Best Packable Daypacks: Reviews and Comparison - Junyuan Bags - Golf Bag,Sports Bag,Outdoor Bag Manufacturer

By Una Baufala July 11, 2020

Let’s talk about the best packable daypacks.

Or should I say packable backpacks. Because that’s what they are. Backpacks. Backpacks which are foldable. And which you can use for a lot of purposes, from sightseeing, traveling and hiking to occasional grocery shopping. Yes, I sometimes use mine for grocery shopping as well. When there’s little to carry, I’m walking or cycling, and I want to go with a backpack.

It’s just so easy to take this kind of backpack with you.

And that’s what all of the best packable backpacks have in common. They are small, lightweight, versatile, and always there for whatever purpose you may want to use it.

Let me help you to choose the best daypack for your needs!

Best Packable Daypacks: Comparison

Here they are – some of the best packable daypacks available right now.

Scroll down to read about each of them.

Most of them are available in different colors. For all the options, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the image of the daypack!

NAME	SIZE	SHORT DESCRIPTION	PRICE ON AMAZON
Outlander ***	20 L and 33 L	Compact yet roomy.	Check the price!
Outlander Large	35 L	Roomy due to its large size. Features multiple pockets and a sternum strap.	Check the price!
Bago	25 L	Spacious. Features multiple pockets.	Check the price!
HIKPRO ***	20 L	Basic, compact and lightweight.	Check the price!
Eagle Creek	13 L	Basic and very lightweight. Features zipper lock points.	Check the price!
4Monster	16 L and 24 L	One of the most lightweight backpacks on the list.	Check the price!
Osprey Ultralight	18 L	The most lightweight packable daypack on the list.	Check the price!
G4Free	40 L	The largest packable daypack on the list. Great for short hikes.	Check the price!
*** – our favorites

Packable Daypack: Basics

To go with our without a daypack?

Things get much easier, when you have a small, packable travel daypack. Because this kind of backpack you can always take with you. Wherever you go.

What is a Packable Daypack?

A packable daypack is a very lightweight backpack made of thin yet durable material.

As most of them are made of lightweight and thin material and doesn’t have much padding, mostly you can fold them into the size of a small toiletry bag. Or even better – the size of a fist. Yes, there are backpacks also this small.

There are two types of daypacks.

One that packs itself into a little pouch for storage, others – into one of its zippered pockets.

Why Use a Packable Daypack?

The main purpose of this backpack is to serve as a daypack on a trip.

But, as already mentioned, it also be used as an everyday backpack, for some small shopping for example. Or as an extra bag for your excess baggage at the end of your trip.

As it’s so compact and lightweight, it won’t take up much space in your luggage or carry on backpack. It’s also way easier to fold a packable daypack than a regular everyday backpack.

So, it can always be there.

Whenever and for whatever you may need it.

Features and Size of a Packable Daypack

Most packable daypacks are basic.

They have a classic, timeless design and feature only a few pockets.

Usually there’s a roomy main compartment, 2 mesh side pockets and a couple of small zippered pockets. One of the zippered pockets usually is used to store the backpack when it’s folded. Most of packable daypacks have very little or none at all padding, both on their shoulder straps and their back panel.

If there is a sleeve for a laptop, mostly it isn’t padded either.

As there is no padding, these backpacks aren’t really ideal for carrying heavy and fragile items. If you want to carry your laptop and other electronics in your packable daypack, put them into their protective case first. Use an electronics organizer for your chargers and other rather big electronics, and a travel cable organizer – for cables.

It will also be more comfortable for yourself.

Most packable daypacks are rather small — about 15 to 20 liters.

Some packable daypacks are larger — 30, 35 and even 40 liters.

If you want a lightweight backpack for day trips, mostly you’ll be good with a 15-20 liter size bag. Most of people are good with this size.

If you plan to go on short hikes during your vacation but don’t want to buy a special hiking backpack, check out larger daypacks. 35 – 40 liter daypacks will do the job just fine. Just remember, that due to the lack of padding and decent shoulder straps it’s never going to be the perfect solution for heavy loads.

How to Fold a Packable Daypack?

It’s really easy to fold a packable daypack.

Normally, a packable daypack will be folded and stored in its pouch, so you’ll see how it is packed when you unfold it.

Just pack it the same way when you put it back in its pouch. If it wasn’t folded when you bought it, then first you have to find where is the built-in pouch.

Usually a packable daypack is folded into one of its zippered pockets.

