Best Packable Backpacks & Accessories 2021: Hyperlite, Grayl, and More

Introduction

In this post, we discuss lightweight packable backpacks and useful pack accessories, an ultralight and portable way to add a versatile daypack to any travel packing system.

Below we explain what a packable backpack is, why they're ideal for a wide range of travel and outdoor adventures, and how to evaluate which packable backpack is best for you.

Plus, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive buying guide with detailed profiles of the best packable backpacks including top picks for both ultralight packable daypacks and full-featured foldable travel backpacks.

We’ll also share details on our favorite ultralight travel backpacks – the extremely lightweight, packable, durable, and weatherproof Hyperlite Metro Pack and its’ featherweight sibling, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack.

And finally, we provide a list of packable travel accessories - like collapsible water bottles, lightweight camera wraps, and more - which can increase the versatility of packable backpacks.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Clicking through for additional information or to make a purchase may result in a small commission at no extra cost to you. We hope you find this information useful and welcome any questions you may have.

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A lightweight packable backpack is a no-brainer item for any packing list as it packs small enough to stow in a small pocket, weighs only a few ounces, and adds versatility to any packing system.

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What is a Packable Backpack?

A packable backpack, which is also sometimes called a collapsible backpack, foldable backpack or packable daypack, is a lightweight and highly compressible daypack that stows easily inside other luggage.

The best packable backpacks are highly versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of applications such as a lightweight travel daypack for city exploring and shopping trips, a packable laptop bag for working remotely, and a summit pack for trekking/mountaineering.

Depending on the model and materials used in construction, some packable backpacks stuff into a small pocket or supplied stuff sack, while others roll/fold similarly to an ultralight sleeping pad. In rare cases, typically with larger/heavier full-featured travel daypacks like the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack, the pack stows by flattening or folding in half.

The ultimate addition to any packing system, packable backpacks typically have capacities of between 13 and 30 liters and pack so small and weigh so little that they’re easy to carry everywhere.

Best in class packable backpacks like the Hyperlite Stuff Pack weigh less than 5 ounces, hold up to 30 liters, pack small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and are made with durable waterproof materials.

To keep weight and packed size to a minimum, packable backpacks typically forgo features often found in traditional backpacks, like back panel padding and load suspension systems. These omissions make packable backpacks better suited to carrying lighter loads like jackets, passports, trail food, water bottles, lighter camera gear, etc.

Why Carry a Packable Backpack?

Or, perhaps the question should be ‘why not?’ Packable backpacks are so light and packable that it’s possible to take them with you everywhere. This means that you always have a small backpack available when you need it.

During the past five years, our packable daypacks have received heavy daily use as we’ve traveled full time by Land Cruiser, motorcycles, bicycles, and backpack/public transportation. Our Hyperlite Metro Packs are one of the few items that accompany us on every trip – regardless of our mode of travel.

Here are examples of some of the many ways you can use a packable backpack for travel, outdoor adventures, photography, and more:

• Small daypack for quick access to important items when traveling by air, bus, etc.
• Lightweight daypack for hiking, biking, and exploring
• Eco-Friendly shopping bag
• Small Travel Backpack for overnight trips/side trips
• Summit pack for trekking/mountaineering
• Incognito / Ultralight daypack for camera gear
• Waterproof daypack for kayaking, boat trips, etc.

In short, a packable backpack is all about having a lightweight daypack and the capacity that comes with it, on hand when you need it.

Best Packable Daypack Comparison Guide

To help you find the best packable backpack to meet your needs, we’ve pulled together a chart comparing key criteria including capacity, weight, and key features.

We also provide detailed profiles of the best ultralight packable daypacks and full-featured packable backpacks to help you quickly identify the model that best meets your needs.

Backpack Comparison Chart

The packable backpacks listed below are manufactured by a diverse selection of both boutique and industry leading brands including Hyperlite, Osprey, and Eagle Creek with designs ranging from minimalist to full-featured.

And in case you don’t find the perfect bag, we’ve added a list of packable travel accessories at the end of this article to help you transform the packable backpack you choose into a pack that fully meets your needs.

How to Select the Best Packable Backpack

As noted above, the best packable backpacks maximize capacity and minimize weight and packed size. Other important considerations include weather resistance, durability, price, closure type, and whether or not it offers features like a water bottle holder.  We expand on these factors below.

Types of Packable Backpacks

Before talking specifics, let me make some general comments about the range of options available in hopes of simplifying the decision process.

In recent years, the number of packable backpacks choices has grown significantly. Many popular travel and outdoor brands, including Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Sea to Summit, and Eagle Creek, offer an ever-increasing selection of highly packable and ultralight packs.

But, for all the choices available, the vast majority of packable backpacks share many of the same attributes and can be grouped into a couple of basic categories:

Ultralight Packable Daypacks

Ultralight packable daypacks are all about maximizing take-it-everywhere portability.

Minimalist by design, these ultralight packs use lightweight materials and forgo many features commonly found in traditional travel daypacks in order to minimize weight / packed size and maximize carry-it-everywhere portability.

Manufacturers frequently construct ultralight packable daypacks using nylon ripstop or Dyneema Composite fabric, as these fabrics are lightweight, compressible, and tear-resistant.

To learn more about the benefits of Dyneema (formerly cubin fiber) vs. nylon ripstop fabrics, read the section on Materials below.

Full-Featured Packable Backpacks

On the other side of the spectrum are larger, fuller featured bags like the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowable Backpack. While still packable, full-featured packable backpacks are typically heavier and less packable than ultralight packable daypacks. These packs sacrifice some take-it-everywhere portability in exchange for enhanced features like hip belts, padded shoulder straps, extra pockets, water bottle holders, and a sternum strap.

You could argue that full-featured packable backpacks take a hybrid design approach which lands them somewhere between ultralight packable daypacks and traditional daypacks.

City Explorer or Outdoor Adventurer

One additional way to categorize all the potential packable backpack options is by grouping them based on where they fall on the urban explorer vs. outdoor adventurer scale.

Put simply, while most packable backpacks do a fine enough job carrying light loads around town or on a day hike, some skew – both in looks and features – more towards one direction or the other.

On the urban explorer side are bags like the Eagle Creek Travel Daypack. If you’re interested in a packable backpack that’s at home during a day of museum hopping in Florence or an afternoon working remotely at Starbucks, these bags fit the bill.

Conversely, most ultralight packable daypacks, including the Matador Freerain 24 and Hyperlite Stuff Pack, are more than suited to a day of city exploring, but convey a get-outdoors vibe that makes them at home on a Colorado 14er or day of kayaking in the San Juans.

Selecting a pack that best meets your needs is perhaps as much a matter of personal preference as it is finding a bag that’s capable of fulfilling your specific requirements.

Materials / Construction

Nylon Ripstop

Nylon ripstop fabric is lightweight, highly compressible, and tear-resistant. Since these bags need to pack small and weigh as little as possible, these qualities make nylon ripstop an excellent choice for packable daypacks.

