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Home » Gear » best travel daypack

Choosing The Best Travel Daypacks – EPIC Round Up (2024)

And this is exactly why I wrote this definitive guide to the best daypacks for travel! A travel daypack is a truly essential piece of kit for any backpacking adventure and it’s important to get it right. Don’t scrimp and get something cheap. Believe me, you’ll thank me later.

Our EPIC round-up of the 11 best travel daypacks is more than a list; it’s a gateway to finding your perfect travel companion. These daypacks are not just about carrying your essentials; they’re about enhancing your travel experience, ensuring every item you need is just a zip away. Join us as we explore the top picks that are sure to make your next journey as seamless as it is memorable.

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Quick Answer: What are the best daypacks for travel?

• The Best Urban Daypack – Nomatic Backpack
• Best Daypack for Long Hikes – Osprey Daylite Pack
• Best Compressible Daypack – Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack
• Best Travel Daypack for Electronics – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Recycled Daypack – LOJEL Niru Daypack
• Lightest Travel Daypack – Deuter Speed Lite
• Best Backpack For a Day Hike – Osprey Stratos 24
• Best Packable Daypack – Outlander Packable
• Sexiest Travel Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Daypack – Pacsafe Metrosafe
• Jump to -> The List of the Best 8 Daypacks

My Favorite Daypacks for Backpacking

How to choose the best travel daypack, faq about the best travel daypack, in conclusion: the best travel daypacks.

Here it is: the ultimate list of the best daypacks for travel! Tested, considered deeply, and then ordered in a way that’s gonna make you go “ Hmm, oh yeah, that’s a nice choice. ” What a finely pruned list of traveling day packs!

In a rush? Check out a quick overview of our favorite daypacks just below! After that, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty and the reviews.

Osprey Daylite Pack

• Feature Highlights >
• > The All Mighty Guarantee!
• > Comfortable

Nomatic Backpack

• Feature Highlights: >
• > Sleek Design
• > Always useful

Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack

• > It compresses!
• > Padded shoulder straps

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Top access laptop compartment
• > Well organized, designed

LOJEL Niru Daypack

• > Multiple color options
• > Expandable size options

Deuter Speed Lite

• > Weighs just 15.2 ounces
• > Great for trail running

Osprey Stratos 24

• > Most comfortable hiking pack
• > Lifetime guarantee

Outlander Packable

• > Fold to 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• > Only weighs .7 lbs

Osprey Talon 22

• > Feature-rich

Fjallraven Kanken

• > Simple yet useful
• > Tougher than it looks

Pacsafe Metrosafe

• > Anti-Theft Design

#1 Osprey Daylite Pack – The Best Daypack for Hiking

The Osprey Daylite Plus is a versatile and lightweight backpack, renowned for its durability and comfort. With a 20-liter capacity, it’s designed for daily use or short adventures, featuring a spacious main compartment, a front pocket with mesh organizer and key clip, and dual side mesh pockets for water bottles or quick-access items. Its ventilated and padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure comfort, even during extended wear. The Daylite Plus also offers hydration compatibility and multifunctional attachment points, making it a popular choice for hikers, commuters, and travellers seeking a reliable, compact pack that doesn’t compromise on functionality.

Osprey also offers an ‘ all mighty guarantee ‘ which means they will repair any damage that occurs to your pack. However, newer versions of the AMG are less comprehensive and now exclude both wear and tear and airline damage. Personally, I swear by Osprey packs. I’ve been travelling with the same 7-litre backpack for nine years now.

Check out our full review of the Osprey Daylite plus for more details.

• The All Mighty Guarantee!
• Comfortable
• Great for hikers or travelers
• No inner zipper pockets
• Not ideal for digital nomads
• On the smaller side (can be pro or con)

Is the Osprey Daylite the best travel daypack for you?

Whether you are exploring a city or jungle, this lightweight daypack packs some serious punch for its size and weight. There is a lot of storage inside including a padded sleeve that can be used for either a tablet or a hydration reservoir so you can convert it into a hiking hydration daypack . This is a tough, highly versatile daypack that will be more than adequate for most travelers needs… 9.5/10

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#2 Nomatic Backpack – The Best Urban Daypack

If you are after a go-to backpack for everyday use , then meet the Nomatic Backpack. It’s built from high quality materials and is intended for everyday, urban use; this is reflected both in its sober but stylish design aesthetic and the packs layout.

The storage capacity is 20 – 24l making this a great commuter bag and it can also be carried as a briefcase in case you need to go to a business meeting or something. Several members of our team own and love Nomatics and each new generation of their packs seem to get better and better. However, when I took this pack out hiking, it was not the most comfortable but it does perform much better for transit, taking down the gym or trips into town.

To find out more about how we tested this pack, check out our full review of the Nomatic Backpack for more!

• Sleek design
• Well comparmentalised
• Suitable for business use
• Not available in Europe
• Not suitable for hiking
• It’s pricey

Is the Nomatic Backpack the best travel daypack for you?

Note that Nomatic do not ship to Europe so if you are in Europe, then no this bag is not for you. Beyond that, this is solid choice for those in need or an Urban commuter backpack. If you want something durable with minimal storage then this is you pack.

If you need something with a bit more room (for gym shoes or something) then look for a 28-30L pack. This backpack is also not suitable for day hikes so if you like to get outdoors, go choose yourself an Osprey.

#3 Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack – The Best Compressible Daypack

The Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack is possibly the coolest travel daypack on this list. Why? That’s easy – it looks awesome, carries a ton of gear, is durable… and it COMPRESSES!

That’s right, this bad boy is a perfect daypack for travelers. The fact that it compresses and it’s lightweight nature make it very easy to transport. At 17 liters, this is one of the best travel bags for day trips. The Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack is made from ripstop nylon, is air mesh, and features YKK zippers in its construction.

Along with it’s durability is its comfort – the Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack has padded mesh shoulder straps, and a well designed breathable back panel. Furthermore, it’s priced at only $30 making it one of the best cheap daypacks on the market especially considering that the compressible case is included.

Prefer Tortuga backpacks? Check out their kickass Setout Laptop Backpack.

• It compresses!
• Lightest pack on this list
• Padded shoulder straps
• Back ventilation
• Not an ideal hiking daypack
• Not everyone loves the look of Osprey bags

Is the Osprey Remnants Packable Daypack the best travel daypack for you?

While all the bags on this list are awesome in their own way – it’s tough to beat the Tortuga Setout Daypack. Due to it’s durability, size, and compressibility this backpack is the ultimate daypack for travelers looking to travel super light… 9.5/10

#4 AER Travel Pack 3 – Best Travel Daypack for Electronics

The AER Travel Pack 3 is a highly functional and stylish travel backpack, designed to meet the demands of modern travelers. With its 35-liter capacity, it’s perfect for short trips, offering a meticulously organized design with a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets, and dedicated spaces for a laptop, shoes, and other travel essentials. The backpack is crafted from durable, water-resistant materials, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry.

Its ergonomic design includes padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and load lifters for optimal comfort and support. The Travel Pack 3 also features a lay-flat design for easy packing and unpacking, lockable zippers for added security, and a sleek, urban aesthetic that makes it a favorite among city dwellers and digital nomads alike. The Travel Pack boasts a dedicated laptop compartment that can accommodate a laptop up to 15″. It’s easy to access, which is great when you’re constantly getting in and out of your backpack.

Finally, the AER is tough, crucial for keeping your gear safe. Though it’s technically waterproof, the nylon and tarpaulin material is resitant enough to keep most water out. Just don’t walk out into a rainstorm without a cover.

• Very durable
• Top access laptop compartment
• Well organized, designed
• Rain cover is sold separately
• Water bottle pocket is a bit small
• Could’ve been more internal straps

Is the AER Travel Pack 3 the best travel daypack for you?

A stylish daypack from a stylish company, it’s padding and frame are built for ultimate comfort, and the additional dedicated laptop section makes it enticing for anyone traveling with tech … 9.0/10

#5 LOJEL Niru Daypack – The Best Recycled Daypack

Nothing makes a hippy traveler’s heart flutter quite like the words eco-friendly and recycled . Well, I can think of a few other things, but let’s focus on the backpack for now. The Niru Daypack is constructed from 100% recycled nylon fabric and uses 100% metal for the components. Just incase you need another reason to love this daypack, LOJEL even ships the backpack to you in corn-based, home-compostable packaging!

This 20 liter daypack uses a unique side access main compartment, allowing you a different look inside your bag. In doing this, LOJEL was able to include extra internal pockets the length of the bag, giving you more organizational options to pack however you please.

This lightweight daypack is designed to adjust to your everyday life and needs, no matter what they may be. Featuring three adjustable sizes, the backpack can slim down to hold a single journal and some documents or expand to hold a couple of days worth of clothes and your laptop. Overall, LOJEL brings an eco-friendly, highly functional backpack to the table without too large of a price tag.

Want some more ideas? Have a look at the epic range of travel luggage from LOJEL .

• Recycled material construction
• Large side-access main compartment
• Multiple color options
• Expandable size options
• Not waterproof
• Not great for long-days hiking around
• Thin shoulder straps

#6 Deuter Speed Lite – The Lightest Travel Daypack

First things first, this day bag is definitely not the right daypack for the average backpacker but if your primary concern is weight, this is the best lightweight daypack on the market, weighing in at just 1 lb 1 oz! This pack is extremely versatile and light and is perfect for ultra-runners, hikers and other types of athletes. If you are planning on going on plenty of adventures with your pack, this may be the right choice for you. I’ve been a big fan of Deuter packs for a while and I tested a Deuter Speed Lite whilst hiking in Pakistan in 2017.

What I really like about the Speedlite is that it has quick-access mesh pockets along the front meaning you can easily grab a protein bar on the go. The padded back panel is comfortable and ventilates well, even in scorching heats. The Speedlite includes a hydration reservoir sleeve which is rare for lightweight daypacks, but super handy if you want to drink on the go.

The Speed Lite does have one major disadvantage – this is a lightweight daypack designed for moving fast, and the manufacturers have done everything in their power to keep the weight down, this means you get zero paddings on the removable hip belt.

• Lightest daypack on the market
• Perfect for athletics
• Quick-access mesh pockets
• Comfortable and well ventilated
• Not as practical for non-athletes
• Zero padding on belt
• Bungee chords prove to be fairly useless (for me at least)
• Not good for digital nomads

Is the Deuter Speed Light the best daypack for travel for you?

For smaller loads and day hikes, the Speed Lite is widely regarded as the best ultralight daypack on the market and has a cult following amongst hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. As the most effective lightweight travel daypack on the market, this is an obvious choice if weight is your primary concern and you want a daypack that won’t weigh you down whilst running or climbing… 9.5/10

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#7 Osprey Stratos 24 – The Best Day Hike Backpack

First things first, this is a day hiking backpack . That doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a hiking daypack for thru-hikes. This a seriously comfortable, stylish and innovative pack which is widely considered to be the best Osprey daypack for hiking. The Stratos 24 includes an integrated rain cover, internal hydration reservoir sleeve and a stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment. This feature rich pack kicks ass and is probably one of the most comfortable daypacks around.

