13 Best Daypacks for Women for Hiking (2023)

Searching for the best daypacks for women? Here they are!

Choosing a great backpack to use for your day hikes is an important part of building your hiking gear collection.

It’s going to carry all of your gear for the day and be with you for many, many miles to come, so it’s important that it suits you and your needs.

Hiking daypacks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, are filled with many different features, and there’s sure to be one that’s best for you.

I’ve researched and tried them out so you don’t have to. Here are my top 13 picks.

Best Daypacks for Women Comparison Chart

If you’re running short on time, here’s a quick look at all of the hiking bags that you’ll find on this list.

Daypack	Capacity	Reservoir Compatibility	Frame	Why I Like It
Osprey Tempest 20	20 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Comfortable, organized, and very adjustable.
Arc’Teryx Aerios 30	30 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Good for long hikes and organizing gear.
Osprey Tempest 9	9 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Small size and perfect for short hikes.
Osprey Daylite	16 liters	Yes (internal)	No	Budget-friendly but still has “expensive” features.
Gregory Swift 22	22 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Built for hydration and includes a 2L bladder.
Deuter Trail 28 SL	28 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Multiple pockets for optimal organization.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack	18 liters	No	No	Small, packable, and lightweight.
Cotopaxi Luzon 18	18 liters	No	No	Lightweight and has fun colors.
Camelbak Sequoia 24	24 liters	Yes (external)	Internal	Great for staying hydrated.
Gregory Maya 16	16 liters	Yes (external)	No	Small and comfortable for short hikes.
Osprey Sirrus 24	24 liters	Yes (internal)	Internal	Comfortable with lots of adjustment.
Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL	22 liters	Yes (internal)	Internal	Fit for women and has lots of space for gear.
Mystery Ranch Scree 32	32 liters	Yes (internal)	Internal	3-zipper design allows easy access to entire bag.

Best Overall Daypack for Women

🎒 Osprey Tempest 20

There are many reasons that the Osprey Tempest 20 is making the top of my list of the best hiking bags for women.

It’s the backpack that I personally use, and it fits all of my needs when I’m out on the trail!

There is plenty of space for everything you should need between the large main compartment, small zippered pocket, and hip belt pockets.

For extra space, you can also use the bungee on the front to store things like a raincoat, or the side water bottle pockets.

I love that there is an external hydration reservoir pocket because it keeps your water separate from the rest of your gear.

The internal frame keeps the pack from sagging and holds everything in place, making it so I don’t have any back pain.

The bag sits nicely on your back and has several points for adjustment including a sternum and hip strap, as well as an adjustable shoulder pad.

The adjustable shoulder pad is one of my favorite features because you’re able to have the bag sit higher or lower on your back.

Because it is only 20 liters, it’s not as great for longer hikes.

I also have noticed that the space for the water bladder is smaller, and can only comfortably fit a 2-liter bladder.

To ensure a great fit, I recommend the Osprey Hydraulics 2L Reservoir with this pack.

Here’s a full post about my thoughts on the Osprey Tempest 20!

✔️ Click here to see pricing for the Osprey Tempest 20 Pack!

Best Daypack for Long Hikes

🎒 Arc’Teryx Aerios 30

If you’re heading out for a longer day hike and need to pack a bit more than normal, then the Arc’teryx Aerios pack is perfect for you.

With 30 liters of space, you’ll be able to fit extra clothes, meals, plenty of snacks, and any extra gear that you need.

Aside from the main pocket, you’ll also have one in the front, 2 mesh ones on the side, and 2 on the straps, which is perfect for organizing all of your gear.

Users mention that they love the stretchy pockets on the straps because they are great for storing phones or other important items.

The bag is women-specific and comes in two sizes, tall and regular, so you’ll be able to choose which fits you the best.

The internal frame provides a sturdy backing to keep all of your hiking gear close to your body and prevents your bag from sagging too low.

One common issue with this bag is that it seems to sit higher on your back than most people prefer.

The Arc’teryx Aerios is compatible with a water reservoir, but it must be stored in the main compartment, which can be inconvenient.

