This guide to lightweight daypacks is different to the other guides you’ll find. Why? Because this guide is by hikers for hikers. We experience the same pain points and challenges as you when looking for new gear, and this is what drives every single guide we write.
For this guide, we’ve hyper focused on the five small hiking backpacks we think are the holy grail after years of constant testing and actual use outdoors. The ones that have actually made a difference to our hikes.
This particular guide is intentionally small to give you exactly what you searched for. We know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to find a lightweight hiking backpack, be it for travel, or just day to day, and find endless lists that are generic and have you waste your time scrolling.
Our main best daypacks for hiking guide covers everything else, but this guide focuses on packs that are between 20-25L. From years of testing, we think this is the best balance between being able to carry what you need and keeping it light, but many of the packs we’ve covered offer smaller (and bigger variants) too. Two even come in under $90/£70.
This isn’t just a general guide, these packs are heavy in our rotation, even after trying countless other packs. These are the ones that cut it, time and time again.
When we say tested, we don’t mean that lightly. Every single lightweight daypack on this list has been around the world with us, in every type of condition you could imagine.
These lightweight daypacks have been to places like Sapa and Hue in Vietnam, Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Grand Canyon, hiking in Sedona, Joshua Tree National Park, Norway, the Swiss Alps and every single time we head out in our homebase Lake District mountains.
We don’t cover every single detail from a regurgitated spec sheet that means virtually nothing outdoors. Our reviews below give our insights from using these daypacks within every inch of their lives, and how that translates to what you can expect if you buy it. We’re passionate about making good gear guides – so let’s get into it!
The 5 Best Lightweight Daypacks We Actually Use for Hiking
We’ve kept our list here intentionally small as our focus is specifically on lightweight hiking backpacks. We have also done this to not overwhelm you with a huge list of options, and we’re confident that there is a lightweight pack in our picks below that will suit every hiker.
Every single pack we’ve included in this list is one of our ultimate favorites for a reason (and our reviews below will explain why in more detail). They’re hiked with weekly, on bigger trips across the world and put through their paces constantly, so you know that everything we’ve recommended will be good to use for years.
Our lightweight daypacks list includes options ranging from 20-25L specifically. However, it’s worth noting that many of the packs below are available in smaller sizes if that’s what would be better for you, and we’ve included this information where possible.
We’ve also highlighted where the pack we’ve been using and testing is an older version, and if an updated version is available. We have regular contact with manufacturers and are able to find out product updates and what differs from pack to pack, so always keep transparent about what may have changed.
So read on for our ultimate, favorite five lightweight daypacks for hiking!
Gregory Maya 25
Tested by Fay Doyle
Size Tested: 25L
Fit: This 25L daypack is marketed as women’s specific and does fit to the female body shape better than men’s (we’ve tested it). The men’s version of this pack is called the Miko. There is also a plus size version available in the 20L.
Note: The Gregory Maya is available in a couple of different sizes currently. These are as a 15L, 20L and 25L variant.
For a long time, the Osprey Talon 22 was my favorite daypack, but since getting hold of the Gregory Maya 25, it’s really come to a point where this is rapidly approaching the place of being my favorite daypack in general. I guess I should back that up with why.
It’s just so comfortable. It just fits so well. The fact that I can reach my water bottle from the side and put it away again without even having to take this small hiking backpack off makes me smile every time.
The soft suspension system that gives pretty much all I would expect from a more full on pack is exactly why it’s become my favorite right now. The extremely well padded and positioned back and hip strap/belt detail make it perfect for carrying either heavier loads of lighter weights. It’s incredibly versatile.
This translates well for me as it works perfectly if I want to carry heavier camera gear or keep it light with just a few extra layers. I’ve also found it’s great for changing seasons. While I’m writing this, I’ve made the transition between summer and autumn/fall through to winter. The extra gear I’m needing to pack now just feels easy and effortless.
This 25L daypack is incredibly breathable too. The molded foam back panel is a kind of grooved shape which really helps to keep things moving.
I found this particularly helpful when hiking in Sapa, Vietnam where humidity was extremely high. The Gregory Maya kept me feeling comfortable despite this. The fit really seems to hug your body but that also comes with good airflow that actually moves around the areas it needs to.
