Hiking is a fun and exciting way to stay connected with nature. And if you’re an avid hiker, you know how important it is to invest in a good daypack to carry all your essentials in.
While there are hundreds – if not thousands – of hiking daypacks in the market, it’s quite tricky to find a good one that’s specially designed for women. Most of these bulky bags are too heavy, making them harder to hike with.
If you’re one of the women struggling to find the best women’s daypack for hiking, then today’s your lucky day. Here, we’ll introduce you to six of the best hiking daypacks for women, along with an informative buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Quick Look of Top 6 Women’s Daypack For Hiking
Best Women’s Daypack For Hiking
After scrutiny of different women’s daypacks that are suitable for hiking, we’ve narrowed them down to six options to help save you time. Here are our reviews of the top 6 best women’s daypack for hiking.
1. Kelty Women’s Redwing 40 Backpack
First on our list is the Kelty Women’s Redwing 40 Backpack. If you’re looking for a large-capacity backpack that doesn’t feel as bulky, then this daypack is perfect for you.
This 40-liter backpack is a smaller version of the Kelty Redwing – famous for its premium construction and unparalleled design. The only difference between the original Redwing and the Redwing 40 is the capacity since the latter only has a maximum capacity of 40 liters.
Nevertheless, it did not skimp on all the other features. It similarly uses durable materials for unparalleled back support and suspension. It has an HDPE frame sheet coupled with LightBeam aluminum stays that keeps the shape of the bag without hurting your back.
Speaking of keeping your back from hurting, it has a padded and ventilated back panel to ensure cushioning for maximum comfort. For a snug fit, the shoulder straps and waist belt are adjustable to make sure that you get it down to your appropriate size. And if you feel like the waist belt is limiting your movement, don’t worry – it’s completely removable.
Another feature we love about the Kelty Women’s Redwing 40 Backpack is how spacious it is. Of course, you expect that from a 40-liter backpack, but its multiple compartments make it feel like you can fit in so much more.
It has an easy-access sleeve that you can use for your laptop or as a hydration port. It also has water bottle pockets, an interior slip, and 7 interior zips. This guarantees that all your belongings will be properly organized.
All things considered, the Kelty Women’s Redwing 40 Backpack is the best women’s daypack for hiking, especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you factor in all of its features, it’s hard to believe how affordable it is.
Pros
- It is made for premium and durable materials.
- It is comfortable.
- It is spacious and offers easy organization.
- Offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Some users report issues with the straps.
2. Osprey Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
Another top contender for the best women’s daypack for hiking is the Osprey Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack.
This stylish daypack is designed to guarantee superior comfort. It boasts an adjustable AirSpeed Suspension system that keeps the weight off of your back to help you hike longer. This greatly reduces any post-hike muscle pain, making you look forward to your next adventure.
Also, this unique suspension system supports an improved airflow along your back and sides, making you feel cool and comfortable throughout your adventure. And since it only weighs a little over 2 pounds, hiking won’t be a problem with this daypack.
The Osprey Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack has a dedicated compartment where you can mount your 2.5-liter hydration reservoir. You can easily use it with Osprey hydration reservoirs, so you don’t have to worry about running out of water. This comes in handy during long hikes on hot summer days.
We must also add that this daypack comes with multiple compartments that are strategically placed for better organization. It has a front mesh pocket where you can keep items that you need to get a hold of easily, so you don’t have to open the zippers of the main compartment. This is ideal for keeping umbrellas or jackets that you can easily grab while you’re hiking.
Speaking of easy access, it also has two zippered pockets along the hip belt. You can use it to securely keep your valuables – or you can use it for quick-access snacking.
It also has several loops and tie-offs where you can attach various equipment – whether for trekking complicated terrain or ice tools for winter hiking. This feature guarantees that the Osprey Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack allows you to conquer different terrain – making it the best women’s daypack for travel.
And to keep all your items safe from the rain, you can always use the integrated rain cover. It can be easily attached to the daypack in case of unexpected rain showers and can be removed just as easily.
Thus, there’s no doubt that the Osprey Mira 22 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack is your go-to daypack for hassle-free travels.
Pros
- It includes a rain cover.
- It is made of premium and durable materials.
- Very comfortable.
- It offers excellent storage and organization.
- Looks very stylish.
