February 5, 2021
Which is the best women’s daypack?
How to find the best daypack for hiking, EDC and travel for your needs?
What are the things you should be paying attention to? First of all, decide what are you planning to use it for. Then decide what type of daypack you would prefer and how big should it be. And then come things like — different styles, materials, features, color choices and, of course, price categories.
These are the things to consider when buying a new daypack.
Scroll down to see our favorites among the best women’s daypacks.
Best Women’s Daypack: Our Favorites
What is the best women’s hiking daypack? What is the best EDC daypack for women?
Do not have time to read the whole article? Check out these two.
| Name & Purpose | Osprey Tempest 20 – For Hiking | The North Face Vault – For EDC |
|---|---|---|
| Photo |   | > |
| Capacity | 20 liters | 28 liters |
| Dimensions | 18.1″ x 10.6″ x 9″ (46 x 27 x 23 cm) | 19.25″ x 13.25″ x 7.5″ (48 x 33.5 x 19 cm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| Pockets | Sleeve for hydration system, pockets on the hip belt, pocket for a rain jacket, sun glasses pocket, etc. | A slightly padded 15″ laptop sleeve, side mesh pockets, front compartment with interior pockets. |
| Material | 100D X 210D Bluesign Recycled Robic Nylon | 600D Polyester, 1200D Polyester, 450D X 300D Heather Polyester, 600D Geo Emboss Polyester |
| Colors | Blue, green, black, etc. | 15+ |
Best Women’s Daypack: Reviews
1. Osprey Tempest 20 Hiking Backpack
Overall the best day hiking backpack for women.
The Osprey Tempest 20 liter pack is the best women’s daypack for hiking and our favorite day hiking pack for women. Featuring a women’s specific fit, it’s comfortable to carry even when it’s fully loaded.
This lightweight pack boasts a wide padded hip-belt which distributes the weight evenly, so you won’t feel pain in your shoulders. Its injection moulded Airscape HDPE back panel with EVA foam padding makes the pack feel comfortable on your back.
The backpack is panel loading with dual-zippered access to its main compartment.
The backpack features attachments for trekking poles, ice axe and helmet. There’s an external sleeve for a hydration system and an exterior elastic pocket for a wet rain jacket.
It also features convenient zippered pockets on its hip-belt and side mesh pockets. The top zippered pocket is perfect for storing sunglasses.
Dimensions: 18.1″ x 10.6″ x 9″ (46 x 27 x 23 cm)
Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Size: 20 liters
2. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
A compact and lightweight hiking day pack.
This Osprey women’s daypack is a sporty looking backpack made for those who lead an active lifestyle. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable to carry.
Do not get fooled by its looks, though! It can be used as a commute bag, too. It has a built-in sleeve for a hydration reservoir which can also be used for a laptop. Made of 210D Nylon Double Diamond Ripstop, the backpack is durable yet very lightweight — it weights only 1 lbs (450 grams)! Impressive, isn’t it?
The Daylite backpack features padded Spacermesh shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap and a removable hip belt. Mesh-covered back panel with slotted foam provides both comfort and ventilation.
The backpack has a few compartments and pockets:
- Large panel-loading main compartment;
- Side mesh pockets;
- Front pocket with mesh organizer and key clip;
- Multi-function interior sleeve for hydration or tablet.
What else?
The Daylite can be attached to a variety of compatible Osprey backpacks: Aether/Ariel Series + Volt/Viva Series + Ace 75 + Shuttle Series + Sojourn Series + Farpoint 80 + Porter Series.
Dimensions: 18.1” x 9.4” x 8.7” (46 x 24 x 22 cm)
Weight: 1 lb (0.45 kg)
Size: 13 liter
3. Sunhiker Hiking Daypack
A cheap small hiking daypack, perfect for beginners.
If you want something cheap, this is one of best daypacks for hiking for your needs.
As it’s a cheap backpack, its design is not as amazing as that of more expensive backpacks. It doesn’t have an injection molded back panel, well padded hip belt and other cool features. However, there is everything a beginner day-hiker needs: a padded back, adjustable sternum strap, breathable shoulder straps and a simple, unpadded hip belt.
All of these basic features will help a beginner day hikers feel more confident than with some super minimalistic daypack.
