Hiking is a great form of exercise while also reconnecting with nature. It strengthens your muscles as you keep moving, and the rewarding view is always worth the struggle.
Undoubtedly, this is an exhilarating activity. To make the most out of the experience, you need a dependable bag that helps you make it through the trail comfortably and with minimal weight on your back.
This is why we want to help you find the best lightweight daypack for your next hiking adventure. Here, we will introduce you to three of the best lightweight and ultra-lightweight daypacks to help narrow down your options.
And if you need more details, we’ve also added a few pointers to guide you in picking the perfect lightweight hiking companion for your lifestyle.
Top 6 Lightweight and Ultralight Daypacks Quick Look
Best Lightweight Daypacks
| Top Ranking | Brands |
| 1 | TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpack |
| 2 | Fengdong 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack |
| 3 | Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack |
Best Ultralight Daypacks
| Top Ranking | Brands |
| 1 | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack |
| 2 | Naturehike Rainproof Ultralight Foldable Lightweight Packable Backpack |
| 3 | Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack |
Best Lightweight Daypack Reviews
Aside from being lightweight, the best lightweight daypack should also have premium features that will take your adventure to the next level. Here are the top three picks that met our rigid criteria.
TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpack
It’s safe to say that the TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpack is one of the best lightweight daypacks for hiking, thanks to its impressive water-resistance, large capacity, and user-centered design. That is why it deserves a top spot on this list.
It has a high-denier Oxford shell that’s known for its reliable water-resistance of up to 1000 millimeters. So even in case of light rains or splashes, you’re assured that all your valuables remain safe and dry. For added protection, it comes with a rain cover to provide you with unparalleled water-proofing.
Aside from its superior water-resistance, it also has a solid construction, thanks to its internal aluminum frame. This helps maintain its shape to help keep everything organized. It also helps provide support for your back to help you hike better.
Speaking of support, the TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpack has adjustable padded straps to ensure a snug fit to keep you comfortable. For added back support, you can rely on its waist strap to help even out the weight to reduce post-hiking muscle aches.
Aside from its spacious 30-liter capacity, this lightweight daypack also has an external drip pouch, shoulder pockets, gear ties, and a hydration bladder to maximize what you can take to your hike without being too bulky. This proves how dedicated the brand is to ensure user satisfaction.
The stylish TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpack comes in a sleek black color that will surely look good with any outfit. So if you’re looking for a lightweight daypack that’s both functional and stylish, look no further than this one from TETON Sports.
Pros
- It has an ergonomic design that’s comfortable and easy to access.
- It comes with convenient side compression straps.
- It has a large 30-liter capacity with extra gear ties and pockets.
- It has impressive water resistance.
- It is very stylish.
- It offers the best back support.
- It offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- It is less durable than others.
- Some users report issues with zippers.
Fengdong 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack
Another high-capacity yet lightweight daypack is the Fengdong 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack. With its impressive performance, we couldn’t believe how affordable it is!
Thanks to its large 40-liter capacity, you can take all your hiking essentials in one convenient backpack. It even offers multiple compartments to make sure that everything is organized and easy to access – a great design idea for those who are always on the go. These features assure you that everything stays securely in place even as you hike through the most complicated terrain.
The Fengdong 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack is made of thick water-resistant polyester material that’s also tear-resistant. It is made by reinforcing all stress points with bar tacking, and this greatly improves its longevity. This solid construction alone proves that you’re getting more than your money’s worth.
And it doesn’t end there. This lightweight daypack also has breathable mesh padding that offers unparalleled ventilation for your back and shoulders. This keeps you cool and comfortable, even when you’re hiking in deserts or trails during the peak of summer.
All things considered, the Fengdong 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Daypack is the perfect lightweight daypack for the hiker who’s on a budget. With impressive features and fun colors to choose from, you won’t regret this purchase.
Pros
- It is very affordable.
- Users have 8 fun colors to choose from.
- It has padded shoulder straps.
- It comes with breathable mesh lining for superior comfort.
- It offers decent water resistance.
Cons
- Some users report issues with zippers.
- It is not very durable.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
The final contender for the lightweight category is the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack. This fun backpack is perfect for the stylish traveler who’s looking for a small yet functional daypack.
