When you head out on a day hike, you need to take all the essentials with you. Even on a short hike, you should carry basics like a first aid kit, extra layers, compass, map, food, water, and phone. How will you carry all this gear with you from the beginning to the end of the trail?
The solution is a day hiking backpack. Sounds simple enough but with so many types and styles of packs on the market, how do you know which one is the best day hiking backpack for you?
A day hiking backpack is more than just a convenient way to carry your stuff while hiking, it’s also a safe way to do it. A good backpack leaves your hands free to consult a compass, catch your balance, and use hiking poles.
That’s where we come in. One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing outdoor gear. This guide will walk you through what to look for while shopping for a backpack for day hikes. We’ll also show you how to find one that works best for you and holds all of essential gear.
QUICK ANSWER: THE BEST DAY HIKING BACKPACK
- Osprey Daylite
- Marmot Kompressor 18
- TETON Sports Oasis 1100
- CamelBak Rim Runner 22
- Deuter Speed Lite 20
- CamelBak Fourteener 24
- Gregory Zulu 30
- Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30
- Osprey Packs Manta AG 36
- Kelty Redwing 50
THE BEST DAY HIKING BACKPACK – A COMPARISON
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DAY HIKING BACKPACKS 101
5 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST DAY HIKING BACKPACK
1. SUPPORT
At the end of your hike, you should be tired – not in pain. Having a backpack with support will make carrying a loaded bag for hours much more comfortable. Look for a bag with padded shoulder straps. Depending on how much weight you plan on carrying, you may also want a pack with a sternum strap and waist belt to help you carry the load.
2. CAPACITY
How much gear will you be taking on your hike? If you’re planning on hiking for 8-10 hours, then you will need a backpack with the capacity (volume) to accommodate all of your supplies. If you only plan to spend 1-3 hours on the trail, then you may be able to use a day hiking backpack with a smaller capacity. The less you need for your adventure, the less volume you need for your pack.
For multi-day hikes, you’ll need a backpack with a higher capacity (40 – 70+ liters). Check out our guides on trekking backpacks and our multi-day hiking packing list if you need help gearing up for a longer trails.
3. HYDRATION SLEEVE
It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re out on a trail. Many hikers like using a hydration pouch system to have quick and easy access to water. When using a hydration system, select a day hiking backpack with a hydration sleeve and port for the water reservoir’s tube. If you’d prefer to use water bottles, look for a backpack that can comfortably fit them. Many day hiking backpacks have specially designed side pockets that can accommodate water bottles.
4. VENTILATION
A poorly ventilated day hiking backpack can make your back and shoulders a sweaty mess. Look for features like mesh paneling, which encourages airflow between your body and pack. These features will help make your hike more comfortable and slightly less sweaty.
5. WEIGHT
Everything you bring with you on the trail, you will have to pack out at the end of your journey. The longer your hike, the more supplies you will need to bring, making your bag heavier. A simple way to reduce the weight on your back is by choosing a lightweight backpack.
DAY HIKING BACKPACK REVIEWS
TOP 10 BEST DAY HIKING BACKPACKS OF THE YEAR
OSPREY DAYLITE BACKPACK
BEST FOR: Short day hiking trips
VOLUME: 13 Liters
WEIGHT: 1 lb.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight, multifunctional interior sleeve, ventilated shoulder straps and back panel, sternum strap, removable hip belt
CONS: Small capacity, water resistant but not waterproof, mesh side pockets are not good for water bottles
MARMOT KOMPRESSOR 18 PACK
BEST FOR: Short day hiking trips
VOLUME: 18 Liters
WEIGHT: 10 oz.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: No, port for water tube and clip for water reservoir
FRAME: No
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight, air mesh shoulder straps and back panel for ventilation, sternum strap
CONS: Small capacity, doesn’t have a dedicated hydration sleeve, no internal compartments, no hip belt, not waterproof
TETON SPORTS OASIS 1100 HYDRATION BACKPACK
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BEST FOR: Short day hiking trips
VOLUME: 18 Liters
WEIGHT: 2 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: No
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Inexpensive, mesh back panel for ventilation, mesh shoulder straps with ventilated foam, sternum strap, waist belt, rain cover
CONS: Small capacity, zippers are flimsy, mesh side pockets are too shallow
CAMELBAK RIM RUNNER 22 HYDRATION PACK
BEST FOR: Average length day hiking trips
VOLUME: 20 Liters
WEIGHT: 1.6 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: No
WOMEN’S VERSION: CamelBak Helena 22 Women’s Hydration Pack
PROS: Lightweight, tool attachment, side pockets, air channel back panel for ventilation, air mesh shoulder straps, sternum strap, removable waist belt
CONS: Fabric is not durable enough for long-term use
DEUTER SPEED LITE 20 BACKPACK
BEST FOR: Average length day hiking trips
VOLUME: 20 Liters
WEIGHT: 1.2 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight, removable waist belt and sternum strap, frame support, air mesh back panel and shoulder straps for ventilation, mesh side pockets for water bottles
CONS: Not waterproof, waist strap is unpadded, mesh side pockets are too small for large water bottles
CAMELBAK FOURTEENER 24 HYDRATION PACK
BEST FOR: Average length day hiking trips
VOLUME: 24 Liters
WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: No
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Padded shoulder and sternum straps, padded waist belt, ventilated back panel, tool attachment, mesh side pockets for water bottles
CONS: Expensive, almost 3 lbs., mesh side pockets are not durable, trekking pools attach strangely, water resistant not waterproof
GREGORY ZULU 30 BACKPACK
BEST FOR: Long day hiking trips
VOLUME: 30 Liters
WEIGHT: 2.5 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Lumbar foam layering for support, mesh back panel for ventilation, sternum strap, waist belt, tool attachment, rain cover
CONS: Expensive, 2.5 lbs., frame is stiff
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SCRAMBLER 30 OUTDRY BACKPACK
BEST FOR: Long day hiking trips
VOLUME: 30 Liters
WEIGHT: 1.9 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
PROS: Lightweight, waterproof, removable waist belt, deep side pockets, sternum strap, gear loops
CONS: Expensive, side pockets are difficult to use when bag is full, top pocket isn’t waterproof
OSPREY PACKS MANTA AG 36 HYDRATION PACK
BEST FOR: Long day hiking trips
VOLUME: 36 Liters
WEIGHT: 2.8 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: Osprey Packs Women’s Mira AG 34 Hydration Pack
PROS: Mesh back panel for ventilation, foam shoulder strap for ventilation, sternum strap, waist belt, tool attachment, magnetic bite valve attachment on sternum strap, rain cover
CONS: Expensive, almost 3 lbs., hip pockets are small and hard to reach while wearing the bag
KELTY REDWING 50 BACKPACK
BEST FOR: Long day hiking trips
VOLUME: 50 Liters
WEIGHT: 3 lbs.
HYDRATION SLEEVE: Yes
FRAME: Yes
WOMEN’S VERSION: Kelty Women’s Redwing 40
PROS: Padded and ventilated back panel, sternum strap, removable, waist belt, side pockets, mesh pockets for water bottles, daisy chain and handle, tool attachment
CONS: Capacity may be too big, 3 lbs., shoulder height can’t be adjusted, water resistant not waterproof, doesn’t have a dedicated hydration sleeve
