For one-bag travelers, there’s nothing better than packable backpacks. They combine the utility of small, light bags designed for short adventures with the convenience of being able to shove them into a side pocket of your main bag.
Whether you’re taking your big hiking backpack into the wilderness or filling your carry-on luggage for your next trip abroad, these bags are great companions.
You can explore side trails without lugging your tent with you, or take a packed lunch and your camera on your next sightseeing tour. Or simply have an extra bag for all your souvenirs when you return home!
Packable, lightweight, durable, and waterproof, this pack is loaded with features: from external pockets to a removable hip belt. And the ergonomic shoulder straps make it super comfortable to carry.
Recently there has been an explosion in the number of these packs on the market. Every year, backpack brands are making their bags lighter, more waterproof, more durable, and more supportive.
While it’s fantastic to have so many options, it can be tough to pick which one is right for you.
I’ve tested dozens of travel backpacks in search of the best ones and what makes each one so special. You might even say I’ve got a thing for a good travel bag, especially a well-constructed carry-on backpack.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, avid hiker, city traveler or just love a good adventure, this list of the best packable backpacks has what you need.
- Best Overall Packable Backpack: Matador Freerain22
- Best Budget Packable Backpack: AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Daypack
- Most Stylish Packable Backpack: Eagle Creek Packable Daypack
- Most Versatile Packable Backpack: Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
- Best Laptop Packable Backpack: Aer Go Pack 2
- Best Packable Camera Backpack: WANDRD VEER 18L
- Best Waterproof Packable Backpack: Arkadia Sea to Sky Pack
- Best Lightweight Packable Backpack: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil
- Best Rolltop Packable Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack
- Best Packable Hiking Backpack: Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack
- Best Small Packable Backpack: Arc’teryx Heliad 15
- Most Comfortable Packable Backpack: Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L
- Best Packable Everyday Backpack: Herschel Packable Daypack
- Most Durable Packable Backpack: Marmot Kompressor
- Most Eco-Friendly Packable Backpack: Cotopaxi Batac 16L
- Cool design
- Sternum strap for added support
- Very adjustable
- Two water bottle pockets for extra hydration!
AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Daypack
- Very lightweight
- Comes in many different styles and colors
- Large 25L capacity
- Very stylish design
- Excellent security zippers
- Very light
- Lifetime warranty
- Space for your essentials
- Sleek design
- Surprisingly durable for such a light bag
- Protected by Osprey’s excellent warranty
- Protective suspended laptop sleeve
- More padding and structure
- Stylish design
- Inflatable strap padding and camera cube
- Natural and ergonomic fit
- Built for photographers
- Sternum strap
- Roll-top primary compartment
- Waterproof compartment for maximum protection
- Lightweight
- Packs down to almost nothing at all
- Excellent minimalist backpack with only one pocket
- Weighs 2.5oz
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack
- Ultralight
- Fully waterproof with taped seams and roll-top
- Durable Dyneema composite fabric
Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack
- Fully-featured hiking pack
- Built-in spring steel frame
- Removable padded hip belt
- Hydration bladder or tablet compatible sleeve
- Functional design for city or wilderness settings
- Awesome designs
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L
- Water-resistant material
- Good weight distribution
- Padded shoulder straps
- Extra webbing loops
- Lots of color options
- Features built for climbers
- Very adjustable
- Drawstring opening
- Sternum strap
- Hydration port
- Eco-friendly choice as it’s made from leftover materials from other products
- Colorful
- Good design
1. Matador Freerain22: Best Overall Packable Backpack
If you are looking for the best all-around packable backpack, check out the Matador Freerain22. This pack stands out from most packable daypacks by offering a fully capable pack for hiking and travel rather than just a flimsy bag with shoulder straps.
Matador has gone out of their way to make the bag as waterproof as possible. With 70D Robic® nylon UHMWPE reinforced ripstop fabric, internally sealed seams, and a rolltop opening, this bag can take some liquid punishment. Seriously, you could stand in a torrential rainforest downpour wearing this bag and still have no seepage into the main compartment!
Unfortunately, the exterior pockets areonly water-resistant, so beware of putting your phones or wallets in there.
