Tired of daypacks that rub, ride up, or just don’t feel quite right? I’ve been there—and after two decades on the trail, I’ve finally found the ones that actually work for women’s bodies. In all my testing, there have been plenty of packs that didn’t quite cut it, and a handful that truly stood out.
In this post, I’m sharing the short-list of the best women’s hiking daypacks I’ve tried. These are the ones I keep reaching for again and again, because they are actually comfortable and allow me to cover more miles without sore shoulders, constant adjusting, or thinking about my pack at all.
deuter Trail 28 SL Daypack
Key Features
Where to shop
Pros and Cons
My Review
If you’re looking for a comfortable, women-specific daypack that offers support without being bulky, the Deuter Trail 28 SL Backpack is my new favorite. I’ve hiked big days with this pack—loaded with toddler gear, camera equipment, and the usual trail essentials—and it’s the first one in a long time that hasn’t needed constant adjustment or left my shoulders aching after a couple of miles.
The deuter SL (Slim Line) fit is designed for women or anyone with a shorter torso (between 15-19″) and a narrower frame. As someone with long legs, a short torso, and an average waist (I wear a size 8 pant), I’ve always struggled to find a pack that fits right. The Trail 28 SL hugs my hips without digging in, and the S-shaped shoulder straps are curved in a way that doesn’t press awkwardly into the side of my chest. The back length is perfect which allows for a majority of the weight to sit on my hips – right where it should be.
Other features I love include:
It also comes with a rain cover and is made with bluesign®-approved materials and a PFC-free DWR coating, making it a more eco-conscious choice. The price point is also very reasonable for a pack of this quality.
If the 28-liter feels like too much, the deuter Trail SL also comes in a lot of different capacities and styles, as well as a standard fit if you have a longer torso. You can check out all of the dueter trail models here.
Osprey Raven 10
Key Features
Where to shop
Pros and Cons
My Review
The Osprey Raven 10 daypack is actually sold as a biking pack, but it’s the women’s pack I grab for short day hikes, as well as bike rides. With only 10-liter capacity, it’s definitely on the small side, but it’s big enough to fit the basics for mellow hikes.
Ok…I really do love this pack, but I’ll start with my least favorite thing about this Osprey pack – which is – there are no load lifter straps. The hip belt is also pretty thin. This means if you’re carrying too much weight, the pack will pull back on your shoulders, becoming uncomfortable. For that reason, I only wear this pack when I don’t need to carry a lot of gear.
When I’m actually able to carry a minimal load (which isn’t as often these days since I have a toddler), this is still one of my favorite small women’s daypacks.
The best feature of this pack (in my opinion) is the fact that the hydration sleeve has its own separate compartment. There is also a zippered channel for the water hose so you don’t need to disconnect it from the bag or run it through a teeny hole. This makes it so much easier when it comes time to refill.
I love the zippered pockets for storing small essentials like keys, a couple snacks, and a phone, and the front stretchy pouch comes in handy when you need to take off a layer and stash it. The main interior area is big enough to fit all the basics, but I find it difficult to fit a large DSLR camera inside, so that’s something to keep in mind if you like to hike with one.
It also has a handy pocket at the bottom. This is designed to be a tool roll for bike tools, but it’s also great for storing other small essentials.
This daypack is streamlined, lightweight, and comfy to wear with padded, breathable backing and straps that help keep you cool as you hike.
Gregory Jade 28
Key Features
Where to shop
Pros and Cons
My Review
I used the Gregory Jade 28 for quite a while, and overall, it’s a solid pack—especially for longer, gear-heavy hikes. I like that it has zippered top access. Being able to unzip the main compartment and see everything inside without having to dig around blindly means you can grab things more quickly. The only time the zipper is an issue is if the pack is too full, then the zipper is a pain to close.
The two sizes and the adjustable torso length are also a huge plus. As I said, I have a shorter torso, and having the ability to fine-tune the fit made a big difference—though I’ll be honest, it does take some fiddling to get everything sitting just right. Even with the adjustments, I noticed the shoulder straps would sometimes creep up on me during hikes, creating a gap above my shoulders. Over time, that led to some soreness—especially on longer days.
The ventilation is great, and the pack carries weight well. The hipbelt is super supportive, wrapping far around my body, however, the hipbelt pockets are a bit small. Getting an iPhone Pro in there takes some force.
It’s definitely more pack than I need for short hikes, but for big days when I’m carrying water, layers, snacks, and toddler gear, it does the job.