We weren’t kidding when we said it was meant for the stylish traveler. With 15 color options to choose from, you can surely hike and travel in style with this bag as your companion. It also has a sleek yet minimalist design that will surely turn heads wherever you go.
But aside from its aesthetics, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack has a 20-liter capacity that’s more than enough for a day’s hike. It can even fit small gadgets to keep you entertained during your adventure.
To keep all your valuables safe, this backpack is made from 210D nylon that’s known for both durability and water-resistance. Even if it starts to drizzle in the middle of your hike, you don’t have to worry about the water seeping into the material easily. And that gives you peace of mind.
Despite its limited capacity, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack was designed to maximize its space. Aside from mesh side pockets, it also has a multi-function interior sleeve that you can use for your tablet or hydration reservoir.
You don’t have to worry about post-hike back pain, either. Thanks to its mesh-covered die-cut foam, you get superior backside cushioning without compromising on airflow. This keeps you feeling cool even after a long hike.
All things considered, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack is the perfect hiking companion for light packers who love an adventure.
Pros
- It offers excellent water resistance.
- The back panel is padded.
- It offers excellent backside ventilation.
- It is made of durable materials.
- Users can choose between 15 fun and stylish color options.
Cons
- The design is not recommended for petite users.
- Some users report issues with poor compartment layout.
Best Ultralight Daypack Reviews
To be the best ultralight daypack, it has to have a solid construction, comfortable to carry, and should keep all our belongings safe and secure. These are the top ultralight daypacks that made it to the cut.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
When it comes to the best ultralight daypacks, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is always included on the list. With its durable construction and foldable design, it’s easy to see why it deserves the top spot on this list.
Weighing only 2.4 ounces or 68 grams, there’s no doubt that this daypack falls within this category. But despite its unassuming weight, it contains features that put other backpacks to shame.
It is made of high-strength nylon fabric that’s known for its toughness and durability. And as if that’s not enough, the brand further puts the material through a siliconization process that improves its overall quality. This is the secret to why the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is so durable.
Aside from tear-resistance, this ultralight daypack also offers water resistance of up to 2000 millimeters. You know all your gadgets and valuables are safe, even if it starts to rain unexpectedly.
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack has a simple design that allows it to look great with anything. Whether you’re planning to go on a hike or simply exploring a new city, you can’t go wrong with this daypack.
But perhaps one of the best features of the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is how it packs down to a tiny plush-like item that can easily fit inside luggage, purses, or even large pockets! This feature undoubtedly makes it the best lightweight daypack for travel.
All things considered, this ultralight daypack is great for all kinds of hikers and travelers. It’s portable, tough, and incredibly protective – making it the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. And for the price, you’re definitely getting more than its value.
Pros
- It is foldable.
- It offers impressive water resistance.
- The low-profile design makes it comfortable.
- It is made of durable and tear-resistant materials.
Cons
- The material wrinkles easily.
Naturehike Rainproof Ultralight Foldable Lightweight Packable Backpack
Another top contender for the best ultralight daypack is the Naturehike Rainproof Ultralight Foldable Lightweight Packable Backpack. This daypack has a luxurious vibe that makes it hard to believe how affordable it really is.
This stylish daypack has a large main pocket that’s big enough to carry all your travel essentials. It comes in 18-liter and 25-liter variants, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs.
Aside from its main pocket, it also comes with mesh pockets that allow you to easily access a water bottle or an umbrella without opening the entire bag. And for superior organization, you’ll surely love its multiple compartments.
The Naturehike Rainproof Ultralight Foldable Lightweight Packable Backpack is made from premium ripstop-nylon material that offers decent water resistance while maintaining its lightweight build. This assures you that it’s not made of materials that can be easily torn down when it gets snagged between thorns or branches.
Overall, the Naturehike Rainproof Ultralight Foldable Lightweight Packable Backpack is the best lightweight daypack for adventure-seekers on a budget. It also makes for a great entry-level daypack for those who are only starting to enjoy the great outdoors.
Pros
- Users can choose between two sizes and three colors.
- Offers large main storage with several pockets for better organization.
- It is very stylish.
- It is very affordable.
Cons
- The material is very thin.
- It does not offer excellent water resistance.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
And finally, we have the uber-stylish Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. but aside from its impressive design and aesthetics, there’s more to this bag than what meets the eyes.