When compared to Dyneema, nylon ripstop is significantly less expensive to produce, which means packs constructed of nylon ripstop tend to be reasonably priced, ranging between $15 - $70.

Packable backpacks made of lightweight nylon ripstop have a somewhat structure-less feel. This is particularly true of packable backpacks, like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack and Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, which are made of ultralight 30 – 40D nylon ripstop.

To draw an analogy, it’s sort of like an ultralight nylon ripstop tent before inserting the tent poles. As described further below, you could argue ultralight nylon ripstop shares the structureless characteristics of a plastic grocery bag, which tends to take the shape of its’ contents.

This aspect is a natural byproduct of a 30-40D nylon ripstop fabrics thinness, which is important in keeping a pack’s weight and packed size to a minimum.

As noted above, nylon ripstop packable backpacks, which lack back panel padding and load suspension systems, are best suited to carrying lighter loads like clothes, passports, trail food, a water bottle, light camera / video gear, etc.

Moreover, in the absence of padding, bags constructed with lightweight nylon ripstop offer little protection for gear or, perhaps more importantly, protection between gear and your back. This means you should take care when packing to ensure your loaded pack is comfortable and fragile gear is protected.

See Travel Accessories below for some lightweight ideas to protect your gear and increase comfort.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Highly Compressible
• Tear Resistant
• Reasonably Priced

Cons

• Not as Strong / Durable as Dyneema
• 30-40D Fabrics Feel Structure-less

Dyneema Composite Fabric

Dyneema (formerly known as cubin fiber) is a high-tech fabric which costs significantly more than nylon ripstop and therefore is reserved for high-end ultralight packs like the Hyperlite Metro Pack.

Dyneema Composite is an ideal fabric for ultralight packable daypacks. As described further under ‘Durability’ below, Dyneema offers an unparalleled combination of high strength, low weight, waterproofness, and packability.

When compared to nylon ripstop fabric, the main downside to Dyneema fabric is the cost. Prices for packable daypacks made from Dyneema Composite Fabric typically range between $100 - $200.

When compared to 30D nylon ripstop packs, Dyneema backpacks (like the Hyperlite Metro Pack) feel a little more structured (less tent without poles), which we feel gives Dyneema backpacks a more ‘substantial’ feel. It also adds a small measure of comfort, particularly when carrying heavier items like a pro DSLR camera and lenses.

To draw an (imperfect) analogy between packable backpacks and grocery bags, packable backpacks made of DCH50 Dyneema Composite Fabric, like the Hyperlite Metro Pack, lean more towards the structured feel of paper grocery bags, while bags like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, which is made from 30D nylon ripstop, lean more towards the structure-less feel of a plastic grocery bag.

To take the analogy further, imagine a bag filled with groceries including a liter of milk, a bag of rice, and a half dozen apples. Placed in a plastic grocery bag (i.e., ultralight nylon ripstop) that lacks structure, the pack takes on the shape of its’ contents. By comparison, when placed in a paper grocery bag (i.e., Dyneema), the pack maintains more shape.

This comparison gives some sense of how less-structured ultralight nylon ripstop packs carry gear vs. more structured Dyneema packs.

Both Dyneema and ultralight nylon ripstop packable backpacks pack small and stow easily. The ultralight nylon ripstop’s structureless design makes it exceptionally easy to stuff into its’ pocket/stuff sack, while more structured Dyneema is best stowed by folding and rolling (See photo).

For many travelers, this difference in feel between Dyneema vs. ultralight nylon ripstop may not matter. I point it out, however, as we find ultralight Dyneema backpacks like the Hyperlite Metro Pack, tend to be a little easier to pack comfortably and do a great job of carrying a load.

All that said, it’s important to note that light / ultralight packable backpacks excel at keeping weight and packed size down through the use of minimalist design and ultralight materials. This means that none of these bags (Dyneema and nylon ripstop) can match the load carrying comfort and protection of larger packs with suspension, padding, and other features.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Excellent Strength / Durability
• Waterproof
• More Substantial Feel

Cons

• Expensive
• Not as Compressible as Nylon Ripstop

Capacity

Lighter and more packable doesn’t have to mean less storage space. The best packable backpacks offer up to 30 liters of storage via ultralight packs that weigh less than 5 oz and pack small enough to stow in another bag without taking up much space.

If you know what you plan to pack, make sure the packable backpack you choose is large enough to carry it. If you’re not sure, remember that more capacity = more options.

Packable backpacks with capacities between 13 and 20 liters are suitable for carrying a range of smaller items like a jacket, tablet, phone, mirrorless camera, water, trail snacks, and passports, but may be too small to carry larger items like a 15” laptop or pro DSLR with attached lens.

While the lack of padding and suspension systems make packable backpacks better suited to lighter loads, more capacity still adds to a packable travel backpacks versatility.

To illustrate, we frequently fill our 30-liter Hyperlite Metro Packs during grocery runs. We also find the extra space useful when carrying ultralight camping gear on short trips to places like the Channel Islands.

Our Metro Packs offer enough capacity to serve as a lightweight camera or laptop bag capable of carrying a Canon 5DSR with attached 24-70mm f2.8L (or 70-200mm f2.8L) lens, small carbon tripod, a couple of extra lenses, a jacket, 1L water bottle, etc. or a 15” Macbook Pro, hard drives, and accessories.

The Bottom Line: More capacity = more load-carrying flexibility.

Weight

I’ve never heard anyone say they wish their ultralight backpack weighed more. The best packable daypacks like the ultralight Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack weigh as little as 2.5 oz, which makes them easy to carry without weighing you down.

Bottom Line: Less weight = Less to carry / More mobility + less fatigue + less risk of exceeding airline weight limits, etc.

Packed Size

The smaller the packed size, the less room it takes up when stowed and the easier it will be to carry. The best packable backpacks pack small enough to stow in a small pocket, which adds to their take-it-everywhere appeal.

Bottom Line: Smaller packed size = more packable / more portable.

Weather Resistance

The best packable daypacks are either highly water-resistant or waterproof. The more weather resistant the bag, the more versatility it adds to your packing system. I can’t tell you the number of times over the years where we found ourselves in situations where a waterproof backpack saved the day – or not having one ruined it.

Highly water-resistant or waterproof packable backpacks offer peace of mind and flexibility. With a waterproof daypack, you can carry gear that needs to stay dry and free of dirt and dust into wet or dusty environments.

• Caught in an unexpected thunderstorm. Gear stays dry.
• Powder day. Gear stays dry.
• Stuck in a Saharan sandstorm. Gear stays dust-free.
• Kayaking the San Juans. Gear stays dry.
• Tracking gorillas in Gabonese rainforest. Gear stays dry.

Bottom Line: A highly water-resistant/waterproof backpack = Flexibility to go more places with the gear you need to keep dry.

