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Whether hunting for souvenirs, discovering some fashion gems, or hitting the trails, having a packable backpack on hand during your travels will always come in handy, especially if you want to save room in your luggage. Take a look at the best packable backpacks for your next trip!
Best Packable Daypacks for Women
Table Of Contents
Packable backpacks are fantastic for all kinds of trips, whether city sightseeing or exploring the great outdoors. They’re handy for long days when you must bring a jacket or extra gear. Plus, you never know when you’ll need to stock up on some must-have souvenirs to bring back home!
Their packable nature means they won’t take up much room in your luggage or purse, making your travels all the more smooth! And when you’re back from your trip, they’re easy to store at home.
To hold your essentials (plus, any extra goodies you’ve picked up throughout the day!), you’ll definitely want a lightweight packable backpack on your must-bring list. Check out these top picks!
Best Packable Daypack for Travel
Shop: Nordstrom | Bloomingdale’s
Tumi Packable Backpack – Sleek and Stylish for City Travel
Tumi’s stylish packable backpack is perfect for the city traveler, with its sleek and streamlined exterior that’ll look great with all of your chic ensembles. Made of Tumi’s signature ultra-durable nylon, this bag is still lightweight and folds down into a flat little pouch for whenever you need it.
The spacious interior will hold a day’s essentials or your shopping finds, the front pocket will store smaller items, and the trolley sleeve will come in handy for travel days!
One traveler shares, “I often need an ultralight packable daypack for carrying while sightseeing or when I find some treasures I need to bring home. This bag hits all the high points with its professional styling, excellent construction, roomy and easily accessible interior, and storage pouch. I love that it doesn’t lose its shape, no matter how full it is. It’s so comfortable to wear all day too!”
For even more chic Tumi picks, look at our review here!
Shop: Kohl’s
Travelon Anti-Theft Packable Backpack – Lightweight and Secure for Sightseeing
Travelon bags are always a fave among TFG readers, and this anti-theft packable backpack is no exception. This bag is versatile, simple, and designed to carry all you need while keeping your things safe from theft; equipped with locking zippers, an RFID blocking pocket, and slash-resistant fabric. It has multiple pockets to keep things organized (including side mesh pockets for a water bottle), yet another reason to love this backpack!
It’s super lightweight! One user gives her packable backpack review, “Bought for Italy and felt safe with it everywhere. It was small enough to be allowed in landmarks like the Vatican and Colosseum. It held a lot of items and packed down to a large wallet size!”
We’ve rounded up the best anti theft travel bags for women, and our readers have voted for their favorite styles!
Shop: Nordstrom | Baggallini
Baggallini Nylon Travel Backpack – Foldable and Organized for Busy Days
The Baggallini packable backpack, combines durability, convenience, and lightweight design. Constructed from tear-resistant and water-resistant nylon, this portable backpack is ideal for travel, commuting, or daily errands. It conveniently folds into a small pouch, making it easy to carry when not in use, but expands to offer plenty of room when needed.
With thoughtful features like an interior pocket for organization, side water bottle pockets, and breathable, shock-absorbing straps, this backpack is designed for comfort and practicality. Whether you’re out sightseeing, running errands, or traveling, this bag keeps your belongings secure and accessible.
Shop: Longchamp
Longchamp Stylish Packable Daypack – Elegant and Functional for Stylish Journeys
For travelers who want a chic yet practical companion, the Longchamp Le Pliage Original packable backpack is an effortless choice. Crafted from lightweight, water-resistant recycled nylon with luxurious Russian leather trim, this sleek backpack folds flat for easy packing and expands into a roomy, elegant silhouette when needed.
Its minimalist design features a spacious main compartment, a snap flap with zip closure, and adjustable straps, blending style with everyday functionality — perfect for city sightseeing, shopping excursions, or even light adventures.
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Backpack – Rugged and Versatile for Outdoor Explorations
Sporty yet feminine, the Eddie Bauer stowaway backpack will take you from the trails to sightseeing and everywhere in between! The fabric is durable and water-resistant yet as light as can be, and it comes with a host of functional features, from a hydration bladder sleeve to multiple inner and outer pockets! Thanks to its padded back panel, lumbar strap, and wide, adjustable straps, you’ll feel comfortable carrying this bag throughout long days of adventuring!
This 30L is excellent for a full day of gear or a big shopping day, but if you want to keep it a bit lighter, they offer a 20L version, too!
Shop: Samsonite | Kohl’s | Macy’s
Samsonite Travel Foldable Backpack – Durable and Lightweight for Any Journey
Constructed with a highly robust fabric, this Samsonite packable backpack is built to withstand tons of wear and tear and is packed to the brim. The adjustable straps are made of mesh for breathability, and its spacious interior has you covered for everything from souvenir hunting to packing things for an outdoorsy adventure.
It’s incredibly lightweight, folds up super small, and makes a perfect companion for any type of trip, not to mention it has a sleek, streamlined look! x
Shop: Away
Away Waterproof Foldable Backpack – Minimalist and Ready for Any Trip
The Away packable backpack waterproof is such a versatile option that offers both function and looks good, with its water-resistant nylon fabric to keep your things protected. It folds up into a teeny zip pouch that’ll easily fit into a purse and expands into a roomy bag that can be packed for a day trip, a beach day, or just brought along for an impromptu shopping trip! This bag is finished off with a secure elastic drawstring, flap buckle closure, and a handy trolley sleeve.
One user says, “I like that it packs down into a small area to go in my luggage. I used it on a recent trip to Switzerland, and it held everything I put in it without fear that it would rip because of the durable material. I clipped the bag it comes in inside the backpack and used it to put smaller items in. Loved it so much!”
