Looking for a reliable small daypacks for hiking in 2025? You’re not alone. With so many models available today, it’s easy to get lost—especially when descriptions are vague or customer reviews are all over the place. That’s why we decided to sort things out. Not by claiming to know everything, but by analyzing what sells well, what real users say, and what’s worth your attention both on paper and in practice. Our goal isn’t to drown you in technical details, but to guide you toward the best possible choices—without wasting hours comparing on your own. In short, a practical and hopefully useful guide.
PACKABLE: This hiking backpack can be folded in just a few simple steps. And it is very lightweight and suitable for men and women seeking a small hiking backpack to carry all light-hiking essentials on a short trip.The small travel backpack is packable and can be easily stored in a suitcase or other luggage
ULTRALIGHT：SKYSPER backpack is a small collapsible backpack with a capacity of 12L, the ultralight backpack is mainly made of polyester, which is ultralight and built to last. Polyester cloth construction has good wear resistance and water resistance and its strength will not be lost when stretched and folded hard
FUNCTIONALITY: The hiking daypacks feature two zipped compartments, a large main compartment with internal pockets and layered lining, and a front zipped compartment with a large opening, providing ample storage and organization potential. The front stretch cords add even more storage options, while the net pockets on both sides can hold water bottles, umbrellas, and other items for easy access at any time
HUMANIZED DESIGN: Our foldable backpack is scientifically designed to enhanced comfort, with smooth zippers. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure you can locate the perfect fit and improve the comfort of the small backpack. And the reflective strips are designed to make your night trip safer
MULTI-PURPOSE: This lightweight hiking backpack is suitable for short-distance trips, weekend trips, city day trips, daytime hiking, cycling, travel and other outdoor endeavor. If you like outdoor travel and like to travel light, the water resistant backpack will make an excellent and truly streamlined hiking companion for your travel
Spacious and Organized: Measuring 16.9*10.8*4.7 inches, this 15l hiking backpack features multiple compartments for easy packing and organization. The large main compartment with a wide opening makes it convenient to pack your travel essentials. Additionally, small hiking backpack includes 3 zippered pockets and a hidden back pocket. Two side mesh pockets (7.5 inches high) offer additional storage options for various items.
Enhanced Comfort with Upgraded Chest Strap: Designed for leisurely hiking, this hiking daypack prioritizes comfort with an added chest strap equipped with a safety whistle. This feature alleviates strain during travel, ensuring stability and reducing the burden on your shoulders. The chest strap is detachable for convenience, allowing you to stow the lightweight backpack away when not in use.
Compact and Portable Folding Design: With dimensions of 7.9 * 6.7 inches when folded, this packable backpack emphasizes convenience and the benefits of its foldable design. After folding, the foldable backpack can easily fit into your luggage or car's backseat, serving as a handy backup backpack for your travels.
Lightweight and Sturdy: Weighing approximately 0.75lb, this lightweight travel backpack boasts a strong polyester fabric that is resistant to abrasion and tearing. The smooth and reliable SBS zippers ensure easy opening and closing, while reinforced handles and stitching provide added durability. These meticulous details contribute to a superior and comfortable user experience.
Versatile Usage: This lightweight hiking backpack is suitable for a variety of scenarios including leisure activities, travel, day trips, park outings, strolls, and commuting. However, please note that due to factors such as lighting conditions, the actual color of the collapsible backpack may vary slightly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
High-quality & Ultra-light: Weight only 0.6LB, this small hiking backpack constructed with high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric, keeping your belongings safe and dry whether you're hiking, traveling, or commuting. This foldable hiking backpack is lightweight but long-lasting.
Multi-compartmnet: Featuring 4 spacious zippered compartments and a front elastic bungee cord system, this breathable backpack offers ample room and organized storage for all your essentials. Easily access and secure your gear, from electronics to clothing, making everything safe and has its place.
Compact & Convenient: Designed for maximum convenience, the small packable bag folds into its own pocket, transforming into an ultra-compact size that’s perfect for storage in any suitcase or drawer. Take it anywhere and unfold it whenever you need extra carrying capacity.