✔️ Check prices for the Arc’Teryx Aerios 30 here!

Best Women’s Daypack for Short Hikes

🎒 Osprey Tempest 9

As the same model as the above Tempest 20, you’ll see why I am calling the Osprey Tempest 9 the best daypack for short hikes.

This pack is definitely on the smaller side, with only 9 liters of capacity.

But, if you’re headed out on short (1-3 mile) hikes, you likely won’t need much more than that, so this is a perfect size.

It can easily fit your water bladder or bottles, a few snacks, a light sweater, and other small essentials.

And for such a small bag, it’s able to be organized pretty well with a large pocket, and three smaller ones (including water bottle holders).

Many of these Osprey bags would be great hiking backpacks for petite women because they offer a lot of adjustment and come in multiple sizes.

I love that even though this bag is smaller, it still has so many of Osprey’s great features such as the Airscape back panel and an external hydration reservoir pouch.

✔️ See prices for the Osprey Tempest 9 by clicking here!

Best Budget Daypack for Women

🎒 Osprey Daylite

I know what you’re thinking. Another Osprey bag? Yep. Another. Because they’re just that great of bags for day hikes!

The Osprey Daylite is the perfect day hike bag for those on a budget or someone who isn’t looking to spend a lot of money.

It’s a simple bag with two large compartments that have enough space for all of your day hike essentials at a low price.

Inside the main compartment, there is a sleeve for a hydration reservoir.

While there is no frame, this bag still includes an Airscape mesh-covered foam, which provides airflow.

The removable hip straps and sternum strap help add stability and support to this frameless bag.

I love that because this pack doesn’t exactly look like it’s designed to be a hiking backpack, it can be very versatile and used for travel and everyday use.

Because this backpack is meant to be more affordable, it’s smaller and has fewer organizational features.

The Daylite Plus is a similar bag, but is slightly bigger at 20 liters and has more organizational pockets than the standard Daylite.

✔️ Check prices for the Osprey Daylite pack by clicking here!

Best Hydration Pack for Women

🎒 Gregory Swift 22 H2O

It’s a no-brainer that hydration is extremely important while we’re out on the trail, which is why it’s important to choose a bag that can hold plenty of water.

A hydration pack is a bit different than a standard hiking daypack because it has an included water reservoir.

The Gregory hydration pack is a great option because it has space for water and all of the other essentials.

The main compartment has space for larger items while smaller items can fit in the hip belt pockets, zippered top pocket, and water bottle holders.

A separate zippered pocket holds the included 2-liter water reservoir and includes a clip to keep it in place.

I love that the Gregory Swift 22 has a quick disconnecting system for its reservoir, which makes it really easy to remove the bladder to fill it.

The bite valve on the straw is magnetic and is able to attach to the sternum strap, which prevents it from hanging down.

Although the bag comes with the reservoir, there is no cover for the straw, so I highly recommend grabbing yourself one of Gregory’s Bite Valve Covers.

✔️ See prices for the Gregory Swift 22 H2O here!

Most Organized Daypack

🎒 Deuter Trail 28 SL

The Deuter Trail 28 SL pack is great for those who are looking for the ultimate organization while they’re out on the trails.

With multiple pockets, you’ll be able to put things where you want them and know where they’re at when you need them.

One of the best features of this hiking bag is the U-zipper opening of the main pocket.

You’re able to lay your bag on the ground and unzip the entire pocket, so you’re able to easily reach everything inside.

Or, you can use the cinch pocket on top when you’re on the go.

Unlike other packs on this list, the Deuter Trail 28 has a top lid with extra storage and organization spots.

I personally love this for days when I need extra warm clothing and can’t seem to fit it in my smaller bags, plus it allows for better organization.

The frame helps provide stability and sturdiness to the bag but still allows the pack to move with you, to keep your hike comfortable.

I like that because this pack has a bit more space, you’re able to use it on longer day hikes as well as some overnight trips.

✔️ Check prices for the Deuter Trail 28 SL here!