Shop: Quince
Quince Transit Quilted Daypack – Chic and Practical for Everyday Adventures
Combining practicality with modern style, the Quince Quilted Commuter packable backpack is designed for travelers and commuters who value both form and function. Made from durable, water-resistant recycled polyester, this lightweight backpack features a padded laptop compartment, roomy interior, front zip pocket, and wide, adjustable straps for all-day comfort.
Its quilted design adds a polished touch, making it easy to pair with casual or more elevated outfits, whether you’re running errands, sightseeing, or commuting.
One user shares, “I needed a durable backpack with a variety of pockets and storage to take on a girls trip to Paris. I was able to fit a change of clothes, snacks, technology bag, a light weight blanket, beauty bag and more! It was lightweight and also showed no signs of dirt or wear and tear. I can’t wait to use it again!”
Shop: Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Foldable Backpack – Colorful, Waterproof, and Travel-Perfect
No matter where the day takes you, you’ll be stylishly set with Vera Bradley’s waterproof packable daypack. This cutie is made from a water repellent fabric that’s tough and water-resistant, keeping your items safe and sound without adding extra weight. Adjustable straps, an outer and inner pocket, and a range of playful prints add to the charm!
A fan says, “The print is gorgeous, and the material is sturdy and durable. It’s great to take on a vacation for use on day trips. When I travel to Europe, I often take sightseeing trips into the city for the day and take this backpack for carrying my essentials and anything I buy while there.”
To help you avoid overweight baggage fees, we’ve rounded up the best lightweight luggage!
Shop: Osprey
Osprey Lightweight Packable Backpack – Adventure Ready and Featherlight
The adventure-ready design of the Osprey Ultralight packable backpack offers two side water bottle pockets, a key clip, and super comfy carrying. It’s amazingly lightweight yet tough, with a roomy interior that wearers love to pack up for a day on the trails, but the simple design makes it work for casual travel days in town, too. The straps are padded, plus it comes with an adjustable sternum strap for added support, so it’s a great packable daypack for backpacking.
A TFG says of her Osprey packable daypack, “It packs down so small and light. It travels inside my Osprey Fairview 40 bag and my small crossbody purse. That gives me multiple day bag options, and I also use it when I hike or bike while traveling.”
Shop: Nordstrom
Fjallraven Waterproof Packable Backpack Tote – Versatile Carry for Urban and Outdoor Trips
Fjallraven’s High Coast packable backpack tote is here to offer you the utmost in versatility; with padded backpack straps, an adjustable crossbody strap, and top handles for however you want to carry it, all packing down into its front pocket for when you don’t!
Despite the awesome added features like side pockets, interior pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve, it is super lightweight. Plus, it’s water-resistant!
Shop: Travelpro
Travelpro Foldable Travel Backpack – Compact and Spacious for Overflow Needs
Smart, durable, and incredibly practical, the Travelpro Essentials SparePack packable foldable backpack is a must-have for travelers who need extra space without extra bulk. Made from high-quality, abrasion-resistant polyester, it folds into its own compact pouch for easy packing. When unfolded, it offers a spacious main compartment, two side water bottle pockets, and a front zip pocket for quick-access essentials.
Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s perfect for everything from sightseeing to carrying overflow items during longer trips.
Shop: Backcountry
Patagonia Ultralight Backpack – Top Eco-Friendly Lightweight Travel Backpack
Sporty, stylish, and ultra-functional, the packable backpack Patagonia is a dream for travelers and adventurers alike. Made from recycled ripstop nylon, it’s incredibly durable, lightweight, and water-resistant — ready for anything from city exploring to rugged hikes.
Designed with a wide top opening, a zippered internal pocket and key clip, an exterior pocket, and two water bottle pockets, it keeps your essentials perfectly organized. Best of all, you can carry it as either a tote or a backpack, and it packs into its own pocket when not in use!
A fan shares, “I just returned from a big kayak adventure which required minimal luggage. I brought this tote and my black hole bag. Perfect combo! This tote holds far more than I thought possible with the thoughtfully designed pockets, deep cargo space and the large side pockets for water bottles. I also love the little emblem on the outside. Highly recommend!”
These women’s sling bag styles will keep your must-have essentials close at hand as you embark on your exciting trips!
Shop: BÉIS
BÉIS Small Packable Backpack – Travel-Ready and Effortlessly Cool
Stylish, functional, and designed for everyday adventures, the BÉIS Beisics packable backpack is a versatile travel companion. Made from durable water-resistant fabric; it features a spacious main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and multiple internal and external pockets to keep all your essentials organized.
With padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a sleek, minimalist silhouette, it transitions seamlessly from travel days to sightseeing to everyday use. Offered in neutral tones like beige, it pairs perfectly with casual or polished outfits alike.
What do you think is the best lightweight packable backpack? Share with us in the comments!
For more travel gear for women, please read:
- Best Backpacks With a Trolley Sleeve
- Best Convertible Backpack Purse
- Suitcase Recommendations: Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Toiletry Bag
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Thank you so much for this! I just ordered two of them and will decide which to bring on
my trip to Istanbul when they arrive.
Great list!
Next time you review luggage, adding dimensions in the chart would be super helpful! I know it’s probably not practical to also include what airlines these satisfy the personal item requirements but a girl can dream. ❤️
This is the best blog!! I’m a sucker for backpacks and am looking for the best light weight one to take on our trip to Ireland. I want to get them all!!! Thank you for helping narrow down the best options!! Still want them all 😊
I love this site ! It is so helpful and especially the links provided to purchase things . I have been following it for a while and enjoy all the tips. I am a horrible packer because I can’t make decisions. I always over pack and over think . The lists really help. Thank you .
I didn’t have the Away on my list but I’m in love! I like the concept of a package backpack and using my longchamp as my personal item.
Great info on backpacks