The best hiking daypacks are durable, comfortably carry your gear, and have hydration-compatible designs. Here are our top tested picks.

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Travel + Leisure

Whether you’re bird-watching around local trails or hiking the peaks on your summer bucket list, finding the right daypack is one of the most important things you can do. When I’m shopping for a pack, my first priority is a lightweight build with excellent weight distribution. Next, I look for accessible storage pockets, user-friendly hydration (or hydration-compatible) systems, and secure closures, so I can stash valuables in the pockets without fear of losing anything. Most of my day hikes take place around the trails of Montana, so I worry less about waterproofing and more about ventilation in the hot sun. Your choice of pack should reflect your own outings, so take care to consider the needs of your environment. 

We tried a range of hiking daypacks, from travel-ready packable options to 35-liter models with internal frames. We tested the packs everywhere from the humid trails in New York to coastal routes in California, taking them on hikes, cycling trips, and family outings to find the best options for all outdoor lovers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: SALE Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack at Amazon $75 $62 Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Deuter Speed Lite Pro 28 SL at Amazon $150 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack at Gossamergear.com Jump to Review Most Breathable: SALE Mountain Hardwear Backpack at Backcountry $180 $126 Jump to Review Most Durable: NEMO Equipment Resolve Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack at Amazon $220 Jump to Review Most Versatile: Osprey Tempest 26 Pack at Osprey.com Jump to Review Best Hydration Pack: SALE Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack at Amazon $130 $97 Jump to Review Best Value: Gregory Women’s Swift 22 H20 Backpack at Amazon $140 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Credit: Osprey $75 $62 at Amazon View on REI View on Osprey.com Why We Love It

• This pack is quite versatile, and can be used as a daily commuter bag, airplane carry-on, or comfortable hiking pack.

What to Consider

• The hydration valve port isn’t super intuitive.

Even with a hydration reservoir, keys, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks, this 20-liter pack still had plenty of functional room for our hikes. The compressible design and lightweight feel made it a go-to for both travel and hiking local trails, and we loved how the back sleeve can hold either a laptop or a hydration bladder. Though the pack weighs less just 1.3 pounds, the internal structure does an excellent job with weight distribution, and we barely felt the load during our hikes. We wore this fairly snug to our body and had no issue with the fit, and it felt secure on a range of outings. The shoulder straps and hip belt have lighter padding than others we tested, but the shape and design were enough that we didn’t miss the extra cushion.

This pack was our favorite thanks to its combination of affordability, tough materials, and the fact that it functions just as well as a commuter bag as it does for hiking. And if you want to take it on a plane, the grab handle doubles as a pass-through port, perching hands-free on rolling luggage. 

The Details: One size | Ripstop polyester (300D, 600D) | 1.3 pounds. | 20-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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Most Comfortable

Deuter Speed Lite Pro 28 SL

Credit: Deuter $150 $130 at Amazon View on Deuter.com $140 at Jensonusa.com Why We Love It

• The weight of our gear felt well-distributed and all the adjustment points were easy to use.

Wha to Consider

• This pack would benefit from a side zip, not just a top-load entry point.

The backpack is specifically designed for women, and we appreciated the slimmer profile that fit nicely through the shoulders and hips during our tests. There are no shortage of pockets: multiple exterior pockets were handy for small items, and we stashed our keys and wallet in the two zippered pockets on the top flap. Even the shoulder straps have pockets: we kept a lip balm in one of the small shoulder pockets and hooked our sunglasses through the other. 

We were impressed with how many extras Deuter packed into this lightweight model, including trekking-pole loops and a supportive back panel with breathable mesh through the back and straps. The front pocket is stretchy and perfect for extra layers, and the fact that this pack is nearly 30 liters, but still weighs less than 1.6 pounds is impressive. The weight distribution was excellent, and we appreciated the cavernous interior for all of our extra gear. We’d love to see future updates built with side zippers for easier access, though that would add some weight to the build. 

The Details: One size | 120D polyester | 1.6 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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Best Lightweight

Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack

Credit: Gossamer Gear View on Gossamergear.com View on Garagegrowngear.com Why We Love It

• The adjustable sternum rails and padded straps made for a supremely comfortable and adjustable fit.

What to Consider

• We wish there were a few more external pockets on the back side.

Gossamer Gear’s packs have a legendary blend of comfort-to-weight, and the newer Loris is no exception. Though a simpler design than other packs we tested, the Loris still has adjustable rails for the sternum strap and plenty of length adjustability through the padded shoulder straps to help dial-in fit. The back pocket is made from the same tough, stretchy mesh as their overnight packs, and the simple top closure buckles securely and has a handy zip pocket for securing small items. The 70-denier Robic nylon is tough and light, and the layered material reinforcements add abrasion resistance without sacrificing ounces.  

We were able to stash large water bottles in the side pockets, and the pack has additional gear loops on the outside for securing items. Finally, we love the clever front-zip design that helps open the main compartment for easier access. We did find ourselves wishing for a few more smaller pockets, but you can always purchase shoulder pockets or hip belt pockets separately.