The dual side stretch mesh pockets and front panel storage pocket provide you with plenty of places to store water bottles, snacks or other bits and pieces. This is one of the most expensive packs on the list and it also is not especially light. It can’t pack down like foldable or compressible daypacks but if you want the most comfortable, reliable daypack for your travels then this is it.

The Stratos range by Osprey comes in several sizes so you could consider upping the size and picking up a 34 litre version instead. If you wanted go bigger (it’s better sometimes, right?) Osprey makes a 36-liter version of this pack. Read our review of the Stratos 36 and see if it’s a better fit for you!

• Phenomenal for hikers
• Style points
• Integrated rain cover
• Trekking pole attachment (or possibly a spear)
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve
• Very pricey
• Does not pack down well
• Pocket accessibility is just ok

Is the Osprey Stratos 24 the best travel daypack for you?

If you are looking for a stylish daypack and don’t need something ultralight, then the Osprey Stratos 24 is a keeper. Hikers in particular will find this bag awesome, and although it wouldn’t be my first choice for the best daypack travelers, I can see the appeal. It looks sexy, and Osprey still kicks ass… 9.5/10

#8 Outlander Packable – The Best Packable Daypack

The Outlander is one of the smallest daypacks for travel and it folds up to become even more compact so you can pack it in your main backpack when needed. Besides the multiple compartments, this bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. It’s an extremely water resistant daypack and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable to abrasions too.

It is also very lightweight hiking daypack (weighing in at just 0.7 lbs) but please note that it does not boast any of the comfort or functionality of the best hiking daypacks. This is a great daypack for wandering around town and one of the best backpacks for day trips but it’s not comfortable to wear whilst hiking. The Outlander is only $20 so if you’re looking for a cheap packable day bag to explore cities with, then this is a good choice.

This is probably one of the best small daypacks for the cost of entry but it doesn’t come with a lifetime guarantee… Oh, I almost forgot! The Outlander comes in different colours, in case you’re all about that style.

• Smallest pack on the list
• Compact – a bag that folds up!
• Multiple compartments
• Water resistant
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style
• Not many accessories when compared to competition
• Little comfort
• No lifetime guarantee

Is the Outlander Packable the best travel daypack for you?

If you are the type of traveler that is looking to travel as light as possible – even at the sacrifice of hiking comfortably – then the Outlander Packable could be a good pick for you. Ultralight travelers, you’ve met your match! Hikers, digital nomads or anyone with camera gear, please seek elsewhere… 8.5/10

#9 Osprey Talon 22 – The Stylish Daypack for Travel

I’ve been using Osprey packs for nine years now and my current hiking daypack is the Talon 22. And it’s the goddamn tits! This is one of the best value lightweight hiking daypacks on the market and comes complete with an airscape back to keep you cool and comfortable, plenty of pockets, a whistle on the chest belt, a padded hip belt and external hydration access.

For day hikes and other adventures, the Talon 22 is hands down one of the best travel daypack around. Another great lightweight option (although not as ultralight) is the Osprey Apogee which comes with similar features. This particular model is ideal because it has THREE exterior pockets and a mesh pocket for water bottles. It is also one of the most durable options out there, specially made for rough use. The pocket on the hipbelt is a nice touch and a good place to keep your phone or snacks.

Like all Osprey products, the Talon 22 comes with the Almighty Guarantee meaning that Osprey will repair or replace your pack, no matter what. If you want an upgrade, there’s also a 33-liter Talon backpack as well!

• Perfect for hikers
• Good for travelers
• Plenty of pockets
• You get to be like me!
• Not for digital nomads
• If you don’t hike, look elsewhere
• Runs a bit small in size
• Not the cheapest option

Is the Osprey Talon the best travel daypack for you?

In my opinion, this is the best Osprey daypack on the market right now however I admit that it’s a better fit for travelers who plan on doing plenty of hiking and might not meet your requirements if you have a laptop you want to carry around in your daypack… 9/10

#10 Fjallraven Kanken – Another Urban Daypack

The Fjallraven is a timeless backpack. Seriously, I don’t think you could walk on the streets or venture anywhere without seeing one of these bags, at least once in your life. They’re immensely popular and, contrary to what some people may think very useful bags.

Right of the bat, I’m going to say this: Fjallraven makes pretty minimalist backpacks . The most classic version essentially has just two main compartments and a couple of handles. You don’t get any hidden pockets, extra accessories, or wild new technology when buying a Fjallraven.

What you do get is a bag that works. Fjallravens are very hearty backpacks – I’ve seen people take these things to the ends of the earth and back and put them through hell in the process. The bag is mostly made from vinyl which does a great job of standing up to the elements. The look of the Fjallraven is also unquestionable. Boxy, minimal, angular, and a bright red logo; these bags haven’t changed their look in decades. Honestly the look doesn’t have to change either. Vintage is always in vogue and the Fjallraven doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

• Simple yet useful
• Tougher than it looks
• Immediately recognizable
• Brand is a bit pricey
• Nothing flashhy

Is the Fjallraven Kanken the best travel daypack for you?

Looking for a bag that doesn’t seem to go out of fashion and doesn’t lose its usefulness? The Fjallraven Kanken is that bag. Those in need of the best urban daypack will find a lot to love in the Fjallraven – it won’t break easily and can look good on just about any person. It’s just one of those pieces of kit that is able to stand the tests of time.

#11 Pacsafe Metrosafe – The Best Anti-Theft Travel Daypack

We recently reviewed the Pacsafe Venturesafe  and were thoroughly impressed. This tough anti-theft daypack features anti-slash material, lockable zips, hidden pockets and even a slash-proof strap which you can use to connect your backpack to heavy furniture. We’d recommend this as the best urban daypack for travel.

Whilst this anti-theft daypack does have its drawbacks (read the review to learn more), it’s definitely one of the toughest daypacks around, performs fairly well as hiking daypack, and if you want absolute peace of mind for your electronics and valuables, then the safest way to transport them whilst on the road is almost certainly going to be in the Metrosafe 20 litre daypack. If safety is a large concern for you, check out our epic guide to the best sling packs !

#12 Wandrd Veer 18 Packable Bag

Packable daypacks are now a thing and this is by the best packable daypack that we have tried. OK, focused on hauling high-quality equipment since 2017, the innovative backpack brand Wandrd made this packable daypack out of weather-resistant materials that stay lightweight to help modern travelers get more out of their trips. The packable bag weighs 14 ounces and will take up to 17 liters of gear wherever the journey takes you.

Two exterior pockets let you store your passport and phone without having to dig through everything when you’re going through security. Comfortable padded shoulder straps on the model make the packable bag suitable for day trips, and the back panel inflates for flexible support.

Not quite ultralight, this unit is best for travelers looking for a bag that can carry heavy equipment and still stow down with ease while traveling.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Everyone travels differently, so the most important thing to consider is YOUR travel style and needs.

Do you have a lot of electronics? Are you keen to head on day hikes? Is a space-saving foldable backpack adequate for your needs? How heavy should your daypack be?

Let me run you through the top factors to consider when picking out the best travel daypack for your needs…

Size of your travel daypack

Size is the most important feature when it comes to choosing the best daypack for you. You want to make sure that your day bag is big enough to carry your everyday essentials but you don’t want it to be so large that it’s a hindrance… Choosing the right size will depend on how much stuff you plan on cramming into your daypack.

For most backpackers, a twenty litre daypack will provide ample space. The best travel daypack shouldn’t be larger than 30 litres unless you want to try and travel with a carry on-only backpack as your only piece of luggage. If you do decide to go that route, check out our review on the Osprey Farpoint 40 , one of the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Weight of your travel daypack

The best travel daypacks are going to be lightweight enough for you to hike through urban jungles, real jungles, and up into the mountains.  These days, most daypacks are pretty light – North Face and Osprey both do a great job of creating truly lightweight daypacks.

The comfort of your daypack

You and your small backpack are going to become best friends so comfort plays a huge role when choosing the best daypack for your travels. If you choose the right size and weight, you are already halfway there. I strongly recommend picking up a backpack with a ventilated back to keep you from getting a super sweaty back. A padded hip-belt is also well worth having if you plan on doing plenty of hiking.

To make sure that your bags feels just right on you, learn how to adjust it properly with this handy fitting guide from REI.

Just as important as the size, security is an attribute you don’t want to overlook when searching for the perfect soul-pack. More than one backpacker friend has returned to their hostel only to discover that his or her wallet was stolen whilst getting pissed at the bar.

Although a slash proof daypack is ideal, you can get by with a pack that has double zippers which you can lock together. One feature I really like about Osprey packs is that the chest belt comes with an inbuilt whistle… Perfect for emergencies. If security really is your number one priority, check out our review of Pacsafe’s Venturesafe backpack.

Your daypack – be it a city daypack or hiking daypack – needs to be resistant and lightweight to make it easier to carry around. Water-resistant material is a plus. Although the daypack doesn’t need to be completely waterproof, make sure that it can take some drizzle without getting all your stuff soaked.

A dry-fast material is also ideal, that way you won’t be stuck with a musty bag. All of the daypacks reviewed in this post are made from high-quality, water-resistant, materials so you don’t need to stress.

Multiple Compartments

Multiple compartments are essential to make your day travel bag more practical. Having just one compartment will mix all of your belongings together and it’d be a pain in the ass to try to find one particular item if you are in a hurry. Having several pockets will help you to get your stuff organised and separated. Ideally, the best travel daypack should have between three to five compartments to keep everything in place.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What does a daypack backpack need?

A daypack backpack needs to fit your belongings that you use daily. We’re talking phone, wallet, power bank, snacks, maps, and so on. A bonus point is an extra department for your water bottle.

What is the lightest day backpack?

The Deuter Speed Lite might not be the biggest daypack, but it’s definitely the lightest. With weight of 1 lb 1 oz, it’s impressively sturdy and stylish.

What is the difference between a backpack and daypack?

A daypack is normally a little bit smaller and a hell lot lighter than a standard backpack. It’s for daily use which requires less volume, hence the smaller dimensions.

Are there any waterproof daypacks?

The AER Travel Pack 3 is pretty much waterproof, however, if you’re carrying expensive electronics with you, you might want to opt for an additional rain mat.

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Once you hit the road, you will quickly fall in love with travel so it’s important that you stretch your money as far as possible… Therefore, I strongly recommend picking a pack that comes with a lifetime guarantee.

It was a tough call, but the Osprey Talon is the best daypack for travelers. Designed by backpackers for backpackers, they know exactly what you need from your travel daypack. I’m a huge fan of mine. It’s gone a long way and seen a lot of skies.

The Talon might not be cheap, but you are really getting your money’s worth with it. This is the same pack that I’ve been using for seven years and it is simply the best hiking daypack. In my opinion, this is the best travel daypack for adventurous travelers and will suit most people on the road.

However, it is really tough to fit a laptop inside and everything else you may need to transport on a bus. Therefore, my second recommendation is the North Face Borealis .

The Borealis is a tough, innovative travel daypack which can handle hikes and also stow your laptop away safely in the padded laptop sleeve. This is the most comfortable hiking daypack I have found which still has a padded laptop sleeve.