Adjustable & Breathable: Equipped with breathable mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap, this small hiking backpack provides superior comfort and support. The ergonomic design ensures weight distribution, reducing strain sweat on your shoulders and back during long journeys.
Versatile & Stylish: Whether you're an avid traveler, a student, or someone who loves outdoor adventures, this small lightweight foldable backpack suits every occasion. Its sleek design and functional features make it the perfect companion for any lifestyle.
How to choose a good small daypacks for hiking?
On the surface, choosing a small daypacks for hiking seems simple. But once you dig in, it gets more complicated. Between technical differences, unfamiliar brands, and unclear features, it’s better to ask the right questions:
Usage: Will you use it daily or only occasionally? That heavily influences the right model.
Budget: No need to go for the most expensive one right away. What matters is the value for money.
Key factors:
Durability, build quality, lifespan
Truly useful features (not just marketing buzz)
User reviews, especially after weeks or months
Availability of customer service in case of issues
We’ve cross-checked multiple sources: Amazon data, detailed reviews, search trends… and a bit of intuition too—because numbers don’t tell the whole story. This mix allows us to build our ranking, which we update regularly. The goal isn’t to just list names but to guide you toward what truly works.
PACKABLE: This hiking backpack can be folded in just a few simple steps. And it is very lightweight and suitable for men and women seeking a small hiking backpack to carry all light-hiking essentials on a short trip.The small travel backpack is packable and can be easily stored in a suitcase or other luggage
ULTRALIGHT：SKYSPER backpack is a small collapsible backpack with a capacity of 12L, the ultralight backpack is mainly made of polyester, which is ultralight and built to last. Polyester cloth construction has good wear resistance and water resistance and its strength will not be lost when stretched and folded hard
FUNCTIONALITY: The hiking daypacks feature two zipped compartments, a large main compartment with internal pockets and layered lining, and a front zipped compartment with a large opening, providing ample storage and organization potential. The front stretch cords add even more storage options, while the net pockets on both sides can hold water bottles, umbrellas, and other items for easy access at any time
HUMANIZED DESIGN: Our foldable backpack is scientifically designed to enhanced comfort, with smooth zippers. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure you can locate the perfect fit and improve the comfort of the small backpack. And the reflective strips are designed to make your night trip safer
MULTI-PURPOSE: This lightweight hiking backpack is suitable for short-distance trips, weekend trips, city day trips, daytime hiking, cycling, travel and other outdoor endeavor. If you like outdoor travel and like to travel light, the water resistant backpack will make an excellent and truly streamlined hiking companion for your travel
Spacious and Organized: Measuring 16.9*10.8*4.7 inches, this 15l hiking backpack features multiple compartments for easy packing and organization. The large main compartment with a wide opening makes it convenient to pack your travel essentials. Additionally, small hiking backpack includes 3 zippered pockets and a hidden back pocket. Two side mesh pockets (7.5 inches high) offer additional storage options for various items.
Enhanced Comfort with Upgraded Chest Strap: Designed for leisurely hiking, this hiking daypack prioritizes comfort with an added chest strap equipped with a safety whistle. This feature alleviates strain during travel, ensuring stability and reducing the burden on your shoulders. The chest strap is detachable for convenience, allowing you to stow the lightweight backpack away when not in use.
Compact and Portable Folding Design: With dimensions of 7.9 * 6.7 inches when folded, this packable backpack emphasizes convenience and the benefits of its foldable design. After folding, the foldable backpack can easily fit into your luggage or car's backseat, serving as a handy backup backpack for your travels.
Lightweight and Sturdy: Weighing approximately 0.75lb, this lightweight travel backpack boasts a strong polyester fabric that is resistant to abrasion and tearing. The smooth and reliable SBS zippers ensure easy opening and closing, while reinforced handles and stitching provide added durability. These meticulous details contribute to a superior and comfortable user experience.
