5 Best Lightweight Daypack For Hiking

A daypack is meant to accommodate essentials or gear sufficient to cover your needs for a day hike. For your information, a day hike is a hike that runs for a single day. That aside, it is crucial to choose a daypack that is ultralight for several reasons. First, there is less work involved in carrying the luggage around. This transforms into more fun. Besides that, you are likely to cover more ground with a less bulky daypack. On top of that, your maneuverability is elevated by a light load. Lastly, ultralight models exempt you from back pain and injury that are synonymous with heavy packs. Let us unearth everything else about the best lightweight daypack for hiking.

Wait, before we go further, here are our comparison and reviews from our editor’s choice.

5 Best Lightweight Daypack For Hiking

IMAGE	BACKPACK	VOLUME &DIMENSION	BOTTOM LINE	PRICE
	Deuter Speed Lite 20 backpack4.5 out of 5	20L and  17 Ounces19″ x 10″ x 7″	Optimal Comfortable, Ultra-lightweight model, Ideal for mountaineering, Adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps,	Check Price
	Osprey Talon 22 Backpack4.5 out of 5	22L22″ x 10″ x 9″	Suitable to carry heavy weight, External loop for a trekking pole, Suitable for day hiking, Easy gear access, Lightweight model	Check Price
	Gregory Miwok 18 Daypack4.0 out of 5	18L 20″ x 10″ x 7″	Suitable for day hiking, Main compartment zippered, Expandable front pocket, Hip belt pockets, External side pockets,	Check Price
	Osprey Stratos 24 Backpack  4.0 out of 5	24L23.2″ x 9.8″ x 8.7″	Opulent, Easy gear access, Trekking pole attachment, Integrated rain cover, Feature-rich, long-lasting,	Check Price
	High Sierra Loop Backpack4.0 out of 5	33 L 19″ x 13″ x 8.5″	Separate hydration compartment, Front loading compartment, Padded waist belt, Comfortable, Durable,	Check Price

Image Source: Pexels

Lightweight  Daypacks Reviews:

1. Deuter Speed Lite 20

If you love to explore the great outdoors and you prefer to bring your favorite supplies along, you’ll find that investing in this Deuter backpack is a wise decision. It features a very light overall weight, so it won’t slow you down!

Of course, it is a very lightweight pack compared to the Deuter air contact 65 models. Perfect for those who run in the mountains, do ski tour racing, participate in cycling marathons, and take part in Nordic walking, this design is so versatile that it’s also a great choice for city folk who need to carry stuff from Point A to Point B.

Benefits of Deuter Speed Lite 20

As well, its upgraded silhouette is sleeker than ever, so you’ll love the way that this black-and-grey backpack looks.

Key advantages of this design include a tapered shape that allows arms to move freely and the fact that the backpack may be collapsed, folded, and packed. As well, its u-frame is crafted from flexible Delrin which has a good degree of tension, so it’s super-strong, without being stiff.

Every backpack has some drawbacks. This one was considered a bit too small for one buyer’s tastes, although this definitely wasn’t a common complaint. Another customer found that the straps were a little narrow.

Overall, this backpack really delivers. While it may not be as roomy as some, it can be taken for any adventure mountaineering without hassle.

In general, its streamlined shape promotes the ultimate in mobility and comfort.

PROS

• Superior construction
• Ideal for Minimalist
• Ventilated padded back panel

CONS

• Limited lifetime warranty

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2. Osprey Talon 22

This backpack is part of the beloved Talon Series and it is known for its lightweight and its exceptional performance. It’s a multi-sport pack that is comfortable to wear, while also being quite rugged. Available in two colors: Onyx Black and Avatar Blue.

Benefits of Osprey Talon 22

In 2014, the team at Osprey decided to update this model in order to ensure that it is better than ever before. The company made the backpack even lighter and also altered the design in order to promote greater comfort. These new updates are definitely key selling points for this model. However, the advantages don’t stop there!

When you choose this model, you’ll access buckles which are YKK styles with very low weights. As well, this backpack comes with a couple of zippered pockets on the hip belt, as well as an external sleeve for hydration. It’s available in a lot of different volumes, so there will be something to suit everyone.

Some customers found this backpack a little small, so it may not be right for everyone. Choosing the right volume size will be important.

This day backpack is quite affordable and practical and we give it high marks overall. 

