Best Daypacks for Hiking 2025 | Tested and Reviewed by Our Gear Experts
We've extensively tested out a range of different hiking daypacks, looking at options ranging from 15 litres through to 36 litres. Here are the best daypacks we've used.
This round-up looks at light hiking daypack options with volumes sitting between 18 and 40 litres – the kinds of sizes that are ideal for short to large single day hikes in mountain environments. All will be large enough to carry everything from extra layers, food, water and navigation equipment, while some of the larger ones will also cater for extras like trekking poles, technical winter equipment and a storm shelter.
How To Choose The Best Daypack For Walking
As is the case when choosing the best backpacks for backpacking, there are also lots of elements to consider when choosing a daypack. Are you prepared to carry extra weight to ensure a full feature set, or would you prefer a stripped back pack to save grams while you’re walking? Do you want ventilation that allows good airflow between your back and the rucksack, or do you like a snug fit that keeps the rucksack close to your body as you move? We’ve tested options to suit every kind of walker.
It’s worth heading over to our daypacks buyer’s guide if you could do with more details on what to look out for. There you’ll find information on everything from back sizing and ventilation, to the pros and cons of waterproof backpacks.
Our team out testing the packs for this round up. Photos: Dave Macfarlane.
How We Tested Them
Here are the results of our team’s testing over the last couple of seasons. Most of the packs in this list qualified for our Outdoor 100 series and Greener Gear Guide and to test them, OM Editor Will Renwick and members of our test team ensured each one was carried for multiple days on the trail, in a range of conditions, while fully loaded. The pictures below show some of the test locations, which included the Cairngorms, Glencoe, the Lake District and Snowdonia. Most of the packs were used by Will while he’s been surveying routes for a new guidebook to the Welsh mountains that he’s working on.
The Best Daypacks According to Our Test Team
Here are our category winners. Top place goes to Rab for their impressively lightweight but durable Protium while Osprey’s Hikelite, which is very light and excellent for ventilation, came a close second.
Best Overall Daypack: Rab Protium 35
Runner up: Osprey Hikelite 28
Best Budget Daypack: Quechua MH500 25L
Best Lightweight Daypack: Gregory Arrio 30
Best Daypack for Big Loads (and Best Waterproof Pack): Osprey Downburst 36
Best Pack For Travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35
Best Multi-Activity Daypack: Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape 30
1. Rab Protium 35
Best Daypack Overall: the best hiking daypack overall following our tests
Will using the Rab Protium 35 on a hike in the Rhinogydd, Wales. Photo: Dave Macfarlane.
Price: £140 Weight: 1.15kg Capacities: 18L, 20L, 25L, 27L, 33L, 35L What we liked: Great for heavy loads, multiple adjustment points, super comfy back system What we didn’t like: Nothing so far! Buy this if: You want something lightweight and that you can use for a range of activities Don’t buy this if: You prefer a suspended back system
This gets our pick as the best daypack overall due to its exceptional balance of durability and weight and it’s impressive featureset and storage options.
OM editor Will has been testing the Rab Protium 35 through spring, most recently on some days out in the mountains of Eryri, loading it up with everything you’d need to keep you warm, dry and well fed and watered.
He reports: “It’s acutely designed, very comfortable and great with heavy loads, and the sliding back system and multiple adjustment points let you get a totally refined fit. I’ve been impressed with the quality overall and I can see it lasting a long time. All in all, it’s a great pack if you want a daypack that can carry a lot of stuff.”
“I think what stood out about the back system and harness overall for me is that it manages heavy loads well, but also moves comfortably with every twist, turn and flex of your body. During a scramble up Snowdonia rhyolite with this on my back – heavily loaded – it felt well balanced, comfortable and unrestrictive.”
