When traveling the world, for a weekend or a year, having the right bag for your adventures – a larger bag for flights and a smaller backpack for daily adventures – can add a lot of comfort and ease to your wandering, but carrying too many backpacks can create a problem of clutter.
The solution is to bring a packable backpack or collapsible daypack to use for day-to-day sightseeing and wandering then collapse and pack into your travel pack between smaller adventures. However, knowing which packable daypack is right for you – the waterproof one, the collapsible laptop bag, the durable tactical bag, etc. – can be confusing. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll review the best packable backpack options for every need and style of travel. Waterproof, tough, hiking focused, ultralight, budget, laptop bags, and more.
Read on to discover the best packable daypack options for convenient and lightweight travel!
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CONTENTS OF THIS LIST OF BEST PACKABLE DAYPACK OPTIONS
- What is a packable daypack
- Quick List of the Best Packable Backpacks
- Why You Need a Compressible Daypack for Travel
- Compressible daypack or regular Everyday Carry (EDC) backpack?
- What to Look for in a good compressible daypack
- The Full List of the Best Packable Daypacks
- The Full List of the Best Packable Daypacks
WHY YOU NEED A COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACK FOR TRAVEL
Having a smaller backpack sized for daily needs makes travel easier. In addition, having a compressible daypack allows you to pack it away and still travel with only a single travel backpack.
Taking a daypack is essential to daily life during travel. Having a small backpack that stows away easily gives you a lightweight, comfy, and convenient option for carrying what you need for the day (water, snacks, smartphone, tablet, a book, etc.) whether you’re on a walking tour through the city, visiting a café or coworking space to work, or wandering on a short hike.
Taking a packable daypack allows you to pack it into your single carry-on travel backpack. As a result, fewer bags to carry or check on flights make travel easier. With this approach, you can collapse the packable daypack into your main bag and only carry a single bag. Ideally, a carryon sized backpack, avoiding checking bags.
A bonus of carrying a packable daypack is once you get through airport security or get ready to board a bus or any long haul travel, you can unpack the daypack and fill it with items you need for the trip to keep close while stowing your larger bag.
A QUICK LIST OF THE BEST PACKABLE DAYPACK OPTIONS
BEST PACKABLE BACKPACKS
- WANDRD Veer (18L) (Full Featured)
- Grey Ghost Gear Hideout Tactical Compressible Backpack (11L) (Durable)
- Matador Freerain24 2.0 Waterproof Rolltop Closure Backpack (24L) (Waterproof)
- YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack with Waterproof X-Pac Cloth and water guard zippers (15L) (Waterproof)
- Loctote Flak Sack II (13L) (Anti-theft)
- Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack (21L) (Laptop Bag)
- Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L (Multi-functional)
WATER RESISTANT & WATERPROOF
- Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack
- Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Dry Daypack (Waterproof)
- YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack with Waterproof X-Pac Cloth and water guard zippers
- Matador Freerain24 2.0 Waterproof Rolltop Closure Backpack
LAPTOP BAGS
ANTI-THEFT COMPRESSIBLE BACKPACKS
BEST FOR HIKING
- Patagonia ultralight Black Hole Pack (20L)
- Matador Beast 28 Technical Packable Backpack (28L)
- Matador Beast 18 Technical Packable Backpack
- REI Flash 22
- REI Flash 18
DURABLE
- Grey Ghost Gear Hideout Tactical Compressible Backpack (11L)
- LL Bean Stowaway Pack (22L)
- Eagle Creek Packable Daypack (13L)
- YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack (15L)
- Mystery Ranch In and Out Packable Daypack (19L)
MINIMALIST
BEST ULTRALIGHT COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACKS
- REI Flash 22
- REI Flash 18
- Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
- Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Daypack (Water resistant)
- REI Stuff Travel Daypack
ECO-FRIENDLY
GENERAL TRAVEL PACKS
(Click here to jump to the full list of packs)
COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACK OR REGULAR EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) BACKPACK? WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOU?
