8 Best Bags for Hiking and Travel 2025

This game-changing 40L hauler redefines what a budget-friendly packable backpack can do. With a massive 40-liter capacity, it’s engineered for travelers and hikers who demand serious storage without the bulk—perfect for stuffing into a suitcase and pulling out when you need real carrying power on day trips or weekend excursions. The upgraded wet pocket with external zipper access is a genius touch, letting you stash damp clothes or swimwear without contaminating your dry gear, solving a common frustration for beachgoers and post-hike changers alike.

In real-world use, the Venture Pal shines during urban exploration and light trail hikes. It easily swallows a change of clothes, a 13-inch laptop, snacks, water bottle, and even a light jacket. The double-layered nylon base stands up impressively to rough handling—tested on gravel trails and airport floors alike—and the bar-tacked stress points ensure seams won’t blow under load. However, the side pockets are a bit shallow, making taller water bottles prone to wobbling, and the chest strap, while helpful, feels slightly stiff on extended wear. Still, for a sub-2-pound pack, it handles weight distribution surprisingly well thanks to the padded, breathable shoulder straps.

Compared to the sleeker but smaller Osprey Ultralight, the Venture Pal is the workhorse of packable bags—ideal for those who prioritize volume and versatility over featherweight minimalism. It’s not as compressible as the Osprey (which folds into its own pocket), but what it sacrifices in compactness, it gains in functionality. This is the go-to pick for travelers needing a single, rugged, do-it-all daypack that transitions from airport carry-on to mountain trail with ease. It delivers far more utility than its price suggests—beating pricier models in raw storage and thoughtful design.

Meet the ultimate space-saving sidekick—a backpack so ultralight and packable, it feels like carrying air. Weighing just 0.329 pounds, the Osprey Ultralight collapses into its own pocket to the size of a grapefruit, making it the perfect impromptu bag for souvenirs, day hikes, or extra carry-on. Its bluesign APPROVED, 100% recycled 40D nylon isn’t just planet-friendly—it’s impressively tough for such a gossamer build, shrugging off scrapes and light rain during city commutes and coastal strolls. This is the elegant solution for travelers tired of overpaying for flimsy foldable bags.

In testing, this 18L daypack proved ideal for minimalist jaunts—perfect for a jacket, water bottle, guidebook, and camera. The dual stretch side pockets hold standard-sized bottles securely, and the internal key clip is a small but meaningful touch. The padded mesh shoulder straps offer surprising comfort for such a thin pack, and the adjustable sternum strap with whistle adds safety during low-light hikes. However, the single main compartment limits organization, and the fabric, while durable for its weight, can’t handle heavy or sharp-edged loads—think souvenirs, not rocks.

Stacked against the Venture Pal, the Osprey trades capacity for extreme portability and eco-conscious craftsmanship. It’s not meant to replace a full-size hiking pack, but rather complement one—ideal for travelers who already have a main bag and just need a light, reliable extra. It’s also a step up in sustainability and brand trust from budget packables. If you value minimal weight, environmental ethics, and seamless foldability, this is the premium pick for on-demand carry—just don’t expect it to haul a full weekend’s gear.

The hands-free revolution starts here—this nimble fanny pack delivers effortless mobility for travelers, runners, and festival-goers who want total freedom of movement. With four smartly divided pockets, it keeps essentials like phones, passports, and keys secure and instantly accessible, eliminating the constant digging that plagues basic waist bags. The adjustable 31–52-inch strap fits nearly every body type, and the ability to wear it as a crossbody, waist, or chest pack makes it wildly versatile—a single bag that adapts to your activity, not the other way around.

In real-world testing, this pack excels during urban walks, airport dashes, and light hikes. The smooth zippers glide open even with gloves on, and the high-quality fabric resists abrasion from jeans and backpack straps. It’s light enough to forget you’re wearing it, yet sturdy enough to survive daily abuse. However, the main compartment is a bit snug for larger phones or thick wallets, and the lack of padding on the back means it can press uncomfortably during long runs if overloaded. Still, for low-profile carry, it’s hard to beat.

Compared to the SKYSPER and WATERFLY sling bags, this fanny pack wins on simplicity and mobility—no shoulder strain, no bulk. It’s not as secure or organized as RFID-protected slings, but it’s faster to access and more breathable. Ideal for active users who hate backpacks but need more than a pocket, it’s the best bet for movement-first travelers. It outperforms similarly priced slings in wearability and adaptability, making it the top hands-free value in the lineup.

The G4Free 20L backpack is a quiet standout in the budget packable category, offering serious organization and durability for less than $20. With three zippered compartments and two large side mesh pockets, it keeps gear sorted like a much pricier pack—ideal for travelers who hate rummaging. The SBS metal zippers and 14 bar-tacked stress points show thoughtful reinforcement, and the water-resistant nylon handled light rain without issue during city walks and short hikes. Most impressively, it folds into its own sandwich-sized pouch, making it incredibly easy to stash in a suitcase or larger backpack.

During testing, the 20L capacity proved perfect for day trips, carry-on use, and Disney-style park hopping. It comfortably holds a 15.6-inch laptop in the main compartment, a water bottle in each side pocket, and snacks, wallet, and phone in the front zip pocket. The S-shaped breathable mesh straps distribute weight well for short hauls, though they lack the padding needed for all-day mountain treks. One downside: the folded pack has no external pouch, so it can look messy when stowed. Still, for airline personal item compliance and urban agility, it’s a smart, space-saving choice.

