3 Incredibly Lightweight Travel and Hiking Daypacks
As a self proclaimed gear enthusiast who suffers from some serious GAS (not that kind, but Gear Acquisition Syndrome), minimalism is a tough pill to swallow.
Well, until I take a fully loaded hiking daypack out onto the trail. It’s then that I quickly learn what I truly need and don’t need. Often times much of the stuff we carry is unnecessary. Too many “Just In Case” items can become burdensome real fast and you’ll be stuck wishing you’d packed half of what you brought.
Below is an actual image of me carrying way too much on a short day hike. But don’t get me wrong. Bigger packs do have their place!
You know what really helps with keeping things minimal? Starting with a minimal backpack. The bigger the backpack the more things we tend to stuff in it. Having a smaller travel or hiking daypack forces you to pack within your constraints.
It’s easy to want to fill every pocket and maximize every feature with nonsense. I still do it today. But using a smaller daypack puts a cap on it and once I’m out and about I’m grateful for it.
What are the Pros and Cons of an Ultra Lightweight Travel/Hiking Daypack?
Pros
- Ultra Lightweight – focus more on the trail and not on the weight
- Carries the Essentials – forces the habit of bringing only what you need
- Packs Small – they roll up small or lay extremely flat when not in use
Cons
- Light Support – heavy loads will be uncomfortable
- Less Functional Pockets and Organization
- Water Resistant, Not Waterproof
With that said, these delightfully light packs (all under 2 pounds) still carry at least 20 liters of gear and will keep you equipped with what you need out the trail or during your travels.
🌻 Our content may contain affiliate links. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. 💜1. REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
What We Love
- It Only Weighs 13 Ounces – that’s less than ONE pound!
- Back Panel Pad Seconds as a Sit Pad
- Deep Side Mesh Pockets
- Most Affordable Daypack on this List
What Reviews Say
Many users absolutely love the REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack! However, it’s been previously noted that the side mesh pockets lack cinch straps and will have a hard time keeping water bottles from falling out. In our personal experience this is not the case. The side pockets are so deep, regular 32oz Nalgene bottles get swallowed entirely and fit snug. This pack is not built for large loads, but we know that going in!
People love the fact you can pull the back panel out and fold the bag down into virtually nothing. Great for stuffing into a backpacking pack or a suitcase. If you’re using this as a hiking daypack, you can also use the back panel as a pad to sit on while you’re out on the trail.
Overall, this is a feature packed travel and hiking daypack that is practically invisible when not in use.
REI’s Words on Their Minimalist Pack
- Breathable, stretch-mesh shoulder straps have fold-over padding that softens contact with your neck and shoulders
- Mesh back is soft, breathable and lightly padded for comfort
- Back panel pad can be removed for use as a sit pad
- Waistbelt and sternum strap can be detached to save weight
- Drawcord closure is covered by a lid with zippered pocket; 1 additional zippered pocket on front
- Has an internal sleeve to hold a hydration reservoir (sold separately); includes a port to route the sip tube over either shoulder
- Stash side pockets—now taller and tighter—securely hold water bottles and other trail essentials
- Tool loops on top and bottom of pack can be tucked away when not needed
- Side exterior loops can be used to lash on extra gear or add compression
Watch Our REI Co-Op Flash 22 Pack Review Below!
2. Deuter Speed Lite 20 Pack
What We Love
- Most Stylish Daypack on This List (in our opinion of course)
- 4 External Pockets – 2x stretch mesh side pockets, 1x Side Access Mesh Stuff Pocket, 1x Zipper Pocket
What Reviews Say
People love the overall aesthetic of the Deuter Speed Lite 20 Pack. They are using it not only as a travel and hiking daypack, but a go to bag for work, gym, commuting, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, and even multi pitch climbs.
Although, this daypack is not waterproof. So bear that in mind if you plan to take this where there’s ice and snow. It’s also been noted that the padding on this daypack is a bit more robust making it more comfortable to wear over other competing daypacks.
