Hiking Daypacks That Work Hard Like You Do in 2023
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What are the Best Backpacks for Day Hikes in 2023?
And what is a daypack?
When it comes to hiking backpacks, daypacks are the smallest and the sweetest of the backpack family.
Daypacks typically carry between 20 to 40 Liters (L), or 1200 and 2500 cubic inches. We’ll unpack five options here and help steer you towards finding the best daypack for hiking.
Larger, overnight backpacking packs, like my 65L one, have an internal frame to help take the load of your back.
Hiking daypacks do not have a built-in frame, since they are only made to carry between 10-35 pounds, depending on their size.
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The Sirrus 24 L is the best women’s hiking day pack
NOTE: While you may see both of the words daypacks and backpacks used interchangeably here, this article is focused on the best backpacks for day hiking.
Tanya is wearing the Mountainsmith lumbar day pack on the right
What is Best Size Backpack for Day Hikes?
Most of the best backpacks for day hiking range from 20 L to 36 L in size, although smaller kid sizes are likely 13L to 18 L in size.
Some outdoor recreation brands carry 40 L packs too.
For comparison’s sake, my Osprey Ariel 65 L pack is geared for longer overnight backpacking trips and I’ve used it for a week on the trail several different summers.
The best thing to do before you order and try on a backpack for size is to lay out all of the things you will carry during your upcoming day hike.
Not sure what should go in your day pack? Check out our handy daypack essentials checklist.
What kind of hiking will you be doing?
If you’re trekking in warmer temperatures, you won’t need space for wintry items like a down jacket, beanie, or spikes and poles. A small hiking daypack, say size 13L-19L in size, might be perfect for you.
On the flip side, if you hike year round in Colorado like we do, you’ll prefer having a daypack that works in all seasons and has enough room to carry all of the layers and items needed on winter hikes.
Essential day packs for Colorado hiking help carry water, snacks, poles, and layers for tough hikes
Will you need to carry spikes, poles for icy sections, plus layers because you get cold as you hike back down from elevation? When the weather tends to change on you while you hike, you might want to choose a slightly larger backpack to carry different layers.
In a nutshell, try to buy the daypack size that will hold everything you know you will want to carry. Are you hiking 3-6 miles? Keep in mind you will want to carry at least a 2 L water reservoir.
Hiking 6-10 miles or more? Depending on the elevation change and level of difficulty, you may need more space for a 3 L water reservoir and lots of snacks. I always err on carrying too much water. What if my hiking buddy runs out?
This hike below was a 9 mile out and back hike along the Blue Lakes Trail near Ouray, Colorado. A medium sized 20-24L daypack was ideal to carry plenty of water, snacks, and layers for higher elevation. This hike took us six hours, including a lunch stop and time by each of the three blue lakes.
RELATED: Hiking Boots, Shoes or Trail Runners — Which Ones Do I Choose for the Trail?
Everyone carried their own daypack while hiking the epic Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado
We also find that a medium sized 24 L size daypack for even somewhat longer day winter hikes here in Colorado — say 8-12 miles — is also able to carry our load nicely.
Are you hiking something long and challenging like the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop or the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim (45.5 miles over 3 days)? Then, while a medium sized daypack mentioned above may do the trick, you may choose to go with a larger backpack (about 30-39L) to more easily carry all of the layers, food and hydration you’ll need for two 12 hour long hiking days.
Now let’s unpack the hiking daypacks we have owned and used over the years. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each daypack, the standout features, size, weight, and price, followed by our bottom line opinion.
Daypacks Best for Hiking (Table of Contents)
Carrying our Osprey Daylite day pack while hiking to Zapata Falls near Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
Osprey Daylite 13 L
The 13 L Osprey Daylite has been our go-to for national park hopping and day hikes the last five years or more. The large main compartment is easy to get in and out of and we love the stretchy mesh pockets on both sides of the daypack.
The Osprey Daylite contains an outer sleeve to hold a water reservoir and an inner sleeve to hold an iPad. The mesh covered backing allows for breathability when you work up a sweat. There is a smaller front pocket with little organized pockets and a clip for your car keys.
This small backpack can hold one layer, a small water reservoir (1.5-2L) or an iPad, two more small water bottles on the outside, a small lunch or some snacks, and a few personal items. Holds 10-15 lbs.
