You want a travel bag that disappears in your suitcase but shows up when you need extra space at your destination. Packable backpacks let you carry day-trip essentials, stash souvenirs, or keep a personal item without adding bulk to your main luggage.
They save space, reduce weight, and give you flexible carrying options when plans change. This guide highlights 10 top packable backpacks so you can pick the one that matches how you travel and what you carry.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Ultralight | 94/100 | |
| 💰 Best Budget 45L | 92/100 | |
| 🎯 Best for Theme Parks | 92/100 | |
| ⭐ Best Minimalist 10L | 92/100 | |
| 🚀 Best Feature-Rich 40L | 88/100 | |
| 🔰 Most Packable 25L | 92/100 | |
| 💼 Best Lightweight 24L | 90/100 | |
| 🎨 Best Comfortable 20L | 92/100 | |
| 🏅 Best Value 30L | 92/100 | |
| 🎒 Best Waterproof 40L | 92/100 |
Selection Criteria
You care about a balance of weight, capacity, durability and packability. We looked for backpacks that collapse small enough to fit inside luggage, weigh little when empty, and still offer real carrying capacity and useful features at your destination. Key factors: weight and packed size (how small it folds), usable capacity for day trips, material durability and water resistance, comfortable carry (strap fit and any sternum/hip support), pockets and organization, and value for price. We also considered reviewer feedback about real-world durability and comfort so you can expect performance, not just specs.
This is the kind of daypack you actually want to shove into your luggage and forget about until you need it. It packs into its own pocket, expands to a usable 18 L, and keeps things simple with dual stretch side pockets, a quick-top pocket and breathable mesh shoulder straps. Because it’s so light and compact you’ll find yourself pulling it out for city walks, beach days, short hikes, gym runs or as an extra bag for souvenirs.
It also uses recycled, bluesign-approved fabric, so if you care about sustainability it’s a nice bonus. If you want a no-fuss, reliable spare pack that won’t take up space, this is an easy pick.
What People Say
Most people rave about how small it packs down and how much it can actually hold for its size. Reviewers commonly mention the durable-feeling lightweight fabric, thoughtful pockets and comfortable straps for day use.
A few users wish it had better water protection or a hip belt, but overall the consensus is that it’s a dependable, everyday travel companion.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, minimalist look that folds into a neat compact pouch; available in both muted and brighter color options so it blends in or stands out depending on your style.
Travel Ready
Designed for travel: tucks into luggage, fits in larger backpacks, has side bottle pockets and a top grab handle — perfect as a carry-on personal item or a sudden daypack at your destination.
Why You’ll Like It
- Self-stows into its own pocket so it takes almost no luggage space
- Ultra-lightweight — you barely notice carrying it
- Dual stretch side pockets and an internal key clip for quick access
- Breathable padded straps and an adjustable sternum strap with whistle
Rating: 4.7 (total: 756+)
If you like the idea of bringing an extra bag without the bulk, this is the one you’ll actually pack. It folds into its own small pouch, opens to a roomy 45 L and gives you a wet compartment, side bottle pockets and a survival whistle on the strap — handy for hikes, beach days, market runs or as an impulse-shopping rescue. The material is light but feels tougher than you’d expect, and the water-resistant front pocket is great for keeping a phone or documents safe in a drizzle. I’d call it a smart, no-fuss backup for travel and everyday outings; just don’t expect heavy laptop protection since it’s not padded for that.
What People Say
Buyers consistently praise how small this pack folds and how much it actually holds when you open it up. People like the thoughtful pockets — especially the wet pocket and bottle holders — and say the straps are comfortable for day use.
A few users mention concerns about long-term durability and the lack of laptop padding, but most agree it’s a very useful travel-day pack.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Simple sporty styling that looks good on trails or city streets; available in several colors and tucks into a neat bundle when packed away.
Travel Ready
Designed for travel: stuffs into luggage, fits as a spare daypack, has side pockets, a wet compartment and a shoulder whistle — ideal as a carry-on extra or a sudden day bag at your destination.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs down into its own pocket so it takes almost no luggage space
- Generous 45 L capacity with three compartments including a wet pocket
- Lightweight fabric that still resists splashes (IPX4) and has reinforced stress points
- Side mesh pockets for bottles and an easy top grab handle
- Shoulder-strap whistle and upgraded zippers for added practicality
Rating: 4.6 (total: 1628+)
You’ll appreciate how little space this takes when it’s packed away and how much it can actually hold once you open it up. The WATERFLY unfolds to about 16.9 x 11.4 x 5.5 in and gives you roughly 20 L of room while tipping the scales at just 10.2 oz (about 290 grams).
