The 13 Best Daypacks in 2023

Whether you’re a hiker, biker, runner, climber, skier, or amateur mycologist, a dependable daypack is a worthwhile investment. Outdoor-rec specific daypacks are designed to handle the stress and wear of the elements and are packed with features to help your performance.

A daypack will range in size between 8 and 30 liters, all depending on the activity or purpose, which could include commuting as well as your hiking.

The best daypack for you may be waterproof, or it may have a lot of pockets, it all comes down to what you’ll use it for. It is important to take your endeavors and potential surrounding into account when looking for a daypack. It’s better not to learn the hard way that there are some places that your Jansport can’t take you.

In our buyer’s guide at the bottom, we’ll break down the different kinds of packs, common features you may want to prioritize, and how to optimize your choice based on the activity.

Guide to Finding the Best Daypack Backpack

How to Choose a Daypack

Regardless of the pack that you choose or its intended purpose, think about where you fall on the scale of comfort and capacity versus a light-and-fast style of recreation. Do you want to carry as little and move as fast as possible? Or alternatively, would you prefer to have all of your bases covered, have extra layers for you and your friends, and maybe an emergency shelter, with a backpack that has the kind of support to carry a little more of a load comfortably?

From there, you can start thinking about the size and purpose of your pack. There’s considerable overlap between what activities a given pack will be suitable for. You don’t need a different bag for every activity, but by that same token, no one pack is going to be perfect for every sport. Your low-profile running backpack won’t have enough room for your extra climbing gear and likely won’t fit over your bulky winter gear while out skiing.

Carrying Capacity

The most notable difference you’ll see between different packs is size. Daypacks can range from anywhere between 10 to 50L, not including additional mesh storage pockets and tie-downs. While there’s no direct correlation, generally speaking, the bigger your pack, the more involved the trip. There’s no reason to carry a massive pack while you’re out for a run on your local trail, and there’s no way to fit everything you need for an overnight in a 10L pack. Basing your decision on carrying capacity is an easy way to make sure your bag is right for you in terms of style and sport.

Packs under 10L are best for activities like running and road cycling, where you’re moving fast and aren’t worried about carrying emergency supplies. Typically the most you can expect to bring are a few essentials like a lightweight layer, a couple of snacks, and personal items like your phone wallet and keys.

Around the 20L mark, full-day excursions start to become more viable. This pack size is perfect for solid day hikes, backcountry mountain biking, and extended trail runs. This is about the biggest pack that you’ll want for any running. Any larger and weight starts to get unmanageable. Right around 20 liters is good for skiing the resort because you hardly notice it’s there, with enough room for food and water. At this point, you can begin to fit things like first aid kits, enough food to see you through a day of travel, and other essentials.

From 20-35L, you can start to take liberties with what you’re packing. This size is the sweet spot for most hiking packs, as you have enough room to cover not only the basic essentials for backcountry travel but can also fit things like your camera or a hammock. Bags around this size tend to be a little more sturdily constructed, with padded hip belts and other weight distribution systems to compensate for increasing load size.

Above 35 and up to 50L, you start to move into the realm of actual backpacking packs. Packs in this size range are suitable for technical and gear-intensive adventures like climbs with significant approaches, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or winter travel where your layers and supplies take up more space. Plenty of ultralight backpackers will be comfortable in this range for trekking as well.

Daypacks by Activity

If you’re more concerned about optimizing performance for your activity of choice, looking into the pack’s specific features per style is an excellent way to go. Below we’ll dig a little deeper into distinct features to look at per sport, with a little more information about specific features afterward.

Hiking

Picking the perfect day pack for hiking is tricky. Some people will want the lightest possible option, while others value comfort and carrying capacity. Regardless, you’ll want to look primarily at options between 20 and 35L if you’re limiting your excursion to one day. Most hikers value features like a hip belt with pockets and a hydration system. For those wearing a pack for an extended period, an internal frame helps with weight distribution. In essence, you want to be comfortable, and the perfect pack is one that lets you keep hiking. 

Running

The most critical feature of a running pack is a low-profile design that hugs close to your back and keeps things from bouncing around too much while you’re out and about. Low weight and easy access to water and food are great too. Many running packs have bladder integration, so you don’t have to fuss with water bottles. Oftentimes running and cycling daypacks use perforated webbing rather than solid straps to regulate body temperature and prevent chafing. Typically you’ll want to keep it at the sub-20L mark, probably closer to 6L unless you’re really out there on a trail run.

Climbing

If you plan on doing a lot of cragging, a 30-40L gear bag is great for hauling your rope, draws, and cams up the trail. Generous hip belts, a rigid internal frame, tie-downs, and daisy chains are great for this style of approach bag; anything that will help you comfortably carry rope and rack on notoriously primitive climber trails. The thicker fabric found on this bag style is also a good call for durability and allows you to use your bag as a ground tarp for your rope in a pinch. When actually in the act of climbing, most people prefer something frameless and lightweight, usually around the 20L mark.