PRO TIP: The Osprey Daylite can even attach to many of Osprey’s larger packs, giving you a small pack option on long overnight backpacking trips.
Osprey Daylite Tech Specs
Size: 18 x 9 x 9 inches
Weight: 1 lb
Pack Capacity: 13 L
UNISEX
The Fit: Includes a chest strap, harness straps, and thin belt. One size fits most.
Cost: $60
Pros: The Osprey Daylite is a super lightweight backpack that can be tossed in your carryon or suitcase without taking up much space. For a small daypack, this baby can hold A LOT of water. This daypack is great for light hiking days and sightseeing in the city. It’s a stellar backpack for older kids and tweens new to the trail.
Cons: For adults especially, while this pack is great for shorter day hikes, this pack won’t hold much if you’re wanting to stay out on the trail all day or in various weather conditions.
Bottom Line: For a starter daypack, the Daylite is one of the best daypacks for hiking — for kids AND adults. For just ten bucks more, consider the 20L Osprey Daylite Plus — the outer stash pocket is a great addition when you need to carry more layers.
New Osprey Sportlite Series
Minimalist at heart?
Akin to the Daylite day packs, Osprey introduces the Sportlite series, a technical daypack series for those who love to travel fast and light.
Available in 15L, 20,L, 25L, and 30L sizes, check out the Sportlites.
The Cotopaxi Tarak is a good day pack for Colorado adventures, especially if you love to climb
Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack - Del Día
I bought the Cotopaxi Tarak Backpack because I was looking for something a little different and bigger than the Osprey Daylight. Plus, I loved the bright colors and how this outdoor gear company operates.
Cotopaxi prides itself on sustainability by procuring leftovers from larger companies’ productions and using every last bit of fabric and materials that otherwise might have been tossed in the trash.
Techinically a daypack for climbers, the Tarak 20L Del Dia daypack boasts a large main compartment, zippered front pockets, a generous top lid pocket, and an inner mesh zippered pocket with a clip for your keys.
Made with nylon rip, this super rad daypack includes an ice tool carry system, removable waist belt, comfy shoulder straps, compression straps, and an inner hydration sleeve to boot.
This medium daypack can hold one or two layers, a larger water reservoir (2-3L) or a laptop, ice tool, a small lunch or some snacks, a small medkit, and a few personal items. You could also strap a lightweight item to the outside — like a Turkish towel. Holds about 15-22 lbs.
PRO TIP: You can choose from dozens of multi-color options, or you can spin the wheel so to speak, and be surprised by whatever color combo they send your way.
Cotopaxi Tarak Tech Specs
Size: 20 x 12 x 7 inches
Weight: 1.24 lbs
Pack Capacity: 20 L
UNISEX
Fit: Simple waist strap with buckle, adjustable harness straps and chest straps. One size fits most.
Cost: $100
Pros: The different compartments make this pack a dream for organizers and the outer straps are great for last-minute gear stashing. If you’re into colorful Colorado day packs, made with ice climbing and wintry backcountry sports in mind, this is the daypack for you.
Cons: This daypack lacks side mesh pockets for extra water bottles. Also, a small hole in the top middle of the pack from which to feed a water reservoir mouthpiece would make this backpack more ideal.
Bottom Line: The Cotopaxi Tarak 20 L was originally designed for multi-pitch lead climbing and backcountry skiing, which may explain why it’s not my all-time favorite hiking daypack in our family’s stash. While a lot can be stuffed into this pack, side mesh pockets would make it a top-notch ultralight day pack.
Our go-to backpacks for day hikes - the women’s Osprey Sirrus 24 L. The Men’s version is the Stratus 24 L.
Osprey Sirrus 24L Backpack
best women’s hiking day pack
I bought the Osprey Sirrus 24L for an upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon to hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. This daypack is definitely a big step up from the Osprey Daylite or Daylite Plus.
Here’s why we think the Sirrus 24 L is the best women’s hiking day pack.
This hard-working daypack features four compartments: a front main compartment with dual zippered access, a smaller front panel with a vertically-centered zippered pocket to slip in a map or flatter items, a small zippered section just atop the aforementioned, and finally, a shallow top panel compartment for smaller items like your keys and lip balm.