Fold the pack in two, then fold the sides and push it in the pack-in pocket. Finally – close the pack-in pocket.

Put this small package in your backpack or a suitcase. That’s it!

Here’s how I’m folding my Neatpack daypack:

Best Packable Daypacks: Reviews

1. Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Daypack Review

A lightweight packable backpack that can be folded into itself.

The Outlander daypack is the best backpack for a day trip to the city or beach.

Just fold this compact backpack into the built-in pouch (which also is a zippered inner pocket) and throw it in your luggage, or on the shelf. Unpack and use it when you have reached your destination.

Just like regular day packs, the Outlander daypack has several pockets and compartments.

There is a roomy main compartment, two front zippered pockets for small accessories, one internal zippered security pocket and two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas. The backpack is made of rip and water-resistant nylon fabric. Its stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased durability.

Like most of foldable daypacks, it’s not the best backpack for long hikes, nor for carrying heavy stuff. Simply because the backpack’s back panel and shoulder straps are only very lightly padded.

But it is great as a day pack for all your essentials.

And also as a backpack for your excess baggage at the end of your trip.

Size: 20 L and 33 L.

Dimensions:

20 L: 16.92″ x 10.63″ x 7.08″ (43 x 27 x 18 cm);
33 L: 19″ x 13″ x 8.2″ (48.3 x 33 x 20.8 cm);
Folded: About 6.29″ x 5.90″ x 2″ (16 x 15 x 5 cm).

Weight: 0.5 lbs (227 grams).

2. Outlander Large Packable Lightweight Backpack Review

A larger packable daypack from Outlander.

If you have more things to carry with you, or you simply like to have a bigger backpack. The backpack is made of rip and water-resistant nylon fabric. Its stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased durability.

The backpack has classic and timeless design.

It has several pockets that will keep your belongings organized.

The Outlander backpack has a roomy main compartment with a sleeve at the back (unpadded). There are two front zipper pockets for accessories, one of them has an inner mesh pocket. And then there are two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.

The new version comes with an aluminum carabiner, a sternum strap and a whistle buckle, and features a reflector on its front. And just like many other packable backpacks on this list, the Outlander backpack also folds into a built-in pouch, which in this case is also is a zippered front pocket.

Available in several colors, including black, red, green, pink and blue.

Size: 35 L.

Dimensions:

Folded: 8.5” x 8.5” x 1.2” (21.6 x 21.6 x 3 cm);
Unfolded: 18.5” x 13” x 7.5” (47 x 33 x 19 cm).

Weight: 0.7 lbs (318 grams).

3. Bago Lightweight Packable Backpack Review

A small packable backpack, that comes in one size and several colors.

It’s a very lightweight and compact daypack, that is made of durable water and tear resistant Honeycomb Polyester fabric.

In the product description it is mentioned that the daypack is waterproof. But I wouldn’t say that. It is water resistant, but not waterproof. It can withstand light rain, but I wouldn’t recommend exposing it to wet environment and heavy rains. If you want a truly waterproof packable daypack, and don’t want to spend a lot, go for a decent dry bag.

The Bago packable daypack has multiple compartments and pockets:

Roomy main compartment;
Mesh front pocket — perfect for storing your jacket;
2 mesh side pockets;
External zippered front pocket;
Inner zip pocket which is also a storage pouch for the backpack.

Just like any other packable daypack, the Bago daypack is the perfect solution for your excess baggage, when you’re traveling. To avoid excess baggage charges, unfold the packable daypack and use it as a carry on or extra bag to store excess baggage.

Unfortunately, the mesh shoulder straps and back panel aren’t padded at all.

This means that you can’t really carry anything too heavy, as it won’t feel too comfortable on your back. But this backpack is great as a day pack for all your essentials and as a backpack for your excess baggage at the end of your trip.

Size: 25 L.

Dimensions:

Folded: 8″ x 8″ x 1.5″ (20 x 20 x 4 cm);
Unfolded: 16.5” x 11.8” x 7.1” (42 x 30 x 18 cm).

Weight: 0.7 lbs (318 grams).

4. HIKPRO Lightweight Packable Backpack Review

The HIKPRO daypack is a simple-looking packable backpack with a timeless design.

Thanks to its size and compactness, it’s just perfect for taking on any kind of trip.

Made of high quality water and tear resistant nylon material, it is lightweight yet durable. The backpack features abrasion resistant SBS metal zipper. Its major stress points are reinforced with bar tacking. And there’s a double-layer fabric at the bottom for extra durability.

