Backpacks Under 30 Litres – Reviewed
If you bike, run, climb or board, you’ll know that often you need a backpack that’s big enough to hold an extra layer, a hydration bladder and an energy bar, and not a lot else. Ideally the pack will be low profile so that it doesn’t hinder movement and versatile so that you can carry an extra water bottle, get easy access to your mobile phone or strap on a helmet. Here we review some of the best backpacks under 30 litres:
Osprey Talon 22 Backpack
A classic case of “you get what you pay for”, Osprey packs aren’t cheap, but for build quality and well-thought-out features, they’re unsurpassed. The Talon is designed to be the only small backpack you’ll need, whether you’re a biker, hiker or climber. Reflective graphics make sure you’re seen, comfortable under load despite it’s lightweight construction and features a nifty bike helmet attachment. We’ve put the Talon to the test – read the full review.
Capacity: 22 litre
Price: 120.00 EUR | 90.00 GBP | 110.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
The North Face Borealis Backpack
The largest pack in this lineup, The North Face Borealis is a 29 litre day pack with airmesh back, laptop sleeve & mesh water bottle pockets. There’s a useful elastic bungee on the front for stashing a waterproof jacket. Great for commuting, weighing in at 1.2 kg it’s lightweight and comfortable.
Capacity: 29 litre
Price: 85.00 EUR | 75.00 GBP | 88.95 USD
Available from: Amazon
Berghaus Twenty Four Seven 25L Backpack
A good budget option, the twentyfourseven is Berghaus’ top selling pack. It’s stylish, robust and water resistant with a padded back system, good ventilation and plenty of storage options, including a large easily accessible front pocket.
Capacity: 25 litre
Price: 39.99 EUR | 35.00 GBP | 45.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Patagonia Refugio 28L Backpack
With a cavernous main section, a laptop sleeve, a zipped internal pocket and a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, the Patagonia Refugio is a versatile daypack for students, commuters and hikers. There’s a stash pocket on the front to organise smaller bits and bobs. Available in six colourways.
Capacity: 28 litre
Price: 85.00 EUR | 75.00 GBP | 100.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Deuter Race Backpack
Ideal for winter training as the pack has a reflective strip and there’s a high vis rain cover included. The 10 litre capacity means you can fit a waterproof jacket in and other essentials but maintain a low profile. Sold as a cycling pack, but the fit is good enough to run with, and its super lightweight construction means you barely know it’s there. Side mesh pockets provide extra storage, and there’s also room inside for a 2 litre hydration bladder. Available in 3 colourways.
Capacity: 10 litre
Price: 55.99 EUR | 49.50 GBP | 65.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack
At 27 litres the Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack is a lot roomier than it looks. A great commuter/day pack that feels like it is made to last. A padded laptop sleeve provides a snug home for a 15″ laptop and water resistant fabric keeps the elements at bay. There’s a tough bottom panel which provides resistance to abrasion where you need it most. The lack of a waist strap may put off runners and cyclists.
Capacity: 27 litre
Price: 62.50 EUR | 55.00 GBP | 69.50 USD
Available from: Amazon
Mammut Neon Light 12L Backpack
Weighing just 350g, Mammut’s Neon Light pack is a slim, lightweight pack. The 12-litre capacity is not huge, but ample for trail running and shorter hikes. A large front zipped pocket and an internal mesh zipped pocket help keep your stuff organised. The pack’s also equipped with some thoughtful technical features including daisy chain loops to attach gear to the outside and a separate hydration bladder compartment. A removable hip-belt useful when trail running or biking adds to the versatility of the pack.
Capacity: 12 litre
Price: 55.00 EUR | 45.00 GBP | 65.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Lowe Alpine Tensor 20 Backpack
The Tensor 20 rucksack from Lowe Alpine is just the right size for a summer day hike. When the walking gets technical, this pack keeps pace with features like trekking pole and ice axe storage. A padded harness and highly breathable back system makes it comfortable to carry and the large main compartment has an internal zipped pocket and a key clip to help keep your stuff organised. The front pocket is great for stashing maps and other items you want to be easily accessible during your hike.
Capacity: 20 litre
Price: 55.00 EUR | 45.00 GBP | 65.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack
Osprey’s Daylite Plus isn’t as technical as the Talon, but it’s still a very versatile pack. The large zipped main compartment will easily swallow a book, a sweater and a camera, whilst a smaller front pocket with its mesh organiser and key holder helps keep smaller items handy. A padded laptop sleeve will hold a 15″ MacBook Pro, or a 3 litre hydration bladder. There’s a shove it pocket on the front for stashing a waterproof and a vertical zipped pocket for your phone and wallet. The side mesh pockets are ideal for trail snacks and a water bottle up to about 750ml. A ventilated back panel, comfortable shoulder straps, sternum strap and waist belt make the backpack suitable for full-day hiking trips.
Capacity: 20 litre
Price: 65.00 EUR | 50.00 GBP | 65.00 USD
Available from: Amazon
Columbia Half Track Backpack
The Colombia Half Track is equipped with an effective ventilated back panel which helps the air flow and keep you cool on hiking trips. The 25-litre pack is also water resistant, hydration bladder compatible and comes with a padded laptop sleeve. Two large compression straps pull the load in tight to your back and are also handy for quickly strapping a jacket to the outside of the pack. All in all the Half Track is a well made and very versatile backpack.
Capacity: 25 litre
Price: 65.99 EUR | 57.99 GBP | 75.99 USD
Available from: Amazon