Both of these packs are more than adequate for hiking and for hanging around town and, crucially, both of these daypacks come with lifetime guarantees.

So that’s it! Get yourself a pack, amigos, get packed, and go packing. Over and out!

Will Hatton

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Hi, what about the Manta 24? Basing on the specs on the Osprey website it seems it can compete with the Talon and Stratos and from a pure stylish point of view I find it more attractive than the two mentioned above. So why it is not taken into account? It is simply that you didn’t try it (maybe because it is a new model?) or you tried it and for some reason it didn’t manage to enter in the top 10? If this is the case which aspect of the Manta is its weak point?

Hello, Indeed the Manta 24 is also a solid daypack choice. Just to be clear, we are Manta 24 fans! It is just as good in terms of performance as the Talon or Stratos. The big advantage of the Manta is the hydration reservoir – if that is what you are looking for. Not everyone needs that feature so it was less of a priority for us to mention. We will consider adding the Manta 24 to this list in the future. Good shout!

Great article. I’m looking at backpacks with zip panel removable day-packs. If you get one of the above, how do you carry it when you also have your backpack? Do you wear it on your front or attach it to the backpack somehow?

I usually wear a daypack on my front. Safer and more comfortable.

Great article! Thanks for the info. Do you know anything about Ethnotek backpacks? I’m heading to SE Asia for 6 months and I need a day bag. I have a 48L Osprey Kestral as my main bag, so I want something in the 20-25L range to store my laptop and Canon G7X along with all the accompanying accessories.

I’m not familiar with Ethnotek backpacks I’m afraid…

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How To Choose The

Best Daypack For Travel

The minimalist's guide to selecting the best travel daypack for one bag carry-on travel and beyond.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Considerations
• 03. Traditional
• 04. Packable
• 05. Expandable
• 06. Alternate
• 07. Packing It All Up

Think you know all there is to know about daypacks? Think again.

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Choosing the best Daypack for Travel and Beyond

The humble daypack: simple in form, but oh so valuable in function. Daypacks are the bread and butter of the backpack world, allowing us to enjoy all of what life has to offer while keeping the essentials handy.

Unlike travel backpacks —which are at home in airports, buses, and hotels—daypacks are found in nearly every facet of life and travel. From daily commutes to grocery store trips, coffee shops, and dog walks—daypacks are an essential part of most people’s lives. (Even if they might not realize it!)

In a travel sense, daypacks are ubiquitous with adventure and intrigue. From waterfall hikes in Thailand to exploring Portuguese side streets or relaxing with a few beverages on an Australian beach—daypacks are ready to hold all of your essentials as you live life to the fullest.

So, that begs the question… How do you choose the right one?

(Spoiler alert: You read this guide!)

Choosing the best daypack is a tricky—and loaded—question that doesn’t have one definitive answer. Much like travel backpacks, there are many different options that all get the job done. But in the end, we’re fairly confident there is no “best” daypack for everyone. It all depends on your personal preference and what you’re planning on doing with it.

If you want to skip ahead and just see some options already, check out the video below.

Here’s what you can expect

In this guide, we’re going to help you figure out how to choose the best daypack for your situation. We’re going to dive into all the different “categories” of daypacks and explain what you can expect with each as well as the pros, cons, and recommended use-cases.

We’re also going to provide some specific recommendations for each category, in addition to going over what you’ll want to look for and avoid in each case.

Finally, we’ll be going over some more general “pro tips” like how to efficiently pack a daypack, how to travel with a daypack and other luggage, and how to travel like a pro in a more general sense. (Although, we like to think that all of our content covers that last point.)

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Forget the “best” daypack. What kind of pack do YOU want?

Let’s get a few things straight before we dive into finding the best daypack for your situation. There are a few key considerations you should be thinking about when choosing a daypack, which we’ve outlined below. As we progress through this guide, we will continue to come back to these questions. If you can get clear on your answers here, we are confident you will be able to find the perfect daypack for your needs.

So, the first question you should be asking yourself is…

This is the most logical place to start in your quest for the perfect daypack. Choosing what daypack to buy will be most influenced by what you’re going to use it for! Here are some common examples of daypack-related activities that will require different types of packs:

• Traveling the world with a carry-on travel backpack and a personal item.
• Going on a day hike.
• Traveling with roller luggage.
• Bringing your laptop and tech gear to work every day (although we have a separate laptop bag guide for this).
• Holding groceries on your way home from work.
• Having a stylish accessory for travel or days out with friends.

The type of activities you plan on doing with your daypack will have a massive effect on what kind of bag is best for you. Obviously, there are many additional scenarios you may find yourself in outside of the ones on this short list, but we hope that by the end of this guide you’ll have the knowledge to make an educated decision on your own.

We should also mention that we are strong advocates for having multiple daypacks for different scenarios. As a bunch of self-proclaimed minimalists, we don’t tend to endorse consumption for consumption’s sake, but having two to three specialized daypacks can be enough to cover just about any scenario you find yourself in. You could get by with one versatile pack for every occasion, but you’re going to have to make some compromises. (But we don’t particularly like compromises.)

The next question you should be asking yourself is…

While your answer to the first question may heavily impact the answer to this question, we still think it’s worth discussing on its own. Think of this in more general terms—are you the type of person who likes to have everything they could ever need for a day out? Do you love being prepared for any kind of weather that may hit? Are you “that person” who is prepared to spend a night in the woods every time you go for a hike?

Walking With The Topo Designs Daypack

Additionally, consider how many people you tend to be around. If you’re more of a solo adventurer or if you need a bag for commuting by yourself, you can probably get by with a smaller daypack. But if you tend to travel with large groups of people or you’d consider yourself a “social butterfly,” you may want to consider going for a larger daypack. You’ll thank us when you become the hero of the group after carrying everyone’s water bottles and jackets. Hell, you may even get a free beer or two out of it if you play your cards right.

The gist here is that if you think you’ll be carrying a decent amount of stuff while you’re out and about, you’ll want to opt for a daypack that has a larger capacity and an ample harness system to handle that extra weight.

If you’re a bonafide minimalist or you hate the idea of carrying a pack over five pounds, you’ll want to opt for a smaller and lighter bag. In this case, you can also get away with a more minimalistic harness system. We’ll get into all that (and more) later.

Yes, yes—there are certainly more things you’ll need to consider when choosing a daypack. Here’s a quick run-down…

Budget: Obviously, you’ll want to consider how much you’re willing to spend. In a general sense, as you spend more, you can expect to see higher-quality materials, better craftsmanship, more accessories, and better styling.

Body Type: Your height and torso length will dictate what type of bags fit you best—and the fit is crucial. Some daypacks come in men’s (larger) and women’s (smaller) versions. Regardless of gender, you’ll want to make sure the pack fits your body type. Luckily, this doesn’t tend to be as much of a problem with daypacks as it is with larger travel backpacks.

Durability: This can change depending on personal preference or the type of activity you’re doing. Daily commuting is going to be tougher on your pack than quick trips to your neighborhood coffee shop. You’ll want to consider how often you plan on using this pack, and how long you’d like to have it.

Weight: If you’re concerned with the overall weight of your pack, certain types of daypacks will be drastically lighter than others. Drastically. Lighter.

Extras: Between hip belts, compression straps, water bottle pockets, laptop compartments, and a slew of other add-ons…there’s a lot to consider here. If there are certain backpack features that you feel like you can’t live without, it might restrict you to certain types of daypacks.

The daypack we’ve all come to know and love.

What is a traditional daypack?

The traditional daypack is just what you’d assume—a daypack that functions well for daily use. This is the O.G. daypack. Remember that JanSport pack you and everyone else brought to school as a kid? Well, that would fall into this category. Although we’re happy to say there are plenty of alternatives nowadays, and of varying qualities.

These types of daypacks function well and offer a ton of variety—this is actually the category where you’re going to see the most variety by far. We’re pretty confident even the pickiest gear nut could find something that fits the bill here. With a wide array of materials, color schemes, and styles—there’s something for everyone.

The Aer Pro Pack 24L is a prime example of efficient allocation of space. Whereas a lot of daypacks struggle with gear settling at the bottom of the main compartment (leaving the top unoccupied), the Pro Pack lets its other compartments fill that void. You can either use that otherwise wasted space by packing its valet pocket and admin panel or stacking as much gear as its roomy main compartment can handle—the choice is yours.

Traditional daypacks can come in a wide variety of sizes but, in general, most packs will have a capacity between 10 and 25 liters. Usually, you’ll find one large compartment with a few other smaller pockets around the bag. But there is a ton of variety in the traditional daypack department, so that’s not all you’re going to find—there are plenty of traditional daypacks out there that offer loads of organization. Really, you can find bags at any end of the spectrum—from zero organization to a boatload to a happy medium.

Now, we should clarify that while we love ourselves a good old-fashioned daypack, they do have their drawbacks. In fact, we’d argue that the drawbacks encountered on traditional daypacks are what eventually caused backpack manufacturers to start looking into other types of daypacks (like the ones you’ll find in the rest of this guide). More on that later. For now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Materials & Durability

These types of daypacks have by far the most extensive variety of fabrics and materials. In fact, you can find a traditional daypack made with just about every backpack material out there. Here are some common examples of fabrics you might encounter on a pack like this:

• And everything else under the sun…

If we had to recommend a few of these fabrics, we’d probably point out Ballistic and Ripstop Nylon. These are the heavy hitter backpack materials that we love to see because they’re incredibly durable over the long term, they’re rip- and abrasion-resistant, and they’re mostly weather-resistant. The CORDURA® name also tends to be a good one to look for, as it signifies that the fabrics have been held to a certain level of quality. In terms of specific CORDURA® materials, you’ll mainly find polyester and nylon.

We generally recommend avoiding polyester, canvas, and leather for travel. Polyester is lightweight but it lacks long-term durability, and it can rip and scuff easily. Canvas and leather can certainly be high quality, but they tend to be very heavy. Don’t get us wrong, we’ve seen great packs that use these materials, but if you’re looking for the “best” materials out there, we’d recommend opting for some of the other options on this list.

Outside of fabrics, you’ll likely find a variety of other hardware and zippers on these types of packs. We always recommend YKK or SBS branded zippers as they have long track records of providing high-quality zippers that stand the test of time. Zipper sizes range on a scale from one (small) to ten (large), and most of the packs in this category will have at least a #5. We’d recommend looking for something a bit higher, though—some of our favorite daypacks have #10 YKK zippers, which are super beefy. In general, anything between #8 and #10 will be sturdy enough that you won’t need to worry about anything breaking anytime soon. (By the way, this should go without saying, but avoid plastic and unbranded zippers at all costs!)

Additionally, you’ll find various types of hardware—in the form of buckles, adjusters, and straps—on these packs. Duraflex , Woojin , and ITW are good brands to look out for. If you don’t see a brand name on the buckles of a daypack, you might want to look elsewhere. The reality is that plastic buckles are one of the easiest things to break on a bag—you can easily snap one in half just by setting the pack down abruptly—so sticking with a high-quality, trusted brand here is absolutely worth the extra couple bucks you’ll likely have to throw down.

