No matter where you hike, a good daypack is a must on your carry-on list. Trust us, a quality daypack will give you a whole different experience, especially when compared to a regular water bottle. You could even say it’s a significant game changer! So, in this article, we’ll talk about the best hiking daypack for women. We’ll discuss in detail some of the alternatives that are currently available on the market, as well as what to expect from the best women’s hiking daypack. Aren’t you all excited? Well, don’t move your pointer around, and stay tuned for more interesting insights!
How to Choose Best Hiking Daypack for Women
Unlike the regular daypacks, the best hiking daypack for women carries a special design. It was built to fit the female anatomy. That’s why you’ll find a few differences, such as a slanted waist strap and a narrower shoulder strap. All are made in such a way, so the daypack manages to provide a snug fit and feel comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
The question is, how do you choose the best women’s hiking daypack? Well, this is basically determined by how you plan to use the daypack and how versatile you want it to be. Remember, a good daypack is supposed to be tough, have pockets for many things, and come in the right size. And with that in mind, here are some tips you can consider when looking for the best hiking daypack for women.
Size
Longer hikes will require more supply. Therefore, it’s logical to look for the best women’s hiking daypack with larger compartments, as they can accommodate more water, snacks, and climbing equipment. However, if you’re not planning on bringing extra gear or a pair of clothes, a smaller pack should do the trick. It’ll even allow you to move around more easily, as you have a lightweight and compact bag on your back.
Features
The best women’s hiking daypack generally comes with lots of technical features. You really have to know which ones you really need and which ones you don’t. For example, if sturdiness is your main concern, opt for the best hiking daypack for women that has an internal frame. But remember, this feature will make the pack a little heavier. Furthermore, for those planning to go on a long hike, get a daypack with a waist strap, hydration compartment, and a water bottle pocket. They’ll keep things in place and help you stay hydrated during the adventure.
Fittings
Another factor worth considering is fittings. The best hiking daypack for women should come with adjustable straps, so you can make some customizations to suit the shape of your torso. Our advice, give it a try before you decide. Check if the daypack feels uncomfortable or chafe, especially when you put a lot of stuff in it.
How Do I Choose a Hiking Daypack?
Basically, it depends on how long you plan on climbing. In most cases, however, a pack with a capacity of 18-25 liters should do the job. Apart from that, make sure that the backpack has a water bottle pocket or compartment for a hydration reservoir, so you won’t be short of water supply.
What Is a Good Weight for a Hiking Pack?
There are no exact rules regarding this. But based on general practice, a daypack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 percent of your body weight. This way, you can stay comfortable during the hike and don’t put too much stress on your back.
What is The Best Daypack for Hiking?
Well, there are several brands that you can consider. REI and The North Face are among the most popular among hikers. But if you’re a little tight on your budget, you can opt for Deuter or Osprey products. The good news is, you can find some of our reviews on them on this list!
Mindshift Gear Rotation 180
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Love to take some pictures while you’re on a hike? Then the Mindshift Gear Rotation 180 is your best hiking daypack for women. It allows you to take a snap, without having to make the pack go off your back. That’s because this thing includes a rotating belt pack, dedicated to storing the camera and lenses. Say goodbye to the extra stress on your neck, since you don’t have to hike with your camera hanging over your body!
Overall, this is a recommended best women’s hiking daypack. If anything is stopping you from getting one, it’s the main compartment. As you may have noticed, this daypack doesn’t have enough space to hold a 15-inch Macbook. While this isn’t a massive deal-breaker, this should be a problem when you need to have your laptop around.
What We Love
Provides direct access to cameras and lenses, without requiring you to take off the entire daypack from your back
Pros:
- Hydration reservoir pocket
- Compartment for storing travel gear
- Quick access to gear
- Rotating belt pack
Cons:
- It can’t accommodate a 15-inch laptop
Mystery Ranch Scree 32
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No matter what kind of adventure you go on, Mystery Ranch Scree 32 will serve you well. There are three zippers, each of which has a unique design and offers quick access to some of your essentials. For smaller items, there’s a hip belt on the side. As for added convenience, Mystery Ranch includes a padded mesh backing and straps.
As you’d expect from the best hiking daypack for women, the Scree 32 comes with a hydration sleeve and a water bottle pouch. It’s also specifically designed for females and is available in two different sizes. Furthermore, there are three alternative colors to choose from, namely black, cargo, and galaxy. Too bad they don’t come in the lighter tones. However, it’s not a big problem. Make sure you check out this bag while you can.
While daypacks are crucial in a hike, maintaining your stamina is something that’s equally important. Therefore, make sure you check out our great recommendations on the 13 best energy bars for hiking. Get the boost you need to reach the peak in no time!
