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Finding the best day pack for travel can ensure you have a secure and hands-free vacation. Our readers chime in and share their top choices that are both stylish and practical!
Best Day Packs for Women
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
“I need your recommendations for a daypack that’s both durable and sleek and stylish. What do you take for your day adventures while traveling?
I initially thought I wanted a leather crossbody but quickly decided against it because I want to be hands-free and will be doing lots of outdoor exploring (beach, hiking, etc.) I feel like an anti-theft backpack may be overkill, but I know I need to be safe if I’m packing my daily things on my back. Can anyone recommend one that looks nice and not too rugged?”
This is an important question that’s commonly asked by our readers. Whether you’re going on a gentle hike or walking around a city, a day pack is essential for easy traveling. These bags will keep your things nice and secure and you won’t need to worry about bulky purses while sightseeing.
There’s no reason to sacrifice style over functionality. If you’re itching to find a bag that won’t look frumpy and overly-touristy, our readers share their choices for the best travel day packs for travel to suit a multitude of needs!
Readers Top Picks for the Best Day Packs
Shop: Amazon | Rebecca Minkoff | Nordstrom | Zappos | Saks Fifth Avenue
Best Versatile Stylish Day Pack: Rebecca Minkoff Julian
The Julian by Rebecca Minkoff is highly recommended by many readers, and it’s easy to see why! Made from textured leather and finished with gold hardware, it’s lightweight but can still easily hold all your essentials. The stylish lines will pair well with anything from basic shorts to a flirty, summer dress.
These travel daypacks also come in nylon, which some prefer because it’s a lighter material and can fold up flat in luggage. And while the nylon version is sportier looking, it can transition well from outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing to fancier occasions like dining out.
One reader says, “I’m not typically one to use something like this in a dressier situation but I would with this bag. You can sling it over one shoulder and be instantly fashionable!”
I’ve had my Rebecca Minkoff for several years and it remains one of my favorites. Read my review on this backpack, or watch the video to find out why I love this bag so much for travel!
Shop: Nordstrom | Amazon | Bloomingdale’s | Saks Fifth Avenue | Longchamp
Best Packable Day Pack: Longchamp Le Pliage
Longchamp is super popular among travelers and TGF readers and the Le Pliage day pack is a classic choice that’s lightweight and easy to pack.
One of the best lightweight daypack choices, the Le Pliage is compact and durable, and is versatile enough to carry day or night. Throw in a small purse organizer to keep all your belongings nice and tidy and just where you need them. This bag will polish off any travel outfit with panache!
One reader shares, “I usually keep my Le Pliage folded up in my luggage and use a regular pack for the flight. Then when I get to my destination, I put my wallet and other essentials into my day pack and I’m good to go.”
For a more compact option, check out the smaller Le Pliage backpack that has the same fantastic features.
Read our Longchamp backpack review for more details about this product!
Shop: Amazon | Kohl’s | Walmart
Best Day Pack for Security: Travelon Anti-Theft Signature
Travelon’s Signature packable day pack features the brand’s classic security features, including slash-resistant body panels and shoulder straps, locking compartments, and RFID-blocking card and passport slots. It’s on the smaller side but still has plenty of room for your essentials and compartments to keep everything organized and safe.
A lot of readers say it’s the best daypack for travel in Europe, where incidents of theft can be high. But this bag will give you peace of mind no matter where you’re headed!
A reader shares, “I took this backpack with me to Europe and loved it. I kept all my important things in it and nothing was stolen in Prague, Paris, or Munich!”
For security-conscious travelers, take a look at the best anti-theft travel bags!
Shop: Away Travel
Best Day Pack With a Trolley Sleeve: Away Everywhere
The Small Everywhere Backpack from Away is a perfect option to hold all of your must-haves while sightseeing. Its spacious interior features a 13” laptop sleeve, a water bottle pocket, and a key clip, all within a water-resistant, nylon shell. Even better, it’s super lightweight and has a breathable mesh back panel and padded straps for comfort – plus a handy trolley sleeve!
This 14L backpack is also offered in a bigger, 20L version, too.
