Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
It used to be that a small backpack, or daypack, was meant just for a day hiking down the trail, but they became extremely popular with kids for going back and forth to school. Now it would seem that someone has a daypack on their shoulder everywhere you look. Why is that? Well, that’s an easy one – we like our stuff. We like to have our stuff with us, and quite often, we need our stuff more and more. A good daypack has to carry our stuff, be comfortable to wear and be durable enough to last. The best backpacks will get you through the day and not let you down, while looking pretty good.
Cover Image by Shutterstock/Steber
Best Backpacks for Hiking, Travel and School
| Pelican MPB25 Backpack | Fly Racing Main Event Backpack | OGIO Gambit 17 Day Pack | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Size: | 25 liters | 25 liters | 2,050 cubic-inches |
| Computer sleeve: | Yes, padded and protected | Yes, padded and protected, side entry | Yes, padded and protected; separate tablet sleeve |
| Water bottle sleeves: | Two | Two | Two |
Best Backpacks for Hiking, Travel and School at a Glance:
#1 – Pelican MPB25 Backpack
#2 – Fly Racing Main Event Backpack
#3 – OGIO Gambit 17 Day Pack
#4 – JanSport SuperBreak Plus Daypack
#5 – Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack
#6 – Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Pack
#7 – Thule Chasm Backpack
Pelican MPB25 Backpack – Editor’s Pick
- Size: 25 liters
- Computer sleeve: Yes, padded and protected
- Water bottle sleeves: Two
If you catch me sprinting through the airport trying to catch a flight, chances are you’ll see the Pelican MPB25 on my shoulders. I have been using this pack for a couple of years now and it is nearly perfect when it comes to being a functional daypack. The 25 in the name refers to the capacity – 25 liters. It has a padded and protected sleeve that accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop, so I can throw my Macbook Pro in there and feel safe that it will be protected and functional for my trip. A fleece-lined sunglasses pouch on the top by the handle keeps your shades handy and protected. The main front pocket has a built-in organizer, and there are two water bottle side pouches. The shoulder straps are well padded and adjustable.
And now, for the best part – the MPB25 is highly weather resistant. The outer shell is treated along with the zippers to shed rain and other liquids. While it is not technically waterproof, I have yet to have anything get wet, and this includes times when I have worn the pack while ATV riding in the rain. The only complaint I can muster is that it isn’t as flashy looking as some packs, which might make some kids not want one.
Fly Racing Main Event Backpack
- Size: 25 liters
- Computer sleeve: Yes, padded and protected, side entry
- Water bottle sleeves: Two
When school resumed after the pandemic, one of the side effects in my son’s school was that the kids couldn’t use the lockers anymore. They had to take all of their school supplies to each class. This was brutal on backpacks, and he went through a couple before we bought him this one from Fly Racing. It has zippered main compartments, and a side-entry padded laptop sleeve. There are two side pockets for water bottles and a fleece-lined pouch on the top. He has used and abused it for a couple years now and it still looks brand new.
OGIO Gambit 17 Day Pack
- Size: 2,050 cubic-inches
- Computer sleeve: Yes, padded and protected; separate tablet sleeve
- Water bottle sleeves: Two
I have used a lot of Ogio bags through the years, and still have every one of them. They all still look great and are completely functional too, which should tell you all you need to know about the quality of them. The Gambit pack is a sweet daypack. It has a dedicated fleece-lined top loading laptop compartment that fits most 15 in laptops. Integrated foam panels protect you important stuff, and are great for those times when you have to stuff your bag under the seat in front of you.
There is also a padded tablet pocket, so you don’t have to worry about that as much. The back uses what OGIO calls their HUB (Hybrid Unibody Backpanel), which makes it comfortable for all-day use. OGIO tends to think of everything when it comes to comfort, too, so the shoulder straps are well padded and formed, too. This pack is a great buy for those looking for a long-lasting daypack.
JanSport SuperBreak Plus Daypack – Budget Pick
- Size: 26 Liter
- Computer sleeve: Yes
- Water bottle sleeves: Two
Could there be any more of an iconic pick for a school daypack than a JanSport? The Wisconsin-based company has been a leader in the area for decades, and is still going strong with high-quality products that are affordable. This is a no-frills pack made from recycled ripstop nylon. It has a main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a small zippered front compartment and side water bottle holders. It also comes in a wide range of colors and prints to suit your needs.
Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack – Athlete Pick
- Size: 29 Liter
- Computer sleeve: Yes
- Water bottle sleeves: Two
The Hustle is one of the best backpacks for athletes because it has a separate zippered pocket that was designed to hold a pair of shoes or hikers. That is a handy feature when you don’t want your hoodie smelling like your shoes. This pack is made using UA’s Storm fabric, which is water resistant. That is a big plus, especially in a pack in this price range, too. There are two water bottle pouches, a segmented accessory pouch and a padded laptop sleeve that will accept a 15-inch laptop, like a Macbook Pro. There are quite a few color options, too. I bought one of these packs recently for my daughter and she loves it.
Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Pack – Best Sling Pack
- Size: 6 Liter
- Computer sleeve: No
- Water bottle sleeves: None
Switching gears a little, there are some packs that are extremely popular with those who don’t need to carry nearly as much stuff, and no style is more popular in this area than a sling pack. This one from Osprey is about as good as you’re going to get, too. It has two zippered compartments with some organization built in, and there is a zippered pocket on the strap for things like money or cards. It works for both right and left hand carries and is made to be extremely durable. These are really quite popular options for women looking for hiking backpacks that double as a purse option, too.
Thule Chasm Backpack – Weather Pick
- Size: 26 Liter
- Computer sleeve: Yes, side-zip access
- Water bottle sleeves: One
Thule is well known for its roof racks and other accessories, and they make some stellar packs for the adventure in all of us. This pack is extremely weather resistant with coated nylon construction. They don’t claim to be weatherproof, but this is about as close as you can get to that claim without actually making it. It’s a tough pack, which is important if you have a long haul but need to carry your laptop with you. The interior is one main compartment that is segmented to help you organize your stuff. Reducing the number of zippers helps with that weather thing, too. Everything I’ve ever used from Thule has been high quality, too, so I expect this pack will last you a long time.
Best Backpacks for Hiking, Travel and School Comparison Table
| Backpacks for Hiking, Travel and School | Size | Computer sleeve | Water bottle sleeves | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican MPB25 Backpack |  | 25 liters | Yes, padded and protected | Two |
| Fly Racing Main Event Backpack |  | 25 liters | Yes, padded and protected, side entry | Two |
| OGIO Gambit 17 Day Pack |  | 2,050 cubic-inches | Yes, padded and protected; separate tablet sleeve | Two |
| JanSport SuperBreak Plus Daypack |  | 26 Liter | Yes | Two |
| Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack |  | 29 Liter | Yes | Two |
| Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Pack |  | 6 Liter | No | None |
| Thule Chasm Backpack |  | 26 Liter | Yes, side-zip access | One |
How to pick the best backpack
There are so many hiking/day backpacks on the market, it can be hard to pick the right one. If you’re at all like me, this means you wind up buying multiple packs and having a surplus to choose from. That’s not all that bad, mind you, but there are ways to narrow down the selection process and help you pick the best backpack for hiking, travel and school.
Capacity
The interior capacity of the backpack is important. For a decent day pack, especially if you have to haul stuff for classes, the ideal capacity is at least 25 liters. You can go bigger, but remember that the more you carry, the more weight you’re adding. Plus extra space means things can shift around, creating a possible damage scenario.
Laptop Capability
If you intend to carry your laptop, you want a laptop sleeve, and preferably something that offers added protection. I tend to gravitate toward the packs with a dedicated laptop compartment that offers the most protection.
Water Bottle Holders
This may not seem like a big deal, but it is a good idea to stay hydrated, regardless of the activity, and having a dedicated place to hold your water bottle means that there is one less bulky thing to go into your backpack.
Durability
I hate it when I have a backpack blow out, and that is why I picked the packs on the above list for a collection of best backpacks for hiking, travel and school. Each one is durable and well made, so it will hold up.
Hiking, Travel and School Backpack FAQs
What makes a good daypack?
As long as you have adjustable shoulder straps, adequate padding, a water bottle holder and enough space for your stuff, you have a good daypack for hiking, work, travel or school.
Do I need a waist belt for my backpack?
Packs that have a waist belt are great for long hikes and other activities, but if you are looking for a school or travel pack, they aren’t as necessary. In fact, I think most waist belts get in the way while traveling on planes. They do add extra support when hiking though, so make sure you know what you need from the pack.
Can I use my hiking backpack as a carry-on for flying?
As long as it meets the size requirements, yes, you can definitely use your backpack for flying as your carry on, or even your personal item. One of the many reasons I like the 25-liter size for a pack is that it will slide under the seat in front of me rather easily and allow me not to feel the need to compete for space in the overhead bins.
Notice:
OutsidePursuits.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. OutsidePursuits.com earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.
