A day pack is a small backpack built to carry essentials for a single day of hiking, travel, commuting, or short outings.
If you’ve ever grabbed a small backpack for a hike, a day of sightseeing, or a daily commute, you’ve used a day pack. It’s the middle ground between a purse and a full backpacking rig — big enough to hold what you need for daylight hours, small enough to stay light on your back. These packs generally range from about 5 to 40 liters, with most designed for multi-hour, not multiday, activities.
Day Pack Capacity: How Big Is “A Day”?
Day packs come in a wide range of sizes, and the right one depends on what you’re carrying. Most fall between 10 and 30 liters of volume, though some stretch to 40 liters for longer treks.
For hiking, carry only what the activity demands.
What Belongs Inside a Day Pack?
The contents of a day pack shift with the activity, but for a typical hike or outing, you’ll likely want:
- Snacks and lunch
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat and an extra warm layer
- Small first-aid kit with bandages and blister care
- Phone, keys, and wallet
- Rain protection like a pack cover or dry bag
Urban day packs might instead carry a laptop, charger, and work documents. The design—padded backs, organization pockets, hydration-reservoir compatibility—varies by model, so match the pack’s features to its primary job.
Day Pack vs. Backpack: What’s the Difference?
Every day pack is a backpack, but not every backpack is a day pack. A day pack is a smaller subset of backpacks built for daytime loads; larger backpacks are designed for overnight or multiday trips with more substantial frames and support systems.
Backpacking packs, typically 50 liters and up, carry heavy loads across days of hiking. They use internal frames, padded hip belts, and suspension systems to transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips.
The label matters less than the intended use. A stylish urban “day pack” may lack the support needed for a rocky 10-mile hike.
If you’re ready to buy our tested roundup of men’s day packs, the table below gets you oriented.
| Pack Size | Best For | Typical Load |
|---|---|---|
| 5–15 liters | City walking, gym, light travel | Phone, keys, wallet, light layer |
| 15–25 liters | Day hikes, commuting, travel carry | Water, snacks, layers, camera |
| 25–40 liters | Long day hikes, minimalist travel | Full day’s gear, ~30 pounds max |
REI’s daypack guidance offers deeper detail on sizing and carrying technique.
References & Sources
- REI Co-op. “How to Choose a Daypack.” Explains daypack sizing, load limits, and fit guidance.
- Advnture. “What Is a Daypack?” Defines daypacks and their typical features and uses.
- Cambridge Dictionary. “Daypack.” Provides the standard English definition of the term.