One traveler feels this is the best urban daypack, saying, “I love everything about this backpack. It’s got tons of space and is lightweight and sleek without any clunky straps. It worked really well for me while traveling in Italy.”
Shop: Amazon
Best Dependable Day Pack: Fjällräven (Water-Resistant)
The traveling day pack from Fjällräven is another TFG favorite, featuring a durable, dirt-resistant and water-resistant exterior and a spacious and roomy interior. This bag comes in fun colors and is casual enough to bring to the beach or a sidewalk cafe for a cozy lunch.
One reader shares, “I love my Kanken! It’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, even when packed to the max. It’s water-resistant for drizzly days and it’s crazy durable too!”
Another reader adds, “These bags are popular with tourists and locals. So, if you carry one, you won’t stand out as a tourist.”
Here’s how to choose the best day bag for your next travel!
Shop: Amazon
Best Convertible Day Pack: LXY (Faux Leather)
LXY faux leather day packs come very highly rated thanks to their gorgeous vegan leather exteriors and their other functional features. With hidden anti-theft pockets, this bag has room for a 14” laptop, and adjustable straps for added comfort. What’s more, it’s made of super durable faux leather for a timeless look that you’ll be able to travel with for years to come!
One user gives a rave review: “My daughter and I each bought this backpack to use on a recent trip to Europe. I brought mine on the airplane as my carry-on and then wore it as a purse while sightseeing. It’s super cute and stylish and the zippered compartments hold tons while keeping things, like passports and phones, safe. I’m so glad we ordered these!”
Shop: Amazon | Macy’s | Kohl’s
Best Day Pack for Storage Space: Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea
The Kenneth Cole travel day pack receives high praise from readers. Ultra stylish and roomy enough to hold a 15” laptop, this bag is sleek and lightweight too! What’s not to love?
One reader says, “I adore this backpack. It’s comfortable and I always use it for work and for commuting with my laptop. I’ve also traveled abroad with it and brought it to hold my shopping items when checking out the local markets.”
Shop: Amazon
Best Adventure Day Pack: Osprey Arcane
Readers know that Osprey makes incredible travel bags, and their Arcane small laptop backpack is one perfect choice. It’s compact but provides enough space and killer organization for your essentials, and the durable exterior will keep everything safe during transit.
One fan adds, “This bag is so comfortable, I usually forget I’m even wearing it. I love this backpack!”
That said, this pack isn’t for rugged outdoor adventures. So, if you’re looking for a more adventure-ready option, Osprey’s Tempest 30 is said to be the best hiking daypack. The smaller Tempest 20 is perfect for hikes too.
We’ve compiled a list of the best osprey backpacks so you can pick your favorite one!
Best Lightweight Day Pack: Baggallini Soho Backpack
The Baggallini Soho backpack can store everything you need, while staying slim and compact. It has lots of interior pockets and slots for your phone, cash, and cards, and other must-haves. And, while it’s super cute, it’s also sturdy and water-resistant, so you can lug this beauty through all kinds of weather without it (or your belongings) getting ruined!
A reader shares, “I love this bag for travel! It fits right under the seat for domestic U.S. flights and holds quite a bit. I also use it regularly as a laptop bag for commuting and it’s comfortable to wear – even when fully loaded with my stuff.”
Our readers love these crossbody phone purses for keeping their devices handy!
Shop: Lo & Sons
Best Do-It-All Day Pack: Lo & Sons Rowledge (Weather-Resistant)
Comfortable and elegant, the Lo & Sons Rowledge backpack is brimming with functional features, including a water bottle pocket, a trolley sleeve, and a huge array of compartments to keep you organized. Perfect for most trips, it can hold a laptop, fit under any airline seat, and it’s weather-resistant too!
One reader shares, “This bag is structured, but flexible enough to fit tons for my travels. I love the feet on the bottom, which keep it from getting dirty. The look is minimal and professional, while still feeling high-end and it fits well under an airplane seat without taking up leg room.”
Find out why our readers love their Lo & Sons bags in this review!
Day Packs Comparison Chart
BRAND | MODEL
FEATURES | REVIEWS
RATING | PRICE
Readers Top Picks for the Best Day Packs
Best Versatile Stylish Day Pack: Rebecca Minkoff Julian “I’m not typically one to use something like this in a dressier situation but I would with this bag. You can sling it over one shoulder and be instantly fashionable!”
