8 Best Small Hiking Backpack – A Comprehensive Review

Hiking is a grand adventure, but sometimes carrying a big, bulky backpack can feel like dragging a mountain. Many hikers find themselves facing the problem of uncomfortable and impractical backpacks. The struggle is real! Especially when you just want to enjoy the beauty of nature without being weighed down by a heavy load on your back.

But fear not, fellow hikers! There is a solution to this heavy backpack problem. Introducing the 8 Best Small Hiking backpack. These compact companions are designed to make your hiking experience more enjoyable by providing a lightweight and efficient way to carry your essentials.

In this article, we will explore the 8 best small hiking backpack that promise and prove to be the perfect solution. We’ve scoured the market to find the best backpack for big guys who prioritize comfort, functionality, and durability without compromising on style. Let’s explore these masterpieces!

Best Small Hiking Backpack – Our Top Choices

1. Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack – Best Small Hiking Backpack
2. Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack – Breathable Backpack
3. Skysper Small Hiking Backpack – Lightweight Backpack
4. Osprey Daylite Plus – Spacious Backpack
5. G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack – Easy to Carry
6. Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack – Water Resistant Backpack
7. G4Free Packable Hiking Backpack – Economically Best Small Hiking Backpack
8. Gregory Mountain Products Citro – Best Backpack for Big Guys

1.   Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack – Best Small Hiking Backpack

The Osprey Talon 22L stands tall as the best small hiking backpack, and it’s not just because it’s at the top of our list with its 22L volume. Perfect for day hikes, this backpack carries the promise of being lightweight, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore without feeling weighed down.

One standout feature that sets the Osprey Talon 22L apart is its unparalleled comfort. True to its claims, this backpack provides a comfortable and breathable experience, even when loaded with heavy gear.

Furthermore, the velcro adjustment for the back panel allows customization to fit your torso length precisely, ensuring the load sits perfectly on your back. Multiple shoulder adjustments and a quick, easy-to-adjust waist belt create a fit that feels like a soft hug – making it the most comfortable pack we’ve ever worn.

While the Osprey Talon 22L keeps its design fairly basic, it covers all the essentials. The large main compartment, with its full-zip opening, is where the bulk of your gear finds its place. From hip belt pockets to mesh side pockets, there’s room for everything—mobile devices, water bottles, cameras, and snacks.

This backpack also pays attention to detail, with a small chest strap featuring a built-in safety whistle and a mesh pocket on the left shoulder strap. It allows quick access and has an adjustable loop for securing trekking poles on the go.

Explore our selection of Osprey hiking backpacks!

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Talon 22L Hiking Backpack earns our nod for day hikes with its impressive comfort, breathability, and functional design. If you’re seeking a backpack with a balance of features for your day-long outdoor explorations, the Osprey Talon 22L is worth considering.

2. Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack – Breathable Backpack

The Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack emerges as a lightweight and breathable option, making it an excellent choice for short hiking ventures. This backpack, weighing in at just around 1 pound, strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality, covering all the essentials for your outdoor adventures.

The Sportlite 20 crafted from 100D high-tenacity recycled nylon, boasts impressive durability, abrasion resistance, and water resistance. The addition of a DWR coating ensures optimal performance in wet weather conditions, making it a reliable companion on the trails.

The standout feature of the Sportlite 20 is its AirScape back panel, which incorporates an Atilon foam sheet for maximum carrying comfort. The channel in the middle enhances airflow, and the entire panel is lined with breathable spacer mesh. This feature minimizes sweat where the backpack contacts your body. This proves essential for summer hikes, significantly improving overall comfort.

Furthermore, the adjustable shoulder straps, padded with EVA foam and covered in breathable spacer mesh, enhance carrying comfort. Adjusting the straps is a breeze, ensuring a snug fit with minimal effort.

As this backpack is designed with the hiker in mind, it includes trekking pole loops on the front panel, featuring two tiny loops at the bottom and upper compression straps. Securing trekking poles is effortless, and you’ll hardly notice their presence while wearing the pack.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Sportlite 20 Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and breathable option for short hikes. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a backpack that’s built to last, has adjustable features, and is thoughtfully designed for comfort and performance on outdoor adventures.

3. Skysper Small Hiking Backpack – Lightweight Backpack

The SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for people who love outdoor activities. It’s light, tough, and made from solid materials like 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric. This makes the backpack resistant to water, tears, and wear. Moreover, the stress points and shoulder straps are reinforced for extra durability, making it a reliable companion for your adventures.

