Tired of daypacks that rub, ride up, or just don\u2019t feel quite right? I\u2019ve been there\u2014and after two decades on the trail, I\u2019ve finally found the ones that actually work for women\u2019s bodies. In all my testing, there have been plenty of packs that didn\u2019t quite cut it, and a handful that truly stood out. <\/p>\n
In this post, I\u2019m sharing the short-list of the best women\u2019s hiking daypacks I\u2019ve tried. These are the ones I keep reaching for again and again, because they are actually comfortable and allow me to cover more miles without sore shoulders, constant adjusting, or thinking about my pack at all.<\/p>\n
Ways to Save on Hiking Gear<\/h3>\n
Before we get into the good stuff, don\u2019t miss REI Co-op\u2019s Member Days (9\/12\u20139\/22). It\u2019s the perfect time to grab gear at a discount and maximize the Member rewards you\u2019ll earn back later. Here are the deals for Co-op Members:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Spend $100+ at REI Outlet online<\/a> and get $20 off with code OUTFALL25<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Using the REI Co-op Mastercard? You\u2019ll score 2X rewards (10%)<\/strong> on all purchases \u2013 stacked on top of your normal 10% back.<\/li>\n
- Members save an extra 20% on Bike Tune Packages<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Plus, shop Re\/Supply<\/a> in-store and take 20% off<\/strong> pre-loved gear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\nJoin the Co-op today!<\/h2>\n
Thinking about becoming an REI Co-op Member<\/a>? Now\u2019s the time! Sign up for just $30 before 11\/24, spend $50 in-store, and you\u2019ll receive a $30 bonus card to put toward a future purchase. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"Read](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/DSC05493-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy should you join? Members get 10% back every spring, a generous 1-year return policy, and other exclusive benefits<\/a> you won\u2019t find anywhere else.<\/p>\n
Disclosure: REI is a longtime Bearfoot Theory sponsor, and the retailer I shop at most for my own gear. I love supporting a Member-led co-op that has contributed more than $3 million since 2021 to groups expanding access to nature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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This post may contain affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n
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deuter Trail 28 SL Daypack<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\nKey Features<\/h3>\n
\n- \n
Where to shop<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n
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- Pros<\/strong>: Excellent women-specific fit, S-curved straps are super comfortable even with a larger chest, breathable back panel keeps me cool, lightweight and supportive without being bulky, zippered access to the bottom of main panel, rain cover included, reasonable price.<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>side pocket is snug, no front stash pocket, has hydration sleeve but the reservoir is purchased separately<\/li>\n
- Great for<\/strong>: Women\/people with shorter torsos and average or smaller waists, big day hikes where you have to carry lots of gear, and anyone looking for a supportive, trail-tested pack that won\u2019t leave your shoulders sore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My Review<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re looking for a\u00a0comfortable, women-specific daypack\u00a0that offers support without being bulky, the\u00a0Deuter Trail 28 SL Backpack<\/a>\u00a0is my new favorite. I\u2019ve hiked big days with this pack\u2014loaded with toddler gear, camera equipment, and the usual trail essentials\u2014and it\u2019s the first one in a long time that hasn\u2019t needed constant adjustment or left my shoulders aching after a couple of miles.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0deuter SL (Slim Line) fit\u00a0is designed for women or anyone with a shorter torso (between 15-19\u2033) and a narrower frame. As someone with long legs, a short torso, and an average waist (I wear a size 8 pant), I\u2019ve always struggled to find a pack that fits right. The Trail 28 SL hugs my hips without digging in, and the\u00a0S-shaped shoulder straps\u00a0are curved in a way that doesn\u2019t press awkwardly into the side of my chest. The back length is perfect which allows for a majority of the weight to sit on my hips \u2013 right where it should be.<\/p>\n
Other features I love include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Bottom zip access<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0so I can grab layers or gear buried deep without unpacking everything from the top<\/li>\n
- Hydration sleeve<\/strong>\u00a0that fits up to a 3L reservoir, with a\u00a0Velcro loop<\/strong>\u00a0to keep it upright and secure as I hike<\/li>\n
