The right pack disappears on your back; the wrong one is all you think about by mile three. Here’s a budget daypack, a quality day hiker, and a backpacking pack for when you go overnight — plus how to choose.
Our picks at a glance
The gear we’d actually carry, side by side:
The picks
ZOMAKE 20L ultralight — budget & packable
A featherweight, packable 20-liter pack that stuffs into its own pocket — perfect as a cheap first daypack or a stash-in-the-car spare for a spontaneous hike.
- 0.5 POUNDS OF PORTABLE ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PACKABLE BACKPACK: The size of the travel backpack packable is 17.71 x5.5x 10.6 inches,and the folding size is 6.7 x 6.7 x 1.97 inches.The lightweight foldable backpack is an ideal luggage bag for a plane.When it is not used,fold it into a compact pocket (sandwiches size).It can be stored in anywhere in pockets,luggage,handbags,etc
- 20L ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDABLE BACKPACK: Our packable hiking backpack water resistant capacity is 20L,the pocket distribution is reasonable,and items are stored in an orderly manner.The main bag is stored clothings,and tourist guidelines in inner partitions.One front bag stores small equipment such as mobile phones,mobile power supply,and two side bags store umbrellas,water bottles or sunglasses.Our small foldable backpack meets the needs of carrying lightweight items
- QUALITY ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PACKABLE BACKPACKS: Our ultralight foldable backpack are nylon materials for water resistant and tear resistance,and the water resistant performance is good (note:≠completely waterproof).We use double-layered wear-resistant new processes to strengthen the suture of the small packable backpack.A zipper made from two-way SBS metal and high-quality resin materials to avoid the zipper is stuck.The smooth zipper can give you a good sense of experience
- ELABORATE DESIGN: Our ultra lightweight foldable backpack adopts the latest back design to effectively reduce the pressure of the shoulders;According to ergonomic design,it can meet different people,old people.Anti-light strip is designed at the front bag zipper and two side bags,which play a protective role during the night walk
- GET THE AWARD-WINNING ZOMAKE ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDABLE BACKPACK: With the light performance and high quality of our ZOMAKE ultra lightweight backpack,we have provided high-quality services to 500,000 people in the world and received praise from many people.I believe that our light foldable backpack will be the perfect partner in your life.You can accompany you on foot,vacation,shopping,cycling,and exercise!
Osprey Sportlite 20L — the quality day hiker
A properly ventilated, comfortable 20L hiking pack from a brand famous for fit and its all-mighty guarantee. The one to buy if you hike regularly and want it to carry well and last.
- Quick-release upper compression straps
- Blinky light attachment slot at base of front panel
- Adjustable sternum strap with rescue whistle
- Atilon foam framesheet with a center air channel allows for maximum ventilation and is optimized for comfort and stability
Teton 65L internal frame — for overnights
When a day hike becomes an overnight, this 65-liter internal-frame pack hauls a sleeping bag, tent, and food comfortably at a fraction of premium-brand prices. See our camping gear guide.
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 65L, 75L or 85L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
- DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
How to choose a hiking pack
- Size to the trip. Day hikes: 15–25 L. Big day or winter layers: 25–35 L. Overnights: 50–65 L. Bigger isn’t better — you’ll just overfill it.
- Hydration. A sleeve and hose port for a reservoir keeps water handy, which means you actually drink enough at altitude. Side bottle pockets are a plus.
- Fit & ventilation. Match the pack to your torso length, not your height, and look for a ventilated back panel — Colorado sun makes a sweaty back real.
- Comfort features. A padded hip belt transfers weight off your shoulders (essential on bigger loads), and a rain cover is cheap insurance for afternoon storms.
FAQ
What size day pack do I need for hiking?
For a typical Colorado day hike, 15–25 liters carries water, layers, snacks, and the ten essentials. Go 25–35 L for big days or winter layers, and 50–65 L for overnights. Don’t oversize — you’ll just fill it and carry more.
Do I need a hydration-compatible pack?
It helps — a reservoir sleeve and hose port put water at your mouth, so you drink more, which matters at altitude. If you prefer bottles, make sure the pack has good side pockets you can reach.
What’s the difference between a daypack and a backpacking pack?
Size and support. Daypacks (15–35 L) are light and simple for out-and-back hikes; backpacking packs (50 L+) have a frame and a padded hip belt to carry a tent, sleeping bag, and food for overnights. See our camping gear guide.
How should a hiking pack fit?
Fit to your torso length, not your height. The hip belt should wrap your hips (not your waist) and carry most of the weight, with the shoulder straps snug but not bearing the load. A ventilated back panel keeps you cooler.
What pack is best for a 14er?
A 20–30 L pack with a hydration sleeve and room for layers, food, and the 14er essentials. You’ll want capacity for a shell and insulation since summits are cold and windy even in summer.
Is a premium pack like Osprey worth it over a budget one?
If you hike often, yes — better fit, ventilation, durability, and a strong guarantee make a quality pack more comfortable and longer-lasting. For occasional or backup use, a budget packable daypack is perfectly fine.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.