Curious about what other materials you can expect on a pack like this? Here’s a quick overview:

• DWR coating: This is a coating that can be applied to many fabrics which increases water-resistance. It will by no means make the pack completely waterproof, but it will help quite a bit by providing some added weather-resistance.

Who (and what) is it good for?

The traditional daypack is useful for people who need a pack for daily use and aren’t concerned about traveling light. We’re of the firm belief that any commuter or city-goer who does a lot of walking or regularly takes public transit should have a traditional daypack they love. Actually, scratch that—everyone should have a traditional daypack they love.

This type of pack is excellent at holding tech gear, groceries, clothing, and everything in between. It’ll hold everything you need for those longer-than-expected days at work, short hikes, weekend trips, and whatever else you may encounter in your day-to-day life.

As far as travel goes, this pack does hold some value, but it’s not exactly “optimized” for travel. If you’re looking for a pack that you can cram into your one bag travel pack, this isn’t going to be your best bet. It might be doable, but there are way better options out there (which we’ll get into soon).

However, if you plan on using roller luggage or a duffel, a daypack like this can be a perfect addition to your travel kit. If roller luggage is your style, we’d recommend grabbing a pack that has a luggage pass-through, like the Aer Flight Pack 3 , so you can toss your pack onto your suitcase and stroll through the airport like a total boss.

This is a pack that we think virtually everyone should have in their closet. Even if you don’t plan on using it regularly, it’s great to have for quick trips and days out of the house. It can replace totes, duffels, and reusable grocery bags while offering a whole lot more functionality because, like all backpacks, you can have both hands free while wearing it!

Once you grab one that fits your style and has some quality materials, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

This backpack is good at most things, but it’s not quite as specialized as some of the other packs we’ll highlight in this guide. Essentially, Traditional Backpacks are versatile packs that will function well in 8 out of 10 situations. But for those other two instances, you’d be better off with something else.

Traditional backpacks offer impressive materials and harness systems that allow you to comfortably carry heavy or bulky gear for long periods of time. They also offer the most purchasing options, meaning you can opt for a pack that provides a boatload of additional functionality, a pack that is sleek and minimal, or something in between. The same goes for style and size. One crucial point is that you’ll see longer-lasting and more durable materials on these types of packs because weight and bulkiness aren’t as much of an issue.

These bags also tend to have the most “structure,” which means they’ll be good for holding more valuable or fragile gear and you can easily organize the contents inside. Because they have more structure and lots of accessories, you’ll also find that these types of daypacks often have multiple carry options—allowing you to carry the pack in “briefcase mode” or “duffel mode” or some other mode entirely. That provides some nice versatility that can be good for some use-cases or specific situations.

And finally, the wide variety of packs in this category means you can spend as much or as little as you’d like. There’s something for every budget, which isn’t entirely true for the other categories on this list.

If you’re looking for something extremely lightweight and minimal, this type of pack isn’t going to be your best bet. You can find light daypacks here, for sure, but a packable daypack may suit you better. Traditional daypacks also tend to be a bit on the bulkier side, so if you’re looking for a pack that you can toss into your larger travel pack, there are better options out there.

As we’ve mentioned, the traditional daypack is king when it comes to versatility—but, by definition, that means it’s not king when it comes to specialized use-cases. As you’ll see later in the guide, there are a variety of packs for specific niches that will go above and beyond what a traditional daypack is capable of.

The Verdict

If you’re looking to carry stuff efficiently or you want a versatile pack that will last a lifetime, this is what you need. In fact, even if you don’t think you need this type of pack you should still probably have one on hand. It’ll come in handy more often than you think.

But if you have other, more specific considerations, you might want to keep reading…

Recommendations

The Aer Flight Pack 3 is a reliable and functional mid-sized daypack from a trusted brand. It’s got a sleek, minimal look and it uses high-quality materials that have held up well during our testing. If you’re looking for the ultimate daypack, you’ll want to check this one out.

The Topo Designs Daypack is a stylish little backpack that isn’t really so little. At 20 liters, it’s a reliable daypack that can handle weekend trips or bulky items with ease. Although it might look simple, there’s a lot going on inside this heritage style pack—including some high-quality, durable materials.

We love Tom Bihn because they put a ton of care, effort, and detail into the decisions they make when creating packs. The Synapse 25 is no exception. With some excellent organization, customization options, and great materials—this bag is a winner and could be a great option for longer trips.

Are packable daypacks the future of the backpack world? We’re not sure, but we’re definitely into them.

Video Overview: 9 Packable Daypacks For Minimalist Travel & Why You May Need One In Your Carry-On Backpack

Feel free to watch this guide overview in video format. We’ll go more in-depth in the written content and keep this page up to date.

Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube and never miss a video.

What is a packable daypack?

Packable daypacks are the latest, greatest, and most innovative item to hit the daypack market for some time. Over the past few years, we’ve seen packable daypacks explode in popularity, and for good reason. They’re ridiculously lightweight, super compressible, and they solve a problem that almost everyone has faced at some point in their lives.

YNOT Deploy Packable Daypack

If you’ve ever arrived in a new city with a big ole’ piece of luggage and thought, “If only I had a smaller bag I could use for the day,” then you are in luck. The packable daypack was built to solve that problem, and for that, we love it.

The way packable daypacks work is pretty straightforward (it’s also, like, in the name—but we’ll clarify). They’re usually built with extremely thin and lightweight materials, which allows you to compress the bag into a small ball, just like you might do with a plastic disposable shopping bag. But it’s not just thin materials we’re talking about here. Everything on a packable daypack is light—from the shoulder straps to the zippers to the buckles. It’s all purpose-built to compress, so you’ll rarely see thick shoulder straps, beefy zippers, or extra features on these bags.

Most bags compress into a pocket on the pack or a small compression pouch. Basically, you pack the bag into the pocket or pouch, zip it up, and you’ve just compressed a backpack down to the size of a soda can (or sometimes, even smaller).

From there, you can toss that can-sized pouch into your larger travel bag, your desk at work, your car, or just have some fun and play a game of catch with your friends! There are no rules when it comes to packable daypacks, people.

Packable daypacks can vary in size, but you can generally expect them to fall between 10 and 25 liters in capacity when expanded. When compressed, smaller-sized packs will take up less room, but the materials and design also play a significant factor. We’ve seen 24-liter daypacks that compress smaller than 15-liter packs. So it’s vital to do your research on each bag before you purchase and consider how important the expanded and compressed sizes are to you.

As far as compartments go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a packable daypack with more than two or three pockets. The majority of these bags have one large compartment with a small quick-grab pocket—and that’s about it. As you’ll see, these types of bags are pretty barebones (because they have to be).

When it comes to packable daypacks, thin and light is the name of the game. Everything on a packable daypack is purpose-built to allow the pack to compress to less than a quarter of its initial size. But let’s be honest, compressing is the easy part. After all, you can compress a plastic grocery bag or a Ziploc bag pretty easily.

The hard part is creating a bag that can do all of that while still holding up for years to come. Using a backpack to carry heavy or bulky items can put a lot of stress on it, but even more importantly, compressing a bag can put an incredible amount of pressure on the seams and materials. So, how do you create a backpack that is strong enough to hold up to all of that while still being extremely thin and lightweight?

Well, thanks to #science and years of fabric innovation, we now have a handful of materials that are up to the challenge. Here are some of the most common materials you’ll find on a packable daypack—and keep in mind that these materials are similar to what you’d find on other backpacks, they’re just going to be much thinner versions of the same fabric.

• …and that’s about it!

As you can see, there’s a pretty select number of materials that you can use when making a packable daypack. And really, all of these materials are incredibly similar—they’re all thin, lightweight, and have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio.

Now, with all this talk about super thin, super durable materials… we know what you’re thinking. “Okay, but how durable can these things ACTUALLY be?” Well, if you’re skeptical, you should be.

Here’s the deal. A packable daypack is likely never going to be as durable as a full-fledged, traditional daypack. With materials this thin, you’re always running the risk of creating small punctures, abrasions, rips, tears, and more. While 30D Ripstop Nylon is exceptionally durable given its weight, that’s just the thing—it’s so thin and light that it’s never going to be as durable as, say, 1000D CORDURA® Nylon.

What we’re trying to say here is that given the limitations of packable daypacks, they’re incredibly durable. Let’s not beat around the bush here—they’re certainly not the most durable packs money can buy. In fact, you’ll want to be careful with your packable daypack—even putting bulky items in can be cause for concern.

But as far as we’re concerned, as long as you put some thought into how you pack your bag and you treat it well, you’re going to be okay. And the pros of a packable daypack truly cannot be understated.

Packable daypacks are extremely small when not in use, but still quite functional when in use. As you can imagine, there are a lot of situations where this can be helpful!

We mainly use packable daypacks for travel. If you’re traveling with one large travel backpack, you can bring along a packable daypack to use once you arrive at your destination. The benefit here is that it takes up little to no space in your pack while you’re traveling, and then you don’t have to use your enormous travel backpack for a day out in a new city.

Some packable daypacks are even small enough where you can toss one in your jacket pocket and carry it around with you just on the off-chance you might need a backpack at some point during the day. Pretty awesome, right?

There are many uses for packable daypacks outside of travel, as well. You may want to keep a packable pack in your desk at work, in case you need to hit the grocery store on your way home. You could keep one in your car or a saddle bag on your bike. Or, for the ultra-minimalists and tiny apartment dwellers, you may want to just save space in your closet and use one of these as your only daypack!

Packable daypacks are great for anyone on the go. They allow you to be prepared to carry “stuff” (whatever that may be) at any moment, without having to lug around an empty backpack. They’re also great for minimalists, or anyone who’s looking to remove bulky items from their life.

Alright, this won’t take long (we promise).

Packable daypacks are thin, light, and allow you to be prepared for anything. …And that’s why they’re great! We really cannot understate how nice it is to have a backpack that compresses to the size of your fist. It’s truly awesome.

But, let’s be honest, there are some downsides…

Now that we’ve talked at length about why packable daypacks are amazing and everyone should have one, let’s get real for a minute. There are downsides to these bags—quite a few, in fact. And while none of them are necessarily dealbreakers, you should be aware of them.

A packable daypack is likely never going to have as much structure and rigidity as a traditional daypack or any of the other daypacks we’ll be mentioning in this guide. That is, unless some new, amazing fabric technology comes out. The reality is that because these bags are so thin and so lightweight, the material is not going to stand up straight or hold its shape like a regular backpack would.

As a result of this and some other factors, packable daypacks do not carry nearly as well as a traditional daypack. Because they have to be so thin and light, they generally have extremely minimal harness systems (although we’ve tested a few that excel in this department, they’re few and far in between). Usually, you’ll find extremely thin straps—which tend to get twisted as you’re using the bag—with minimal zippers and buckles. No matter how you slice it, packable daypacks aren’t great for carrying heavy loads over long distances.

As we mentioned earlier, durability is another thing to consider with packable daypacks. Super-thin ultralight materials are never going to be as durable as the thick, heavy stuff. You are far more likely to experience a puncture, tear, or rip with a packable daypack than with a traditional one. Although, if yours is made with ripstop nylon, those rips won’t get any bigger, which is nice. For this reason, they’re not the best for sustained, heavy use.

