size: Small, Medium, and Large.
- Volume: 15 Liters.
- Dimensions: 20.7 X 12 X 0.7 inches.
- Dry Weight: 0.84 lbs.
- Color Options: Black, Ultra Blue, or Optical Yellow.
8. Osprey Manta 24 Hiking Daypack
The Osprey Manta 24 Hiking Daypack is ideal for hikers needing a versatile and durable pack. It offers plenty of storage, with two main compartments and two external pockets. This day pack also offers premium performance and hydration options with an integrated rain cover and water reservoir.
The Osprey Manta 24 Hydration Pack offers a stable, comfortable carry for a long day of outdoor pursuits that various outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.
Key features to note about the Osprey Manta 24:
- Highly ventilated mesh back panel and adjustable harness to fit torso length.
- Dedicated hydration compartment with included compatible Osprey hydration bladder (2.5-Liter).
- Adjustable sternum strap with magnetic closure and bite valve attachment.
- Front panel stretch mesh pocket to quickly stash or grab your jacket when the weather turns.
- Scratch-free zipped pocket ideal for optics and electronic devices.
- Two zippered hip belt pockets.
- Stow-on-the-Go compression straps for attaching trekking poles.
- Integrated rain cover.
- Dual access side stretch mesh pockets.
- Dual upper and lower compression straps.
Specifications of the Osprey Manta 24:
- Size: O/S
- Volume: 24 Liters (pack capacity) + 2.5 Liters (hydration capacity).
- Dimensions: 12 X 14 X 22 inches.
- Dry Weight: 3.32 lbs.
- Color Options: Black or Green Shade.
9. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Hydration Pack
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Hydration Pack is an excellent choice for longer hikes or more intense activities. This lightweight day pack has enough storage for extra layers, snacks, and tools, while the 3-liter reservoir ensures you always have enough hydration on hand.
Although the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Hydration Pack is technically considered a backpack for mountain biking, this product made my top 11 list due to its superior hydration and cooling technology.
Designed with body mapping technology, the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Hydration Pack addresses areas of the body that retain the most heat and allow for maximum airflow throughout the back panel. This provides comfortable all-day cooling to enjoy your outdoor activities for longer durations.
Key features to note about the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14:
- Lightweight and breathable vent mesh harness that helps to keep your load light.
- 3-Liter Crux water reservoir for all-day hydration.
- Magnetic tube trap that keeps the tube from your hydration bladder secure and accessible when you need it.
- Adjustable sternum strap that offers a range of adjustments for a custom fit and increased stability.
- Mesh hip belt pockets for cargo carry and quick access to essential tools and extra gear.
- Mesh shoulder straps that promote breathability and ultimate airflow.
- Inner mesh zippered pockets that can store valuables and keys.
- Dual snaps are located at the bottom of the pack to stow and secure a helmet.
- Light loop located on the back of the pack to clip on a safety light.
Specifications of the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14:
- Size: O/S
- Volume: 3 Liters.
- Dimensions: 20 X 11 X 4.74 inches.
- Dry Weight: 0.66 lbs.
- Color Options: Black, Ibiza Blue/Orange, or Agave Green/Black.
10. Granite Gear Virga3 26 Pack
The Granite Gear Virga3 26 Pack is an ultralight daypack designed for fast and light hiking. It’s made of high-quality nylon and features an external hydration sleeve and several external pockets.
The pack is highly adjustable, with a padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort. The pack’s load-lifter straps and sternum strap provide additional support and stability.
Key features to note about the Granite Gear Virga3 26:
- Fully adjustable, padded waist belt with removable webbing.
- Shoulder harness system that contains two sternum straps for an even hug.
- Fully adjustable torso height.
- Roll-top main compartment with top compression for easy access to gear inside.
- Large dual hip belt pockets with zippers.
- Stretch mesh front pocket.
- Elastic water bottle holders on both shoulder straps.
- Nylon shell – does not contain an interior frame system.
- Large side pockets with cinch closure.
- Hydration port with toggle to hang on interior.
Specifications of the Granite Gear Virga3 26:
- Size: Regular
- Volume: 26 Liters.
- Dimensions: 21 X 13 X 8 inches.
- Dry Weight: 1.26 lbs.
- Color Options: Undyed or Black.
11. Vaude Wizard 24+4 Pack
The Vaude Wizard 24+4 Pack is a versatile daypack for hiking and traveling. It has a spacious main compartment, a hydration sleeve, and several external pockets for organization. The pack features adjustable shoulder straps, load-lifter straps, and a hip belt for comfort. This pack is made from recycled polyester with a PFC-free treatment and has a sturdy construction.
A unique feature of the Vaude Wizard 24+4 pack is its adjustable ventilation system. A ventilation gap between the pack and your back can alleviate discomfort and a sweaty back during longer trips. With its expandable 4-Liter storage system, this day pack is suitable for extended trips along the trail and allows users to bring along their “just-in-case” gear.
Key features to note about the Vaude Wizard 24+4:
- Padded hip belt with zippered pocket.
- 24 Liters in size with 4 expandable Liters of storage for longer expeditions.
- Adjustable wire frame back system with mesh backband.
- Side compression straps and sternum strap to keep your load balanced and stable.
- 2 outer mesh pockets.
- Loops to attach trekker poles.
- Internal hydration bladder pouch (hydration bladder not included).
- Detachable rain cover.
Specifications of the Vaude Wizard 24+4:
- Size: (O/S)
- Volume: 28 Liters.
- Dimensions: 29 X 9 X 7 inches.
- Dry Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Color Options: Black, Fjord Blue, or Pebbles.
Choosing your daypack.
Having the right day pack is crucial for a successful hiking trip. When choosing the best day pack for hiking, it’s essential to consider factors such as fit, capacity, ventilation, and adjustability.
In this article, I have rounded up the top 11 best daypacks for hiking to help narrow your search. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, I encourage you to choose any of the daypacks listed in this blog post from the links provided. Happy Hiking!
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