It does have a DWR treatment, but it isn’t fully waterproof. There have been a few extremely heavy rain days in the Lake District where it has reached saturation on my tests, but when paired with a rain cover, it is virtually indestructible.
You can read my full Gregory Maya 25 review (or love letter, however you want to see it) here which goes into more detail about the features of this pack.
My Take:
- One of the most comfortable daypacks ever made.
- Great for both lighter and heavier loads and very versatile because of this.
- Supportive back system without being overkill.
- Space for a 3L water reservoir is separate from the main compartment, which I really like, as there’s no chance of other items in your pack snagging on it for potential leaks.
Rab Tensor 20
Tested by Fay Doyle
Size Tested: 20L
Fit: This 20L daypack is a unisex fit. The back straps are padded and have a good degree of adjustment, making this pack suitable for bigger bodies too. The waist hip belt isn’t a full suspension or support system and has small room for extension and adjustment.
Note: You can get the Rab Tensor in different sizes, including a 5L and a 10L. It looks like Rab themselves have ‘end of lined’ the Tensor, but there are still plenty available from retailers. The Rab Tygen is the most relevant replacement when this eventually happens (as it is their new model). This is available currently in 6, 12, 18 and 22L.
I’ve been using the Rab Tensor 20 lightweight daypack for hiking for just under two years at this point. It’s become one of my genuinely favorite options for when I want to keep things moving swiftly and there’s a reason why it’s one of my favorite packs for summer hiking.
Given its size and shape (coffin shaped), it works perfectly as a carry-on pack for flying as well and is easy to squash under the seat (coming in at roughly 50 x 30 x 23 cm).
This means it’s been on some great hikes with me around the world such as in Norway and even to Seychelles (which made me realize just how breathable this pack is), but I particularly love it for slinging on quickly to get out and explore my home Lake District mountains.
I generally find I prefer this daypack for slightly shorter hikes in summer (as it isn’t waterproof) and particularly trails where I’m not carrying heavier loads. It’s lack of a full back suspension system is the main reason for this, however that said, one of the main reasons I choose this pack in summer over others is because it’s incredibly comfortable and provides a really solid amount of support anyway. This is thanks to the AirContour back system.
After the nearly two years of use this lightweight daypack has seen, it’s showing no real signs of wear and tear. The Rab Tensor 20 uses 100% recycled 420D Polyester Ripstop, which has meant it’s pretty much indestructible.
I love the mesh section on the front of this pack, and I’ve found this really handy in summer for storing extra layers, extra drinks or even my hiking poles when the other parts of my pack are carrying more water. I did have some initial hesitations about the mesh, but in testing I found it to be incredibly well made.
A great feature which I make a lot of use of in summer is the space for a 3L hydration pouch at the back. This is a feature that I generally expect to see on a much more expensive pack (this one currently comes in at around $75/£57).
You can read my full Rab Tensor 20 review here which goes into more details about specifics, tech specs and more testing notes.
My Take:
- Excellent price for such a well featured daypack.
- Good breathability on the back, making it great for summer hiking.
- The lack of full back suspension system and slightly less padded straps do make it better used with lighter loads.
- Extremely durable, has no real signs of wear and tear even after nearly two years of repeated use.
Osprey Talon 22
Tested by Fay Doyle & Matt Doyle
Size Tested: 22L
Fit: The Osprey Talon 22 is generally seen as a unisex model but is technically a men’s pack according to Osprey. The women’s specific option (called the Tempest) is available too, but we think this isn’t entirely needed unless you have a very petite frame.
Note: The Osprey Talon is available in a whole range of different sizes, and we’ve linked to them all here, but the most offered are the 11L, 20L, 22L, 30L, 33L, 40L and 44L.
The Osprey Talon 22L daypack has been with us since 2021, so a good few years at this point, so much that it has become a pretty core piece of our kit. We both use it, and for quite a long time it was Fay’s favorite lightweight hiking backpack.
Matt loves it for when he wants a slightly lower capacity pack, and the only reason Fay is leaning more to the Gregory Maya 25 now is because it fits her back slightly better and the pockets are just a touch more conveniently placed for her.
