The 10 Best Daypacks of 2024

Osprey hiking backpacks are consistently a top performer in GH Institute Textiles Lab tests. The Tempest 20 is part of a popular line by the brand and balances technical features with a lower capacity, ideal for daypacks. We appreciate the breathable back panel made from injection-molded, die-cut foam as well as a continuous-wrap harness and hip belt. Lightweight and versatile, this daypack has internal zippered mesh pockets, including easy-access harness pockets.

While you may be less inclined to use the pack's additional features for more casual hikes, like its tuck-away ice ax attachment, you may find the trekking pole attachment and hydration reservoir sleeve useful even on a shorter trail. The daypack is available in five different colors, from purple to grey and comes in two different sizes (extra small/small and medium/large). At $160, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with this pack — but it may have a bit too many bells and whistles for a beginner hiker.

For less than half the price of the Tempest 20, you can still purchase a daypack from Osprey while sticking to a budget. The Daylite family is one of its most popular lines and the Plus carries an extra 7 liters compared to the regular Daylite. It also comes in a range of colors so you can find the style that works for you, whether that's a neutral black (pictured) or a fun purple and green combo. For less than $75, you'll get an impressive amount of features including an interior sleeve for a hydration reservoir, laptop or tablet as well as two mesh water bottle pockets and various front pockets.

We tested this model by Osprey in our latest travel backpack test and testers loved the variety of compartments and comfortable shoulder straps. The front panel and shove-it pockets are great for storing hiking maps, granola bars and your phone without having to dig for them in the main compartment. Our analysts also noted the chest strap, which keeps weight evenly distributed so as to prevent shoulder pain. Although this daypack lacks a harness and hip belt, those features may not be as necessary for a more casual day hiker.

Not only is this daypack under $50 (while still having a 20 L capacity!), it also weighs an astonishing 2.5 ounces. This ultra-lightweight pack is made from water-resistant nylon and can fold down to the size of an egg, per the brand's description. You can easily pack this pack in a larger backpack for backpacking or fit it in your suitcase for outdoor adventures on vacation. Available in three colors, this daypack is top-rated on REI and has a 4.7-star rating.

One five-star review says, "I use this as a daypack while backpacking to avoid lugging my 50L pack more than I needed to. I could pack a large water bottle, lunch, a book, and a small first aide kit with no problems. Surprisingly comfortable to wear despite the weight and minimal design." Others note how simple this Sea to Summit pack is to bring to the mountains, slopes and even Disney. While its packable design has its hallmarks, you may not be able to comfortably carry heavier items as there is no chest strap or padding.

GH Analyst Olivia Lipski has used this stowaway pack on many hiking trips and ski days. Not only is the daypack lightweight and comfortable, but it also has tons of pockets that can fit both small and large items. "You can put a dog leash in the large front pocket and even stick a jacket on the outside in this non zippered section," explains Olivia. Having these easy access pockets is a game changer during hikes — i.e. when the temperature keeps switching and you find yourself taking off and putting back on a layer.

The pockets for water bottles are also super convenient as you can reach back to grab a drink whenever necessary. It also has padded foam shoulder straps and a back panel for extra comfort, plus a loop for attaching a light. One thing to know is that Olivia says this bag doesn't do great in the rain, so don't bring it on stormy days.

Sling daypacks have become more popular given their lightweight structure and slightly more hip style. Whether you're doing a casual day hike, biking around town or commuting to the office, the Ultralight Black Hole lets you store everyday essentials without compromising comfort. There will be no awkward twisting to reach inside this sling bag, which has an expandable pocket on the strap perfect for your phone or a bar plus a dual compartment design in the main section.

On top of offering convenient storage, this sling is meant to be water-resistant and has breathable mesh on the strap and back panel for comfort on hotter days. One five-star review says, "I love this sling over bag. It is perfect for walking the dog, small hikes or running errands." One downside to this particular sling is it's slightly more expensive than other picks on this list that have a larger capacity.

