Backpacks come in an assortment of sizes and designs and these bags have their own features that make them suitable for certain outdoor activities. When you begin to look at the 10 L backpacks, these are one of the smaller options you can find which typically makes for the ideal daypack.
A daypack is typically used for any outdoor activity that requires a little more gear than what you are able to just fit into the pockets of the clothes you are wearing. This could include a couple of water bottles or hydration bladder. They aren’t necessarily meant for longer trips because they will not be able to hold a sufficient amount of gear you may need for a longer trip.
When choosing the right daypack, there are several considerations to make including what kind of activity you will be participating in, the capacity you need, the features you need for stability and comfort, as well as the way the backpack will fit according to your size and stature.
10 L backpacks (also known as travel backpacks, carry-on backpacks, day bags, and daypacks) are suitable for running, a short climbing or hiking trip, or cycling. If you are a runner or hiker than you may also want to consider hydration capabilities of the backpack, and you will also want a lightweight option that will not weigh you down but can also provide the quick access you need as well as enough storage pockets for your smaller incidentals. Additional features, such as handy zippers, a hip belt, a rain cover, and a hydration bladder, are helpful but not essential.
For cycling and mountain biking, you may want to consider a backpack with a more compact and low-profile design so that it is lightweight but is also stable. It should also be able to accommodate gear you may need including bike tools.
The following are some of the best 10 L backpack brands and styles you can choose from:
1. Outerdo 10L Outdoor Sports Backpack
The Outerdo 10L Outdoor Sports Backpack is ideal for biking, cycling, traveling, camping, and hiking. It also has the ability to hold a 2-5 L hydration pack. The backpack is made from a high-strength nylon fabric with honeycomb and wire lattice and is designed to adhere to ergonomic principles so that it remains comfortable while providing stability and security while it is worn.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 0.98 x 8.27 x 16.54 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.01 lb |
Key Features
- Can hold a hydration pack or water bag between 2 and 5 liters
- Includes belt and chest buckle for added stability
- High-quality nylon material for improved durability and strength
- Ergonomic, breathable, and secure with padded straps
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Does not include the water bag
2. Deuter Speed Lite 10 – 10-Liter Hiking Backpack
The Deuter Speed Lite 10 Backpack is an ultra-lightweight and compact backpack that can be used for a variety of outdoor sports and activities. Its sleek silhouette provides you with a comfortable and secure fit and it can carry up to eight pounds of gear and essentials that you will need on your trip. This backpack is made from a high strength polyamide with reinforcements included on the bottom of the pack.
| Price | $$$ |
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Product Weight | 12 oz. |
Key Features
- Features flexible and ergonomic frames
- Removable pivoting hip belts and waist straps
- Attachment points for essential gear
- Gear loops and easy access compartments
- Ventilation and stabilization for a more precise and comfortable fit
- Pack can reduce perspiration by almost 15%
- Extremely lightweight and compact with a sleek silhouette
Cons
- Higher price point
- Straps are not padded and belt straps may be too thin
3. X-Sports Decathlon Quechua Outdoor Backpack
The X-Sports Decathlon Backpack is the ideal pack for hiking, running, cycling, and traveling. It is suitable for both an adult and child and is made from a nylon material that is highly tear-resistant and lightweight. It offers convenience, comfort, versatility, and durability.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 15.75 x 3.94 x 9.06 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.25 lb |
Key Features
- Features thick, padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Includes two main compartments to store your gear
- Water and tear-resistant material for improved durability
- Comes in an assortment of different color options
Cons
- Made of thinner material and cannot protect valuables from drops or shock
- Smaller than expected
4. 10L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack- Aqua Quest Mariner 10
The Aqua Quest Mariner 10L Backpack is ideal for kayaking and boating and any other outdoor activity. It is 100% waterproof and can keep all your valuables safe and dry from the rain, snow, dirt, dust, and even sand. It can also protect against quick and temporary submersion. The backpack is extremely durable and is puncture and abrasion-resistant and is made from a non-toxic PVC fabric with double bar tacked stress points and welded seams.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 2.83 x 11.65 x 17.56 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.97 lb |
Key Features
- 100% waterproof protection