First, it is made of ripstop-nylon material that’s known for unparalleled durability and water resistance. So even if you get splashed on or when it starts to rain, you don’t have to worry about the water damaging your valuables.
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack has a maximum capacity of 18 liters, which is a decent size for all light packers. To help make the most of the limited space, this daypack also has mesh side pockets where you can put hiking gear, umbrella, or water bottles for easier access.
But perhaps our favorite feature of this daypack is its Airmesh harness. This feature improves the air circulation along the harness so you wouldn’t feel hot even after hiking for a long time. Since it helps keep you feeling cool and comfortable, you can enjoy longer hikes to make the most of your adventure.
For unparalleled comfort, style, and functionality, there’s no doubt that the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack deserves to be in our top picks.
Pros
- It is comfortable.
- It has a spacious interior.
- It offers decent water resistance.
- It folds into a small bag when not in use.
Cons
- The material is not very durable.
- Some users report issues with the zippers.
If you’re also looking for hiking daypacks for Women, just click here.
You may also have a look at Urban Daypacks.
How to Choose a Lightweight Daypack?
If you find yourself still torn between these options, here are some pointers to help you choose the best lightweight daypack for you.
Material of a Daypack
The most important factor to look into is the material used in its construction. Hiking will expose you to a lot of external factors, so you have to make sure that your valuables won’t be exposed to them.
As much as possible, pick a lightweight daypack made of thick and durable materials. This assures you that even if it gets caught between branches and other sharp objects, it won’t easily rip open.
Also, choose a bag that has water-resistant or waterproof materials. So even when it rains, you don’t have to worry about getting your gadgets wet.
Capacity of a Daypack
The next factor to consider is the capacity of the daypack.
These convenient bags are designed to come in different shapes and sizes. With that said, it’s only natural that some of them be smaller than the others and thereby offering limited storage capacity.
But a limited capacity is not always bad. If you’re on vacation and would like to traverse a nearby trail for an afternoon hike, a small daypack is the most convenient. On the other hand, if you love camping out, the best pick would be a large-capacity yet lightweight daypack.
Again, it all depends on what you’re planning to use it for. This helps you make sure that you pick the bag that best suits your lifestyle.
Other Storages of a Daypack
Aside from the main storage space, you should also check if the bag offers pockets and other clips where you can connect your hiking gear or water bottles. This comes in handy when you have a lot of essentials to pack for your day with nature.
Weight of a Daypack
Since we’re talking about the best lightweight daypack, it’s only natural to look into how much it weighs.
For the lightweight category, the bag should not be heavier than 8.82 ounces or 250 grams. And for the ultra-lightweight category, your bag should not exceed 3.53 ounces or 100 grams.
This is important when it comes to buying daypacks for hiking because you don’t need the extra bag weight to weigh you down. A heavy bag will only tire you out easily, so it’s best to look for a lightweight alternative.
Comfortness of a Daypack
Comfort is another important factor to consider.
As much as possible, go for the bag that has padded straps that are adjustable to ensure a snug fit. If you want a high-capacity daypack, it should have a padded back area as well for maximum comfort.
Daypacks with mesh lining also have improved airflow. Bear in mind that improved ventilation will make you feel cool and comfortable, allowing you to stay energized to enjoy the view after a long journey. This comes in handy if you love to hike in hot and humid areas.
Foldability of a Daypack
For the occasional hiker, a foldable daypack is your best bet. These daypacks fold into pocket-sized pieces that you can conveniently keep in storage when you’re not using it.
Alternatively, a foldable or packable daypack can be easily stowed inside your luggage. This allows you to explore the sights of a new city without dragging a large suitcase or backpack around.
But again, it all depends on your travel or hiking style. Some daypacks are built with lightweight metal frames that provide excellent lumbar support. These may not always be foldable, so it’s important to assess whether you need this feature or not.
Final Thoughts
Hiking should be a memorable experience. To make sure that you fully enjoy it, it’s best to invest in the best lightweight daypack to secure all your valuables in one place – but minus the strain on your shoulders.
With the many options available, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the perfect one. Fortunately, we already cut down the list to make the search easier for you.
All of the items we’ve listed are tested to withstand harsh outdoor conditions to help you thrive and enjoy the moment without worries. You can trust us to provide you with top-quality recommendations that are worth the money.
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