- It offers the best value for the money.
Cons
- As of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
3. Gregory Mountain Products Jade Women’s Hiking Daypack
Another top contender for the best women’s daypack for travel is the Gregory Mountain Products Jade Women’s Hiking Daypack. Equally stylish with multiple colors to choose from, there’s no doubt that this daypack can take your next adventure to the next level.
This daypack has a 28-liter capacity, making it ideal for a day of hiking or for an overnight trip for light packers. It also features multiple compartments, so all your belongings can be fully organized. With this bag, you know where each item is located for easier access.
And speaking of easy access, the Gregory Mountain Products Jade Women’s Hiking Daypack is designed with a convenient front U-zip access, and this large opening is ideal for fast packing and unpacking.
We also love that it has belt pockets, hip belt pockets, and adjustable attachment loops where you can have easy access to all your valuables. It is even designed with a dedicated sunglasses compartment to make sure that you’re still traveling in style.
But our favorite feature of the Gregory Mountain Products Jade Women’s Hiking Daypack has to be its Freefloat Dynamic Suspension System. This feature allows the bag to move along with your body, giving you unparalleled comfort even after long hikes.
Pros
- A rain cover is already included.
- It fits most carry-on dimensions for travel.
- It has a dedicated hydration port.
- It is comfortable.
- Offers multiple pockets for excellent organization.
- It is made of durable materials.
- It offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- As of writing, there are no negative reviews of this daypack.
4. Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Hiking Backpack
The most lightweight item on this list is the Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Hiking Backpack. But despite its lightweight construction, this backpack is tough enough to endure your adventures with you.
At only 0.64 pounds, there’s no doubt that this is an ultralight daypack that’s sure to make the hike comfortable. It has a maximum capacity of 20 liters, making it ideal for hiking and short-term travels.
While a 20-liter capacity may seem too small for some hikers, this daypack can surely compete with larger alternatives. It comes with multiple compartments that can keep all your valuables in place, making sure that the bag’s interior won’t be a mess after a long hike.
It even has easy-access pockets and attachment loops where you can attach all your emergency hiking gear. So even if it’s petite, it’s certainly as tough as all the other hiking backpacks.
The Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Hiking Backpack is also designed for superior comfort. The back panel has a padded Airscape mesh pattern that provides cushioning and superior ventilation to keep you cool even after a long trek.
Aside from the padded back panel, it also has a mesh-covered harness and hip belt that’s adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. This fastens the bag securely onto your torso while also balancing out the weight for superior unparalleled comfort.
Pros
- It is lightweight.
- It offers excellent backside ventilation.
- It has a large dedicated hydration sleeve.
- It is made of premium and durable materials.
- It offers multiple compartments for easy organization.
Cons
- It is designed for those with petite to medium-sized frames.
5. Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack
The Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack is another hiking daypack that you might want to consider. If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable daypack, this is the one for you.
This 24-liter backpack has a spacious interior that’s perfect for daytime hiking and trekking. It has easy-access pockets that allow you to access your belongings without opening the main compartment, so you can reach your destination faster. It even has a large internal hydration sleeve that can fit a reservoir of up to 3 liters, making sure that you’re properly hydrated throughout the hike.
The Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack, like all Osprey hiking daypacks, comes with the Airspeed Suspension system that guarantees comfort and superior ventilation thanks to its tensioned mesh back panel. It is also highly adjustable to make sure that you end up with a snug fit for maximum comfort.
All things considered, the many compartments on the Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack make it a great hiking daypack. And at only 2.38 pounds, you don’t have to worry about any extra weight pulling your shoulders down.
Pros
- A rain cover is already included.
- It offers excellent backside ventilation.
- It is made from premium and durable materials.
- It is very stylish.
- It offers multiple compartments and loops for easy storage and organization.
Cons
- It is designed for petite to medium frames, and taller women may find it uncomfortable.
6. Gregory Mountain Products Jade 28 Liter Women’s Backpack
The Gregory Mountain Products Jade 28 Liter Women’s Backpack boasts having the most women-specific design. And with that said, you can expect superior fit and comfort from this daypack.
This 28-liter hiking backpack offers a spacious design that allows you to take all your hiking essentials in one place. It has a large compartment that allows for convenient packing and unpacking. This is paired with multiple smaller compartments to keep all your valuables accessible and highly organized.