If you carry very light loads (<5kgs) daily, a packable bag is good. However, if you carry a lot, get a regular daypack.
We know that having a daypack is essential for easy travel daily, but should you take a compressible daypack or a regular, sturdy everyday carry backpack?
First – what is the difference between a packable daypack and a normal everyday carry backpack?
Packable daypacks are collapsible and lightweight, usually weighing less than 1 pound, and generally lack a rigid back panel or internal support. This adds up to a small backpack that collapses into itself and takes up very little space and weight in your main backpack when traveling.
Additionally, because packable daypacks tend to be physically lighter, they are made of lighter materials, reducing the packable daypacks’ durability relative to “normal” backpacks.
Ultimately, if you plan to carry heavier loads daily – more than 10lbs or 5kg – you may want Potential Flawsider to bring a normal, sturdier daypack.
Bringing a normal daypack with a back panel and heavier material will be more comfortable under heavier loads (20lbs/10kg+). In addition, it will allow the bag to last longer.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE OF THE BEST PACKABLE BACKPACK OPTIONS
This Potential Flawstantly updated list contains the 30+ best packable backpack options. Though I’m certain a perfect pack for you is on this list, not every pack on this list will be great for you – and that is by design.
Every traveler and their specific gear needs are different. This list presents all of the best packable daypack choices, narrowed by category – full-featured, budget, waterproof, hiking focused, and ultra-light. Start by jumping to the best compressible daypack category for you. From there, filter through the great 5 to 6 packs we’ve identified for you.
Any more questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help you narrow down to the best pack for you.
My Experience with packable daypacks
For 3+ years, I used the REI Flash 18 compressible daypack tucked inside my larger 40-liter REI travel bag during flights and on my back daily while wandering South America and Southeast Asia. This tiny, collapsible backpack was perfect, and I loved it! With this setup, I always had an option for carrying my daily needs while still staying light abiding by my “one bag travel” philosophy – flying with only a single bag whenever I fly.
However, as much as I love the lightweight and simplicity of the REI Flash 18, I understand that it isn’t perfect for all travelers – though I think every traveler should have a collapsible daypack for convenience.
Along the way, during the four years of travel, I’ve tested tens of lightweight packs, stopped and talked to travelers in South America, Europe, and South America about the bags on their backpacks, and meticulously researched what separates good, durable, high quality, comfortable backpacks from the rest.
Over 55+ countries traveled 100’s of flights, trains, buses, and boats, 1000’s of miles hiked, and countless travel gear reviews; I’ve become an expert at assessing the best gear for travel – especially backpacks
The bottom line: if you are traveling, you NEED a packable daypack! The benefits are too many to count! And in this article, I’ll help you find the best packable backpack for you.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACK
- Sturdy straps
- Easy to stowaway, ideally packing into its stuff sack
- Good organization and plenty of zippered pockets for money, keys, and external water bottle pocket
- Durable fabric (ideally high denier nylon), heavy stitching, and bar-tacks for strength
- Water and weather resistant cloth and zippers
- Use and need specific suitability: waterproof, designed for hiking, ultralight, etc.
THE FULL LIST OF THE BEST PACKABLE DAYPACK OPTIONS
1. WANDRD VEER (18L)
A meticulously designed 18-liter packable daypack, fully fitted with an inflatable backpanel, making for maximum comfort while still taking up minimal space in your larger bag. Water-resistant outer cloth and zippers add protection: Daisy chain webbing and zippable external pockets round this out as a very functional bag.
- Best Features
- Inflatable back panel
- Weather-resistant fabric and zippers
- Daisy chain lined exterior
- Several separate pockets and compartments
- Potential Flaws
- Price: $60
- Where to buy: Wandrd.com
2. Grey Ghost Gear Hideout Tactical Compressible Backpack (11L)
A military tough compressible backpack designed as a quick deploy sack for raids. Though it’s light and simple, this bag was designed for and proven in combat level abuse. I used one for a few months and loved it as well as highly recommend it.
