10 Best Travel Daypacks 2026 in the United States

The WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack is a great choice if you want an easy-to-carry and space-saving travel daypack. With a 20-liter capacity, it offers enough room for daily essentials or short trips, making it suitable for travel, hiking, or casual use. The backpack is impressively light at just about 10 ounces (290 grams) thanks to its recycled nylon material, which also adds some durability. Its foldable design lets you pack it down into a small pouch, perfect for saving space in your suitcase or larger bag.

Comfort-wise, the polyester lining helps ease shoulder strain, but it lacks padded straps or back support, which might be less comfortable on longer outings. When it comes to compartments, the backpack has a main pocket, two front pockets, and a removable zipper pocket — useful for organizing smaller items, though it doesn’t include specialized compartments like a laptop sleeve or hydration bladder pocket. Security features include standard SBS zippers but no locking mechanisms or anti-theft designs.

This backpack is ideal for light travelers or day hikers who prioritize lightweight convenience and packability over heavy-duty organization or advanced comfort features.

The 4Monster Hiking Daypack is a highly rated, lightweight, and compact backpack designed for travel, camping, and outdoor activities. With a capacity of 24 liters, it provides ample space for day trips and short hikes. Weighing just 3.7 ounces, it's extremely easy to carry and can be folded into a size that fits into a pocket, making it very convenient for travel.

The daypack is made from tear-resistant 30D nylon, which ensures durability against wear and tear from outdoor use. Additionally, its water-resistant material and zippers help keep your belongings dry in wet conditions, which is a key feature for outdoor activities. The backpack includes a main zipper pocket, a front zipper pocket, and two mesh side pockets, allowing for good organization of your items.

This daypack is ideal for users looking for a lightweight, compact, and durable option for their travel and outdoor needs, though those needing advanced hydration and security features might need to look elsewhere.

The Osprey Daylite Plus is a lightweight and versatile daypack suitable for everyday travel, work, or school use. It weighs approximately 1.3 pounds, making it easy to carry throughout the day without feeling bulky. Its size and capacity accommodate essentials such as a laptop (thanks to the built-in laptop sleeve), a water bottle, and other personal items.

The backpack features a large main compartment with panel loading, allowing easy access to belongings without digging around. It also includes an internal hydration sleeve for adding a water reservoir, which is useful for longer outings. Comfort is enhanced by design features that help distribute weight effectively, although it does not have extra padding for heavy loads. Organizationally, the pack offers various compartments and pockets to keep gear tidy and secure.

Security features are basic but practical; the main compartment zips fully closed, but it lacks advanced anti-theft measures. The material is durable enough for daily use, though it is not specifically waterproof, so a rain cover is advisable in wet conditions. This backpack is ideal for those seeking a simple and reliable pack for light travel and daily errands rather than heavy-duty hiking or large storage needs.