Small Daypacks for Hiking Trips

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Local Getaways Shopper

Our team of knowledgeable and savvy shoppers includes: Mimi Towle, Grace Towle, Eva Katherine Knowles, Luke Lori and Debra Tarrant

Daypacks aren’t the first thing we think about when it comes to vacation, but it almost always comes in handy. We found small daypack options that are packable, lightweight, and water resistant. Whether you’re hiking to a picnic spot, through multiple climates or just want a place to pack your camera and a water bottle, these have you covered. Happy trails!

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This super lightweight, packable backpack weighs just 0.6 lbs but still fits up to 10 liters—plenty of space for the basics. It’s great for light use and can easily carry a water bottle, some snacks, a hat, and whatever else you might need for the day. 

This Amazon customer is a fan: 

“This small backpack is very comfortable to carry and quality is very good. I always carry a small backpack when traveling to overseas specifically so the backpack quality is very important to me. This backpack has a secret pocket on the back side , which is a great design for theft prevention. I highly recommend it.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This Uselike backpack is small but mighty. It weighs just 0.73 pounds yet holds up to 10 liters. There’s a zippered pocket on the left shoulder strap that fits phones with screens up to 7 inches, and on the right, an anti-theft pocket with an elastic cord—perfect for keeping things like your wallet secure. When you’re not using it, the whole backpack packs down to just 6.5 x 7.5 inches, making it easy to toss into your suitcase or main bag.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“I love this backpack for my hikes. Not only a great price, but the quality is there to. Haven’t had a single issue. There’s enough room for water, extra layers of clothes, and snacks without being overly bulky. The straps are solid and stay in place – along with the snap strap across the chest. My iPhone fits perfectly in the front right pocket for easy access. It stays snug on the body when you’re moving – so no swaying or shifting of weight. Very happy with this one!”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This lightweight 15-liter backpack is great for travel and keeps your stuff organized without overthinking it. It’s got a stretchy front mesh pocket, a front zip pocket, two spots for water bottles, and a hidden zip pocket in the back for valuables. Everything you need stays easy to grab and right where you want it.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“Used on a 2 week vacation in Peru. Lightweight, easy to pack in luggage, plenty of pockets, and tough enough. Really happy with my purchase.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This lightweight 10-liter daypack folds down small and is easy to take anywhere. What’s really handy? The removable zippered phone pouch on the shoulder strap—perfect for keeping your phone (up to 7 inches) close by. There’s also an elastic side pocket for snacks or a small water bottle.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“I bought this backpack for my husband to use while traveling through busy cities. He doesn’t carry much with him but still needs a safe convenient place to keep wallet, water bottle, keys etc. I really like the detachable pouches. You can keep them in front of you for easy access or keep them off completely if you don’t need them. The straps are adjustable so even though the backpack pouch is small, it will fit any person‘s size.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This 15-liter hiking backpack is compact but practical, with a main compartment for essentials, two side pockets for water bottles, and extra pockets for small items like keys. The side-zip design allows for easy access, while the expandable mesh lets you stash things like a helmet or jacket. It’s made with water-resistant fabric and a breathable mesh back for added comfort.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“You’ll find this backpack to be fantastic!! It has the perfect capacity for day hiking and the back is also padded to enable more comfortable wear. It folds flat and has multiple pockets for increased functionality.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

Another solid option from Skysper, this 10-liter pack weighs just 0.6 lbs but holds everything you need. It’s water-resistant, super durable, and has four zip pockets plus a front bungee to keep your gear organized. Great for hikes, travel, or everyday use.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“Bought this for a trip to Zion and Bryce and it was perfect! Lightweight, with lots of compartments to hid things. Easy to organize andheld so much! With a little tweaking, I was even able to get it to accommodate a water bladder. Love the color–as pictured.”

This image features an orange backpack with grey trim and a grey net pouch on the side.

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This backpack folds into its own inside pocket, so you can pack it down to just 7.5 x 6 inches—small enough to fit in your coat pocket, suitcase, or handbag. When you need it, just flip it out and it expands to a full 15.5 x 9 x 3.5 inches. Super handy and easy to carry.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“I just got back from a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. This hiking backpack was great and lightweight. It carried 2 water bottles, sunscreen and snacks. It folded up really small to fit into our suitcase.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This day bag weighs just 0.6 lbs and feels super light and easy to wear. The chest and waist straps adjust for a comfy fit on just about anyone. And with three handy shoulder pockets, you’ve got quick access to your phone (any size), a water flask, snacks, or whatever else you want close by.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“It is lightweight, has pockets(for phone etc. on front of straps, has pockets for bottles, pockets on inside and outside, easy to adjust straps. I got it to use on my trip to Europe!”

A grey backpack with orange trim and a phone pocket on the left strap.

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This foldable daypack from The ESUP daypack is super lightweight—just 0.66 pounds—and folds down into a compact 7×7-inch pouch. It’s easy to toss in your suitcase, backpack, or car for whenever you need it. We especially love the separate zippered pocket for your phone—super handy and secure.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“Worked out great for a short day hike in the rain forest. Held everything I needed and I loved the little pouch for my phone. Was easy enough to stuff back in to the inside pouch when I was done. It is also really cute.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

Suitable for hiking, camping, traveling, outdoors, this daypack is lightweight, lightweight with breathable shoulder straps and anti-tear with water resistance. If you’re looking for a small, durable every-day day pack, this might be for you.

Photo courtesy of Amazon. 

This best-selling packable backpack opens up to a roomy 17.7 x 10.6 x 5.5 inches, but folds down to just 6.7 inches square—easy to tuck into your luggage or carry-on. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and durable enough for everyday adventures. We especially love the foldable design and the handy water bottle pockets on both sides.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“This has been the absolute best lightweight backpack! I was hesitant to order it because of how inexpensive it is, but it had such great reviews I took a chance. So glad I did! It’s super sturdy and holds heavy items comfortably. Plenty of pockets and the straps are comfortable. Looks cute and it’s a perfect hold everything bag for parents of young kids.”

Don’t forget that good things come in small packages. This small daypack is lightweight, collapsible, foldable and has breathable shoulder straps making it perfect for hiking or wandering around town. Available in other colors.

This Amazon customer is a fan:

“What a find this sweet backpack is. So great for travel that you can put it back it it’s bag and easy to pack. It’s waterproof and perfect for a day trip where you don’t want or need a full size backpack. Good sturdy zippers. Comes in fun colors. I can’t wait to use it!”

 *We are an Amazon affiliate and may receive a commission for your purchase. Mahalo! 

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