In some places, hiking is very common, and many people love to go on this adventure. However, before you go hiking, you need to have the best backpack for day hiking. These backpacks should be compact and easy to carry on the back. Also, they need to be practical and functional for hiking. Yet, you don’t need to pay too much to get a reliable backpack for hiking. You can easily get the best day hiking backpack under 100.
If you’re a beginner hiker or just want to upgrade the hiking bag, you already have, continue reading this review of the best day hiking backpacks. You’ll find many affordable options that can carry all your necessary items for the best hiking trip ever.
Table of contents
- ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack
- HIKPRO 20L packable backpack
- Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack
- Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack
- Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack – new version
- Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
- G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack 40L foldable
- OneTrail Mini Me Compact Hiking Daypack
- G4Free Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypacks
- FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking
- SKYSPER Hiking Backpack
- WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack
- Sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack
- How To Choose The Best backpack for day hiking
- Should I go light or pack alot when hiking?
- Which is better backpacks or crossbody bags for hiking?
- Can I go hiking in snowy weather?
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack
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ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack is our first product on the list. Thi hiking backpack is a real investment as very cheap and at the same time foldable to be easily stored anywhere. The bag comes in many colors, and the storage bag is also included within the package. The capacity of this bag is almost 20L. This is pretty much enough for a hiking trip.
One of the other important features of this bag is that it’s very lightweight. No wonder as it’s foldable and the material is very thin. While some people think this isn’t the best thing ever because it might tear easily, we believe it’s durable enough for a usual hiking trip.
- What We Love:
- The best day hiking backpack undr 100 for the price and colors it offers.
- Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Foldable
- Cheap price
- Enough space
- Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Material is slightly thin
HIKPRO 20L packable backpack
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Another foldable backpack with a very good material that resists scratches and tearing is the HIKPRO 20L packable backpack, which is great if you want to go light. The backpack has three pockets only for all your stuff. These bags are different from backpacks for travel or other backpacks for camping as you only need them for hours. So, they shouldn’t be very large to be comfortable as well when carrying.
Speaking of comfort, the backpack is one of the comfiest options on the list. This is actually the best backpack for hiking coming at a lightweight and super comfy material. The shoulder straps are a bit padded for your comfort. Best of all, the material of the backpack is water-resistant.
- What We Love:
- Another cheap option with good features that you’ll mostly need when going on a hiking trip.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and foldable
- Water-resistant
- Tera-resistant
- Cons:
- Not many pockets
Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack
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Some people believe that they need to pack more things on their hiking trips. Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack allows you to pack up to 40L of loads. However, the bag is still lightweight so as not to increase the weight on your shoulder. The bag is made of waterproof materials. Thus, it’s the best backpack for day hike in winter.
Further, it includes several compartments and pockets to organize your items inside. There are straps if you want to attach something to the bag. You can check the clips for backpacks if you need to attach other gear to the bag.
- What We Love:
- A durable option that will be good for hiking and other adventures especially on rainy days.
- Pros:
- Spacious interior
- Waterproof material
- Several straps and pockets
- lighweight
- Cons:
- Slightly thin material
Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack
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Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack mentions it clearly in the name. It’s a travel backpack and a hiking backpack as well. This means you can expect a lot of features in this backpack related to travel and hiking. The bag is made of nylon with water-resistant features. It also uses metal zippers for more durability.
The bag also includes more than one pocket to organize the carryings. You have the main pocket, which is, no doubt, the largest for your main luggage. Then, there are two other front pockets for smaller things and two side bottle pockets. Further, an internal pocket can include small items that you don’t want to be very handy.
- What We Love:
- One of the best foldable foldable travel bags and the best backpack for day hiking.
- Pros:
- Foldable and lightweight
- Different color options
- Multiple pockets
- Cons:
- Pockets take from each other’s space
Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack – new version
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Yes, you guessed it right. This is the same best day hiking backpack under 100 but the newer version. Outlander Packable Travel Hiking Backpack – the new version has the same features as the above backpack but has more additions. This backpack has the same number of pockets, but they don’t take from each others’ spaces. The two front pockets are located in two different positions allowing for more room.