Best Packable Daypack

🎒 Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

If you’re into traveling and like going for hikes while you’re visiting a new place, then you might need a packable daypack.

That’s where the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack comes in.

This extremely lightweight, packable bag is great for throwing into your suitcase and bringing with you wherever you go.

It packs up and stuffs into its own little bag, which has a handle, so you can easily carry it with you or store it in a bigger bag.

Unlike many other packable bags, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack has a small zippered pocket and side water bottle holders along with the main compartment.

A downside of having such a lightweight and packable pack is that there isn’t much support within the backpack.

I wouldn’t recommend this bag for long hikes, but if you need something that is small enough to pack in a bag and get you by for a mile or two, this isn’t a bad choice.

✔️ See prices for the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack here!

Best Lightweight Daypack

🎒 Cotopaxi Luzon

The unique Cotopaxi Luzon bags are very different from most other hiking daypacks for women on this list.

These colorful bags are all unique and one of a kind, as an employee has full creative control over their color patterns.

Weighing in at only 14.4 ounces, this bag is very lightweight and is easy to pack up and bring with you places.

Even for such a lightweight bag, there are 24 liters of capacity, where most hikers should be able to fit all of their day hike essentials.

Although, there is little organization, with only one small zipper pocket aside from the large main compartment.

There is no hydration sleeve on this bag, but you can definitely still fit a hydration reservoir if you want to, because of the space available.

If you want something a bit smaller but still love the idea of the Cotopaxi Luzon, then check out their 18-liter Luzon pack.

✔️ Check pricing for the Cotopaxi Luzon 18 here!

Best of the Rest

🎒 Camelbak Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack

This Camelbak daypack is designed specifically to ensure that you stay hydrated while out on the trail.

The included 3-liter reservoir is stored in its own insulated, zippered pocket, which allows you to remove and replace the bladder without messing with your other gear.

The straw is routed onto one of the shoulder straps and snaps into place to keep it out of your way.

You should be comfortable in this daypack all day long because of the padding on the back panel and shoulder straps.

Between the main compartment and a few other small zippered pockets, you can store all of your gear for the day.

Although only one of the hip belts has a zippered pocket, the hip strap still helps stabilize your pack.

If you’re heading out for a long day and need plenty of water, then the Camelbak Sequoia 24 will be great for you.

✔️ See prices for the Camelbak Sequoia 24 Pack here!

🎒 Gregory Maya 16

The Gregory Maya 16 makes my list of best daypacks for women because even for a small bag, it has many features that many larger bags have!

At just over 1.5 pounds and with a gear capacity of 16 liters, this bag is perfect for your shorter hikes.

This bag has many points of adjustment that other smaller bags don’t typically have, such as in the back panel to adjust shoulder space.

Suspension is built into the shoulder straps and hip belt to help the bag move with your body while you hike, which makes for a more comfortable day.

A unique factor of the Gregory Maya 16 is the sunglasses’ quick stow feature, which allows you to quickly and securely store your sunglasses on the strap.

There is also an external, zippered pocket for your water reservoir, which has a clip to hold the bladder in place.

The Gregory Maya 16 is also sold in a plus-size version, ensuring that most people will be able to find one that fits them.

✔️ Check prices for the Gregory Maya 16 here!

🎒 Osprey Sirrus 24

The Osprey Sirrus 24 has many of the same great features that other Osprey backpacks have, which is why it made its way onto my list.

This is one of the best hiking packs for women because of its women-specific fit that contours to your body to ensure a comfortable hike.

I love that this bag has features to change the fit of the bag, so it fits you just how you’d like.

Between the adjustable shoulder harness, sternum strap, and load-lifting straps, you can choose the way that you want your bag to sit on your back.

It also has a large piece of mesh material that covers the entire back, straps, and hip belt, which provides airflow and breathability.

There are multiple pockets that allow you to organize all of your gear, snacks, and essentials while you’re out on the trail.

One downfall of this bag is that it is more expensive than others on this list, and it’s a bit heavier.

But, with all of the adjustment points, it doesn’t feel much heavier than the others.