Thanks to its CrossFlo Suspension System, the Gregory Mountain Products Jade 28 Liter Women’s Backpack promises unparalleled comfort. It has an HDPE frame sheet that’s paired with anti-barreling stays to help retain the shape while balancing out the weight. Without a doubt, this will help you hike comfortably.
To secure the bag on your back, it comes with a mesh harness and hip belt. This offers impressive breathability, so you will still feel cool even after a long day of hiking. And if it rains unexpectedly during your trip, you can always take out the integrated rain cover to keep your valuables safe and dry.
Pros
- It is very comfortable.
- Comes with a rain cover.
- It offers easy access to items in the bag.
- It is very stylish.
- It has multiple compartments, attachment points, and security pockets.
Cons
- The size runs small.
- It is quite pricey.
If you are looking for lightweight daypacks, Click here.
Have a look at Urban Daypacks if you are interested.
How to Choose a Daypack for Women?
Now that you know which ones made it to our list of the best women’s daypack for hiking, we’re here to help you narrow down your options. Here are some of the factors you have to consider before you buy a daypack.
Capacity of a Women’s Daypack
One of the first factors you have to look into is the capacity of the daypack. Different bags have different capacities, and this will tell you how much stuff you can take with you on your adventure.
If you’re a light packer on a hiking trip for the day, a 20-liter daypack would suffice. But if you’re planning on an overnight trip, you would definitely need a bag that has a larger capacity.
Also, you should consider the gadgets you have to take with you. Make sure that the dimensions of the daypack will comfortably accommodate all of your gadgets. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting money on a daypack you won’t use as much.
Materials of a Women’s Daypack
Another important factor you have to consider is the material of the bag. This will tell you how durable and well-protected your valuables will be.
Bear in mind that hiking will expose your bag to several elements. It could get caught on a branch or any other sharp object which could cause it to rip open. Alternatively, it might rain unexpectedly during your hike.
In these situations, it’s best to have a bag that’s built to withstand all of these elements. Make sure that it is made of premium and thick material that won’t easily fall apart. It’s also a big advantage if you find one that offers decent water-resistance or waterproofing to make sure that all your valuables won’t be damaged in case of rain or splashes.
Also, take a look at all its components, like zippers and pockets. Make sure that they are also of premium quality to make sure that you’ll get the best value for the money.
Size of a Women’s Daypack
You should also consider the size of the bag. Previously, we’ve mentioned the capacity of the bag. However, it’s also important to look into the overall size of the bag.
Most hiking daypacks are designed for men with larger torso sizes, and this can be too heavy to carry. Not to mention, the waist straps may not exactly fall on our waists – and that makes it uncomfortable and inconvenient to use.
Since women have different sizes, make sure that the bag matches your size. In this way, you’ll get the best fit to ensure maximum comfort without limiting your movement.
Comfortness of a Women’s Daypack
By comfort, we mean that the bag should be padded and well-ventilated.
Most daypacks for hiking have padded shoulder straps that offer excellent cushioning, but the best women’s daypack for hiking has padded straps, waist straps, and back panels. This guarantees superior cushioning to ensure the utmost comfort.
But bear in mind that some padded materials tend to feel stuffy. Some manufacturers put mesh lining around the back panel or along its side to help improve air circulation. This keeps your back cool, allowing you to feel less exhausted during long hikes. This is very convenient especially when you’re planning to hike during the hot summer months.
Compartments of a Women’s Daypack
And finally, look into the compartments and gear holders that the backpack was designed with.
Undoubtedly, a bag with multiple compartments will help you stay organized – and not to mention, it will be easier for you to find certain items when you’re in a hurry.
If you love going on extreme adventures, some daypacks come with ties where you can attach poles for different sports activities. This will keep your equipment safe while also freeing your hands for better trekking.
Final Thoughts
Looking for the best women’s daypack for hiking may seem overwhelming, but you can easily cut the search short if you know where to find them.
As long as you take note of the factors listed in our buying guide, you’ll surely find the perfect hiking daypack that caters to your needs.
Always remember that a good daypack should be made of premium materials that will guarantee to protect all your valuables as you proceed with your adventure. But what makes it the best are the features that will help you take your hiking experience to the next level – and this varies from person to person.
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