Last Updated on July 1, 2020 by EditorFor lovers of hiking, finding the perfect gear can be just as important as hiking itself. This is mostly because, apart from the fact that these gears make hiking easy, some of these gears are essential to ensuring the safety of hikers. This article highlights some of the best choices when it comes to light backpacks to make your hiking easier. All backpacks are available on amazon.
Our Top Choices
The Best Small Hiking Backpack
Sunhiker M0714 Hiking Backpack
First on the list for the top 5 choices for hiking backpacks is the Sunhiker M0714. The total weight of the backpack is about 12.3oz and it is made of highly tear-resistant nylon which is water-resistant. The backpack is also anti-tear and scratch-resistant. This contributes a great deal to the durability of the backpack.
The Sunhiker M0714 also comes with adjustable shoulder straps made from a breathable mesh. This helps relieve the stress of the pack on your shoulder, the backpack also comes with a bottle holder on both sides of the bag.
Pros
- Great color
- Can hold a lot of items
- Lightweight
- Extra side pouches for water bottles
- Comfortable
Cons
- No separate pouch for cell phones
- The bottom waist strap is small
- Front zipper pouch is small
Quechua Decathlon Outdoor Backpack
The Quechua Decathlon Outdoor Backpack is another hiking backpack that makes the top 5 list. The backpack is made with tear and water-resistant material, it comes with two main compartments and adjustable shoulder straps. The Quechua Decathlon weighs only 0.16 kg and is up to 10 liters in volume.
If you need to take your gadgets on your next hiking trip, then the Quechua Decathlon Outdoor Backpack might just be the backpack for you. The backpack can be used to carry an Ipad, textbook, purse, phone, clothes, and pens. You are sure to get good value for money with this backpack. The backpack comes in several colors.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Spacious
- Comes in multiple colors
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Waterfly Chest Sling Rucksack for Hiking
Weighing 0.45 pounds, the Waterfly Chest Sling Rucksack ranks among the lightest backpacks for hikers. But the lightweight of the Waterfly is not its only advantage, the Waterfly chest sling also comes with a strong YNS buckle and a dilated shoulder strap. The back of the backpack is also padded making it suitable for both autumn and winter.
The backpack is made using durable materials. Waterfly Chest Sling also has multiple compartments with a total capacity of 10L. The backpack also comes with several pouches for cards, pens and other small items. The shoulder strap is also adjustable.
Pros
- The pack is lightweight and portable
- Comes in multicolors
- Made of water-resistant nylon material
- Strap phone pocket
Cons
- Multiple compartments can get confusing without proper organization
Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack
This backpack contains a large loading main compartment that provides accessibility to the content inside. You also get dual stretch mesh side pockets that serve as additional storage options with the Osprey Packs. The storage options of the backpack can be further optimized by using the multi-function interior sleeve as either a reservoir for a laptop. Smaller items can be shoved in the smaller pocket of the daypack. The side mesh pockets can be used for water bottles. Large panel-loading main compartment
Pro
- Side mesh pockets
- Multi-function interior sleeve for hydration or tablet
- Can be attached to several other Osprey packs
- Front pocket with mesh organizer and key clip
NEEKFOX Packable Lightweight Hiking Backpack
The first adorable feature of the Neekfox hiking daypack is that it is made from very durable materials which makes the backpack itself highly durable, even with heavy use. Its straps are adjustable and comfortable. Despite offering an amazing storage capacity, the backpack is very light and comes with two side mesh pockets for water bottle or any other items you’d like to keep there,
Pros
- Durable
- Portable and light
- Collapsible
Cons
- It has only one compartment.
- Can easily overpack
- Straps feel thin
Best of the Rest
G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack
There is no gainsaying that the G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack is one of the choices when it comes to portable backpacks for hikers. It is made from top quality nylon material that is water-resistant, this makes the pack quite durable. The pack is also very light and can be easily folded up.
If you’re the type that likes to keep things organized, then this might just be the backpack for you. With two zippered compartments, this backpack allows you some order with regards to organizing what you need to take on that hiking trip. It also comes with two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles.
Pros
- Portable and light
- Compartmentalized
- Durable
Cons
- Can get overpacked
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
This ultralight stuff pack is another amazing backpack from Osprey to consider if you’re looking for a backpack for your hiking and some other outdoor activities. The backpack is made with nylon and has multiple zippers that allow access from more than one point on the pack. There’s also a stretch mesh on both sides of the backpack for water bottles.
The backpack has three external pockets and offers up to 18L in volume. The downside of this, however, is despite the tiny weight of the backpack, you can easily overpack.
Pros
- Portable and durable
- Multiple access points
Cons
- Could use a sternum strap
- It can get overpacked.
Waterfly Crossbody Hiking Sling Bag Daypack
If you’re the type that likes to have all your items orderly and well organized, this is another backpack for you. With several small compartments, the Waterfly crossbody allows you to store all your items separately. Another perk of this backpack is that it has a hidden earphone hole in the front, allowing you to enjoy music from any device you keep in the pack.
The backpack has an adjustable shoulder strap that can be adjusted based on the shoulder that’s more comfortable for you. However, some users have reported having issues with the strap as it is said to leave some slack whenever you’re trying to secure something in the front pocket.