The backpack has a unique design to keep you comfortable while you travel. It has a breathable carrying system with grooves and mesh on the back to reduce sweating and increase overall comfort. The reflective design not only makes you more visible but also adds a safety element for nighttime adventures.

Furthermore, this backpack has multiple compartments and an anti-theft zipper to keep your important stuff safe. It even comes with an outdoor emergency rescue guide for extra safety information, which is great for outdoor enthusiasts.

It is designed with practicality in mind; the SKYSPER backpack has fixtures for trekking poles and plugins for different hiking gear. The 20L capacity, along with detachable straps and an adjustable chest strap, makes it versatile for different situations. For added safety, the backpack includes a whistle, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities where safety is paramount.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack stands out for its lightweight design, robust construction, and clever features. If you want a backpack that combines functionality and comfort for your outdoor trips, especially with features like theft prevention zippers, an emergency rescue guide, and a safety whistle. In that case, the SKYSPER backpack is a good choice.

4. Osprey Daylite Plus – Spacious Backpack

The Osprey Daylite Plus earns its place as a leader in the daypack market, especially in the 20-liter “Plus” model. As our go-to choice for shorter outings, this backpack boasts an impressive combination of storage capacity, features, and overall durability.

Osprey’s reputation for carrying comfort shines through in the Daylite Plus. The comfortable, padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel ensure a comfortable fit, keeping the load close and making it a reliable companion for various activities.

Osprey’s commitment to detail is evident in the Daylite Plus. Smooth-pulling zippers, clean-operating buckles, and strategically placed straps showcase the brand’s meticulous craftsmanship. The backpack’s compact and relatively simple design includes numerous organizational pockets, adding to its functionality without unnecessary complexity.

Sitting slightly above the middle of the weight-to-volume spectrum, the Daylite Plus weighs in at 20.6 ounces with a 30-liter capacity. Despite its weight, it offers practical features like internal divider pockets and a laptop sleeve, contributing to its organizational capabilities.

It is constructed with thicker fabrics and durable buckles and zipper pulls; the Daylite Plus justifies its slightly higher weight. The inclusion of outside carrying options such as compression straps and an outer stuff pocket adds functionality, making it a well-rounded pack for various needs.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Osprey Daylite Plus stands out with its hefty design, comfort, and intelligent features, making it a fantastic choice for shorter journeys. If you value durability, organizational capabilities, and a well-made backpack, the Daylite Plus is worth considering for your daypack needs.

5. G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack – Easy to Carry

The G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack is a fantastic choice for your daily activities and adventures. It stands out for being easy to carry, and its unique foldable and lightweight design makes it especially convenient.

You can turn the storage pocket inside out to fold the whole backpack into a compact size of only 7.5 x 6 inches. This means you can easily pack it into your coat pocket, luggage, or handbag, making it a versatile option for your daily life. When unfolded, it provides ample space at 15.5x9x3.5 inches.

This hiking daypack is designed with practicality in mind. It has a large capacity with one main zipped compartment, a zipped front pocket, and two side mesh pockets. With a 10L capacity, it can carry your daily essentials and help you stay organized, making it great for various activities, including international travel at the airport.

Furthermore, the backpack is made from durable and high-quality tear and water-resistant material, ensuring extra strength and long-lasting performance. The heavy-duty two-way SBS metal zippers add to its durability. It also features breathable mesh shoulder straps and foam padding to reduce pressure on your shoulders, ensuring comfort during extended use.

Weighing only 0.56lb, this lightweight and versatile backpack is easy to carry for outdoor travel, camping, hiking, day trips, or shopping. G4Free backs up its product with a 1-year warranty and lifetime customer service, ensuring a satisfying shopping experience and top-quality goods for every customer.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack is a sensible alternative for individuals looking for a portable and adaptable companion. With its portable, lightweight design, substantial storage, and long-lasting construction, this backpack is suitable for a variety of daily activities, travel, and outdoor experiences. If these qualities meet your requirements, it’s worth considering for your next backpack purchase.

6. Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack – Water Resistant Backpack

The Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack is a great budget-friendly option, especially designed for biking and everyday use. This handy backpack is made from durable and water-resistant nylon, ensuring it can withstand different weather conditions. The MatReflective stripe adds a safety feature, making it visible during nighttime use, especially around traffic.

