Name: Best Hiking Daypacks for Women in 2023
Brand: bearfoottheory.com
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Best Hiking Daypacks for Women in 2023

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Skip to contentAre you an avid hiker looking for the perfect daypack? Or maybe you’re new to the outdoors and not sure what type of day hiking backpack is best for you. Either way, we’ve got you covered below with our roundup of the best hiking daypacks for women.Bearfoot Theory is made up of an all-women team of experienced hikers who understand the unique needs and challenges faced by women when selecting gear for their outdoor adventures.We also provide a few tips on what to look for when choosing a daypack, so you can make sure you pick the perfect one for your needs. The best women’s daypacks for hiking are specifically designed with women’s anatomy in mind. They typically include features like more padded hip straps and narrower shoulder straps that will fit better overall. If you’re a female and struggling to find a pack that fits you comfortably, we’ve got your back.Where to shopThe Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack is a Bearfoot Theory favorite because it has a lot of great features that make it versatile and comfortable to hike with. I like that the large zipper on the main compartment provides easy access, especially if you are carrying a camera that you are frequently pulling out of your backpack.The Mira 22 comes with a 2.5-liter hydration reservoir and it features lots of pockets as well as a comfortable hip belt. I also like to use the outer mesh pouch to stash extra layers. The hip belt hugs nicely around your body, which I like, but may not be as comfortable depending on your body type.I took a similar Osprey daypack with me to Everest Basecamp and Becky, our behind-the-scenes assistant uses the larger 32 L model for many of her bikepacking adventures.Where to shopThe Osprey Tempest 9 is the daypack that Linda, Bearfoot Theory’s Director, uses on short day hikes. With only a 9-liter gear carrying capacity, it’s definitely on the small side, but if you don’t need to carry much it’s a perfect companion for the trail.She loves the zipper pockets for storing small essentials like keys and a phone, and the main interior is big enough to fit all the basics including warm layers, a camera, and snacks. There’s even a handy sunglasses holder on one of the shoulder straps and the small hip belt pockets are great for easy-to-access items.This daypack is small, lightweight, and comfy to wear with padded, breathable backing and straps that help keep you cool as you hike. The hydration sleeve makes it easy to take your hydration reservoir in and out to refill (sold separately – Linda uses the 2.5L Osprey hydration reservoir with this daypack although you could probably go as big as the 3L size).And finally, this pack comes in two sizes (XS/S and M/L) so you can find the right fit for you. Linda is 5’3″ and wears the XS/S. Overall it’s our favorite small and lightweight women’s daypack for hiking.Where to shopIf weight is a factor when deciding which daypack to choose, the Hyperlite Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is our top choice. Not only is it super lightweight at just 1.2 lbs, but it’s also made from durable Dyneema fabric and features a minimalistic design. While it’s not completely waterproof, it is water-resistant and can withstand rain or even storms.I have a Hyperlite Mountain gear backpacking pack and it’s so durable and lightweight with a simple yet functional design, and their daypack is no different.The biggest complaint about this pack is that while there is a sleeve inside where you could technically put a hydration bladder, there is no hole to run a hose through to the outside of the pack. So your best bet when using this daypack is to keep your water in bottles on the outside of the pack. Also, if you’re someone who loves lots of pockets, you might be frustrated with the lack of organization in this pack.Where to shopThe Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Daypack is a frameless hiking daypack, so it’s very lightweight and packs down easily making it great for travel. The main compartment is large enough to cram extra layers into and it has a drawstring closure so there’s no fumbling around with a zipper. Plus, there’s a hydration sleeve and adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit.The lack of technical features and support means that this is not the best daypack for serious hikes, but for travel, light day hikes, and other activities, it’s a great option. We also love Cotopaxi’s ethos and their use of recycled fabrics handpicked by their staff.If you like the look and idea of this pack but need something a bit larger, check out the Luzon 24L version.Where to shopIf you get really sweaty when you hike, then the Deuter AC Lite 22 SL pack is for you. It has a mesh back panel that provides excellent airflow along your back, making it a great choice for hot summer climates. I normally sweat a lot and this pack leaves me feeling dry.It’s also lightweight and sits nice and tight to your body for a streamlined fit. The pack has one big compartment with a drawstring opening that you can stuff your gear into along with a zippered pocket in the lid. There is a water bottle pocket on each side as well and a little zippered slot for your phone.There isn’t as much organization and pockets as some of the other daypacks on the list, so that may be a dealbreaker for you. I also don’t like that there are no pockets on the hip belt and there are no load lifter straps so the fit isn’t that adjustable. But I love the new color