Also, this version comes with a carabiner where you can attach things to the bag. So, you don’t need to get extra clips for the backpack. Another added feature is the chest strap which keeps the bag stable on your chest.
- What We Love:
- A backpack for hiking full of options and very comfortable for many hikers
- Pros:
- Comes with a carabiner
- Chest strap
- Multiple pockets
- Foldable
- Cons:
- Zippers aren’t the best quality
Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack
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If you want a very comfortable backpack and still the best day hiking backpack under 100, Osprey Hikelite 26 Hiking Backpack is the option to go for. This bag has one of the highest qualities. It’s made of breathable mesh at the backside. Thus, it works for your comfort during long hiking trips.
Further, it comes with a rain cover for winter hiking. The bag has a pocket for water bottles. Unlike most bags, it’s a large one, as it can hold up to a 3L water tank. This is very useful for long hiking trips. As for the compartments, this bag has a main pocket and stretchable side pockets in addition to a protective pocket for electronic devices or sunglasses.
- What We Love:
- A high-quality option if you’re looking for the best backpack for day hike that lives the longest.
- Pros:
- High-quality
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Breathable back
- Large bottles pocket
- Cons:
- Doesn’t suit tall people
G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack 40L foldable
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Here is another option with a very large loading capacity for hiking and maybe camping at the same time. G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack 40L foldable is a cheap backpack with a 40L capacity. It’s very roomy to carry hiking equipment, tent, and other luggage. The bag also has bungee ropes to attach more gear to the bag. Thus, this is the best option for those who need the largest capacity.
Moreover, this bag is very lightweight and foldable. We love the idea of foldable bags because they don’t consume space inside your travel bag. Also, they are very versatile and flexible when it comes to packing the backpack.
- What We Love:
- A very flexible option for hiking outside the city.
- Pros:
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- large capacity
- Has bungee ropes
- Cons:
- No many pockets
OneTrail Mini Me Compact Hiking Daypack
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Opposite to most hiking backpacks, this one is a compact and small design. OneTrail Mini Me Compact Hiking Daypack is a 10L bag for those who don’t want a load on their bag. You won’t be able to take lots of things inside this bag, but this is one of the tricks for adventure – packing the least to enjoy the primitive life.
Inside, the bag has lots of pockets to organize the few things you have. Also, it comes with padded shoulder straps that relieve the pain from your shoulders. Furthermore, it has a chest strap to distribute the weight evenly.
- What We Love:
- The best backpack for day hiking, traveling, biking, and all other activities.
- Pros:
- Compact design
- High-quality material
- Gentle on the shoulders
- Chest strap
- Cons:
- Zippers aren’t smooth
G4Free Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypacks
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G4Free Lightweight Packable Backpack Hiking Daypack comes in various colors and patterns. This way, you have lots of options to choose from. You can pick a very shiny and vibrant color like orange. or go for the basics and choose black. Alternatively, you may like to look unique and get one of the featured patterns of this bag. The bag itself is foldable similar to the other option on this list from the same brand. So, again, it’s a versatile product for the best backpack for day hike.
The bag has two zipper pockets only – one large pocket for the main luggage and the other small front pocket for on-the-go items. Also, there are two mesh pockets for bottles.
- What We Love:
- A compact and very flexible bag for hikes at a very cheap price.
- Pros:
- Different colors and patterns
- Foldable and lightweight
- Versatile
- Cheap
- Cons:
- Front pocket is very small
- Not waterproof
FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking
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Although FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking has a 40L capacity, it looks compact and small in size. The bag is similar to everyday backpacks we use for work, school, gym, or other outings. It has multiple pockets, straps, and, best of all, loops to attach other items. This backpack is made of polyester to stay for a very long time. The shoulder straps are padded and meshed for more comfort as well.
Although the bag is sturdy and can carry a lot, it comes in very lightweight. It weighs about 1.9 pounds. So, this bag is a very practical solution and comfortable at the same time.