Durability

Look for Dyneema, X-Pac (sailcloth) or high-quality ripstop fabrics

As discussed above, Dyneema Composite fabric is an excellent choice as Dyneema fiber 15 times stronger than high-quality steel, lightweight, durable, waterproof, and UV and chemical resistant. We’ve been using Dyneema backpacks since 2014 and couldn’t be happier with Dyneema’s coveted strength to weight ratio and waterproofness.

Quality ripstop nylon fabrics are another good choice. Ripstop fabric is light and durable with a crosshatched weave pattern that helps prevent rips / minimize the spreading of tears.

X-Pac sailcloth is also a good option as X-Pac is strong, light, and durable. However, most manufacturers are currently designing lightweight packable backpacks with either nylon ripstop or Dyneema, which makes X-Pac less of an option.

Choose a pack with a rolltop closure or high-quality zippers

In our Experience, zippers are often a weak point and one of the first parts to fail on ultralight packs and other outdoor gear. Look for quality zippers from brands like YKK and take care to keep zippers clean and free of damage.

Also, if you’re interested in a highly water-resistant/waterproof packable backpack, keep in mind that zippers (along with unsealed seams) are a major weak point in packs made of waterproof fabrics and a reason packs such packs aren’t labeled waterproof.

If you’re looking for a highly water-resistant/waterproof packable backpack, look for bags like the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 and Hyperlite Stuff Pack or Metro Pack. These packs use a combination of waterproof fabrics, rolltop closures, and water-resistant zips to help keep the elements out.

Whenever possible, choose rolltop closures over zippers as they’re simple, reliable, easy to use, and highly effective at shedding water. By comparison, ever try to use a pack with waterproof zips? It’s no surprise that dry bags are frequently made with rolltop closures.

Plus, rolltop closures are an easy way to compress a packable daypack when not fully loaded. We frequently compress our Hyperlite Stuff Packs/ Metro Packs to reduce a partially loaded bag’s profile, keep contents from shifting, etc. And worth mentioning - compressing is an excellent way to fly under the radar on airlines with strict carry-on limits.

Bottom Line: More durable = harder wearing / longer life / less likely to fail while on the road.

Features

Packable backpacks take many forms. On one end of the spectrum, you have ultralight packable daypacks that forgo features to minimize weight / packed size and maximize portability. On the other end, there are full-featured packable backpacks that sacrifice some weight / packed size for features commonly found in traditional daypacks.

The lightest ultralight packable daypacks like the supremely portable Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, offer a minimalist one-compartment design with no bells & whistles.

With a slight increase in weight / packed size, lightweight packable backpacks like the waterproof Matador Freerain 24 2.0, offer an excellent compromise between lightweight packability and key features like a water bottle holder and quick-access external pocket.

While still lightweight and packable, full-featured packable backpacks are less portable than their ultralight cousins, adding weight / packed size in exchange for additional features like a second water bottle holder, extra external pockets, and padded shoulder straps.

The important thing to remember in selecting a lightweight packable backpack is that more features typically come at the expense of increased weight, larger packed size, less capacity, or all three. Be sure to consider these trade-offs when selecting the best packable backpack to meet your needs.

Bottom Line: More features = less portability | More portability = Less Features

Want ideas on how to transform a minimalist packable backpack into the lightweight travel daypack that best meets your needs? Check out our section on packable travel accessories below. Under Travel Accessories, we share our favorite ways to increase a packs waterproofness, protect camera gear, and more.

Price

Packable backpacks can cost less than $25 for nylon ripstop models manufactured by Chinese brands like Gonex and run well over $150 for Dyneema Composite packs made by Hyperlite Mountain Gear in Maine.

One of the most significant price drivers are the materials used in construction. Packable daypacks constructed of nylon ripstop typically cost under $75, while ultralight packs made of Dyneema and X-Pac start at around $100.

Our Top Pick: Best All Around Option

For travelers and outdoor adventurers looking for a highly versatile pack that strikes the right balance between packability, features, and price, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is hard to beat. Lightweight and packable enough for take-it-everywhere portability? Check. Waterproof? Check. Enough capacity for a wide range of adventures? Check. Includes a water bottle holder and quick access external pocket? Check. The Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is a one-bag fits-all option for everything from a day of kayaking in the San Juans to working remotely from a coffee shop in Buenos Aires.

For more info, read our full overview below.

Our Personal Choice: Ultra-Durable, Light, & Weatherproof

The Hyperlite Metro Pack is for those looking for a high-end Dyneema 30 liter backpack with an exceptional combination of generous capacity, lightweight packability, hard-wearing materials, go-anywhere weather resistance, and comfortable load carrying. After more than three years of heavy daily use in a wide range of harsh environments, the Metro Pack continues to be our go-to as it excels at doing everything an ultralight packable backpack should do. Significantly more expensive than any other bag on our list, the Metro Pack is best for those wanting to go ultralight and who need a bag that can stand up to heavy daily use and abuse.

For more info, read our full overview below.

The Best Packable Daypacks: Ultralight Packs

In this section we provide detailed profiles of the best ultralight packable backpacks to help you decide whick packs best meets your needs. Minimalist by design, ultralight packs use lightweight materials and forgo many features commonly found in traditional travel daypacks in order to minimize weight / packed size and maximize carry-it-everywhere portability.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

Quick Summary: Minimalist Pack that's Ultra-light, Ultra-packable, Ultra-portable

Who’s it For?
The reasonably priced Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is for travelers and outdoor adventurers looking for an ultralight pack that cuts weight and packed size to an absolute minimum.

Packable Enough to Take Everywhere
Weighing in at just 2.5 oz (72 grams), the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack offers 20 liters of storage space in a packable travel bag that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the lightest, most packable, and most portable bag on our list.

Minimalism by Design
Squeezing a 20L backpack into such a lightweight and small package, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack excels as a minimalist backpack. It offers one zipper-accessible compartment, which is constructed from siliconized 30D Cordura nylon ripstop. The Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack doesn’t include a water bottle holder or external pocket, but it does come with a stuff sack, which doubles as a pocket to store keys and other small items.

Considerations
While Sea to Summit promotes the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack as being able to carry 250 x it’s 2.5 oz weight (approx. 40 lbs), the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack’s simple unpadded straps and lightweight materials make it best suited for carrying lighter loads like a jacket, tablet, phone, trail snacks, sunscreen, and a small camera.

While the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack’s siliconized Cordura nylon ripstop fabric is waterproof, Sea to Summit doesn’t promote the bag as waterproof.

As is often the case with ultralight gear, the Ultra-Sil’s Travel Day Pack’s 30D nylon ripstop gives up a little on the durability side in exchange for ultralight / ultra-packable portability.

That said, I should note that we’ve been using Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bags for a few years now and, while we’ve poked a couple of holes in them (user error) the 30D Cordura nylon ripstop has done a good job of keeping minor holes from spreading.

