Hiking is a choose-your-own-adventure activity: camp for a week in the wilderness, try an overnight in a national park, or hike for the afternoon and be home in time for dinner.
If that last option sounds most appealing to you, it might be time for a day hike. Contrary to the name, a day hike can last an entire day, a few minutes, or any length of time in between. The distance, duration, and difficulty level are entirely up to you.
But no matter how or where you hike, there’s one piece of gear that can make any hike better: a daypack. If you plan on hitting the trails this season, here’s how to choose the right daypack for your next trek.
In a Hurry? Here’s our top picks…
- WATER NEVER TASTED SO GOOD: During a long hike having water so convenient and still cold…there’s nothing like it. Lightweight with a custom fit, you’ll forget you have it on until you need it.18L pack give you plenty of storage for your day hike
- HYDRATION BLADDER INCLUDED: 2-liter water bladder included; Complete with durable, kink-free sip tube and innovative push-lock cushioned bite valve; Large 2-inch (5 cm) opening for ice that also makes cleaning easy
- GET THE PERFECT FIT: Low-profile athletic cut with full adjustment fits all body types comfortably; Comfort-taped straps with high-density notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering means you can wear this pack comfortably for hours, Water backpack for hiking fits men, women, and youth
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: 18 Liter hiking backpack with hydration bladder; Large pocket with a hidden-teeth zipper: Weather guard protects everything you’re packing; Bungee cord system for bike helmet; Butterfly opening for jackets, etc.
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- Dual side compression straps
- Internal reservoir sleeve
- Harness grab handle doubles as a luggage pass-thru
- WATER-RESISTANT AND DURABLE MATERIAL: SKYSPER 20l Hiking Backpack is made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, which is impermeable, water-resistant, tear resistant and wear-resistant. All of the backpack's stress points and shoulder straps are reinforced with lap-knots to ensure long lasting durability.
- ERGONOMIC AND LIGHTWEIGHT: 10.3 x 7.4 x 16.9 inches, 1.1 lbs. The breathable grooved carrying system keeps your back comfortable and relaxed during travel. Breathable mesh on the back fabric can reduce sweating for extra comfort. Our backpacks are designed so that you can lighten the burden on your back during a hiking or a trip. The reflective design also increases visibility, making it safer at night.
- UNIQUE APPEARANCE AND SAFETY DESIGN: The small hiking backpack features multiple compartments and an anti-theft zipper to prevent important documents and items from being stolen. The small daypack comes with an outdoor emergency rescue guide providing additional safety information for lovers of the outdoors. The LANTC20 backpack is the perfect combination of function and fashion, with a simple and smooth design featuring yellow webbing on the front panel and contrasting embroidery.
- ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE STRAP SYSTEM: The hiking daypack is designed to have convenient trekking pole fixtures. Open front-end plugins can also be adapted to different hiking gear and multi-functional extensions. The 20L backpack also features detachable straps and an adjustable chest strap, allowing it to meet the requirements of a variety of situations. It comes with safety whistle, making it the perfect hiking backpack for outdoor activities.
- QUALITY GUARANTEED & Money Back Guarantee - SKYSPER is a store specializing in outdoor products with its own unique achievements in outdoor product manufacturing. Now, we've launched our newest hiking backpack series: LANTC and BOGDA. If you encounter any problems or dissatisfaction during the purchase process, please contact us! Shop worry-free with our money back guarantee!
Daypacks 101
There are two main categories of packs: backpacks and daypacks. Most people are familiar with backpacks, the large packs used for backcountry camping or international travel. But they’re not the only pack option on the market, and for shorter excursions, traditional backpacks are too heavy and unwieldy.
Daypacks are small, lightweight packs. Like backpacks, they have shoulder straps and often come with a hip belt too. Some daypacks are designed for a specific purpose such as running or climbing but most styles can be used for hiking too.
If you’re headed on a hike that will last a day or less, you likely won’t need much gear, but you may want to carry a few items like snacks, water, and a jacket. That’s why a daypack is the perfect solution. It holds just enough gear but not so much that it’ll weigh you down.
When choosing a daypack, here’s what to consider:
Activity: You can buy daypacks that are designed for hiking but it’s worth checking out options that are designed for other activities too. Daypacks for running are especially lightweight and streamlined, while daypacks for climbing tend to be more narrow. If you have a small frame or tend to hike short distances, you may prefer daypack styles that are designed for running. They usually have a built-in hydration system and just enough extra room for a snack and a phone.
Size: Most backpacks, including daypacks, are typically measured in liters. This measurement refers to the backpack’s capacity. Most daypacks are between 10 to 35 liters (though sometimes even less). Figure out how much gear you’ll need for a typical hike and make sure the pack you choose is large enough to hold it all. If possible, look at daypacks in person—and try them on—so you can better judge their size.