Against the Venture Pal 40L, this G4Free model is smaller but better organized, trading volume for cleaner layout and easier packing. It’s not for thru-hikers, but it’s ideal for minimalist travelers, students, and daily commuters who want a light, reliable, and airline-friendly bag. It delivers near-Osprey levels of functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it the best bang-for-buck daypack for practical, no-frills users.

Security meets smarts in the SKYSPER sling bag, a 7L fortress for your valuables that’s built for high-theft zones and digital threats. Its built-in RFID-blocking pockets shield credit cards and passports from wireless skimming—a must for international travelers—while the anti-theft key fob and hidden back pocket deter pickpockets in crowded markets or subways. The kangaroo pouch and dedicated phone slot keep devices secure and accessible, and the headphone port lets you stay connected without exposing your phone. This is the confident choice for urban explorers who prioritize safety.

In real-world use, the adjustable crossbody strap allows quick switching between left and right shoulders—a subtle but lifesaver for crowded streets or photo ops. The breathable back padding prevents sweat buildup during long walks, and the high-density fabric shrugs off rain and abrasion. It comfortably fits a tablet, passport, wallet, and small umbrella. However, the main compartment is shallow, and the side mesh pockets are too small for standard water bottles. Still, for city travel and daily commutes, it’s exceptionally well-protected.

Compared to the WATERFLY sling, the SKYSPER wins on security and comfort, trading a bit of openness for peace of mind. It’s not as roomy as the G4Free backpacks, but it’s far more protective than most slings. Ideal for travelers in Europe, Asia, or festival-heavy areas, it’s the top pick for those who won’t risk losing their gear. It outshines others in digital and physical defense, making it the smartest secure sling in its class.

The WATERFLY sling bag is a masterclass in organization, packing more pockets and smart features into 7L than most bags manage in twice the space. With separate compartments for iPad mini, power bank, phone, keys, makeup, and even a hidden earphone port, it’s built for detail-oriented travelers who hate clutter. The reversible shoulder strap with 3 D-rings lets you wear it left or right, and the adjustable length (31–39.5 inches) ensures a snug, bounce-free fit. Every inch is optimized—this is the go-to for users who want everything in its place.

In field tests, the side mesh pocket held a 24oz Nalgene securely, and the front buckle compartment made quick-access items instantly reachable—perfect for tickets, transit cards, or snacks. The water-resistant fabric handled drizzle without issue, and the breathable back panel kept discomfort at bay during 3-hour city walks. However, the strap pouch is tight for larger phones, and the lack of padding means it can dig in if overloaded. Still, for organized, on-the-move carry, it’s hard to beat.

Against the SKYSPER, the WATERFLY trades security for superior compartmentalization—ideal for low-risk, high-efficiency users. It’s not RFID-protected, but it’s more practical for daily use where quick access matters most. Best for photographers, commuters, and minimalist hikers, it’s the most thoughtfully laid-out sling in the group. It delivers better organization than the Osprey Daylite at a lower price, making it the top choice for order lovers.

The G4Free 10L/15L packable backpack is the perfect pocket-sized companion for short hikes, quick errands, and last-minute carry-ons. Weighing just 0.56 pounds, it’s featherlight yet surprisingly tough, thanks to thickened polyamide fabric and a reinforced SBS zipper that survived repeated folding and rain exposure. It folds into its own 7.5×6-inch pocket, making it easy to stash in a larger bag or suitcase—ideal for avoiding baggage fees or grabbing souvenirs on the return flight. This is the go-to for minimalist adventurers who need a no-fuss, always-ready pack.

In real use, the 15L version fits a light jacket, water bottle, snacks, and a small umbrella—enough for a half-day hike or city tour. The two side pockets keep bottles and essentials separated, and the front zip compartment is perfect for keys or tissues. However, the lack of padding on straps makes it less comfortable for loads over 10 pounds, and the main compartment is unstructured, leading to gear jumble. Still, for ultralight backup duty, it’s unbeatable.

Compared to the Osprey Ultralight, this G4Free model offers slightly more capacity and lower cost, though with less brand polish. It’s not as breathable as the Daylite Sling, but it’s more functional than a fanny pack for short trips. Ideal for hikers needing a secondary daypack or travelers avoiding checked bags, it’s the best small pack for occasional use. It outperforms pricier options in value and simplicity, making it the smartest compact backup in the lineup.

The Osprey Daylite Sling sets the gold standard for comfort and wearability in the crossbody category. With soft spacermesh on the harness and backpanel, it delivers next-to-skin breathability that most slings lack—making it ideal for warm-weather use or long days on your feet. The dual U-zip access lets you open the main compartment like a book, offering quick, full visibility to your gear, while the built-in stretch mesh phone pocket on the strap keeps your device instantly reachable. This is the most comfortable sling for all-day wear, period.

In testing, the 14.2-inch height accommodated a tablet, wallet, and water bottle with room to spare. The ambidextrous design lets you switch shoulders seamlessly, and the streamlined shape stays out of the way during movement. It’s perfect for festivals, travel days, and urban commutes where you need hands-free access but don’t want bulk. However, the single main compartment limits organization, and the lack of RFID protection is a miss in today’s security-conscious world. Still, for ergonomic excellence, it’s unmatched.

Against the SKYSPER and WATERFLY, the Daylite wins on comfort and access, trading high-tech features for superior fit and breathability. It’s not the most secure or organized, but it’s the easiest to wear for 8+ hours. Best for travelers, festival-goers, and daily commuters who prioritize wearability over bells and whistles, it’s the most refined sling in the group. It justifies its price with build quality and comfort that cheaper models can’t match.