Best Small Hiking Daypacks of 2026
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Small hiking daypacks are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to hit the trails without being weighed down by a heavy backpack. These lightweight packs are designed to carry all the essentials for a day hike, including water, snacks, maps, and extra layers. They are typically made with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, and feature comfortable straps and back panels for all-day comfort. With a range of sizes and styles available, there is a small hiking daypack to suit every need and budget.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Small Hiking Daypacks
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack
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.
SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack
The SKYSPER Foldable Backpack is designed for your outdoor adventures, offering ample space and organization with multiple compartments. Its large main compartment allows for easy packing of travel essentials, while additional zippered pockets and side mesh pockets provide extra storage for smaller items. Comfort is prioritized with an upgraded chest strap that includes a safety whistle, helping to reduce shoulder strain during long hikes. Weighing only 0.75lb and featuring a compact folding design, this backpack is easy to pack away and carry, making it a perfect backup for your travels.
SKYSPER 10L Foldable Hiking Backpack
The SKYSPER Foldable Hiking Pack is a lightweight and durable backpack, weighing just 0.6 pounds. Its water-resistant nylon fabric keeps your belongings dry during hikes, travel, or daily use. With four zippered compartments and a front bungee cord, you can easily organize and access your gear, from clothes to electronics. This backpack also folds into its own pocket, making it ultra-compact and easy to store in your luggage or at home. Plus, the adjustable mesh shoulder straps offer breathability and comfort, reducing strain and sweat on your shoulders and back during long journeys.
G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack
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.
SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack
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.
EgoNova 12L Ultralight Packable Daypack
The EgoNova Ultralight Daypack is designed to make your travel and outdoor adventures easier. Weighing only 0.39 lbs and folding into a tiny 5.9 x 5.9 x 2 inches, it’s perfect for saving space and avoiding extra baggage fees. The pack unfolds to a roomy size of 16.7" x 10.2" x 6.7", giving you enough room for your essentials. Made from tough, tear-resistant polyester with reinforced stitching, it can handle rugged use and light rain, keeping your belongings safe. The metal zippers are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking during your trips. This daypack is a smart choice for anyone who travels light but wants a reliable, easy-to-carry bag.
Uselike 10L Lightweight Hiking Backpack
The Uselike Lightweight Daypack is a compact and practical backpack designed for your everyday adventures. Weighing less than a pound, it offers a 10-liter capacity, perfect for carrying your essentials without feeling bulky. You’ll appreciate the convenient phone pouch on the shoulder strap, which keeps your device within easy reach and secure. On the opposite side, an anti-theft pocket with an elastic cord lets you safely store valuables like your wallet or snacks. When not in use, this daypack folds down to a small size, making it easy to pack in your suitcase or larger bag. Made from durable, water-resistant nylon with a sturdy zipper, it’s built to handle outdoor conditions while keeping your belongings dry and safe.
Lemuvlt 15L Hiking Daypack
The Lemuvlt Hiking Backpack is designed for your outdoor adventures, providing ample storage with five zippered pockets, including two waist pockets for essentials like your phone or snacks. You can keep your drinks cool for hours thanks to its insulated pocket, perfect for hot days. The lightweight design and cushioned straps ensure comfort during long hikes, while the breathable back panel keeps you cool. Additionally, reflective elements enhance your visibility in low light, making it safer for you to explore trails any time of day.
VPBAGE 15L Water-resistant Hiking Daypack
The VPBAGE Lightweight Hiking Backpack is a great choice if you want a reliable and easy-to-carry daypack. Its water-resistant design helps protect your belongings like electronics, clothes, and snacks from moisture and accidental spills, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or beach trips. When you’re not using it, you can fold the backpack into a tiny pouch that fits in your hand, so it won’t take up much room in your luggage or bag. Weighing only 8.4 ounces, it’s even lighter than an iPhone, so you can carry it comfortably all day. Plus, it’s made with tough 300D nylon fabric and reinforced stitching to keep your gear safe from rough terrain and scratches.
Sinotron Lightweight Packable Backpack
The Sinotron Lightweight Packable Backpack is a great choice for those who want a durable and affordable hiking backpack. Made of high-quality and water-resistant nylon waterproof fabric, this backpack is also lightweight and packable, weighing only 0.7 pounds and folding into a small size of 7.5 * 5.5 inches. With a 22L capacity and convenient design, it can accommodate a lot of stuff, including a 14-inch laptop, and has pockets for water bottles and small items. It's perfect for day trips, family vacations, hiking, school, camping, and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a good size for a hiking daypack?
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. What are those small backpacks called?
Sling Bag It features smaller pockets and compartments that can store your everyday items, such as your keys and wallet. This is a more comfortable and compact alternative to a standard backpack.
3. What size are daypacks?
Most daypacks range from 15 liters to 35 liters on the high-end. While a smaller-sized 15-25 liter backpack is usually sufficient for 1/2 day hikes, you'll want a larger pack in the 25-30 liter range for all-day hikes or winter so you can carry extra water, food, clothing, and the 10 essentials.
During our small hiking daypack research, we found 24 small hiking daypack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 102,744 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small hiking daypacks list. We found that most customers choose small hiking daypacks with an average price of $20.96.
The small hiking daypacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small hiking daypacks, including G4Free, SKYSPER, EgoNova, Uselike, Lemuvlt. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 894 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
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.