Best day hiking backpacks for 2025 | Lightweight packs for shorter days, tested and rated

The Talon (the women's version, which we've also reviewed, is called the Tempest) is an exceptionally popular day hiking backpack.

But the Talon packs are popular for a reason: they're really good. The 22-liter version is a great daypack, packing in loads of practical features, top notch build quality and decent eco credentials.

The Talon 22 uses Osprey's AirScape back system, which holds the pack closer to your back for stability but has cutout channels for ventilation. It's a great balance, and makes the Talon suitable for technical routes if needed, suitable for heavier loads, and still vented enough for hot days. Although, if you want the best airflow back system, go with a suspended mesh system like on the Osprey Stratos.

In terms of storage and features, the Talon 22 has eight storage areas in addition to its main compartment, plus add ons such as Osprey's stow-on-the-go pole loops and LidLock clamp for bike helmets.

This is not a backpack for minimalists, it's packed to the rafters with features and excels as a versatile hiking day pack.

Check out the women’s version here or read our full Osprey Talon 22 review.

The Lowe Alpine AirZone Ultra 26, winner of an ISPO outdoor gear award, is a minimalist, ultralight backpack with strong eco credentials.

We found its innovative back system features a spring steel frame and AirZone mesh panel, ensuring excellent ventilation and comfort.

The pack comes in two back lengths and boasts a 26-liter capacity, made with recycled, lightweight 100D nylon. Despite its thin exterior, we found the AirZone Ultra 26 offers better durability and weather resistance than we were expecting.

The pack's features include a drawstring closure, hydration bladder sleeve, mesh stash pocket, bottle pockets, hipbelt pockets and trekking pole attachments.

The carrying experience feels a bit unusual, due to the curved back panel, but unusual in a good way. It provides a light and agile feel, while being very well ventilated.

With its thoughtful design and sustainable materials, the AirZone Ultra 26 is ideal for those seeking a streamlined, high-tech, and eco-conscious hiking daypack.

Read our full Lowe Alpine AirZone Ultra 26 review or check out the women's version here.

In terms of weight this is one of the lightest here. This impressive volume-to-weight ratio will appeal to fast-moving hillwalkers looking for a roomy daypack. Committed ultra-lighters might even get enough kit in the 30L version for an overnight wild camp.

Load-carrying rigidity comes from an internal U-shaped wire frame, while the back panel is made from ridged foam with a central air channel overlaid with super fine mesh. The harness is nicely contoured, though shoulder straps and hip fins aren’t as well-padded as some rivals. It still carries well, though.

The pack has both unusual and clever features. The hipbelt has one open stretch mesh pocket and one zipped pocket, with a nifty fold-out pouch for stashing a smartphone. Stretch mesh side pockets aren’t the deepest but will just about take a one-liter bottle.

Under the single-buckle lid, the hydration-compatible main compartment has a drawcord closure that doubles as top compression. There’s also a large top lid pocket and a useful mesh inner lid pocket with a key clip.

You also get a pullout raincover, dual side compression straps, two attachment loops for poles or ice axes, a front shove pocket and a zipped side-entry pocket for maps or guidebooks.

It’s a shame that it only comes in one back length, though there is a dedicated women’s version too.

Read our full Mammut Lithium 25 review for more.

The Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 is built for hikers who prioritize ruggedness and comfort on ambitious, gear-intensive outings. During testing, we were particularly impressed by its distinctive three-way Y-zip, which provided quick and versatile access – opening fully like a suitcase or partially for quick rummages.

You also get plenty of practical pockets, including deep side pouches, expandable front compartments, and spacious hipbelt storage.

Comfort-wise, the Coulee 30 excels, with plush shoulder straps and an adjustable back system that guarantees a precise fit across multiple sizes. The substantial lumbar padding and robust internal frame provided exceptional load stability in our testing, making heavier loads (up to about 12kg) manageable over extended periods.

However, this emphasis on padding meant the back panel tended to retain heat and moisture during strenuous hikes in warmer weather.

It's heavier and pricier than many competitors, but given its exceptional durability – originally designed to withstand military-grade usage – it's a compelling choice for serious adventurers who value robustness above minimalism.

If plush comfort, adjustability, and easy gear access matter more than lightweight breathability, we'd go for the Coulee 30.

Read our full Mystery Ranche Coulee 30 review or find the women's version here.

The Gregory Zulu LT 25 blends exceptional carrying comfort and robust build quality into a versatile daypack.

On spring and summer hikes, we appreciated the plush harness and substantial lumbar padding, paired with the pack's highly ventilated VaporSpan back system. The suspended mesh kept airflow consistent, effectively preventing overheating even on warmer days.

Despite the modest 25-liter capacity, this pack isn't a minimalist choice. The rigid steel frame provides impressive load support, and the wraparound hipbelt – with its handy zippered pockets – significantly improves stability, though it does add a bit of extra bulk.

We particularly liked the thoughtful layout: the main compartment offers easy access without interference from compression straps, and the robust external pockets provided secure storage for essentials.

At 2lb 7oz (1.1kg), it's certainly not ultralight, and some hikers may find the single-size fixed back length limiting – definitely worth checking fit before purchasing. Yet, if it suits your torso length, the Zulu LT 25 delivers superb comfort and ventilation.

For those prioritizing comfort, ventilation, and durability over pure minimalism, this pack is a standout choice.

