11 Best Daypacks for Travel in 2024
From your daily commute to your weekend hike, a travel daypack is your do-it-all travel companion. One size down from your standard-size backpack, it’s the perfect not-to-big, not-to-small option for a quick day trip. Whether you’re hitting the trails or pounding the pavement, these are the best travel daypacks for 2024.
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11 best backpacks for day trips
1. Best overall daypack: Calpak
Sometimes, a big travel backpack is just too much to lug around. When you want to feel lightweight and fancy-free, consider the Luka Mini Backpack from Calpak for your next day of travel. Smartly designed to fit all your everyday travel essentials without adding extra bulk, this travel daypack will be your new take-everywhere daily companion. From the office to the airport to weekend hikes, you can count on the interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized and the adjustable shoulder straps to keep you comfortable. Bonus: There's also a luggage sleeve with a hidden pocket to make days at the airport that much easier.
Price: starting at $72
2. Best packable daypack: Matador
A travel daypack is a great addition to your packing list for any vacation or weekend excursion. But depending on how much luggage you're already bringing, adding another bag to the mix can seem tiresome. That's why we love the Freefly16 Packable Backpack from Matador. This packable backpack compresses for travel so you can easily store it out of sight and out of mind in its matching mesh compression sack and just unfold it when you need to. Not only will you get 16L of extra space on the go, but you’ll get a completely weatherproof design with sealed zippers and seams to prepare you for any spontaneous adventure.
Price: starting at $80
3. Best drawstring daypack: L.L.Bean
The drawstring backpack is classic, old-school style—and for good reason, too. It’s lightweight, packable, and easy to wash and care for. The Mountain Classic Drawstring Pack from L.L. Bean puts a new spin on an old favorite. Inspired by the brand’s iconic anoraks, this travel daypack is made out of the same lightweight, water-resistant nylon as the famous jackets. There’s an added top handle to give you options for toting your daypack around town, as well as an exterior zip pocket and light padding for extra back comfort.
Price: starting at $39
4. Best hiking daypack: Patagonia
Gearing up for a hike can be a tough packing challenge. You’ve got to have enough space to pack all the essentials (water, snacks, sunblock, first aid kit, etc.) without overburdening yourself. To simplify the packing process so you can get out on the trails sooner, turn to the Atom Sling Bag 8L from Patagonia. Made out of 100% recycled polyester and Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, this travel daypack is durable, water-repellant, and designed for maximum comfort. From the ergonomic, single-strap harness to tuck-away storage straps, it’s got all the trimmings to make your next hike one for the books.
Price: starting at $65
5. Best anti-theft daypack: Pacsafe
Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, keeping an eye out for pickpockets can be nerve-wracking. That’s why it pays to invest in an anti-theft travel daypack. The Cruise Anti-Theft Essentials Backpack from Pacsafe is designed with safety in mind for thoughtful women who love to travel. From the RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material to the Carrysafe® slashguard strap and secure zip tab, there’s no way would-be thieves are getting in. Plus, it’s all designed with sustainability in mind: Each one of these daypacks is made out of 14 recycled plastic bottles.
Price: starting at $134
6. Best eco-friendly daypack: Lo & Sons
If you’re looking for a travel daypack that can do double-duty as a fashion statement and an eco-friendly choice, then this option from Lo & Sons can tick both boxes. Inside and out, the Beacon travel daypack puts the focus on sustainability: The exterior is made with 37% recycled nylon, and the signature hummingbird interior lining is made with 50% recycled poly. To satisfy the fashionista in you, every zipper and handle as well as the back panel is made out of soft Nappa leather. Plus, you can shop your choice of gold, gunmetal, or silver hardware with lavender-, blue-, or camel-colored lining.
Price: starting at $178
7. Best bucket daypack: July
Are you a notorious over-packer? Then this nifty travel daypack will give you the extra space you need to squeeze in all your must-haves without creating any unsightly bulges. The Daybreak Backpack from July is a bucket-style backpack with pockets galore: one front pocket, two side pockets, one zip top pocket, and three interior pockets with a key hook. Padded shoulder straps and back padding give you cushy comfort whether you're jumping on a plane, train, or bus, while a padded compartment keeps your laptop secure through any bumpy rides.
Price: starting at $175
8. Best collapsible daypack: Away
Are you a fan of spontaneous getaways? If so, keeping a collapsible daypack on hand should be your new MO to ensure you're always ready for a last-minute adventure. Made out of 100% recycled nylon fabric, The Packable Backpack from Away is lightweight, durable, and at the ready for a spur-of-the-moment hike, beach day, or day about town. With padded shoulder straps, an interior zip pocket, and a comfortable top handle, it is comfort and convenience all in one. And when you're not using this travel daypack, just collapse, fold, and store it in the matching zip pouch to tuck it out of sight.
Price: starting at $48
9. Best customizable daypack: Roam
Backpacks are comfy, convenient, and comfortable to boot—but they don't always knock it out of the park when it comes to personal style. With The Downtown backpack from Roam, you can handpick the front, back, side, bottom, and even strap and handles for complete customization that screams 100% you. Roam handcrafts each one of these custom travel daypacks in the USA with recycled, eco-friendly materials. You pick your custom colors (Kyoto Black, Cornwall Slate, Venetian Green, or Rio Fire), and they'll deliver the goods (i.e., interior pockets, an exterior laptop pocket, a key leash, etc.).
Price: starting at $275
10. Best daypack with bottle pockets: Topo Designs
Whether you’re heading out for just the day or spending a weekend away, a travel water bottle is always a must on your packing list. But annoyingly, your fave eco-conscious glass or metal water bottle can eat up a lot of space in your daypack. Enter the Daypack Classic from Topo Designs. With two side bottle pockets at the ready, you can easily stay hydrated on the go with room to spare for your other essentials. Made out of 100% recycled nylon, this travel daypack also features two laptop sleeves (one internal and one external), padded shoulder straps, and heavy-duty #10 YKK zippers for peak durability.
Price: starting at $99
11. Best leather daypack: Cuyana
Recycled nylon is nice and all that, but there’s no shame in seeking a bit more luxury. Whether you need a travel daypack for your daily commute or weekend trips, this option from Cuyana will add a dose of classic sophistication to your journey. Made out of top-quality grain leather in your choice of timeless black, cappuccino, or stone, this backpack will help you stay flexible and hands-free on the go.
Price: starting at $498
Travel daypacks - common FAQs
What is the best size for a travel daypack?
The best size for a travel daypack is between 21 and 35 liters. Anything larger than that is better suited for a serious hike or a long-weekend getaway. But for a day out and about in the city, a 21- to 35-liter travel daypack hits the sweet spot for both comfort and utility.
What should I pack in my travel daypack?
Whether you're getting ready for a day of sightseeing or traveling, a travel daypack is the best way to keep essentials at hand. In your daypack, it's a good idea to pack: a portable charger, a water bottle, a light jacket or sweater, headphones, sunglasses, and some travel-friendly snacks.
What is the most comfortable daypack?
The most comfortable daypack is The Daybreak Backpack from July. This bucket-style daypack features back padding and adjustable padded shoulder straps to help ease the weight of your load and keep you comfy and at ease throughout your travels.