Fit: Fit is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing any kind of pack. The best way to find the ideal fit is to measure your torso length and hip size (if the pack comes with a hip belt). Some daypack styles comes in multiples sizes and if they do, these measurements will help you choose the correct size for you. There are even some daypacks with adjustable torso options.
Features: Whether you want a minimalist daypack or one with all the bells and whistles, here are some features to consider.
- Material: Durable material like ripstop nylon is best. Look for water-resistant or waterproof material too.
- Frame or frameless: Daypacks are available with built-in frames for extra support or there are frameless options.
- Access: Most packs are top-loading but you may want to consider styles that offer side-loading or front-loading access.
- Hydration: One of the main reasons for using a daypack is hydration. Make sure the one you choose has a built-in hydration system, a water bottle holder, or enough interior storage space for a water bottle.
- Exterior storage: While it’s not always necessary, having pockets, straps, or hooks on the outside of a daypack can help free up space inside the pack.
Our Daypack Picks
If you’ve decided that a daypack is right for you, here some options:
Osprey DayliteThis streamlined daypack has a 13-liter capacity and an additional front-zippered pocket and key clip. Padded straps, a hip belt, and vented mesh back make a comfortable option for day-hikers and travelers. It’s also available in 7 colors.
- Large panel loading main compartment provides accessibility to inside contents
- Dual stretch mesh side pockets provide additional storage options
- The multi-function interior sleeve can be used for either a hydration reservoir or tablet
- Mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel provides both comfort and ventilation
- Attaches to a variety of compatible Osprey packs, Multifunctional interior sleeve for hydration reservoir, 13” laptop or tablet
It’s hard to beat the simplicity and utility of Osprey’s Ultralight Stuff Pack. It has an 18-liter capacity but conveniently folds up into its own built-in storage pocket when it’s not in use. It has one main storage pocket accessed by dual zippers and an exterior pocket that can easily hold a water bottle. Mesh straps add to the comfort of this pack.
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
With an insulated 2-liter hydration compartment and bite-valve, this lightweight pack from Water Buffalo is designed for hydration. Yet for runners, cyclists, and hikers, it also offers a bit more: there’s a roomy main compartment, exterior pocket, and bungee to hold gear. Padded straps and a ventilated back keep you comfortable even on long hikes.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: The Road Runner water backpack for running is crafted with lightweight materials, ensuring minimal strain during your outdoor activities. Experience the freedom of movement and comfort for all your adventures.
- Generous Storage Capacity: Featuring multiple pockets and compartments, the Road Runner water bag for hiking provides ample storage for all your essential gear. Organize your belongings easily in your water pack and keep everything within reach.
- Efficient Hydration System: The Road Runner hiking water backpack comes equipped with a 2-liter BPA-free bladder and an easy-to-use bite valve, keeping you hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.
- Adjustable and Breathable Comfort: Our ergonomic running backpack design offers adjustable shoulder and chest straps for a secure and custom fit. The breathable mesh back panel ensures optimal ventilation, keeping you cool in outdoors.
- Lifetime Warranty: Water Buffalo stands by the quality and craftsmanship of the Road Runner hydration pack backpack, offering a lifetime warranty to our customers. Invest in a reliable and durable outdoor companion, knowing that we have your back.
CamelBak has made a name for itself in hydration gear and their Rogue Hydration Pack is just one of many great options they offer. The Rogue has a lot of great hydration features: a 2-liter water reservoir, a quick-release flap for easy refills, a leak-proof bite valve, and a magnetic tube trap to ensure that water is always accessible. There’s also a zippered storage compartment that’s large enough to stash a rain jacket or extra layer.
- Crux delivers 20% more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easy refilling and an on/off lever to prevent leaks.
- Breathable air mesh back panel for a lightweight, comfortable fit
- Magnetic Tube Trap keeps your tube secure and accessible when you need it
- External hooks let you carry your helmet while still allowing full access to your pack
- Stretch overflow storage compartment lets you easily stash a rain shell or extra layer
Gregory’s Nano 16 backpack is a great all-purpose daypack. Its low-profile design along with its breathable back panel and padded straps make it an ideal pack for day hikes. Its 16-liter capacity makes it just large enough for the few items you’ll need on the trail and exterior mesh pockets provide a place to stash a water bottle.
- Breathable Backpanel - Die-Cut backpanel provides space for air to flow for a cooler back
- Top Zippered Pocket - Quick access zippered top pocket with key hook
- Side Mesh pockets - Side mesh pockets for water bottle storage or small item organization
Once you have your daypack, it’s time to hit the trail. If you’re new to hiking, check out our complete beginner’s guide to hiking.
Have the know-how but not sure where to go next? Here are the 10 best long-distance hiking trails in the U.S. including the legendary Appalachian Trail and the rugged Superior Hiking Trail. Day hiking portions of these long-distance trails can be a great way to experience them without the commitment of a long multi-day (or multi-week!) adventure.