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- High-quality materials including quality webbing and hardware
- Molded and ventilated back panels
- Fully adjustable and padded shoulder straps
- Hip and sternum straps
- Convenient carry handles
Cons
- Buckles for closure could be stronger; can come unclasped
- Straps are padded but may not be thick enough
5. 10L Biking Backpack with Jarvan Hydration Pack
The 10L Biking Backpack is durable, practical, and versatile and is ideal for camping, hiking, cycling, skiing, and running. It includes multiple pockets for storage and organization including internal pockets that can hold smaller items. It is made from ultra-lightweight, waterproof, and tear-resistant materials and is also designed to keep you cool and comfortable while wearing it. It offers maximum breathability and comfort.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 7 x 8.6 x 18 inches |
| Product Weight | 1.08 lb |
Key Features
- Includes a water bladder with a leak-proof cover that is easy to open and close
- Features adjustable and padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Includes a chest strap and waist strap
- Integrated breathable mesh pad in the back
- Reflective strips for added safety
Cons
- Water bladder is not built into the backpack
Final Thoughts
10 L backpacks may be small but can be the ideal solution to a quick outdoor trip when you need to carry a bit more than you can comfortably fit in your pockets. Before making your purchase, be sure to assess your needs and find a 10 L backpack that can hold the supplies you need while remaining lightweight, compact, stable, and comfortable.
The problem with a lot of backpacks no matter their size or even exactly what they are for is that certain ones have very good designs as far as comfort but then they might not have the best design for carrying items. The ones which have a good design regarding the compartments, don’t have a good design for comfort. The ones that have a good design for practicality do not have a good design for versatility.
Bookbags tend to have a good design in that they have a main compartment that opens wide with zippers that go from side to side and often they are two way zippers which is really a plus and they often have a smaller compartment that opens vertically which is much better than compartments that open vertically. But then book bags tend NOT to have shoulder straps that are breathable like with certain hiking backpacks : Also book bags tend not to have sternum straps and waist straps.
There are other examples I could provide about backpacks, rucksacks, hiking packs etc all which have one or more good features but lacks the feature of another.
Of course it depends on what you are going to do, travel for a few days, commute to work or school, etc. It depends on how long you intend to stay away, what you will need, only one change of clothes for an overnight stay, or maybe a weeks worth of socks and underwear because you won’t always have access to laundry facilities where you are going, and you may need a good amount of toiletries, soap a few toothbrushes and shaving razors because where you will be staying there aren’t any convenience stores nearby. etc etc. Different scenarios.
However unless you need one of those kinds of backpacks that have hard stiff frames on them, it is useful that a backpack be pack able itself and is lightweight though made of rugged-as possible material.
The North Face has a good book bag that is very roomy and largely because its zipper opens in a way to allow greater opening of the main compartment and it has a long vertical-opening smaller compartment. However its shoulder straps would feel horrible on a hot day.
There is one small 18 LIter pack from REI (Recreational Equipment Inc), which is excellent for its shoulder straps which are made of strong rugged mesh material reinforced with banding on the sides that is ruggedly sewn on. (Sometimes a backpack has mesh shoulder straps that are made of flimsy weak-textured material). and of course when you are hiking or walking shoulder straps should provide ventilation. It is true when you use any kind of backpack but it is actually odd that book bags rarely have shoulder straps that are breathable. But the REI 18 liter backpack is designed so that there is only one main compartment and it opens from the top like a laundry bag with a rope or string sewn at the hem that you tighten. It would not open as wide as a backpack with a zipper that goes from side to side and another thing is that it has only one compartment, no smaller compartments attached so that you can put your wallet and keys or other small items in the smaller compartment and be able to reach for them when you have to catch a bus and pull out your fare or ticket. Such a backpack is good if you are carrying tings that you won’t use until you get to your destination. Designers of backpacks should realize that probably most people have to reach for items from their back packs “pockets” all the time.
Also there is a need for small and large pack-able backpacks to be water resistant to protect your belongings inside them.
If only some good hybrids of book-bags and backpack, and pack-able day-pack were made.