Versatile Usage: This lightweight hiking backpack is suitable for a variety of scenarios including leisure activities, travel, day trips, park outings, strolls, and commuting. However, please note that due to factors such as lighting conditions, the actual color of the collapsible backpack may vary slightly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
High-quality & Ultra-light: Weight only 0.6LB, this small hiking backpack constructed with high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric, keeping your belongings safe and dry whether you're hiking, traveling, or commuting. This foldable hiking backpack is lightweight but long-lasting.
Multi-compartmnet: Featuring 4 spacious zippered compartments and a front elastic bungee cord system, this breathable backpack offers ample room and organized storage for all your essentials. Easily access and secure your gear, from electronics to clothing, making everything safe and has its place.
Compact & Convenient: Designed for maximum convenience, the small packable bag folds into its own pocket, transforming into an ultra-compact size that’s perfect for storage in any suitcase or drawer. Take it anywhere and unfold it whenever you need extra carrying capacity.
Adjustable & Breathable: Equipped with breathable mesh shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap, this small hiking backpack provides superior comfort and support. The ergonomic design ensures weight distribution, reducing strain sweat on your shoulders and back during long journeys.
Versatile & Stylish: Whether you're an avid traveler, a student, or someone who loves outdoor adventures, this small lightweight foldable backpack suits every occasion. Its sleek design and functional features make it the perfect companion for any lifestyle.
【Lightweight Durability】： Weighing in at just 300g (0.66lb), our 10l small hiking backpack is the epitome of lightweight durability. The SBS smooth zippers and reinforced stitching on shoulder straps and handle ensure lasting reliability.
【Foldable and Easy to Carry】: Foldable and easy to carry, does not take up space. The foldable design adds a layer of convenience for those on the go, making it easy to stow away or carry when not in use.
【Spacious and Organized】：With a 10L capacity, 4 zippered pockets, and 2 side mesh pockets for travel essentials like a 500ml water bottle or umbrella, this lightweight hiking backpack is designed to meet all your organizational needs.
【Versatile Scenarios】：Perfect for hiking, day trips, outdoor, daily commutes, city explorations, parks, and as a backup bag. The packable travel daypack adapts seamlessly to various scenarios.
【Dedicated After-Sales Support】：Backed by reliable after-sales service, your satisfaction is our priority. Enjoy peace of mind throughout your journeys with our commitment to excellent customer support.
Lightweight Small Backpack: This packable super lightweight travel backpack only weighs 0.6 lbs but has a capacity of 10 litres, allows you to pack some smaller essentials with you. Suitable for light duty-on used. You can carry 1L water bottle, some snacks, and a hat,etc. Holds a lot without being too oversized and bulky
Foldable Trip Daypack: Packs up super small. The folded size is only 6.7inch x 7inch. You can pack the entire backpack into a small bag like the size of a pencil pouch. A nice small backpack that can be used for daily excursions and easily fits in luggage,carry-ons or suitcases. It's your perfect trip companion across Europe, the USA, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Korea, France, Argentina,etc
Well Constructed: Everything was easily accessible. The hidden back pocket is a pretty secure place to store wallet to prevent pickpocketing. The vertical zipper pocket at the front allows you to easily retrieve items without taking off your backpack. Reflective strip design increases night security. Two side pockets can hold water bottles with a diameter of 2.4"
Well Made & Sturdy: 10l packable compact backpack for travel is made from highly rip fabric to provide strengthen and long-lasting performance with minimal weight. Simple backpack for daily use or trips. If you’re looking for a light little hiking pack this is the one
Widely Used: The ultralight hiking daypack is good for a comfortable overseas plane trip, day city excursion, day hiking, weekend getaway and daily use,etc. It's a gift for men women on xmas, Thanksgiving, Father's Day, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day, perfect for short hikes, work-home commutes and running errands
Lightweight Small Daypack: Only weighs 0.7 lbs but has a capacity of 10 liters, packable small travel backpack allows you to easily pack daily essentials. The small backpack can be folded into a clutch when not in use. Folded size: 7.4 inches x 6.7 inches. A true space saver.
