Best Small Hiking Daypacks of 2026

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 13, 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

G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack Cover #TOP 1
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack Cover #TOP 2
SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SKYSPER 10L Foldable Hiking Backpack Cover #TOP 3
SKYSPER 10L Foldable Hiking Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Small 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
#TOP 2

SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack

IMINIX15
Grey
SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack Cover
SKYSPER 15L Foldable Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Travel Daypack with Chest Strap Small Outdoor Folding Back Pack Collapsible Bag for Women Men (Grey)

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.

What We Like
Spacious organization
Comfortable chest strap
Lightweight and portable
Durable materials
#TOP 3

SKYSPER 10L Foldable Hiking Backpack

IMINIX
Black
Small
SKYSPER 10L Foldable Hiking Backpack Cover
SKYSPER Foldable Hiking Backpack - 10L Small Lightweight Daypack Breathable Travel Backpacks for Men Women

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Water-resistant material
Multiple storage compartments
Compact foldable design
Breathable adjustable straps

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

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 design
Comfortable and adjustable straps
Multiple pockets for organization
Durable and sturdy construction
Good value for price
#TOP 6

EgoNova 12L Ultralight Packable Daypack

EgoNova
HB2025US00
Wine Red
EgoNova 12L Ultralight Packable Daypack Cover
EgoNova 12L Ultralight & Thin Packable Daypack, Small Foldable Hiking Backpack Travel Bag, Water Resistant Day Pack for Men Women

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.

What We Like
Ultralight and compact
Durable, tear-resistant fabric
Water-resistant material
Heavy-duty metal zippers
Spacious 12L main compartment
#TOP 7

Uselike 10L Lightweight Hiking Backpack

Orange
Small
Uselike 10L Lightweight Hiking Backpack Cover
Uselike 10L Small Hiking Backpack Travel Daypack Lightweight Packable Back Pack for Women Men(Orange)

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact design
Convenient phone pouch
Anti-theft storage pocket
Foldable for easy packing
Durable, water-resistant material
#TOP 8

Lemuvlt 15L Hiking Daypack

Lemuvlt
BA215orange
Orange
18.5*9*3.54
Lemuvlt 15L Hiking Daypack Cover
Lemuvlt Small Hiking Daypack Rucking Backpack 15L,Lightweight & Durable -Ideal Backpack for Skiing, Skating, Snowboarding,Hiking, Running, MTB Cycling (Orange)

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.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Comfortable fit
Ample storage compartments
Convenient pocket placement
Durable material
#TOP 9

VPBAGE 15L Water-resistant Hiking Daypack

Light Purple
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 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.

What We Like
Water-resistant protection
Compact foldable design
Ultra-lightweight
Durable nylon fabric
#TOP 10

Sinotron Lightweight Packable Backpack

Blue
42*27*17
Sinotron Lightweight Packable Backpack Cover
sinotron Lightweight Packable Backpack,Small Foldable Hiking Backpack Day Pack for Travel Camping Outdoor Vacation (Blue)

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.

What We Like
Durable and water-resistant nylon waterproof fabric
Lightweight and packable, weighing only 0.7 pounds
22L capacity with convenient design for storing various items
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

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.