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10 Best Travel Daypacks 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag Travel Hiking Chest Bag Daypack

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,286
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
43645 reviews

Capacity
Incredibly light and easy to carry on long hikes, yet offers enough space for all the essentials.
Weight
Incredibly light and easy to carry on long hikes, yet offers enough space for all the essentials.
Material
The design is sleek and comfortable, holding up well to rugged use.
Comfort
The design is sleek and comfortable, holding up well to rugged use.
Compartments and Organization
Organizing pockets inside are highly functional, and the vertical zipper is more practical than it seems.
Hydration Compatibility
The mesh water bottle holders function well for various sizes, including 20oz reusable stainless steel bottles.

The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack is a versatile daypack designed for travel, hiking, and daily use. This bag offers a compact size (7 x 3.5 x 15 inches) with multiple compartments that help you keep your items organized. The front zipper and buckle bags can store essentials like an iPad mini and iPhone 7 Plus, while the small interior compartments are great for makeup, tissues, and keys. It also includes a side mesh pocket for water bottles up to 2.4 inches in diameter.

One innovative feature is the hidden earphone hole, which allows you to easily listen to music on the go. The adjustable and reversible shoulder strap enhances comfort and convenience, accommodating users who prefer carrying it on either shoulder. The strap also has a pouch suitable for phones with screen sizes under 7 inches. Made of breathable material, it ensures comfort during outdoor activities.

However, the bag's compact size might not be sufficient for those needing to carry larger items or more gear. Hydration compatibility is limited to the side pocket for a small bottle, and it lacks more advanced security features. The product is lightweight and easy to hand wash, making it practical for frequent use. The bag's one-year after-sales service provides added peace of mind. This daypack is ideal for individuals looking for a lightweight, organized, and comfortable bag for short trips or daily errands, though it might not be best suited for heavy packers or those requiring extensive hydration solutions.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,286
Capacity
Weight
Material

Most important from
43645 reviews

Capacity
Incredibly light and easy to carry on long hikes, yet offers enough space for all the essentials.
Weight
Incredibly light and easy to carry on long hikes, yet offers enough space for all the essentials.
Material
The design is sleek and comfortable, holding up well to rugged use.
Comfort
The design is sleek and comfortable, holding up well to rugged use.
Compartments and Organization
Organizing pockets inside are highly functional, and the vertical zipper is more practical than it seems.
Hydration Compatibility
The mesh water bottle holders function well for various sizes, including 20oz reusable stainless steel bottles.
#2

FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Waterproof Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack for men women Black

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Material
Compartments and Organization

Most important from
2892 reviews

Capacity
Lightweight yet spacious, it comfortably carries a lot without adding extra burden, making it a great travel companion.
Material
This sturdy backpack stands out with its water-resistant fabric and robust design, overcoming the typical fragility of packable bags.
Compartments and Organization
Ample pockets of various sizes enhance its practicality, ideal for organizing essentials from wallets to windbreakers.

The FENGDONG 35L Lightweight Foldable Backpack is a versatile option for those who need a reliable travel daypack. With a capacity of 35 liters, it offers ample space for storing essentials, making it suitable for day trips, hiking, or even short travel excursions. Its lightweight nature, at only 0.78 pounds, ensures that it does not add unnecessary weight to your load—a critical factor for comfort during long periods of wear.

Constructed from tear and water-resistant nylon, it promises durability against the elements and everyday use. The double-layer bottom provides extra strength, allowing you to carry more items without worrying about wear and tear. Its waterproof wet pocket is particularly useful for separating damp items like towels or swimwear, adding to its convenience after outdoor activities.

Comfort is enhanced with breathable mesh shoulder straps and ample sponge padding, which help distribute weight evenly across your shoulders, reducing strain. The packable design is a significant advantage, enabling it to collapse into its own pocket for easy storage when not in use—perfect for travelers. The multi-compartment design includes a main compartment, a front pocket, and two side pockets, aiding in organization and quick access to frequently used items like water bottles or umbrellas.

With a stylish black design and unisex appeal, this backpack suits a wide range of users. Its multipurpose nature makes it ideal for various activities, from hiking to casual day-to-day use. Potential buyers should consider if the lack of dedicated security features or hydration compatibility might be a limitation for their specific needs.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Material
Compartments and Organization

Most important from
2892 reviews

Capacity
Lightweight yet spacious, it comfortably carries a lot without adding extra burden, making it a great travel companion.
Material
This sturdy backpack stands out with its water-resistant fabric and robust design, overcoming the typical fragility of packable bags.
Compartments and Organization
Ample pockets of various sizes enhance its practicality, ideal for organizing essentials from wallets to windbreakers.
#3

Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack, Black

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Material
Comfort

Most important from
114 reviews

Capacity
The size is spot on – easily pack a week’s worth of clothes and still have room for a computer, chargers, cables, and toiletries.
Material
High-quality materials make it resistant to tears and light rain, which is reassuring.
Comfort
Shoulder straps are well padded and can be tucked away to avoid dangling straps.
Compartments and Organization
Open wide main pocket is a game changer for easy access.