Besides the waterproofing, there are many other features that I like about this packable daypack. There is a sternum strap and plenty of adjustment options (without the straps getting too messy). The shoulders have lots of support for carrying bigger loads, and there are gear loops with shock cord captures. Crucially, the material used is designed to be very resistant to wear and tear. Packable backpacks tend to be light and flimsy, so it’s nice to see that this one is built to last.
All in all, it’s a very well-rounded daypack. While waterproofing is the key feature, there is plenty more to like about the Matador Freerain: It’s comfortable, durable, and has all the pockets and features you need.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Cool design
- Sternum strap for added support
- Very adjustable
- Two water bottle pockets for extra hydration!
Cons
- Exterior pockets are not waterproof
Matador Freerain22 Specs:
| Dimensions | 19.5″ x 10.5″ x 7″ inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 3.75″ x 3.75″ x 5.75″ inches |
| Weight | 10.6 oz |
| Capacity | 22L |
| Fabric | 70D Robic® nylon UHMWPE reinforced ripstop |
2. AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Daypack: Best Budget Packable Backpack
I was pretty surprised when I found out that Amazon (yes, that Amazon) has their own line of packable backpacks, and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much.
Essentially, you have two reasons to buy AmazonBasics Ultralight Packable Daypack: it’s very cheap and very light. At just 6.7oz, this is a feather-light packable daypack. If you’re concerned about your carry-on luggage weight or being weighed down on the trail, you can leave those worries behind with this packable daypack. The price point definitely leaves you a bit of extra room in your budget too.
However, this packable daypack also has a number of flaws. My biggest concern is the straps, which are made of mesh only. This sheds weight but means there is zero padding, so you’ll be uncomfortable if you’re carrying a heavier load. The bag itself is roomy at 25L, but with no shoulder padding, you won’t be able to pack it full without making yourself seriously uncomfortable.
Furthermore, while this packable daypack has a few pockets, the front zippered pocket zips vertically, making it difficult to actually use.
This is not a bad daypack by any means, and if you are looking for a light bag on a budget, it works. However, if comfort and utility are concerns for you, there are better packs on the market.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Many different styles and colors
- Unique features
- Very accessible price
- Large 25L capacity
Cons
- Thin mesh shoulder straps
- No padding
AmazonBasics Ultralight Specs:
| Dimensions | 19 x 8.2 x 13 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | Palm-size |
| Weight | 6.7 oz |
| Capacity | 25L (35L also available) |
| Fabric | Ripstop Nylon |
3. Eagle Creek Packable Daypack: Most Stylish Packable Backpack
Eagle Creek has been around for a while, and they know their stuff: useful, aesthetic gear with features that travelers need. This packable bag definitely fits that bill.
First things first: the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack just looks really cool. Most packable daypacks go for simple colors or plain black; Eagle Creek has found a way to make their version a fashion item. This is definitely one you could wear around the city as well as the trail.
Another standout feature is the security zippers: you can tuck the zippers under a small security loop, making it so thieves can’t quickly yank a zipper open when you aren’t watching.
At 13L, this is quite a compact bag–it’s fine for easily carrying clothes and snacks but not much else. While it may be inconvenient for some, the smaller size allows it to be even more economical on the scales than most daypacks, clocking in at just 5oz.
There is one small problem: the bag’s durability. While this packable daypack is made of decent materials, there have been some reports of rips and faults not long after purchase. Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty, but that’s not something you will want to negotiate while out on an adventure.
Pros
- Very stylish design
- Excellent security zippers
- Very light
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not very durable
- Smaller in size
Eagle Creek Packable Backpack Specs:
| Dimensions | 11 x 17.75 x 4.75 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 7.75 x 6.25 x 2.25 inches |
| Weight | 5 oz |
| Capacity | 13L |
| Fabric | 70D Heathered Nylon |
4. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack: Most Versatile Packable Backpack
Osprey is one of my all-time favorite backpack brands. These guys are the heavyweights of the backpack world, at the top of the game for hiking and traveling gear, and this packable daypack is their latest hit.
