The 15 best lightweight backpacks for day hiking 2023

best lightweight backpack for day hiking

When it comes to hiking, having a lightweight backpack can make all the difference. If you’re planning on doing any day hikes, it’s important to choose a backpack that won’t weigh you down. But with so many different options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? After reading this guide you will be able to choose the best lightweight backpack for your next hike or journey.

We have done research for some of the top lightweight backpacks for day hiking. This list will help you choose the backpacks which are light and easy to carry for you. We have different options for men and women lightweight backpacks for hiking. The options are all used and tested personally and my team.

Best lightweight backpack for women

The best lightweight backpack for women is the Deuter Speed Lite 20. This backpack is specifically designed for women and features a comfortable fit, plenty of storage space, and durable construction.

best lightweight backpack for women Deuter Speed Lite 20.
Source: Deuter

Top lightweight backpack for men

The best lightweight backpack for men is the Osprey Talon 22. This backpack features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s also specifically designed to fit the contours of a man’s body, making it an ideal choice for male hikers.

best lightweight backpack for men Osprey-Talon-22
Source: Osprey

Small hiking backpack ( Cheap Hiking Backpack)

The best small hiking backpack is the Venture Pal 40 L. This backpack is lightweight and features a comfortable fit, plenty of storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for short day hikes or overnight trips.

Bonus:

Best hiking gear gifts for adventure lovers complete list.

Best ultralight backpack

The best ultralight backpack is the Gregory Mountain Women’s Octal 55. This backpack is incredibly lightweight and features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for long-distance hikes or backpacking trips.

Quality travel backpack

The best travel backpack is the Osprey Porter 46. This backpack is versatile and features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for short trips or long vacations.

best travel backpack Osprey Porter 46
Source: Osprey

The best backpack for work

The best backpack for work during adventure is the eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack. This backpack is stylish and features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for carrying your laptop and other essentials to and from the office.

Best waterproof backpack

The best waterproof backpack is the SealLine Boundary Pack. This backpack is 100% waterproof and features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for carrying your gear on wet adventures or keeping your belongings dry in inclement weather.

best waterproof backpack SealLine Boundary Pack
Source: SealLine

Bonus:

What to wear hiking in winter complete guide for adventure lovers.

Backpack day trip

The best backpack for a day trip is the Osprey Daylite Plus. This backpack is lightweight and features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for carrying all of your essentials on a short hike or a day at the beach.

best backpack for a day trip Osprey Daylite Plus
Source: Osprey

The best backpack for kids hiking

The best backpack for kids is the JanSport Big Student Backpack. This backpack is roomy and features a comfortable fit, nice storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for carrying all of your child’s supplies to and from school or on a family hike. Also, it is one of the best lightweight backpacks for day hiking.

best backpack for kids JanSport Big Student Backpack
Source: JanSport

Best urban daypack

The best urban daypack is the Incase City Backpack. This backpack is stylish and features a comfortable fit, huge storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for carrying your essentials around town or on a short trip.

best urban daypack Incase City Backpack
Source: Incase City

Day hiking backpack with hydration

The best day hiking backpack with hydration is the CamelBak Fourteener 24. This backpack is specifically designed for day hikes and features a built-in hydration system, plenty of storage space, and a comfortable fit.

top day hiking backpack with hydration CamelBak Fourteener 24
Source: CamelBak

Hiking backpack with internal hydration

The best day hiking backpack with internal hydration is the Osprey Atmos AG 65. This backpack is lightweight and features a comfortable fit, plenty of storage space, and durable construction. It’s perfect for short day hikes or overnight trips.

Bonus:

THE 8 BEST CAMPING COOKING KNIFE (OUR TOP PICKS IN 2023)

Backpacking packs with detachable daypacks

The best backpacking packs with detachable daypacks are the Osprey Aether AG 70 (for men) and the Gregory Deva 60(for women). These packs feature a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. They also have a built-in rain cover and a detachable daypack, making them perfect for backpacking trips.

Long torso daypack

The best long torso daypack is the Deuter Air Contact Pro 65 + 10 SL. This backpack is specifically designed to fit the contours of a man’s body, making it an ideal choice for male hikers. It features a comfortable fit, ample storage space, and durable construction. It is also the best daypack with side pockets.

best long torso daypack Deuter Air Contact Pro 65 + 10 SL
Source: Deuter

How to choose the best backpack for hiking?

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best lightweight backpack for day hiking:

Size

The size of the backpack should be appropriate for the length of your hike. If you’re only going on a short hike, you won’t need a large backpack. But if you’re planning on spending several hours on the trail, you’ll want something that’s big enough to carry all of your supplies.

Fitting straps and comfortability

The backpack should have comfortable straps and be a good fit. You don’t want a backpack that’s going to rub against your skin or feel uncomfortable wearing. Make sure to try on the backpack before you buy it to make sure it’s a good fit.

Tip:

How to get rid of the campfire smell from your clothes.

Storage

Choose a backpack with plenty of pockets and compartments. This will help you stay organized and make it easy to access your supplies while you’re on the trail.

Material and manufacturing

Make sure the backpack is made from durable materials. You don’t want something that’s going to fall apart after a few uses. Look for a backpack that’s made from high-quality fabric that can withstand plenty of wear and tear.

Price

Don’t forget to consider the price. Lightweight backpacks can vary widely in price, so it’s important to find one that’s within your budget.

Keep these things in mind and you’re sure to find the best lightweight backpack for your day hiking needs.

Tip:

How to pack your backpack properly for a hike.

day pack vs backpack

The main difference between a day pack and a backpack is that a daypack is a small, lightweight backpack that is perfect for day hikes or short overnight trips. A backpack is larger and heavier and is better suited for longer hikes or backpacking trips.

What is a daypack for flying?

A daypack for flying is a small, lightweight backpack that can be easily stored in an overhead compartment on an airplane. It’s perfect for carrying all of your essentials while traveling.

Bonus:

See our complete guide for the best hiking shoes for beginners.

What is a good size daypack?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual and the type of hiking they are doing. A general rule of thumb is that a daypack should be big enough to fit all of your essential gear, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry. The best way to determine the perfect size for you is to try on a variety of different daypacks and see which one feels the most comfortable.

How big is a 24-liter backpack?

A 24-liter backpack is typically about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It’s a good size for day hikes or short overnight trips. It can hold all of your essential gear, but it’s not so large that it’s difficult to carry.

18-liter backpack

An 18-liter backpack is a good size for day hikes or short overnight trips. It can hold all of your essential gear, but it’s not so large that it’s difficult to carry.

Backpack size chart liters

This backpack size chart will help you determine the appropriate backpack size for your needs. I have listed the details in the table below. You can select any backpack according to your plan.

Activity:

2-4 hours: 18-20 liters

4-8 hours: 20-30 liters

Overnight: 30-40 liters

Multi-day: 40+ liters

Bonus:

BEST HIKING SHOES UNDER 50 DOLLARS

Conclusion

No matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a backpack that’s perfect for you. With so many different options given above. It’s easy to find the right one for your next hike or adventure. Just remember to keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to find the best light weight backpack for your hiking needs.

I hope you have liked the article and the information collected by us. I would love to hear your thoughts on this in the comments section below. Thank you