Our Take
In our view, the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack excels at priority #1 for ultralight packable daypacks: It’s so light and packable that you can take it with you anywhere. Ultralight packability is the bag's primary feature. No fancy bells and whistles. Just a simple one-compartment 20L backpack that’s easy to take everywhere.

For this reason, I think it’s a good option for travelers who want the absolute lightest and most packable bag available and who are willing to forgo a water bottle holder and other features for maximum take-it-everywhere portability.

While we haven’t used the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, we’ve been using Ultra-Sil Dry bags (same material) for a few years and appreciate their combination of ultra-lightweight and waterproofness. They’re our go-to bags for trips where we need to keep weight and packed size to an absolute minimum.

Pros

• Incredibly light, packable, & portable
• Useful 20-liter capacity
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Not fully waterproof
• No water bottle holder or external pocket

Product Specs:

Model: Ultra-Sil Day Pack
Manufacturer: Sea to Summit (Colorado, USA)
Weight: 2.5oz
Materials: 30D Siliconized Cordura Nylon Ripstop
Unpacked: 19x8x11
Packed Size: 3.5 x 2.5
Capacity (Liters): 20
Colors: Multiple Colors Available
Waterproofing: Waterproof Fabric (Bag not promoted as waterproof)
Stowaway: Stuff Sack Included
Closure: 2-Way Zipper
Price: Check Price on Amazon

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Quick Summary: Still Ultralight + Water Bottle Holder & External Pocket

Who’s it For?
Priced similarly to the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is for travelers and outdoor adventurers who want an ultralight packable daypack, but are willing to sacrifice a small amount of weight and packed size for key features.

Still Ultra-Packable but With Some Useful Features
Weighing in at 4 oz and packing down to the size of an apple, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is only slightly heavier, slightly larger, and has slightly less capacity than the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack.

In exchange for a small increase in weight / packed size and 2 liters less storage, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack adds a host of useful features including:

• A mesh water bottle holder capable of holding a 1L bottle
• A small external pocket with key clip that’s perfect for keys, passports, trail snacks, etc.
• Lightly padded shoulder straps for extra comfort
• Full zipper pulls (similar to larger Osprey Bags)
• Slightly beefier 40D nylon ripstop fabric (vs. Ultra-Sil’s 30D fabric)

Considerations
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack’s limitations are similar to the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack. Like the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, the Ultralight Stuff Pack isn’t waterproof, and the ultralight materials used reduce its durability and make it best for carrying lighter loads.

For larger travelers, we’ve read comments from other reviewers noting the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack runs a little small, which means it may not be as comfortable for larger / taller folks.

Our Take:
We’ve been using Osprey packs since the late ’90s (my first was a Silhouette) with great success. When compared to the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack gives up very little capacity, while maintaining the take-it-everywhere portability - the hallmark of ultralight packable daypacks.

While the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is slightly heavier and packs slightly larger than the Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, we believe it’s a worthwhile trade-off for a water bottle holder and external pocket for quick access to items like passports and trail snacks.

Put simply, it’s our choice of the two.

Pros:

• Highly packable / portable
• Useful features including water bottle holder and external pocket
• Reasonably Priced

Cons:

• Not Waterproof
• Weight / Packed Size Slightly More than Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

Product Specs:

Model: Ultralight Stuff Pack
Manufacturer: Osprey (Colorado, USA)
Weight: 4 oz
Materials: 40D Nylon Ripstop
Unpacked: 17x9x7
Packed Size: Size of Apple
Capacity (Liters): 18
Colors: Multiple Colors Available
Waterproofing: N/A
Stowaway: Stuff Sack Included
Closure: Double Zipper with Pull Tabs
Price: Check Price on Amazon

Matador Freerain 24 2.0

Quick Summary: Similar Features to Osprey + Waterproof & More Capacity

Who’s it For?
The Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is a waterproof packable backpack for travelers and outdoor adventurers who want an ultra-packable daypack with more capacity (24 liters) that's also waterproof and includes key features like a water bottle holder and external pocket.

The Best of All Worlds
If you’re willing to pay a little more, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is a waterproof packable backpack that strikes an excellent balance between packability, capacity, features, and weatherproofing.

Weighing 6.6 oz and packing down to 5"x3”, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 isn’t quite as light / packable as the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack or Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, but it’s still lightweight and packable for go-anywhere freedom.

The Matador Freerain 24 2.0 ticks the right boxes. A step up from the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, it trades a slight loss in packability for a very useful 6 liters of extra capacity and a fully waterproof main compartment.

A 24L pack is big enough to comfortably carry a 15” laptop with ample room for other items like a jacket, hard drives, and accessories bag.

Plus, as discussed above, waterproofing significantly enhances the Matador Freerain 24’s take-it-everywhere versatility. This feature is a major selling point vs. the Sea to Summit and Osprey packable daypacks above.

A waterproof packable backpack opens new doors: Use the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 to carry camera gear when kayaking, trekking through the rainforest, or powder skiing.

When compared to the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 offers several additional features including:

• A Second water bottle holder (2 total)
• An external pocket that’s larger than the Osprey’s as well as water-resistant
• Load lifter straps for a comfortable fit
• The main compartment has rolltop closure

Considerations
Similar to the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is made of siliconized 30D Cordura nylon ripstop fabric. This translates to similar load carrying and durability limitations.

Our Take
For the money, we think the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 offers an excellent blend of capacity, packability, features, and waterproofing. Furthermore, we feel the additional capacity and waterproof main compartment are more than enough to justify the light packability penalty and increase in price.

That said, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is our pick of the nylon ripstop bags in our list. It packs small enough to take everywhere, it's large enough to carry a 15” laptop or camera gear, and weatherproof enough to take into harsh environments.

If you’re looking for a waterproof packable backpack, the Matador Freerain 24 2.0 is a solid choice.

Pros

• Packable enough to take everywhere
• Useful 24-liter capacity
• Waterproof
• Water bottle holders (2), Water-resistant external pocket
• Rolltop Closure (Main Compartment)

Cons

• Slight Decrease in Packability vs. Osprey
• Costs More than Osprey

Product Specs:

Model: Freerain 24 2.0
Manufacturer: Matador (Colorado, USA)
Weight: 6.6 oz
Materials: 30D Siliconized Cordura Nylon Ripstop
Unpacked: 19.5x11x9.5
Packed Size: 5x3
Capacity (Liters): 24
Colors: Multiple Colors Available
Waterproofing: Waterproof Main Compartment / Water-Resistant External Pocket
Stowaway: Included Stuff Sack
Closure: Hypalon Rolltop (Main) / Zipper (External)
Price: Check Price at Amazon

Hyperlite Metro Pack

Quick Summary: Minimalist Ultralight 30L Backpack Made of Durable Waterproof Dyneema

Who’s it For?
The Hyperlite Metro Pack is for ultralight travelers and outdoor adventurers looking for a high-end Dyneema 30 liter backpack with an exceptional combination of generous capacity, lightweight packability, hard-wearing materials, go-anywhere weather resistance, and comfortable load carrying.