The Details: One size | 70D Robic nylon | 1 pound | 25-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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The 7 Best Backpacking Backpacks

Most Breathable

Mountain Hardwear Backpack

Credit: Backcountry $180 $126 at Backcountry $180 $108 at Mountainhardwear.com Why We Love It

• The internal frame provides a protective buffer against hard objects in the pack.

What to Consider

• The mesh under the shoulder straps was rough against our skin.

This sturdy pack (that comes in both women’s and men’s sizes) is the largest on our list, and while most people won’t need 35 liters for their day hikes, it’s a great option if you’re carrying gear for a whole family or need extra supplies for challenging conditions. Despite the size, it didn’t feel like a burden to carry. This is thanks in part to a well-built suspension system, adjustable straps, and compression webbing to keep the load close to your body. We were impressed with the women’s-specific build, which allowed for a custom-feeling fit and easy adjustments while hiking.

This pack didn’t feel like it hindered any of our motion, and the internal frame with suspended mesh did an excellent job protecting us from anything hard inside the pack. We had ample space for multiple water bottles, extra layers, and food for a whole day, and the clamshell opening made it easy to splay the pack open and find everything we needed quickly. If we had to change anything, we’d update the mesh under the shoulder straps. It was a little rough when we tested this pack wearing a sleeveless shirt. 

The Details: Size S/M and M/L | Ripstop nylon | 2.5 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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Most Durable

NEMO Equipment Resolve Endless Promise Technical Active Daypack

Credit: Amazon $220 at Amazon View on REI Why We Love It

• It’s made of rip- and water-resistant materials.

What to Consider

• At nearly 3 pounds, this is the heaviest day pack on our list.

This cavernous pack held three water bottles, four extra layers, food, and a whole bunch of family-ready items for our hikes. The capacity is perfect for those hikes where you need extra gear, and it can even hold overnight gear for light packers. Nemo’s current emphasis on sustainability makes them an industry leader, and not only is this pack made with recycled materials, you can send it back to the brand at the end of its life and they’ll recycle all of the components to keep them out of the waste-stream.

Usage wise, we loved how easy the straps were to tighten and lengthen, and the lightweight aluminum frame helped support the pack weight. The side pockets held even burly metal water bottles, and the removable compression straps are useful for keeping everything tucked in close. The comfort was above and beyond what we’d expect from a large daypack, with airy body-mapped foam for breathability and cushion paired with soft materials for no chafing (even in a tank top.) 

The Details: One size | Recycled polyester | 2.75 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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Most Versatile

Osprey Tempest 26 Pack

Credit: Osprey View on Osprey.com Why We Love It

• The weight distribution is stellar even with larger loads.

What to Consider

• It feels a little short for taller testers and requires some adjusting.

This go-anywhere features plenty of compartments for optimal organization, and we were able to fit everything we needed for day hikes, including water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, a sweater, and snacks. The hydration sleeve features a handy pass-through port at the top to feed the hydration hose through, and it hooks to your shoulder strap for easy reach. We loved the external pockets on the hip belt and back, plus the trekking pole loops were handy for keeping those stashed close by. 

While this pack does sit a bit high, we found it easy to adjust with varying length options for the hip belt, sternum strap, and multiple points of adjustment at the shoulders. We were impressed with the comfort for how much this pack holds, and would feel comfortable taking it on airplanes and on longer day hikes alike. 

The Details: Standard and extended fit | 100D nylon | 2.25 pounds | 26-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Hydration sleeve (reservoir not included)

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The 10 Best Water Bottles, Tested and Reviewed

Best Hydration Pack

Camelbak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack

Credit: Camelbak $130 $97 at Amazon View on REI View on Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It

• This pack comes with a three-liter reservoir and the weight is held tight to your body.

What to Consider

• With a full reservoir, there isn’t much room for a lot of other gear.

We used this hydration pack during multiple hot hikes in California, and were grateful for the high-capacity hydration solution. Camelbak updated their reservoirs in recent years, developing a simpler open/close mechanism and more spill-proof designs when filling. The hose connector to the bottom of the reservoir is more durable than past iterations, and we had no issues filling, sealing, and carrying the three-liter reservoir. 

The pack itself (which comes in both women’s and men’s sizes) sits close to the body—think low-profile mountain-biking pack design. The lightweight webbing straps latch securely and are easy to adjust on the go, and the slim build sat nicely between our shoulder blades and didn’t restrict range of motion. If you need to carry a lot of gear, you might want to size up. The 12-liter size is compact, but doesn’t leave a ton of room for other items if you’re carrying a full load of water. 

The Details: One size | 210D nylon | 1.25 pounds | 9-liter capacity (plus 3 liters for water) | Water-resistant | Reservoir included

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Best Value

Gregory Women’s Swift 22 H20 Backpack

Credit: Gregory $140 at Amazon View on REI $130 at Backcountry Why We Love It

• The highly adjustable straps fits a range of body types.