- Best Features: Tough fabric and well stitched/reinforced shoulder straps stand up to solid abuse.
- Potential Flaws
- 11L capacity, 12” x 9.5” x 5” dimensions, 1lb weight
- Price: $55 at Amazon.com or $36 at OpticsPlanet
- Where to buy: $55 atAmazon.com or $36 atOpticsPlanet.com
3. LL BEAN STOWAWAY DAY PACK (22L)
A tough and durable full-featured pack designed to carry 100lbs of gear that still ways in at 14oz. and packs into a tiny pocket.
- Best Features
- Has all of the functions of a “normal” backpack
- Padded shoulder straps
- Tough nylon exterior material
- Two external water bottle pockets
- Stows into its pocket
- 22 liter capacity, 19″H x 10″W x 7″D dimensions, 14oz. weight
- Price: ~$50
- Where to buy: LL Bean Online
4. Matador Freerain24 2.0 Waterproof Rolltop Closure Backpack (24L)
A 100% waterproof and compressible daypack with rolltop closure that packs down into its own stuff sack.
- Best Features
- 30 denier waterproof siliconized Cordura with a polyurethane coating and a seam-sealed main compartment for waterproofing.
- External water bottle pockets
- 24-liter capacity, 6.6 oz weight
- Price: $65
- Where to buy: Amazon.com
5. YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack (15L) WITH X-PAC CLOTH – WATER RESISTANCE
Simple, straightforward, and durable. The YNOT Deployable Daypack combines 500 and 600 denier Cordura nylon or X-Pac cloth stitched together with heavy-duty nylon thread, reinforced bar tack stitching, and car seat belt reinforced shoulder straps. This pack also folds into its internal pocket.
- YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack with Waterproof X-Pac Cloth and water guard zippers
- There’s also a waterproof X-Pac cloth version of the YNOT Deploy pack that also incorporates water guard zippers for a seriously waterproof pack
- Best Features
- 15 liter capacity, 16″x 10″ x 4″ dimensions,
- Price: $95
- Where to buy: YNOTMade.com
6. Loctote Flak Sack II (13L)
A super secure and theft-resistant tote style bag built to an ANSI A9 cut resistance level to the high level of cut, tear, and abrasion resistance available in fabric.
- Best Features
- Steel reinforced locking and included combo lock allow you to lock the bag to an object for security along with cut-resistant ropes.
- Fleece-lined RFID blocking pocket protects credit cards and passports from “swiping” scams
- Learn more about the long list of security features at Loctote.com
- 13-liter capacity, 18” x 14” dimensions, 2lbs weight
- Price: $169
- Where to buy: Amazon.com
7. TORTUGA OUTBREAKER DAYPACK (21L) – LAPTOP BAG
A lightweight, packable laptop bag made of waterproof cloth and incorporating well-padded straps and back panel
- Best Features:
- It’s a portable laptop bag and super lightweight at just under 1lb
- Waterproof XPAC Sailcloth throughout
- Thisbag doesn’t compress into itself
- Price: $99
- Where to buy: TortugaBackpacks.com
8. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack (27L) – GENERAL USE
A multi-functional, compressible tote that carries like a backpack, shoulder straps, or a tote/briefcase via handles on top. Delivers all of the best features of a daypack, tote, and compressible backpack.
- Best Features
- Made of 100% recycled nylon
- Internal zip pocket for keys and valuables
- External zippered pockets allow easy storage and access
- Two stretch water bottle pockets
- Stuffs into its pocket
- 27-liter capacity, 15.5″ x 10.25″ x 8″, 13.1oz.
