The best hiking daypacks reviewed (2023) | 20-30L

Subbing in a small hiking daypack in place of a bigger rucksack is liberating. Capacious enough for snacks, spare layers and essentials only, you feel so speedy and agile wearing a smaller daypack.

And so, it’s hard to be unhappy when you’re out in the hills when the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Unless your little daypack is uncomfortable of course. Feeling the straps cutting into your shoulders, the belt digging into your hips and an unpleasant sticky patch slowly spreading across your back is no fun.

But it would be a shame to let such discomfort ruin an otherwise perfect summer hill day. That’s why we’ve picked out our top daypacks for warm weather walking, tried and tested in sunny (well, mostly) Snowdonia.

Our shortlist:

Osprey Sirrus 26 – Best in Test

Lowe Alpine AirZone Active 25 – Best Value

D-Robe Rolltop Rucksack – Best waterproof daypack

Vaude Neyland 24 – Best for sustainability

Designed to carry 20-30 litres of kit, which ought to be ample capacity for a full dawn-to-dusk adventure, these daypacks are all about optimum carrying comfort, walker-friendly features and easy, breezy airflow to stop you getting hot and sweaty – even when the mercury soars. If, however, you're in need of a multi-day pack, check out our favourite backpacking rucksacks.

The best hiking daypacks 2023

What to look for in a hiking daypack

Volume: A daypack for summer can be smaller than a daypack for winter hiking. This is simply because you don't have to carry such bulky clothing and items like crampons. Basically, in summer, go as small as you can while still being able to carry the essentials.

Frame: The frame provides rigidity and stability. Ultralight packs may be completely frameless, but other daypacks have an internal frame made from spring steel or aluminium. To save weight, others use a high-density plastic framesheet or a stiffened foam back panel. With lighter loads for summer day hikes, the importance of a strong, load-bearing back system is lessened.

Pockets: Zippered hipbelt pockets are handy for stashing gear you’ll need on-the-go. Internal zippered pockets are great for car keys or a wallet, and elasticated side pockets are perfect for water bottles. Some packs also feature large pockets made from stretchy mesh and a pocket (or sleeve) for a hydration bladder, as well as an outlet for the drinking hose.

Lid: The lid covers the main opening. Some are fixed to the pack, while others are detachable with a ‘floating’ design. A current trend is towards lidless packs.

Straps: External compression straps, webbing loops, toggles and bungee cords can be used for attaching items such as trekking poles and camping gear to the outside of your pack

Sizing: It’s vital to pick a backpack with a size appropriate for your torso length. Trying on a loaded pack is the easiest way to do this. Some backpacks come in various length options, some are adjustable via webbing straps or Velcro, and some come in only one size.

Back systems: Back panels made from perforated foam or padding carry the load directly next to the body. This approach is comfy and stable, with a close-to-the-body feel. Suspended mesh back panels, conversely, hold the pack’s bulk away from your back, which some hikers prefer, but can feel like the load is levering away from you. It’s all down to personal preference.

Hiking pack care and maintenance

Packs are the most repairable piece of hiking equipment. If you’ve got a tear, broken a strap, or stuffed zip, it can be repaired. Quite a lot of brands offer repair services, and many outdoor retailers do too. Make use of them.

To maintain the performance of the fabrics used to make hiking packs, it’s important to clean them properly. It’s very simple and primarily involves using the correct cleaning solution. Find out all you need to know about hiking pack care and maintenance in our hiking pack care guide.

How we tested

All the packs above have accompanied us for many hours on hillsides and mountains. Our experienced, professional gear testers consider what each pack is ultimately designed for and test it against the design brief. We look at comfort and performance, but also the subtle ergonomics of features and how sustainably each pack is made.

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