Our runner up: Our second favourite and also our choice if ventilation is your top priority
Will Renwick using the Osprey Hikelite on a hike in Glen Nevis. Photo: Dave Macfarlane
Price: £120 Weight: 920g Capacities: 18, 26, 28, 32L What we liked: Big stretchy pockets, 100% recycled fabrics, useful details, lots of airflow What we didn’t like: Not great for colder weather Buy this if: You want something very light but still want ventilation and features Don’t buy this if: You want something that you can flatten and that suits winter conditions
This is a large daypack that will suit those big days out on the hill and it strikes a very nice balance, bringing a supportive and intricate back system to the table without loads of weight to carry.
In our tests, the stretchy mesh pockets were a standout feature. OK most packs have these, but not many have such big ones! We found that they could easily swallow a down jacket and your waterproofs – allowing you to keep them within quick and easy reach – and they’d even fit a tent on one side and a sleeping mat on the other. Fortunately they aren’t baggy or flappy when not in use either, with the elastication keeping them taut.
Here’s a video with Will showing it in action.
It comes with an integrated rain cover (a lot of packs don’t these days) and it uses 100% recycled materials for the main fabrics. We also liked that we didn’t feel any pressure points while wearing this, with heavy loads well managed and supported. You really do get bucket loads of ventilation too. The downside there, however, is that your back is pretty exposed and in snowy conditions we’d expect that snow would build up in the cavity that the trampoline mesh creates. Durability rating: 8/10 / Airflow rating: 10/10 / Integrated rain cover?: yes
Best for value: Our choice if you’re looking for a budget daypack that offers good performance and comfort.
Editor Will using the Quechua MH500 in the Radnor Forest.
Price: £45 Weight: 1kg Capacity: 25L What we liked: Very breathable back system, excellent value for money What we didn’t like: Not the most stable pack Buy this if: Ventilation is your priority Don’t buy this if: You want something suitable for winter use or for cycling.
This is a very functional pack featuring a vented suspended back system, lots of useful design elements, and a range of adjustment points — so it should suit most body shapes. At just £45, it also offers excellent value for money.
If you’re worried that the low price might mean it’s flimsy or poorly built, rest assured — this pack appears well-constructed and durable. We’ve had no concerns about its longevity during testing.
We found it to be a good pack for hot and humid days.
That said, it’s worth noting that weather resistance isn’t its strongest point. On one occasion during our tests, rain soaked through the material and into the main compartment. So, if you’re heading into wet conditions, we recommend using dry bags or investing in a separate waterproof rain cover.
While it’s a great option for hiking, we found the suspended back system and the slightly bulky hipbelt pockets made it less suitable for cycling. We also wouldn’t recommend it for snowy conditions, as there’s a high chance that snow will collect behind the mesh back panel.
Best Lightweight Daypack for Hiking: Lightweight and stable, this was judged to be the best for fast and light adventures
Pictured in use by our tester Giles out on the west coast of Scotland.
Price: £130 Weight: 850g Capacities: 18, 24, 30L What we liked: Superb comfort, intuitive organisation, durable fabrics What we didn’t like: No ice axe attachment, no hipbelt pockets Buy this if: You want something reliable, minimalist and suitable for different activities Don’t buy this if: You like hipbelt pockets or need to carry ice axes
The Gregory Arrio 30 Daypack is a perfect all-rounder of a backpack: lightweight, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s jam-packed with clever features, from the open-air mesh back panel (back sweat is a thing of the past) and super comfortable perforated foam harness, to the integrated safety whistle in the sternum strap.
During our tests in Arisaig, Scotland.
The Arrio’s intuitive organisation is a real plus, with quick-access pockets on the top and to the side and zips which are easy to use (and locate). You’ve also got a side stretch mesh pocket across the front which is perfect for a flask or a first aid kit.
It’s also equipped with a fitted rain cover. Winter walkers should note that there’s no ice axe attachment however.