In general, It’s not the fanciest design, but it gets the more job done.

PROS

• Lightweight design
• Superior osprey quality
• More pockets

CONS

• Currently not available on Amazon

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3. Gregory Miwok 18 

If you like to travel fast and light, you’ll appreciate the features of the attractive and practical Miwok 18 backpack from Gregory Mountain Products. This style is fairly compact and it has a simple design that is very pleasing to the eye. It’s a great pack for storing backpacking food, water, and extra clothes, so you’ll find it very useful during your outdoor treks, whether you’re on the hiking trails or right in the city.

Benefits of Gregory Mountain Products Miwok 18 Daypack

This reasonably-priced style has a lot of advantages, such as a front pocket that expands and allows the user to stash more items quickly (these extra items are very simple to access once they are stored). As well, it has wings on the side with compression features and these wings offer plenty of stability while hikers are moving downwards.

A few people have complained about the way that this knapsack’s back panel feels against their bodies. Most find the backpack very comfortable. However, a few people have found that it’s not a good fit for them.

If you want a simple backpack that has some bells and whistles and doesn’t cost a bundle, we recommend giving this style a try. It earns strong rankings overall because it’s durable, practical, and easy for most users to wear. As well, it comes from a respected brand name.

In general, this design is best suitable for day hiking and adventurous activities.

PROS

• Easy to haul
• More pockets
• Durable and fit for day hiking 

CONS

• Available in a single color
• Presently unavailable on Amazon

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4. Osprey Stratos 24

If you want to invest in a truly affordable backpack with modern style and plenty of sensible features, we recommend taking a closer look at the Stratos 24 from Osprey Packs. This design has some interesting upgrades which make it better than ever.

Lightweight and versatile

In terms of pros, this design is a daypack style that is ventilated and features a simplified fit. Choose from a couple of torso sizes in order to find what’s best for you. As well, this backpack has a better style and finer materials. This comfortable backpack is so easy to wear and it’s versatile also! It features a removable rain cover and dual outer pockets. Basically, it offers a lot of value for the money.

Spacious and comfortable

Overall, this design offers total comfort for a very appealing price. It’s not one of those super-expensive backpacks, but it does work very well for most, so we are pleased to recommend it here. The support frame, hip belt, compression strap, and generous AirSpeed suspension system work hand in hand to distribute weight hence making the load less bulky. 

Airspeed suspension

The airspeed suspension works to provide adequate ventilation and comfort through the back panel. Likewise, it allows for added adjustability and variation in torso length.

Cons

In terms of drawbacks, some customers who bought it wished that it had a better hydration system. However, most love the backpack and find it incredibly comfortable.

In general, the user can enjoy a comfortable backpacking experience at an affordable price. Actually, the Stratos 24 will surely exceed your expectations as it is a feature-rich daypack with a comfort-driven design.

PROS

• Easy gear organization
• Superior design and features
• Suitable for adventures

CONS

• Available in one color only
• Difficult to load

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5. High Sierra Loop Backpack

If you don’t have a lot of cash to spend on a new, lightweight backpack, you may want to consider this affordable design from High Sierra. It’s made by a trusted manufacturer and comes in four great colors, As well, it is equipped with features that give it plenty of bang for the buck.

Benefits of High Sierra 

Key selling points include a separate reservoir for hydration which will make it so easy to get at your supply of water when you want to have a drink. As well, the hydration system is free of BPS and it’s germ-resistant. Also, this backpack features a front-load primary compartment which is perfect for all sorts of gear. It also has an organizer pocket in the front which includes a key fob. This design has a waist belt that is padded, so you’ll be able to trek in comfort.

In terms of “cons”, this isn’t a high-end backpack. It’s durable and comfortable enough to please most but may lack some features that are standard in high-end models. If you want something economical, we definitely recommend this style. 

In general, It’s got amazing features for the price and most people love using it.

PROS

• LED blinker on loop
• Padded hip belt
• Ultra-lightweight model

CONS

• Limited space

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How do you choose a lightweight daypack for hiking?

It is very easy to fall for the wrong daypack in the absence of information. Use the tips below to make the right choice:

Try it on

The surest way to know if a daypack is cut to your size is to try it on. For the daypack to fit snugly its torso length should complement yours. Likewise, it ought to be supported on the back and waist.

