The 10 Best Travel Daypacks EPIC REVIEW for 2021

Quick Answer: What are the best daypacks for travel?

1. The Best Travel Daypack for Backpackers – Active Roots Foldable Daypack
2. The Best Urban Daypack – Nomatic Backpack
3. Best Daypack for Long Hikes – Osprey Daylite Plus
4. Best Compressible Daypack – Tortuga Daypack
5. Best Travel Daypack for Electronics – AER Travel Pack 2
6. Lightest Travel Daypack – Deuter Speed Lite
7. Best Backpack For a Day Hike – Osprey Stratos 24
8. Best Packable Daypack – Outlander Packable
9. Sexiest Travel Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
10. Best Anti-Theft Travel Daypack – Pacsafe Venturesafe
11. Jump to -> The List of the Best 8 Daypacks

Here it is: the ultimate list of the best daypacks for travel! Tested, considered deeply, and then ordered in a way that’s gonna make you go “Hmm, oh yeah, that’s a nice choice.” What a finely pruned list of traveling day packs!

In a rush? Check out a quick overview of our favorite daypacks just below! After that, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty and the reviews.

Product

Description

BEST TRAVEL DAYPACK FOR BACKPACKERS

BEST TRAVEL DAYPACK FOR BACKPACKERS

Active Roots Foldable Daypack

• Feature Highlights >
• > Foldable and Extremely Lightweight
• > Great for hikers or travelers

CHECK ON AMAZON

BEST DAYPACK FOR LONG HIKES

BEST DAYPACK FOR LONG HIKES

Osprey Daylite Plus

• Feature Highlights >
• > The All Mighty Guarantee!
• > Comfortable

CHECK ON OSPREY CHECK ON REI

BEST COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACK

BEST COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACK

Tortuga Daypack

• Feature Highlights >
• > It compresses!
• > Padded shoulder straps

CHECK ON TORTUGA

BEST TRAVEL DAYPACK FOR ELECTRONICS

BEST TRAVEL DAYPACK FOR ELECTRONICS

AER Travel Pack 2

• Feature Highlights > Very durable
• > Top access laptop compartment
• > Well organized, designed

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LIGHTEST TRAVEL DAYPACK

LIGHTEST TRAVEL DAYPACK

Deuter Speed Lite

• Feature Highlights >
• > Weighs just 1 lb 1 oz
• > Great for trail running

CHECK ON REI CHECK ON AMAZON

BEST DAY HIKE PACK

BEST DAY HIKE PACK

Osprey Stratos 24

• Feature Highlights >
• > Most comfortable hiking pack
• > Lifetime guarantee

CHECK ON OSPREY CHECK ON REI

BEST PACKABLE DAYPACK

BEST PACKABLE DAYPACK

Outlander Packable

• Feature Highlights >
• > Fold to 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• > Only weighs .7 lbs

CHECK ON AMAZON

SEXIEST TRAVEL DAYPACK

SEXIEST TRAVEL DAYPACK

Osprey Talon 22

• Feature Highlights: >
• > Feature-rich
• > Lifetime guarantee

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BEST URBAN DAYPACK

BEST URBAN DAYPACK

Nomatic Backpack

• Feature Highlights: >
• > Sleek Design
• > Always useful

CHECK ON NOMATIC

BEST ANTI-THEFT TRAVEL DAYPACK

BEST ANTI-THEFT TRAVEL DAYPACK

Pacsafe Venturesafe

• Feature Highlights >
• > Anti-Theft Design
• > Comfortable

CHECK ON REI CHECK ON AMAZON

This foldable backpack is the best daypack for travel. It’s lightweight yet durable and water-resistant, so it can take on just about any travel situation.

The fact that it is foldable and weighs less than 10o oz. means there is no excuse NOT to pack this pack. The Active Roots is a suitable backpack for any adventure, from traveling to the backcountry to squatting in an abandoned trainyard.

Even though this is a foldable daypack, it’s still spacious enough to hold 34L of gear and offers 7 easy-access pockets and pouches to organize your belongings. Honestly, I haven’t seen a foldable backpack so spacious before!

