5 Best Lightweight Travel Backpacks for Hikers in 2025 – Your Ultimate Packing Companion

When gearing up for adventures in 2025, finding the perfect lightweight backpack can make or break your hike. Think packs under 15 ounces that hold plenty without weighing you down, featuring water-resistant fabrics and sturdy zippers tested against tough weather. Adjustable straps and breathable panels aren’t just comfort features—they’re essentials tested over miles and rainstorms. Curious which models balance durability and portability best? Let’s explore the top five contenders that might just become your new go-to travel companions.

MIYCOO Packable Waterproof Backpack for Travel and Hiking

If you like packing light but still want enough space for your gear, the MIYCOO Packable Waterproof Backpack is a great choice. It weighs only about 12.8 ounces, which is about half of a smartphone’s weight. That means it’s super easy to carry around. When you fold it into its small pocket, it becomes a tiny 4.9 x 3.9 x 7.8 inches. You can easily pack it into your luggage or fit it in your pocket. When you unfold it, it’s big enough—15.9 x 9.6 x 22.4 inches—to carry plenty of clothes, snacks, or gear. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for travel, short hikes, or quick outdoor trips. It packs down small and opens up wide, giving you lots of space without adding weight.

This backpack is best for travelers, hikers, or anyone who wants a versatile bag that is light and easy to use. It’s simple but reliable, ready for all kinds of adventures.

Pros:

• Very light and easy to fold up, weighing only about 12.8 ounces.
• Huge 45-liter space with pockets to keep things organized.
• Made from strong, water-resistant nylon with reinforced zippers. It also has reflective tape for safety and a survival whistle.

Cons:

• The water resistance is rated IPX4, which protects against light rain. It may not hold up in heavy rain or if left in water for a long time.
• When unfolded, the backpack is large. It might be too bulky for tight carry-on spaces.
• The design is simple. It doesn’t have padded straps or lumbar support for long hikes or heavy loads.

In short, this backpack is a lightweight, compact, and versatile choice for anyone who wants a bag they can take anywhere. It folds small, holds a lot, and keeps water out pretty well. Perfect for quick trips and outdoor fun!

TRIPPED Travel Gear Foldable Lightweight Backpack (35L)

The TRIPPED Travel Gear Foldable Lightweight Backpack (35L) is a smart bag for travelers who want something easy to carry and store. It weighs only about 14 ounces, so it’s very light. When you don’t need it, you can fold it into a small size—around 10.8 by 7.8 inches—and fit it in your luggage or suitcase. The backpack is made from strong ripstop fabric that won’t rip easily. It also has reinforced straps to last longer.

This backpack can hold about 35 liters of stuff. That’s enough space for a day’s worth of things. It has several compartments to keep your items organized. There’s a microfiber pocket for sunglasses and mesh pockets on the outside for water bottles. It’s built for comfort, with adjustable straps. Whether you are hiking, traveling, or exploring the city, this bag is a good choice.

Perfect for: travelers, hikers, and city explorers who want a tough, lightweight, and foldable backpack to carry their daily things and outdoor gear.

Pros:

• Very light at only 14 ounces, so it’s easy to carry and pack
• Made with strong ripstop fabric that resists tears
• Has multiple pockets and adjustable straps to keep things organized

Cons:

• Some users found seams may tear after heavy use and might need repairs
• Slightly bigger when folded, so it may take up more space in your luggage
• Not ideal for very heavy or special outdoor activities that need special gear

This backpack offers a simple, durable design that is easy to take anywhere. It’s a helpful bag for anyone who needs a light and roomy pack that folds away when not in use.

ZOMAKE Foldable 30L Backpack for Travel

The ZOMAKE Foldable 30L Backpack is a great choice for anyone who needs a light and easy bag for travel. It has a big 30-liter capacity, so you can pack plenty of clothes, docs, or other essentials. The backpack has multiple pockets—a main pocket, front pocket, side pockets, and a privacy pocket. This helps you keep everything organized and easy to find.

Made from tough nylon material, the bag is water- and tear-resistant. It can handle light rain and rough use without falling apart. The ergonomic design includes reflective strips for safety, a whistle for emergencies, and straps you can adjust for your comfort. Plus, it folds into a tiny pocket, so you can store it easily when not in use.