The Sunhiker backpack features a few pockets and compartments that will keep your stuff organized. It has got a front compartment with inner pockets, roomy main compartment, front pocket and side water bottle pockets.
The daypack is made of tear and water-resistant nylon. It’s super lightweight.
Available in a variety of fun colors.
Dimensions: 15.8″ x 9.4″ x 5.9″ (40 x 24 x 15 cm)
Weight: 0.73 lbs (0.33 kg)
Size: 25 liters
4. The North Face Vault Backpack
Mid-priced The North Face daypack for women.
If you are looking for a versatile North Face daypack that can be used for hiking, day trips, commute and travel, look no further. The Vault will work just great!
While not technically a hiking daypack, it will be good enough for day hikes. It has a well-padded back panel with ridges for ventilation which will keep you cool. Padded, flexible shoulder straps with mesh lining wick moisture and provide comfort. In addition to that the daypack features a roomy main compartment with a slightly padded 15″ laptop sleeve, side mesh pockets and a spacious front compartment with interior pockets for organization.
Thanks to its stylish and smart design, it will look great with just about any outfit.
As the backpack isn’t too big, it can be carried on board free of charge. Unfortunately, there is no one rule concerning the size of a carry on backpack – every airline has its own baggage regulations. Check with the airline first.
Dimensions: 19.25″ x 13.25″ x 7.5″ (48 x 33.5 x 19 cm)
Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
Size: 28 liters
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Active Daypack
A quality anti-theft backpack with a laptop sleeve.
Perfect for campus, commute or business trip.
The backpack is very functional and provides organization for your gadgets and essentials. Featuring a 5-point anti-theft security system, the Travelon backpack makes sure your belongings stay safe during commute and travel.
The backpack features:
- Lock-down straps which secure the bag to a chair, preventing grab-and-go theft
- Lockable zippers
- Slash-resistant body made of slash-resistant mesh barrier helps prevent slash-and-grab theft
- Slash-resistant straps with a stainless steel wire help prevent slash-and-run theft
- RFID blocking card slots and passport pocket prevent electronic identity theft
In addition to that, the backpack has a roomy main compartment with padded and fleece lined pocket which can hold a laptop to 15.6″. The front zippered pocket holds a smart phone or other small items, the side pockets are perfect for storing a water bottle and an umbrella.
The backpack features an air-mesh padded back panel and backpack straps for comfort.
There is also a sternum strap to disperse the weight of the backpack.
Are looking for a secure backpack for travel with cool anti-theft features?
Look no further — this will be the best women’s daypack for you!
Dimensions: 19.5″ x 12″ x 6″ (50 x 30.5 x 15.2 cm)
Size: 16 liters
6. Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Campus Backpack
A pretty commuter daypack, city and college backpack.
Perfect for campus, commute or vacation, this lovely women’s backpack provides organization for all your essentials. What we like the most about the backpack, is that it comes in so many beautiful colors and patterns.
Made from quilted cotton, the backpack has several useful compartments and pockets:
- Two front zip pockets;
- Two side pockets;
- Separate padded zippered compartment for a laptop (up to 15”);
- Roomy main compartment with two mesh slip pockets.
- The bag features trolley sleeve and padded shoulder straps.
Unfortunately, this Vera Bradley backpack is not water-resistant. You’ll have to use a waterproof backpack rain cover to protect it from the rain.
Dimensions: 16.75” x 12” x 7.5” (42.5 x 30.5 x 19 cm)
Weight: 1.81 lbs (0.82 kg)
Size: 25 liter
7. Herschel Settlement Daypack
A simple daypack which comes in a variety of colors.
This Herschel daypack is the best daypack for travel and everyday use for those who are looking for a small-ish minimalist daypack
The backpack is well-made and features an iconic vintage style.
Despite the simple design, there are a few pockets that will keep your things organized.
There’s a roomy main compartment with a 15″ laptop sleeve and a small open pocket on the side for your phone. There’s a headphone port just above the small inner pocket. There’s a spacious pocket at the front of the backpack with a key clip.
Dimensions: 17.75″ x 12.25″ x 5.75″ (45 x 31 x 14.6 cm)
Weight: 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
Size: 23 liters
How to Find the Best Women’s Daypack for Your Needs?
How to find the best women’s backpack for day hiking and everyday use?