That’s not all. Add in a chest strap with whistle, dual side compression straps, trekking pole attachment, internal hydration reservoir pocket, two side mesh pockets, ice tool loop, included rain cover, and zippered hip belt pockets.
You’ll love that the Airspeed Suspension Backpanel includes a LightWire alloy frame providing needed ventilation.
NOTE: The SIRRUS is hiking day pack for women; the men’s fit is called the STRATOS.
This medium daypack can hold one or two layers, a larger water reservoir (2-3L) or a laptop, a small lunch plus plenty of snacks, a small Med Kit, and a few personal items. You can also add your hiking poles, a beanie, ice tool, and spikes to this pack. Holds about 20-25 lbs.
PRO TIP: Osprey makes all sizes of daypacks and overnight backpacks for all of your favorite outdoor adventure activities like day hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, and more. No matter how long or short your trip, or what features you’re looking for, Osprey probably carries a pack just right for you.
The men’s Stratos pack comes in 24L, 26L, 34L, and 36L sizes while the women’s Sirrus pack comes in 24L, 26L, 36L, and 50L. The larger sizes are ideal for overnight backpacking.
(More on the Stratos 36L pack down below.)
Osprey Sirrus Tech Specs
Size: 19.3 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Pack Capacity: 24 L
WOMEN’S (The men’s version is the Stratos 24L)
The Fit: Padded ErgoPull hip belt and adjustable torso length help you place more of the load on your hips and off your shoulders. Then you can adjust the shoulder straps, the harness straps and the sternum strap. Only one size available.
Cost: $130
Pros: The super comfy ErgoPull hip belt and the ability to carry more of this pack’s load on your hips, doles out the bang for the buck. And while the pack only comes in one size, the fact that you can adjust the the torso length for the best fit helps you find the optimal fit. The light alloy frame comfortably keeps the pack off your back so you’re not soaking your daypack’s contents with gross back sweat during warm canyon hikes.
Cons: The opening for the hydration tube is a snug fight. The only thing I wish this backpack had is a convenient place to carry an iPhone, but this is a feature that EVERY pack seems to lack. My phone is my camera 99% of the time, so I wish the small zippered compartments on the waist belt were slight bigger to accommodate easy access to my camera.
Bottom Line: One of the best women’s hiking backpacks, the Osprey Sirrus 24L is for you if you’re planning on hiking a lot of longer hiking trails and you love hiking in all four seasons. I just took this pack on a hard 5 mile snowshoeing outing on a 20 degree Colorado day, and it served me very well.
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This is the perfect time to gear up for summer adventures, and Osprey offers free shipping and returns on all orders! Free shipping is automatically applied at checkout.
Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. We’d love to chat!
Osprey Stratos Backpack is one of Melody’s favorite daypacks for long Colorado hikes
Osprey Stratos Backpack 36L
Melody owns this pack in the men’s version, so she’ll break down the Osprey Stratos Backpack here for us.
To start with, the Osprey Stratos Backpack features a fantastic zippered pocket on the top lid of the pack.
The large hip belt is super comfy. This pack has routinely held between 35 and 40 lbs. I never had any bruising or rubbing with the hip belt.
The Osprey Stratos Backpack holds a large water reservoir with lots of room. I use a 3L Camelbak insulated hydration system loaded in the pocket against the back. The pack has a pocket to thread the hydration tubing. It's super easy to take the tube in and out with elastic bands holding the tubing in place.
When traveling, I used the back pocket for my computer. It fits a normal sized laptop in a case. I stashed my computer cord in the bottom pocket of the pack.
As with most Ospreys, the airspeed system (the panel that takes the pack off your back) is PERFECT. You can move the back piece up and down with a strong velcro feature. There are small arrow symbols that help you remember which setting you want the pack on.
This larger backpack has ample load capacity. For international trips, I easily packed 4 days of outfits, as well as my toiletries and computer.
For through hiking, I carried two days of clothing, a sleeping pad and mattress, as well as an extra 24L of water. Included was snacks/portable meals for 2 days. It never felt too heavy and fit everything I needed to carry.
The small zippered pouch at the base of the pack — rainfly is directly under this pocket — is the PERFECT place to stash your ID, cash, and car keys. There is also room for a small first aid kit and moleskin in this pocket.