A Serious Ultralight Pack for Hardcore Use & Abuse

All three of the ultralight packable daypacks discussed above offer an excellent combination of lightweight packability and features at a reasonable price, making them well suited to meeting most travelers’ requirements.

What sets the Hyperlite Metro Pack apart from nylon ripstop packable daypacks, like the Matador Freerain 24, is its Dyneema Composite Fabric construction.

15 times stronger than high-quality steel, Dyneema is extremely strong, lightweight, and waterproof. These characteristics translate into an ultralight packable backpack that offers similar packability to the Matador Freerain 24, while serving up a hard-to-match combination of 30L capacity, exceptional durability, and load carrying comfort.

Here’s a summary of the Hyperlite Metro Pack’s key attributes:

Capacity
With 30 liters of capacity, the Hyperlite Metro Pack has 25%, 33%, and 40% more storage space than the Matador Freerain 24, Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack, and Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack respectively. That’s enough space to carry gear for a wide range of travel and outdoor adventures.

In the photo below, the Metro Pack easily holds a 15" MacBook Pro (w/ case), Canon 5DSR w/ attached 24-70mm f2.8L Lens, 23TB of portable HD's w/ protective wraps, full cable / accessories case, iPhone SE, Arcteryx Cerium LT Down Jacket, full Eagle Creek money / passport case, sunglasses w/ case, 1L Platypus SoftBottle, apple, and trail bar.

Packability
Weighing in at 7 oz, the Hyperlite Metro Pack weighs a hair more than the Matador Freerain 24, while still packing down to 3"x5.5". This translates into a pack that’s still portable, extremely lightweight, and packable for take-it-everywhere freedom.

Durability
I’ll jump straight to the punchline: the Hyperlite Metro Pack is exceptionally durable. Based on our experience, the Metro Pack is hard-wearing. We put ours through heavy daily use over extended periods in harsh environments, while carrying heavier loads than lightweight backpacks are generally meant to carry.

I think that’s a pretty bold claim, so let me provide a summary of our experience with our Hyperlite backpacks:

Traveling full-time over the past five years on motorcycles, bicycles, Land Cruiser, and by public transport, we’ve relied exclusively on Hyperlite’s Dyneema packs. During this time we've used the Hyperlite Porter and Hyperlite Windrider packs for multi-day hikes and extended backpacking trips, and the Hyperlite Stuff Packs and Metro Packs as ultralight packable daypacks for daily use.

We’ve enjoyed all six of our Hyperlite packs, but our minimalist Hyperlite Metro Packs have received the majority of use and abuse. After more than three years of heavy daily use in Africa, South America, North America, and Europe, I can comfortably say that the Hyperlite Metro Pack is an exceedingly difficult ultralight pack to wear out.

We don’t take care of our Metro Packs. We never clean them, pay little attention to where we toss them, pack and unpack them regularly, overload them frequently, toss them around in vehicles, stack gear on top of them, and drag them through rain, snow, mud, sand, and dust. And somehow, through it all, the Hyperlite Metro Pack soldiers on without the need for maintenance or repair.

After three years, our Hyperlite Metro Packs are so filthy we sometimes joke that they give us a ‘one pole short of a hobo’ look (great, BTW, for carrying pro camera gear under the radar), but importantly, they will not die.

Weather Resistance
The Hyperlite Metro Pack has proven highly weather-resistant thanks to the Metro Pack’s combination of waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric, rolltop closure, and 90% seam-sealed construction.

Comfort
In our experience, the Hyperlite Metro Pack is comfortable, and when properly packed, carries loads surprising well for a minimalist packable backpack with no suspension or padding.

No doubt the Metro Pack’s DCH50 Dyneema Composite Fabric plays an essential role in the Metro Pack’s comfort. As discussed above, Dyneema Composite provides the bag and straps with a more substantial feel than ultralight nylon ripstop fabrics. This helps keep straps from digging into shoulders and makes it easier to pack comfortably.

Hyperlite states that the Metro Pack is suitable for loads up to 20 lbs. While the Hyperlite Metro Pack still needs to be loaded properly and is more comfortable the less you carry (what bag isn’t), we find the Hyperlite’s Dyneema construction makes it comfortable enough for long days of exploring with typical day trip gear (like extra layers, trail food, water, sunscreen, phone, etc.)

We regularly use our Hyperlite Metro Packs for outdoor adventures including bikepacking and long alpine day hikes. In our view, the Hyperlite Metro Pack works well as an ultralight daypack for outdoor exploring via kayak, bike, or foot. Keep the load light, and it’s a comfortable companion.

Considerations
When compared to nylon ripstop packs, the main drawback is the Hyperlite Metro Pack’s relatively steep price tag – a byproduct of the Metro Pack’s Dyneema Composite construction. That said, we believe the Hyperlite Metro Pack’s strength and durability helps to offset the higher price.

If you’re hard on gear and have worn through ultralight nylon ripstop bags, I believe the price/durability trade-off may make sense, particularly if you’re traveling for extended periods where replacement and repairs are harder to find.

For those looking for more features, the Hyperlite Metro Pack’s minimalist one compartment design may also be a drawback. If you like the Metro Pack but wish it had a water bottle holder, check out our packable travel accessories list below. Add a Platypus Duolock SoftBottle, and you’re good-to-go.

Our Take

After three years of heavy daily use, we couldn’t be happier with our Hyperlite Metro Packs. The Metro Pack’s minimalist design excels at doing everything we need an ultralight packable backpack to do and nothing more. Simple, durable, versatile, and comfortable, our Metro Pack’s go with us everywhere. Simply put, the Metro Pack is a reminder that sometimes less is truly more.

The Hyperlite Metro Pack is an excellent choice for travelers and outdoor adventurers who are hard on their gear and willing to pay the price for more capacity, waterproof Dyneema fabric, durability, and comfort.

Without question, it’s our top pick and one of our favorite pieces of travel / outdoor gear.

Pros

• 30-liter Capacity
• Lightweight & Packable
• Extremely Durable
• Excellent Weatherproofing
• Comfortable

Cons

• Expensive
• No Water Bottle Holder or External Pocket
• Does not Include a Stuff Sack

Product Specs:

Model: Metro Pack
Manufacturer: Hyperlite Mountain Gear (Maine, USA)
Weight: 7 oz
Materials: DCH50 Dyneema Composite
Unpacked: 27 x 10” (Fully Unrolled)
Packed Size: 3x5.5" (rolled)
Capacity (Liters): 30
Colors: White or Black
Waterproofing: Waterproof Materials / 90% Seam Sealed / Rolltop Closure
Stowaway: Fold & Rollup (No Stuff Sack)
Closure: Rolltop
Price: Check Price on Backcountry.com / Check Price on Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Stuff Pack

Quick Summary: The Hyperlite Metro Pack Dialed Back a Notch - less durable BUT lighter, packs smaller, less expensive

Who’s it For?
The Hyperlite Stuff Pack is for ultralight travelers and outdoor adventurers looking for a Dyneema ultralight packable backpack who aren’t rough enough on gear to need the Metro Pack, but wish they could trade some durability for lower price, less weight, and smaller packed size.