It has a main compartment, a couple of front pockets, a removable zip pocket and mesh side holders for bottles, so it works for theme-park days, airport sightseeing, beach trips or quick hikes. The fabric feels light but surprisingly sturdy and the zippers run smoothly — just be mindful the straps aren’t heavily padded, so it’s best for day loads rather than hauling a laptop all day.
Overall, it’s a low-fuss spare you’ll actually throw in your suitcase.
What People Say
Customers repeatedly point out how tiny this pack folds and how roomy it is when opened — people like that it’s lightweight yet capable of holding bottles, jackets and souvenirs. Reviews often praise the pockets and water resistance, while a few note the thin shoulder straps and occasional durability concerns after heavy daily use. Overall, buyers treat it as a dependable travel-day pack rather than a heavy-duty hiking bag.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, sporty look with bright color options; it tucks away into a neat bundle so it doesn’t look bulky when stored.
Travel Ready
Built for travel: compact when folded, airline-friendly size, side bottle pockets and quick-access compartments make it an ideal spare daypack for trips and sightseeing.
Why You’ll Like It
- Stuffs into its own pocket so it barely takes luggage space
- Lightweight recycled nylon construction — only 10.2 oz (≈290 g)
- 20 L capacity with multiple compartments and a removable zip pocket
- Side mesh pockets for water bottles and easy-access items
- Durable SBS zippers and polyester lining for smoother wear
- Versatile for parks, airports, hikes, cruises and everyday outings
Rating: 4.6 (total: 3348+)
You’ll notice how tiny this gets when it’s folded and how useful it is once you pop it open. The 10 L SKYSPER unfolds into a proper daypack that carries a 1 L bottle, snacks, a light jacket and a few extras while weighing only about 0.6 lb.
It has a main compartment, a roomy front zippered pocket, a tucked-away back pocket for valuables, two mesh side holders for bottles and a reflective strip for low-light visibility. The fabric feels lightweight but durable, and the whole thing stuffs into its interior pouch so it hardly takes luggage space.
It’s ideal for airport days, city sightseeing, short hikes and as a spare bag in your suitcase — just don’t expect heavy-duty padding or laptop protection.
What People Say
You’ll hear a lot of praise for how light and packable this backpack is and how many pockets it squeezes into a small package. Customers often highlight the hidden back pocket for peace of mind, the easy-access front zipper and the convenient bottle holders.
Common gripes tend to focus on thin shoulder straps, occasional zipper slip issues and that it isn’t meant for heavy loads or full waterproofing.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Simple, functional look with clean lines and several color options so it stays low-key in a suitcase but looks sporty when you wear it.
Travel Ready
Designed for travel: folds into a compact pouch, fits in carry-ons, includes side bottle pockets and quick-access zips that make it a handy spare for sightseeing and short hikes.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs into its own pocket so it barely takes space in luggage
- Ultra-light — roughly 0.6 lb while offering 10 L capacity
- Hidden back pocket keeps valuables more secure from pickpockets
- Front vertical zip and internal divider for quick access and organization
- Two side mesh pockets fit standard water bottles
- Ripstop-style fabric offers good durability for a lightweight pack
- Reflective strip adds a bit of night visibility for walks or early starts
- Works for airports, day hikes, sightseeing and everyday errands
Rating: 4.6 (total: 3550+)
You can stuff this into a suitcase and still have a proper 40 L daypack ready when you need it. The IGOLUMON unfolds from an internal pouch into a roomy pack with a main compartment, two front pockets, two side bottle holders and a dedicated waterproof wet pocket — handy after swims or sweaty hikes.
It’s made from tear-resistant, water-resistant nylon, has reinforced stress points, metal zips and breathable padded shoulder straps with a chest strap that includes a whistle. For travel and everyday use it’s great as a lightweight spare bag, airport carry-on, beach or boat pack, and a day hike companion.
If you regularly carry a laptop or heavy camping kit, you’ll want something stiffer, but if you want a durable, packable option that won’t weigh you down, this is a solid pick.
What People Say
Most folks praise how light and packable this backpack is and how many pockets it manages to fit into the design. Customers appreciate the wet pocket, the bottle holders and the reinforced fabric for day-to-day wear, and they frequently mention the comfortable padded straps. Common concerns are that the straps are a bit thin for heavy loads and zippers can catch fabric occasionally, so it’s not the top choice if you need laptop protection or heavy-duty backpacking support.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, sporty look in solid colors that stays low-key in a suitcase but looks outdoorsy when you wear it.
