Best Lightweight Hiking Backpacks of 2025

Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Lightweight hiking backpacks are the ultimate solution for avid hikers who want to carry everything they need without the added weight. These backpacks are designed to be both durable and lightweight, allowing hikers to move quickly and efficiently on the trails. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, with features like hydration bladder compatibility, multiple pockets for organization, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. Whether you're planning a day hike or a multi-day excursion, a lightweight hiking backpack is an essential piece of gear that will help you tackle the trails with ease.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Blue
ftb score rating icon9.9
#TOP 2
G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack
ftb score rating icon9.8
#TOP 3
IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Lightweight Hiking Backpacks

Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Blue

40L Hiking Backpack
40l Blue
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Blue
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The Maelstrom Daypack Backpacks, 40L Blue is a great choice for outdoor activities. Made of high-quality rip-stop 210d nylon fabric, it is water-resistant, tear-resistant, anti-scratch and wear-resistant. It features an ergonomic and comfortable design with adjustable, breathable and padded shoulder straps to reduce fatigue. It has a large capacity with multiple compartments and pockets, and includes a waterproof wet pocket, a headphone hole, a survival whistle, and reflective signs for safety. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for hiking, camping, and fishing.

What We Like
Sturdy and spacious
Waterproof design with rain cover
Plenty of pockets for organization
Comfortable shoulder and waist straps

G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack

G4Free TN22B044A
Black
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack Small Travel Outdoor Foldable Shoulder Bag
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The G4Free 10L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and foldable daypack perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. It is made with thickened water-resistant nylon material and high-quality SBS zipper, and features one main compartment, one front compartment, and two side pockets. Customers love its quality construction, comfortable straps, and waterproof material. The only downside is that the side pockets are too small for larger water bottles.

What We Like
Lightweight and packable
Durable construction and waterproof material
Spacious main pocket and inner pocket for secure storage
Wide and comfortable straps
Functional design for various outdoor activities and travel
#TOP 3

IGOLUMON Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L

IG9502-black-GFX-AU
Black
Lightweight Hiking Backpack 40L Packable Daypack for Men Women Waterproof Camping Bag Foldable Outdoor Sport Travel Climbing Trekking Camping, Black
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

This IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and foldable backpack with a 40-liter capacity, perfect for your outdoor activities. It has a multi-compartment design with a main zipper compartment, front and side pockets, and a waterproof wet pocket to help you organize your items easily. The backpack has breathable mesh shoulder straps with foam padding to relieve pressure on your shoulders. The chest buckle can be used as a survival whistle, and the chest strap buckle distributes the weight of the backpack to keep it stable and centered. The backpack is designed with reflective signs for safety at night, elastic straps and fasteners for trekking poles, and webbing straps to accommodate tents and sleeping mats. The backpack is made of high-quality tear-resistant and waterproof nylon fabric with double metal zippers and reinforced stress points for long-lasting durability.

What We Like
40L capacity
Foldable and lightweight
Waterproof wet pocket
Breathable mesh shoulder straps
Reflective signs for safety

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

SDJ-SG-TM0018
Dark Green
Small
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L - Packable Small Backpacks Water Resistant Daypack for Women Men(Dark Green)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack is a portable and packable backpack that is perfect for your outdoor adventures. With a weight of only 0.5 pounds, this backpack is extremely lightweight and easy to carry. It can be folded into a compact pocket when not in use, making it convenient to store in your luggage or handbag. The 20L capacity allows you to store your essentials in an organized manner, with separate compartments for clothing, equipment, and small items like mobile phones and water bottles. Made from high-quality nylon materials, this backpack is water-resistant and tear-resistant, ensuring durability. The ergonomic design reduces shoulder pressure, and the anti-light strip provides safety during nighttime walks. With its lightweight and high-quality features, the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack is the perfect companion for your outdoor activities.

What We Like
Portable
Lightweight
Water-resistant

G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack

SG_B06XSD6ZHX_US
Black
G4Free Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack for Men Women Small Hiking Daypacks Foldable Shoulder Pack Casual Outdoor Bag 11L
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The G4Free Lightweight Packable Shoulder Backpack is made of high-quality tear-resistant nylon material with a durable abrasion-resistant SBS zipper. It is ultra-compact and easy to fold up into a small pocket, making it perfect for day trips, travel, day hikes, school, camping, and shopping. It has two zippered compartments, two large mesh side pockets, and is suitable for various occasions.

