Best Lightweight Hiking Daypacks of 2025

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Lightweight hiking daypacks are an essential piece of equipment for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. These packs are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for day hikes or short overnight trips. They typically feature a variety of pockets and compartments, allowing hikers to easily organize and access their gear. Many also come with hydration systems, keeping hikers hydrated and energized throughout their trek. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, lightweight hiking daypacks are a must-have for anyone who wants to stay comfortable and prepared on their next outdoor adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack Cover #TOP 1
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack Cover #TOP 2
G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack Cover #TOP 3
MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Lightweight Hiking Daypacks

G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack

G4Free TN22B044A
Black
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack Cover
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack Small Travel Outdoor Foldable Shoulder Bag

The G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and foldable daypack perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. It is made with thickened water-resistant nylon material and high-quality SBS zipper, and features one main compartment, one front compartment, and two side pockets. Customers love its quality construction, comfortable straps, and waterproof material. The only downside is that the side pockets are too small for larger water bottles.

What We Like
Lightweight and packable
Durable construction and waterproof material
Spacious main pocket and inner pocket for secure storage
Wide and comfortable straps
Functional design for various outdoor activities and travel

G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack

SG_B06XSD6ZHX_US
Black
G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack Cover
G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack for Men Women Small Hiking Daypacks Foldable Shoulder Pack Casual Outdoor Bag 11L

The G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack is made of high-quality tear-resistant nylon material with a durable abrasion-resistant SBS zipper. It is ultra-compact and easy to fold up into a small pocket, making it perfect for day trips, travel, day hikes, school, camping, and shopping. It has two zippered compartments, two large mesh side pockets, and is suitable for various occasions.

What We Like
Durable water and tear-resistant nylon material
Convenient and lightweight, fits into an ultra-compact pouch
Two zippered compartments with a large main pocket and a quick access pocket
Two large mesh side pockets for water bottles or umbrella

MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack

MO-HKBKPK-LTWT-FLDB-3L-10L-STBU
Steel Blue
MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack Cover
MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack Small Packable Hiking Backpack for Men Women, 3 Layer Casual Foldable Day Pack Shoulder Bag for Travel Camping Outdoor, Steel Blue

The MOSISO Lightweight Hiking Pack is designed for convenience and comfort on your outdoor adventures. With a compact size of just 13.35 x 8.66 x 3.93 inches, it easily folds into a small pouch for effortless storage in your bag. The three compartments help you organize your essentials, making it easy to access your items like your wallet or phone. Made from lightweight polyester, the backpack features smooth zippers for easy opening and closing. The padded shoulder straps ensure comfort, allowing you to enjoy your hike without discomfort. Plus, reflective strips enhance your safety during nighttime activities.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Multiple organized compartments
Comfortable padded straps
Reflective safety features
#TOP 4

Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Black

40L Hiking Backpack
40l Black
Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Black Cover
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Black

The Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Black is a great choice for outdoor adventures. It is made of high-quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric, which is water-resistant, tear-resistant, anti-scratch and wear-resistant. It also comes with an ergonomic ring handle, adjustable chest buckle, and a survival whistle for emergencies. It has a large capacity with several pockets for handy storage and convenient organization. It also has reflective signs for safety and adjustable straps for trekking sticks. It is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to carry.

What We Like
Flawless stitching
Smooth zippers
Water-resistant liners
Smart layout
Affordable
#TOP 5

4Monster Lightweight Hiking Daypack

BP-40D
Blue
4Monster Lightweight Hiking Daypack Cover
4Monster Hiking Daypack,Water Resistant Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel Camping Outdoor (Blue, 16L)

The 4Monster Lightweight Hiking Daypack is a water-resistant and durable backpack that weighs only 4 ounces and can be folded to fit in a pocket. Its tear-resistant 30D nylon fabric prevents scratches, and its strengthened stitches ensure long-term use. The backpack provides ample storage space with a main zipper pocket, a front zipper pocket, and two mesh side pockets. It is ideal for outdoor travel, camping, hiking, day trips, shopping, and international travel at the airport.

What We Like
Water-resistant material effectively prevents rainwater from wetting items in the backpack
Durable 30D nylon fabric prevents scratches from branches, stones, and keys
Ample storage space with multiple pockets for outdoor activities and travel

SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack

LANTC20
Lantc20-darkgray
SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack Cover
SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack, 20L Lightweight Travel Backpacks Hiking Daypack for Women Men

The SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and water-resistant daypack designed for outdoor activities. Made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, it is tear-resistant and wear-resistant. It features multiple compartments, an anti-theft zipper, adjustable and removable straps, and an outdoor emergency rescue guide. Customers praise its quality construction, lightweight design, and convenient compartments.

