The 4 Best Packable Daypacks for Travel of 2025
Aer Go Pack 2: The previous version was a pick, but the current model is too bulky to be packable; it takes up more space in your suitcase than would ever be worth it on a trip.
Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack: This is a decent small backpack, but the drawstring closure top kept this out of consideration. Not only are drawstrings a hazard if they slip out, but they are prone to breaking, and the cinch closure is useless against bad weather.
Dakine Packable Backpack 22L: These are tempting bags, especially for the price. But the fabric (115-denier recycled nylon) feels thin and underwhelming—although it’s Bluesign approved, which we like. The problem is the bag’s closure, which only has a cinch top. If Dakine added a lid that could close over the design similar to Away’s The Packable Backpack, we’d likely make it a pick.
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack: This bag was previously our runner-up pick for hikers. Its zipper and material felt flimsy enough that we were concerned they would fail with long-term use.
Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24: This is a good bag at a slightly high price, but it didn’t make the cut for us because of its weight and large size even when rolled up.
Gonex 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack: Although it has rave reviews online, we found the stitching was more fragile than we like to recommend.
L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack: The Stowaway Pack was organized and comfortable enough that we liked carrying it on the hiking trail, but we preferred our pick from Matador for its better weatherproofing.
Mystery Ranch In and Out 19: The In and Out 19 is made of a 100-denier Cordura nylon, which was strong but too heavy for us. The biggest mystery during our testing was how to fold this bag back into its pouch.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L: This is simply a bad design for a tourist. The tote’s large handles, which hang loosely off the back of the bag when it’s worn as a backpack, are a huge red flag for personal safety and security. And all the extra straps and connections make carrying and using the bag a pain.
REI Co-op Stuff Travel Pack – 20L: This is a competitor of the Matador Freerain22 pack that falls short. It mimics our Matador pick in its design, but not in the quality of its materials. Its flimsier fabric and zipper will fail sooner.
This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.