✔️ Check Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack prices by clicking here!

🎒 Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL

The Deuter Speed Lite 22 is a great daypack that has a lot of really great features and has up to 22 liters of capacity.

Designed specifically for women and people with smaller frames, this pack is made to fit you right.

The frame is made to provide extra support and stability, as well as move with you as you traverse mountains and scramble up boulders.

There are multiple daisy-chain loops lining the front side of this pack, making it easy to attach extra gear on the outside.

On the inside, you’ll find one large compartment and a few smaller ones for items that you need to keep safe or secure.

Like many others on this list, the Deuter Speed Lite 22 has a mesh back paneling that keeps you cool while you’re out and about.

I don’t love that there isn’t an external pocket for a hydration reservoir, but there is a sleeve in the main compartment to store one.

✔️ See prices for the Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL here!

🎒 Mystery Ranch Scree 32

For longer hikes or perhaps even a short overnight in the great outdoors, check out the unique Mystery Ranch Scree 32 pack.

What makes this women’s hiking pack unique from others is the 3-zipper design that Mystery Ranch uses.

You’re able to completely unzip the pack from the front and top to and open it up to reach all of the gear that is inside.

It allows for easy organization and ease of use, especially with the many internal pockets that you’ll find in the pack.

This pack is built for comfort with the padded back panel and hip belts, as well as the adjustable shoulder harness to fit it to your torso.

Because this bag is larger and has more capacity, it’s perfect for long day hikes or shorter overnights, making it versatile.

✔️ See prices for the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 here!

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What to Look for in a Daypack for Women

It can be overwhelming to search for a new daypack for hiking because of how many options there are out there.

And beyond the choices, there are so many things to consider when choosing the perfect pack for you.

Here are some of the top things to look for when on the hunt.

If you want even more info on choosing the best one for you, check out REI’s guide.

Sizing and Fit

Some daypacks come in just one size, while others are sold in multiple sizes, which allows the buyer to choose which will fit them.

This is especially common in bags with frames, because the frame height may be too tall or short for some people.

Opting for a bag that comes in multiple sizes can be beneficial because it will likely fit you better and be more comfortable.

Each brand has its own sizing chart, so be sure to check them out when making your purchase.

Typically, they’re sized by torso length or hip/waist size.

If you’re buying a one-size-fits-all pack, they’ll usually have at least some adjustment in the hip belt, sternum, and sometimes shoulder pad.

Women Specific

Some daypacks are fitted specifically to men, women, or children, while others are unisex.

Women’s packs are designed to better fit the dimensions and stature of women’s bodies.

Choosing one that is specifically fit isn’t necessary, although many of the ones on this list are women-specific.

If you’re looking for the best hiking backpack for petite women, try to find one that is women-specific and offers torso adjustment.

Capacity

How much gear you plan to carry with you will be one of the most important factors in choosing the right backpack for you.

The capacity of hiking backpacks is typically measured in liters, with options ranging from as small as 10 liters to as large as 80 liters.

Now, for a day hike, you won’t need anywhere near that 80-liter mark (I hope!), as these are meant for backpacking.

It’s generally recommended to have a pack with a capacity of 10-30 liters.

I use a 20 liter pack for almost every hike that I go on, and only upgrade to a larger one if I’m bringing extra clothes or something like that.

Here’s a bit more of a breakdown on when to use each capacity backpack:

Pockets & Organization

Another important factor to consider when choosing your hiking backpack is the organization that the bag features.

Most backpacks will have a main compartment that is perfect for holding larger items like extra clothing, cameras, and lunches.

Many also have other smaller pockets, in places such as the hipbelt, on the top, and on the inside.

A ‘stuff pouch’ as I like to call them (see above), is also common on daypacks. These are just loose pockets that have a simple closure, for easy access.

It also may be important to you how a pack opens. Most open like a standard backpack with zippers around the top.

Others have a ‘U’ opening, and open all the way from top to bottom of the bag, making it easy to pack and unpack.

Frame vs. Frameless

Some daypacks have frames in them, which offer extra support for larger loads, while others have no frame at all.