Pros
- Well compartmentalized
- Hidden earphone hole
- Adjustable strap
Cons
- Strap can sometimes slack
modase Lightweight Water-Resistant Hiking Backpack
The modase Lightweight Backpack is a hiking backpack manufactured using nylon fabric which is water and tear-resistant. This backpack offers you good value for money. It is lightweight with a thick padded strap to prevent the stress on your shoulder. The strap is also adjustable and comes with a whistle buckle to help keep your backpack in place securely.
The backpack has a high capacity (up to about 40 liters in volume). The advantage of this is that whether it’s a day or a week, you can back everything you’ll need in just one bag. The downside, however, is that it is easy to overpack. The pack can also be easily folded into a small pocket.
Another cool feature of the modase lightweight is its hip belt feature. This feature allows you to store small items like cameras and mobile phones on the class backpack.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- High volume
- Padded strap
- Hip belt feature
Cons
- Easy to overpack
RUPUMPACK Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack with 2.5L BPA Free Bladder
The rupumpack insulated backpack is a large insulated daypack with an insulation layer weighing only about 650g without any content making it the perfect hiking companion. The backpack comes with two extra pockets on the wide waist straps where you can conveniently keep your phones and other valuables and take them out easily. There is also an open compartment for items like a quick-dry sweat towel.
A feature that actually makes the Rupumpack stand out is its extra hydration insulation layer. This layer is made from top-quality aluminum foil that can keep your liquid cool for up to 4 hours. This makes the pack an amazing hydration pack.
Both shoulder and waist straps have mesh padding for good ventilation and comfortability in carrying them around. The pack is also very durable and you’re sure to enjoy it for some time.
Pros
- An extra hydration insulation layer
- Lightweight and portable
- Compartmentalized interior
- Extra pockets
- Padded straps
Cons
- Specialized zippers can get confusing.
PacSafe Venturesafe X30-30L Anti-Theft Hiking Backpack
PacSafe Venturesafe X30-30L is made using both nylon and polyester. The primary motive in the design of the PacSafe X30-30L is security. The anti-theft design of the backpack is what makes the pack stand out. From the use of interlocking zippers and cut-proof material to help prevent pickpocketing to the use of RFID blocking to keep all your cards and IDs safe, the PacSafe X30 is the complete backpack when it comes to keeping your stuff safe.
The backpack also comes with 2 lockable zipper compartments, 1 secure front pocket, and several other interior pockets and even a key clip. Another feature that makes this backpack for a hiker is its ergonomic design that mimics the curve of the spine to ensure optimum weight distribution. The pads in the straps also make it very comfortable to wear. Although it comes at a slightly higher cost than other backpacks, it sure gives this extra cost in value.
Pros
- Anti-theft design
- RFID blocking
- Multiple compartments
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Higher cost than regular backpacks
Diamond Head Equipment Pali Ultralight Packable Hiking Backpack
If you’re worried about a limited space to pack your hiking backpack, then this is the bag for you. The Diamond head backpack, however, does not have any pockets or organization so if you’re the type that likes to keep your things organized or go around with a lot of small items, this backpack might not work for you. It’s not the best backpack for keeping small items handy as it only offers a small stuff pouch in the inside top.
The backpack is, however, quite durable and is made with good quality fabric and stitching.
So, if your top priority if only finding something small and light, then the Diamond Head backpack would work.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Simple
Cons
- No extra pockets for small items
- Not suitable for people who like organization
NEEKFOX Lightweight Packable Backpack Small Hiking Daypack
The Neekfox Lightweight is a packable backpack made from rip-stop and water-repellent material. What makes it suitable for hiking is its lightweight. Being made from nylon fabric, it is very durable. The pack is also super compact and once folded, you might find it hard to believe that the backpack can be unpacked to 18-liter capacity. Although the daypack features one main zip compartment, it has one front zip pocket and two mesh side pockets for water bottles and other similar items.
The lightweight of this Neekfox backpack makes it amazing for hikers. It also comes in various colors.
Pros
- Two mesh side pockets
- Two-way zipper for secure closure
- Lightly padded adjustable shoulder straps
- Two external zip pockets
- Comes in various colors
Cons
- Easy to overpack
Anatoky Outdoor Small Mini Backpack Daypack Bookbag
The Anatoky mini backpack is another amazing portable backpack to consider when looking for something to take hiking. The backpack is made from water and tear-resistant nylon material. The strap is also padded and comes with a UKX to keep in on but despite all these features, the most amazing thing about the pack remains its lightweight. The Anatoky backpack is super light.
The pack has two main compartments and its straps are adjustable. There are multiple compartments in the backpack if you’re the type that looks to keep your items organized, then this backpack is for you. The total weight of the backpack is about 150g with a total volume of 10L.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Padded and adjustable straps
- One main pocket for carrying large items.
- Thin and light, without feeling flimsy.
- It can easily fit a hydration pack and other items required for hiking.
Cons
- It only allows you to carry essential things (if you’re the type that likes to overpack).
In conclusion, getting the best portable backpacks can make hiking more fun for you. More importantly, it can help you go that extra mile, all you have to do now is find what suits you most based on personal preferences.