7 Best Daypacks For Women

Rilor Staff
Update: October 5, 2021
Table of Contents

Hiking or backpacking is a growing trend for women. As a result, the importance of the best daypacks has been cemented already. Of course, there are multiple options you can have for these packs. Some are ultralight, while others are big enough to carry various things.

Moreover, daypacks have to be functional and comfortable at the same time. They should fit the body of their users so that they can be worn without causing strains on the back and shoulders. The design of the pack should be assessed, as well, based on the pursuit. Is it intended for trail running, hiking, or overnight camping? 

Regardless of your preferences, I am pretty sure that the following list should give you plenty of options when it comes to women's daypack. See them now!

7 Best Daypacks For Women

 CapacityWeight
Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack 26 liters21.2 ounces
Osprey Nova Daypack 32 liters36.3 ounces
The North Face Jester Daypack 28 liters28.9 ounces
CamelBak Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack 20 liters44 ounces
REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack 25 liters31 ounces
The North Face Recon Pack 30 liters38.1 ounces
Gregory Juno 30 H2O Hydration Pack 30 liters33 ounces

1. Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack 

PRODUCT LINK

The Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack is a great daypack designed for women. In fact, this unit has been customized tailored to fit the size of most women's torsos. It gives superior comfort and support as compared to its counterparts. Interestingly, this pack comes with three main pockets for maximum storage space and item organization. It also comes with a line sleeve where you can stow your electronics. It can fit up to a 15-inch laptop. Moreover, the same sleeve is compatible with hydration reservoirs. 

The second pocket of this bag can hold your accessories and small items. If you are planning to bring your cords and wires, this compartment can keep them from entangling. Meanwhile, the stretch-woven side pockets of the pack can accept different sizes and shapes of water bottles. The back panel and shoulder straps can prevent your body from heating, thanks to the breathable mesh embedded in them. With its adjustable sternum strap, carrying the pack is more comfortable. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 26 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 3 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - Yes
  • Materials - Nylon/mesh
  • Weight - 21.2 ounces

2. Osprey Nova Daypack 

PRODUCT LINK

The Osprey Nova Daypack is a performance-oriented daypack. It has a women-specific fit so that it can accommodate most women's bodies. Its capacity is at least 32 liters, which should be enough to stash your equipment and accessories for a day-long trip. The bag features numerous pockets and sleeves for item organization. Its large compartment can provide enough space for your laptop. Meanwhile, the mesh pocket on its front panel is suitable for stashing layers. 

This daypack comes with upper-side compression straps that are ultra-comfortable to the skin. The straps also have a tuck-away slot where you can hide them when they are not used. You'll also love the blinker light attachment of the pack. It helps in increasing your visibility during low-light conditions. The dual stretch mesh water bottles guarantee that you can bring enough water on your trip. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 32 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 6 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - Yes
  • Materials - Nylon/mesh
  • Weight - 36.3 ounces

3. The North Face Jester Daypack

PRODUCT LINK

Women who are always on the move would certainly enjoy the performance of The North Face Jester Daypack. This pack prioritizes the comfort of its users without sacrificing any of its features. It is a perfect accompaniment to either the urban jungle or the wild trails. One striking feature of this bag is its FlexVent suspension system on its shoulder straps. The latter has been embedded with a flexible yoke so that the pack won't be stiff every time you are in the movie. 

Meanwhile, the back panel of this pack has been padded sufficiently. It also has a mesh layer for added ventilation. Even if you wear this for extended periods, it won't cause discomfort or overheating. Its primary compartment is large enough to hold all your essential outdoor equipment. The padded laptop sleeve can prevent your device from being damaged whenever you deal with falls and bumps. Its front compartment offers internal organization, which includes a sleeve for your table, zip pockets, and a bandolier. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 28 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 3 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - Yes
  • Materials - Polyester/mesh
  • Weight - 28.9 ounces

4. CamelBak Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack

PRODUCT LINK

You should also check out the CamelBak Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack. This unit features a compressible storage space that lets you store your items for your trip. At the same time, it also rigged with the proprietary 3-liter Crux reservoir with Quicklink. Hence, you can guarantee that you can quench your thirst anytime you want. Since it has a women-specific fit, the pack has a harness and torso length that can match most female bodies. 

It also got the Air Support back panel that provides ventilation to the key areas of the body that generate heat. Simultaneously, the same technology ensures that your load is close to your back. In this way, you can carry the pack with utmost stability. The Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack flaunts its dual wing belt construction. The inner belt moves the weight of the bag to the hips, while the outer belt is the one that compresses the load to optimize storage space.  

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 20 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 3 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - No
  • Materials - Oxford nylon
  • Weight - 44 ounces

5. REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack

PRODUCT LINK

The REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack features a lightweight and comfortable construction. Its intention is to ensure that women can have a reliable pack wherever they want to go. It also has an excellent item organization and lets you carry lots of your gear. Hence, it is not only suitable for day hikes, but you can also use the bag on your day-to-day travels and commutes. Unlike its predecessors, the latest REI Co-op Trail has lining and body fabrics made from recycled materials. 

With the bag's contoured foam on its harness, you can guarantee that this unit can give you a women-specific fit. Aside from that, the pack is also equipped with an HDPE frame sheet on its interior. In that way, the bag gains enough structure and form. The frame sheet also covers your back from any protrusions from your gear. Meanwhile, the bottom of the bag has an oxford nylon construction to provide it with superb abrasion resistance. It is also notable that the bag's side mesh pocket has an elastic closure for hassle-free access. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 25 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 5 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - No
  • Materials - Recycled materials / oxford nylon
  • Weight - 31 ounces

6. The North Face Recon Pack

PRODUCT LINK

The North Face Recon Pack serves as a perfect pair for women for weekend trips and daily travels. It has an efficient FlexVent suspension system to provide you with a comfortable carrying experience. It also comes with a padded mesh panel that offers support and ventilation to your back. Even its lumbar panel has been designed to generate optimal breathability during hot days. The women-specific shoulder straps of this pack are flexible; hence, it is easy for them to contour to accommodate different body types of women. 