That said, this daypack feels like an ultimate classic and we both agree that it’s earned its place in this line up without a doubt. It’s had its fair share of use over the years and while the logos have all but worn off, it’s just cosmetic.
The main reason we’ve both kept going for the Osprey Talon 22 is because of how comfortable it feels. The back suspension (AirScape back panel) feels really supportive and has always allowed us the flexibility for days where we want to carry heavier gear (like cameras and lenses) or for lighter days where we just need a few extra layers.
As a travel bag, it pretty much always goes in our checked luggage as it sits just a little too big for comfort sometime when it comes to going through airport checks.
However, we’ve made the effort to bring it so many times in checked that we think that says something to its comfort. It’s been pretty much around the world with us hiking in places like Switzerland, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Shasta Cascade and hiking in Tenerife.
It is a great all-rounder in terms of breathability too, as the AirScape back panel helps allow air to move freely. Every single time we’ve used this daypack to hike in hot and humid conditions, we’re left feeling comfortable with very little back sweating or extra warmth.
While the Gregory Maya has started to feel more like my number one now, there’s a kind of familiarly and comfort that comes with the Osprey Talon 22. Every time you put it in, it feels worn in and just nice to carry, which in turn means it feels really comfortable to hike with.
Our Take:
- One of the pricier daypacks in our guide.
- Extremely comfortable due to back system, hip belt and AirScape ventilation.
- Suspension system allows for slightly heavier loads and lighter days so it’s really flexible. It also packs down well to travel with.
- Logos have worn off our Talon 22, but it’s only cosmetic.
Gregory Citro 24
Tested by Matt Doyle
Size Tested: 24L
Fit: The Gregory Citro is technically labelled as men’s, but we’ve also known it be classed as unisex too. It has a good degree of adjustment available. However, the hip belt may not be suitable for bigger bodies, and Gregory do offer a plus size version of this pack, but we’ve only been able to find it in the 30L variant.
Note: This daypack is available as a standard 30L pack too.
The Gregory Citro 24 has become one of my core daypacks. Within a short amount of time using and testing it, I fell in love with the construction of the pack in terms of the straps, back support and suspension as well as the positioning of the waist belt.
It uses a VaporSpan ventilated suspension system, moisture wicking mesh, shoulder harness and 3D cradle padded hip belt. I’m usually likely to go for a pack with full suspension, and this one really ticks that box.
However, the back suspension is unobtrusive, isn’t bulky and doesn’t make the pack rigid. This makes it great for carrying both slightly heavier and lighter loads due to its flexibility.
What this means on the trail is that it feels incredibly comfortable to wear because of this and just sits on my back perfectly without moving around and unbalancing the weight I’m carrying for the day. I’ve used this 24l lightweight pack a lot when I want to move really quickly because it sits really snugly and I’m not really aware of it being there.
Something I’ve really come to love about this small daypack for hiking, is the fact that it’s unfussy. It only has the hip pocket, top pocket and security mesh pocket inside. The front is mesh and can be used to stuff gear in on the go. The two side mesh pockets are also perfect for carrying a water bottle or hiking poles (I usually go for a hydration reservoir with this pack).
This pack is also perfect for year-round hiking as it comes with a rain cover that I’ve tested out over the last two years in some pretty brutal rain. This was actually my go to pack when we visited Norway, and did the hike that destroyed my phone (this was just from taking it out of my jacket pocket to navigate and take photos, not because of this daypack!).
The rain was probably some of the heaviest I’ve ever experienced and with the rain cover, this pack and the contents (my camera gear) still stayed dry.
I think one tiny negative is that I wish there was a separate compartment at the bottom of the pack for the rain cover. At present, the rain cover just comes loose with the pack, so it can easily be lost, so I just stow it inside and hope I don’t forget it’s there at some point!
I generally alternate between this pack and my larger Osprey Stratos depending on how much gear I need to bring and the needs I have for the day. It’s taken me a long time to find something that sits quite as perfectly as the Gregory Citro 24!
You can read my full Gregory Citro 24 review here, which covers all the tech specs in more detail, testing notes and comparisons to other packs you may be thinking of.
