Best Packable Backpacks of 2024

JUMP TO: OSPREY ULTRALIGHT STUFF PACK | SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL DAYPACK | GOSSAMER GEAR MINIMALIST 19 DAYPACK | WATERFIELD PACKABLE BACKPACK | SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL DRY DAYPACK | HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR STUFF PACK 30  |  MATADOR FREEFLY16 | BUYING ADVICE  |  COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Jun 23, 2024
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Learn more.

The Short Version

The Long Version

Exploring downtown New York? Hiking in the hills of Oregon? Sightseeing in Tokyo?

When travelling, a daypack is going to be a necessity! Whether you are exploring a city or hiking out in nature a daypack is vital for carrying items on your outings. But not everyone wants to carry a heavy daypack in addition to their main luggage.

The perfect solution?

… A lightweight packable backpack!

A packable backpack can be stored away in your main luggage when not required, and then unpacked and put into action when necessary.

 

Packable backpacks can vary quite dramatically in their packed size — just like the backpacks shown here (left to right): Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable, Waterfield Packable Backpack.

 

In this review we cover the best packable backpacks on the market. We’ve included ultralight and ultra-packable options — weighing as little as 1 ounce! — as well as some slightly heavier options that provide more features or functionality such as waterproofness, hip belts, or external pockets.

WEIGHT: 5.33.8 oz / 15009 grams

VOLUME: 18 litres

PRICE: $$

PROS: Ultralight, Packs down tiny, One additional stash pocket

CONS: Not super comfortable under heavy loads

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is a seriously ultralight and ultra-packable daypack.

At 5.3 ounces (150 grams) it may not be quite as lightweight as the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack (2.5 oz, 72 grams). But the benefit of Osprey’s offering is that you get a zippered stash pocket in addition to the main compartment, whilst the Sea to Summit daypacks have no additional pockets.

WeI believe that the additional weight is justified by the convenience of a stash pocket for storing small items like your wallet, phone, keys, etc. Otherwise those items tend to get lost at the bottom of the main compartment. Extra weight also comes from thick nylon fabrics, which translates into superior durability compared to the lightest of packable backpacks.

The shoulder straps on the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack are made from a permeated mesh. The shoulder straps are pretty comfortable under lighter loads. Of course this isn’t the sort of daypack designed for heavier loads — if you are looking for something to carry more weight then consider the Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19 Daypack described below.

This daypack also requires some thought when packing the main compartment, since there is no padding on the back panel (meaning you want to avoid having sharp items in the main compartment that might poke into your back).

The material is a water-resistant 40-denier, 100% recycled  ripstop nylon. As you might expect for a daypack this lightweight, there are very few features. There is a mesh pocket on one side, but it isn’t particularly stretchy or supportive — you can use it for a small (e.g. 750ml) water bottle, but anything larger than that wouldn’t be very secure.

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack packs down into a small storage pocket (i.e. stuff sack) that is permanently sewn inside the stash pocket. When packed away, this daypack is about the size of a tennis ball, which is pretty impressive! And of course you get peace of mind with Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.

Best for Ultralight: SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL DAYPACK

WEIGHT: 2.5 oz / 72 grams

VOLUME: 20 litres

PRICE: $$

PROS: Ultralight, Packs down tiny

CONS: No additional pockets, Not super comfortable under heavy loads

For many people the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack will provide everything you need from a packable backpack… in one of the smallest and lightest possible packages.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack has specs that are pretty difficult to believe. Weighing in at just 2.5 ounces (72 grams) the Ultra-Sil Nano Daypack is almost certainly the lightest packable backpack in the world. And when not in use it compresses down to the size of a chicken egg!

The daypack is made with ultralight but durable and water resistant 30-denier ripstop nylon. For weighing almost nothing, it is indeed impressively durable. One of our reviewers has brought an older version of the pack on countless backpacking trips for nearly a decade and it continues to go strong. The daypack also has a two-way, and a daisy chain for attaching a bike light, and packs down into an attached stuff sack that includes a carabiner.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack comes in a range of colours. But otherwise it is ultralight simplicity at its best. If you want the lightest possible daypack to take travelling then look no further, this is it.

WEIGHT: 11.9 oz / 336 grams

VOLUME: 19 liters

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Lots of external pockets, Compatible with “fast belt” (hip belt)

CONS: Heavier than simpler ultralight packable options

The Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19 Daypack is covered in features that make it a great choice for hiking.

If you need a packable backpack that is substantial enough for day hikes then the Gossamer Gear Minimalist may just be it.

Although the Minimalist 19 weighs only 11.9 ounces (336 grams) it comes with a host of useful features – far more than any other packable backpack.

It has two side pockets (each large enough for a 1 litre water bottle), a front mesh pocket, and zippered interior pockets. It also has multiple loops and rings for strapping on excess gear.

It is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to increase the water resistance of the fabric. This won’t make the bag waterproof, but should protect you against most rain showers.