Best pack for travel: A great travel bag that can be carried for hikes too
Price: £200 Weight: 1.1kg Capacities: 20, 28, 35, 42L Best for: Day hiking and city breaks What we liked: Made from waste fabric, unique appearance, very useful storage options What we didn’t like: Fabric not very water resistant and the bag doesn’t have much structure or shape to it if only lightly packed Buy this if: You want something that you can fly with, and with loads of storage options. Don’t buy this if: You want something light and agile.
New from certified B-Corp Cotopaxi, the Allpa travel pack is one of those bags that can make your kit disappear. There are so many pockets, some of which are hidden, that you need to be quite mindful of where you stow your stuff. If you’re an organised person, we think you’re going to really love this bag. And if you’re like us, then you will like it if you just learn to practise some organisational discipline: ‘this pocket is for this, that pocket is for that’ – that kind of thing.
Made from repurposed materials, its 35-lite capacity makes it the perfect size for most airlines’ carry-on requirements and there are loads of other travel-friendly features, including lockable zips, a harness and hipbelt that can be tucked away and a total of four grab handles. It’s like a duffel bag but one that’s just as comfortable as a normal backpack.
Whilst the water resistance lets the pack down a bit, it’s a very handy pack that has the potential to really streamline a travel experience. Usefully, we found it can also be packed down pretty flat when it’s empty, and that makes it something that you can realistically stuff into another suitcase or duffel bag to use for forays from your accommodation. From our experience using it in the hills of the Lake District, it’s not a totally unrealistic pack to use for day hiking either, particularly as the back panel and harness are quite comfortable.
Best Multi-Activity Daypack: This daypack came out top for activity use in the outdoors
OM editor Will using the Jack Wolfskin Cyrox Shape in a hike in south western Snowdonia. Photo: Dave Macfarflane
Price: £170
Weight: 1190g Capacities: 15L, 20L, 25L, 35L What we liked: Very water resistant, useful quick release bungee on the front What we didn’t like: Plastic components (clips, buckles etc.) don’t seem very durable Buy this if: Rain protection is a priority and you want something for a range of activities Don’t buy this if: If you prefer a suspended back system or if a low weight is important.
The Cyrox Shape 30L from Jack Wolfskin is a versatile pack that can cover a big range of outdoor activities. It’s weather resistant and very comfortable too, and the 30L volume makes it ideal for days out that require lots of kit and/or supplies. It has performed excellently during our tests so far.
The Jack Wolfskin Cyrox’s back system, pictured during our tests. Photo: Dave Macfarlane
Most recently, OM editor Will has been testing the Cyrox out in the mountains of Eryri and said, “I’ve found this to be big enough for all my three-season day hiking essentials, with a bit of room left over for any extra layers I might want to carry on particularly brisk days. It’s quite a narrow and slim pack so it keeps the weight close to your back, overall making for a stable feel. Also, I found the padded back panel does a great job of shielding your back from any hard items you might be carrying, meaning you don’t have to think too carefully about how you order your packing.”
“In terms of the wet weather performance, I’ve had no issues here. I’ve hiked for extended spells in rainfall and my gear has stayed protected. I’d still advise keeping your important kit in drybags in this, however, as there doesn’t appear to be seam taping. ”
There’s a useful quick release bungee on the front that’s great for attaching a set of trekking poles or an ice axe. You can also store trekking poles in the side pockets though there’s a risk of snagging the mesh. The sternum strap has a whistle built into the clip and a neat sliding adjustment system to help you refine the fit. The hipbelt pockets are also big enough to fit a standard-sized smartphone.
Best Big Daypacks and Best Waterproof Daypack: Our top selection for use in extremely wet weather and for big and heavy loads.
Will using the Osprey Downburst during his tests.
Price: £300 Weight: 1528g Capacities: 36L What we liked: Waterproof construction, volume capability What we didn’t like: Expensive and not suitable for use in snowy conditions due to back system design Buy this if: You want something for big loads and for very rough weather but that’s still breathable Don’t buy this if: You’re on a budget, a low weight is a priority or you want something that’s packable
This is one of those packs that’s versatile enough to serve either as a daypack for those big days out or as a pack for lightweight multi-day missions. We used it to carry all of our backpacking kit for a summer wild camp and it worked great, though it doesn’t leave you with too much space for extra food or luxuries.