My Take:
- I think this daypack is really well priced considering it’s feature set (the back suspension really sets it apart).
- Full, non-bulky back suspension system makes it a really versatile lightweight daypack.
- Fully waterproof when you add the rain cover supplied, making it great for all four seasons.
Helly Hansen Generator 20
Tested by Matt Doyle
Size Tested: 20L
Fit: This daypack is marketed as unisex and available in one size. For bigger bodies, the hip belt may not be useable, but the pack is still supportive even without this.
I’ve really come to enjoy using the Helly Hansen Generator 20L daypack in summer as it’s a great pick up and go style that allows me and us to make the most of quick journeys out and is also great for storing swimming gear.
It first became obvious to be that I really liked it when we brought it with us trekking in Sapa, Vietnam. I wanted to use a pack that had good ventilation and wasn’t too big, as we had high humidity. This affordable lightweight daypack did really well and when I paired it with a tech t-shirt, I didn’t find much by way of uncomfortable sweat areas as we hiked.
One thing that does annoy me a little bit about this daypack from Helly Hansen is the fact that it doesn’t come with side pockets to stash water bottles. However, I use it with my hydration reservoir most of the time (as it has a built-in space inside the pack for this. In other ways, the lack of side pockets does cut down on bulk and streamlines the whole look and size of the pack.
I’ve been using this daypack for about a year at this point, and it feels pretty durable and really is built to last. It’s been in some pretty harsh conditions while we’ve been traveling through the year, and it certainly hasn’t got off lightly. But it’s still going strong, and I see no reason why it won’t last a really long time.
This pack doesn’t have a full back suspension system and so it is more of an option I use when I’m not carrying a lot of heavy camera gear with me. I love it for doing really fast and light ascents when I want to focus on getting up a mountain rather than stopping a lot to take photographs.
The bright colorway is also something I really like. A lot of daypacks actually seem to come in more muted colors, but the reddish orange that my version of the Generator is helps massively with outdoor visibility (and another reason Fay also likes the Rab Tensor 20 that we’ve covered earlier on).
My Take:
- Great price as a lightweight daypack that’s perfect for faster days outdoors.
- The straps and padding on offer make it very comfortable to carry and it stays in place without any real movement. However, it lacks a full back suspension system.
- Lack of hip pockets will annoy you if you only use bottles for your water, but if you use a hydration reservoir it works perfectly.
- The bright colorway is great for visibility.
Buying Advice: How to Choose a Lightweight Daypack That Actually Makes Sense for You
Throughout our years testing daypacks, through a lot of trial and error and pretty much every scenario and weather condition you can think of, we’ve been able to hone down what we look for when it comes to lightweight hiking pack options.
Our buying information isn’t just a load of recycled information on how to choose the right lightweight daypack. We’ve cut out all the unnecessary information, so you don’t get weighed down and know exactly what’s important.
What We Look for with Lightweight Daypacks (and What We’ve Learned to Avoid)
Here are some of the key factors we think are the most important when choosing a lightweight daypack for hiking.
20–25L is Perfect as a Lightweight Pack for Most Hikers
When it comes to lightweight packs, you’re not generally looking at the specific weight of the pack itself, more the weight it can carry. This is pretty much always described in brand specs as L (liters). This is a fairly arbitrary thing though as some 20L packs can feel different to others.
The key thing here is to look at the shape and how the pockets and main space areas fit together when it comes to your daypack. The way you pack your gear into it will also impact what you can bring, so keep that in mind if you have anything a little unusual or bulky to bring.
20-25L is pretty much the perfect size we’ve arrived at over the years when it comes to a lightweight pack. It allows you to bring everything you need for the day, and stops you from over packing, meaning you can keep your pack relatively light.
We personally find that anything under 20L doesn’t quite give enough space for everything we need to bring with us hiking. We always carry extra layers and maintain the things we’ve listed in our day hiking checklist article.
Fit, Comfort and Breathability
We think that generally, the fit, comfort and breathability offered by the daypack you decide to buy (or use) are pretty much the most important considerations you should make. These are much more important than specific technical claims, as this comes down to feel and how this applies to on trail use.