Finally, with each purchase, Active Roots donates to one of the several environmental charities they work with that help clean up our planet. And, if you don’t love your foldable backpack, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee too!

Is Active Roots the best travel daypack for you?

Whether you are exploring a city or jungle, this daypack will take you anywhere. Not only does this backpack look stylish and sleek, but it’s also a FOLDABLE daypack made from strong, water-resistant nylon material. We can’t believe this small daypack holds 34L of stuff. With each purchase, they’re donating to one of several environment-saving charities to help clean up our planet so that we can enjoy more adventures for years to come. 9.8/10

Personally, I swear by Osprey packs. Osprey has an ‘all mighty guarantee‘ which means they will repair any damage that occurs to your pack… Forever and always.

I’ve been travelling with the same 7-litre backpack for nine years now and have sent it into Osprey for repairs on two occasions – both times they have repaired it for free and without any issues. Osprey packs are not cheap but if you splash out on an Osprey pack it is the last pack you will ever need to buy!

My brother, a veteran adventurer himself, travels with the Osprey Daylite Plus and swears it is the best travel daypack made by Osprey. Like me, he’s taken advantage of the guarantee, had his pack repaired in the past, and has gotten literally thousands and thousands of miles out of his pack. Check out our full review of the Osprey Daylite plus for more details.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Additionally, you can attach it to other Osprey packs in case you want to add more capacity and carry just one piece of luggage… but the reviews on this feature are mixed.

Is the Osprey Daylite the best travel daypack for you?

Whether you are exploring a city or jungle, this lightweight daypack packs some serious punch for its size and weight. There is a lot of storage inside including a padded sleeve that can be used for either a tablet or a hydration reservoir. This is a tough, highly versatile daypack that will be more than adequate for most travelers needs… 9.5/10

If you are after a go-to backpack for everyday use, then meet the Nomatic Backpack. It’s built from high quality materials and is intended for everyday, urban use; this is reflected both in its sober but stylish design aesthetic and the packs layout.

This backpack is wonderfully compartmentalised so there is a place for everything – your laptop, notepad, tissues, water bottle and dirty gym socks all have their own special place.

The storage capacity is 20 – 24l making this a great commuter bag and it can also be carried as a briefcase in case you need to go to a business meeting or something.

Check out our full review of the Nomatic Backpack for more!

Is the Nomatic Backpack the best travel daypack for you?

Note that Nomatic do not ship to Europe so if you are in Europe, then no this bag is not for you. Beyond that, this is solid choice for those in need or an Urban commuter backpack. If you want something durable with minimal storage then this is you pack.

If you need something with a bit more room (for gym shoes or something) then look for a 28-30L pack. This backpack is also not suitable for day hikes so if you like to get outdoors, go choose yourself an Osprey.

The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is possibly the coolest travel daypack on this list. Why?

That’s easy – it looks awesome, carries a ton of gear, is durable… and it COMPRESSES!

That’s right, this bad boy is a perfect daypack for travelers. The fact that it compresses and it’s lightweight nature make it very easy to transport.

At 19 liters, this is one of the best travel bags for day trips. The Setout Daypack is made from ripstop nylon, is air mesh, and features YKK zippers in its construction.

Along with it’s durability is its comfort – the Setout has padded mesh shoulder straps, and a well designed breathable back panel. Furthermore, it’s priced at only $40 making it one of the best cheap daypacks on the market especially considering that the compressible case is included.

Also, if you like Tortuga backpacks, check out their kickass Setout Laptop Backpack.

Is the Tortuga Setout Daypack the best travel daypack for you?

While all the bags on this list are awesome in their own way – it’s tough to beat the Tortuga Setout Daypack. Due to it’s durability, size, and compressibility this backpack is the ultimate daypack for travelers looking to travel super light… 9.5/10

The AER Travel Pack 2 is a tough, innovative pack that will keep your gear tidy and, above-all, protected.