More Awesome Features
- Padded back panel with breathable 3D air-mesh lining and tensioned Delrin® U-frame provides flexible, lightweight support
- S-shaped shoulder harness, ergonomically shaped padding with soft edges and airy 3D mesh lining provide a comfortable carry with plenty of air circulation
- Single-webbing hipbelt is removable for additional weight savings when you want them
- Joining compression straps can be fastened across the front of the pack to stabilize your load
- Elastic mesh side pockets keep gear or snacks accessible without having to take off the pack
- Hydration compatible, with a reflective attachment for your drinking tube (reservoir sold separately)
- Height- and width-adjustable chest strap customizes the fit
- Accessory loops for gear or helmet holder attachment
- Internal valuables pocket
- Zippers with finger-pull loops
- Reinforced base aids in carrying bulky loads and helps protect your pack when you set it down
- 3M™ reflectors help keep you visible in low light
3. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack 20L
What We Love
- Separate Back Pocket Hydration Reservoir with Clip
- Smartly Placed Compression Straps
- Convenient and Sizable Front Zipper Pocket
What Reviews Say
Just like the REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack got heat for virtually unusable side mesh pockets when it comes to water bottles. It sounds like small items that sit below the mesh will do fine, but any kind of tall or wide water bottle will have trouble staying put. Without cinch straps, we’ve virtually had this issue with just about every daypack we’ve ever owned.
Aside from that, overall organization and features make this a worthy daypack for travel, hikes, mountain biking, and commuting. The overall fit of the bag is favored by the majority.
Short and Sweet Details
- Tuck-away, spacer-mesh shoulder straps and integrated handle make carrying a breeze
- Back pocket for hydration reservoir (sold separately)
- Large main compartment has padded interior sleeve to hold a tablet or other device (not included)
- Zippered mesh organizer pocket with key fob; 2 side mesh pockets; open-topped stash pocket for jacket or other quick-use items; small front zip pocket
- Mesh-covered back panel has slotted foam for ventilation and breathability
- Attaches to a variety of compatible Osprey packs (sold separately)
So What Goes in my New Ultralight Travel and Hiking Daypack?
Once you’re set on your new travel/hiking daypack, it’s time to reevaluate what goes inside it. If you want a lean list of smart things to pack you can check out these Tips For Packing Your Backpack & A Daypack Checklist by the blog Take Them Outside.
You surely already have a good idea of what you want to carry, but let us give you some more examples of what people have put in these daypacks!
- Jackets/Puffs/Fleece
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Cover
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Water Bottle
- Water Bladder
- Compass
- Maps
- Camera
- Books
- Keys
- Phone
- Sun Glasses
- Reading Glasses
- Lip Balm
- Pens
- Small Notebook/Laptop
- Tablet
- Slippers
- Travel Pillow
- Eye Mask
- Headphones/Earbuds
If you plan to hike with this pack make sure you know the Top 10 Essentials for Hiking.
For the times you plan to use this ultralight daypack for travel or hiking, you’ll also want to be fully aware of How to Stay Hydrated using Water Bottles, Bladders, or Purification.
Every daypack on this list accepts a water bladder and can easily carry/store water bottles and purification. (maybe just not in the mesh side pockets)
Ultralight Travel & Hiking Daypacks for Ultimate Adventures
If you’re looking to reduce weight and maximize your adventure then you now know of a few reputable options to do just that. These travel/hiking daypacks have been smartly designed for the minimalist who enjoys travel and hiking. Heck, any of these daypacks can be used for concerts, festivals, and commuting too.
While I love, love, love gear I have to admit the most fun I have outdoors is when I carry the least amount of weight. An ultralight pack insures that you only carry what you need and helps you focus on the experience at hand.
If you’re looking for a more serious travel backpack that carries more you’ll want to check out these 3 International Travel Backpacks for Minimalist Travel.
Do you own one of these ultralight travel and hiking daypacks? Do you own a daypack that should be on this list? We’d love to know in a comment below!
Like this? Pin it!