What We Love
A daypack that can serve well in all kinds of adventures
Pros:
- Zippered lid pocket
- Water bottle pockets
- Hydration reservoir compatible
- Double-layered bottom
Cons:
- 32L is probably too small for backpacking
Deuter Trail 28 SL
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Deuter Trail 28 SL is designed for seasoned climbers. It comes with a fairly massive compartment, able to accommodate more gear, food, and other supplies. Apart from that, there’s a padded back and straps that can be adjusted according to your profile. When it comes to technicalities, this daypack is truly a powerhouse. You’ve got almost everything you can imagine, from carabiner loops, two-way front zippers, hip belt pockets, to side stretch pockets.
Hike somewhere tropical? Not a big deal, because the Deuter Trail 28 SL includes a rain cover. And even better, this bag is compatible with hydration reservoirs and qualifies as a great carry-on. So, if you’re planning to hike all day long or go on an intense outdoor adventure, this best hiking daypack for women should be your go-to gear.
What We Love
Designed for seasoned climbers, it features a variety of different technicalities
Pros:
- Padded hip belt
- Carabiner clasps
- Removable rain cover
- Walking pole holder
Cons:
- It feels a little heavier
Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL Pack
10
Deuter is perhaps the most-mentioned name when you’re looking for reviews and insights about the best hiking daypack for women. And that’s no surprise, considering that they’ve been in the industry for a while. The Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL is one of their newest innovations. It has quickly become popular with hikers, all thanks to its excellent durability and dimensions.
Apart from that, this pack comes with tons of tech features. You’ll find a water bottle pouch on the side, plus a special slot for a hydration reservoir. Furthermore, there are some extra conveniences, such as trekking polished loops and hip belt pockets. So, if you’re looking for the best women’s hiking daypack with proven capabilities, this one is worth considering.
What We Love
Popular with hikers, all thanks to its excellent durability and dimensions
Pros:
- Padded AirMesh shoulder straps
- U-shaped frame
- HexLite Polyamide
- 3-liter hydration system
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack
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If you prefer an all-in-one daypack, the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack would be a great option. From what we’ve read, this product is really tough. Some users claim to have taken it to some rough spots, such as the Everest basecamp and the Canadian mountains. Even though it comes in a smaller package, this pack serves them really well.
You’ll get nothing less than a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir, tons of accessory pockets, and a reliable hip belt. For some extra layers, Osprey added a couple of mesh pockets here. The hip belt itself sort of hugs around your waist, which is a welcome design. If you still haven’t decided on the best hiking daypack for women, you won’t go wrong with this one.
What We Love
A tough and reliable all-round daypack
Pros:
- 2.5-liter hydration reservoir
- Pole attachment
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Dual-zippered hip belt pockets
Cons:
- The side zipper is a little awkward
CamelBak Helena 20 Hydration Pack
8
No need to worry about water supply when you hike with the CamelBak Helena 20 Hydration Pack. That’s because this pack has a hydration reservoir with a capacity of up to 2.5 liters. And as you’d expect from the best hiking daypack for women, it comes with all the basics. Starting from the main compartment for lining and food, side pockets, to zip pockets to store all your essentials.
Since this pack is made specifically for women, you should have a perfect fit. Apart from that, there’s a breathable padded backing to help you stay comfortable throughout the hike. As for color, this backpack comes in olive and teal. If you don’t mind spending around 100 bucks, then this is your best women’s hiking daypack.
What We Love
Its 2.5 liter hydration reservoir will solve your water supply problem throughout the hike
Pros:
- Breathable air mesh
- Essential org pocket
- Hip belt load bearing
- Cargo compression
Cons:
- The hip strap should be longer
Osprey Tempest 20
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The Osprey Tempest 20 will be great for those who prefer something in the middle. This daypack comes with just the right dimensions. Not too bulky, but not too tiny either. For even greater comfort, the Osprey includes chest and waist straps. And since this pack is a women-specific fit, you won’t mind wearing it for long periods of time.
To keep some extra accessories, this best hiking daypack for women has a front mesh pocket that stretches. Apart from that, there’s an external hydration sleeve, which should come in handy for longer hikes. However, please note that you’ll need to purchase the hydration reservoir separately.
Interested in some other hiking gear recommendations? Well, you’re in luck, because we have a lot of them here! For those who want to stay warm and agile during winter hikes, be sure to check our coverage on the 13 best water shoes for women.
What We Love
It comes in just the right dimensions, not too bulky but not too compact either
Pros:
- Dual-zippered access to the main compartment
- External hydration sleeve
- Adjustable shoulder harness
- Stretch mesh pockets
Cons:
- This may be too small for someone with a more generous profile
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L
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If a full-frame kit isn’t your idea of the best women’s hiking daypack, then you should give the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L a try. This pack comes with a frameless design, so it’s much lighter and portable than similar products around. But make no mistake, you’ll still get more than enough space to pack a few layers and extra gear in here. And thanks to the drawstring closure, you won’t have to struggle with zippers when trying to access your items.