Osprey Ultralight is a packable daypack with an extremely minimalist design. There is nothing on this backpack that doesn’t need to be there! You get a water bottle pocket, a tiny zip pocket, and that’s it. The whole thing tips the scales at 4oz and packs down into an apple-sized storage pocket.
It’s like wearing a bag made of air.
You would expect that such a lightweight packable daypack would have made every comfort compromise possible, but surprisingly, it wears quite well. While you would not want to be hucking around a chunky camera or your rock collection in this bag, it’s perfect for your average day trek or sightseeing trip. It has the added plus of being moderately water-resistant, as well as coming in a few funky colors.
This bag is a feather-light way to easily carry your essentials with you, and it won’t add anything extra to your luggage. If you’re on the hunt for a weight-efficient packable daypack, this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Space for your essentials
- Sleek design
- Surprisingly durable for such a light bag
- Protected by Osprey’s excellent warranty
Cons
- Not many organization options
- Bottles tend to fall out of side pocket
- Would do better with a hydration bladder
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack Specs:
| Dimensions | 17 x 9 x 7 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | Apple size |
| Weight | 4 oz |
| Capacity | 18L |
| Fabric | 40D Nylon Ripstop |
5. Aer Go Pack: Most Packable Laptop Backpack
If you’re wanting a compact packable backpack that can also carry a laptop (safely), you’re options are pretty limited. Most packable backpacks are very minimal and don’t have a good laptop pocket.
Aer is a San-Fancisco-based brand that specializes in sleek, functional gear for travel and everyday urban use. Like many modern startup brands, they got their start through crowdfunding campaigns. Now they build some of the best travel packs and bags on the market.
The Aer Go Pack is a unique product. It is a full-featured travel/city daypack with great styling, lots of pockets, comfortable shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a suspended laptop sleeve.
Unlike other packs on this list that stuff down into their own pocket, the Aer Go Pack is designed to pack flat inside luggage. It definitely isn’t quite as compact as other packable backpacks, but I’m willing to make that tradeoff to give my laptop a little better protection.
As far as features go, you get two stretchy side pockets for bottles, a front pocket that’s great for stuffing in a jacket, a top zipped pocket, and a small zippered pocket inside that’s perfect for do-not-lose items like passports.
Even if you don’t need to carry a laptop, this is a great lightweight bag for travel that gives you more comfort and features than most packable backpacks.
Pros
- Durable materials
- Comfy padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Suspended laptop compartment
- Stylish design
Cons
- Heavier than others
- Doesn’t pack down as small
Aer Go Pack Specs:
| Dimensions | 17 x 11 x 5.5 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 17 x 11 x 1 inches (flat packed, can also be folded in half) |
| Weight | 1 lb 5 oz |
| Capacity | 20L |
| Fabric | 210D Cordura Nylon (Bluesign approved) |
6. WANDRD VEER 18L: Best Packable Camera Backpack
WANDRD earned its fame a few years ago with a Kickstarter to build a backpack for photographers, and they ended up with the PRVKE. With the enormous success of that initial product, they’ve come back again with VEER, a packable daypack designed for photographers.
This bag’s unique features are impressive and it’s designed to carry a lot of stuff. The standouts are the inflatable components: to save packing space and increase comfort, the back padding is actually a tubing system that you manually inflate. The bag also comes with a space-efficient inflatable camera cube that protects your precious gear from any knocks and bumps.
Structurally, this packable daypack is pretty sound. It wears well, with aerated padding in the shoulders and back for sweat-wicking, and a good fit for your spine’s natural curvature. The sternum strap adds even more support. The bag itself is made of very robust materials and WANDRD offers a lot of compatible add-ons for your lenses and other equipment, plus some daisy chains to lash a tripod onto the back of the bag.
When not in use, it packs to the size of a tissue box.
Would I recommend it to you? Only if you’re a photographer. There are a lot of interesting features in this packable daypack, but the hefty price tag is difficult to justify unless you’re camera-happy.