options!Where to shopGregory makes some of our favorite backpacking backpacks, so it’s no surprise they deliver great women’s daypacks as well. The Gregory Juno 30 H2O Pack Plus is the ideal day hiking pack for plus-size women due to its thoughtful design and superior comfort features. The pack is fully adjustable, with a suspension system that can be customized to fit your unique body shape and size.The extended-length shoulder straps and hip belt are also specially designed to fit a plus-size body compared to a traditional daypack, providing extra support and comfort during hikes.The pack also features an integrated hydration system, allowing you to stay hydrated on the go without having to stop and access a separate water bottle. Its durable construction and lightweight design make it a perfect choice for plus-size women who want a comfortable and reliable day hiking pack that can keep up with their active lifestyle.Where to shopThe Gregory Jade 28 has been my latest go-to women’s day hiking backpack. It’s very comfortable, has a very supportive waistband, and has an adjustable torso you can customize the fit based on your torso length.There are lots of pockets for organization and the side pockets are big enough for a Nalgene. I really like that access to the main compartment is through a zipper rather than a lid with clips. It makes it really quick and easy to get in and out of the pack – this is especially important for me because Ryan can quickly grab the camera out of my pack without having to deal with a bunch of clips.The pockets on the waistbelt are large enough for a normal-sized iPhone (the Max would be too big). While the back panel is ventilated, I still get sweaty in hot humid weather, but it’s not so bad in dry climates though.Where to shopThe REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack is a very popular choice for day hikers because it’s lightweight, comfortable, and comes at an affordable price. It’s designed with a hydration pocket, padded straps, and side mesh pockets for easy access. We also love that it’s made with recycled materials. An added bonus is an included rain cover in case you’ll be hiking in wet weather.Where to shopIf you’re a climber or if you plan on going on all-day hikes and other more extensive outdoor adventures where you need to carry more gear, layers, and food, you may want something a little larger like the Deuter Trail 28 SL.This pack has a comfortable padded back and straps that are adjustable so you can get the fit just right for you. It also has all the technical features you might need like helmet and carabiner loops, a two-way front zipper for easy interior access, hip belt pockets, a side stretch pocket, and internal pockets for valuables. It even comes with a rain cover and is also hydration-reservoir compatible. This pack makes a great airplane carry-on, too.Where to shopThe Mystery Ranch Scree 32L Backpack is one of the best women’s daypacks for hiking, especially if you plan on doing all-day hikes and adventures and need to keep your gear organized. The unique 3-zipper design provides easy access to interior items and the zippered stash pockets on the lid and hip belt keep your smaller essentials easily accessible.The padded mesh backing and straps should keep you comfortable on the trail and the hydration sleeve and side water bottle pockets will help you stay hydrated. This women’s specific pack comes in two different sizes frame sizes, XS/S and M/L, and makes a great airplane carry-on as well.Where to shopThe REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack is a great option for all-day hikes when you want room to carry everything you need. This higher capacity daypack has awesome organization compartments and a helpful U-shaped zipper in the front that fully opens the main compartment making it super easy to pack and locate items. This makes it a great option for travelThe zippered belt pockets are large enough to hold your cell phone and other must-haves that you want at your hip. It’s also affordable and can double as a backpacking pack for short overnight trips. It comes in two frame sizes to accommodate different torso lengths.Below are a few of my favorite pieces of day hiking gear and recommendations:The kind of hikes you plan on using your daypack for and how versatile you want your pack to be will be big factors in determining the best daypack for you. We’ll cover that below along with a couple of other key factors to consider. But first, what exactly is the difference between a regular backpack and a backpack for hiking? We’re glad you asked.The best women’s daypacks for hiking are made to be durable, lightweight, and comfortable while you’re on the trail. With the right size and fit, you should hardly even notice you’re carrying one when you’re hiking. A good hiking daypack should stand up to the wear and tear of the trail – it shouldn’t rip if you snag it on a thorny bush or slide it across rocks.