The Osprey Daylite 44L Carry-On Travel Pack is a solid choice for travelers looking for a spacious and lightweight daypack. With a 44-liter capacity, it offers ample space for your belongings, making it ideal for longer trips or those needing extra room. The pack is impressively lightweight at 1.22 kilograms, so it won't add unnecessary weight to your load. It's designed with durable materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel without being too bulky.

The quick access laptop sleeve is a convenient feature for business travelers, allowing you to breeze through TSA checks with ease. Comfort is well-addressed with the AirScape back panel and backpack straps, along with a sternum strap for added stability. While it only has one main compartment, the organization could be more straightforward, but it might require additional packing cubes or organizers for better management of your items. The pack is also hydration compatible, which is a plus for those who like to stay hydrated on the go.

Security-wise, the pack doesn't highlight any special features like lockable zippers, which could be a drawback for some. However, its compliance with most airlines' carry-on size restrictions, even when fully packed, is a significant advantage. This daypack is best suited for travelers who need a lightweight, comfortable, and spacious option for their trips, while those prioritizing compartmental organization and advanced security features might need to look elsewhere.

Rating
9.1
Capacity
Material
Comfort

Most important from
114 reviews

Capacity
The size is spot on – easily pack a week’s worth of clothes and still have room for a computer, chargers, cables, and toiletries.
Material
High-quality materials make it resistant to tears and light rain, which is reassuring.
Comfort
Shoulder straps are well padded and can be tucked away to avoid dangling straps.
Compartments and Organization
Open wide main pocket is a game changer for easy access.

Buying Guide for the Best Travel Daypacks

Choosing the right travel daypack can make a significant difference in your travel experience. A good daypack should be comfortable, durable, and suitable for your specific needs. When selecting a travel daypack, consider the activities you'll be doing, the climate you'll be in, and the amount of gear you'll need to carry. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of the daypack, usually measured in liters. This spec is important because it determines how much you can carry. Daypacks typically range from 10 to 30 liters. For short hikes or city tours, a smaller pack (10-20 liters) is sufficient. For longer day trips or if you need to carry extra gear like a camera or a jacket, a larger pack (20-30 liters) is better. Choose a capacity based on the length of your trips and the amount of stuff you need to carry.
WeightThe weight of the daypack itself is crucial, especially if you plan to carry it for extended periods. A lighter pack is easier to carry but may sacrifice some durability or features. Daypacks can range from ultra-light (under 1 pound) to more robust options (2-3 pounds). If you prioritize comfort and plan to carry the pack for long hours, opt for a lighter model. However, if you need more features and durability, a slightly heavier pack might be worth it.
MaterialThe material of the daypack affects its durability, weight, and water resistance. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and canvas. Nylon and polyester are lightweight and often treated to be water-resistant, making them good for most travel conditions. Canvas is heavier but very durable. If you expect to encounter wet conditions, look for a pack with water-resistant or waterproof materials. Choose a material based on the climate and conditions you'll be traveling in.
ComfortComfort is determined by the design of the straps, back panel, and overall fit of the daypack. Look for padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for better comfort. Some daypacks also have a hip belt or sternum strap to help distribute the weight more evenly. If you plan to carry the pack for long periods, these features can significantly enhance comfort. Try on different packs to see which one feels the best on your back and shoulders.
Compartments and OrganizationThe number and type of compartments in a daypack can help you stay organized. Some packs have multiple pockets, including specialized ones for laptops, water bottles, and small items. If you carry a lot of gadgets or need to keep things organized, look for a pack with several compartments. For simpler needs, a pack with fewer pockets might suffice. Consider what you typically carry and how you like to organize your belongings when choosing a pack.
Hydration CompatibilityHydration compatibility means the daypack can accommodate a hydration reservoir (water bladder). This feature is important for staying hydrated during hikes or long walks. Packs with this feature have a dedicated sleeve for the reservoir and a port for the drinking tube. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, a hydration-compatible pack can be very convenient. If you prefer using water bottles, this feature may not be necessary.
Security FeaturesSecurity features like lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and cut-resistant materials can help protect your belongings from theft. These features are particularly important if you'll be traveling in crowded or high-risk areas. If security is a concern, look for packs with these added protections. For lower-risk environments, standard zippers and pockets may be sufficient.

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