Pros
- Inflatable strap padding and camera cube
- Natural and ergonomic fit
- Built for photographers
- Sternum strap
Cons
- Relatively large when packed
- Expensive
- Not so good for non-photographers
WANDRD VEER Specs:
| Dimensions | 18 x 11 x 9 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 6 x 9 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 12.8 oz |
| Capacity | 18L |
| Fabric | Weather Resistant N100D Robic Dynatec and N210D Robic HD Oxford |
7. Arkadia Sea to Sky Pack: Best Waterproof Packable Backpack
Canadian company Arkadia started in 2017 with a Kickstarter campaign. From day one, they have been focused on providing quality waterproof gear at a great price.
The Arkadia Sea to Sky Pack is a pretty neat packable daypack. The main compartment is totally waterproof, with a rolltop entry point instead of zippers for maximum water resistance. At just 5.5oz, it still manages to be very light while still holding an impressive 24L of carrying space.
It’s short on organization – as expected from a packable daypack – but still has a front pocket and two bottle pockets on either side.
There are a few drawbacks to this bag. Most importantly, the entire pakable daypack is not waterproof–only the main compartment. The front pocket, while it is water-resistant, is not waterproof, so anything you put in there will not stay totally dry. On top of that, the bag does not pack into a built-in pocket, but into a separate bag; otherwise, you won’t be able to pack up the backpack.
Overall, it’s a pretty cool packable daypack, and the waterproof functionality is a great thing to have for anyone hiking in rainy or watery areas. Just keep in mind that this is not a miracle product that repels all moisture.
Pros
- Roll-top primary compartment
- Waterproof compartment for maximum protection
- Lightweight
Cons
- Outer pockets not waterproof
Arkadia Sea to Sky Specs:
| Dimensions | 20 x 11 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 4.9 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 5.5oz |
| Capacity | 24L |
| Fabric | 30D CORDURA Nylon Ripstop |
8. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil: Best Lightweight Packable Backpack
Just when I thought packable backpacks couldn’t get any lighter, Sea to Summit came along to prove me wrong. I’m a big fan of Sea to Summit products in general, so I was pretty keen to see what this one had to offer.
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil weighs 2.5oz. That’s right, two point five ounces! It’s a shockingly lightweight packable daypack that folds up into a keychain-sized pouch.
As you might expect, everything has been stripped out to make this packable daypack lighter. There are no pockets except for the main compartment. There are a couple of webbing loops at the bottom where you can attach a bike light, but that’s the only frill about this backpack.
Sea to Summit has managed to design this packable daypack in a way that is still reasonably comfortable despite its thin shoulder straps and lack of padding, mostly thanks to its innovative stitching and a shape that hugs close to the back. This is a sturdy bag that will stand the test of time, built from durable materials and put together with care.
The standard warnings about light backpacks still apply to the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil: the lack of padding impedes comfort, and it’s not suitable for carrying a lot of gear. But at 2.5oz this bag takes up virtually no space, and that’s essential for any light traveler.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Packs down to almost nothing at all
- Excellent minimalist backpack with only one pocket
Cons
- No padding
- Thin shoulder straps
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Specs:
| Dimensions | 11 x 18 x 8 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 2 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 oz |
| Capacity | 20L |
| Fabric | 450D Mini Ripstop PU |
9. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack: Best Roll-Top Packable Backpack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear builds some of the best outdoor packs out there, hands down. Their backpacks are all hand-made in Maine, and they use the most advanced materials on the market to give you lightweight, durable, waterproof gear.
While zippers are the standard closure method for backpacks, there are a lot of advantages to a roll-top design. It’s simple, more durable, and can be fully waterproof with the right fabric. Plus, you always look cool opening a roll-top.
The Hyperlite Stuff Pack is a featherweight roll-top backpack that’s designed for minimalist hikers. It’s made from high-tech dyneema composite fabric. Combined with the roll-top design and taped-seam construction, this bag is virtually waterproof. I don’t know if I’d quite trust it on a whitewater rafting trip, but anything other than that should be totally within its water-repelling capability.
The shoulder straps don’t have much as far as padding goes, but they’re wide and well-shaped to deliver the best comfort.
