Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, having the right gear is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any outdoor adventure is a backpack, and a small daypack is a versatile and practical choice for day hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.

With so many backpack options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore the top most recommended small daypacks, highlighting their key features, materials, and differences compared to other backpacks. By the end, you will have a better understanding of some of the key features to look for in small daypacks, as well as a list of some of the best options on the market, setting you up to be well-equipped to choose the perfect small daypack for your next adventure!

What Are Small Daypacks Best for?

Small daypacks are well-suited for a variety of outdoor adventures that require carrying minimal gear and supplies for a day trip or short hike. Here are some examples of adventures where a small daypack would be the perfect type of backpack to bring along:

1. Day hikes: Small daypacks are ideal for carrying essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first aid kit on day hikes.
2. Trail running: If you're going for a run on a trail, a small daypack can be a convenient way to carry water, a phone, and other essentials.
3. Biking: Small daypacks can be used for short bike rides, especially if you need to carry a few small items like a tire repair kit, extra tube, water bottle, phone, and snack.
4. Travel: Small daypacks are the perfect size to be used as a carry-on bag for flights and double as a useful pack for a day of sightseeing where you might need to carry some water, your wallet, a jacket, and a camera.
5. Rock climbing: For shorter climbing routes or bouldering sessions, a small daypack can be used to carry water, chalk, and other essentials.
6. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing: A small daypack can be useful for carrying extra layers, food, and water on snowy hikes or ski trips.

Overall, small daypacks are versatile and can be used for a variety of outdoor adventures that require carrying minimal gear and supplies.

Common Features of Small Daypacks

Though each pack is a bit different, here are some common features that you might find in a small daypack:

1. Lightweight and compact: A small daypack is designed to be easy to carry and store, so it should be made from lightweight materials and able to fold down to a small size when not in use.
2. Padded shoulder straps: A good daypack should have padded shoulder straps to distribute the weight of the pack evenly across your shoulders and prevent discomfort.
3. Breathable back panel: Many small daypacks have a breathable back panel to allow air to circulate and prevent your back from getting sweaty.
4. Multiple compartments: A small daypack should have enough compartments and pockets to organize your gear and make it easily accessible. Ideally at least a main compartment and another front compartment, but the more organization the better. There’s nothing worse than needing to dig through all your belongings to get to something at the bottom of a backpack with only a single compartment!
5. Hydration compatibility: Many small daypacks come with a hydration bladder or water bladder compartment or a pocket to hold a water bottle.
6. Compression straps: Compression straps allow you to adjust the size of your pack to fit your gear snugly and prevent it from shifting around during your hike.
7. Durable materials: A small daypack should be made from durable materials to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

These are just a few of the common features you might find in a small daypack. Ultimately, the right daypack for you will depend on what you’re specifically looking to use it for as well as your personal preferences.

The 9 Best Small Daypacks

There are many great small daypacks available on the market, here are nine of the most highly recommended options:

1. Osprey Daylite Backpack

The Osprey Daylite is a comfortable and lightweight backpack. It is made from durable materials, including 210D ripstop nylon, mini hex diamond nylon, and 400HD nylon packcloth, both of which will help the pack avoid ripping if it encounters a sharp branch or rock. The backpack features a comfortable and breathable mesh back panel, as well as padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt. It has multiple pockets for organization, including a front pocket with a mesh organizer and a hydration bladder sleeve. All Osprey packs have large plastic loops on their zippers, which makes it easy to zip and unzip with gloves on, or with one hand if you’re trying to access something without completely taking your pack off. One of the stand-out features of the Osprey Daylite Backpack is that it can be attached to other Osprey backpacks, making it a convenient add-on for longer trips.

• Capacity: 13 liters
• Weight: 0.53 kg (1 lb 2 oz)

2. Deuter Speed Lite 13 Backpack

Very similar to the Daylight but slightly more minimalist, Deuter came up with the Speed Lite 13 Backpack. It has the same durable 210D ripstop nylon fabric on the outside and 100D PA high-tenacity nylon for added durability in areas of higher wear, such as the bottom of the pack. The backpack also features a comfortable and breathable back panel and shoulder straps, as well as a removable hip belt. It has two internal pockets and two side water bottle pockets.

• Capacity: 13 liters
• Weight: 0.50 kg (1 lb 1 oz)

3. Gregory Nano 16 Backpack

The Gregory Nano 16 Backpack is another more minimalist daypack designed for quick adventures where you don’t need a ton of gear. It is made from high-quality materials, including 100D nylon and 210D honeycomb ripstop nylon. It has a breathable back panel, a sternum strap, and a minimalist, non-padded waist belt that can be stowed when not in use. The front pocket makes it easy to get quick access to essentials, there is an internal hydration bladder sleeve, and two side pockets for a water bottle or phone.