The bag also features a removable foam back pad, generously padded shoulder straps, and the 19 L main compartment can even comfortably fit a laptop. It is not the lightest packable backpack, but it is a real backpack, with solid versatility beyond hiking.

One of the best aspects of the Minimalist 19 is that it is compatible with the Gossamer Gear Fast Belt. This means that you have the option to add on a fully functioning hip belt with pockets. This addition helps significantly with load transfer, meaning that the Vagabond Packable is suitable for serious day hikes when you might be covering longer distances or carrying heavier loads.

WEIGHT: 12 oz / 340 grams

VOLUME: 16 litres

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Super stylish, Doesn’t look like a packable backpack, Water resistant, Several pockets

CONS: Expensive, Heavier than the ultralight options

If you are looking for a packable backpack that is stylish enough to take to a day of work at a corporate office, then look no further than the Waterfield Packable Backpack.

This boutique company based in San Francisco designs and manufactures premium quality backpacks, carry cases, and other accessories. Their products are manufactured in their San Francisco workshop and sold direct to customers through their online shop, and not through intermediate retailers.

This packable backpack might be a step up in price from the others on our list, but for the extra dollars you get a product that shows its quality. The custom-designed exterior material is wrinkle free and has a premium matte finish – meaning this backpack looks just as at home in a business class airport lounge as it does on a backpacker wandering around the Taj Mahal. The interior is lined with a ripstop nylon that has a silver diamond-pattern that adds an additional touch of style. 

It has a main compartment that will hold most small and medium sized laptops and is accessible through a double waterproof zipper. It also has a front zippered pocket (with an internal key loop), and an exterior sleeve pocket on each side.

In the main compartment it has a reasonably large internal zippered pocket that can be used for storing loose items (or those that you want to store more securely, i.e. not in the front zippered pocket) – this internal pocket doubles as the storage pocket for when the bag is packed away.

Something else we like about this backpack is that it is available in several colors that are deep and earthy rather than bright and bold.

At 12 ounces and with a fairly hefty price tag, this might not be the cheapest or lightest packable backpack around. But if you are willing to spend some extra dollars in the name of style and quality then look no further than the Waterfield Packable Backpack.

WEIGHT: 3.8 oz / 110 grams

VOLUME: 22 litres

PRICE: $$

PROS: Waterproof, Ultralight, Packs down tiny

CONS: No additional pockets, Not super comfortable under heavy loads

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack is a waterproof version of Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil Daypack. Both daypacks use the same 30-denier fabric, but the waterproof version uses a roll top closure for the main compartment instead of a two-way zipper. This ensures that water stays out.

For a waterproof daypack the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack is seriously light (3.8 oz, 110 grams). This means some sacrifices in terms of comfort and features. But we believe they are justified. The minimal weight and pack size of this waterproof daypack makes it ideal for travelling.

The daypack is comfortable under lighter loads. However the shoulder straps aren’t padded, so you won’t want to pack it with too much weight. There also isn’t any padding in the back panel, so you’ll want to pack it such that no sharp items stick into your back.

As with all the Sea to Summit daypacks the key here is lightweight simplicity. If you are looking for an ultralight and ultra-packable daypack then the range of Sea to Summit daypacks should be on your radar. If you need the peace of mind found with a waterproof roll-top closure — for example you might be carrying a laptop or camera gear in the daypack — then Dry Daypack could be the one you choose.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack 30

WEIGHT: 4.7 oz / 133 grams

VOLUME: 30 liters

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Lightweight, Massive storage potential, waterproof Dynnema construction

CONS: Expensive, Not very stylish

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack 30 is a versatile workhorse of a packable backpack, with a total storage capacity that dwarfs that of many full-featured daypacks. It works as a stuff sack, a food bag, a crag pack, or a high-capacity backpack for day trips from an established backcountry camp.

The HMG Stuff Pack has a no-frills design. The main (and only) compartment is made from super durable and waterproof Dyneema Composite Fiber (DCF) and has a simple roll-top closure. The shoulder straps (also DCF) are not padded and there are no sternum or hip straps. It is a simple, ultralight, and durable design that goes big on function and cares little for style. 

With its wrinkled silver-gray DCF build the Stuff Pack is unabashedly a technical outdoor product. Its name makes no bones about it: this really is just a big stuff sack with shoulder straps. But for backcountry pursuits, the pack is amazingly versatile. It can be a stuff sack to keep your gear organized and dry in your main pack or on your bikepacking rig, a waterproof food bag for nighttime bear hangs, and a daypack big enough for any side quest you dream up on the trail.

Honorable Mention: MATADOR FREEFLY16 BACKPACK

WEIGHT: 6.7oz / 190 grams

VOLUME: 16 litres

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Lightweight, Compression straps on sides, Water resistant zippers

CONS: Not as light as some of the competition

The Matador FreeFly16 is a good looking packable daypack. It doesn’t quite have the specs to edge out the competition — namely the Sea to Summit and Osprey daypacks — but it isn’t far off.