Travel Ready
Very travel-friendly: folds into an internal pouch, fits as a carry-on spare or daypack, includes quick-access pockets and side bottle holders that make sightseeing and short hikes easier.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs into its own pouch so it barely takes space in luggage
- Large 40 L capacity for day trips, clothes or extra gear
- Water-resistant ripstop nylon with reinforced stress points
- Dedicated wet pocket keeps damp items separate
- Multiple external pockets and bottle holders for easy organization
- Trekking pole attachments and bottom straps for extra carry options
- Lightweight — roughly 1 lb (about 530 g) yet sturdy for everyday use
- Chest strap with survival whistle and breathable padded shoulder straps
Rating: 4.4 (total: 744+)
You can stuff this into a suitcase and still have a proper 25 L daypack ready when you need it. It unfolds from its own zippered pocket into a roomy little pack with a main compartment, internal organizer pockets and two side holders for water bottles.
The fabric is lightweight and treated for water resistance, and the whole bag compresses down to a sandwich-size pouch so it won’t hog space in your luggage. It’s great as a spare carry-on, a city sightseeing bag, a beach or short-hike companion, and handy for errands when you don’t want a bulky pack.
If you usually carry heavy electronics or need rigid back support, go for something stiffer, but if you want a no-fuss, packable option that disappears when you don’t need it, this is a solid choice.
What People Say
People consistently praise how light and packable this backpack is and how much it manages to hold for its size. Folks like the color options, the number of pockets and the easy folding into its own pouch; common nitpicks are that it’s shapeless when empty, not meant for heavy loads, and only water-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
You get a clean, sporty look in solid colors that reads casual whether it’s folded in your bag or on your back.
Travel Ready
Very travel-friendly: it folds into a compact pouch, fits as a spare carry-on or daypack, and has quick-access pockets and side bottle holders that make sightseeing and short hikes easy.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs into its own internal pocket so it barely takes up space in luggage
- 25 L capacity fits a jacket, snacks, and essentials for a day out
- Extremely lightweight (about 9.6 ounces) — you’ll hardly notice it
- Water-resistant nylon protects against light rain (not fully waterproof)
- Multiple pockets and side bottle holders keep things organized
- Folds to a compact, sandwich-size pouch you can stash in a suitcase
- Adjustable shoulder straps that are comfortable for light loads
- Reinforced seams and two-way zippers for everyday travel wear
Rating: 4.6 (total: 6055+)
This is the kind of backup pack you’ll actually use. It stuffs down into a tiny pouch, then opens into a roomy 24 L daypack with a main compartment, a front zip pocket and two mesh side pockets for bottles. The fabric is surprisingly light and treated to resist a drizzle, and the reinforced stitching and two-way zippers hold up for typical travel and day-hike use. Toss it in your suitcase, keep it in your car, or use it as a spare on travel days — it’s perfect when you don’t want to haul a bulky bag but still need a reliable carry option.
If you plan to carry heavy loads or need firm back support on long treks, pick something more structured; otherwise, this one’s an easy, low-fuss choice.
What People Say
Customers regularly highlight how light and compact this pack is and how much it manages to hold for its size. People appreciate the water-resistant nylon, the handy pockets and the solid zippers, and many say it’s perfect as a spare travel bag or for short day trips. The most common concerns are that the material is thin compared with heavy-duty hiking packs and it lacks the padding and structure for long, heavy hikes.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, casual look in solid colors that reads sporty and unassuming whether folded away or worn.
Travel Ready
Very travel-friendly: compresses into a tiny pouch, fits as a backup carry-on, and has quick-access pockets and side holders that make day trips and sightseeing easy.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs into its own pouch so it takes almost no luggage space
- 24 L capacity fits a jacket, snacks and essentials for a day out
- Extremely lightweight (about 3.7 oz) — you barely notice it
- Water-resistant nylon and zipper fend off light rain
- Tear-resistant 30D nylon and reinforced seams for everyday travel
- Front pocket plus internal organization and two mesh bottle pockets
- Quick to unfold and stow — great as a spare carry-on or daypack
- Backed by returns and a 12-month warranty for peace of mind
Rating: 4.5 (total: 7760+)
This is the kind of daypack you’ll actually reach for when you need something light, reliable and easy to stash. It unfolds to a handy 20 L pack (18″ x 10″ x 9″) with an internal sleeve for a tablet or small laptop, front pockets for quick access, and mesh side holders for a bottle. The fabric is ripstop polyester with a StormRepel WR finish, so it sheds light rain, and the extended shoulder straps plus a hip belt make it surprisingly comfortable for hours on the go. When folded into its own pocket it takes up almost no room in your suitcase, which makes it ideal as a backup carry-on, a beach or market bag, or a spare for day hikes and sightseeing.