What We Like
Lightweight
Waterproof
Durable construction
Convenient compartments
Plenty of pockets

PS Le Periple 20L Hiking Backpack

PS Le Periple
XQXA
Beige
Small
PS Le Periple 20L Hiking Backpack Cover
PS Le Periple Small Hiking Backpack, 20L Lightweight Travel Backpack with Phone Pocket, Hiking Daypack for Women Men,Beige

The PS Le Periple Hiking Backpack is designed for convenience and comfort during your outdoor adventures. With a 20-liter capacity, it’s perfect for short trips and daily use, allowing you to carry your essentials effortlessly. The multi-compartment design includes a secure anti-theft pocket and a convenient phone pocket on the shoulder strap, making it easy to access your devices. Its ergonomic back panel and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, reducing strain on your shoulders. Plus, safety features like reflective strips and a whistle buckle enhance your visibility during low-light conditions, ensuring a secure experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact
Multiple storage pockets
Comfortable ergonomic design
Safety features included
#TOP 8

SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L

ISHELL10
Green
SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L Cover
SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L Hiking Backpack Packable Lightweight Travel Day Pack for Women Men(Green)

The SKYSPER 10L Daypack is a lightweight and well-constructed backpack that is perfect for light duty use and daily excursions. Weighing only 0.6lbs, this packable backpack is incredibly lightweight but has a capacity of 10litres, allowing you to pack smaller essentials with you. It can be easily folded into a small clutch-like size, making it convenient to carry in your luggage. The well-made design features a hidden back pocket for secure storage, a vertical zipper pocket for easy access to items, and reflective strip design for night security. The 2 side pockets can hold water bottles, making it ideal for short hikes and day trips. Made from highly rip fabric, this backpack is durable and long-lasting. The SKYSPER 10L Daypack is the perfect companion for your travels and daily adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight
Well-constructed
Foldable

ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L

ZOMAKE-TM0077C
Navy Blue
Medium
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L Cover
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L - Foldable Hiking Backpacks Water Resistant Compact Folding Daypack for Travel(Navy Blue)

The ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L is a great option for those who need a backpack that is both lightweight and spacious. With a capacity of 30L, this backpack has many pockets, including a main bag with inner partition, two front bags, two side bags, and one privacy pocket. The backpack is made of water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon materials, and the double-layered wear-resistant new processes strengthen the suture of the backpack. The backpack also features a chest protection buckle and whistle for emergency situations, protective buckle bands on the side bag to prevent items from falling out, and reflectors on both sides of the front bag for added safety at night. When not in use, the backpack can be folded into a compact pocket that is the size of a sandwich.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Spacious with many pockets
Water-resistant and tear-resistant
Chest protection buckle and whistle for emergency situations
Reflectors on both sides of the front bag for added safety at night

VPBAGE 15L Water-resistant Hiking Daypack

VPBAGE
Light Green
VPBAGE 15L Water-resistant Hiking Daypack Cover
VPBAGE 15L Water-resistant Hiking Daypack, Small Backpack Travel Outdoor, Lightweight Day Pack with Tool Loops

The VPBAGE Lightweight Hiking Backpack is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value convenience and durability. Its water-resistant feature keeps your belongings dry, making it ideal for trips to the beach or hikes near creeks. When you’re not using it, this backpack conveniently folds into a compact pouch, allowing you to save space in your bag. Weighing just 8.4 ounces, it is incredibly light, ensuring you can move freely and comfortably as you explore various terrains. Made from tough 300D nylon fabric, it withstands rugged environments, protecting your gear from snags and abrasions.

What We Like
Water-resistant design
Compact and foldable
Lightweight construction
Durable materials
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best size daypack for hiking?

21–35 liters: This is the sweet spot for most hiking and travel daypacks. There's enough capacity to hold food, clothing and some extras, like a camera and a book. 36–50 liters: These larger packs are ideal for trips that require additional clothing and gear, such as climbing, mountaineering or non-summer hiking.

2. Are Eddie Bauer backpacks good for hiking?

The bag functions as a perfect day hiking bag as it includes two water bottle storage pouches. The bag is large enough to store a sweater or additional clothing. For a daypack, the bag fully serves its function to hold and help transport goods.

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight hiking daypack research, we found 24 lightweight hiking daypack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 178,027 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight hiking daypacks list. We found that most customers choose lightweight hiking daypacks with an average price of $21.11.

The lightweight hiking daypacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight hiking daypacks, including G4Free, MOSISO, Maelstrom, 4Monster, SKYSPER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,690 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Arlen Smith Avatar

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.