The bag features a large primary compartment that includes a protective sleeve for your laptop and tablets. Its front compartment has another tablet sleeve and offers secured pockets and organizers. Outside, you'll notice its two extended water bottle pockets. These pockets can also be used as a storage space for your phone and other essential items that require quick access. There is also an external pocket with fleece lining where you can stow away your keys and sunglasses. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 30 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 5 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - Yes
  • Materials - Nylon/mesh
  • Weight - 38.1 ounces

7. Gregory Juno 30 H2O Hydration Pack

PRODUCT LINK

As a hydration pack, the Gregory Juno 30 H20 excels in providing sufficient water supply to its users. They can move without the need to halt and rehydrate, thanks to its 3-liter 3D Hydro soft-molder reservoir. It is also equipped with a zippered hydration sleeve that includes a SpeedClip hydration hanger. In this way, you can sip through the reservoir single-handedly anytime. 

The ergonomics of the Gregory Juno 30 H2O Hydration Pack can also be seen on its ActiveFlex shoulder harness. The latter features a magnetic sternum buckle construction for increasing the stability and breathability of the pack. It is also attached with a hose clip for its Drylock bite valve for convenient hydration. Furthermore, the VaporSpan ventilated suspension of the pack has moisture-wicking mesh and an alloy frame so that your back remains dry and cool while you are on the move. The women-specific 3D padded hip belt is rigged with zippered pockets. There, you can store your essentials and must-haves. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Capacity - 30 liters
  • Number of exterior pockets - Main compartment + 5 pockets
  • Laptop compatibility - No
  • Materials - Nylon/polyester/mesh
  • Weight - 33 ounces

How To Choose The Best Daypacks For Women

Daypacks are essential gear these days. It is a useful item that you can bring during your commutes and on-trail adventures. At first, it seems that these packs are pretty similar. But once you inspect them, you'll realize the different specifications and nuances around them. 

One of the things that you need is the fit. Generally, you can categorize the fit based on its construction. Some are specifically designed for men, and others are for women. There are also daypacks that have a unisex architecture. 

Fit 

  • Torso - The ideal daypack should have a fit that accommodates the length of your torso, not your height. It should also be snug enough, especially in your hip area. Hence, it is always essential that you try these daypacks so that you can find the ideal size for you. There are some packs that let you adjust their torso length. If you aren't sure about the pack's fit, you should just go with a pack that comes with an adjustable torso. The latter is also ideal if you are sharing the pack with other people (who have different torso lengths).
  • Waist - Many daypacks offer different hip belt sizes. The range varies, from 20 inches to 40 inches or more. When it comes to this matter, it is essential that you can adjust the hip belt so that you can either loosen or tighten it. 
  • Women-specific daypacks - When it comes to unisex and men's packs, the length of the torso matters. The longer they are, the better. But for women-specific daypacks, the torso length is notably shorter. Moreover, their shoulder straps and hip belts are contoured to accommodate the female body.

Frame Type 

Daypacks can be categorized into framed and frameless. Both of them have specific advantages and disadvantages.

  • Framed daypacks - Most daypacks these days have internal frames. They are integrated into the bag's construction to add support and stability while you are carrying it. Some daypacks feature plastic frame sheets that are generally rigid and lightweight. Other options are equipped with aluminum rods to support their load. Regardless of your preference, keep in mind that the more comprehensive the frame, the more weight the pack can carry. 
  • Frameless daypacks - For ultralight applications, it is often recommended to bring a frameless daypack. Due to the absence of frame sheets or supporting rods, these frameless packs tend to be more compact and lighter than their counterparts. They can easily adapt or conform to the shape of your body. But because they are extremely supple, don't expect that they can handle too much load. 

Hydration Reservoir

Not all daypacks can accommodate hydration reservoirs. But if you think that you'll get thirsty on your adventure, it would be best that you pick a pack that comes with an integrated hydration sleeve. Hikers, backpackers, and trail runners often benefit from hydration packs since it removes the need for them to carry water bottles. 

Capacity 

The capacity of a daypack depends on how many items you want to take along. You may choose between small, medium, large, and extra-large capacities. However, there are certain factors that determine which one will work best for you. These include:

  • Weight - This factor determines whether you prefer a light or heavy daypack. A heavier daypack means that it has more capacity but weighs more. On the contrary, a lighter daypack tends to weigh less but offers fewer storage spaces. So when choosing a daypack, make sure that its weight doesn't exceed what you can comfortably carry around.
  • Size - Another important consideration is the size of the daypack. Generally speaking, larger ones are easier to use as compared to smaller ones. In addition, bigger bags usually come with multiple compartments and pockets. Smaller bags only provide limited space for storing things.
  • Features - As mentioned earlier, features such as zippers, mesh pockets, rain cover, etc., play a significant role in determining the quality of a particular daypack. If possible, opt for those that offer additional features like compression straps, adjustable waist belts, and so forth. 

In Summary

With a great daypack, you will be able to complete your adventures without a fuss. After all, they serve as your primary storage space for your gears and other essential belongings. For women, these daypacks mean that they no longer have to carry extra bags whenever they head out. 

Check out the list of the best daypacks for women that I've included in this post. Each of them has top-rated qualities that make them ultra-functional, comfortable, and easy to use. 

That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

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