Bonus: With the Osprey Stratos 36L You can choose between size S/M or L/XL, depending on your frame.
Osprey Stratos Tech Specs
Size: S/M measures 25.2H X 13W X 12.6; L/XL measures 27.2H X 13W X 12.6D
Weight: 3.2 - 3.3 lbs
Pack Capacity: S/M 33 L or M/L 36 L
MEN’S (The women’s version is the Sirrus 36 L)
Fit: In addition to the Osprey Sirrus straps listed above, the Stratos has adjustable straps at the bottom of the pack to hold a sleeping pad, small tent or sleeping pad. Two sizes to choose from.
Cost: $170
Pros: The rainfly is perfect! It rained most of my Pico Duarte 5 day hike. My pack was never wet; all was kept super dry.
I LOVE the extra zippered pouch on the top lid of the pack. This pack was used extensively for international travel as well as challenging Kilimanjaro and Pico Duarte through-hikes (Kili was a 6 day hike and PD was 5 days). For travel, the top pocket was perfect for my passport, ticket information. For through hikes, it held sunscreen, extra snacks, and a Buff.
The vertical zipper along the length of the right side of the pack body allows easy access to the main storage area without having to dig from the top. I use this feature every time I wear the pack.
Cons: Bottom of the pack has extra long straps. While this is great if attaching a sleeping pad, most of the time the straps would flap against my hips. I ended up tying them together to keep out of the way
Side pockets for water bottles are difficult to access when wearing the pack. I'd have someone take my water in and out for me. They hold a small water bottles fine, but it’s a tight fit for insulated water bottles.
NOTE: The men’s fit is called the STRATOS; the women’s fit is called the SIRRUS.
Bottom Line: I love this pack. It's the most comfortable backpack I've ever worn for extended hikes. I've had my Stratos for 4 years, using it about 15 days/month internationally and on through hikes. I clean it regularly and there is hardly any wear and tear with it.
Looking for the best backpacks for hiking on longer overnight backpacking excursions? Check out the Exos/Ejas family pictured below.
The Eja for gals and the Exos for guys carry your through hiking load.
The Exos / Eja Backpack Family
The ultralight men’s and women’s backpacks, ideal for rugged terrain on Colorado trails.
While here we are reviewing best backpacks for day hiking, we must quickly mention the 2022 Exos / Eja — favorites among thru-hikers. Think Rim to Rim hiking or hiking one direction like from Crested Butte to Aspen.
This super light backpack, also great for a 2 day hike, is uber comfortable and built with a ventilated suspension system adds joy every step of the way.
Osprey updated the torso adjustment system on the Exos for guys and the Eja for gals, helping you find the best fit. The 38L would have been more than enough for through hiking in the Grand Canyon.
Bonus: A removable floating lid helps you reach for small essentials quickly.
RELATED READING: An Epic Backpacking Trip Through Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop in 2023
Tanya’s 12 year old Osprey 65 L gets the job done when Melody’s daughter used it to backpack Colorado trails like the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop
Mountainsmith 13L Lumbar Daypack
In 2011, I received a Mountainsmith Lumbar Day Pack as a team gift while serving at a Young Life camp in California one summer. Pictured here, I still own and use this versatile pack that can double as a hiking daypack, diaper bag, disc golf bag and more.
The 2011 version seen below features a top load compartment with a internal zippered pocket for smaller items, and a neoprene-like divider. The outside of the pack includes dual side mesh pockets for water bottles, a padded waist belt, shoulder strap, large adjustable buckle and side tightening straps. The elastic topped mesh side pockets are perfect for holding your phone. The side tightening straps and webbed elastic chording cinch in everything tight from your stashed rain jacket to your shedded pullover.
The ultimate fanny packet, today’s 13 L Mountainsmith Lumbar Daypack still helps you stay organized and cool, includes a freeflow EVA back panel that limits sweat build up and centers your load, contains multiple inner pockets for large and small items, durable dual side pockets for water bottles, and has that awesome adjustable waist strap.
You even have the option of buying a rain cover for the Mountainsmith Lumbar Day Pack.