If you’re looking for features, this pack has none. It’s one big top-opening compartment with shoulder straps sewn on. That’s it. You don’t get anything in terms of organization here, but if you’re looking for a simple, durable pack that feels like it isn’t there, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Fully waterproof materials and design
- Surprisingly durable for its weight
Cons
- No padding
- No organization
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Pack Specs:
| Dimensions | 11 x 18 x 8 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | Apple-size |
| Weight | 4.7 oz |
| Capacity | 30L |
| Fabric | Dyneema composite fabric |
10. Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack: Best Packable Hiking Backpack
If you’re looking for high-performance packable backpacks for hiking and other outdoor pursuits, the Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack is a purpose-built lightweight pack for exploring the outdoors.
While it is designed to be packable, Matador didn’t skimp on performance with this well-designed pack. The biggest difference between this and pretty much any other packable daypack is that it has a built-in frame to provide extra support. I was blown away by how they were able to have a framed backpack that’s still packable.
The frame is a spring-steel hoop sewn into the back panel. When in use, it does a decent job at distributing the weight (though it definitely isn’t enough for really heavy loads). To collapse the backpack, you just twist the entire frame, and it folds in on itself into a much smaller package. Crazy!
There is also a removable padded hip belt. Combined with the frame, this works well for getting some of the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. The shoulder straps are also very comfortable, making this the best pack on this list for carrying slightly heavier loads.
Beyond that, this bag is packed with all the features you’d expect from a fully equipped hiking daypack. There are two stretchy bottle pockets, a hydration bladder sleeve, great pockets for keeping smaller items organized, and loops for an ice axe or trekking poles.
The downside to all these features is that this bag is a bit heavier than the others on this list. It also begs the question: do you really need a packable daypack? If you’re looking for a full-featured hiking pack, you may be better off getting one with just a bit more structure and skip the packability.
Pros
- Framed design for great support
- Very comfortable shoulder straps
- Tons of features for hiking
- Durable
Cons
- Heavier than other packable backpacks
- Doesn’t perform as well as a more structured daypack
Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack Specs:
| Dimensions | 22 x 11 x 7 inches |
| Dimensions When Pack | 9 x 9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb 8 oz |
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Fabric | 210D Robic Nylon |
11. Arc’teryx Heliad 15: Best Small Packable Backpack
The last bag for my ultralight section is an interesting little gem. From the highly respected Canadian company Arc’teryx, this bag takes inspiration from climber’s summit packs to create a minimalist, functional design that’s perfect for everyday use, travel, and low-key day hikes.
The thing I like most about this Arc’teryx Heliad 15 is the structure. Not only does it have an awesome body-hugging shape, but it also has great access to the main compartment thanks to its clamshell zipper. It also has a secondary zipped pocket on the outside as well as a smaller one on the inside for your valuables.
The Arc’teryx Heliad 15 also has a pocket to carry a hydration bladder or a tablet, depending on what your adventure is that day. It’s one of the most unique features on this list.
However, I don’t love the straps. Once again, there is no padding or breathability whatsoever on the shoulders. Even though this daypack is not going to be used to carry heavy items, padded shoulder straps are essential for comfortable walking.
It’s up to you as to whether the strap situation is a deal-breaker. For what it’s worth, this is one of the best-looking bags you’ll find from a hiking company, and it absolutely fits an urban aesthetic. It’s up to you if it’s worth it!
Pros
- Hydration bladder or tablet compatible sleeve
- Functional design for city or wilderness settings
- Awesome designs
Cons
- Poor shoulder straps
Arc’teryx Heliad 15 Specs:
| Dimensions | 15 x 9 x 8 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | 5 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 7.1 oz |
| Capacity | 15L |
| Fabric | N100mr-HT Nylon 6,6 Mini-Ripstop |
12. Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L: Most Comfortable Packable Backpack
Eddie Bauer was a man who started making outdoor adventure gear almost 100 years ago. To this day, his company is a leader in American adventure gear, and I was excited to test their new packable daypack.
The Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L is a decent packable bag. It has an ergonomic shape designed to hold your items close to your back and to evenly distribute weight. The shoulder straps have a fair bit of integrity with some padding for comfort. Although, once again, I wouldn’t want to be carrying anything heavier than a water bottle in this bag—it’s just not built to easily carry heavy loads, despite being a 20L.