As the backpack is basic, it has only a few pockets.

There’s only a roomy main compartment with an inner zippered pocket, a small zippered front pocket and two side mesh pockets.

It’s quite small when packed, smaller than the previous ones, but not as small as the 4monster packable daypack.

Size: 20 L.

Dimensions:

Unfolded: 18” x 12” x 5.5” (46 x 30.5 x 14 cm).
Folded: 6.5” x 6” x 2” (16.5 x 15.2 x 5 cm).

Weight: 7.5 oz (213 grams).

5. Eagle Creek Packable Daypack Review

An ultralight packable daypack from Eagle Creek.

It is one of the most lightweight backpacks on this list.

If you’re traveling very light, this just might be the best daypack for travel for your needs. But take into account that it’s smaller than many other foldable daypacks.

Same like the previous one, the backpack has only a few pockets: a roomy main compartment, a zippered front pocket and two mesh side pockets. And it packs away into its front pocket. The backpacks main compartment is equipped with two-way lockable zippers. Thanks to that it offers maximum security for your belongings.

Made of breathable and moisture wicking mesh, the shoulder straps will keep you comfortable on warm travel days. The Eagle Creek packable daypack itself is made of a water resistant nylon material.

Size: 13 L.

Dimensions:

Packed: 7.75 x 6.25 x 2.25 in | 20 x 16 x 6 cm;
Unpacked: 17.5” x 11” x 4.75” (44.5 x 28 x 12 cm).

Weight: 5 oz (142 grams).

6. 4Monster Compact Packable Daypack Review

A super lightweight and extremely compact packable backpack.

The 4Monster daypack is one of the most lightweight backpacks on the list. It’s made of rip and water resistant 30D Nylon. The bag packs into a tiny pouch, and can be easily folded into the size of a fist.

The backpack has a roomy main compartment, two side mesh pockets and a zippered front pocket.

It’s made of breathable and moisture wicking mesh, the shoulder straps will keep you comfortable on warm travel days.

The 4Monster daypack comes in 2 sizes.

Packable, matching fanny packs are available, too.

Size: 16 L and 24 L.

Dimensions:

Packed: 5.1” x 2.7” (13 x 7 cm).

Unpacked:

16L: 16.5” x 9” x 6” (42 x 23 x 15.2 cm);
24L: 18.5” x 11.8” x 7” (47 x 30 x 18 cm).

Weight: 4 oz (113 grams).

7. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack Review

A great packable daypack from a great outdoor company.

The most lightweight packable daypack on this list.

This foldable travel backpack is extremely lightweight and super compact. Yeah, like most on this list. Like most of the Osprey products this backpack is awesome, and that’s why it’s here among the best foldable backpacks.

The backpack can be easily folded into the size of a wallet.

It’s a very basic packable daypack, so don’t expect any extras like a bunch of pockets.

The backpack is made of ripstop nylon.

Size: 18 L.

Dimensions:

Packed: approx. 3” x 3” (7.6 x 7.6 cm).
Unpacked: 17” x 9” x 7” (43.2 x 23 x 18 cm).

Weight: 3.8 oz (108 g).

8. G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack Review

G4Free is a large, lightweight and packable backpack.

And probably the best packable backpack for backpacking, hiking and travel.

This backpack is a great choice for those who want to go on a short hiking trip once in a while, but don’t want to spend a lot of money on an expensive hiking backpack. This pack will be great also for those who just want a larger daypack for travel or everyday use.

Despite its size (40 L) the G4Free packable daypack it’s still very light.

It doesn’t weight much more than 30 liter backpacks.

Just like the other packable daypacks, this one also packs itself into a little pouch for storage.

There is no hip belt and thick padding, hence you can’t really take it on a serious hike, like the Appalachian Trail or the Camino de Santiago. Also it doesn’t really keep its shape too well. This is another reason why it’s not suitable for serious hikes. But at the same it’s perfect for short and easy hikes once in a while.

The backpack is made of tear and water resistant nylon.

It’s available in several colors.

Size: 40 L.

Dimensions:

Folded: 9.4 x 7.8 x 3.9” (24 x 20 x 10 cm);

Unfolded: 22.8” x 13.4” x 7.9” (58 x 34 x 20 cm).

Weight: 0.8 lbs (363 grams).

Do you use a daypack when you’re traveling? Is it a foldable travel daypack? What is the best packable daypack you have tried or used?

Junyuan Bags

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