Designed for versatility, the adjustable and breathable shoulder straps make it ideal for hot days, whether you’re hiking, day camping, travelling, or cycling. It has a compact size of 15.8 x 9.4 x 5.9 inches and weighs 12.3 oz, offering a capacity of around 20–25 liters. This makes it suitable for both men and women who prefer a smaller backpack for essential items or children above the age of 3.

The backpack has three compartments and two mesh pockets on both sides, providing enough space to neatly organize your essentials. The main pocket even includes a compartment for a laptop, while the mesh pockets are perfect for holding water bottles.

Additionally, the backpack features high-quality smooth zippers, a breathable mesh pad on the back and shoulder strap, and adjustable chest and waist straps. All of these features contribute to the overall convenience and comfort of this backpack.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Sunhiker Cycling Hiking Backpack is a cost-effective choice with its compact size, water-resistant construction, and practical features. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option for biking or everyday use, especially in a smaller size for your essential items, this lightweight backpack is a great pick for your next outing.

7. G4Free Packable Hiking Backpack – Economically Best Small Hiking Backpack

The G4Free Packable Hiking Backpack stands out as a budget-friendly and compact hiking option due to its durable build and convenient design. It is made from high-quality water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon, paired with a sturdy SBS zipper. This backpack guarantees longevity and reliability for prolonged use.

This hiking daypack is all about convenience and lightweight functionality. It’s easy to fold and compact enough to fit into an ultra-compact pouch, making it a travel-friendly companion that seamlessly fits into your suitcase, purse, or car without taking up too much space. With dimensions of 8.27×6.30×13 inches when unfolded and an ultralight weight of 4.59oz, it’s designed for effortless use.

The G4Free backpack becomes the perfect companion for your trips, offering a practical solution for carrying essentials and other travel gear. It has two zippered compartments, including a spacious main pocket and another for quick-access items like cash and passports, ensuring organized storage. Additionally, two large mesh side pockets are perfect for carrying water bottles or umbrellas.

This small hiking backpack is suitable for a variety of occasions, such as day trips, day hikes, and shopping, making it adaptable to your changing demands.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The G4Free Packable Hiking Backpack stands out as the economically best small hiking backpack. Its durable, water-resistant design and lightweight convenience make it a practical choice for various outdoor activities. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality and functionality, this backpack is a reliable choice for your adventures.

8. Gregory Mountain Products Citro – Best Backpack for Big Guys

The Gregory Mountain Products Citro proves to be the best backpack for big guys, excelling in both comfort and functionality. Its alloy frame, generous padding, and airy mesh back panel work in harmony to distribute heavy loads efficiently, eliminating sagging and pressure points for a comfortable hiking experience.

The Citro boasts an impressive range of storage options, including a main compartment, a generously sized accessory pocket with a scratch-free liner, front and side dump pockets, and hip belt pockets (although they might be too small for smartphones). Additionally, a dedicated zippered pocket for the included 3-liter reservoir enhances convenience and organization.

Offering superior organizational options and substantial structure and support, the Citro stands out as a well-rounded backpack that provides ample carrying comfort without being overly extravagant.

Moreover, the inclusion of a 3D Hydro reservoir enhances functionality, featuring easy loading, a hose clip, a magnetic buckle, and a quick-drying design.

Furthermore, it features the drylock magnetic bite valve attachment system, which allows for one-handed magnetic buckling of the sternum strap, providing a user-friendly experience. Also, the vaporspan ventilated backpanel, equipped with moisture-wicking mesh and an activeflex harness, ensures breathability and comfort during extended hikes.

Pros and Cons

Our Verdict

The Gregory Mountain Products Citro is the best option for big guys looking for a backpack that combines comfort and functionality perfectly. With its well-designed construction, ample storage possibilities, and modern technologies such as the drylock magnetic bite valve, it stands out as the best backpack for a comfortable and fun hiking trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Finding the best small hiking backpack involves considering your needs, whether for day hikes, commuting, or other adventures. Look for durability, comfort, and features like water resistance.

Brands like Osprey, G4Free, and Sunhiker provide excellent options, each with unique features catering to diverse preferences. Whether you prioritize lightweight designs, organizational pockets, or hydration compatibility, there’s a small hiking backpack for everyone.

Remember to choose based on your specific requirements and preferences, ensuring that your outdoor experiences are not only enjoyable but also convenient and hassle-free with the perfect small hiking companion by your side.