The Travel Pack boasts a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate a laptop up to 15″. It’s easy to access, which is great when you’re constantly getting in and out of your backpack.

One of the best things about the AER Travel Pack is that it is very well organized. This makes storing your equipment very convenient as everything should have a proper place. There are so many pockets!

Finally, the AER is tough, crucial for keeping your gear safe. Though it’s technically waterproof, the nylon and tarpaulin material is resitant enough to keep most water out. Just don’t walk out into a rainstorm without a cover.

Is the AER Travel Pack 2 the best travel daypack for you?

A stylish daypack from a stylish company, it’s padding and frame are built for ultimate comfort, and the additional dedicated laptop section makes it enticing for anyone traveling with tech… 9.0/10

First things first, this day bag is definitely not the right daypack for the average backpacker but if your primary concern is weight, this is the best lightweight daypack on the market, weighing in at just 1 lb 1 oz!

This pack is extremely versatile and light and is perfect for ultra-runners, hikers and other types of athletes. If you are planning on going on plenty of adventures with your pack, this may be the right choice for you.

I’ve been a big fan of Deuter packs for a while and I tested a Deuter Speed Lite whilst hiking in Pakistan in 2017.

What I really like about the Speedlite is that it has quick-access mesh pockets along the front meaning you can easily grab a protein bar on the go. The padded back panel is comfortable and ventilates well, even in scorching heats. The Speedlite includes a hydration reservoir sleeve which is rare for lightweight daypacks, but super handy if you want to drink on the go.

The Speed Lite does have one major disadvantage – this is a lightweight daypack designed for moving fast, and the manufacturers have done everything in their power to keep the weight down, this means you get zero paddings on the removable hip belt. This is only going to be a problem if you’re carrying real weight which you shouldn’t be on a day hike anyway.

Is the Deuter Speed Light the best daypack for travel for you?

For smaller loads and day hikes, the Speed Lite is widely regarded as the best ultralight daypack on the market and has a cult following amongst hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. As the most effective lightweight travel daypack on the market, this is an obvious choice if weight is your primary concern and you want a daypack that won’t weigh you down whilst running or climbing… 9.5/10

First things first, this is a day hiking backpack. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a hiking daypack for thru-hikes. This a seriously comfortable, stylish and innovative pack which is widely considered to be the best Osprey daypack for hiking.

The Stratos 22 includes an integrated rain cover, internal hydration reservoir sleeve and a stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment. This feature rich pack kicks ass and is probably one of the most comfortable daypacks around.

The dual side stretch mesh pockets and front panel storage pocket provide you with plenty of places to store water bottles, snacks or other bits and pieces.

This is one of the most expensive packs on the list and it also is not especially light. It can’t pack down like foldable or compressible  daypacks but if you want the most comfortable, reliable daypack for your travels then this is it.

The Stratos range by Osprey comes in several sizes so you could consider upping the size and picking up a 34 litre version instead – if you’re a pro at lightweight packing you could probably get away with making this your only pack for shorter trips.

If you wanted go bigger (it’s better sometimes, right?) Osprey makes a 36-liter version of this pack. Read our review of the Stratos 36 and see if it’s a better fit for you!

Is the Osprey Stratos 24 the best travel daypack for you?

If you are looking for a stylish daypack and don’t need something ultralight, then the Osprey Stratos 24 is a keeper. Hikers in particular will find this bag awesome, and although it wouldn’t be my first choice forthe best daypack travelers, I can see the appeal. It looks sexy, and Osprey still kicks ass… 9.5/10

What makes it special? Its size!

The Outlander is one of the smallest daypacks for travel and it folds up to become even more compact so you can pack it in your main backpack when needed. Besides the multiple compartments, this bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items.

It’s an extremely water resistant daypack and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable to abrasions too.

It is also very lightweight hiking daypack (weighing in at just 0.7 lbs) but please note that it does not boast any of the comfort or functionality of the best hiking daypacks. This is a great daypack for wandering around town and one of the best backpacks for day trips but it’s not comfortable to wear whilst hiking.