What stands out most about this is the fact it offers IPX 5 waterproofing. That might not make it fully submersible but, as we found during our tests, it makes it capable of seeing off the worst weather you can possibly imagine.
Yes, we’ve seen waterproof packs before, but not any that strike such a good balance between protection, durability and weight. This is mainly thanks to the high-spec TPU coated nylon that Osprey have developed for this – it’s top notch stuff. The model we tested fitted perfectly, with the adjustable back length giving the potential for a perfectly refined fit.
Durability rating: 10/10 / Airflow rating: 9/10 / Integrated rain cover?: not needed as the pack is highly water resistant
Price: £155 Weight: 1250g Capacities: 6L (lumbar pack), 11L, 22L, 26L, 33L, 44L What we liked: Streamlined aesthetic for 2025, bluesign-approved fabrics, Extended Fit range What we didn’t like: Slightly restricted access to water bottles in side pockets Buy this if: You want something versatile for year-round, multi-activity use Don’t buy this if: A low weight is a priority
From lightweight backpacking to hiking, biking and more, the men’s Talon and women’s Tempest series offer a variety of silhouettes and volumes to cater for different types of trips and activities. OM editor Will has been testing the 33-litre Talon, which is the ideal size for those day hikes that require large loads.
During his tests he said, “I can also see it serving really well in the shoulder seasons when extra layers and kit are needed and for hut-to-hut trekking when you just need something to carry your clothes, food and a light sleeping bag.”
“All in all, this is an extremely well-made pack that’s decked out in useful details and features but without being fiddly. The back system has length adjustment and there’s plenty of adjustment throughout the harness so it’s a pack that should fit most people comfortably. I’ve also been impressed with its durability. It seems built to last.”
Durability rating: 9/10 / Airflow rating: 8/10 / Integrated rain cover?: no, but the fabrics are very water resistant
Jordan Tiernan using the Haglofs LIM on a hike in Eryri.
Price: £140 Weight: 890g Capacities: 25, 35L What we liked: Innovative minimal design, lightweight, comfortable to carry What we didn’t like: Not very stable Buy this if: Ventilation and a low weight are priorities Don’t buy this if: You want something that’s packable or you want something that keeps loads close to your back and stable.
Super lightweight (especially for a pack with a suspended back system) and produced using ethical fabrics, this pack is somewhat minimalistic in design but without any compromise in function or performance.
For us, arguably the most impressive feature was the back ventilation system. The suspended lightweight mesh panel effectively keeps the contents of your pack away from your back, allowing that much-needed airflow and preventing sweat from building up. It’s also surprisingly durable, with a 70-denier rip-stop polyamide that’s reinforced with 140-denier sections in high-wear zones. There’s just about the right amount of padding in the hip belts too – and these have large pockets on them where you can stash a good amount of snacks.
At just 35l this backpack is best suited to day hiking, but it’ll also cater for a few minimalistic backpackers and fastpackers too.
Durability rating: 8/10 / Airflow rating: 10/10 / Integrated rain cover?: no, fabrics have a high water resistance though.
OM tester Emma Cole using the Lowe Alpine Airzone Ultra in Pembrokeshire.
Price: £130 Weight: 800g Capacities: 36L What we liked: Lots of airflow, lightweight design What we didn’t like: Top closure a little unreliable in wet weather, can feel unstable Buy this if: Ventilation and a low weight are priorities Don’t buy this if: You want something that’s packable or you want something that keeps loads close to your back and stable.
This is one of those packs that straddles the line between daypack and multi-day pack. With its 36-litre capacity, it’s easily big enough to cater for a big day out in the hills while it’s also just about the right size for carrying lightweight camping gear.