I’ve read a lot of reviews mentioning issues with the sternum strap tearing, but personally, I’ve never had that problem—and I’ve put this pack through plenty of miles.
All in all, the Jade 28 is a well-designed, durable pack with some great features. It’s not the most low-profile option out there, but if you’re looking for something with a supportive fit, good airflow, and zippered access to your gear, it’s worth a look.
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack
Key Features
Where to shop
Pros and Cons
My Review
The Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Daypack is a frameless hiking daypack, so it’s very lightweight and packs down easily making it great for travel. If I’m flying somewhere and can’t bring my normal hiking pack, this is the backpack I typically throw in my luggage, since it takes up hardly any space.
The main compartment is large enough for extra layers and snacks, and it has a quick drawstring closure so there’s no fumbling around with a zipper. Plus, there’s a hydration sleeve and adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit.
The lack of technical features and support means that this is not the best daypack for serious hikes, but for travel, light day hikes, and other activities, it’s a great option. It does have a hip belt strap and a sternum strap, so that pack at least stays in place when you’re hiking. I also love Cotopaxi’s ethos and their use of recycled fabrics handpicked by their staff.
If you like the look and idea of this pack but need something a bit larger, check out the Luzon 24L version.
One other thing to keep in mind is that they colors vary. Since the backpack is built using leftover scraps of fabric, the color combos are all unique – meaning the color you get will be a suprise.
How to Choose a Daypack
The best daypack really depends on the kinds of hikes you love and how versatile you want your gear to be. For me, that means something I can use for everything from short local walks with my toddler to long days in the mountains with a full load of gear. I’ll walk you through the key features to look for below, but first—let’s talk about what actually makes a hiking daypack different from your everyday backpack.
A good women’s hiking daypack is built to be lightweight, durable, and comfortable enough that you almost forget it’s there. It should hold up to the scrapes and scuffs of real trail use—like brushing against a thorny bush or getting tossed on a pile of rocks at the summit—without falling apart.
And unlike a regular backpack, hiking daypacks have technical features that make your life easier on the trail: hydration sleeves or water bottle pockets, accessible storage for snacks and layers, spots to stash trekking poles, and other smart details you won’t know you needed until you have them.
Honestly, once you hike with a pack that fits you well and is made for the trail, it’s hard to go back. If you’re in the market for a new one, I hope the tips below help you find a pack that not only works for your adventures—but makes you excited to get out there more often.
What Size Daypack Do You Need?
If you’re heading out for a big, all-day hike, you’re going to want a more technical daypack than you’d need for a casual two-hour stroll. I’ve learned the hard way that skimping on support can make a long hike feel way longer. For those longer outings, I always reach for a slightly larger pack that can carry more snacks, extra layers, plenty of water, and all the little things that make a big difference on the trail.
Most daypacks fall somewhere in the 21–35 liter range, but that’s not a hard rule. If you know you like to carry more gear—maybe you’re into photography, you hike with your kids, or just like being extra prepared—don’t be afraid to size up to fit all of your day hiking essentials. Here’s a quick breakdown of daypack sizes and what they’re best for, based on how I use them:
- 10 Liters or Less: Great for short, lightweight hikes, trail runs, or biking when you just need the essentials.
- 11–20 Liters: Perfect for longer hikes where you’re still trying to pack light but need a little extra space.
- 21–35 Liters: My personal sweet spot for most all-day hikes. Enough room for food, layers, water, and extras without feeling too bulky or overpacked.
- 36–50 Liters: Ideal for bigger days or specialized activities like climbing, photography, or hiking with kids when you need the room.
Choosing the right size really comes down to what kind of adventurer you are and how much you like to bring along.
If you’re looking for a multi-day hiking backpack, check out my favorite backpacking pack recommendations.
Getting the Right Fit for Your Torso & Body
One of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of choosing a daypack is making sure it actually fits your body. A pack might look great on the shelf—but if it doesn’t sit right on your frame, it’s going to leave you sore and frustrated by the end of your hike.
The most important measurement to consider is your torso length, not your overall height. I have a short torso and long legs, and for years I struggled with packs that sat too high on my back or left a gap between the shoulder straps and my shoulders. That gap might seem minor, but over time it can lead to fatigue, poor weight distribution, and even pain.
Alternatively, if you have a long torso and the pack is too short, the hip belt will sit too high above your hips and drag down on your shoulders.
The hip belt should rest on your hip bones—not above or below them—and carry most of the pack’s weight.
