A Hiking Expert’s Guide to Affordable Daypacks for Fall

I go hiking nearly every weekend and spend most of my summer days off camping or getting outside in some capacity. I once spent four days hiking a volcano in Indonesia and became so fatigued on the way down that I collapsed and needed my friend’s trekking poles to get me to the bottom. I know firsthand how important it is to have a hiking pack that fits everything you need—whether you’re camping or hiking for the day without having your gear (literally) weigh you down.

But I also know daypacks can be an intimidating purchase. There are hundreds of models available in all shapes, sizes, and (most frighteningly) price ranges. When I’m hiking for the day, I like to keep my pack under 25 liters, but I found some here up to 40 liters for those who may be carrying gear for a group, want to store extra water, or are heading out during shoulder season when you may be dressing for a variety of weather conditions all in one day. I’ve gathered the best daypacks I recommend for a day of hiking from REI, Osprey, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and more—plus, they’re all under $100.

Best Hiking Daypacks Under $100

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Del Dia Pack

REI

We love Cotopaxi for their bright colors and comfortable styles, but what makes the brand even better is their commitment to sustainability. This bag is made from 100 percent recycled materials—Cotopaxi actually takes the leftover fabric from other products and puzzles them together to create the Batac Del Dia Packs. This also means that every single pack is completely unique, so you can be sure no one else on the trail will have your same pack. 

Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack

Amazon

This is our favorite daypack after spending weeks testing dozens of packs hiking around the world. While it also works as a commuter bag thanks to a padded laptop sleeve, we love this 20-liter pack for its organizational features, including an internal hydration sleeve and plenty of inner and outer pockets for storing small pieces of gear. It also weighs less than 1.3 pounds, making it an ideal pack to carry for miles at a time without feeling weighed down. 

REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack

REI

I personally love the REI Co-op Flash series of backpacks; my husband even carried the Flash Air 50 Pack when we hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain last year. Every bag in the collection is incredibly lightweight (the Flash 22 Pack weighs just 14 ounces), yet features durable materials and plenty of technical components. This small pack has a water reservoir sleeve, side pockets for snacks and bottles, and small internal pockets to store small items. But my favorite feature of this bag is that the back panel slides away from the pack, so you can use it as a sit pad when taking breaks—this pack literally keeps you comfortable whether you’re wearing it or not.

REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack

REI

Another great REI pack, the Trail 25 is just a bit bigger than the Flash 22 with some added stability features. I tend to lean toward daypacks that have internal frames for stability, so this bag is a great choice if you’re looking for that structure. It also comes in two sizes and can be adjusted to your body to ensure you get the best fit possible. With plenty of pockets, bungee cords, and a chest strap, you’ll want to bring this pack with you wherever the trail leads.

Gregory Arrio 18 Pack

REI

Gregory packs are known for their rugged durability (and looks). This small daypack features everything you would want for a day of hiking in a lightweight system that features plenty of pockets and storage compartments. The open-air mesh back panel is another great feature to keep the pack away from your body so you can stay cooler. Now 24 percent off at REI, it’s the perfect time to snag this high-end bag for all of your shoulder season adventures.

Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack

REI

I love this daypack because it’s trail-ready, but looks like a chic bag you would bring on a plane as a carry-on item. It can also be worn on your back and secured with a chest strap, but it also features a top handle to carry it as a tote if you need to change it up. It also features a hydration sleeve with a pass-through for the straw and a padded laptop sleeve, adding to its overall versatility.

iExped Typhoon 15 Pack

REI

The Exped Typhoon 15 Pack is our favorite waterproof backpack for hiking. It’s super lightweight at just 13.4 ounces and features a secure rolltop closure that prevents water from leaking in (we even soaked it with a shower hose to make sure!). It’s made from abrasion-resistant, ripstop nylon, making it durable rain or shine, and features plenty of organizational features for easy access on-trail.

Maelstrom Hiking Backpack

Amazon

This is the largest daypack I’ve featured here at 40 liters of capacity, and it may become too heavy for some hikers. That said, anyone hiking with a group or in weather that is subject to frequent changes (like shoulder season or if climbing to varied elevations) will love this large pack for storing a variety of items. While big, it weighs just over 2 pounds when empty, so you’re not wasting weight. It also has plenty of technical features, including a hydration sleeve with a pass-through for the straw, a decompression back cushion, and both chest- and hip-belts to keep the weight off your back and shoulders.

Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Del Dia Pack

REI

Another vibrant trail option, the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia Pack is also made of 100 percent remnant fabric to minimize waste and ensure every backpack is completely unique. This recycled fabric is also incredibly durable, yet lightweight to keep you comfortable, plus the bag features chest and hip straps. While I don’t normally like a drawstring closure system on hiking backpacks, this bag is so whimsical that it’s worth the unique top (and it still features a hydration sleeve and organizational pockets for serious use).

Gregory Nano 20 Daypack

REI

Now on sale for less than $50, the Gregory Nano 20 Daypack is a rugged, water-resistant trail pack that is perfect for any hardcore outdoor adventure. It features padded air-mesh shoulder straps along with a chest strap to prevent pinching or discomfort in the shoulders. It also has a breathable back panel to minimize sweat and keep you cool. With plenty of inner and outer pockets, this backpack is made for frequent use (whether you’re an avid hiker or daily commuter).

Deuter Speed Lite 21 Pack

REI

While more of a structured pack with a sturdy, internal frame and stiff materials, this pack is made for outdoor use. It features a padded back strap and shoulder straps, chest strap, and removable hip straps to keep you comfortable and secure. There are also plenty of pockets, including a hydration sleeve with a straw pass-through, a top pocket for easy storage of phones and keys, and lots of attachment loops. As a bonus, there is also an inner SOS panel and safety whistle to help you if needed.

iAlps Mountaineering Contour 30 Pack

REI

Another fairly large pack, this 30-liter backpack is a good combination of providing plenty of space for layers and extra gear without being so big that you overpack. It features a hydration sleeve and additional side pockets for water bottles, as well as a built-in raincover that pops out when needed and neatly packs away when not. It is a frameless pack, but it is still structured enough to remain comfortable on your back for long periods. Plus, it’s now 31 percent off, so you can snag it now for all of your shoulder season adventures.

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