There are several handy pockets on the outside and inside, but they have made the front pocket a vertical pocket. As I mentioned before, this isn’t a great design feature and it really limits what you can put inside that pocket.
In terms of material and design, this packable daypack really shines. The polyester composite is partially waterproof, meaning that your stuff won’t be drenched in a sudden shower. The designers also thought to include a few loops to attach extra stuff to the back.
Finally, the amount of colors and designs for the Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Daypack are pretty awesome. There are some really unique designs on the product website!
Pros
- Water-resistant material
- Good weight distribution
- Padded shoulder straps
- Extra webbing loops
- Lots of color options
Cons
- Heavier than other options
- Not great for heavy loads
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Specs:
| Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 9 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | N/A |
| Weight | 11 oz |
| Capacity | 20L |
| Fabric | 200D Ripstop Polyester |
13. Herschel Packable Daypack: Best Packable Everyday Backpack
You’ve probably seen Herschel’s iconic backpacks. They’re a staple of any hipster neighborhood, serving as a reliable, stylish way to carry your goods from A to B. As a companion to their bigger bags, Herschel now has a packable daypack that slides right in with your gear.
The aesthetics of this Herschel backpack are minimalist urban chic, designed to be a fashion item as well as a backpack. In a way, it represents a stripped-down version of their main backpack line and comes in a rainbow variety of colors: everything from plain black to sunny pastels, all the way up to classic floral patterns.
The tradeoff comes in comfort. This is not a comfortable backpack. The straps are very thin, with the tightening straps and shoulder straps made of the same material with zero padding. This makes it light, but your shoulders won’t thank you after a long day of walking, or if you have to carry more than a pound in weight.
Furthermore, while this packable daypack is made of decent materials, it isn’t designed to be as robust as Herschel’s main offerings. While this is to be expected from a stripped-down packable daypack, there have been some reports of this bag falling apart very quickly.
This bag is a great fashion item, but if you want a reliable piece of equipment to wear a lot, this probably isn’t what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Iconic Hershel design
- Many colors available
Cons
- Falls apart quickly
- Uncomfortable
- Thin mesh shoulder straps
Herschel Specs:
| Dimensions | 17.75 x 12.25 x 5 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | Hand sized |
| Weight | 6.8oz |
| Capacity | 24.5L |
| Fabric | Ripstop Nylon |
14. Marmot Kompressor: Most Durable Packable Backpack
This one is for hikers and climbers – the Marmot Kompressor rolls up into its own lid! This is something a bit different from the other packable daypacks here, but I think you might like it.
The first thing you notice about the Kompressor is that it has a lot of extra features. There are compression straps, a sternum strap, a lid, loops, and clips to hang things from – things that you don’t see on other packable daypacks. You get the lightweight and convenience of the packable backpack, as well as the utility and durability of a proper backpack.
So, does it work? Well, there are a lot of upsides. This bag is lighter than a standard daypack, coming in at under a pound but still holding a solid 18L. The drawstring opening will allow you to pack more efficiently than zippers, and the lid adds some weatherproofing, although this packable daypack does not claim to be waterproof.
On the downside, you get very little padding, but it still weighs more than most packable daypacks. It’s also significantly larger than other bags when packed, which may be a concern if you’re short on space.
There’s also a hydration port and reservoir clip, but no hydration bladder. As a hiking and climbing pack, I really feel like this could do with a bladder.
Overall, this packable daypack could be a good bet if you’re looking to carry less stuff on the trail. Climbers, in particular, will appreciate the lightweight structure without the full sacrifice of durability. However, you should think carefully about whether a traditional backpack may be what you really want.
Pros
- Features built for climbers
- Very adjustable
- Drawstring opening
- Very durable
- Sternum strap
- Hydration port
Cons
- Heavier
- Packs larger
- No hydration bladder
Marmot Kompressor Specs:
| Dimensions | 18.9 x 12.2 x 5 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | Purse sized |
| Weight | 10.3oz |
| Capacity | 18L |
| Fabric | Polyester and 100D Ripstop Nylon |
15. Cotopaxi Batac 16L: Most Eco-Friendly Packable Backpack
If you’re looking for something truly unique, this is the bag for you. That’s because every single Batac backpack is a unique item, created by the Cotopaxi workers from scrap material from other products. How cool is that? Not only is it unique, but it also reduces the environmental impact of the bag.