Read our full Gregory Zulu LT 25 review or find the women's version here.

The Rab Protium 27 strikes an impressive balance between lightweight efficiency and mountain-ready versatility. On test in early spring conditions, including dustings of summit snow and colder temperatures, we found its 27-liter capacity roomy enough to comfortably stash extra layers like belay jackets, without feeling cumbersome.

Its streamlined, zippered main compartment and numerous practical pockets – especially the deep stretch-mesh front pocket and generously sized hip-belt storage – made accessing essentials quick and hassle-free.

Rab's Air Contour back system prioritizes dynamic movement and flexibility, perfect for scrambling and faster mountain hikes. The adjustable back length and well-padded, breathable hip fins significantly enhance overall carrying comfort, though we noted that the relatively thin shoulder straps felt slightly strained with heavier loads above 10kg.

While the pack sits high on the back – occasionally noticeable during steep scrambles – it wasn't a major issue. At 2lb 3.3oz, it's a great choice if you value robust versatility over absolute minimalism.

Bonus points for some sustainable materials, including 46% recycled content and a PFAS-free finish. Ultimately, the Protium 27 isn't plush or ultra-padded, but for energetic, demanding mountain days, it's an excellent companion.

Read our full Rab Protium 27L review or check out the women's version here.

The Montane Trailblazer 25L offers a lightweight, 25-liter capacity backpack experience, drawing inspiration from Montane's popular running vest packs for a snug fit and agility.

Priced at $180, it's at the more costly end for hiking daypacks but given that you can use it for fastpacking and even trail running as well, makes it slightly better value through versatility.

We found its back system is flexible, with a foam back panel and mesh for ventilation. This simplicity will divide opinion, as it doesn't support heavier loads well. However, the Covalent harness enhances comfort, for fast and light hillwalkers.

The adjustable back length system works fine but feels a tad flimsy and loose in the larger size. Weighing just 1lb 14oz, it's lighter than many daypacks, with dimensions of 21in x 10in x 7in.

Features like the lid, mesh pockets, and Z-compression system add versatility, resembling running vest packs. Constructed from partially recycled materials like Raptor Cross Lite 70D nylon, it tries to balance lightness with durability but leans more in favour of lightness.

Despite its potentially polarising design, the Montane Trailblazer 25L impressed us with its comfort and functionality, ideal for those all about speed and agility on the trails.

Read our full Montane Trailblazer 25L Backpack review or check out the women's version here.

The Exped Skyline 30 impressed us with its exceptional carrying comfort and outstanding organization, though it’s undeniably hefty at 3lb 2oz (1.42kg).

During testing, we found the steel internal frame provided excellent structure and support, comfortably handling heavier loads. The adjustable shoulder yoke, available in two back lengths, ensured we quickly achieved a precise, personalized fit.

We particularly appreciated the practical design details: the extended main zipper made gear access quick and easy, allowing us to reach the bottom without emptying the entire pack.

Internal mesh pockets prevented small items from becoming lost, while the dual-access side pockets allowed easy on-the-go hydration. The roomy front shove pocket handled spare layers with ease, secured by a versatile carabiner buckle.

The pack’s plush foam-and-mesh back system balanced stability with reasonable ventilation, though we did find it warmer than fully suspended mesh designs in hot conditions.

Despite this, its durability and robust construction stood out, making the Skyline 30 ideal for hikers who prioritize carrying comfort, organization, and rugged reliability above ultralight performance.

Read our full Exped Skyline 30 review.

Where all the other daypacks here are dedicated hiking packs, the Cotopaxi Batac is a much more of a general use option.

We were really impressed by it. Sure, all the other packs here are better for long or demanding day hikes because it lacks a proper back system, but the Cotopaxi Batac is fine for more leisurely hillwalking. It's very lightweight, comfy, and breathable.

But where it performs leaps and bounds ahead of the others here is when the country or hill track ends and you enter into an urban environment. This is partly due to the way it looks, blending effortlessly into a metropolitan setting, but there are important design touches as well such as a proper laptop sleeve.

The Batac is part of Cotopaxi's Del Dia collection, which mean's each bag is made from the leftover fabric from other companies' production runs, saving it from landfill. Every bag has a unique color arrangement.

Read our full Cotopaxi Batac 24L Backpack review.

Jack Wolfskin's Prelight Vent 20 daypack is notable, like the Lowe Alpine AirZone Ultra 26, for featuring a highly ventilated back system. We found this back system, called Aerovent Core, generates a lot of airflow and is great for use in hot weather.

Despite its technical appearance, the Prelight Vent 20 aims to have a broad appeal with a variety of features including a simple main compartment with a hydration bladder sleeve and accessed via drawcord or side zip. There are also trekking pole and daisy chain loops for attaching gear externally, in addition to secure drink bottle sleeves on either side of the pack.

At 2lb 3oz, this pack offers good comfort and performance, though its 20in x 8in x 11in size doesn't offer as much volume compared to competitors, due to that curved back system.

We were pleased to see sustainability is a strong point here, with the Prelight Vent 20 being made from recycled materials, being PFC-free, and having bluesign-certification.

Priced at $157.95, there are certainly better value options out there, both in terms of larger volume for the price, or simply outright lower cost. Despite its cost, though, we liked the Prelight Vent 20's blend of comfort, ventilation, and eco-consciousness.

Read our full Jack Wolfskin Prelight Vent 20 review.