Finding the perfect daypack can feel like searching for a travel unicorn. Like many adventurers, I’ve cycled through countless daypacks, always seeking that ideal blend of organization, comfort, versatility, and capacity – whether I’m packing light or preparing for a full day’s exploration. After years of testing and travel, I’ve narrowed down my go-to daypacks for various activities. If you’re on the hunt for the Best Travel Daypack for your next adventure, whether it’s hiking trails or navigating bustling city streets, this guide is for you!
Top Pick: Best Overall Daypack
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L in black, showcasing its rugged design and multiple pockets.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
Price: $129 from Patagonia.com
The Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L consistently earns its place as my best overall daypack. Its exceptional durability and rugged construction are immediately apparent. This pack is built to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor adventures. Available in a wide array of attractive colors (I personally own the black version), it’s as stylish as it is functional.
Organization is key in a great daypack, and the Black Hole excels here. It features two water bottle pockets, a discreet front zippered pocket, a quick-access top pocket for essentials, and a spacious bucket-style main compartment. Inside, you’ll find a padded sleeve that can accommodate a laptop or a hydration reservoir. A standout feature, especially for hikers, is the sternum strap, which ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even when scrambling over uneven terrain.
I’ve put this daypack through its paces on countless adventures, from challenging day hikes to serving as my trusted travel daypack. It even accompanied me on the demanding four-day Inca Trail trek in Peru. Its generous 25-liter capacity is truly impressive. For the Inca Trail, I managed to pack my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow, a warm puffy jacket, rain jacket, extra clothing layers, a portable battery charger, toiletries, a hydration bladder, and plenty of snacks – with room to spare! Whether you’re embarking on a short day hike or a longer expedition, the Patagonia Black Hole Pack provides ample space for all your essentials.
Beyond its performance, Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is a significant draw. Their Black Hole line now utilizes 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric, a testament to their dedication to environmental responsibility. Even my older pack reflects this ethos, and I appreciate their “Ironclad Guarantee.” Patagonia genuinely stands behind their products, offering repairs, replacements, or refunds if their gear doesn’t meet your expectations. My personal experiences with their customer service have been consistently positive, reinforcing my loyalty to this brand.
Hiking in the North Cascades with a daypack, showcasing the outdoor adventure context.
Best Daypack for Backcountry Adventures
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack in grey, emphasizing its compact and lightweight nature.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
Price: $35 from Osprey.com
When backcountry adventures call, packability and weight become paramount. For backpacking trips and situations where space is limited, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is the best daypack solution. Weighing a mere 3.2 ounces, this incredibly lightweight bag is designed to be easily stowed away when not in use. Despite its minimal weight, it doesn’t compromise on essential features.
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack offers a water bottle pocket, a top zippered stash pocket, and a surprisingly spacious 18-liter main compartment. The mesh shoulder straps enhance comfort, especially in warmer conditions, allowing for ventilation and reducing bulk. Its packability is truly remarkable; it compresses down into its own top pocket to approximately the size of a tennis ball.
However, the ultralight nature of this pack comes with a trade-off. The 40D ripstop nylon material, while lightweight, is more delicate than heavier fabrics. While I haven’t experienced any rips or tears, I exercise caution when placing it on rough surfaces. This is a trade-off worth considering for those who prioritize minimal weight and packability.
Osprey, like Patagonia, is another reputable outdoor brand known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. They offer an excellent warranty, standing behind their products. I can personally attest to Osprey’s durability, as my Osprey 65L backpacking pack has endured numerous demanding trips without any issues. For backcountry day hikes where weight and space are critical, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is an outstanding choice.
Best Travel Daypack for International Travel
Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack in grey, highlighting its sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack
Price: $39 from Tortuga.com
For international travel, blending in and staying comfortable are key. I initially purchased the Tortuga Setout 45L travel backpack and was so impressed that I added the matching Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack to my travel gear. Its sleek, understated design is perfect for navigating foreign cities without drawing unwanted attention as a tourist. And, as a packable daypack, it conveniently folds into its own pocket for easy storage in your main luggage.
The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack weighs just 8.5 ounces and is packed with thoughtful features for travelers. It includes two water bottle pockets, a front zippered pocket, and a roomy main compartment. The mesh back panel and shoulder straps are a game-changer, providing exceptional comfort, especially in warm climates. It’s arguably the most comfortable packable daypack I’ve used. The inclusion of a sternum strap further enhances stability and comfort during extended wear. The only minor drawback is the 30D ripstop nylon material, which can be a bit crinkly and noisy, but this is a small price to pay for its overall performance.
When traveling abroad, a packable daypack is an invaluable asset. No one wants to lug around a bulky backpack while exploring a new city. Leave your main luggage at your accommodation and carry just the essentials in a smaller, more manageable pack. The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is an excellent option that combines style, comfort, and practical features, making it the best travel daypack for international adventures.