Minimalist Ultralight Versatility
I guess you could say the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is a dialed-back version of the extremely hardwearing Hyperlite Metro Pack.

The main difference between the two Hyperlite packs is that the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is made of lighter and less durable DCF11 Dyneema Composite Fabric vs. the Metro Pack’s more robust DCH50 Dyneema Composite.

Translation: The Hyperlite Stuff Pack sacrifices some durability in exchange for less weight, smaller packed size, and a lower price.

We used our Hyperlite Stuff Packs heavily for 16 months while traveling by motorcycles from California to Alaska, backpacking through Southeast Asia, and traveling in South Africa. So we can attest to the Hyperlite Stuff Pack’s exceptional versatility. We love the Hyperlite Stuff Pack for many of the same reasons we love the Hyperlite Metro Pack. Here’s a quick look at the differences between the two packs:

Capacity
The Hyperlite Stuff Pack has the same highly versatile 30 liters of storage space as the Hyperlite Metro Pack.

Weight / Packed Size
This is where the Hyperlite Stuff Pack excels as it weighs less and packs smaller than the Hyperlite Metro Pack at just 4.48 oz (2.52 oz less than the Metro Pack).

The weight makes the Hyperlite Stuff Pack exceptionally versatile. It's an excellent ultralight packable daypack capable of doing double duty as a stuff sack for carrying a sleeping bag, or other gear, in a larger ultralight backpack before converting to an ultralight daypack or summit pack.

Weather Proofing
Like the Hyperlite Metro Pack, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is made of 100% waterproof Dyneema, which is 90% seam sealed. Plus, like the Metro Pack, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack features a rolltop closure to help keep water out.

Comfort
As noted above, the main difference between the Hyperlite Stuff Pack and Hyperlite Metro Pack is that the Hyperlite Stuff Pack uses a lighter DCF11 Dyneema Fabric.

I love the light feel the DCF11 fabric gives the Hyperlite Stuff Pack. Although when compared to the Metro Pack’s heavier DCH50 Dyneema, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack’s lighter fabric lacks some of the load-carrying comfort of the Metro Pack.

Hyperlite states the Stuff Pack is designed to carry up to 10 lbs vs. 20 lbs for the Metro Pack. In our experience, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is comfortable for carrying 10 lbs. Go heavier and the lighter DCF11 shoulder straps, which can bunch a little, are less comfortable than the more robust DCH50 straps on the Metro Pack. That said, don’t overpack and the Hyperlite Stuff Pack comfortably carries loads for long day hikes, cycling, etc.

Durability
This is a key difference between the two packs. While I’d describe the Hyperlite Stuff Pack as durable, I’d describe the Hyperlite Metro Pack as extremely durable.

That makes the Hyperlite Metro Pack ideally suited for heavy use carrying loads that frequently exceed the Hyperlite Stuff Pack’s 10 lbs design limits.

When measured against typical packable backpack requirements, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is durable and an excellent option for travelers who like to travel ultralight.

In our case, it took 16 month of heavy daily use and frequent overloading to wear enough holes through the Stuff Pack's ultralight DCF11 Dyneema Composite to necessitate replacing with the more robust DCH50 Hyperlite Metro Pack (and even then, we were sad to see ultra-packable Stuff Packs go).

Our Take
No doubt, we’re fans of Dyneema for ultralight packs. If carrying lighter loads, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is our top choice for an ultralight packable backpack.

Like the Hyperlite Metro Pack, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack excels at doing what ultralight packable backpacks are meant to do. It’s an ultralight pack with an exceptionally versatile combination of capacity, weight, packed size, and weatherproofing.

The Hyperlite Stuff Pack is capable of serving as a stuff sack inside other packs or a stand-alone daypack for travel, kayaking, bike touring, mountaineering, and more.

If you don’t need the extra durability of DCH50 Dyneema Composite Fabric, the Hyperlite Stuff Pack is lighter, more packable, and less expensive than its’ harder-wearing Metro Pack sibling.

Pros

• 30-liter Capacity
• Ultralight & Packable
• Durable
• Excellent Weatherproofing
• Comfortable

Cons

• Expensive
• No Water Bottle Holder or External Pocket
• Does not Include a Stuff Sack

Product Specs:

Model: Stuff Pack
Manufacturer: Hyperlite Mountain Gear (Maine, USA)
Weight: 4.48 oz
Materials: DCF11 Dyneema Composite
Unpacked: 27 x 10” (Fully Unrolled)
Packed Size: 2.5 x 4.5" (rolled)
Capacity (Liters): 30
Colors: Grey
Waterproofing: Waterproof Materials / 90% Seam Sealed / Rolltop Closure
Stowaway: Fold & Rollup (No Stuff Sack)
Closure: Rolltop
Price: Check Price on Backcountry.com / Check Price on Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Full-Featured Packable Backpacks

In this section we provide detailed profiles of full-featured packable daypacks. While still packable, full-featured packable backpacks sacrifice some take-it-everywhere portability in exchange for enhanced features like hip belts, padded shoulder straps, extra pockets, water bottle holders, and a sternum strap.

Eagle Creek Packable Daypack

Quick Summary: Stylish, Small, Feature Rich, & Still Ultralight

Who’s it For?
The Eagle Creek Packable Daypack is for travelers looking for a stylish, lightweight, and small travel backpack that includes a water bottle holder, external pocket, and enough capacity for a day of exploring.

Small, Ultralight, and Stylish
The Eagle Creek Packable Daypack’s stylish design makes it a great choice for travelers looking for a lightweight daypack that blends in well for both city travel and outdoor exploration.

With 13 liters of capacity, the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack offers enough room for essentials in a package that’s small and lightweight. Plus, weighing in at just 5 oz, the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack ranks high on the ultralight portability scale. Priority #1 for any packable daypack.

Feature Rich
In addition to the main compartment, the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack features a mesh water bottle holder, external zip pocket with key clip, and innovative pickpocket-resistant zips on the main compartment.

Plus, the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack's 70D heathered nylon contributes to its stylish looks and, in our opinion, gives the bag a little nicer feel than the ultralight 30-40D nylon ripstop packable daypacks.

Considerations
The main limitation of the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack is its’ small (13 liters) capacity, which makes it best suited for carrying small loads. That said, it’s big enough to load up with a jacket, snacks, water, guidebook, sunscreen, and other essentials for a day of hiking or city exploring.

Our Take
The 5 oz Eagle Creek Packable Daypack is light enough for take-it-everywhere portability, stylish enough for city use, and feature-rich enough for a day of hiking or city exploring. All of this makes the Eagle Creek Packable Daypack a versatile travel daypack capable of everything from wine tasting in Stellenbosch to a day of hiking the Channel Islands.