If you routinely carry heavy loads or need a framed pack for long treks, pick something more structured; otherwise this one’s an easy, low-fuss companion you’ll keep in your travel rotation.
What People Say
Shoppers consistently point to how compact and light this pack is and how much it manages to hold for its size. People appreciate the water-shedding finish, solid zippers and the comfortable straps and hip belt that make it usable for hours.
Common notes of caution are the shallower mesh bottle pockets, the packed pouch being a bit larger than some competitors, and that it doesn’t offer the structure you’d want for heavy, extended backpacking.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, classic silhouette in solid colors that works as easily at a café as on a trail.
Travel Ready
Very travel-friendly: compresses into a small pocket, fits under plane seats as a personal item, and offers quick-access pockets and a sleeve for a tablet or small laptop.
Why You’ll Like It
- Packs into its own pocket for tiny storage footprint
- 20 L capacity fits a jacket, snacks, water and a tablet or small laptop
- Ultra-lightweight construction (about 0.6 lbs) you barely notice
- StormRepel WR finish helps keep contents dry in light rain
- Ripstop polyester and reinforced stitching for everyday durability
- Extended shoulder straps and a hip belt add comfort on longer days
- Front and quick-access pockets keep essentials reachable
- Versatile for city travel, weekend getaways, beach days and day hikes
Rating: 4.6 (total: 1083+)
You’ll reach for this one when you want a no-fuss, roomy daypack that tucks away into a tiny pouch. It opens to a 30 L pack with a main compartment, inner divider, a laptop sleeve-like pocket, two front pockets and mesh side holders for bottles. The nylon shell is water-resistant and the two-way zippers feel reliable; there’s a chest strap with a whistle and reflective accents for added safety. It’s light enough to carry all day for city wandering, beach trips, or shore excursions, yet roomy for weekend outings or as a backup carry-on.
If you need serious frame support or heavy-duty padding for full-day treks, go with a structured pack — but for everyday travel, errands and short hikes this one’s a very practical companion you can stash and forget until you need it.
What People Say
Buyers regularly highlight how much this pack manages to hold for its size and how handy it is to fold into a small pouch. People like the pockets, the chest strap and the water-resistant fabric, and many call out the solid zippers and light weight. Some users mention limited padding and occasional wear at seams after heavy use, so it’s best as a daypack or travel backup rather than a heavy-duty hiking pack.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Simple, functional silhouette in solid colors that looks casual and travel-ready without drawing attention.
Travel Ready
Extremely travel-friendly: compresses into a small pouch that fits in a suitcase, works as a personal item on flights, and gives quick-access pockets for sightseeing and day trips.
Why You’ll Like It
- Folds into its own compact pocket for tiny storage footprint
- 30 L capacity fits a jacket, snacks, water bottle and extras
- Very lightweight — easy to carry and pack down in luggage
- Water-resistant nylon helps keep things dry in light rain
- Multiple compartments and mesh side pockets for organization
- Chest strap with whistle and reflective accents for safety
- Two-way zippers and reinforced stitching for everyday use
- Adjustable straps make it comfortable for casual day trips
Rating: 4.6 (total: 16328+)
You’ll like how this one tucks into its own pocket yet opens up to a true 40 L daypack. It’s light enough to carry all day (about 11.5 oz unfolded) and has a dedicated waterproof wet pocket, two side bottle holders, a main compartment with a small zip pocket and a few front pockets for quick-access items.
The fabric is water-resistant and the two-way zippers feel sturdy, while S-shaped padded straps and a chest strap with a whistle make it comfortable for sightseeing, shore excursions or running errands. It works great as a backup bag for travel, a personal item on planes, or a simple hiking/camping daypack — if you need heavy-duty frame support, pick a structured pack instead.
What People Say
Customers frequently note how much this pack holds for its folded size and appreciate that it packs away into a small pouch. People praise the water-resistant fabric, the wet pocket for damp items, plentiful pockets and reliable zippers.
Common drawbacks mentioned are minimal strap padding, occasional strap loosening over long use, and some wishing for a luggage-sleeve for suitcase carry.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Style
Clean, functional silhouette in solid and patterned options that looks casual and travel-ready without being flashy.
Travel Ready
Extremely travel-friendly: compresses into a compact pouch that fits in checked luggage or a suitcase pocket, works as a personal item on flights, and is handy for cruises, day trips and airport carry-on needs.