Mind your needs

It is important to mind your needs for a day hike before choosing your preferred model. Of course, every hiker would go for a daypack that is ultralight and comfortable. Aside from that, make sure that it is spacious enough to hold your accessories for a day. You may also prefer a frameless model or one with a water reservoir. Needs are unique for every hiker.

Ensure it is durable

A good number of lightweight daypacks are not built to last long. They often incorporate a simple design to make them light. Unfortunately, this eliminates crucial attributes used to fortify the structure of other hiking backpacks like support frames or thick fabric. As much as you need a lightweight daypack, ensure that it will last long in unforgiving conditions.

Check the pack volume

Volume is a key aspect when it comes to daypacks. The volume of an ideal day pack lies between 20 and 35 liters. It is wise to go for smaller volumes for the purpose of cutting down the weight. Larger daypacks may tempt you to fill up the remaining space hence making it heavier. Aside from that, the extra material used to make larger daypacks makes them bulky.

Go for a compact design

A simple design makes a daypack light. Traditional backpacks tend to be quite sophisticated as they include numerous pockets, zippers, clips, and straps. Support frames and inbuilt water reservoirs add unnecessary weight to a daypack too. One main compartment alongside two side pockets, with one being a water bottle holster, is enough for a daypack.

Consider the pack frame

If your daypack must have a frame, ensure it is ultralight. Now that your luggage is light, you do not need heavy-duty support frames. A frameless model would be nice in this case as well. Minimal frame structures reduce the weight of a daypack.

Determine the daypack material

Material is a vital factor as it determines the durability of a hiking daypack. One would argue that the thicker the fabric the more durable a daypack is. It is not far from the truth. However, it is not just about the thickness but the fabric type too. Modern-day daypacks feature thin yet high-tech fabrics. They offer exceptional performance in unforgiving conditions.  A good example of such fabrics is ripstop nylon and cuben fiber.

Things to consider while choosing a lightweight day hiking backpack

Compartments and pockets

The main compartment should be large enough to accommodate your hiking gear. A bottle of the holster and extra pockets provide additional packing space. Most importantly, the pockets have to be conveniently placed for the seamless retrieval of items.

Waterproofing

Unpredictable weather calls for a waterproof daypack. The last thing you need is a daypack that will leak or get your gear soaked in adverse weather. Thus, ensure your preferred model has a waterproof lining as well as waterproof zippers.

Required Size

Although small packs seem convenient, they might fail to hold all your essential items. Purchase a model that is spacious but not too big to ruin your day hike experience.

Pack Weight

You will surely regret buying a daypack that is heavy when empty. Opt for a model that will be light even when loaded. It has to be sturdy as well for durability.

Straps and belts

Integrated belts and straps make a daypack more comfortable in addition to providing a customized fit. That is not all; straps and belts transfer the weight from the back hence making it lighter.

Innovative extra features

This includes a laptop compartment. Some models have hydration compartments where you can fit a hydration sleeve. Bungees are revolutionary features too. They can hold your rain jacket or hoodie.

Conclusion

If your old model is giving you a hard time, it is high time you switched to an ultralight pack. A lightweight daypack will put all your misery on a day’s hike to bed and offer a stress-free experience.

Detailed below are additional FAQs on Lightweight backpacks:

1. How big of a backpack do I need for a day hike?

A standard day hike will require a few essentials alongside extra food and water. All this will fit well in a 20 to 35-liter pack. If you plan to go on a half-day hike, a smaller daypack will be in order.

2. What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

In technical terms, a backpack is anything that incorporates shoulder straps and is meant for the back. This goes on to imply that daypacks fall in the same class as backpacks although they are relatively compact and lightweight. A daypack is a smaller version of a backpack. Backpacks are reserved for longer or multiday hiking trips while daypacks are suitable for day hikes.

3. How do you pack a day pack for hiking?

In order to understand the whole process involved in packing a daypack, it is crucial to highlight some of the essentials that you will require. This includes water, a first aid kit, packed lunch, and spare clothing among other essentials.

Always, start by packing the heaviest items at the base. These are items of the least urgency such as extra clothing. Thereafter, pack items you may not need at a moment’s notice like a first aid kit or a lunch box. Items that you have to access quickly must be at the top. Finally, pack essentials that occupy the space outside the pack like flasks or bottles of water.

4. How do you determine backpack size?

To ascertain its capacity, which is always in liters, you need to check its dimensions. The best way to determine backpack fit is to measure torso length.