A good day pack is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can own. Light enough to forget you're wearing it, organised enough to carry everything you need for a full day out — whether that's a trail in the Blue Mountains, a day trip around Bali, or a city walk through Rome. Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Pacsafe and Sea to Summit, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Day Packs
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Ultralight packable daypacks: Compress to the size of a fist when not in use — perfect for travellers who want a backup bag without the bulk. Sea to Summit's Ultra-Sil Day Pack at 68g is the benchmark for this category
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Anti-theft daypacks: Slash-resistant panels, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets for city travel in high-risk destinations. See our full anti-theft backpack range
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Hiking daypacks: Structured packs with hip belts, hydration sleeves, and ventilated back panels for trail use. Capacity 20–30L, weight 800g–1.2kg
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Carry-on daypacks: Sized to fit airline personal item dimensions — fits under the seat in front and avoids overhead locker competition
What to Look for in a Day Pack
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Capacity: 10–25L covers most day use — 10–15L for minimalist carry, 20–25L for a full day with layers and lunch
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Weight: Under 500g for ultralight packable options; 800g–1.2kg for structured hiking packs
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Hip belt: Not essential for packs under 15L, but useful for 20L+ when carrying heavier loads on trails
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Hydration compatibility: Look for a sleeve and hose port if you prefer a hydration bladder over water bottles
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Security: For city travel, prioritise lockable zippers and back-panel access
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Packability: If you're travelling with a main bag, a packable daypack that stuffs into its own pocket adds zero bulk to your luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
What size day pack do I need?
For a day hike or city day trip, 15–20L is the right range for most people. 20L suits a half-day hike with minimal gear; 25–30L gives you room for a full day's food, water (2–3L), a layer, first aid kit, and camera. Anything over 30L is more than you need for a single day unless you're carrying specialist equipment.
Can a day pack be used as carry-on luggage?
Many daypacks (15–25L) meet airline personal item size requirements and fit under the seat in front. For packs specifically designed for carry-on travel, see our carry-on approved backpacks — these are sized for the overhead locker rather than under the seat.
What is the best packable day pack for travel?
Sea to Summit's Ultra-Sil Day Pack is the benchmark for ultralight packable options — it weighs 68g, compresses to almost nothing, and is durable enough for regular travel use. For a full guide to choosing the right pack, see our ultimate luggage and bags buying guide.