If you’re someone who is looking for a supportive backpack to take some of the weight off of your back, I would recommend finding one with a frame.

The frames are internal and help stabilize the weight, making it so the bag doesn’t shift around on your back.

Others are frameless, making them lighter, but they also aren’t able to carry as much, and aren’t as supportive as framed packs.

I love my framed bag because I think that it supports my back much better and I have a lot less back pain when hiking.

Many framed packs also have a mesh ventilation system in them that keeps your backpack away from your back, so you stay cooler on hot days.

Support

Choosing a daypack with a frame is going to provide you with more support and stability than one without.

But there are a few other ways that your backpack can provide support as well.

Most backpacks for hiking feature sternum straps, which clip right across your chest to keep the bag close to your body and keep it stable.

Many others also have hip belts, which help distribute weight. As I said above, some hip belts double as storage pockets!

Some daypacks have load lifter straps, which help to take some of the weight off of your shoulders, although they are more commonly found in backpacking bags.

Breathability

For some people, this might be a must, and for others, it may not matter at all.

Some daypacks, specifically those with internal frames, have a mesh back paneling that keeps the weight of the backpack away from your back.

This is simply to help allow airflow and to keep you cooler on hot, summer days.

Hydration System

Most daypacks have a separate sleeve in them that is designed to store some sort of hydration reservoir or water bladder.

One thing that I’ve noticed that is extremely helpful is a clip that holds the hydration reservoir in place, so it doesn’t slip down in the bag.

I prefer an external hydration sleeve because it keeps my water bladder away from the rest of y gear, although some are internal.

An external sleeve is just one that is on the outside of the main pocket, while an internal sleeve is inside the main compartment.

They also will have a small hole to feed the straw through, and oftentimes loops to hold the straw in place.

Some daypacks come with their own reservoir, but most don’t.

If you already own a water bladder and are going to use it with your new bag, be sure to check what size bladder the bag can hold.

If you prefer not to use a water bladder, some daypacks also have water bottle pockets on the sides. Most are suited to hold narrow bottles.

Price

Of course, price is an important consideration when purchasing the perfect daypack for you.

There are some brands that are more expensive than others, and these packs may have more features than the less expensive options.

But, there are definitely still some great options that are cheaper and more affordable.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on your hiking bag.

I know that this is a huge range, but it will all come down to what features are must-haves for you, and which you’re willing to give up.

I also think that it’s important to remember that some of the more expensive packs are built to last and for comfort.

Some of the cheaper ones may fall apart faster or be uncomfortable.

I know it can be hard to bite the bullet (Trust me! I thought for weeks before purchasing), but your investment will benefit you!

Extras

Some daypacks also have extra features that will make your hike even easier.

One of the best extras is an included rain cover, which is usually stored in a small pocket at the bottom of the bag.

This is great for keeping your belongings dry when unexpected (and expected!) rain hits you on the trail.

Many bags also have hiking pole straps, to store your poles if you don’t want to use them anymore.

Some also have straps for other gear like helmets, sunglasses, and ice axes.

As I mentioned above, some also come with their own hydration reservoir, which is nice because then you know how it’ll fit into your pack.

FAQs

What Should I Pack For a Day Hike?

I won’t go too far in-depth about what you should pack for a day hike, because I have a post all about it that you can read here. 👇🏼

Read This Next 👉🏼 Packing For a Day Hike: 21 Top Essentials

But, some of the most important things to pack for a day hike include plenty of food and water, extra clothing, and a first-aid kit.

Navigation, sun protection, and a headlamp are other important items to pack.

Aside from these very important things, you may also consider packing trekking poles, my favorites are the Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles.

Other fun items include a camera, Go-Pro, hammock, or binoculars.

Conclusion: Best Daypacks for Women

Of all of the backpacks on the market, not all of them made the cut for the best daypacks for women.

With so many varieties, it can be tough to choose, especially without some good research.

I hope that you’re able to use my research and this list to help you find the best fit for you, so you can get out and enjoy the trails.