Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2026

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Lightweight backpacks are a popular choice among hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. These backpacks are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for long hikes or trips where weight is a concern. They are typically made from durable and lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester, and feature padded straps and back panels for added comfort. Many lightweight backpacks also come with multiple compartments and pockets, allowing you to easily organize and access your gear. Whether you're planning a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, a lightweight backpack is a must-have piece of gear.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover #TOP 1
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack Cover #TOP 2
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack Cover #TOP 3
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lightweight Backpacks

#TOP 1

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

Superbreak Backpack
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Black

Be ready for school with JanSport SuperBreak Backpack! Made with durable and water-repellant fabric, this backpack is ready for anything. It features one main compartment and a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer, making it easy to hold all your essentials. With a simple and classic silhouette, this backpack is available in over 30 different colors and prints, perfect for anyone's unique style. The backpack is reliable and ultra-lightweight, with padded shoulder straps for comfort and a web haul handle for convenience.

What We Like
Durable material
Spacious main compartment
Comfortable straps
Waterproof protection
Easy to clean
#TOP 2

Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack

100100BLK
Black
Large
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack Cover
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack for Men Women, Airplane Approved Travel Backpack Suitcase with Usb Charging Port, Lightweight College 35l Luggage Bag 15.6inch Laptop Mochila Gifts for Business,Black

The Taygeer Travel Backpack is designed for your convenience on the go. With a built-in USB port, you can easily charge your devices while walking, ensuring you stay connected. Its roomy design includes multiple compartments and pockets, helping you organize everything from your laptop to your daily essentials. The backpack is flight-approved, making airport security a breeze with its 180-degree zipper. Additionally, it features adjustable straps and handles, allowing you to switch between a backpack and handbag effortlessly, catering to your travel needs.

What We Like
Convenient USB charging
Spacious and organized compartments
Flight-approved design
Versatile carrying options
#TOP 3

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack

EBB3001-652
Maroon
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack Cover
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Backpack | Travel | Outdoor | Lightweight | Foldable | Durable | Ripstop Polyester | 20L - Maroon

The Eddie Bauer Packable Backpack is a versatile and durable backpack that is perfect for school, work, hiking, and travel. Made from ripstop polyester, this backpack is water repellent and can withstand the rigors of daily use. The StormRepel WR finish ensures that your gear stays dry even in wet weather. With extended-length shoulder straps and a hip belt, this backpack provides maximum comfort for all-day wear. The Stowaway design allows you to easily pack this backpack into its own pocket for convenient transport. With dimensions of 18" x 10" x 9" and a volume of 20L, this backpack has plenty of space to hold all your essentials. Experience the outdoors with the Eddie Bauer Packable Backpack, a backpack designed for everyone.

What We Like
Water repellent
Comfortable
Packable

G4Free 20L Packable Backpack

G4Free TN0124
A-black
G4Free 20L Packable Backpack Cover
G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack Travel Hiking Daypack Foldable Backpack for Men Women

The G4Free 20L Packable Backpack is designed for travelers and hikers. It is foldable, lightweight, and easy to pack. With a roomy 20L capacity, it has three zippered compartments to keep things organized. Made with high-quality water and tear abrasion-resistant material, it is durable and tear-resistant. The backpack is comfortable to wear on your back with a wide S-shape breathable Mesh Shoulder strap. It is versatile for various trips like day trips, vacation, travel, hiking, school, camping, and shopping. The backpack is suitable to take as a personal item on flights.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact
Spacious storage capacity
Durable and sturdy material
Multiple compartments
Easy to fold and pack
#TOP 5

ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Backpack

ZOMAKE-TM0077K
Orange
Medium
ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Backpack Cover
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L, Foldable Hiking Backpacks Water Resistant Compact Folding Daypack for Travel(Orange)

The ZOMAKE Lightweight Backpack offers a spacious 30L capacity, perfect for carrying all your essentials for a day out. With multiple pockets, including a main compartment and side bags, you can easily organize clothing, travel documents, and more. Weighing only 0.74 pounds, this backpack folds down to a compact size, making it a great choice for travel or everyday errands. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, it ensures your belongings stay protected from light rain. Plus, thoughtful safety features like a chest buckle and whistle add peace of mind during your adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Spacious with multiple pockets
Durable and water-resistant
Safety features included

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

SDJ-SG-TM0018
Black
Small
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L Cover
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L, Packable Small Backpacks Water Resistant Daypack for Women Men(Black)

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L is a packable and portable backpack, perfect for traveling and hiking. It is only 0.5 pounds and can be folded into a compact pocket when not in use. With a capacity of 20L, it has a reasonable pocket distribution and is made of water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon material. The latest design effectively reduces shoulder pressure and has an anti-light strip for night walks. ZOMAKE has received praise from 500,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

What We Like
Ultra lightweight and packable
20L capacity with reasonable pocket distribution
Water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon material

G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack

G4Free TN0707A
Black
G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack Cover
G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack, Waterproof Travel Daypack

The G4Free 40L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a versatile and durable backpack that is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming. It features a 100% waterproof wet pocket in the back to keep your personal items dry, as well as multiple compartments for organization. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, with breathable shoulder straps and a chest strap for added security. It is made of high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric and can be easily folded into its pocket for storage.