Pros

• Stylish Design
• Water Bottle & External Pocket
• Pickpocket-Resistant Zippers
• More ‘Substantial’ 70D Nylon
• Lightweight (5 oz)

Cons

• Limited 13-liter capacity
• Doesn’t Pack Very Small

Product Specs:

Model: Packable Daypack
Manufacturer: Eagle Creek (Colorado, USA)
Weight: 5 oz
Materials: 70D Heathered Nylon
Unpacked: 11 x 17.75 x 4.75 in | 28 x 45 x 12 cm
Packed Size: 7.75 x 6.25 x 2.25 in | 20 x 16 x 6 cm
Capacity (Liters): 13
Colors: Multiple Colors Available
Waterproofing: None
Stowaway: Stows inside front zip pocket
Closure: Zippers (pickpocket resistant)
Price: Check Price on Amazon

Eddie Bauer 30L Stowable Pack

Quick Summary: 30L Capacity, Lots of Features, & Still Packable

Who’s it For?
The Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack is for travelers who are willing to sacrifice some take-it-everywhere portability in exchange for extra features typically found in traditional travel daypacks.

Lots of Features and Still Packable
While the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack lacks the ultralight take-it-everywhere appeal of the ultralight packable daypacks discussed above, the 30L Stowaway Pack is still packable. In exchange for the extra weight and packed size, you get a packable backpack with a long list of features:

• 30L Capacity
• 2x External Water Bottle Holders
• 2x External Zip Pockets
• Lightly Padded Shoulder Straps
• Hydration Compartment

Considerations
The Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack’s main limitation is its packed size and weight. While still packable, it's definitely on the larger, less portable end of the packable backpack spectrum.

It’s important to remember that, while heavier than the ultralight packs, the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack is still exceptionally light and packable when compared to traditional hiking and travel daypacks.

Like many of the other packs listed, the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack isn’t waterproof, but its’ fabric is treated with a StormRepel WR finish to help shed water.

Our Take
Unlike many of the other bags listed, take-it-everywhere portability isn’t the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack’s main selling point. Rather, this is a feature-rich travel daypack at a reasonable price. It's still packable enough to carry with you when packing space/weight aren’t limiting factors.

If you like the Eddie Bauer 30L Stowaway Pack but wish it was a little lighter and more packable, consider its’ smaller sibling, the Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Packable Daypack. The 20L Packable Daypack sheds 2 oz of weight and some packed size in exchange for 10 liters less capacity.

Pros

• 30 liters of Capacity
• 2x Mesh Water Bottle Pockets
• Lightly Padded Shoulder Straps
• 2x External Zip Pockets + 1 Velcro Pocket
• Hydration Compartment
• Reasonable Price

Cons

• Weighs 13 oz
• Large Packed Size

Product Specs:

Model: 30L Stowaway Pack (20L Also Available)
Manufacturer: Eddie Bauer (Washington, USA)
Weight: 13 oz
Materials: 200D Ripstop Polyester
Unpacked: 19"H x 12"W x 9"D
Packed Size: 9"H x 8"W x 2.5"D
Capacity (Liters): 30
Colors: Multiple Colors Available
Waterproofing: StormRepel WR Finish
Stowaway: Stows into Front Pocket
Closure: Zippers
Price: Check Price on Amazon

Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack

Quick Summary: Stylish, full-featured / laptop friendly, still packable enough to fit inside larger carry-on

Who’s it For?
The Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack is worth considering if you’re a traveler working remotely and need a stylish daypack for carrying a laptop and accessories around town, and want a bag that can fit inside a larger carry-on bag.

Packable Backpack or Lightweight Travel Daypack?
Packable backpack? Foldable daypack? Lightweight travel backpack? The Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack is something of an anomaly. Weighing 1.1 lbs and taking up considerably more packing space than any other bag on our list, the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack skews closer to a traditional daypack than a packable backpack that folds into a pouch.

The Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack is an interesting option for travelers working remotely who’re looking for a highly water-resistant daypack that’s lightweight, stylish, and packable enough to carry inside a wheeled bag, while having enough capacity to carry a 15” laptop and accessories between coffee shops, shared work spaces, etc.

Laptop Friendly Features
Made of black waterproof sailcloth, the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack offers a host of features that are well suited to working remotely:

• 2x Internal Pockets for Stowing a Laptop and Tablet
• 2x External Water Bottle Holders,
• 1x External Pocket for Passports, Keys, etc.
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel
• Sternum strap

This is one of the more stylish travel daypacks on our list for city exploring. Plus, it’s constructed of hard-wearing X-Pac sailcloth and YKK water-resistant zips for weather-resistant durability.

Considerations
The main drawback to the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack is its significant weight and packed size vs. other options on our list, which puts a dent in its portability.

Given the weight penalty, the Tortuga Outbreaker Daypack’s 21-liter capacity feels somewhat limited, which, when compared to other packable backpacks, makes it something of a specialty bag. Its quality materials, useful features, and stylish looks are attributes that come at the expense of capacity, lightweight portability, and versatility.

Additionally, it’s one of the more expensive bags on our list – a bi-product of using high-end sailcloth – which may make it less appealing to some.

Our Take
The Tortuga Outbreaker is a stylish travel daypack that makes a nice choice for someone who wants a daypack that packs flat enough to fit inside a carry-on. It's also for someone who wants a bag that’s geared more to carry a laptop around town than to climb mountains.

That said, the Tortuga’s lack of portability vs. other options limits the bag’s appeal as a take-it-everywhere packable backpack.

If you’re looking for a more versatile one-bag-fits-all solution, other options, like the Hyperlite Metro Pack, provide more capacity in an ultra-light, ultra-packable, highly weather-resistant bag.

Pros

• Stylish Design
• Laptop & Tablet Sleeves (Fits 15” Laptop)
• Good Weather Resistance
• Padded Shoulder Straps & Back panel
• 2x Water Bottle Holders + External Pocket

Cons

• Heavy (1.1 lbs)
• Large Packed Size
• 21L Capacity is Small for Weight / Packed Size

Product Specs:

Model: Outbreaker Daypack
Manufacturer: Tortuga
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Materials: VX03 (Sailcloth)
Unpacked: 17” x 11” x 6.5”
Packed Size: Packs Flat
Capacity (Liters): 21
Colors: Black
Waterproofing: Waterproof Fabric / Water-Resistant YKK Zips
Stowaway: Packs Flat
Closure: YKK Water Resistant Zips
Price: Check Tortuga

Packable Backpack Accessories

To help you get the most from your packable backpack, we’re including some of our favorite packable daypack accessories. Below you'll find lightweight and packable solutions designed to add waterproofing, increase comfort, protect cameras and other gear, and stay hydrated.

