| Size | Usually 10-30 L |
| For | Day hikes, short outings |
| Carries | Water, food, layers, Ten Essentials |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A daypack is a small backpack, typically 10-30 litres, used for day hikes and short outings where you don’t carry overnight gear. It holds the essentials — water, food, layers, and the Ten Essentials — and is light and simple, often without the frame or heavy hip belt of a multi-day pack.
Sizing
15-30 L by trip length and season — much smaller than a full backpack (see pack volume). Ideal for a day hike.
What to carry
The Ten Essentials, scaled to the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is a daypack?
A daypack is a small backpack sized for a single day's outing, holding the water, food, layers, and safety gear you need without the bulk of overnight equipment. Most are 10-30 litres and lighter and simpler than backpacking packs.
What size daypack do I need?
Around 15-20 L suits short hikes and everyday use; 20-30 L gives room for extra layers, more water, and the full Ten Essentials on bigger day hikes or in changeable weather. Winter or photography day trips may push you toward the larger end.
What should you carry in a daypack?
The Ten Essentials scaled to the trip: water, food, extra layers, navigation, a headlamp, first aid, sun protection, fire, a repair kit, and emergency shelter. Even short day hikes warrant carrying these, since conditions and plans can change.
Sources
- Choosing a pack — American Hiking Society