- Plenty of smart storage<\/strong>, including a zippered lid pocket, a small pocket inside of the lid, a hip fin pocket, a stretchy side pocket, and a small zippered side pocket<\/li>\n
- A ventilated back panel<\/strong>\u00a0with dual foam air strips and a center channel to help reduce sweat and keep my back cool<\/li>\n
- Trekking pole loops and gear attachment points<\/strong>\u00a0on the outside, plus shoulder strap loops for clipping carabiners or a GPS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It also comes with a\u00a0rain cover\u00a0and is made with\u00a0bluesign\u00ae-approved materials\u00a0and a\u00a0PFC-free DWR coating, making it a more eco-conscious choice. The price point is also very reasonable for a pack of this quality.<\/p>\n
If the 28-liter feels like too much, the deuter Trail SL also comes in a lot of different capacities and styles, as well as a standard fit if you have a longer torso. You can check out all of the dueter trail models here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/utah-emigration-canyon-deuter-hiking-gear-1.jpg\")
Wearing the deuter Trail 28 SL in the glacier-deep sea color<\/em> while hiking in Park City, Utah. My son is wearing the deuter Pico kids pack<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Osprey Raven 10<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\nKey Features<\/h3>\n
\n- \n
Where to shop<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Pros<\/strong>: Completely separate compartment for hydration reservoir and zippered hose channel make it easy to get in and out, 2.5 liter reservoir included, lots of small pockets including a sunglasses pocket and a front stretchy pocket, can accommodate waist sizes 25-50\u2033.<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>too small for bigger dayhikes when you need to carry a bigger load, hip pockets are a bit small, no load lifter straps.<\/li>\n
- Great for<\/strong>: Shorter day hikes when you have a light load, bike rides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My Review<\/h3>\n
The Osprey Raven 10 daypack is actually sold as a biking pack, but it\u2019s the women\u2019s pack I grab for short day hikes, as well as bike rides. With only 10-liter capacity, it\u2019s definitely on the small side, but it\u2019s big enough to fit the basics for mellow hikes.<\/p>\n
Ok\u2026I really do love this pack, but I\u2019ll start with my least favorite thing about this Osprey pack \u2013 which is \u2013 there are no load lifter straps. The hip belt is also pretty thin. This means if you\u2019re carrying too much weight, the pack will pull back on your shoulders, becoming uncomfortable. For that reason, I only wear this pack when I don\u2019t need to carry a lot of gear.<\/p>\n
When I\u2019m actually able to carry a minimal load (which isn\u2019t as often these days since I have a toddler), this is still one of my favorite small women\u2019s daypacks.<\/p>\n
The best feature of this pack (in my opinion) is the fact that the hydration sleeve has its own separate compartment. There is also a zippered channel for the water hose so you don\u2019t need to disconnect it from the bag or run it through a teeny hole. This makes it so much easier when it comes time to refill. <\/p>\n
I love the zippered pockets for storing small essentials like keys, a couple snacks, and a phone, and the front stretchy pouch comes in handy when you need to take off a layer and stash it. The main interior area is big enough to fit all the basics, but I find it difficult to fit a large DSLR camera inside, so that\u2019s something to keep in mind if you like to hike with one.<\/p>\n
It also has a handy pocket at the bottom. This is designed to be a tool roll for bike tools, but it\u2019s also great for storing other small essentials.<\/p>\n
This daypack is streamlined, lightweight, and comfy to wear with padded, breathable backing and straps that help keep you cool as you hike. <\/p>\n
Gregory Jade 28<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\nKey Features<\/h3>\n
\n- \n
S\/M: 3 lbs. 0.8 oz.<\/span><\/li>\n
S\/M: 15-19\u2033 <\/span><\/li>\nWhere to shop<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Pros<\/strong>: Three stretchy side pockets (2 on sides and 1 on front), handles heavy loads, ventilated back panel, completely separate compartment for hydration reservoir, comes in two different sizes with an adjustable torso for a more customized fit<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>feels a little bulkier than the deuter trail sl, heavy for its capacity, hydration reservoir and rain cover not included, expensive<\/li>\n
- Great for<\/strong>: Women who want a supportive, ventilated daypack with adjustable sizing and zippered top access (rather than a drawstring closure) for moderate to long hikes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My Review<\/h3>\n
