Hiking backpacks come in many sizes, and they don’t have to be overwhelming in size. You can find small hiking backpacks that are perfect for short trips and daily use. We’ve created a list of the five best small hiking backpacks to help your search. So, let’s get to it.
Comparison Chart
Lightweight Hiking Backpack Water Resistant,20L Packable Daypack Foldable Small Backpack for Travel,By Zomake
Hiking Backpack, Esup 50L Multipurpose Mountaineering Backpack with rain cover 45l+5l Travel Camping Backpack
BOVIP 40L Hiking Backpack Waterproof Lightweight Daypack Travel Sports Camping Backpack for Men Women Green
HIKPRO 20L – The Most Durable Lightweight Packable Backpack, Water Resistant Travel Hiking Daypack for Men & Women
Best Small Hiking Backpack: Reviews
Zomake Hiking Backpack
This small and highly cost-effective hiking backpack is perfect for short trips.
Review
This small backpack has a 20-liter capacity. Therefore, it is large enough for your most essential goods, yet not so large as to weigh you down.
Moreover, this backdrop allows for excellent organization with a large zippered compartment, one front pocket, and two smaller side pockets. You can keep everything separate and organized for easy access.
The backpack weighs only a few ounces, making it very lightweight. Moreover, it can fold into a small sandwich-size unit, so you can carry it in your pocket if you’re not using it.
Although it’s not the most durable backpack, it is made of relatively thick and sturdy materials. As a result, it should be able to hold a good deal of weight and last for a few years. In addition, the material used is water-resistant.
Considering its low price, we don’t think there’s much to complain about. It has strengthened and reinforced stitching and durable and break-resistant metal zippers. If you’re not happy with it, there’s a satisfaction guarantee.
In addition, this backpack comes in eight colors to choose from.
Pros
- Great price
- Reasonably durable, considering the price
- Water-resistant
- Good organizational capabilities
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Weight capacity isn’t the highest
Esup Hiking Backpack
Next is a moderately sized hiking backpack that can also be used for camping. Again, it’s not overly small, but it’s certainly not as big as it could be.
Review
This hiking backpack features a 50-liter capacity, which makes it fairly sizable. Although it’s not the smallest hiking backpack, it’s not overly heavy, so it shouldn’t weigh you down.
It has one large main compartment, two zippered front pockets, a compartment for a sleeping bag, and mesh side pockets—excellent organizational capabilities for easy access to your goods.
The backpack is made of high-quality nylon and polyester, which gives it a great weight capacity. It’s also wear- and tear-resistant; if you use the rain cover, it’s waterproof.
Moreover, there are well-padded breathable shoulder and waist straps for added stability and support. This should provide comfort even when hiking all day.
In addition, this model is highly cost-effective and comes in five colors.
Pros
- Fairly high capacity
- Lightweight
- Good for organization
- Ideal for hiking and camping
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps
- Waist strap for added support
Cons
Some may consider it to be too large
BOVIP 40L Hiking Backpack
This 40-liter hiking backpack is durable, comfortable, lightweight, and cost-effective; it can be used for numerous purposes.
Review
This backpack works well for hiking and for everyday needs as well. It has enough room for your essential goods with its 40-liter storage space.
Moreover, it’s good for organizing your equipment. For one, there’s a 15.6-inch laptop compartment. The interior has an additional divider for organization, and the backpack also features one zippered front pocket, a mesh bag, and two smaller side pockets.
Although it’s not the smallest backpack, it is still relatively lightweight, weighing well under 2 pounds.
In addition, to help with comfort, there are well-padded and very wide shoulder straps that are adjustable for length.
You also get adjustable waist straps for even more support and stability, especially where your back is concerned. We appreciate the ergonomic design and the padded back.
The backpack is made of high-density and abrasion-resistant thick polyester. The result is a durable backpack with a high weight capacity.
The major stress points have also been reinforced for added durability and longevity. And although it’s not 100% waterproof, it is very water-resistant. Then, it comes complete with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Quite durable
- Water-resistant
- Decent capacity
- Good organizational features
- Great comfort features
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not 100% waterproof
- The zippers aren’t the best
HIKPRO 20L Hiking Daypack
If you’re just looking for an extremely small and affordable hiking backpack, this could be the one for you. It’s nothing overly special, but perhaps simplicity is its major draw.
Review
This small, lightweight hiking backpack is perfect for short day trips or everyday carrying. This hiking backpack weighs just 7.5 ounces, making it one of the lightest units on our list.
Moreover, 20 liters of internal space should be enough to carry your most essential goods. It has one large interior pocket, a zippered outer pocket, and two mesh side pockets. It’s not the best backpack for organization, but it should do fine for a few items.
The backpack is made of high-quality nylon. It’s not overly thick, but it should still be durable enough for basic needs. However, you don’t want to stuff it too full. It has reinforcement at the bottom for a bit of added durability.
The material is water-resistant and should keep your belongings dry for about one hour if it rains. However, it is not 100% waterproof.
In addition, it has relatively wide and decently padded shoulder straps that are adjustable for length. These shoulder straps are breathable, so you won’t get too hot while wearing the backpack. Overall, it is also fairly ergonomically designed.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Simple yet effective
- Fairly durable
Cons
- Not the best for organization
- Weight capacity isn’t huge
G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack
Finally, we have a lightweight yet high-capacity camping backpack that works well for many purposes.
Review
This hiking backpack features a 40-liters capacity. It has a main compartment, a top pouch, a front spandex pouch, dual sports bottle holders, and more. It’s an excellent backpack if you like to keep things organized.
Although it is relatively sizable in capacity, it’s not very heavy, weighing 12.7 ounces. It also features an ergonomic and comfortable design. Moreover, it can also fold into a small pocket, which helps with portability.
Wide, well-padded shoulder straps are adjustable for length, which should help keep you comfortable while hiking. In addition, there’s an adjustable sternum strap for added support. It also comes with additional bungee elastic ropes, as well as straps to hang a variety of goods.
The backpack is made of durable tear-resistant nylon, with reinforcements in the most critical parts. Moreover, the nylon is water-resistant, so it should help keep your belongings dry, although it’s not 100% waterproof.
Pros
- High capacity
- Lightweight
- Good organizational features
- Low price
- Many colors to choose from
- Water and tear-resistant
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Could do with waist straps
- Could be 100% waterproof
Conclusion
We would say that the best hiking backpack on our list is the Zomake Hiking Backpack. It’s small, lightweight, and has excellent organizational features to carry your essentials.