Packable daypacks serve a specific purpose, and they do it very well. They allow you to be prepared for anything—whether that’s in the travel context, at work, or on your commute. If you need something that will take up virtually no space when not in use while still being functional when in use, there’s nothing better. But all that comes with downsides. A packable daypack is not suited for heavy, daily use—and it’s not the most comfortable thing to wear, either.

As far as we’re concerned, those aren’t dealbreakers. In fact, if we could only choose two packs off this list, a packable daypack would surely be one of them. For one bag travel, they’re practically indispensable. And for everything else, they’re pretty damn convenient.

The Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack is a classic. It’s lightweight and compresses to the size of an aluminum can, but it’s still got a 19-liter capacity when expanded. It also pairs well with other gear in the Setout line.

This is the packable daypack that is the exception to the norm. Why? Because it looks and feels like a regular backpack! It’s got robust materials, a bunch of pockets, and some accessories that you just never see on packable daypacks. But it’s also heavy and bulky as a result.

Matador is known for making extremely packable gear, and the Freefly16 is just one of their packable daypacks. We like this one because it’s pretty versatile and offers a decent harness system without sacrificing space when compressed. That being said, we’ve had some durability issues during testing.

It’s a travel pack! No, it’s a daypack! No, it’s an expandable backpack! (And it’s the best of both worlds.)

What is an expandable backpack?

If you’ve been reading carefully, you may have noticed something different about this section. Here, we’re not going to be discussing a daypack, specifically, but an expandable backpack.

What’s the difference, you ask? And why is this thing that is supposedly not a daypack in a guide called The Daypack Guide?

Well, an expandable backpack is part daypack, part travel backpack. This is a bag that can function as either, and it does so by expanding or compressing accordingly. Does it compress as much as a packable daypack? No, not even close. And that is why it has its own category!

Expandable backpacks give you the best of both worlds (at least, in theory) by providing you with a fully-capable travel backpack that you can use for extended one bag travel. The idea is that you can use this bag for long journeys—like flights or train rides—and then remove the contents of the pack once you get to your destination.

Once you’ve removed a majority of the contents, you can compress the bag down to daypack-size and head out on the town. You won’t stick out nearly as much as you would with a massive travel backpack, although we’re not going to lie, it will certainly look a bit more cumbersome than a traditional or packable daypack.

These types of packs often have high liter-capacities, up to 35 or 45 liters when fully expanded and in “travel pack mode.” When compressed, the size can vary—but expect to lose between 10 and 15 liters of capacity. Some bags are built in a way that there are two different “modes” with different capacities and little to no wiggle room in between. These usually use some kind of compression zipper that will run around the length of the bag, allowing you to compress it by zipping up excess fabric.

Other bags may be built in a way where you can simply compress them down to whatever size you’d like. These usually use simple compression straps, meaning you can often compress the bag to be extremely thin, or compress it just a little bit from its fully-expanded size.

Expandable backpacks tend to have the same kinds of materials you’d find on a travel backpack because, well…they are travel backpacks! This means you’re going to encounter some pretty durable and high-quality fabrics.

Could you find similar materials on a traditional daypack? Absolutely. However, with expandable backpacks, you’re going to see higher-quality materials across the board, as opposed to traditional daypacks where you’ll find a ton of different materials of varying qualities.

The majority of expandable daypacks are going to be made with some kind of nylon. That might be Ballistic Nylon, Ripstop Nylon, CORDURA® Nylon, or some other version. These are all super durable fabrics that can put up with daily use and long term travel for years to come. And while you might notice that these are similar to the materials we mentioned in the Packable and Traditional Daypack sections, they’re generally going to be much, much thicker. A packable daypack might have 30D Ripstop Nylon, while an expandable daypack is more likely to have 1000D Ripstop Nylon.

You could still find a variety of materials here—anything from polyester to canvas, sailcloth, and more—but in general, we tend to encounter nylon on these bags. And quite frankly, given the wear and tear that is likely to occur with a bag like this, we’d recommend going for something strong like a Ballistic or Ripstop Nylon over pretty much anything else.

And just like the traditional daypacks we covered in the first section, you’ll find a variety of other materials on these bags. Here’s a quick run-down if you need a refresher:

• DWR coating

Expandable backpacks are great for minimalist travelers. They can fit everything needed for a year of perpetual one bag travel while still functioning well as a daypack when out and about in a new city. The general concept with expandable backpacks is very similar to packable daypacks, only in this case, instead of having a travel backpack and a daypack, you’ve got one that pulls double-duty.

One potential problem with this system is that you do need a place to store the extra contents of your bag when not in use. Presumably, you’d be able to toss most of your stuff into a dresser in your hotel or Airbnb, or into some kind of locker at a hostel. If you don’t have a place to store your stuff, that could be a bit of a problem—unless you’re cool with stashing the contents of your bag in an alley, or maybe under a bridge or something. (Sorry, we don’t have much experience with this.)

We should also mention that packing cubes can be a huge convenience here. If most of your stuff is packed into two or three packing cubes, you can simply pull them out, compress the pack, and you’re good to go. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with a whole mess of clothes and other unorganized gear.

This type of backpack is fantastic for someone who is looking to travel minimally, or especially someone who’s on a budget. Most expandable backpacks are priced similarly to your average travel backpack, so you can save a good bit of money by buying just one expandable backpack instead of both a travel backpack and a daypack.

As we mentioned in the durability section, these bags are generally going to hold up longer and be capable of handling more wear and tear than your average daypack. After all, they have to function as a travel backpack and a daypack—meaning they’re going to see a whole lot of use. They also need to be able to hold up to the pressures of compression.

And because they need to function as a travel backpack, they also have more robust harness systems, meaning you’ll be able to carry heavier loads for long periods of time while remaining comfortable. Ultimately, the best thing about expandable backpacks is their versatility. And for that, we love them.

Throughout this section, we’ve been explaining how expandable backpacks can function as both a travel backpack and a daypack. But if you’re anything like us, you might be wondering how well they perform in both of those roles…

We’re not going to sugarcoat this—expandable backpacks rarely function as well in “daypack mode” as a bonafide daypack will. No matter how much you compress an expandable backpack, it’s still going to have the length and width of a travel backpack, meaning it’s going to look and feel pretty large on your back. While some packs handle this problem well, most expandable daypacks are going to look a little awkward when you’re wearing them. Let’s just say no one’s going to be fooled by your “daypack.”

Expandable backpacks are also heavy, but that’s to be expected when you’ve got a travel backpack and daypack in one package.

If you’re on a budget or you hate the idea of having two backpacks, an expandable backpack is an obvious choice. It will function well as a travel backpack and pretty well as a daypack once you get to your destination. As long as you can find a place to drop off your stuff, you’ll be all set for perpetual travel with one pack.

The Tortuga Setout Divide is built specifically to function as an expandable backpack. It has two capacities—34 and 26 liters—depending on which mode you’re in, and it compresses with one large compression zipper that runs the length of the pack.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 is one of our favorite travel backpacks, and it also happens to work very well as a daypack. With a robust set of compression straps and a design that collapses well onto itself, it’s one of the few travel packs you can rock as a daypack without looking totally ridiculous.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is another travel backpack with a compression system that does a great job of converting the pack from travel mode to daypack mode. In fact, this is one of the more innovative compression systems we’ve seen—it uses a large compression zipper and several compression buttons instead of straps.

There are a lot of daypacks out there. Some would say, too many. We think that’s ridiculous.

We’ve gone over the three main categories of daypacks. But there has to be more, right?

Yes! There are many other types of daypacks. In this section, we’re going to briefly run through some of the other daypacks you might encounter in the wild. These are packs that have niche use-cases or are slight variations of some of the other packs we’ve mentioned in this guide.

So, without further ado, let’s check them out.

Waterproof Daypacks

Waterproof daypacks are pretty self-explanatory. Unlike other backpacks that may be “water-resistant” or “weather-resistant,” these packs are truly impervious to water.

Waterproof daypacks usually use some type of nylon that has been coated with DWR, Hypalon, or some other waterproof coating. But what really makes these bags stand out is their waterproof zippers and closure systems. Truly waterproof zippers are much different than weather-resistant zippers, and they’re pretty hard to come by.

Most bags will opt for a rolltop closure system for the main compartment, and a few waterproof zippers for other areas of the pack (if there are other areas). If done right, a rolltop closure system will be completely airtight. All you need to do is keep folding it onto itself, and then buckle it up.

Submerging The Matador Freerain24 In Water

If you need a waterproof daypack for whatever reason, we’d recommend testing it out before you truly put it to use. Before you bring it into the wild, throw some paper towels or toilet paper into it, close it up, and submerge it in a bathtub for a few minutes. If the paper towels are still dry afterward, you know it’s totally waterproof.

Waterproof daypacks usually have just one compartment, although they may have a few smaller pockets with waterproof zippers. And we’re pretty sure we don’t need to tell you what these bags are good for, or who would benefit from them…right? It kind of goes without saying.

Matador is known for making a bunch of packable gear, and this bag pulls double-duty as a packable daypack that’s also waterproof. Well, it’s fully waterproof minus the front zippered pocket. And yes, we’ve tested this ourselves.

Mini Daypacks

There’s no getting around it—these little packs are super cute. We tend to think of mini daypacks as a more stylish and slightly less-functional alternative to packable daypacks.

These packs tend to just be miniaturized (cuter) versions of traditional daypacks. You’ll find similar materials, although everything’s going to be slightly more minimal. You can expect a minimal harness system and only a few pockets in addition to the main compartment (or maybe none at all).

The great thing about a mini daypack is that it looks great and can still be squished down to fit inside a larger travel backpack. But you’re sacrificing quite a lot with a bag like this. It’s still going to take up a lot of space inside your larger bag, it isn’t going to provide the best carry, and it won’t be able to hold many things.

That being said, if you want a stylish little bag and you don’t intend on carrying more than a few items on your days out, a mini daypack just might be the ticket.

This mini daypack is quickly becoming a classic. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini is stylish, cute, and comes in about a million different colors. We love the way it looks, and it functions well given its size. We’d recommend grabbing a pair of the shoulder strap pads for some extra comfort.

Lay-Flat Daypacks

Lay-flat daypacks are pretty much just traditional daypacks that you can lay flat at the base of your travel backpack or roller luggage.

We don’t usually see these types of packs explicitly marketed as “lay-flat daypacks”—they’re typically just traditional daypacks that happen to work well for this use-case. To lay flat, this type of pack needs to be made with somewhat “flimsy” or thinner materials. That also means that it’s not going to have the rigidity and structure of your average daypack.

These types of packs can be useful for people who don’t like the idea of a packable daypack or don’t like how they look/feel. The main issue is that it will still take up a significant amount of space in your pack, even if it lays flat really well.

If you are looking for a pack like this, we’d recommend reading some reviews (like ours) before you buy. It can be pretty hard to tell how well a pack lays flat without testing it yourself.

The Aer Go Pack is labeled as a “packable” daypack, but it’s really more of a lay-flat daypack. This pack is made with thin materials and has very little structure when empty, so it will take up minimal space when laid flat in a suitcase or backpack. You also have the option to roll it up, if you are so inclined.