Check Price
Best Packable Day Pack: Longchamp Le Pliage “I usually keep my Le Pliage folded up in my luggage and use a regular pack for the flight. Then when I get to my destination, I put my wallet and other essentials into my day pack and I’m good to go.”
Check Price
Best Day Pack for Security: Travelon Anti-Theft Signature “I took this backpack with me to Europe and loved it. I kept all my important things in it and nothing was stolen in Prague, Paris, or Munich!”
Check Price
Best Day Pack With a Trolley Sleeve: Away Everywhere “I love everything about this backpack. It’s got tons of space and is lightweight and sleek without any clunky straps. It worked really well for me while traveling in Italy.”
Check Price
Best Dependable Day Pack: Fjällräven (Water-Resistant) “I love my Kanken! It’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, even when packed to the max. It’s water-resistant for drizzly days and it’s crazy durable too!”
Check Price
Best Convertible Day Pack: LXY Faux Leather Backpack “My daughter and I each bought this backpack to use on a recent trip to Europe. I brought mine on the airplane as my carry-on and then wore it as a purse while sightseeing. It’s super cute and stylish and the zippered compartments hold tons while keeping things, like passports and phones, safe. I’m so glad we ordered these!”
Check Price
Best Day Pack for Storage Space: Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea “I adore this backpack. It’s comfortable and I always use it for work and for commuting with my laptop. I’ve also traveled abroad with it and brought it to hold my shopping items when checking out the local markets.”
Check Price
Best Adventure Day Pack: Osprey Arcane “This bag is so comfortable, I usually forget I’m even wearing it. I love this backpack!”
Check Price
Best Lightweight Day Pack: Baggallini Soho Backpack “I love this bag for travel! It fits right under the seat for domestic U.S. flights and holds quite a bit. I also use it regularly as a laptop bag for commuting and it’s comfortable to wear – even when fully loaded with my stuff.”
Check Price
Best Do-It-All Day Pack: Lo & Sons Rowledge (Weather-Resistant) “This bag is structured, but flexible enough to fit tons for my travels. I love the feet on the bottom, which keep it from getting dirty. The look is minimal and professional, while still feeling high-end and it fits well under an airplane seat without taking up leg room.”
Check Price
What is a Day Pack?
Day packs are used by travelers for sightseeing, hiking and exploring. They can also serve as a “personal item” during transportation on planes, buses and trains. After arrival, these bags can be carried in place of a purse while scoping out new cities.
The best daypacks for travel should be able to store lots, with dedicated pockets and compartments for organization, and shoulder straps that fit securely against the body for safety.
While some travelers may prefer a beach tote, oversized purse, or a luggage-style tote for adventuring, many opt for day packs instead so they can sightsee hands-free!
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
How to Use One Properly
Once you’ve chosen the best bag for your trip, you’ll want to know how to use it!
When I’m traveling on a bus, plane, or train, I use my daypack as my personal item and carry my most valuable items inside. This bag does not leave my side and sits on my lap if needed.
Generally speaking, if I’m in a place that’s known for muggings or high theft, I separate my valuables between my body, my pack, and my suitcase. Otherwise, for regular travel, my valuables are inside my daypack.
I also use daypacks if I decide to do side trips during my travels. Sometimes, I might leave behind my regular luggage locked away at a guesthouse or hotel and just take my daypack with only the necessities for a short island trip or trek.
For 1 to 3 day hikes in temperate regions, I often bring an Osprey bag similar to this 20L backpack, which I used on both my trekking trips to Machu Picchu.
If you’re worried about theft, add items like a money belt or secret bra pocket to your packing list.
How the TFG Editor Wears Her Favorite Day Pack
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What is the best day pack for your type of travel? Share in the comments!
