Best Day Backpacks For Your Next Short Hiking Trip

WARNING! -- You might love these backpacks -- WARNING!

Going hiking for one day? Need something to hold your snacks, water bottle, camera, and maybe some other accessories? With all the backpacks out in the wild, it may be difficult to know where to start to find the perfect backpack for your next adventure.

We’re here to help. 

What we have done is compiled what you will need to enjoy yourself on your next hiking trip.  If you want to checkout our recommendations yourself, here’s our list!

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Osprey Hikelite 26

High quality daypack for comfort and ventilation (+ Raincover!)

Weight: 1.62lbs

Capacity: 26L

Material: 100D Nylon Mini Diamond Shadow

MSRP: $100 

Key Features:

  • Lightweight means it’s easy to carry and won’t wear you down.
  • Strong material, althought it’s light you don’t need to sacrifice on quality.
  • Ventilated backpanel to keep you from sweating into your bag.
  • Integrated rain cover for the raining days or unexpected storm on your hike.
 
This Osprey Hikelite is a solid backpack that will carry you to the top of your next mountain while protecting your gear along the way.

Check Price at Osprey

CamelBak Rim Runner 22
with Hydration Pack (2.5 Liters)

The backpack to keep you hydrated on your hike

Weight: 1lb 9oz

Capacity: 19.5L

Material: 70-denier triple ripstop nylon

MSRP: $100

Overview:

  • Hydration pack included (2.5 Liters)
  • Tube strap to secure your hydration tube
  • Breathable air mesh to keep you cool on your hike
  • Hip belt with cargo space for to transfer weight and add additional storage
 
 Not only does this pack offer great support, but it features a conveniently placed hydration pack to keep you hydrated while on your hike.  It offers lots of storage in a lightweight pack.

Check Price at REI

Sherpa Adventure Gear Yatra Heritage Pack

Durable backpacking in style

Weight: 1lb 9.6oz

Capacity: 19L

Material: 305-denier CORDURA® fabric

MSRP: $80

Overview:

  • Durable fabric and resistent to tears
  • Water repellent finish help moisture bead up on the surface
  • Unique design patterns
  • Laptop sleeve
 
If you’re looking for a stylish backpack that can protect your gear, the Heritage Pack provides a Himalayan-inspired design that is paired with durable fabric.   This is a great pack for a short hike up a mountain or for daily commuting to work.

Check Price at REI

REI Co-op Trail Hydro 20L
with Hydration Pack (2 Liters)

Light backpack to hold your poles and water

Weight: 1lb 12.8oz

Capacity: 20L

Material: Nylon/recycled nylon (bluesign® approved)

MSRP: $89.95

Overview:

  • Daisy-chain attachment points to hold your hiking poles
  • Hydration pack (2 Liters) with Hydraflex™ drink tube to provide a steady flow of water
  • Stretchy mesh for holding your water bottles
  • Removable hip belt to adjust for comfort
 
REI’s Co-op trail backpack offers great attachments for holding your gear.  A hydration pack for keeping you hydrated on the trails and plenty off room for your day hike.
 
 

Check Price at REI

The North Face Jester Daypack

Hike a mountain and hike to work

Weight: 1lb 12.9oz

Capacity: 28L

Material: 600-denier 50% recycled polyester

MSRP: $69

Overview:

  • Light backpack with lots of room (28L)
  • Elastic bungee system offers extra storage
  • Laptop sleeve to protect your laptop from bumps and falls
  • Meets carryon restrictions for most airlines
  • Shoulder straps designed to support the pack weight
  • Removable hip belt to adjust for comfort
 
The North Face offers a great day hiking backpack for climbing a mountain and for climbing your way to work.  It offers a 28 Liters of room at a light weight without sacrificing on durable material.   This backpack also contains recycle material.
 
 

Check Price at REI