A lay-flat daypack that will add a pop of color to your adventures, the Cotopaxi Batac 16L is a durable, ultra-lightweight pack you’ll want to show off. It has minimal features—but has a comfortable enough carry to work well for long days out and about.

Budget Daypacks

Budget daypacks are mostly just traditional daypacks that have been made with cheaper, lower-quality materials like polyester, canvas, or even cotton. You can expect a barebones daypack with a couple of pockets, and that’s about it. But that’s why it’s so cheap!

These packs are not going to last a lifetime, they may not look as fabulous as you’d like, and they’re not going to carry very well. But they’re cheap! If you’re on a budget and need to carry stuff while still using two arms—boom! These packs will do that. But be warned—you might encounter some issues in the middle (or beginning) of your trip.

Uniqlo is known for making low-priced clothing and accessories that are still stylish and fairly durable given the price. This 3-Way Bag, which can be carried in backpack, messenger, and briefcase mode, is no exception.

While not ideal for bulkier items, the Lefrik Handy Backpack is a lightweight and affordable everyday bag that will be right at home in the city. Plus this bag is made of 100% recycled polyester from discarded PET bottles—so environmentalists rejoice!

Camera Daypacks

Camera daypacks are built specifically for carrying cameras and all the accessories that come with them. From lenses to SD cards to tripods, photographers need to lug around a lot of stuff to their shoots.

A camera daypack is going to be a bit more minimal than a full-fledged camera bag, as the goal is to hold just enough stuff for a couple hours of shooting. You can expect a bag with plenty of organization, some internal padding, and enough room to hold a camera, one or two lenses, and all the batteries, cords, and memory cards you need for a day out.

In our experience, camera daypacks aren’t entirely necessary unless you’re dead-set on having a daypack specifically for shooting. We tend to use camera inserts—like the F-Stop Small Shallow ICU —to convert a traditional daypack into a “camera daypack,” or add a camera compartment to our larger travel pack.

Made of durable materials and full of features, The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L (V2) is a solid choice for all photographers and videographers. But its classic aesthetic and nice internal layout will also make digital nomads and one bag travelers pretty happy too.

Ideal for gearheads, The Chrome Niko F-Stop Camera Backpack has enough space and organizational features to fit a few camera bodies, a handful of lenses, and some additional accessories. Chrome is known for their quality craftsmanship—and their camera pack is no exception.

Secure Daypacks

Secure daypacks might look like a traditional daypack, but they’ve got a whole lot going on under the hood. These packs are built to repel any potential thief and keep all of your belongings safe and sound.

You can expect to see some pretty cool tech on these packs—from tear-proof fabrics to lockable zippers to metal cables that you can use to lock the bag to fixed objects. These bags are great for travel, where security is always an issue. Having an ultra-secure pack means you can doze off on that long train ride or walk through crowded markets without having to worry about pickpockets.

These daypacks will usually be on the heavier side, thanks to their additional security measures, and that’s fine with us. Knowing your stuff is safe is pretty damn valuable, and we’ll take that over a few saved ounces any day of the week.

The Loctote Flak Sack II is an extremely tough bag that’s slash-proof, RFID blocking, and lockable—both to itself and a fixed object (so you can leave it behind without worrying about your valuables). It is on the heavier side—but for a bag built for security, it really should be.

We’ve done our bit. Now it’s your turn! Let’s make this daypack thing happen.

Hooray, you’ve made it to the end of our guide! Congratulations, you are now a daypack expert. Hopefully, at this point, you have a good idea of what to look for in a daypack, and you’ve got enough knowledge to find the right daypack for you and your unique situation.

Now that you’ve got the daypack figured out, it’s time to put it to use. We’re not going to do an exhaustive guide on how to use a daypack (as much as we’d like to) because we’re pretty sure it’s self-explanatory. However, there are a few quick tips that we’d like to highlight before we close this thing out.

Next time you get ready for a day out in a new city, think of these tips when loading up your daypack:

• Use packing cubes for larger items: We recommend using packing cubes in most travel backpacks, and the same principles apply to daypacks. A few small packing cubes or pouches let you organize all the contents of your bag and give you easy access to whatever you need. The best thing about using packing cubes with a daypack is that, if you plan right, you can grab a fully-loaded packing cube from your travel pack and toss it in your daypack. These are great for clothing and medium-sized pieces of gear.

• Use pouches for smaller items: When it comes to tech gear, toiletries, and other small items you’d like to keep organized—pouches are a lifesaver. Unlike packing cubes, which tend to be one large compartment, pouches tend to offer plenty of organization for smaller items like thumb drives, SD cards, and pens that you might not find on your daypack. We love using pouches in coffee shops and coworking spaces to easily pull out all our tech-related gear for the day.

• Keep your laptop safe: We always recommend using a padded laptop sleeve to keep your laptop safe in transit. Even if your bag has a laptop compartment—and even if it’s padded—it’s always worth throwing it in a padded sleeve for peace of mind.

Hopefully, these tips will take your packing to the next level. And if you have any other pro tips you’d like to share, feel free to drop us a line! We’d love to hear about them.

Concluding Thoughts

So, here we are. We’ve finished our long tour through the world of daypacks. We’ve learned some stuff, seen some interesting packs, and had a few laughs. We hope this guide has opened your eyes to what kind of daypacks are available, and why you might want to opt for one style over the other.

But we’d like to close this one out by reminding you that choosing the “best” daypack is not only impossible but not a big deal. At the end of the day, you should go with a bag that will not only suit your needs but that you LIKE! There’s no point in buying a bag that you don’t actually like, no matter how many features and durable materials it has.

So whether you opt for an ultralight packable daypack or a retro leather bag, just be sure to get out there and use it while you enjoy the world—whether that means making your commute just a bit less stressful or enjoying a day in a new city.

Author: Aidan DiPrima

Aidan is a writer, editor, gearhead, and New England native that currently calls Boston, MA home. When he’s not mountain biking with his Aussie Shepherd or traveling around the states, he’s making sentences as concise as possible—a challenge he doesn’t take lightly.

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10 Best Travel Day Packs (2021 Edition)

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Never underestimate the power of a good travel day pack on a trip. These versatile day packs are perfect for any active vacation or even for a city getaway if a backpack is more your style than a purse. Plus, if you run out of space in your bag on the way home, they make for a great spare carry-on.

Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote Pack 27L

This hybrid tote/backpack is one of the best day packs for travel because of its dual functionality and lightweight material. Though it’s not heavy, it’s well made and resistant to both tears and wet weather.

The main compartment is zippered, and there are two mesh water bottle side pockets, as well as a large zippered front pocket, so it can hold all of your carry-on essentials . The 27-liter size makes it roomy enough for an overnight stay, but it folds into itself for easy storage.

Gonex Packable Daypack

Gonex makes a great streamlined pack that stuffs into its own small pouch. The material is a lightweight but strong nylon that’s resistant to rain and tears. It has one main compartment as well as a few smaller ones, making it one of the best travel day packs to keep you organized without adding a lot of weight.

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

This offering from Public Rec is a sturdy option for those looking to do some hiking or other outdoor activities. Even though the bag is made of strong polyester, it’s still lightweight and waterproof. It has a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, stretch-woven side pockets, a padded shoulder harness, and a zippered top pocket for essentials.

Matador Freerain24 Backpack

The Matador Freerain is the latest style in Matador’s compact packs range. This ultra-light style is watertight with waterproof rolltop construction, making it super durable for any type of outdoor activity. It has a 24-liter main compartment, dual side pockets, and a front vertical pocket for easy access to essential items.  

Osprey Daylite Backpack 13L

Whether you’re taking a city tour or a summit excursion, the Osprey Daylite is the perfect travel day pack. For hikers, it has a slot for a hydration bladder and is designed to be attached/removed from larger Osprey bags. For the urban traveler, it has a large main compartment, front pocket, and side mesh pockets. At 13 liters, it’s on the smaller side, but it still fits everything you would need for a day.

Sherpani Camden Pack

This is a great travel day pack for urban travel due to its zipper locks, RFID-protected pocket, laptop sleeve, and flexible straps: It can be carried as a tote, worn as a backpack, or worn crossbody. There’s also a zippered luggage pass-through sleeve so you can put it over the handle of your carry-on at the airport.

Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mid Volume Backpack

This stylish travel day pack option holds a 13-inch laptop in the padded sleeve compartment and has internal and external pockets to hold your essentials. The main compartment zips shut, and the shoulder straps are padded.

Fjallraven Kanken Classic

I’ve been flying with my Kanken as my personal item for more than a year now and I love its size, durability, and shape. The Classic style makes for the perfect travel day bag as well, with a roomy main compartment and front pocket for your essentials. The simple design is stylish, and you can fit a surprising amount of clothing and gear inside.

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

REI’s Flash Pack is a travel day pack with dual functionality. Simply turn it inside out and the backpack doubles as a stuff sack for packing. This day pack is super comfortable to wear with a lightly padded back panel—which also slips out to double as a seating pad—as well as padded shoulder straps and a detachable hip belt and sternum strap. The sternum-strap buckle can also be used as a safety whistle. And at 18 liters, it’s the perfect size for day trips. What can’t this day pack do?  

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Packable Daypack

Cotopaxi makes a great lightweight travel day pack, perfect for hiking. The 18-liter pack has a large main compartment with an internal hydration sleeve, mesh shoulder straps, a front zippered pocket, buckled strap support, and a top drawstring closure.

More from SmarterTravel:

• How to Pack a Backpack: 5 Essential Tips
• 9 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel
• How to Choose the Perfect Suitcase

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 15 Best Daypacks for Traveling Abroad in 2024 [Detailed Guide]

Amar Hussain

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Table of Contents

Why buy a daypack for international travel, things to consider with daypacks for travel, the 15 best daypacks for international travel, final thoughts.

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Daypacks are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfectly designed for taking the essentials you need with you for a day out while traveling. From sleek and minimal single backpacks to perfectly primed cabin bags with lots of compartments and zippers, the most successful daypacks are a fantastic example of form and function at their finest.

Rucksacks, suitcases , and cabin bags are all excellent vessels for carrying your gear, but when it comes to day trips, excursions, and even urban adventures, you don’t need big heavy baggage weighing you down.

Usually offering somewhere between 10- to 30-liter capacities, daypacks do not usually have an internal frame to support them, making them perfect for slinging in your things and going. Designed to carry lightweight loads, they also often feature a range of zippered compartments to keep your essentials safe.

Different daypacks are designed for different days out, and what you buy will depend on your travel style .

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you working while you travel, and will you need a compartment for your laptop ?
• Will you be using it for hikes and need a hydration pack, too?
• Will this be your cabin bag or just something you fold in your main luggage and use on arrival?
• Are you looking for something budget or a statement piece to compliment your style?

There is a daypack to suit every need. Some are made to cater to the outdoor enthusiast and can be carried on your back while you bike, hike, or climb your way to your destination. At the same time, others are compact and convenient enough to be used for a day trip, an afternoon at the shops, or even just for day-to-day commuting.

Whatever your own personal preference, be aware that a travel daypack works best when it is completely commutable. Soft, light, and easy to fold away when not in use means you can throw it in your luggage for use on arrival. Weatherproof, wipeable options will stay dry and clean until you get back home.