Water Bottles / Hydration

Platypus DuoLock SoftBottle

Quick Summary: Ultralight & Packable Water Bottles for Take-it-Everywhere Portability

Staying hydrated is important, and our water bottles accompany us everywhere while on the road. Rather than weighing ourselves down with heavier bottles like our beloved Hydroflask, we carry lightweight and packable Platypus SoftBottles while exploring

Weighing just 1.6 oz for a 1-liter bottle, Platypus SoftBottles are supremely packable – packing down small enough to fit in a small pocket when empty.

Not only are Platypus SoftBottles an ultralight and packable alternative to traditional plastic or stainless-steel bottles, but they’re also a more environmentally friendly alternative to buying bottled water while on the road.

Plus, the brilliant Platypus Duolock SoftBottle includes a built-in carabiner style clip, which adds carrying versatility – particularly when paired with minimalist packable backpacks like the Hyperlite Stuff Pack.

Product Specs:

• Model: Platypus Duolock SoftBottle
• Manufacturer: Cascade Designs (Washington, USA)
• Weight: 1.5oz (0.75L) / 1.6 oz (1L)
• Materials: Nylon / Polyethylene
• Packed Size: Packs Flat
• Capacity (Liters): 0.75, 1
• Cap Type: Screw Cap
• Colors: Multiple Colors Available
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle

An Ultralight Way to Ensure You Always Have Safe Drinking Water

If your travels take you to places with unsafe drinking water, consider using the all-in-one Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle. It's a water bottle with a built-in purifier that’s capable of purifying 16 oz of water in 15 seconds, from virtually any source. This design makes it easy to refill while on the go, and reduces the environmentally unfriendly waste of disposable plastic water bottles.

The Grayl Ultralight Purifier Bottle removes protozoa, bacteria, and viruses as well as chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. It's well suited for international travel where water drawn from hotels, spigots, rivers, lakes, wells, and other sources can be unsafe.

Product Specs:

• Model: Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle
• Manufacturer: Grayl (Washington, USA)
• Weight: 10.9 oz
• Dimensions: 2.7 x 9.5”
• Capacity (Liters): 16 oz
• Filter Type: Press, Bottle
• Filter Medium: Electro adsorption & activated carbon
• Removes / Destroys: Protozoa, Bacteria, & Viruses
• Pump Strokes Per Liter: 2
• Output: 16 Fl. Oz per 15 sec (2L per min)
• Materials: Polypropylene (Housing)
• Cap Type: Screw Cap
• BPA Free: Yes
• Colors: Multiple Colors Available
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Gear Protection & Water Proofing

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bags

Quick Summary: Ultralight dry sacks to Increase Any Packable Backpacks Waterproof Utility

Want an ultralight and packable way to add waterproof protection to any packable backpack? Just add a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag.

Weighing just 0.7 oz for a 1-liter bag, Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks come in several sizes. Offering options from 1 – 35 liters, it's easy to find a dry bag to fit anything from a mirrorless camera to a portable hard drive, clothes, tablet, or laptop.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks are a simple, lightweight, and packable solution for keeping gear dry inside bags which aren’t 100% waterproof.

Traveling somewhere dry, leave the Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks behind or use them as stuff sacks for organizing gear. Traveling where it’s going to be wet, throw in an Ultra-Sil Dry Sack for added peace of mind.

Product Specs:

• Model: Ultra-Sil Dry Sack
• Manufacturer: Sea to Summit (Colorado, USA)
• Weight: 0.7 oz to 2.3 oz (depending on size)
• Materials: Siliconized 30D Cordura Nylon Ripstop
• Unpacked: Varies by Capacity
• Packed Size: Varies by Capacity
• Capacity (Liters): 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 20, 35
• Colors: Multiple Colors Available
• Closure: Hypalon Rolltop
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Domke Protective Wraps

Quick Summary: Lightweight and Packable Protection for Cameras & More

Want a lightweight and packable way to add some padding to delicate gear like cameras, lenses, and portable hard drives?

Inexpensive Domke Protective Wraps are our go-to solution when we need to keep weight and packed size to a minimum. Currently, we use Domke wraps to protect our DSLR camera bodies, lenses, and portable hard drives.

Wraps offer a flexible option, which can be adjusted to fit a range of gear. For example, we use the 15x15 size wraps to pack a DSLR body, a body w/ attached 50mm lens, or lenses like the Canon 24-79 f2.8L.

Domke Protective Wraps are our preferred choice vs. larger camera/ lens cases for travels where weight/packed size are top considerations (such as bikepacking, hiking, etc.).

Product Specs:

• Model: Protective Wraps (Sizes: 11x11, 15x15, 19x19)
• Manufacturer: Domke
• Weight: 1.6 - 4 oz (depending on size)
• Materials: Velcro compatible knit with non-scratch nylon backing
• Unpacked: 11x11, 15x15, 19x19”
• Packed Size: Varies by Model
• Colors: Multiple Colors Available
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Tenba BYOB Camera Insert

Quick Summary: An Easy Way to Transform a Packable Backpack into a Lightweight Camera Bag

Looking for a (still) lightweight solution for protecting camera and video gear and accessories, but want better organization and ease of use? Consider a Tenba BYOB Camera Insert.

Weighing between 4 – 12.8 oz (depending on size), Tenba BYOB Camera Inserts offer a great way to transform a minimalist packable backpack into a lightweight camera bag.

With four sizes available, there’s an option to fit a wide range of packable backpacks and gear requirements ranging from a simple setup for a lightweight mirrorless/GoPro setup to a DSLR with 2-3 lenses (up to 200mm f2.8)

This is a great way to convert an ultralight pack into a lightweight camera bag that’s less conspicuous than dedicated bags that scream ‘expensive camera gear inside.’

Plus, placing a Tenba BYOB Camera Insert inside a minimalist packable backpack is a great way to give the bag structure.

Product Specs:

• Model: BYOB Camera Inserts (Sizes: 7, 9, 10, 13)
• Manufacturer: Tenba
• Weight: 4 oz – 12.8 oz (depending on size)
• Unpacked: Varies by Model
• Packed Size: Varies by Model
• Colors: Grey
• Closure: Zipper
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Comfort

Wish Your Packable Backpack had a Sternum Strap?

If you’d like to add a little carrying comfort, it’s easy to add an adjustable sternum strap to most packable daypacks. Below, we’ve included a universal model made by Wisdompro, which easily attaches to existing shoulder straps.

Also, if you’re interested in the Hyperlite Metro or Stuff Pack, we’ve included a Hyperlite Sternum Strap, which shaves a little weight from the Wisdompro option, but costs a few dollars more.

Wisdompro Backpack Sternum Strap

Product Specs:

• Model: Sternum Strap
• Manufacturer: Wisdompro
• Weight: 1.12 oz
• Price: Check Price on Amazon

Hyperlite Sternum Strap

Product Specs:

• Model: Sternum Strap (for Metro & Stuff Pack)
• Manufacturer: Hyperlite Mountain Gear
• Weight: 0.8 oz (22 grams)
• Price: Check Price on  Hyperlite Mountain Gear

 

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