It weighs in at an ounce or two heavier than the Osprey and Sea to Summit daypacks, but offers little in terms of additional features. The thing we do like about this backpack is that the side pockets are much more functional than the side pocket found on the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. There is also a small compression strap on each side that allows you to secure items such as a water bottle.

The Matador FreeFly16 is made from durable and waterproof 70-denier Robic nylon ripstop 50-denier nylon mini ripstop. The use of water-resistant zippers and internally sealed seams are other nice additions, effectively making this backpack waterproof against everything except the heaviest downpours.

There is a zippered stash pocket in addition to the main compartment. The location of the stash pocket on the front of the bag helps to keep small items from digging into your back, but makes it slightly less secure when travelling. In comparison, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack has its stash pocket located in a position that makes it feel more secure for storing items like a phone or wallet when travelling (i.e. it would be harder for someone to gain access without you being aware). The Osprey offering also comes with a limited lifetime warranty that blows the Matador one year warranty out of the water.

Interestingly it has a detachable stuff sack for storing it, rather than an integrated stuff sack. Unfortunately this can make it easier to misplace the stuff sack.

The Matador FreeFly16 is only offered in two colours — Charcoal Grey and Coyote Brown — both of which are pretty good looking.

It may not have won in any of our categories, but the Matador FreeFly16 is still a great packable daypack that wins points for style and water-resistance.

BUYING ADVICE

Backpacks inside of backpacks. Backpack-ception. Backpacks all the way down. While packable backpacks may seem redundant at first glance, they’re a seriously useful and versatile piece of kit. Packable backpacks are also surprisingly diverse: here are a few features to note when deciding on the best packable backpack for you.

WEIGHT: Backpackers may grimace at the idea of adding more weight to a heavy backpack in the form of… another backpack. Fortunately, there are some impressively ultralight packable backpacks. Options like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack are perfect for day hikes from a backcountry basecamp. extra utility is easily worth the featherlight 2-ounce pack weight.

Other packable backpacks, like the Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19 Daypack, are substantially heavier, but have more features like cushioned shoulder straps and external pockets. They are more like a very light daypack, and are better for day hikes while traveling or road-tripping.

 

They might not be as comfortable as a true daypack, but packs like the Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable are pretty well featured with multiple compartments and external pockets.

 

VOLUME: Packable backpack will usually offer 15-20 liters of storage volume. That is about on par with an average hiking daypack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack 30L is a notable exception. The volume, or packed size of the packable backpack itself is also an important consideration, as it will often be stashed away in your main pack. Lightweight, minimalist options like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack and the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack are also the most packable.

COMFORT: Ultralight packable backpacks are, in most ways, the best option for backpacking or bikepacking, when every ounce matters and storage space is at a premium. But they are not the most comfortable option. These packs have thin, minimally padded or unpadded shoulder straps and back panels and usually forgo sternum and waist straps. Packed with more than 4 or 5 pounds of gear and their performance begins to suffer dramatically. 

If you hope to use your packable backpack to carry considerable loads, whether for long hikes or your daily commute, it’ll be worth going with a heavier and more comfortable option like the Waterfield Packable Backpack or the Gossamer Gear Minimalist 19.

 

The Waterfield Packable Backpack is a lot more stylish and comfortable that most packable backpacks.

 

WATER RESISTANCE: While not essential for an occasional-use packable backpack, fully waterproof options are far more versatile. On top of being waterproof backpacks, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack or the HMG Stuff Pack 30L can double as a protective stuff sack for gear in your main pack, or even be used to hang/store your food at night.

DURABILITY: The lightest packable daypacks use thinner body fabrics to save weight. THat makes them lightweight and packable, but also less durable than beefier options. For occasional use, though, even our top ultralight picks are well built and durable. As long as they’re not overloaded and you’re careful around sharp objects, they too will last for many years.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is a packable backpack? A packable backpack is a minimal and lightweight pack made for backpacking or traveling. They have fewer features, padding and overall structure than normal backpacks. They pack down small and are a helpful tool for air travel or any sort of backcountry side excursion when you’d rather leave your big pack at camp.

What is the best size for a packable backpack? We find that 15-20 liters is best. That matches the capacity of the average daypack, though pockets and storage options will be more limited, often to just one or two main compartments.

Do I need a packable backpack for backpacking trips? While certainly not essential, a packable backpack can be a handy addition to your backpacking setup. They make it easy to explore from camp while leaving your heavy pack behind, and can even double as a waterproof stuff sack or food bag.

MORE INFORMATION

If you loved this gear review article, then you'll likely love traversing some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

Or check out our entire list of Gear Reviews, Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, and outdoors related content.

 

The Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable — with its numerous pockets and attachable hip belt — is suitable for using on day hikes whilst travelling.