Size and Capacity

The perfect daypack will be big enough to carry everything you need on a day out, but not so big that it gets in the way or holds you back from bigger adventures. It should be able to sit comfortably on your shoulders and not hang down too far or prevent you from sitting.

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials, such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Those that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle , and other essentials close at hand.

Material and Durability

You will want to invest in a daypack that is made of highly durable material, as there is nothing worse than a daypack that falls apart out on the open road. Ripstop nylon is tough but lightweight, as is ballistic nylon , while CORDURA-branded materials are also popular and practical.

The daypack should also feature YKK-grade zippers to keep the contents secure and strong nylon straps to hold your belongings safely on your back without the risk of breaking.

Hot Tip: Always look for a material that offers some protection against the elements and has been coated to offer some water resistance. They will also be easy to clean, too.

While wearing your belongings on your back is incredibly practical, it needs to remain a comfortable option, too. In order to prevent pain on your shoulders, neck, and the top of your back, daypack straps should be padded.

EVA foam is often found in the shoulder straps of the modern-day backpack — this high-density foam offers excellent levels of comfort and prevents chafing, rubbing, and skin damage on many of the most popular and best daypacks on the market today.

Straps and Handles

Enjoy greater flexibility with additional carrying options on your next daypack. Handles on the top and the side will allow you to carry it like a regular tote bag and will make it super easy to use when it is not on your shoulders.

You can also look for a daypack that offers additional straps to be used when you are wearing it. Sternum straps, chest straps, and other fixings keep the pack secure . These types of backpacks are perfect for high-octane outdoor pursuits, as well as offering an additional level of security in urban settings and on public transport.

Compartments

Most daypacks offer a single large compartment for holding the majority of your gear and a selection of smaller ones for keeping individual items safe and well-organized.

When you are traveling, you will want to ensure that you can quickly reach your passport, wallet , cell, and other necessities, so keeping your backpack well-organized is essential.

Bottom Line: Laptop pockets should offer additional padding to protect your device, and anti-theft or hidden, theft-proof pockets are useful for keeping your money, passport, and other essentials safe on the go.

If you are keen to keep your gear safe, there are numerous built-in safety features that you can find in a daypack. These could include pockets lined with RFID-blocking material to keep your credit cards safe, lockable zips, no front access pockets, and reflective strips to ensure maximum visibility.

You’ll also want to consider an internal compartment for laptops and tablets.

Water Resistance

Some of the very best daypacks are made from materials that offer some degree of water resistance. Made with a DWR coating that allows the water to roll off the daypack, you can be sure that your belongings will remain dry when the weather is damp or wet around you. These types of fabric can also be useful in exceptionally humid conditions.

Hot Tip: Note that water resistance does not mean waterproof. If your daypack is completely submerged in water, it may not be able to protect your belongings. If you’re going to get really wet you might want to consider a waterproof backpack instead. 

Hydration Compatible

Some backpacks come complete with a built-in hydration system. These types of bags will provide you with liquids on the go and are especially well-suited to explorers heading off the beaten path or those looking to enjoy some serious outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and climbing.

Hydration compatible backpacks include a plastic or rubber “bladder” that can be filled with liquid. When the need arises, simply bite down on the valve and the water can be sucked from the pack to your mouth, keeping you cool and hydrated.

There is a whole world of daypacks out there for commuters, urban explorers, and outdoor adventurers to enjoy. Here are some of the best daypacks for international travel.

1. Best for Travelers on a Budget

Amazon Basics Laptop Computer Backpack  

The Amazon Basics range provides good quality luggage at affordable prices, and this laptop backpack is one of its best offerings. Good-size dimensions and a multi-compartment interior make this an excellent choice for travelers on a budget.

The padded sleeve offers protection for laptops measuring up to 17 inches , and it can also be used for keeping tablets safe. There are additional compartments designed to hold pens, keys, and even your cell phone, as well as zippered compartments that will keep your valuable essentials safe on the go.

Mesh water bottle holders can be found at the sides, and there is a quick access space for items you need to reach quickly.

Designed with comfort in mind, this backpack has adjustable, heavily padded shoulder straps to help you find the very best position to carry your gear with you. The material is water-resistant to protect against inclement weather and is also easy to wipe clean when you need to.

Much more than just a daypack, this is a workhorse that can be used as a diaper bag , an overnight bag, a school bag, a commuter bag, and so much more. Good looks, practical design, and a very affordable price tag make this an excellent choice for all kinds of travelers.

What We Like

• Padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop

What We Don’t Like

• No waterproof protection

2. A Stable, Secure, and Sizable Daypack for Hiking

Osprey Packs Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

Another of the world’s most popular lightweight backpacks, the Osprey Talon offers tons of exceptional features, including customizable fitting, superior comfort, and incredible versatility. Especially popular with the hiking community , this backpack comes complete with a BioStretch harness and continuous wrap hip belt to create an incredibly stable carry system.

For your ongoing comfort, the AirScape back panel will keep you cool on hot days, and the Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment and LidLock helmet attachment are useful for those who like to get out there by foot or by bike.

The simple design offers a large main compartment as well as 2 zippered hip belt pockets, dual stretch mesh side pockets, and even an ice tool loop with bungee tie-offs, making it great for ski trips and other winter activities.

There is a female-specific version, too. The Tempest 20 offers all the same great style and quality but with a smaller torso size that makes it both practical and comfortable on the go.

• Side mesh pockets to stash small items
• The hip belt is quite small

3. Stow and Go With This Foldable Daypack

Outlander Ultra Lightweight Packable Water Resistant Travel Hiking Backpack

This versatile and incredibly durable backpack is surprisingly spacious on the inside while remaining simple and chic on the outside. Made from superstrong nylon fabric, it is also well-protected against the elements with a good degree of waterproofing, meaning that your valuables will stay safe and dry no matter what the weather throws at you.

The roomy main compartment offers enough space to keep all of your belongings well-organized en route, and the top-loading zipper makes for easy access. There are also a further 2 front zipper pockets that are perfect for holding small accessories, 1 internal zippered security pocket for valuable items, and 2 side pockets for your water bottles or even your umbrella.

For your peace of mind and added security, the zippered pockets are all lockable.

Incredibly lightweight, even when fully loaded, this brilliant little backpack also folds up when not in use, making it easy to stow in your suitcase when you are not using it. With adjustable, mesh shoulder straps, the Outlander is comfortable to carry all day long, and the stress points are reinforced with bar tacking for increased longevity.

Available in a wide range of colors, and easy to carry in its very own pocket, this is a delightful little daypack that is more than capable of performing just as well as some of the more expensive backpacks from big brand names.

• Folds up neatly when not in use
• Material is incredibly thin

4. Best for Bikers, Hikers, and Those on the Go

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

This popular backpack made by a well-established leader in leisure luggage is sure to impress hikers, bikers, and adventurers of all kinds. Offering a very acceptable 18 liters of storage space, the very best feature of this little backpack is the integrated 2-liter water bladder, keeping you hydrated on every adventure.

FDA-compliant and BPA-free, the 2-liter bladder also comes with a kink-free sip tube and an easy-to-use push-lock cushioned bite valve, making it perfect for adventurous types. There is even a small opening for ice, helping you to stay supercool and nicely hydrated in the great outdoors.

Made from high-quality materials, this backpack offers a fully customizable fit that suits all frames, and the foam stabilizer with mesh coverings will help to keep the backpack comfier for longer.

When it comes to keeping your gear safe and sound, the spacious main compartment has plenty of room for larger items, while the 3 further zipped pockets will keep smaller items protected.

There are also 2 mesh pockets for drinks and snacks, a bungee cord system for your bike helmet, a butterfly opening for jackets, and an integrated rain cover to keep your stuff dry. This is a daypack that offers premium features on a budget.

• Lots of pockets to stay organized
• Bladder screw top can sometimes leak

5. Great Daypack for Tech-heavy Travelers

KROSER Laptop Backpack

Sleek and full of techie extras, this beautiful backpack is functional, practical, and perfectly formed for day-to-day use and further travels. The leather and nylon exterior looks super plush, while on the inside, there is plenty of room to hold everything you will need. The material is also water-repellent to help keep your valuables safe and dry.

Perfect for those who like to stay connected, this backpack comes with a built-in USB port that will help you to charge your phone conveniently ( power bank not included), and the padded foam compartment will keep your laptop well-protected.

The main compartment is large enough to carry a laptop measuring up to 17 inches comfortably, and there is plenty of additional space for your camera, headphones, tablet, or other travel essentials.

There is a selection of further pockets for credit cards, wallets, and passports, as well as a zippered front pocket for easy access and 2 side pockets to hold your water bottles. Designed with practicality in mind, this backpack has some other useful features, including a luggage strap that slips over your suitcase handle, a glasses hook on the side handle, and a top handle for carrying when necessary.

The breathable mesh back and padded shoulder straps help keep you sweat-free and fully comfortable while you carry it, and the sleek design is just right for the fashion-conscious traveler.

• Has a built-in USB port for easy charging
• Might be too big for smaller people

6. Big Brand Quality for an Affordable Price

The North Face Borealis Men’s Backpack

As perfect for the urban hiker as it is for the outdoor adventurer, this compact backpack from one of the biggest brands in the market is a firm favorite with travelers, commuters, and students alike. It makes a great daypack for city travel.

The patented FlexVent suspension system makes it super comfortable to carry on your shoulders , and the back paneling keeps the bag supported at all times.

Be ready for anything with 2 decent-sized compartments that can house all of your essentials. The laptop sleeve is well-padded and will keep your tech truly safe on the go, and the second, fleece-lined compartment makes light work of looking after your camera, tablet, cell phone, and anything else you can think of.

Because The North Face really knows what you want from a daypack, it has also included a selection of smaller, zippered pockets, both inside and outside the main compartments. There is also a bungee strap system for storing easy-to-reach items and clever little drinks holders on each side.

The breathable padding on the back helps keep you sweat-free for longer, and the adjustable shoulder and sternum straps will help you to find the most comfortable position to suit your frame — a brilliant backpack, from one of the biggest and the best.

• Available in a variety of colors
• No padding on the hip belt

7. Quality Daypack Complete With Built-in Hydration

• Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack

As you would expect from the luggage giants at Osprey , the Daylite Plus Daypack really is one of the best of the bunch. Made from heavy-duty 210D nylon oxford and weighing a tiny 1.2 pounds, this versatile daypack can be used in town, in the air, and just about anywhere else you want to take it.

Designed with everyday adventurers in mind, this backpack comes with a hydration bladder sleeve just behind the back panel, and there is a hip belt for extra stability if you are hiking or biking your way across the country.

With a large panel-loading main compartment, there is plenty of room to take your essentials with you. If you really need to, you could even stash your laptop in there, too. With a further selection of side mesh pockets, a front pocket with a mesh organizer, and a key clip, this bag offers a lot of practical storage space.

Lightweight, durable, and incredibly comfortable to carry , the Daylite Plus is also one of the best-looking backpacks in the Osprey range. It can be used on its own or attached to some of the larger Osprey bags, including the Sojourn and Farpoint backpacks, offering even more flexibility for dedicated travelers.