Best Ultralight Daypack
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack in blue, emphasizing its extremely compact packed size.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack
Price: $40 from Seatosummit.com
If ultimate lightness is your top priority, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack reigns supreme. This is the lightest daypack on this list, and its packed size is astonishingly small – so small that it’s easy to misplace when not in use! While I eventually gifted mine to a friend, it served me well in its time. The Cordura fabric, while not the most durable or waterproof, is incredibly lightweight. At a mere 2.5 ounces, the compromises in durability are understandable for those seeking the absolute lightest option.
The primary downside of the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack is its minimalist design. It features a single 20-liter main compartment and lacks additional pockets. This can lead to items getting disorganized and requiring more digging to find what you need. The shoulder straps, designed for weight savings, are unpadded and can be less comfortable, sometimes slipping off the shoulders. During a two-month trip to New Zealand, my Ultra-Sil daypack developed a small hole at the bottom, a testament to its lighter construction and extensive use. However, it endured countless adventures.
For travelers who prioritize minimal weight and packability above all else, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack is the best ultralight daypack available. Just be mindful of its limited durability and single-compartment design.
Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, showcasing a challenging hike setting.
Best Budget Daypack
Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack
Price: $18 from Amazon.com
For budget-conscious travelers seeking a reliable and functional daypack, the Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack is an exceptional value. Available in a wide range of colors and two sizes (20L and 33L), I opted for the 20L version for its lighter weight (7.3 ounces) and more compact size. I personally find 33L to be excessively large for most daypack needs.
The Outlander daypack offers impressive features for its price. It includes two water bottle pockets, three zippered pockets for organization, and breathable mesh shoulder straps that enhance comfort. Tragically, mine was stolen while traveling in Thailand (thankfully, travel insurance came to the rescue!).
I initially purchased this daypack seeking a packable option with better organization than many ultralight models, and the rave reviews on Amazon sealed the deal. Its incredibly affordable price was a significant bonus – I could have bought two Outlander packs for the price of a single Sea to Summit daypack!
If you’re looking for the best budget daypack that doesn’t compromise on comfort or essential features, the Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack is an outstanding choice. My experience with it was overwhelmingly positive, and my only regret is its untimely disappearance.
Wandering through giant redwood trees, depicting a nature exploration scenario.
Best Daypack for Everyday Travel
Fjallraven Classic Kanken Backpack in blue, showcasing its iconic boxy shape and versatile carry handles.
Fjallraven Classic Kanken Backpack
Price: $80 from Fjallraven.com
After my Outlander daypack was stolen, I turned to a classic: the Fjallraven Kanken. This iconic daypack is renowned for its durability, style, and versatility. Available in a vast spectrum of colors, choosing just one is the hardest part! I particularly appreciate the top carry handles, offering an alternative carrying option for added convenience. Fjallraven’s signature Vinylon F fabric is naturally water-resistant, swelling when wet to protect your belongings from light rain. The Kanken’s 16-liter capacity is surprisingly spacious, and the durable material ensures it can withstand daily wear and tear.
One of the Kanken’s most appealing features is its suitcase-style opening, allowing for easy packing and access to your gear. I used my 16L Kanken on the Ha Giang Loop, a challenging 4-day motorcycle adventure through the mountains of Northern Vietnam. It comfortably held everything I needed, including extra clothing, toiletries, a travel towel, a battery pack, a travel adapter, and more. It was packed to capacity, but it performed admirably.
Since then, I’ve also acquired the 15″ Laptop Kanken (18L), which includes a padded laptop sleeve and padded shoulder straps. For those carrying electronics, I highly recommend the Laptop version for its added features and protection.
The Fjallraven Kanken is a timeless daypack that seamlessly blends style and functionality. It’s perfect for everyday travel, commuting, and even light hikes, thanks to its robust construction and versatile design. For a reliable and stylish daypack for everyday travel, the Kanken is hard to beat.
Exploring in Hanoi, Vietnam with a Kanken daypack, illustrating urban travel use.
Rain Cover Considerations for Your Travel Daypack
When choosing a travel daypack, consider the potential need for a rain cover. Even water-resistant fabrics have their limits, especially around zippers, which are common entry points for water. If you anticipate encountering rain, a rain cover is a worthwhile investment to protect your gear from getting wet. I’ve learned firsthand the unpleasant experience of water leaking into a non-waterproof pack – it’s definitely something to avoid!
For water-based activities like kayaking, paddleboarding (SUP), or beach trips, a dry bag offers superior waterproof protection. Dry bags are designed to be submerged and even float, ensuring your valuables stay completely dry in wet environments.
What’s Your Go-To Daypack?
Have you tried any of the daypacks mentioned in this guide? Or perhaps you have a favorite daypack that you swear by? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