What to Consider

• The included reservoir was tough to clean and dry after use.

This affordable pack’s mid-sized capacity was perfect for a day hike where we needed a rain jacket, two-liter bladder, snacks, sunscreen, and small items like keys and lip balm. There was still room left in the pack, and we appreciated being able to cinch it down so the extra material didn’t feel loose. At barely over 1.5 pounds, this pack is light, but sturdy, using Gregory’s comfortable internal frame to help secure the load. 

This pack has a more robust hip belt than others we tested, and we appreciated the accessible pockets and extra cushioning. We were able to reach small items without taking the pack off, and the organization felt like just enough without there being too many places to misplace gear. The pack comes with a reservoir, and it was easy to slot into the structured pocket in the back and access through the hose port. We did have some trouble keeping the bladder clean and dry for storage, and recommend hanging it upside down on a coat hanger over your bathtub or sink to ensure the whole thing dries completely.   

The Details: One size | Nylon | 1.6 pounds | 22-liter capacity | Water-resistant | Reservoir included

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Others We Liked

Not all daypacks are created equal, and something with this many moving parts can be tricky to get right. We tested a lot of packs for this guide, and a few almost made the cut, but had one or two things we’d change. Regardless, these packs are still excellent options that will work for plenty of hikers and travelers. 

REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack: This pack has a generous capacity with a comfortable carry at a good price, but we found ourselves missing the extra storage pockets of other 25-liter packs and would love more extension through the straps for larger-framed hikers.

Mystery Ranch Coulee 20: Mystery Ranch is known for its robust packs, but the rugged fabric and hefty attachments add weight. Overall, we found 2.6 pounds to be somewhat heavy for a 20-liter pack and it felt a little overbuilt.

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L.L. Bean Stowaway Pack: This backpack was comfortable for lighter loads and felt stable with 5-8 pounds of gear in the main compartment. But while the stowaway structure is convenient for travel, it wouldn’t be our first choice for anything more than a light carry.

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Our Testing Process

To test the best daypacks for hiking, we sent our testers a range of packs and had them examine all components, including straps, buckles, webbing, zippers, and pockets for durability and construction. They then tossed everything they would need for a standard day hike into the pack and evaluated the comfort, load distribution, and storage capabilities of the packs. We had them record the distance and location of their hikes, as well as note how the packs felt throughout the day, how easy they were to organize, and how they held up through the test period.

After weeks of regular hikes, we examined the durability of the packs looking for weak points and standard wear and tear. We also noted anything they’d like to change. As always, we will continue to collect feedback update this guide with any changes.

Travel + Leisure

Tips for Buying Hiking Daypacks

Prioritize comfort

If your pack isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to want to stay out on the trail. The first thing is to make sure the pack fits your body well. The hip belt (if it has one) should help secure the load on your hips, and the straps shouldn’t be maxed out in either direction. Most packs listed here come in just one size and have a lot of room for adjustments, but it’s worth trying them on before heading out for a long day. 

Larger packs will likely require more cushion. Look for added padding in the shoulder straps and hip belt, plus taut mesh or extra support in the back to prevent getting jabbed with your gear. Finally, the pack shouldn’t be saturated with sweat after wearing it. Most larger packs have suspended mesh or body-mapped cutouts on the back to promote airflow.

Get the right capacity

We tested packs from under 10 liters all the way up to 35 liters. Most day hikers will be perfectly fine with a pack in the 20-liter range, and light packers can go even smaller. Short outings in moderate weather call for hiking packs that can hold water, snacks, a few small items, and an extra layer, all of which can generally fit into a 20-liter model. 

If you’re heading out into inclement weather, need more gear for varying conditions, or will be in the mountains longer, look for something in the 30-35-liter range. Overnight camping trips may require even larger backpacking backpacks.

Consider packability

A lot of our vacations include day hikes in the itinerary, and we love bringing a pack along for both outdoor adventures and sightseeing. The best daypacks for travel will pack down small (some even pack into their own pockets) and don’t have internal frames. If you’re traveling with a day pack, look for one that packs down flat and doesn’t have the three-dimensional structured hip belt or internal frame. 

Think about framing

Most of the 20-liter-plus packs on our list are built with lightweight internal frames. These help support a heavier load, and take the weight off your shoulders with a hidden (usually aluminum) stay structure. These packs are often more comfortable for carrying more gear, but they aren’t as easy to travel with (unless you plan to use it as your carry-on.) For travel, consider a smaller-capacity pack that can compress down and doesn't have an internal frame. Remember you’ll lose some support without a frame, so pack accordingly and make sure the pack is well adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepian has backpacked and day-hiked all over the U.S. and abroad, and switches her pack based on capacity needs, mileage, and duration of the hike. For this piece, she utilized her own testing insights along with testing from other T+L outdoor experts to compile a list of the best daypacks. 

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