- Price: $89
- Where to buy: Patagonia.com
WATER RESISTANT & WATERPROOF
9. Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack (20L)
A great multi-use rolltop drybag that performs equally well as a daypack. If you’re not carrying too much weight, this compressible bag is suited for virtually any urban or outdoors adventure
- Best Features
- Waterproof
- Extremely compact for a dry bag
- Tucks away into its pocket
- Potential Flaws
- Slightly flimsy
- 20L capacity, 18” X 10” X 9”, 6oz. weight
- Price: $60
- Where to buy: Osprey.com
10. SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL TRAVEL DRY DAYPACK (22L)
An ultralight, roll-top waterproofed bag made of waterproof fabric, with water-resistant, double-stitched, and taped seams that pack down small into its pocket. If you need an all-weather-friendly packable daypack option, this is it!
If you intend to dunk this pack underwater or be exposed to rain for extended periods, consider pairing this pack with another internal roll-top dry bag such as this.
- Best Features
- Made of fully waterproof fabric – 30 denier Ultra-sil siliconized Cordura fabric
- Double-stitched seams sealed with polyurethane tape for more water resistance
- This daypack packs down into its tiny stuff sack
- Potential Flaws
- This pack isn’t intended to be submerged – use a full roll-top dry bag if you plan to do that
- 22L capacity, 8 x 4 x 19 in / 20 x 10 x 48 cm dimensions, 3.8oz. weight
- Price: ~$60
- Where to buy: Seatosummitusa.com
LAPTOP BAG
11. Aer Go Pack (21L)
A stylish, practical, and durable yet functional compressible daypack meticulously designed for consummate travelers
- Best Features
- Tough 300 denier Cordura exterior
- High-quality hardware (YKK, Duraflex, Fidlock) throughout
- Accommodates a 13” laptop
- Interior zippered security pocket
- Lifetime warranty
- 21.4 liters, 16.9″ x 11.8″ x 5″ dimensions, 1lb
- Price: $85
- Where to buy: Aersf.com
HIKING
12. Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Pack (20L)
Patagonia pieced together a durable and simple stuff sack that compresses into itself and is lined with features that make it perfect for more outdoorsy adventures and the gear you’ll take with you. Drawstring and s-clip closure make for no zippers and less to go wrong.
Daisy chained exterior makes it easy to clip gear to the outside. Deep side pockets may not fit larger water bottles while the bag is fully packed but allow you to carry more on the trip easily
- Best Features
- Durable and water-resistant fabric (70 denier nylon coated with silicon and polyurethane)
- Stuffs into its own pocket
- Features: External Daisy chain for gear,
- Potential Flaws
- Water bottle pockets are slightly tight for larger water bottles
- Price: $79
- Where to buy: Backcountry.com
13. Matador Beast28 and Beast18 Packable Technical Backpack(28L and 18L)
This technically-focused hiking backpack delivers the durability, frame support, and pockets/straps/features a daypack needs to be sufficient for trekking. All while still packing down into its pocket.
Flexible wire suspension system frame with EVA foam back panel that simply twists and folds, compressing this pack down into a flat disc
Waterproofing coated 210 denier nylon fabric delivers durability and water resistance
- Best Features
- Bar-tack reinforced stitching and seems
- Oversized external water bottle pockets, u-zipped main pocket with two zippered internal pockets
- 28-liter capacity, 11 x 22 x 7inches dimensions, 1lb 8 oz. weight for Matador Beast28
- 18-liter capacity, 1lbs 5oz weight for Matador Beast18
- Where to buy: $150 for Amazon.com for the Beast28 and $135 for Amazon.com for the Beast18
DURABLE
2. Grey Ghost Gear Hideout Tactical Compressible Backpack (11L)
A military tough compressible backpack designed as a quick deploy sack for raids. Though it’s light and simple, this bag was designed for and proven in combat level abuse. I used one for a few months and loved it as well as highly recommend it.
- Best Features: Tough fabric and well stitched/reinforced shoulder straps stand up to solid abuse.