Day Hike Backpack: This 10l backpack for hiking features one large opening main compartment that offers a large capacity, a kangaroo pouch for more space, a vertical zipper front pocket for easy access, a back hidden pocket for valuable safe and two side pockets that's convenient for holding water bottles and umbrellas. Well constructed yet super light.
Superior Material: The packable compact backpack is made with high tear and water-resistant fabric and top-quality SBS zippers provides extra strength and long-lasting performance. Reflective strip design increases night security. Day backpack for daily use or short trips.
User-friendly Design: The lightweight day pack is designed to meet the needs of users. SKYSPER R&D professionals consider the function of loading, anti-theft, easy access, durable, and chic looking of the backpack for men women. It's a casual daypack backpack that's versatile and fashionable.
Best Travel Companion: The small hiking daypack is comfortable for overseas plane trips, day city excursions, day hiking, weekend getaway and daily use, etc. It holds a lot without being too oversized and bulky, perfect to carry around.
FOLDABLE SMALL RUCKSACK: The travel daypack accessories set include 2 pcs lightweight packable back pack, ideal for camping, hiking, day trips, school, shopping, outdoor trips, short hikes, fishing, skiing and more
WATERPROOF BACKPACK: Quality waterproof polyester is the main fabric of casual daypack for women and men, which can protect the items in the collapsible backpack from getting wet, making it suitable for light rainy trips
ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER STRAP: This travel backpack features adjustable, thickened breathable shoulder straps that help relieve shoulder pressure, prevents you from putting too much pressure on your shoulders, ensuring comfort
LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK: This mini backpack folds easily and neatly into a compact, sandwich-sized pouch, which is easy to carry, easily pack it in your suitcase and backpack, can also be a carry-on storage bag on the plane
COMPANION FOR OUTDOOR: This packable travel daypack adapts seamlessly to various scenarios, is the perfect companion for a one-day hiking, international trip at the airport, cycling and any outdoor activities
BREATHABLE AND ERGONOMIC: The shoulder straps and back are both made of mesh hollowed out thick pads which can reduce sweating for extra comfort. The breathable grooved carrying system keeps your back comfortable and relaxed during travel. Our backpacks are designed so that you can lighten the burden on your back during a hiking or a trip.
WATER-RESISTANT AND DURABLE: SKYSPER 20l Hiking Backpack is made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, which is water-resistant, tear resistant and wear-resistant. All of the backpack's stress points and shoulder straps are reinforced with lap-knots to ensure long lasting durability.
SAFETY DESIGN: The small daypack comes with an outdoor emergency rescue guide providing additional safety information for lovers of the outdoors. The reflective design also increases visibility, making it safer at night. It comes with safety whistle, making it the perfect hiking backpack for outdoor activities.
ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE STRAP SYSTEM: The 20L day backpack also features detachable straps and an adjustable chest strap, allowing it to meet the requirements of a variety of situations. The hiking daypack is designed to have convenient trekking pole fixtures. Open front-end plugins can also be adapted to different hiking gear and multi-functional extensions.
WIDELY USED & UNIQUE APPEARANCE: The women hiking day pack is good for a comfortable overseas plane trip, day city excursion, day hiking, weekend getaway and daily use,etc. Holds a lot without being too oversized and bulky. It is perfect for short hikes, work-home commutes and doing errands. The BOGDA20 day hike backpack is the perfect combination of function and fashion, with a simple and smooth design featuring detachable elastic band on the front panel and contrasting embroidery.
Spacious & Organized: This foldable hiking backpack men boasts a generous 20-liter capacity, 1 front elastic rope bag and 4 zipper pockets, providing ample and multi-functional space to store your belongings. From outdoor adventures to daily commutes, this backpack has got you covered.
Comfortable & Adjustable: Designed with your comfort in mind, our packable daypack women features adjustable breathable shoulder straps customized to fit your body perfectly. The detachable chest strap adds extra stability and distributes weight.
Lightweight & longlasting: Constructed from high-quality materials, the 20L foldable back pack is both lightweight and durable. It withstands rugged use while keeping you light on your feet, making it an ideal choice for any adventure.