Weighing only about 12 ounces, it’s very light but built to last. It’s perfect for travel, hiking, or daily use, especially if you need a lightweight bag that won’t take up much space.

Best for: Travelers, hikers, and commuters who want a small, versatile backpack that folds away easily and offers plenty of space.

Pros:

• Large 30L capacity with many pockets to stay organized.
• Made from durable, water-resistant nylon.
• Folds into a tiny pouch for easy storage and portability.

Cons:

• The material is thin and may not be best for very rough handling.
• It’s not fully waterproof, so items might get wet in heavy rain if not sealed properly.
• Straps can be adjusted but don’t have extra padding, so they might feel uncomfortable during long wear.

This backpack is simple, useful, and easy to carry. It helps you pack smart and travel light!

10L Small Hiking Backpack for Women and Men

Looking for a small backpack that is light and easy to carry? The L Small Hiking Backpack for Women and Men is a great choice. It weighs just 0.73 pounds (330 grams), so it won’t make you tired. The backpack has a 10-liter size. It can hold snacks, a tiny first aid kit, or a water bottle.

The backpack is made from water-resistant nylon fabric. This helps it stay dry in light rain. It also has strong SBS zippers that last longer. The bag has many pockets. There’s a front zipper pocket, a small pouch for your phone, and an anti-theft pocket that holds items safely.

This pack is good for quick hikes, city trips, or daily errands. Its shape and design let you reach your things fast and stay comfortable. It’s small but useful, making it a dependable travel buddy.

Best For: People who want a small, light bag for outdoor fun, commuting, or daily use.

Pros:

• Very light and small, only 0.73 pounds (330 grams).
• Water-resistant fabric and tough zippers help it last longer and stay dry.
• Several pockets organize your stuff well, including a phone pouch and hidden pocket.

Cons:

• The chest clip on the straps might break after some use.
• The bag doesn’t have much space, so it might not work for long hikes or carrying large gear.
• The straps could be more padded for extra comfort if you wear it all day.

MIYCOO Ultra Lightweight Packable Travel Backpack

If you are always on the go and need a backpack that is light and easy to carry, the MIYCOO Ultra Lightweight Packable Travel Backpack is a good choice. It weighs only about 12.8 ounces, so it won’t slow you down. You can fold it into its own pocket, making it very small—just 4.9 x 3.9 x 7.8 inches. This makes it easy to pack in your suitcase or pocket. When you open it, you get a roomy 45-liter capacity with different compartments. It even has a wet pocket to carry damp or sweaty clothes separately. The backpack is made from water-resistant nylon and has strong zippers, so it can handle outdoor use, travel, or daily tasks. Plus, it stays lightweight and compact.

Best For: travelers, hikers, and daily commuters who want a lightweight, durable backpack they can fold away when not needed.

Pros:

• Very light and folds small for easy storage and carrying.
• Made from water-resistant fabric with strong zippers, good for outdoor or daily use.
• Large 45L space with multiple compartments, including a wet pocket and external pouches for organization.

Cons:

• It may not have enough padding for carrying very heavy or fragile items.
• The backpack is soft, so it might not keep bulky or delicate things very neat.
• Some people might think it looks less stylish than more fashionable backpacks.

This backpack is simple, easy to use, and perfect for anyone who needs a lightweight bag they can quickly pack or unpack.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Lightweight Travel Backpacks for Hikers

When choosing a lightweight backpack for hiking, you want something that balances weight and portability without sacrificing strength. Consider its durability and the materials used—trust me, a rip or tear in the middle of a trail is the last thing you need—and look for features like organized compartments and water resistance that match your adventure style. Most importantly, guarantee it fits comfortably so you can enjoy your hike rather than just endure it.

Weight and Portability

A lightweight travel backpack can make your outdoor trips better. These backpacks weigh between 10 and 15 ounces. That means they won’t add much weight to your load. They are easy to carry and won’t tire you out on long walks.