Here’s a quick tip: to measure your torso length, find the bony bump at the base of your neck and measure down to the top of your hip bones. Most brands provide size charts, and some offer packs in multiple sizes or with adjustable torso lengths to help you dial it in.
You’ll also want to consider how the pack fits your chest and shoulders. Women-specific packs often have S-shaped shoulder straps that curve around the chest more comfortably and narrower harnesses for smaller frames.
Finally, some daypacks are designed for plus sized people. If the pack is too small for your waist size, the hip belt won’t properly wrap around your hips – making it less comfortable and more difficult to get into the hip belt pockets.
Daypack Features to Consider
There are a handful of technical features you’ll see across most women’s daypacks—and while you may not need all of them, knowing what they do can help you find the right pack for your style of hiking. Here’s a breakdown of the key features I look for and when they’ve come in handy for me out on the trail.
Frames vs. Frameless Packs
Some daypacks have a built-in frame or a lightweight frame sheet, which helps the pack hold its shape and stay off your back for better airflow. These framed packs add a little weight, but for longer or more rugged hikes, I always reach for one with a frame—it just offers better support when I’m carrying more gear.
Frameless packs, on the other hand, are great if you’re trying to go ultra-light or need something that packs down small. I like bringing one of these when I travel and want a simple bag I can stuff in my luggage and use for shorter hikes or city exploring.
Waistbelt & Sternum Straps
These are game changers for comfort, especially on longer hikes. The waistbelt helps shift weight off your shoulders and onto your hips, and the sternum strap keeps the pack from shifting around as you move. I consider these a must for any hike over an hour or two—and they’re super helpful for uneven terrain or anywhere you might end up scrambling, where you don’t want your pack sliding all over the place.
Hydration Compartment & Water Bottle Pockets
Most hiking daypacks have space for a hydration reservoir—basically a water bladder with a drinking tube that lets you sip water without stopping to grab a bottle. Once I started using one of these, it totally changed how I hydrate on the trail.
That said, I still like having a good ol’ water bottle pocket on the side too—either for extra water or to stash things like sunscreen or a tripod. Just keep in mind that some minimalist or packable daypacks don’t have these features, so if hydration on-the-go is important to you, it’s something to watch for.
Padding
If you’ve ever worn a pack with flimsy straps or a stiff back panel, you know how uncomfortable it can get. Most solid hiking daypacks have some padding on the back and shoulder straps to make carrying weight easier and help prevent chafing. Some even shape the padding in a way that helps with ventilation—which is a bonus on sweaty hikes.
Ventilation
On hot summer hikes, a pack that sits flush against your back can trap sweat and make things pretty miserable. That’s where ventilation on the back panel comes in. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but trust me—once you’ve felt the difference on a hot day, you won’t want to go back.
External Pockets
I’m a big fan of packs that have multiple pockets. It just makes it easier to stay organized—extra layers in one, snacks and sunscreen in another. I also love having a stretchy front stash pocket for things I’m constantly taking on and off, like a jacket. And if you like having your phone, lip balm, or gummy bears handy while you hike, definitely look for a pack with hip belt pockets.
Accessory Straps
If you ever hike with trekking poles, snow gear, or even a lightweight camp chair, accessory straps are a feature you’ll appreciate. I’ve used mine to attach everything from poles to sandals, and it’s nice to have that extra carry space when you don’t want to stuff everything inside your pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you put the pack on, the top of the waist belt should sit slightly above the center of your hips. Tighten the waist belt so it’s snug but comfortable. Then you want to cinch the shoulder straps down. If there is a gap between your shoulders and the shoulder straps, the torso of the pack is too long. If the shoulder straps feel like they are weighing you down, the torso of the daypack might be too short, meaning you should size up.
The size your daypack depends on how long of a hike you are going on, and what type of gear you need to carry. My go-to daypack for summer hikes is 28 liters which is big enough to carry the 10 essentials, including water, snacks, extra layers, and a first aid kit. If you are hiking in winter when you need to carry extra gear and heavier layers, you may need a daypack around 35 liters.
A good day backpack for hiking has a supportive hip belt that transfers the weight of the load off of your shoulders onto your hips. It will also have adjustable shoulder and load lifter straps that allow you to get the perfect fit. In addition, a quality daypack will have a variety of pockets to keep all of your gear organized and a dedicated pocket (also called a sleeve) for a hydration reservoir.
More Hiking Tips
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Still unsure which women’s daypack is best for you? Drop your questions in the comments—I’ve tested a ton of packs over the years and I’m happy to help.
The post Best Women’s Hiking Day Packs I’ve Personally Tested and Love appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.