&nbsp; They also have a number of technical features that come in handy while hiking – things like a place for your water bottle or hydration reservoir, exterior pockets for easy access to snacks, your phone, extra layers, or whatever else is important to you, straps for attaching things like trekking poles, and more.If you’ve never hiked with a good hiking daypack, you’ll never go back once you get one. And if you’re in the market for a new one, we hope the tips below will help you upgrade to a new daypack that you absolutely love.Going on a serious, all-day hike requires a more technical pack with more support than you would need for a two-hour hike. For a longer hike, you’ll want a slightly bigger pack to fit more snacks, layers, water, and other hiking essentials. You’ll also want something more comfortable with padded backing, padded straps, and a hip belt and chest strap to distribute the weight so it’s not all on your shoulders. And you’ll likely want something with space for a hydration reservoir so you can carry more water for easy drinking compared to packing a water bottle.A typical daypack is less than 40 liters, however, there are exceptions so if you know you want to be able to carry more, then go ahead and size up. Here’s a brief overview of daypack sizes and the best activities to pair them with:Remember that you don’t need too big of a pack if you aren’t planning on carrying additional gear or lots of extra clothing layers. A smaller capacity pack will be more lightweight, compact, and comfortable while you hike. Why carry more than you need?If you’re looking for a multi-day hiking backpack, check out our favorite backpacking pack recommendations.There are a few common technical features you’ll see on many of the best women’s daypacks for hiking, which you may or may not need. Here’s a rundown of what they are and when they might come in handy.Unlike backpacking packs, a daypack fit isn’t as specific. Although there are children, women’s, and men’s specific fits, many are unisex and offer features like adjustable straps so you can customize the pack to fit your torso.&nbsp;If you’re unsure what size pack you want and how it’ll fit, it’s a good idea to try on a new daypack before you buy to ensure that it feels comfortable and won’t rub and chafe when it’s fully loaded.When you put the pack on, the top of the waist belt should sit slightly above the center of your hips. Tighten the waist belt so it’s snug but comfortable. Then you want to cinch the shoulder straps down. If there is a gap between your shoulders and the shoulder straps, the torso of the pack is too long. If the shoulder straps feel like they are weighing you down, the torso of the daypack might be too short, meaning you should size up.READ NEXTLooking for additional women’s gear recommendations? Check out these posts:&gt;&gt; See All Gear PostsHave you found the best women’s daypack for hiking? Which one do you love the most and why? Let us know in the comments below!Check out our list of the best fanny packs for hiking, traveling, road trips, and everyday wear that are stylish and functional.Save up to 40% on the best outdoor gear and apparel for camping, hiking, backpacking, van life, and more during the REI Labor Day Sale!See wildlife up close with these best hiking binoculars and learn tips on how to use them!The best sleeping bags for backpacking are lightweight, warm, and comfortable — here’s our favorite sleeping bags for variety of budgets.Get cozy with the best double sleeping bags – warm, comfortable 2-person options ideal for car camping and backpacking.Find the best women’s synthetic down jackets including lightweight, packable, vegan-friendly down alternatives for cold temperatures.I have found my Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 liter pack to be very versatile. The frame sheet doubles as a Velcro separator that allows you to adjust the torso length of the pack. The waist belt is padded but also thin enough to shove behind the lumber pad when not in use. Last but not least, the design of the “Y zip” main zipper system offers you the choice of accessing the contents of your bag either through the top like a top loader, or unzip the whole thing like a panel loader. The materials that the bag is made from is pretty tough too, it’s made from some sort of Cordura. The only downsides to the bag are it’s a little expensive, and a little heavier than other bags I own.ReplyI would highly recommend the arcteryx index 15 as a light day pack, and the Matador beast 28. Bonus: both can be packed away for travel in compact form.Thanks for the great tips!ReplyGreat post! I love the REI Flash pack for mountain biking or moderate hikes! The back support is annoying if you fill it too much though and I would definitely choose a bigger pack for longer, more strenuous hikes!ReplyAwesome post! I love the REI Flash pack and thinking about buying one 🙂ReplyHello, It’s really great. Thanks for helping noob people like me who start hiking in France.ReplyPingback: Visiting Torres del Paine in Winter: Planning Tips &amp; Logistics | Worldables Travel | Adventure | Explore | LiveGreat post! I love my LL Bean Ridge Runner day pack. And using their credit card, I earn points and purchased the bag for free (points). It’s a great pack and has a pouch for a hydration bladder.ReplyIn 2014 I quit my Washington DC office job in pursuit of happier, healthier life outdoors. As I embarked on my new chapter, I started Bearfoot Theory as a way to inspire other people to get outside. Today Bearfoot Theory is one of the leading hiking, camping, and van life blogs designed to empower you on your next adventure.MORE ABOUT MESign up for access to our free Member-only resources, packing lists, and itineraries

Skip to contentAre you an avid hiker looking for the perfect daypack? Or maybe you’re new to the outdoors and not sure what type of day hiking backpack is best for you. Either way, we’ve got you covered below with our roundup of the best hiking daypacks for women.Bearfoot Theory is made up of an all-women team of experienced hikers who understand the unique needs and challenges faced by women when selecting gear for their outdoor adventures.We also provide a few tips on what to look for when choosing a daypack, so you can make sure you pick the perfect one for your needs. The best women’s...

Best Hiking Daypacks for Women in 2023

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