The Outlander is only $20 so if you’re looking for a cheap packable day bag to explore cities with, then this is a good choice.

This is probably one of the best small daypacks for the cost of entry but it doesn’t come with a lifetime guarantee… Oh, I almost forgot! The Outlander comes in different colours, in case you’re all about that style.

Is the Outlander Packable the best travel daypack for you?

If you are the type of traveler that is looking to travel as light as possible – even at the sacrifice of hiking comfortably – then the Outlander Packable could be a good pick for you. Ultralight travelers, you’ve met your match! Hikers, digital nomads or anyone with camera gear, please seek elsewhere… 8.5/10

I’ve been using Osprey packs for nine years now and my current hiking daypack is the Talon 22.

And it’s the goddamn tits!

This is one of the best value lightweight hiking daypacks on the market and comes complete with an airscape back to keep you cool and comfortable, plenty of pockets, a whistle on the chest belt, a padded hip belt and external hydration access.

For day hikes and other adventures, the Talon 22 is hands down one of the best travel daypack around. Another great lightweight option (although not as ultralight) is the Osprey Apogee which comes with similar features.

This particular model is ideal because it has THREE exterior pockets and a mesh pocket for water bottles. It is also one of the most durable options out there, specially made for rough use. The pocket on the hipbelt is a nice touch and a good place to keep your phone or snacks.

Like all Osprey products, the Talon 22 comes with the Almighty Guarantee meaning that Osprey will repair or replace your pack, no matter what.

If you want an upgrade, there’s also a 33-liter Talon backpack as well!

Is the Osprey Talon the best travel daypack for you?

In my opinion, this is the best Osprey daypack on the market right now however I admit that it’s a better fit for travelers who plan on doing plenty of hiking and might not meet your requirements if you have a laptop you want to carry around in your daypack… 9/10

The Fjallraven is a timeless backpack. Seriously, I don’t think you could walk on the streets or venture anywhere without seeing one of these bags, at least once in your life. They’re immensely popular and, contrary to what some people may think very useful bags.

Right of the bat, I’m going to say this: Fjallraven makes pretty minimalist backpacks. The most classic version essentially has just two compartments and a couple of handles. You don’t get any hidden pockets, extra accessories, or wild new technology when buying a Fjallraven.

What you do get is a bag that works. Fjallravens are very hearty backpacks – I’ve seen people take these things to the ends of the earth and back and put them through hell in the process. The bag is mostly made from vinyl which does a great job of standing up to the elements. Thanks to this daypack’s relatively simple design, it can also be folded or rolled up into very small, compact sizes. My partner regularly packs their own Fjallraven in their larger backpack.

The look of the Fjallraven is also unquestionable. Boxy, minimal, angular, and a bright red logo; these bags haven’t changed their look in decades. Honestly the look doesn’t have to change either. Vintage is always in vogue and the Fjallraven doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

Is the Fjallraven Kanken the best travel daypack for you?

Looking for a bag that doesn’t seem to go out of fashion and doesn’t lose its usefuleness? The Fjallraven Kanken is that bag. Those in need of the best urban daypack will find a lot to love in the Fjallraven – it won’t break easily and can look good on just about any person. It’s just one of those pieces of kit that is able to stand the tests of time.

We recently reviewed the Pacsafe Venturesafe and were thoroughly impressed…

This tough anti-theft daypack features anti-slash material, lockable zips, hidden pockets and even a slash-proof strap which you can use to connect your backpack to heavy furniture. We’d recommend this as the best urban daypack for travel.

Whilst this anti-theft daypack does have its drawbacks (read the review to learn more), it’s definitely one of the toughest daypacks around, performs fairly well as hiking daypack, and if you want absolute peace of mind for your electronics and valuables, then the safest way to transport them whilst on the road is almost certainly going to be in the Venturesafe 15 litre daypack.

If safety is a large concern for you, check out our epic guide to the best sling packs!

Everyone travels differently, so the most important thing to consider is YOUR travel style and needs.