The fact that it’s made from leftovers means that each bag is slightly unique in build as well as color. While each bag has the same broad strokes in terms of structure and design, some bags will have slightly different materials in terms of elasticity, breathability, and flexibility. All Batac bags are made with ripstop nylon, so there’s no need to worry about the quality of the materials overall.
Oh, and did I mention color? These bags are a riot of visual delight, with all kinds of different colors patched together according to the whims of the manufacturer. This is definitely the daypack for someone who wants a bit of self-expression.
In terms of packability, this one won’t fold into its own pocket. However, as it is very lightweight and unstructured, so it compresses very easily and takes up relatively little space in a larger piece of luggage.
As far as other features go, there is a vertical zippered pocket down the side which I think is an excellent idea if you are after something in a hurry.
All in all, this is an unconventional choice to be sure. But I love the color splash that these backpacks provide, as well as the knowledge that this bag represents a little less waste in the world.
Pros
- Eco-friendly choice as it’s made from leftover materials from other products
- Colorful
- Good design
- Comfy shoulder straps
Cons
- A little heavy
Cotopaxi Batac Specs:
| Dimensions | 19 x 11 x 4 inches |
| Dimensions When Packed | N/A |
| Weight | 12oz |
| Capacity | 16L |
| Fabric | 75D-210D Nylon |
How to Choose a Packable Backpack
Packable backpacks are a rising trend in the travel and outdoor adventure world; they provide a valuable addition to any luggage. There are many factors that might go into your decision to buy one. Let’s start with why they’re are a great idea:
- They make it easier to explore side trails if you take one in your hiking backpack. Leave the big fella at the campsite and race ahead with the baby version and some snacks!
- They can be a great addition to your carry-on luggage on the plane. If you’re all about a one-bag travel lifestyle, these packs allow you to be so much more versatile. Plus, it means one less bag to keep track of once it’s stowed in your main luggage.
- They’re super lightweight. They’re great for peak bashing and climbing in the summer.
So, when is a packable daypack not a good idea? If you have to carry a lot of heavy items, such as heavy camera equipment, lots of food, or several days of gear. Unfortunately, the fabrics that make these daypacks just aren’t strong enough to carry that kind of thing!
Let’s have a look at some key factors.
1. Materials
Advances in fabric technology mean that packable daypacks have gone from simple totes to essential equipment. This means there are quality products out there, so you shouldn’t settle for a backpack with the integrity of a supermarket bag.
Make sure you find a packable daypack that will last, ideally built of high ripstop nylon or waterproof sailcloth.
2. Weight
A crucial asset in addition to materials. You won’t be carrying multiple water bottles with these packs (most don’t even have water bottle pockets). They’re designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, and excess weight can be pretty obtrusive. Be careful with how light you want your bag — too light, and the structural integrity will be compromised.
If you think you’ll need to carry lots of heavier stuff, make sure your pack has sternum straps to balance a heavier load.
3. Padding
While this is less of a concern in a packable daypack that won’t be carrying much weight, padding is still important. Not only does it provide that little bit of extra comfort, but good back and shoulder padding (and a good shoulder strap system) also provides air access to wick away excess sweat. Because, let’s face it, no one loves a shirt soaked in back sweat.
4. Weatherproofing
While most packable daypacks don’t claim to be waterproof, it’s nice to know that they won’t get soaked immediately if the rain starts falling. There are waterproof packable backpacks out there, so make sure you take a look if you expect to be walking through wet and rainy areas.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Packable Backpack
While the Matador FreeRain is one of my favorite packable backpacks on the market, it all comes down to choosing what’s right for you and what you want to carry. If you’re a city traveler, you probably don’t need the bells and whistles of a climbing backpack.
At the end of the day, these packs are meant to make traveling easier on you. I hope you find the bag of your travel dreams!
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