Compact & Foldable: When not in use, this small travel backpacks can be easily folded into a compact size, making it convenient to store and carry. It’s a space-saving solution perfect for travelers who need flexibility and efficiency.
Versatile & Stylish: With its sleek design and practical features, the hiking backpack small is suitable for a variety of activities. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the city, or just running errands, this backpack combines functionality with modern style.
SELECTED MATERIALS: Our carefully crafted outdoor sports backpack is made of comfortable and soft quality fabrics, which brings you a soft touch and lightweight experience. SBS zippers make you feel smooth with every pull. The unique elasticated drawstring design provides both practical functionality and some fashionable elements to the backpack. We also pay special attention to every detail with multiple reinforced seams to ensure the backpack is durable
ENOUGH SPACE: The 12L main compartment is large enough to accommodate your daily needs, with an additional compartment inside the main compartment that can hold up to a 13" computer. The simplified design of the front compartment retains basic storage for your smaller items. The enough space won't force you to leave something important behind
COMFORTABLE: We understand the exhaustion of carrying for long time and have designed it for enhanced comfort. The padded back cushion is designed to provide extra cushioning and reduce back pressure. The shoulder straps are made of thickened, breathable material that conforms to the curve of your shoulders, distributing the weight and reducing the burden on your shoulders. The adjustable sternum strap increases the stability of the backpack and ensures it is suitable for every body shapes
MULTI-SCENARIO: Whether you're outdoors or walking around the city, this outdoor sports backpack is the choice. Its functionality makes it easy to carry your essentials on hiking, mountaineering, cycling or urban adventures. In addition, its design allows the backpack to fit seamlessly into your every lifestyle, whether it's for work, school, or a little weekend getaway
OUR MISSION: WATERFLY is committed to building every product with heart and soul, and providing excellent service to users. We hope that through our products, all users can feel the fun of sports and enjoy life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best small daypacks for hiking? It depends on your needs, but the top 3 products are generally the most balanced options.
How do I maintain it properly? It varies by model. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (yes, reading the manual is worth it).
Where to buy it with confidence? Amazon remains a solid choice: wide selection, easy returns, and tons of user reviews—hard to beat.
Do I need a big-name brand? Not necessarily. Lesser-known brands can be surprisingly good, with well-designed products that rival top names—at a lower cost. Don’t overlook them just because the name is unfamiliar.
What are the most common pitfalls? A super low price might be tempting but could signal major compromises (build quality, reliability, nonexistent support…). Also beware of product pages with no reviews or vague comments. Spend a few minutes reading real feedback—this is often where the most valuable info is.
How is our ranking built?
We don’t claim to have a magic formula. In reality, it’s a blend of data—ratings, sales volume, review frequency—and observation. We watch for recurring themes in reviews, compare search trends, and yes, sometimes rely on our gut feeling. A great product isn’t just numbers. Our ranking aims to balance all of that: data, common sense, and a lot of time spent checking.
We analyze scores, sales frequency, genuine reviews (not just stars), and current search trends. Each model is rated using a consistent set of criteria. While it’s not perfect, it helps us stay fair and consistent. And we update our lists often, because products evolve—and so do we.
Why trust Topelio?
Topelio is an independent website—we don’t sell these products and we’re not tied to any brand. What drives us is clarity and usefulness. We aim to produce practical, readable, honest content. Our rankings are based on public data, complemented by our own experience. No shady partnerships or biased recommendations—just a genuine effort to save you time, and maybe money too.
Thanks for taking the time to read this guide. Choosing a small daypacks for hiking might seem trivial, but it’s often more complicated than expected. Too many options, unclear product pages, and marketing promises that don’t help… That’s why we aimed to create a simple but solid comparison. With practical info, useful tips, and most importantly—a ranking based on reality. Take time to compare, read more reviews if needed, and choose based on your own priorities. What works for someone else might not be ideal for you. If this guide helped you, feel free to explore our other articles. We always try to add real value—without wasting your time. See you soon on Topelio.