Do you have a lot of electronics? Are you keen to head on day hikes? Is a space-saving foldable backpack adequate for your needs? How heavy should your daypack be?

Let me run you through the top factors to consider when picking out the best travel daypack for your needs…

Size of your travel daypack

Size is the most important feature when it comes to choosing the best daypack for you. You want to make sure that your day bag is big enough to carry your everyday essentials but you don’t want it to be so large that it’s a hindrance… Choosing the right size will depend on how much stuff you plan on cramming into your daypack.

For most backpackers, a twenty litre daypack will provide ample space. The best travel daypack shouldn’t be larger than 30 litres unless you want to try and get away with a carry on-only backpack as your only piece of luggage. If you do decide to go that route, check out our review on the Osprey Farpoint 40, one of the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Weight of your travel daypack

The best travel daypacks are going to be lightweight enough for you to hike through urban jungles, real jungles, and up into the mountains.  These days, most daypacks are pretty light – North Face and Osprey both do a great job of creating truly lightweight daypacks.

The comfort of your daypack

You and your small backpack are going to become best friends so comfort plays a huge role when choosing the best daypack for your travels. If you choose the right size and weight, you are already halfway there. I strongly recommend picking up a backpack with a ventilated back to keep you from getting a super sweaty back. A padded hip-belt is also well worth having if you plan on doing plenty of hiking.

To make sure that your bags feels just right on you, learn how to adjust it properly with this handy fitting guide from REI.

Security

Just as important as the size, security is an attribute you don’t want to overlook when searching for the perfect soul-pack. More than one backpacker friend has returned to their hostel only to discover that his or her wallet was stolen whilst getting pissed at the bar.

Although a slash proof daypack is ideal, you can get by with a pack that has double zippers which you can lock together. One feature I really like about Osprey packs is that the chest belt comes with an inbuilt whistle… Perfect for emergencies. If security really is your number one priority, check out our review of Pacsafe’s Venturesafe backpack.

Material

Your daypack – be it a city daypack or hiking daypack – needs to be resistant and lightweight to make it easier to carry around. Water-resistant material is a plus. Although the daypack doesn’t need to be completely waterproof, make sure that it can take some drizzle without getting all your stuff soaked.

A dry-fast material is also ideal, that way you won’t be stuck with a musty bag. All of the daypacks reviewed in this post are made from high quality, water-resistant, materials so you don’t need to stress.

Multiple Compartments

Multiple compartments are essential to make your day travel bag more practical. Having just one compartment will mix all of your belongings together and it’d be a pain in the ass to try to find one particular item if you are in a hurry. Having several pockets will help you to get your stuff organised and separated. Ideally, the best travel daypack should have between three to five compartments to keep everything in place.

Once you hit the road, you will quickly fall in love with travel so it’s important that you stretch your money as far as possible… Therefore, I strongly recommend picking a pack that comes with a lifetime guarantee.

It was a tough call, but the Active Roots Daypack is the best daypack for travelers. Designed by backpackers for backpackers, they know exactly what you need from your travel daypack.

There are several really high-quality Osprey daypacks on this list, and I had a tough job forcing myself to choose only one Osprey pack for the grand daypack showdown! Ultimately though, I’m a huge fan of my Osprey Talon. It’s gone a long way and seen a lot of skies.

The Talon might not be cheap, but you are really getting your money’s worth with it. This is the same pack that I’ve been using for seven years and it is simply the best hiking daypack. In my opinion, this is the best travel daypack for adventurous travelers and will suit most people on the road.

However, it is really tough to fit a laptop inside and everything else you may need to transport on a bus. Therefore, my second recommendation is the North Face Borealis.

The Borealis is a tough, innovative travel daypack which can handle hikes and also stow your laptop away safely in the padded laptop sleeve. This is the most comfortable hiking daypack I have found which still has a padded laptop sleeve.

Both of these packs are more than adequate for hiking and for hanging around town and, crucially, both of these daypacks come with lifetime guarantees.

So that’s it! Get yourself a pack, amigos, get packed, and go packing. Over and out!

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