It has a suspended back system which is comfortable and offers bucket loads of ventilation. It also keeps the contents of the pack from poking into your back. The downside is that, with the pack fully loaded, the trampoline style system keeps the weight of the pack quite far from your body.
We liked some of the details here, including the big stretchy mesh pockets and the dual hipbelt pockets which we found are big enough for a mobile phone. The main downside we found with the Airzone Ultra is that the top closure of the pack wasn’t always that reliable in wet weather and sometimes we felt it left our kit a bit exposed. We’d therefore recommend using it with drybags.
OM tester Hannah using the Heimplanet Motion Ellipse in the wilds of the Cambrian Mountains.
Price: £159 Weight: 920g Capacity: 25L What we liked: Suitable for both outdoor and urban use, highly water-resistant, durable What we didn’t like: Quite expensive Buy this if: You want a pack that transitions seamlessly from the mountains to the city Don’t buy this if: You prefer a suspended back system or want a supportive hipbelt.
Most people might recognise Heimplanet for their futuristic-looking inflatable tent designs, but the German company also offers a range of innovative backpacks. The Ellipse 25L is arguably the best in their collection if you’re looking for something versatile enough for outdoor day hikes and everyday use.
We’ve used it for hiking, cycling, and as a laptop bag, and it performs well in just about every situation. Standout features include the slightly padded laptop sleeve, the large stretchy mesh front pocket, and the comfortable back panel that molds nicely to your body (even while cycling), while still offering some airflow. We also appreciated the inclusion of ice axe loops, removable elements (including the hipbelt and sternum strap), and practical pocket options — the hidden security pocket is a particularly nice touch. Need more storage? Heimplanet sells zipped hipbelt pockets separately.
During our tests on a 15-mile day hike in Mid Wales.
While it isn’t fully waterproof, we found the main fabric to be highly water-resistant. During a very wet hike in the Cambrian Mountains, for example, our tester hiked all day in light, mizzly rain and noticed no concerning moisture inside the pack. However, it lacks waterproof seams or zippers, so your gear may be vulnerable in heavy or prolonged rain without additional drybag protection.
Both the main fabric and base are very durable, and the stretchy mesh is surprisingly tough too. The pack held up well against abrasion during testing, and we expect it to last a long time.
Overall, this is a versatile and well-designed pack that suits anyone looking for a bag with the right features for genuine outdoor use, while still offering a low-profile aesthetic that works in urban environments.
Our tester using the Brimer in the mountains of Eryri.
Price: £280 Weight: 973g Capacities: 24, 32L Best for: Climbers, mountaineers, ski tourers What we liked: Adaptable, eco-friendly, hardwearing, unisex What we didn’t like: Expensive, quite narrow Buy this if: You want something robust and very weatherproof that can be used for serious mountain use Don’t buy this if: Ventilation is a priority or if you’re on a budget.
This is a high quality pack that’s designed for resilience. Made from a 210D polyamide fabric, it’s the kind of pack that offers superb durability, while a coating on the outside and laminate on the inside, bring a very high degree of weather resistance.
Despite that durability, this thing still weighs in at under 1kg, which ain’t too shabby – there are many bags that are less robust but still heavier. OK it might not become the pack of choice for the ultralight brigade, but the carrying comfort is fantastic, even with a heavy load.
Our demonstration of the Brimer’s back system.
The back panel is adjustable and the lumbar bar and pivot system help the bag to move with your hips and shoulders. The side pockets are enormous, capable of fitting most one-person tents, and daisy chains across the harness and front of the pack are ideal for hanging gear.
At only 24L capacity, this best suits a minimalist packer, although the bag’s capacity could be almost doubled by adding some of Klättermussen’s optional extras such as bottle holders and extra pockets.
Durability rating: 10/10 / Airflow rating: 8/10 / Integrated rain cover?: no, but the fabrics are highly water resistant
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