You can fit up to 2 L (16 oz.) of liquid in this top-rated hydration pack, or use the zippered reservoir as a laptop sleeve for travel. We appreciate how easy it is to access your water supply thanks to the inline hose quick-disconnect coupling that allows you to refill without unthreading the hose from the harness altogether. The magnetic sternum buckle and hose clip hold the water valve in place on the shoulder harness so you can take a sip whenever you need some H2O.

In addition to hydration-specific features, this daypack also has 3D foam on the back panel for added comfort, a removable hip belt for extra support, zippered side and top pockets, a mesh water bottle pocket and a trekking pole attachment system. One five-star review writes, "I haven't had a hydration pack in years, but this was easy to rinse out for first use, fill, and use. Absolutely no leakage." We wish the pack capacity was slightly higher given the over $100 price tag.

Given that this pack is super lightweight, you can wear it for extended periods of time without it feeling uncomfortable. It's available in tons of colors and Olivia notes that it's a pretty cool-looking daypack thanks to fun color blocking. Olivia said that this daypack doesn't perform as well in the rain, so don't bring it out on wet days, but says its light weight is perfect for most uses. "Since I injured my knee I’ve been relying on this backpack as it doesn’t add much extra weight and it has a secure pocket in the front that’s useful for storing my chapstick, wallet, etc.," says Olivia.

The comfortable straps are easy to adjust, although the backpack's shape may feel a bit too narrow for some. You'll still be able to fit a jacket inside, though. Also unique to this pack is the drawstring closure on top — which Olivia was unsure of at first but says is super easy to open and close. Plus, you can shove pretty much anything in the main compartment without worrying about it snagging on a zipper. This Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Daypack actually weighs less than the Luzon, but given the former's ability to pack up into such a minuscule size we chose the Ultra-Sil Travel Daypack for best packable.

Available in three sizes and two colors, this daypack has a higher capacity great for more serious hiking. It also has a padded harness and hip belt ideal for extra comfort on longer trips, plus the large zippered pockets in the hip belt and tilted water bottle pockets make it easy to grab essentials during the climb. We appreciate the included rain cover for any drizzle or unexpected storms as you approach the summit, as well as the trekking pole keepers and ice axe loop.

According to the manufacturer, this pack was designed with field notes from over 305 miles of backcountry traversing in Washington, Arizona and Oregon. The backpack has a 4.5-star rating on REI, and one five-star review even recommends this for winter hiking, saying: "The pack is roomy enough for several layers, spare gloves, etc. etc. for winter conditions." Several customers note that the chest strap tends to pop off and could be improved, and we wish that it came with a hydration reservoir (although it has a tube holder).

Top-rated among REI online customers and loved by our testers in previous testing for carry-on and travel backpacks, this 25 L Patagonia daypack is made from 300-denier water-resistant fabric (meaning it's super thick) and has a 200-denier coating so you can take on a mountain in wet weather without worrying about your pack becoming wet. The daypack has a large main pocket, side water bottle pockets and an internal mesh pocket that has an organizer panel for your phone and other small items, plus a daisy chain on the front for attaching a sleeping bag or anything else you may want.

It has padded shoulder straps and a molded back panel that's designed to help keep you cool and promote airflow. The pack has a 4.6.-star rating on REI and one five-star customer raves, "I have carried it in rural and urban environments and am very pleased! Held up dry for several storms too." Other online reviews note that the bag has survived heavy rain, although some wish that there was a waist strap and mention that the black color gets very hot.

Athleta is known for its aesthetic athleisure clothing, and the brand's bags aren't any less stylish. While this daypack is only available in three colors (snapdragon rose, black and Aspen olive), we love the neutral colors and think it's a chic bag for any day trip or travel destination. This bag has a lightweight design plus side and stash pockets for your water bottle and other essentials. You can adjust the strap to your desired fit and the mesh back panel is designed for extra support.

With over 100 online reviews and a near-perfect 5-star rating, there's a lot to love about this best seller. Customers love the bright pink color in particular as well as the pack's size. The caveat of carrying around a more stylish pack is that you may be more wary of getting it dirty, but if it's a clear day and a relatively tame trail, then you're probably in the clear.