- Potential Flaws
- 11L capacity, 12” x 9.5” x 5” dimensions, 1lb weight
- Price: $55 at Amazon.com or $36 at OpticsPlanet
- Where to buy: $55 atAmazon.com or $36 atOpticsPlanet.com
14. EAGLE CREEK PACKABLE DAYPACK (13L)
Eagle Creek is a classic and trusted traveler brand, and they’ve delivered with this packable daypack made of tougher than average but still lightweight materials and lockable zippers
- Best Features:
- Securable and lockable zippers
- More durable fabric than other packs on this list (70D nylon)
- Potential Flaws
- No internal organization
- Price: $36.95
- Where to buy: EagleCreek.com
15. Mystery Ranch In and Out Packable Daypack (19L)
This tough compressible daypack combines all of the pockets and features you’d expect in a normal backpack while still folding into its front pocket. Mystery Ranch is known for making tough and functional packs, so this one is worth the investment
- Best Features
- Packs down into itself
- Mesh, breathable shoulder straps, side compression straps, external water bottle pockets, and water bladder pocket and hole for the hose
- Two external zippered pockets
- Tough 100 denier Cordura fabric
- Potential Flaws:
- Tight side pockets make carrying a water bottle in them slightly tough.
- 19 liter capacity, 16.25″x 9.5″ x 8.25″ dimensions, .9lbs weight
- Price: $79
- Where to buy: MysteryRanch.com
MINIMALIST
16. TOM BIHN PACKING CUBE BACKPACK (16L)
Simple and basic – a packing cube that doubles as a daypack. Don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed. This bag is simple, minimalist, straightforward, and perfect for “onebaggers”
- Best Features:
- Doubles as a packing cube so it doesn’t waste any space in your bag
- Potential Flaws
- Thin straps would be uncomfortable under too much weight (~7kg+)
- Lack of internal pockets will make staying organized difficult
- 16L capacity, 17.5″ x 13″ x 4″, 9.5oz.
- Price: $55
- Where to buy: TomBihn.com
17. TORTUGA SETOUT PACKABLE DAYPACK (19L)
This simple, packable daypack delivers the comfort and function features that experienced travelers want. Designed much like the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack, except packable.
Padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel.30 denier waterproof ripstop nylon with lockable zippers packs down to a (7″ x 5″ x 2.5″ when packed) cube
- Best Features:
- Good organization with front zippered pocket and side water bottle pockets
- Breathable mesh padding makes for comfortable shoulders and back
- Weather and water resistance
- Great Price
- Potential Flaws
- Water bottle pockets max out at 3 inches in diameter for water bottles
- No internal organization
- 19L, 17.5” x 11.5” x 5″, 8.5oz.
- Price: $39
- Where to buy: TortugaBackpacks.com
BEST ULTRALIGHT COMPRESSIBLE DAYPACKS
18. REI Flash 22 (22L)
A lightweight, packable, hiking daypack geared for adventures beyond the city. Also, an all-around great bag if you’re traveling light.
- Best Features:
- Hiking centric features: External water bottle pockets, hiking pole holster, water bladder holder
- Comfy, mesh back panel, with removable plastic back insert
- Additional top pocket for storage
- Potential Flaws
- Geared more for lightweight outdoors activities, straps aren’t built for carrying a laptop
- Price: $54.95
- Where to buy: Rei.com
19. REI Flash 18 (18L)
Just as awesome as the REI Flash 22 but without the top pocket!
- Best Features:
- Extremely lightweight
- Great for the price
- Potential Flaws:
- No water bottle pockets
- Price: $39.95
- Where to buy: REI.com
20. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack (18L)
- Best Features:
- Extremely small and compact
- Great price
- Tucks away into its pocket
- Potential Flaws
- Not enough internal pockets make it hard to keep organized
- 18L capacity, 17” X 9” X 7” dimensions, 4oz. weight
- Price: $35
- Where to buy: Osprey.com
21. SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL TRAVEL DAYPACK (20L)
Waterproof fabric (but not the zippers) and ultralight build.This simple and lightweight yet straightforward pack gets the job done with ease. Rated Backpacker’s Editor’s Choice Gold Award in 2017, and the staff claim to use the bag quite a bit.