Snowsports

When searching for a good ski pack, look for a lot of the same things you would in a larger hiking bag. A good hip belt, pockets for access to snacks and sunscreen, and plenty of internal space for your extra layers, helmet, and safety equipment. Backcountry packs tend to be between 35 and 45L. Support from a solid frame is reassuring and helps just as much uphill as it does downhill. A dedicated, quick-access pocket for a shovel and probe is a must-have, and an external loop for carrying an ice-ax is a huge plus. Other features to look for include a ski carry system and side-panel quick access.

Cycling

Cycling packs tend to be somewhere between the style of a running bag and a smaller hiking day pack. Ideally, they should be close-fitting, limit the bag’s movement while in transit, and have either higher or minimal hip belts that don’t interfere with your ability to crank your pedals. As with a hiking pack, the features most valued in cycling bags are ones that let you keep moving with minimal stops or adjustments. Comfort and quick access to water are chief among these. Most cycling packs will fall somewhere between 5 and 15L.

Features

Daypack Frames

Minimalist packs will often forgo any kind of frame, but those carrying any substantial weight or traveling on trails for a significant amount of time may find a frame to be essential for keeping their back and shoulders feeling good. Frames are usually made of rigid plastic or a lightweight metal like aluminum. The most common for daypacks are plastic removable backplates, with this modular design, you can tailor your bag to your adventure. Weight tolerances and frame preferences will vary from person to person; definitely look toward support as you approach the 20lb mark.

Straps and belts

At the very least, most backpacks have some form of sternum strap to help reduce jostling as you go along your business, as well as an adjustable set of shoulder straps. But across different styles and sports, daypacks will have different kinds of straps and hip belts. Frameless and lightweight options for things like climbing or very short hikes have a hip belt limited to just a piece of webbing, while bags designed to carry weight will have padded straps around the waist to help keep some of the load from hanging off of your back.

For running and cycling, hip belts tend to be a little higher up across the stomach and have a little more flexibility to accommodate the rapid motion. The key is keeping the weight evenly distributed. Regardless of the sport, what you want most is something that can help protect your shoulders and back. 

Pockets

In addition to your top access storage, it’s helpful to have some additional pockets regardless of how you plan on using your day pack. Minimalist packs will generally have fewer zippered pockets to help save on weight, but I’ve found that more is more when it comes to this department. Hip belt pockets are helpful for storing snacks and other on-the-go items as you might need, and a good couple of water bottle holders are essential for anyone without a hydration pack. A favorite feature for a daypack is an external mesh quick-access pocket that you can store a rain jacket or extra layer in when the weather is unpredictable.

In addition to external pockets, having internal compartments for your phone or other valuables is always helpful. Some packs go as far as to include entire internal organization systems to keep your gear in line and make it easier to locate essential items on the fly. Dedicated pockets for things like medical supplies or maps are a great way to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything at the trailhead.

Hydration system

Even the best-placed water bottle pocket can be a strain on the shoulders to reach when you’re on the trail. Compatibility with water reservoirs is a really valuable feature that helps you stay hydrated when it matters most. Having a specific place to put the bladder, and in turn, somewhere to run your hose makes it much easier to justify carrying one around with you. Anyone who has had a water bladder suddenly spring a leak will tell you the value of having somewhere specific to keep it protected and your stuff dry.

Ventilated Back Panel

Much more common for larger packs with full frames, a suspended ventilation system is a great way to keep temperature regulated during summer. These mesh backings allow air to flow freely across your back, letting sweat dry and preventing chafing over time.

Bottom/Side Access Panels

Almost every pack you try out will have some kind of top access to access your gear efficiently. Some models have side and bottom access to make it easier to get to a specific area of your pack without having to empty the entire thing. Side access zips are most convenient for any kind of winter travel or when the ground is wet, as it allows you to do some searching without having to set anything down on the snow or mud.

Bottom access panels are a little less valuable. Frequently these are designed to give you a place to store your sleeping bag. If you’re traveling light, a bottom panel can be an excellent way to keep important items that you’ll frequently access a little bit drier in lieu of a rain cover.

Rain Cover/Water Resistance

Although most daypacks have some kind of water-resistant property, it’s never a bad idea to invest in a rain cover for your bag. Nowadays, the materials used for almost every hiking pack are resilient enough to keep light rain and mist from soaking through the fabric but won’t hold up when the rain starts to come down in earnest. Some bags are marketed as entirely waterproof, but that claim is sometimes dubious, and they’re much more expensive than anything else. For a closer look at what’s out there in terms of waterproof packs, take a look at our overview page.

If you can’t swing a rainfly, a heavy-duty trash bag used as an internal liner is a classic workaround. It won’t keep anything stored in the external pockets of your bag dry, but so long as it remains in one piece, anything inside should stay dry without issue.

Women’s Specific Daypacks

While it’s not an absolute dealbreaker, there are some definite benefits to opting for a women’s specific daypack. They’re designed to fit around the torso and hips more optimally than unisex packs, and the sizing is adjusted to accommodate typically shorter torsos of women. Shorter men may also find they fit a little better than standard models. Ultimately it’s about preference. I’d encourage you to try several fits and styles to find something that works well for you, don’t let labels influence your decision too much because your back will tell you everything you need to know.

If you are looking for bigger backpacks for hiking or camping? Check out our best hiking backpacks and our best backpacking backpacks reviews.