Best Small Hiking Daypacks of 2025

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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.
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.
MOSISO 10L Lightweight Hiking Daypack
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.
PS Le Periple 20L Hiking Backpack
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.
SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L
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.
WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Backpack
The WATERFLY Packable Backpack is a versatile and convenient travel accessory. Weighing only 290g/10.2oz, this lightweight backpack is easy to carry and fold. With a 20L capacity, it provides ample space for all your essentials, making it suitable for various occasions such as travel, hiking, and camping. The backpack is made of recycled nylon, ensuring durability, and features a polyester lining and durable SBS zipper. Its compact design measures 432914 CM/16.911.45.5 IN when unfolded and 2216 CM/8.76.3 IN when folded. Stay organized on your adventures with this WATERFLY Packable Backpack.
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.
sunhiker Small Hiking Backpack with Breathable Design and Multiple Compartments
The sunhiker Small Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and water-resistant backpack made of durable Nylon Fabric. It has a capacity of approximately 20-25L with 3 compartments and 2 mesh pockets on both sides to hold water bottles. The backpack has adjustable chest and waist straps for convenience, along with a breathable mesh pad design for reducing pressure and fatigue caused by prolonged use. It is suitable for both men and women who prefer a smaller sized backpack and only want to carry essential items while traveling light. This backpack is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, and daily uses like theme parks and travel
WATERFLY 12L Mini Hiking Backpack
The WATERFLY Mini Backpack is designed for comfort and functionality. With its padded back panel and thick, breathable shoulder straps, you can carry it for extended periods without discomfort. An adjustable chest strap ensures a secure fit, enhancing stability during your adventures. Made from lightweight nylon, this backpack is durable and features smooth SBS zippers for easy access. Its 12-liter capacity includes a compartment for a 13" laptop, making it perfect for daily outings, whether you’re hiking or exploring the city. The front pocket is great for storing smaller essentials, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack
Stay organized and comfortable on your outdoor adventures with the SKYSPER Hiking Backpack. This lightweight and water-resistant backpack is designed with convenience and functionality in mind. With multiple compartments and pockets, you can easily carry all your essentials for a day on the trails. The backpack also features a breathable back panel and shoulder straps that distribute weight and reduce pressure, keeping you cool and comfortable. The adjustable chest and waist straps provide stability and support, while the removable straps offer flexibility for different occasions. Made with durable materials and equipped with SBS zippers, this backpack is built to last. Stay safe during nighttime hikes with the reflective spots that increase visibility. Whether you're hiking, running, traveling, or cycling, the SKYSPER Hiking Backpack is a versatile and essential companion.
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 113,132 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 $22.05.
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, MOSISO, PS Le Periple, SKYSPER, WATERFLY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,690 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.