We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A sling backpack that you can simply throw over your shoulder and go about your day outdoors. It has a waterproof exterior and plenty of pockets to store anything you'd need (including one for your tablet).
2. A foldable cross-body backpack that will take up less space than a Nintendo Switch, and you can still pack it full of all your essentials then frolic to your heart's content.
3. A hiking daypack available in a 24-L version that can ACTUALLY fit in your pocket when it's folded up. When unfolded, this will be your next lightweight travel BFF.
4. An Osprey day pack you'll be delighted by, on account of just how many knickknacks you can stuff in here and you'll still feel like you're wearing nothing on your back.
5. An Eddie Bauer packable 20-L daypack that has all the bells and whistles, and can also fold into itself.
6. A hydration-compatible REI pack that makes packing as easy as just stuffing everything inside. With two sets of front straps, you know that this baby isn't budging while you scale a mountain.
7. An Athleta Excursion Backpack, if you want to give your outdoor routine a chic upgrade. Its lightweight design features lots of handy storage space, including bottle-holders, multiple straps, and pockets on pockets on pockets.
8. A lightweight day pack that's breathable and foldable, so when you're enjoying the great outdoors you won't even remember you're carrying a whole buttload of stuff.
9. A water-resistant day pack that's unassuming, but packs a punch. In other words, you'll feel like you have a magic backpack that you can keep pulling stuff out of like a real-life Dora the Explorer.
10. A hiking day pack both kiddos and adults will love for its durability and sheer functionality, whether you're hiking, cycling, sailing, exploring a new city, or just existing in need of a new backpack.
11. A hydration backpack so you don't have to reach behind you for your water bottle and miss the scenic view. It comes with the 3-liter hydration bladder, a rain cover, AND a lifetime warranty. What more could you need?
12. A Carhartt cooler backpack sure to keep all your hiking accoutrements nice and cool so you can fulfill your dream of cracking a cold one at the top of a mountain.
13. A 25L daypack from Patagonia made from extra durable, weather-resistant, and 100% recycled fabric that'll protect any of the many on-the-go essentials you can store inside. Plus, it boasts padded shoulder straps for added comfort, which'll come in handy if you overpack for your day excursion.
Promising review: "Really love this pack. It performed even better than I thought. Bought for day hikes but used it to travel to Galapagos for a week – it stayed waterproof in bumpy boat rides and fit everything plus a little room here and there for souvenirs. Also squeezes under the airplane seat for a long flight. Top pocket does a nice job with wallet/keys/phone/sunglasses. It's small and balanced enough to do some trail running with, or a day hike." –Jackie
Get it from Patagonia for $149+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
14. A lightweight and packable Bago 25L backpack with so many easy-to-reach pockets, you might consider retiring your full-time purse for convenient lil' number.
Promising review: "I bought this for a three week cruise/land trip to Alaska after seeing it mentioned on a travel blog, and I am glad I did! It is super lightweight, but carries a ton! A couple of times it had water bottles, a small purse, my jacket...all at the same time! I was worried it wouldn't be able to take all the weight. I was so pleased that it performed beautifully with no signs of tearing or wear at the critical stress points after hours traipsing around with it on. The straps are nice and wide, making it very comfortable to wear. I see this being used for travel for years to come!! A great little daypack!" –Anna Cave
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in six colors).
15. A nifty lil' '73 Originals mini backpack that combines function with fashion, since its cute and casual design can easily lend itself to a post-hike stop for lunch (and house your phone, wallet, keys, and other little goodies in the process).
Promising review: "This backpack is really well-made. We have some other mini backpacks from other companies, even expensive ones, and this is the best one. The color is awesome. The zipper pulls are nice and big. It has a padded pouch in the back where you can keep a tablet or your phone. It has a nice front pocket with a clip for your keys so you don’t lose them. It’s a great bag. Love it." –Anonymous
Get it from '73 Originals for $45 (available in five colors).
16. A mini backpack reviewers absolutely love for its adjustable straps, surprisingly large capacity, and vibrant colors reminiscent of more expensive bags.
Promising review: "I got this for 3 week trip to Mexico and it saved my life. I could fit a wallet, water bottle, book, and a bunch of misc. things with no problem! I've also used it for a trip to Vegas, Disneyland, hikes, etc. I love the color (Thistle) and all the pockets it has inside - super helpful to organize small items!" —Denny F
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in 42 colors and patterns).
Check out this list for more backpack purses you'll love.
17. A Jansport mini backpack that's an adorable half-pint version of their classic backpack, so you can feel like you're a wee schoolchild again. Better hurry or you're going to be late! Oh wait, you're an adult now.
Promising review: "I have had this bag for about a year, and I use it for lots of things. I often wear it on hikes or bike rides, and it is very sturdy. It looks new, has no holes, and holds a lot more than you might expect. I am really pleased with this purchase." —Kira
Get it from Amazon for $21.29.
18. A Herschel mini backpack that's just what you need while traveling so you don't have to worry about wrangling a purse or tote when you're supposed to be ~living in the moment~.
19. A Carhartt mini backpack you'll realize is almost too functional the moment everyone you're traveling with asks you, "Can I put this in your bag?"
You, suiting up for your next outdoor adventure after buying your new backpack:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.