What We Like
100% waterproof wet pocket to keep personal items dry
Multiple compartments for organization
Lightweight and comfortable with breathable shoulder straps and chest strap
High-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric
Easily foldable for storage

MIYCOO Ultra Lightweight Backpack

Black
MIYCOO Ultra Lightweight Backpack Cover
MIYCOO Backpack - Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel Camping, Hiking Back Pack Waterproof Foldable Daypack for Men Women Black

The MIYCOO Lightweight Backpack is an ultra-light and practical travel companion. Weighing less than a mobile phone, it folds into its inner pocket for easy storage, making it perfect for spontaneous trips. When unfolded, it offers ample space with a generous 45L capacity and multiple compartments, including a dedicated wet compartment to keep your items organized. The waterproof fabric ensures your belongings stay dry during light rain, while heavy-duty zippers enhance durability for everyday use. Plus, a survival whistle on the shoulder strap adds an important safety feature for outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Spacious storage
Folds compactly
Multiple pockets
Good value

SUIKIHUM 20L Foldable Lightweight Hiking Backpack

SUIKIHUM
000747250205askh
Black
Liter
SUIKIHUM 20L Foldable Lightweight Hiking Backpack Cover
SUIKIHUM 20L Ultra Hiking-Daypack Lightweight Foldable Travel Packable Backpack for Camping Cycling Outdoor,black

The SUIKIHUM Foldable Hiking Pack is a great choice if you want a lightweight and durable backpack for outdoor adventures. Made from tough polyester fabric, it stands up well against scratches and wear, so you don’t have to worry about damage while hiking or cycling. Its water-repellent coating helps keep your belongings dry in light rain. Weighing only 2.3 ounces, this 20-liter pack is easy to carry without feeling bulky. Plus, it folds down small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, making it super convenient to store. The breathable mesh straps also keep you comfortable by reducing shoulder strain during long trips.

What We Like
Durable scratch-resistant fabric
Water-repellent coating
Ultra-lightweight design
Compact foldable size
Breathable shoulder straps
#TOP 10

TANTOMI Ultra Lightweight 25L Packable Backpack

TANTOMI
Water Blue
TANTOMI Ultra Lightweight 25L Packable Backpack Cover
TANTOMI Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L - Foldable Hiking Daypack for Travel, Durable Camping Sports Bag & Carry On Essentials - Teal Blue

The TANTOMI Packable Daypack is designed to be your go-to lightweight backpack for travel and outdoor activities. Its clever folding design lets you pack it into a small pouch, saving space in your luggage or car, perfect for unexpected trips or extra storage. Inside, you’ll find several compartments that help you keep your items organized and easy to access. The durable polyester fabric is light and water-resistant, so your belongings stay protected from light rain or splashes. Plus, the adjustable padded straps make it comfortable to carry your daily essentials without feeling weighed down.

What We Like
Compact foldable design
Multiple organized compartments
Lightweight, water-resistant fabric
Comfortable padded straps
Buying Guide Image

The Best Lightweight Backpacks for You to Buy Right Now

How to Choose the Perfect Lightweight Backpack for Your Next Adventure

Introduction

When it comes to outdoor adventures, choosing the right backpack is crucial. A backpack that is too heavy or doesn't fit properly can cause discomfort and even injury. Lightweight backpacks are a great option for those who want to enjoy their adventures without being weighed down by heavy gear. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the perfect lightweight backpack for your next adventure.

Consider the Size

The first thing to consider when choosing a lightweight backpack is its size. The size of your backpack will depend on the length of your trip and how much gear you need to carry. For a short trip, a backpack with a capacity of 30-40 liters is sufficient. For longer trips, a backpack with a capacity of 50-70 liters is recommended.

Look for Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to backpacks. Look for a backpack that has padded straps and a padded back panel. This will help distribute the weight of the backpack evenly across your back and prevent discomfort. Some backpacks even have adjustable straps that can be customized to fit your body.

Think About Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a lightweight backpack. Look for backpacks that are made from high-quality materials such as nylon or polyester. These materials are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. Additionally, look for backpacks that have reinforced stitching and strong zippers.

Consider the Features

When choosing a lightweight backpack, consider the features that you need. Some backpacks have multiple compartments, which can be useful for organizing gear. Others have water bottle pockets or hydration sleeves, which can be useful for staying hydrated on long hikes. Look for backpacks that have features that will be useful to you.

Look for a Good Brand

Finally, when choosing a lightweight backpack, look for a good brand. There are many brands that specialize in outdoor gear and have a reputation for producing high-quality products. These brands often offer warranties or guarantees on their products, which can give you peace of mind. Some popular brands to consider include Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect lightweight backpack for your next adventure can be a daunting task, but by considering the size, comfort, durability, features, and brand, you can make an informed decision. Remember to choose a backpack that fits properly and is comfortable to wear, as this will ensure that you enjoy your adventure to the fullest. Happy trails!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are ultralight backpacks worth it?

Ultralight backpacking is definitely worth it. You will only be carrying the items you need without overburdening yourself. When you have a lighter backpack on your shoulders, you will be more comfortable and can travel over challenging terrain more easily.

2. How heavy is a lightweight backpack?

Lightweight Backpacker (Greater than 10 but less than 20 pound base weight) The majority of long-distance backpackers fall in the category of the lightweight backpacker. Their base weight exceeds 10 pounds, but is under 20 pounds. Most lightweight backpacks today are specifically created for the lightweight backpacker.

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight backpack research, we found 48 lightweight backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 453,215 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight backpacks list. We found that most customers choose lightweight backpacks with an average price of $20.79.

The lightweight backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight backpacks, including JanSport, Taygeer, Eddie Bauer, G4Free, ZOMAKE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.