This small lumbar daypack can hold one layer, a small water reservoir (1.5-2L) or an iPad/small laptop, a small water bottle on each side, plus a small lunch or some snacks, and a few small personal items. You could stash a lightweight item on the outside - like a rolled up Turkish towel. Holds about 15 lbs.
PRO TIP: This pack is versatile and great on the trail or around town and to the office. Great for hikers AND mountain bikers.
Mountainsmith 2020 Lumbar Daypack Tech Specs
Size: 13 x 12 x 6in
Weight: 1 lb 15 oz
Pack Capacity: 13 L
UNISEX
Fit: Padded, wide, adjustable waist band
Cost: $90
Pros: Ideal for a half day hike or less, this day pack will carry exactly what you need and keep the weight off your shoulders. If you like to hike and mountain bike, this is a great daypack.
Cons: A lumbar hydration reservoir will take up a lot of this daypack, but keep in mind that it will hold two water bottles.
Bottom Line: The Mountainsmith lumbar pack lives on in this modern version of a day pack ideal for hikers and outdoorsy adventure travelers who like to carry a light load.
What are the Best Hiking Daypacks?
By now, you can tell we have a thing for Osprey backpacks. It just worked out that way over the years. And Osprey makes our favorite day hiking backpacks out there.
Partly due to extreme comfort, thoughtful technology, sturdy construction, and SO MANY OPTIONS.
But truly, the best backpacks for day hiking depends on what kind of hikes you like, keeping trail length and weather conditions in mind. Consider what kind of layers, as well as how much water (always err on too much) and snacks you will need to carry.
We both love Osprey’s Packfinder tool - they make some of the world’s best backpacks for day hiking and overnights in the backcountry. With a combined 50+ years experience on Colorado trails and all over the world, we’ve worn a lot of packs.
Pssst… They have stupendous customer service too.
The Osprey Sirrus 24L is a great hiking daypack for winter hiking or snowshoeing.
Child Carriers
While our kids are older now, we remember loading up the babes and toddlers on our bags and hopping on many Colorado trails and even in the Swiss Alps in 2000s.
REI and Kelty child carriers got the job done back then.
The best-selling Osprey Poco LT also offers stellar comfort and a great viewpoint for your little one as you embark on outdoor adventures. The Poco comes in three models.
Deuter baby carrier packs rival all the above.
These daypacks deserve a mention:
Here are more great hiking daypacks that have also caught our eye:
Deuter’s Speed Lite 24L Backpack
My husband loves his larger Deuter overnight backpack, so he has his eye on this 24L for a daypack. Deuter’s Speed Lite collection prides itself on being some of the best lightweight backpacks for day hiking. This pack’s back panel is well ventilated, boasting a great fit.
REI Tarn 18 Pack for Kids
A great option for 8 to 12 year olds is the top-rated REI’s Kids’ Co-op Tarn 18L Day Pack.
Designed and made with kids in mind, this has dual side mesh pockets as well as a hydration reservoir pocket. Featuring a large main zippered compartment, as well as a zippered front pocket AND a front stuff pocket.
Compression straps, sternum strap, padded hipbelt with small pockets, and padded shoulder straps also included — a lot of great features for an affordable price.
Choosing the best backpack for hiking Colorado trails can depend on how many miles you’re covering, the time of year and what you need to bring.
Best Sites to Buy Your Daypack
OSPREY - Their online Packfinder (SM) is on point, helping you further discern the best backpack for your type of hiking. Osprey has the biggest and most diverse collection of day packs and backpacks.
REI - Can’t beat their annual 10% member rewards, annual sales and member-only coupons. REI carries fantastic hiking packs and gear as well.
BACKCOUNTRY.COM - They have a large inventory and their customer service is impeccable. Their delivery and return / exchange system is top notch. Plus, join their Expeditions Perks program for free and rack up rewards and exclusive coupons.
What else might I need for my daypack?
You may want the following to complete your daypack set up:
A set of carabiners and small, thin bungee cords might be helpful to carry your spikes, poles, and sun hat.
Water Reservoir — Learn all about which water filters are best on long hikes. https://www.coloradohikesandhops.com/gear-reviews/best-backpacking-water-filter
Melody shares all of the best tips for what to bring on a hike in Colorado.
RELATED: What to Wear Hiking in Colorado - We cover what to wear for each of our four seasons in Colorado. Make sure you know before you go!