- Best Features
- Packs down small and fits into its pouch
- Water-resistant: This pack is made of siliconized Cordura waterproof material; however, the stitching is not waterproof
- Bartack reinforced stitching on all stress points for durability and reinforced shoulder straps for durability and comfort
- Recommended load limit of 15lbs/7kgs
- Potential Flaws
- Max capacity of 15lbs
- 20 Liter capacity, 11 x 8 x 19 in / 28 x 20 x 48 cm dimensions
- Price: ~$40
- Where to buy: Amazon.com
22. REI Stuff Travel Daypack (20L)
A minimalist, straightforward, and ultralight travel stuff pack. U-top closure and rucksack style design. If you just want a cheap sack to toss things in and stowaway letter, consider the REI Stuff Travel Daypack
- Best Features
- Potential Flaws
- No internal pockets or organization
- Price: $34.95
- Where to buy: REI.com
ECO-FRIENDLY
23. COTOPAXI LUZON DEL DIA 18L
A simple, stuff sack styled bag with drawstring closure, mesh shoulder straps (for comfort and breathability), water bladder pocket, and a zippered front pocket
- Best Features
- Insanely fun color options
- Made from repurposed fabric (and reducing waste)
- Potential Flaws
- Drawstring closure makes the bag less secure in urban environments
- Lack of structure may be off-putting to some
- Price: $55
- Where to buy: Cotopaxi.com
24. Cotopaxi Batac 16L Daypack
Colorfullyfun and made from responsibly sourced materials, this unstructured daypack “sac” uses the fabric remnants from the garment and backpack industry (saving them from landfills) to make a backpack that naturally creates less waste. Simple. Functional. Kinda awesome looking.
- Best Features
- External side pockets
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps
- Light yet tough ripstop nylon fabric
- Large, open main compartment
- 16 liter capacity, 19 x 11 x 4in dimensions, 12oz.
- Potential Flaws
- Some customers didn’t receive the exact color scheme they wanted – due to the fact that fabric used in these packs are remnant materials and not ordered to spec, I recommend expecting the possibility of getting the “wrong color,” but still in a great pack.
- Price: $60
- Where to buy: Cotopaxi.com
GENERAL TRAVEL PACKS
25. FJALLRAVEN KANKEN (16L)
Not the most versatile or technical, however, this stylish and trendy bookbag makes a great “travel briefcase.” For digital nomads looking for a daypack that doubles as a book bag or briefcase, the Fjallraven Kanken is a great option. Classic looks, durable fabric, and a durable build make up for this bag’s lack of packability and adventure-ready function.
This bag isn’t necessarily the most “packable.” Still, the soft-sided structure and lack of a rigid back panel mean you can roll it up and strap it to the side/bottom of a larger bag.
- Best Features
- Durable
- Stylish
- Easily holds a laptop and books
- Works well as a digital nomad-friendly “travel briefcase.”
- Potential Flaws
- Bulky and doesn’t pack down much. Best for rolling up and strapping to the side of a larger bag
- 16 liter capacity, 14.9″ (38 cm) x 10.6″ (27 cm) x 5.1″ (13 cm) size, .7lbs
- Price: ~$75
- Where to buy: Amazon.com
26. Arc’teryx Index 15 (15L)
“Lean, simple, light, and compact,” as described by legendary pack builder Arcteryx. This top-loading, summit pack-inspired bag packs down flat to go unnoticeably into your larger bag.
- Best Features
- 15-liter capacity, 8oz. weight
- Price: $60
- Where to buy: Acteryx.com
OTHER GREAT PACKABLE DAYPACKS
- Gonex Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack** (Budget)
- Outlander Packable Travel Daypack** (Budget)
- AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Day Pack** (Budget)
- Naturehike Ultralight Foldable Daypack** (Budget)
- Scuba Pro Mini Dry Bag (15L)**: (Waterproof)
- Visla High Seas 22L Dry Backpack** (Waterproof)
- Hyperlite Stuff Pack** (High-tech)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.