- What We Love:
- A sturdy backpack with double strap reinforcment for the highest durability and longevity.
- Pros:
- Large capacity
- Good value for money
- Lightweight
- Sturdy construction
- Cons:
- Front zippers are small
SKYSPER Hiking Backpack
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SKYSPER Hiking Backpack is made of quality 50D nylon fabric. It’s wear-resistant and waterproof to protect your bag from any weather conditions. The manufacturer of the bag cares a lot about durability. Apart from the high-quality material, the stress points were all reinforced. Moreover, it comes with a rain cover to protect from water.
The bag comes with hanging loops, multiple pockets, and bottle pockets. They make the best day hiking backpack under 100 with multiple storage elements. All of these elements work for holding and carrying as many objects as you want.
- What We Love:
- Many hanging straps and loops to attach hiking tents, accessories, and other gear to free your hands.
- Pros:
- High-quality
- Sturdy construction
- Multiple pockets
- Hanging straps and loops
- Cons:
- Not comfortable shoulder straps
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack
2
A different style from all other backpacks on this list is the WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack, which has only one shoulder strap. Thus, it should be used for small hiking trips where you don’t need to pack a lot of things. However, you have three pockets; one large pocket with zippers and flap over closures and two other zipper pockets.
Both the shoulder strap and the backside are padded for comfort. If you aren’t carrying tons of objects, you’ll feel comfortable with this bag. The bag comes in unique colors as well. If you want a unique best day hiking backpack under 100, this is a nice choice.
- What We Love:
- A practical option with the front mobile phone pocket very handy when needed
- Pros:
- Comfortable
- High-quality
- Nice color
- Different design
- Cons:
- Not roomy
Sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack
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Closing off the list is this ideal backpack for hiking, the Sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack, which has a medium capacity which we believe is the best for hiking. You don’t need a very large bag that feels bulky while hiking, nor do you want a very small bag that doesn’t carry even the basic needs. Thus, the Sunhiker bag is just the best solution.
The bag is packed with features like lightweight, durability, functionality, and water resistance. All of these features provide you with the best backpack for day hiking which also comes at a good price. So, you have one of the most winning bargains you can ever do.
- What We Love:
- High quality zippers and material in addition to different color options.
- Pros:
- Chest strap
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable material
- Cons:
- Front pocket is small
How To Choose The Best backpack for day hiking
Looking for the best day hiking backpack under 100, you need to think about your needs as a hiker. These are totally different if you’ll pick a bag for everyday use. Thus, here you go with the important tips you have to consider when purchasing a new hiking backpack.
Comfort
Since you will be carrying this bag over your back all the time, you need the comfiest option ever. So, choose a bag that is padded from the backside and the shoulder straps as well. Also, adjustable shoulder straps are good for more comfort.
Attachment points
When hiking, you need to go hands-free. Thus, choose a bag with bungee ropes, straps, clips, or attachment loops. All these features allow you to attach several gear and items to your bag and free up your bag to include luggage and snacks for hiking.
Durability and lightweight
Your hiking backpack should be durable and withstanding to be able to carry hiking gear, water bottles, and everything else you need for hiking. At the same time, the bag itself should be lightweight so as not to add unnecessary weight to your back.
Should I go light or pack alot when hiking?
If your trip isn’t a long one, go as light as possible, so there is no need to overload your backpack. On the other side, if you have a long trip, you need to pack more things. However, make sure to bring your necessities only because packing a lot will hurt your back.
Which is better backpacks or crossbody bags for hiking?
You can find the best day hiking backpack under 100 in both styles. Backpacks for hiking are better in case you have more items as they are easier to carry. However, crossbody bags for hiking are handier and easier to pick things from inside the bag.
Can I go hiking in snowy weather?
Yes, you can, but make sure you have completed all the necessary precautions and packed everything you need. For example, don’t forget to take microspikes for hiking. Also, take the necessary snacks, drinks, and clothes for the cold weather conditions.