Why You’ll Like It
- Folds into its own front pocket for tiny storage footprint
- 40 L capacity fits a jacket, towel, snacks and extras
- Very lightweight — easy to carry and pack down in luggage
- 100% waterproof wet pocket keeps damp items separate
- Multiple compartments and deep side mesh pockets for organization
- Water-resistant, tear-resistant polyamide fabric with reinforced seams
- Two-way zippers and decent construction for everyday use
- Adjustable S-shaped padded straps and chest strap with whistle
Rating: 4.6 (total: 2544+)
FAQ
How To Choose The Right Packable Backpack For Travel?
You should pick a packable backpack based on what you plan to carry and how you travel. Look at the capacity in liters to match your needs — tiny daypacks (around 10–20 L) work for city sightseeing while 30–45 L gives you room for beach gear, towels or extra clothes. Check the pack’s weight and folded dimensions so it truly saves space in your luggage, and prefer ripstop or high-denier nylon for better abrasion resistance.
Evaluate strap comfort and whether it has a sternum or hip strap if you expect longer walks, and choose models with at least one quick-access pocket and side bottle holders for convenience. Finally, confirm whether it self-stows into an internal pocket and read the item specs for warranties or reinforced stress points to gauge long-term reliability.
Are Packable Backpacks Durable And Water-Resistant Enough For Real Trips?
Many modern packable backpacks are surprisingly tough thanks to ripstop fabrics and reinforced stitching, so they perform very well for day trips, souvenirs and light hikes, but they aren’t a replacement for a structured, padded trekking pack when you carry heavy or sharp items. Water-resistant coatings and tight weaves will shed light rain, but water-resistant is not the same as fully waterproof — seams and zippers are the usual weak spots — so protect electronics and important items inside a dry bag or sealed pouch.
If you treat them gently (avoid dragging across rough surfaces and don’t overload beyond the stated capacity) and patch small tears with ripstop tape, they can last many trips.
How Do I Pack And Care For A Packable Backpack While Traveling?
Pack it folded into its pocket or strap it inside your main luggage so it’s ready when you need extra capacity or a daypack for excursions. When using it, distribute heavier items low and close to your back, use small pouches for electronics and toiletries to prevent pokes through thin fabric, and use the sternum or hip strap if available to stabilize the load.
After use, spot clean or follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, air dry completely before storing to prevent mildew, and keep a small repair kit (needle, strong thread or ripstop tape) for quick fixes. Treat it as a versatile backup: great for sightseeing, souvenir runs, and short hikes, but don’t rely on it for prolonged heavy loads or to replace a fully featured backpack for multi-day treks.
What Travelers Prefer
When you choose among the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack, MIYCOO Packable 45L, and WATERFLY 20L, you typically prioritize capacity versus weight and packability along with durability, comfort, and price. So if you need maximum capacity for longer trips you lean toward the MIYCOO 45L, if you want the lightest, reliably built option you pick the Osprey, and if you want an inexpensive, compact daypack for short outings you go with the WATERFLY.
Wrapping Up
Pick the packable backpack that fits how you travel. If you want the absolute lightest and most travel-focused option, the Osprey Stuff Pack is built to disappear in your luggage and reappear when you need it. If you need big, affordable capacity choose the MIYCOO 45L or a similarly roomy ZOMAKE model.
For short park days or minimal carry the smaller WATERFLY, SKYSPER or 4Monster options give you strength and organization without bulk. Finally, if water resistance matters, prioritize the G4Free or ripstop options with treated finishes. Whatever you choose, a packable daypack gives you flexibility, frees you from overpacking, and makes sightseeing and shopping easier — which is what travel is supposed to be about.
| Product | Image | Rating | Capacity (Liters) | Weight (Ounces) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack |
|
4.7/5 (756 reviews) | 18 | 5.2 |
| MIYCOO Backpack – Ultra Lightweight Packable |
|
4.6/5 (1,628 reviews) | 45 | 12.8 |
| WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack |
|
4.6/5 (3,348 reviews) | 20 | 10.2 |
| SKYSPER Small Daypack 10L Hiking Backpack |
|
4.6/5 (3,550 reviews) | 10 | 9.6 |
| IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L Packable |
|
4.4/5 (744 reviews) | 40 | 18.6 |
| ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L |
|
4.6/5 (6,055 reviews) | 25 | 9.6 |
| 4Monster Hiking Daypack |
|
4.5/5 (7,760 reviews) | 24 | 3.7 |
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