What We Like
Durable water and tear-resistant nylon material
Convenient and lightweight, fits into an ultra-compact pouch
Two zippered compartments with a large main pocket and a quick access pocket
Two large mesh side pockets for water bottles or umbrella

WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack

ONJ11
Blue
WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack: 30L Foldable Travel Daypack Ultralight Camping Day Pack for Woman Man
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The WATERFLY Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack is a durable and practical backpack for hiking and other outdoor activities. It can be easily folded into a small pocket, made with high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon, and has a large capacity and multi-compartment features that keeps everything in order. Additionally, it has a wet pocket design, breathable shoulder straps, and a cable hole and internal pocket for convenience. It is packable and multipurpose, making it the perfect companion for casual hiking, day trips, camping, traveling, and more.

What We Like
Durable and practical for hiking and other outdoor activities
Lightweight and easily foldable for storage
Large capacity and multi-compartment features for organization
#TOP 7

G4Free 24L Hiking Backpack

White
G4Free 24L Lightweight Packable Hiking Backpack Small Sport Travel Daypack Water Resistant for Women Men(White)
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

G4Free Lightweight Hiking Backpack is designed for convenience. It is incredibly light at 0.49 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The backpack is made of tear-resistant material, ensuring durability for long-term use. Its packable design allows you to fold it into a compact size, perfect for travel. With a 24L capacity, you can fit all your essentials. Additionally, the water-resistant material protects your belongings from the elements, ideal for outdoor activities.

What We Like
Lightweight & Durable
Large Capacity
Water-Resistant
#TOP 8

SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack

LANTC20
Lantc20-darkgray
SKYSPER Small Hiking Backpack, 20L Lightweight Travel Backpacks Hiking Daypack for Women Men
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The SKYSPER 20L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and water-resistant daypack designed for outdoor activities. Made of high-density 600D polyester and 210D nylon plaid fabric, it is tear-resistant and wear-resistant. It features multiple compartments, an anti-theft zipper, adjustable and removable straps, and an outdoor emergency rescue guide. Customers praise its quality construction, lightweight design, and convenient compartments.

What We Like
Lightweight
Waterproof
Durable construction
Convenient compartments
Plenty of pockets
#TOP 9

Xgunion 15L Hiking Backpack

Black
Small
Xgunion Hiking Backpack 10L Small Travel Backpack Lightweight Daypack Foldable Hiking Backpack Packable Camping Hiking Backpack for Women Men (Black)
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The Xgunion Lightweight Daypack is a 15L hiking backpack perfect for your outdoor adventures. Weighing only 0.4 pounds, it is lightweight yet sturdy. Its foldable design allows it to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry around. Made of water-resistant nylon with a high-quality zipper, this backpack ensures your essentials stay safe and dry. The ergonomic design with adjustable shoulder straps and breathable mesh padding provides comfort and stability, reducing pressure on your shoulders. Ideal for hiking, travel, cycling, and everyday use, this backpack is a versatile companion for your activities.

What We Like
Lightweight and sturdy
Compact and portable design
Water-resistant material
#TOP 10

TETON Sports Oasis 22L Hydration Pack

2102SCPG
Pomegranate
22 Liters
TETON Sports Oasis 22L Hydration Pack with Free 3-Liter Water Bladder; The Perfect Backpack for Hiking, Running, Cycling, or Commuting
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The TETON Oasis Hydration Pack is designed for your active lifestyle, whether you're hiking, running, or cycling. It features a 3-liter water bladder that keeps your water cold and easily accessible, ensuring you stay hydrated on long adventures. The pack's low-profile design and adjustable straps provide a comfortable fit for all body types, allowing you to wear it for hours without discomfort. With a large storage capacity of 22 liters, you can pack essentials securely, while the weather guard protects your belongings from the elements. Additionally, the pack includes a bungee cord system for carrying your bike helmet, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

What We Like
Comfortable fit for all
Includes 3-liter water bladder
Large storage capacity
Weather protection for belongings
Bungee cord for helmet
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much should a backpack weigh for hiking?

Pack Weight for Backpacking and Hiking A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

2. What is the lightest backpack on the market?

Zpacks Arc Blast Zpacks offers one of the lightest backpacks in its size range, and they've also managed to make this pack tough as nails. Constructed with ultra-durable, lightweight Dyneema, the combination of these features makes the Arc Blast one of the best ultralight backpacks for strenuous objectives.

3. What size backpack is best for day hiking?

21–35 liters: This is the sweet spot for most hiking and travel daypacks. There's enough capacity to hold food, clothing and some extras, like a camera and a book. 36–50 liters: These larger packs are ideal for trips that require additional clothing and gear, such as climbing, mountaineering or non-summer hiking.

Editor's Notes

During our lightweight hiking backpack research, we found 24 lightweight hiking backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 226,262 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lightweight hiking backpacks list. We found that most customers choose lightweight hiking backpacks with an average price of $21.18.

The lightweight hiking backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lightweight hiking backpacks, including Maelstrom, G4Free, IGOLUMON, ZOMAKE, WATERFLY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.