As we’ve been testing the lightweight daypacks we’ve recommended above for a long time, we’ve commented on how every single one of these considerations translates to real trail use.
How every single one of these considerations factor in for you will be personal preference. For example, Matt likes to carry slightly heavier camera gear, and so lightweight but stable back suspension systems are important for him.
Whereas Fay likes a close to back feel, so something with very padded backstraps, a padded hip belt and well positioned pockets as well as back ventilation are the most important considerations here.
As you can see, we both have little caveats that we prefer more than the other, and this is shown based on which our individual favorite packs are. So, think about what is most important to you when it comes to your hiking needs before deciding what pack makes most sense for you.
Travel Crossover
One of the things that’s great about a smaller daypack is that it can often be used as a lightweight travel daypack. This allows you to cut down on extra items you may need to bring traveling with you and if you’re stuck with a limit on how much you can bring can make all the difference.
If you do plan on using your daypack for travel too (perfect if you plan on hiking when you get to wherever you’re going) just check to make sure the dimensions fit within your airlines carry on. Some vary a tiny bit with their specs, so don’t get caught out (like we have a couple of times in the past).
Likewise, if you can’t use your daypack as your carry on, packability can be a nice feature too. Generally, daypacks with a full back suspension system are more rigid than ones that don’t. So, if bringing your pack in a larger case is important for you, you may want to consider how much back suspension you need and the tradeoff here.
Pockets That Actually Make Sense
You can often get tied up in fairly pointless technical claims when it comes to pockets. However, if they’re not positioned right for you, then they’re pretty useless.
Most daypacks differ slightly in terms of where the pockets are compared to each other. This can make a really big difference and can lead to overly bulky designs where they really don’t need to be.
When it comes to a lightweight daypack, we like to focus on more streamlined designs that make the most of the space available naturally and allow you to utilize the space effectively for what you need to carry (which in turn can make a big difference when it comes to comfort).
A really good example of pocket positioning working well for you specifically is when we consider the Gregory Maya 25. Because of the side pocket positioning, you can easily put in and take out a water bottle without having to take the pack off. This is something that Fay has grown to truly love about this packs offering.
Likewise, you may prefer a top pocket that you can store easy to reach items. The Osprey Talon 22, which we’ve included higher up is great for this. Whereas packs like the Rab Tensor 20 have this as a small mesh pocket inside the main pack. This can make a big difference depending on your personal preference.
Our main, linked up reviews for the packs we’ve included above cover a lot more detail in terms of the pocket positioning, which can help you decide which pack has the best benefits in terms of pocket use for you.
What ‘Tested’ Actually Means Here: Trail Tested Not Lab Tested
This might seem a little obvious, but when it comes to outdoor reviews, it isn’t. We ensure that every review or guide on hiking gear that we publish only focuses on gear that has actually been tested (by us, or our very small, very trusted team (other outdoorsy friends) of reviewers for extended periods on real hikes.
Recommending gear that hasn’t actually been tested outdoors can give you false impressions as to its use and, in some circumstances, could actually be dangerous.
A daypack itself likely isn’t going to cause any big problems if you get the wrong one, but if all your gear gets soaked through and you’ve been told a pack is waterproof, then this could lead to further problems. You’ve also wasted your money.
Given that every single lightweight daypack in this guide has been tested for long periods (at least a year, and some in this guide for four plus years) we’ve been able to build a true understanding of the ins and outs of each pack. Where its real strengths lie and some of its quirks.
Our Final Thoughts on Choosing a Lightweight Daypack
Your trust in helping you choose a new piece of hiking gear means a lo to us, so thank you for that.
As we said at the start, finding a lightweight daypack doesn’t need endless options. That’s why we’ve kept this guide purposefully short and to the point. It’s about picking the one that fits your hikes and your body well.
Every single daypack we’ve included in our guide has well and truly made its way in here for a reason, we would recommend them to anyone time and time again. Each one of these packs is also included in our bigger, main daypacks for hiking guide too.
You should also read our guides to either US National Park hiking essentials or UK hiking essentials, what to wear hiking and our day hiking checklist guides. These will give you a core understanding of how your daypack works within your kit, especially if you’re looking to go as lightweight as possible.
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