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Hi, I want to put in a plug for the Madden Girl Booker School Backpack. Just over $30, it’s an attractive bag. I just used it on my 2-week Ireland trip, and it worked superbly. It only has a single zipper compartment on the front of it, but I found that to be more than adequate; also, it has a 2-vertical-zip compartment right against your back that was great for my small wallet during day trips, and my passport when I needed to carry it. The pack has handles on top, so it’s easy to carry as a bag, too. The fabric is polyester; it washes well, has a great look to it, and is sooo lightweight. There are 2 side pockets, so I carried my water bottle on one side and a compact umbrella on the other. This is a great alternative to some of the very expensive backpacks you all have talked about. It’s simple, affordable, and well-designed. It worked fabulously for me!
Hi Julie, thank you for sharing your backpack with us! Sounds ideal for travel!
I love the Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L. It is light and unstructured so only weighs 11 oz. It will fold up into it’s own attached pocket pouch, but I never use that feature. I use it for my carry on when checking a bag and for my day pack. You can add structure by the way you pack it. As a day pack I place a travel umbrella across the bottom to keep it from collapsing and and a folded raincoat in the pocket that will be against my back which pads it nicely to carry. The straps are not highly padded, but are wide and softly padded so they are comfortable. This would not work for a large person, but is great for small to medium size people. Overall it’s just not a fussy bag – only what you need and nothing more.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/stowaway-20l-packable-pack/82302377/_/A-ebSku_0232377062__82302377_catalog10002_en__US_EBSite?showProducts=
Great tip Sue, thanks!
The Marc Jacobs backpack would be SO perfect for travel! Put me in the lust category too 😉 Instead I settled on a faux leather backpack from Target and it worked pretty well for 2wks in Ireland with a preschooler and a toddler.
Some faux leather backpacks can be just as cute 🙂 Sounds like you found one that works for you!
Hi alex, i emailed you but not sure if you hot it or it will end up in spam, anyway, how do you get thru all airport with your backpack measurement? United Airlines list their personal purse/item/bag is 17″ h x 10 w x 9″ d. I cant find any info from delta since i will travel with them soon. All back pack i search so far now is 16/ x 13 x 9/10. I will travel with my rei wheely beast 21″ as a carry-on and a back pack as my personal purse. Any suggestions would help. Thanks alex.
Hi Lisa, sorry didn’t see your email! This year the airlines have made major changes to their baggage allowances so it’s hard to know when and what will fit with who.
When you’re referring to my backpack do you mean my small day pack or my main bag? I use the Osprey Meridian 2 piece set
It has a small 20L backpack I use as a personal item/purse and it’s not big enough to cause any problems. What backpack are you using as a daypack? Is it very large?
My main bag is a 40L 22″ I believe and I’ve been able to use it carry-on on international flights – sometimes I just check my bag if it’s free – I travel carry-on more so to pack light not to not check a bag. However, with the new airline rules a 22″ may no longer fit.
Each airline and airport staff has different ways of enforcing or NOT enforcing their luggage policies. It’s honestly very difficult to tell you for sure that it will or won’t go through. If you’re flying a budget airline or domestic flight you’ll for sure be hassled but international is a bit more relaxed.
I’m sorry if it’s not the perfect answer you were hoping for. If it really worries you, get an 18″ not 21″ luggage. Hope this helps!
I just purchased a day bag from Roughandtumble bags on Etsy. The 1904 Porter Medium 3 in 1 bag converts to a shoulder, crossbody, or backpack. The vendor creates these bags in leather, waxed canvas, or a mixture of the two. She also makes a convertible hobo bag (shoulder, crossbody, backpack) that, I think, looks very chic. These bags are expensive, but it appears that you are getting three bags in one and depending on the type of travel you are taking – these look very sophisticated from the photos I can see online.
I thought black waxed canvas and black leather flap would be good for city travel days in Australia and New Zealand. I can do a review of this bag once I receive it in the mail. I’m very excited to try it out!
Wow Natalie, that sounds just like the type of bag I would love. The bags look gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your find!
How do you like the Porter bag, Natalie? I am thinking of ordering a similar bag from Rough and Tumble. The 1910 bag in beeswax linen. Gorgeous! I am putting in a custom order for a 3-in-1 style strap system like the Porter. I just love the idea of being able to wear it as a back pack for day trips. Do you find the backpack option is comfortable enough?
I have this bag – have had it for 2 years. It’s really wonderful! Very simple, cute and versile.