Let’s make this simple.
Generally speaking, mostly it’s about these 4 simple things:
1. Capacity, Size and Daypack Profile
How much stuff do you usually carry with you?
If it’s a lot, look for large capacity backpacks. If, not so much – choose a smaller bag.
When buying a new backpack, you should pay attention to the overall dimensions.
Almost all of the backpacks I have reviewed in this article are carry on friendly, if that’s what you are looking for. This means that you are allowed to take these backpacks on board. Some of the backpacks from this list are even small enough to be used as a personal item (e.g., the Sunhiker backpack).
Another very important factor is daypack profile. If you are petite, we strongly suggest buying a small daypack with a slim profile. Not only it will seem less heavy because it’s close to your back, but also have you slimmer form factor.
Slim daypacks are really useful for public transit and travel. You won’t take up much room in the transport and won’t hit people accidentally when you are boarding the plane.
2. Weight of the Daypack
Make sure your pack itself isn’t too heavy.
If your backpack is too heavy, it will work against you. Not only the load will be heavier, the backpack itself will feel bulkier and less comfortable on your body.
If you are taking your backpack on the plane with you, you won’t be able to fit in as much stuff you would be able to fit if the backpack was lighter. Airlines around the world have strict size and weight restrictions for carry on bags and personal items.
3. Pockets and Compartments
It’s a really cool feeling when you see all your things stored in an organized manner. Various pockets and compartments will make the interior of the backpack neat and clean. No more digging through stuff to find what you need.
Do you carry a laptop and electronics? Then choose a backpack with padded pockets and padded laptop compartment or sleeve. Also, you’ll need a few pockets to keep your smaller electronics and cables organized. Check if that particular backpack has an organizational pocket with small sections for little things such as cables, flash drives and other accessories. If it’s not enough, get yourself an electronic organizer, or at least a cable organizer.
As well as packing cubes for your clothes, travel makeup bag – for makeup, travel toiletry bag – for toiletries, travel underwear organizer – for your underwear. Yes, there are a lot of different travel organizers that can make your life easier.
4. Material of the Backpack
Most backpacks nowadays are made of durable nylon or polyester material, and usually are water resistant. However, there are backpacks which are made of uncoated canvas, and they aren’t water resistant.
If water-resistance is something very important for you when looking for a new backpack, then make sure your next backpack is water-resistant.
If it’s not too important, go with a canvas backpack.
And get yourself a rain cover (just in case).
If it’s an anti-theft backpack you’re looking for, then make sure that it is made of slash-proof material. It will prevent a blade attack aimed at opening up your daypack. Find out if the shoulder straps also are made of slash-proof material.
At least one pocket of such a backpack should be lined with RFID blocking material. Thus it protects credit cards, passport, ID and drivers license from wireless identity theft.
Packable Daypack
If you are looking for a compact daypack to stow away in your luggage and use it at your destination, consider buying a packable daypack. It is a very lightweight backpack made of thin yet durable material.
As most of them are made of lightweight and thin material and don’t have much padding, mostly you can fold them into the size of a small toiletry bag. Some of them are so compact, you can fold them even into the size of a fist!
Backpack vs Daypack
Should you choose a daypack or go for a backpack?
Well, it depends on the purpose of your trip.
But first of all, what is a daypack? It is a smaller version of a backpack that is slimmer and more lightweight. So, here’s your answer. If you are looking for a smallish backpack, go for a daypack. If you need a large bag for more series hikes or longer trips, choose a backpack.
Do you use a daypack for hiking, travel or EDC? What backpack are you using? What is the best women’s daypack you have tried or used? Share your experience in the comments.
Featured photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels
Junyuan Bags
Ten articles before and after
Best Luggage Straps in 2022: Reviews & Comparison – Junyuan Bags
10 Best Electronic Organizers for Travel in 2022 – Junyuan Bags
Annapurna Circuit Trek on Your Own [2022] – Junyuan Bags
The Ultimate Travel Checklist: Travel Gear & Tips – Junyuan Bags
Ultralight Backpacking Gear Recommendations [2022] – Junyuan Bags %
Best Sling Laptop Bag 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Bag for Men 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Sling Bag for Women 2021: Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Mobile/What's App/Wechat
E-Mail
ADD