Compared to other best hiking daypacks for women on this list, the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L is lacking in technicality. But that’s understandable, considering that this pack is designed for casual travel, not serious hikes. Apart from that, you should know that Cotopaxi uses recycled fabric as the main material. So when you want an eco-friendly option for your daypack, this one is definitely worth considering.
What We Love
A great daypack for casual travel, with a more than adequate main compartment
Pros:
- Drawstring closure
- Front zippered pocket
- Durable
- Ultralight mesh shoulder straps
Cons:
- Not made for advanced hikes
Gregory Maya 16
5
Coming with a relatively small capacity, the Gregory Maya 16 is better suited for a short hike or cross-country run. If you don’t feel like carrying too much gear, this pack will serve you well. It has a mesh back panel, which allows you to get the optimal airflow. And to help with the water supply thing, there’s a separate hydration pocket.
Even though it may not seem like it, Gregory Maya 16 is actually the best hiking daypack for women with a thoughtful design. On closer inspection, we realized that this pack has a lot of nice touches. For example, there’s an easily-accessible slot for hanging your sunglasses. Plus, multiple stretches mesh pockets for storing a few extra items.
What We Love
A lightweight pack with a thoughtful design, great for a quick hike or trail run
Pros:
- 100 percent nylon
- Biosync suspension
- Airwave back panel
- 3D hydro reservoir
Cons:
- Not suitable for long hikes
Deuter Trail 30
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Planning to explore some tough terrain in the near future? Then you may want to get a gear that’s able to take on different types of abuse. For that, we can’t recommend the Deuter Trail 30 pack enough. This is the best women’s hiking daypack designed for serious hikers. The main material is carefully selected to ensure optimal performance in an alpine-like environment.
This top-loader also has front panel access, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting to your items, no matter how deep they’re buried in the pack. Apart from that, there’s a wide foam hip belt that provides great tightness and safety, preventing things from moving around as you move. And just like most other best hiking daypacks for women, the Deuter Trail 30 also comes with an ice ax loop, dual shaft holders, and trekking pole holders.
What We Love
Made for the serious hiker, it comes with a variety of technical features
Pros:
- Deuter Aircontact Trail system
- Hydration system compatible
- 30L of volume
- Wet laundry compartment
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
Osprey Stratos 36
3
While it’s not exactly the best hiking daypack for women, the Osprey Stratos 36 Pack is a great alternative for some complex hikes. It comes with a larger volume, allowing you to pack more gear. Apart from that, there’s a mesh back panel for storing wet laundry. So if you’re planning on doing some winter hikes in the near future, this pack is definitely worth considering.
Apart from those already mentioned, the Osprey Stratos 36 Pack comes with several other technical features, including two closed pockets on the top lid, two large zippered pockets, and a bottom hatch. For extra protection from unfavorable weather, there’s a rain cover included. And in case you need to bring some extra gear, this pack features an ice ax loop, trekking pole holder, and a shaft holder.
And since you’re here, why don’t you check out our other hike-related content? We’ve got great coverage on the 13 best binoculars for hiking. Be sure to check it out if you plan to enjoy the surrounding nature.
What We Love
A reliable pack for complex hikes
Pros:
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Ventilated back panel
- Two zippered hip-belt pockets
- Trekking pole attachment
Cons:
- The water bottle pouch is hard to reach when you put the pack on
Gregory Zulu 30
2
Featuring a ventilated frame and wrap-around hip belt, the Gregory Zulu 30 is a dynamic pack that’s comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It feels easy on your back and won’t slow you down. Stay hydrated, as the backpack also comes with two water bottle pockets. As for storage, you’ll find a front stretch pocket, two internal pockets, and an interior zip pocket.
The main compartment itself is really easy to access, with a U-shaped zipper. Inside, you’ll find a special sleeve to accommodate a hydration reservoir. To conclude, this product truly deserves to be called the best women’s hiking daypack. It’s dynamic and features a great design. Totally worth your money and time.
What We Love
A dynamic pack, allowing you to get better overall agility
Pros:
- Free Float suspension
- Full U-zip access
- Custom-fit
- Quick Stow Sunglass
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
Northface Women’s Recon
1
The North Face is a brand that’s generally associated with quality. One of their last offerings, Northface Women’s Recon, is no exception. Since its first release, this product has received hundreds of positive reviews from climbers from around the world. Most praise the FlexVent suspension system, which allows you to get cool back and consistent comfort throughout the climb. Apart from that, this pack is also made of high-quality fabric.
However, that doesn’t mean Northface Women’s Recon is a flawless product. It weighs around 2 lbs, which is considered too heavy for a frameless pack. Apart from that, the removable waist strap isn’t too tight. But with that being said, this is still the best hiking daypack for women worth checking out. Especially if you plan to pack a lot.
What We Love
A special suspension system that allows you to get cool backs during the climb
Pros:
- FlexVent suspension system
- High-quality fabric
- Frameless design
- Available in many colors
Cons:
- It’s a little too heavy for a frameless pack