Look for backpacks that can fold or compress. These bags fit into small spaces, like pockets or carry-on luggage. That makes them great when you shift from walking on trails to riding on trains. Straps and zippers can add weight. To keep the backpack light, many brands use strong but thin materials. These materials keep the bag sturdy without making it heavy.

Even when your backpack is full, it should be comfortable to carry. A light pack helps you avoid tired shoulders and back pain. When choosing a backpack, check how much you can carry for its weight. A good balance means the pack does a lot without being bulky. Your back will thank you for a light, easy-to-carry backpack.

Durability and Material

When you pick a lightweight backpack for hiking, it’s important to think about what it’s made of. Good backpacks use strong, water-resistant fabrics like nylon and ripstop. These fabrics stop tears and scrapes, even when you’re climbing rocky trails or facing strong winds. The zippers should be sturdy and heavy-duty. Reinforced spots, especially where the bag might stretch or wear out, help it last longer. Some fabrics are waterproof or have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle splashes and light rain. Look at how well the seams are sewn. Double stitching and extra reinforcement make sure the bag can carry heavy loads and last many trips. The best backpack is both durable and light. It needs to be tough for adventures but not so heavy that it feels like a burden. Remember, a lightweight backpack should still be strong enough to take on your hikes.

Storage Organization

Good storage organization makes your hike better. When you pick a lightweight backpack, find one with many compartments and pockets. This helps you keep your gear sorted and easy to find. External and internal pockets for water bottles, snacks, electronics, or wet clothes make packing simpler. Secure zippers, straps, and buckles keep your items safe and avoid spills. Waterproof compartments or wet pockets protect items from water damage. Quick-access pockets at the right spots help you grab things fast. Proper storage means less stress and more fun on the trail. Well-arranged gear makes your hike smoother and more enjoyable, even on tough paths.

Water Resistance Level

When you pick out a backpack, it’s easy to forget how important water resistance is. Water resistance levels, like IPX4, show how well your pack can handle splashes or light rain. A higher rating means your backpack keeps more water out, helping your stuff stay dry during unexpected weather. Many lightweight backpacks use water-resistant nylon fabric and sealed zippers to block moisture. But remember, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof. Heavy rain or submerging your backpack can still let water in. Things like waterproof zippers, rain covers, and sealed seams give extra protection. Choosing the right water resistance depends on where you are going. It’s better to be safe and prepared than to end up soaked.

Comfort and Fit

A backpack that fits well can make your hike much easier. When you pick a lightweight pack, look for straps that can be adjusted. A chest strap helps spread out the weight so your shoulders don’t get tired. Padded shoulder straps feel comfortable and help keep your shoulders from hurting. A backpack with a breathable back panel helps keep sweat off your back. It’s also good if the size of the pack matches your height and body shape. The right fit stops the backpack from feeling heavy or unbalanced. Features like padded backs and multiple straps let you change the pack to fit you just right. A lightweight and simple design makes carrying your gear easier and helps you move smoothly over different terrains.

FAQs

Are These Backpacks Suitable for Overnight Hiking Trips?

These backpacks are generally suitable for overnight trips, as they’re lightweight and designed to carry essentials efficiently. Just guarantee they have enough space and support for your gear to keep you comfortable during your hike.

Do They Have Anti-Theft Features for Added Security?

Many of these backpacks include anti-theft features like lockable zippers, hidden compartments, and RFID-blocking pockets, giving you added security. You’ll feel more confident and protected on your hikes when you choose a bag with these features.

Can They Fit a Hydration Bladder Comfortably?

You’ll find that many lightweight backpacks are designed with dedicated hydration bladder compartments, ensuring a snug fit and easy access. Look for models with adjustable straps and a secure sleeve to keep your hydration gear comfortable during hikes.

How Durable Are These Backpacks in Rugged Terrains?

These backpacks are built tough, designed to withstand rugged terrains. You’ll find durable materials and reinforced stitching that help resist wear and tear, ensuring your pack endures challenging hikes without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Are They Waterproof or Water-Resistant in Heavy Rain?

You’re likely wondering if these backpacks withstand heavy rain. Most are water-resistant, offering decent protection, but they aren’t fully waterproof. To keep your gear dry, consider adding a rain cover or waterproof liner for extra security.

Last update on 2025-07-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API