I used the\u00a0Gregory Jade 28<\/a>\u00a0for quite a while, and overall, it\u2019s a solid pack\u2014especially for longer, gear-heavy hikes. I like that it has zippered top access. Being able to unzip the main compartment and see everything inside without having to dig around blindly means you can grab things more quickly. The only time the zipper is an issue is if the pack is too full, then the zipper is a pain to close.<\/p>\n
The two sizes and the adjustable torso length are also a huge plus. As I said, I have a shorter torso, and having the ability to fine-tune the fit made a big difference\u2014though I\u2019ll be honest, it does take some fiddling to get everything sitting just right. Even with the adjustments, I noticed the shoulder straps would sometimes creep up on me during hikes, creating a gap above my shoulders. Over time, that led to some soreness\u2014especially on longer days.<\/p>\n
The ventilation is great, and the pack carries weight well. The hipbelt is super supportive, wrapping far around my body, however, the hipbelt pockets are a bit small. Getting an iPhone Pro in there takes some force. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s definitely more pack than I need for short hikes, but for big days when I\u2019m carrying water, layers, snacks, and toddler gear, it does the job.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve read a lot of reviews mentioning issues with the sternum strap tearing, but personally, I\u2019ve never had that problem\u2014and I\u2019ve put this pack through plenty of miles.<\/p>\n
All in all, the\u00a0Jade 28\u00a0is a well-designed, durable pack with some great features. It\u2019s not the most low-profile option out there, but if you\u2019re looking for something with a supportive fit, good airflow, and zippered access to your gear, it\u2019s worth a look.<\/p>\n
Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 18L Daypack<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\nKey Features<\/h3>\n
\n- \n
Where to shop<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Pros<\/strong>: Super lightweight, packs down small, easy to travel with, made from 100% repurposed fabrics, each pack is unique<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>Frameless design so pack will lie flat on your back without much breathability, not very supportive for long strenuous hikes, few organizational pouches and attachment points, hip belt is just a strap<\/li>\n
- Great for<\/strong>: Easy day hikes with light gear, trips that require airplane travel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My Review<\/h3>\n
The Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Del Dia Daypack<\/a> is a frameless hiking daypack, so it\u2019s very lightweight and packs down easily making it great for travel. If I\u2019m flying somewhere and can\u2019t bring my normal hiking pack, this is the backpack I typically throw in my luggage, since it takes up hardly any space. <\/p>\n
The main compartment is large enough for extra layers and snacks, and it has a quick drawstring closure so there\u2019s no fumbling around with a zipper. Plus, there\u2019s a hydration sleeve and adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s a great option. It does have a hip belt strap and a sternum strap, so that pack at least stays in place when you\u2019re hiking. I also love Cotopaxi\u2019s ethos and their use of recycled fabrics handpicked by their staff.<\/p>\n
If you like the look and idea of this pack but need something a bit larger, check out the Luzon 24L version<\/a>.<\/p>\n
One other thing to keep in mind is that they colors vary. Since the backpack is built using leftover scraps of fabric, the color combos are all unique \u2013 meaning the color you get will be a suprise. <\/p>\n
![\"Hiker](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/118-COTOPAXI-INTERVIEW-1024x684.jpg\")
Wearing the Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia during my trip to New Zealand<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n How to Choose a Daypack<\/h2>\n
\n![\"Female](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Sedona_hiking_Bell-Rock_Linda-0222-1024x682.jpg\")
- Cons: <\/strong>Frameless design so pack will lie flat on your back without much breathability, not very supportive for long strenuous hikes, few organizational pouches and attachment points, hip belt is just a strap<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>feels a little bulkier than the deuter trail sl, heavy for its capacity, hydration reservoir and rain cover not included, expensive<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>too small for bigger dayhikes when you need to carry a bigger load, hip pockets are a bit small, no load lifter straps.<\/li>\n
- Hydration sleeve<\/strong>\u00a0that fits up to a 3L reservoir, with a\u00a0Velcro loop<\/strong>\u00a0to keep it upright and secure as I hike<\/li>\n
- Cons: <\/strong>side pocket is snug, no front stash pocket, has hydration sleeve but the reservoir is purchased separately<\/li>\n
- Using the REI Co-op Mastercard? You\u2019ll score 2X rewards (10%)<\/strong> on all purchases \u2013 stacked on top of your normal 10% back.<\/li>\n