• Capacity: 16 liters
• Weight: 0.56 kg (1 lb 3 oz)

4. Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack

The Black Diamond Bullet 16 is another more minimalist-style daypack designed for climbing and hiking. It is made from durable and weather-resistant materials, including 210D ripstop nylon (slightly stronger than the 100D nylon in the packs mentioned above) and 400D nylon twill. The backpack features a comfortable back panel and shoulder straps, as well as a removable webbing waist belt. It has a top-loading design for easy access to gear and a hydration bladder sleeve for staying hydrated on the go.

• Capacity: 16 liters
• Weight: 0.35 kg (12 oz)

5. The North Face Borealis

The North Face Borealis is a spacious and versatile daypack designed for everyday use and outdoor adventures. It is made from durable and water-resistant materials, including 600D polyester and 420D nylon. The backpack features a FlexVent suspension system, which is intended to comfortably and easily distribute a heavier load. It also has a padded back panel and shoulder straps, as well as a removable waist belt. It has multiple pockets for organization, including a front pocket with a fleece-lined media pocket for scratch-free storage of your sunglasses or other delicate items. Similarly to the others, it also includes a hydration sleeve. If you’re looking for something on the cheaper end with a slightly larger capacity, the Borealis is a great choice. It also comes in a ton of fun colors.

• Capacity: 28 liters
• Weight: 1.25 kg (2 lb 12 oz)

6. Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia

Speaking of fun colors, the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia is a colorful and sustainably-minded daypack with a capacity of 18 liters. Each pack is made from repurposed nylon and has a one-of-a-kind color scheme. The backpack features a simple drawstring closure and an ultralight design, making it a great option for quick adventures or everyday use. It has a small zippered pocket for storing essentials and a hydration bladder sleeve to keep you hydrated. The shoulder straps and back panel don't have as much padding as the previous options, but that downfall is offset by the benefit that it can easily be folded or rolled up for easy packing into a suitcase, making it a great option for travel!

• Capacity: 18 liters
• Weight: 0.28 kg (10 oz)

7. Osprey Talon 22

Arguably one of the most popular daypacks over the last 10 years, The Osprey Talon 22 is a versatile and comfortable daypack durable enough to withstand years of dirt, sand, sun, and sweat from outdoor adventures. It is made from durable and lightweight materials, including 70D x 100D nylon shadowcheck and 420HD nylon packcloth. The backpack features a comfortable and breathable mesh back panel and shoulder straps, as well as an adjustable waist and hip belt for added stability. The hip belt on this is extremely well padded which allows your hips to comfortably carry a lot of the weight when you have a heavier load and take some strain off your shoulders and neck. It has multiple pockets for organization, including a front pocket with a mesh organizer, two hip belt pockets, and a hydration bladder sleeve. My dad gifted me one of these in 2012 and I still use it on many of my adventures to this day…talk about durable!

• Capacity: 22 liters
• Weight: 0.82 kg (1 lb 13 oz)

8. Gregory Citro

The Gregory Citro 24 H2O Hydration Pack is a high-performance daypack that is designed for hiking and other outdoor activities. Where this pack really stands out is its back panel and suspension comfort, especially on longer treks. It features a ventilated back panel and a mesh suspension system and a 3D Hydro Reservoir System which provides a comfortable and stable fit for the hydration bladder. Traditional hydration bladders will sit flat against the back panel of the backpack, which can feel annoying and uncomfortable when filled with water, but the 3D Hydro Reservoir System uses a soft-molded back panel to create a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the contours of your body. This helps to distribute the weight of the water evenly and prevent the bladder from shifting around while you hike. Additionally, the system uses a quick-drying material in the panel that prevents mold and mildew from forming inside the reservoir. This hydration sleeve can accommodate a 3-liter hydration reservoir. Other features on this pack include multiple pockets for organization and easy access to your gear, plus a durable nylon face fabric.

• Capacity: 24 liters
• Weight: 1.2 kg (2 lb 9 oz)

9. Osprey Stratos

Another great option from Osprey, the Osprey Stratos 24 Pack, is a versatile daypack that is designed for hiking and other outdoor activities. Made from durable nylon, this pack features a ventilated back panel and an adjustable harness system for added comfort and stability on long hikes. The pack also has a hydration sleeve that can accommodate a 3-liter reservoir, as well as multiple pockets for organization and easy access to your gear. One unique feature of this pack is its integrated rain cover that can be quickly deployed to keep your gear dry during unexpected showers.

• Capacity: 24 L
• Weight: 1.3 kg (2 lb 13 oz)

Final Thoughts

Overall, each of these backpacks has unique features and designs that make them suitable for different types of adventures. Whether you're heading out for a day hike, a weekend camping trip, or a longer expedition, a small daypack is an essential piece of gear to bring along and can make all the difference in setting you up to be well-prepared on the trails!

Remember to prioritize comfort and functionality, and you'll be well on your way to an enjoyable and successful outdoor adventure. If you have any other questions on hiking daypacks, other types of hiking backpacks, or any other type of hiking gear, reach out to a Camping and Hiking Expert here on Curated and we’d be happy to help get you ready to hit the trails!