• Breathable mesh back panel
• No top handle to grab quickly

8. One of the Best for the Fashion-conscious Traveler

The North Face Jester Backpack  

As popular with city slickers and urban commuters as it is with outdoor explorers, the Jester Backpack is a sleek and sturdy budget-friendly daypack that performs well in any environment.

Made from superstrong polyester and available in a wide range of colors, this backpack will shake off some heavy rain but is not entirely waterproof. Its simple design makes it lightweight to carry, and the adjustable padded shoulder straps and FlexVent support on the back panel keep you feeling fresh.

A large main compartment offers subtle padding and a thin layer of protection to laptops, while the secondary zippered compartment is fleece-lined and handy for holding all your travel essentials close at hand. There is also an external bungee storage system.

Good looking and with a cool name tag, this backpack works well for outdoor adventures, but can also cope admirably with the daily gym workout, after-work hike, or commute . An entry-level North Face backpack, this little beauty offers plenty of simple, usable storage space when you need it most.

• Front bungee cord for external storage
• Doesn’t stand up on its own

9. A Big Backpack With Additional Safety Features

Thule Crossover 30L Laptop Backpack

A true all-rounder, this chunky but funky laptop bag from Thule bridges the gap between the needs of everyday commuters and weekend explorers. Packed full of Swedish style and practicality, you can be sure to find lots of compartments and storage slots, while padded straps and water-resistant fabric comes as standard.

The larger of the main compartments is designed to hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop and a tablet in the integrated, padded laptop compartment. The Crushproof SafeZone will also keep your phone and sunglasses safe from damage.

Designed with active wearers in mind, the padded and adjustable shoulder straps are extremely comfortable to carry, and the mesh covering and padded back panel helps air to breathe around you, keeping you cool no matter how active you get.

The water-resistant fabric and zippers will keep your belongings dry, whatever the weather throws at you, and the gusseted side pockets are perfect for keeping a water bottle or umbrella close at hand.

There are lots of other useful features, including an organization compartment to keep cords and accessories safely tucked away and a discrete slip pocket on the side. This is an excellent example of a backpack that has thought of everything.

• Has a protected top pocket for your sunglasses or other fragile items
• Zippers can be noisey

10. Iconic Backpack With Award-winning Design Features

Peak Design Everyday Backpack  

This legendary backpack has a huge following and a heavy price tag but ticks a lot of boxes for commuters and adventurers alike. The award-winning design comes from a small company that started life making camera bags, and its continued desire to make the ultimate carry bags is what makes this one of the very best backpacks out there.

The MagLatch lid has a magnetic clasp that closes over the top and onto the front of the bag, making it supersafe yet easy to access. At the same time, the modular straps can be attached or removed as necessary, meaning you can carry it however you want to.

This backpack offers an incredibly cool organization system that includes Flex Fold dividers that can turn the main compartment into any shape you need to keep your camera kit or other stuff free from movement. There is also a tech pocket in the bag big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, a selection of side panel pockets, water bottle holders, and even hidden pouches for extra security.

This backpack is as comfortable to carry as it is easy to use, and the padded shoulders straps with pivoting joints move with you to keep your carry position on-point.

Made from a 400D nylon-canvas blend with a double DWR coating, this backpack is weatherproof enough to keep your gear dry, and the zippers all feature aqua-guards to ensure the safety of your belongings.

An investment piece, for sure, this incredible daypack is worth its hefty price tag and is bound to impress anyone who appreciates great design and superior quality.

• Gear can be accessed from the top or side openings
• The interior dividers could be better

11. Light on Both Your Back and Your Wallet

Gonex 20L Ultralight Packable Backpack Handy Small Daypack

Foldable, storable, and incredibly usable, this lightweight backpack is roomy yet affordable and perfect for lots of different uses. In addition to a good-sized main compartment, there are also nylon mesh pockets on the 2 sides for storing your water bottles, an inner zip pocket for storing small items, and a large front pocket for keeping your most important items close at hand.

Made from good quality, rip- and water-resistant nylon fabric, this backpack feels light as a feather , but is built and designed to last. It also comes with a durable 2-way abrasion-resistant SBS metal zipper to keep your items safe and to remain rust-free and smooth running.

Large enough to carry magazines, books, or your iPad, this backpack folds up small enough to be kept in your purse or carry-on for use as and when you need it. This is a handy little backpack that can be used for day trips, vacations, hikes, camping, and even a trip to the shops.

• Water-resistant with a quick-drying exterior
• The zippers can get caught on the material

12. Slim, Sophisticated, and Great for Digital Nomads

Thule Lithos Backpack

With its slim profile and clever design features, the Lithos is as practical on the subway as it is on a mountain peak. Nice-looking, good quality, and gimmick-free, this is a great backpack for everyone.

With a wide, top-loading main compartment, you can easily fit in everything you need for your trip. The padded and suspended tech pocket is perfect for keeping a 15-inch laptop safe and protected, and there is a further 10-inch sleeve for your tablet, too .

There are zippered interior pockets for smaller items and an exterior front organization panel for easy access to your essentials. Side pockets will also keep your drink close by.

For your carrying comfort, there is a padded back panel and straps that can be adjusted to find the perfect fit. Other useful additions include an attachment point for a bike light and strap management for excess webbing.

Functional, compact, and lightweight, this is the type of backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in a business meeting, yet be equally at home on the back of a bike. Available in a choice of colors, this is a sleek choice for the fashion-conscious adventurer.

• 2 side pockets for water bottles
• No sternum strap

13. An Anti-theft Backpack With Impressive All-around Capabilities

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop

Made from strong and durable polyester, this sleek and functional laptop backpack is a great option for commuters and adventurers alike. Full of useful features, this comfortable and practical backpack will keep your gear safe on the go.

The anti-theft design comes complete with lockable zippers, cut-proof materials, and an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and ID safe.

With impressive internal dimensions, the backpack offers a padded and suspended interior notebook sleeve that fits laptops up to 15 inches, 2 side pockets, 2 zippered interior pockets, and a key and wallet clip. This bag is more than big enough to comfortably carry your laptop, iPad, portable camera , and everything else you need on a day out.

The soft, durable external materials are water-resistant to protect your belongings against the elements, while also being easy to wipe clean. Complete with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty, this is a good mid-range backpack to suit every type of backpack user.

• Slash-proof straps for security
• The shoulder straps are too wide for those with a smaller frame

14. Lightweight Backpack With Added Storage

G4Free 20L Lightweight Packable Daypack

Foldable yet formidable, this lightweight and compact daypack offers 20 liters of awesome storage space for urban adventurers and outdoor explorers alike.

The bag’s made from a water-, tear-, and abrasion-resistant coated nylon material reinforced in more than 14 places for extra strength. The S-shaped straps are made with a breathable mesh and are adjustable.

Inside, it boasts 3 zippered compartments: The largest can hold an iPad and clothes, while the outer pocket can secure key. The smaller inner pocket is designed for cash, cards, and passports. Side mesh pockets are the right size and shape for bottles and umbrellas.

Weighing in at under an ounce, it folds up into a built-in pouch the size of a sandwich . This is an awesome little bag for traveling abroad, since you can fold and stow it when not in use and the water-resistant material is easy to keep clean no matter how active you may be. Strong and durable, this is an affordable and easy-to-use addition to your lightweight luggage collection.

What we Like

• Small and lightweight to stash in your suitcase
• Thin material, so the contents can stick into your back

15. An Expandable Backpack That Will Last

NOMATIC Travel Pack

The zippered laptop sleeve and mesh dividers will help to keep your electronics safe and separate from your other belongings, and the lie-flat design for your laptop is TSA-approved. There is also a charging cable pass running through all of the major pockets in the backpack.

Featuring an innovative strap system, you can add versatility to this backpack by unsnapping the back panel, tucking in the straps, and carrying it like a briefcase . Other upscale features such as a magnetic snap water bottle pocket and the retractable key leash make this a great choice for business travelers.

Made from durable waterproof materials and zippers, this backpack is spacious enough to carry everything you need for a few days away. Add to that the additional exciting features such as the RFID-safe storage, clamshell opening for easy access, and multiple hidden pockets, and you have an excellent alternative to a traditional cabin bag.

Perfect for the stylish traveler, the Nomatic Travel Pack expands to offer 20 to 30 liters of interior storage space, and sleek, sophisticated design on the outside.

• Lockable security pocket
• Zippers can sometimes break

Daypacks come in a variety of types and sizes, but by far, the most popular ones are those that remain lightweight and fully portable, no matter how much you squeeze in them. If you are in the market for a good quality everyday backpack, take some time to do your research and choose a specific daypack that suits both your needs and your budget.

From super-slim basic backpacks for bikers and hikers to fully-padded laptop bags or mini carry-ons, if you choose the right daypack, it will quickly become an integral part of your everyday use or next big adventure.

Looking for more travel products? Head over to our one-stop shop on travel product reviews .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a daypack.

A daypack is a type of bag or backpack that you use to carry just enough items to get you through the day. Daypacks have many uses , from commuting, hiking, traveling, or general days out.

How big is a daypack?

Daypacks vary depending on what you will be using them for. For the bare essentials and very little features, you can get daypacks as small as liters. Most daypacks will be around the 20- to 30-liter mark.

What is the difference between a daypack and a backpack?

Daypacks are a type of backpack. Backpacks come in all types and sizes and some have 100-liter capacities. Daypacks are simply backpacks that you only use to carry your daily essentials and can be anywhere from 10- to 30-liters.

What's the best daypack for traveling?

Some of our favorite day packs include:

• The North Face Jester Backpack
• KROSER Laptop Backback

What is the best size daypack?

Daypacks that offer a compact capacity of 10 liters or less are just right for holding the most basic essentials such as keys, money, and snacks, but might be too small for days out while traveling.

Daypacks that offer a more generous capacity of up to 25 liters are better for keeping your extra clothing, food, water bottle, and other essentials close at hand.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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16 Best Travel Backpacks for Day Trips, Outdoor Adventures, Commuting, and More

By Madison Flager and Paris Wilson

Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we've rounded up 15 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion. Our editors and contributors road tested dozens of backpacks for months to determine the best of the best for our readers. We considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and how well its held up.

Ahead, discover our editors' and contributors' recommendations for the weather-resistant carry-on bags, ultralight hiking backpacks, and sleek business-friendly options to bring on your next adventure.

Our top picks:

Best for weekend trips: Quince Revive Nylon backpack Best for long vacations: Roam The Continental backpack Best for business travel: Monos Metro backpack Best for everyday use: Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack Best splurge option: Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

This gallery is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak's Luka collection is made of scratch-resistant material, so you can rest assured that this backpack will hold up for years. “I love this backpack's material because of how durable it is for travel. I’ve spilt coffee, food, and makeup on this bag and it's so easy to clean with a disinfectant wipe,” says associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny . It's her go-to backpack because of its many pockets, roomy compartments, and ultra-soft material. Inside, there's a large zippered compartment, a small mesh pocket, and three compartments for keeping items like socks, beauty products, or tech essentials separate. “One of my favorite features is the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag that fits a pair of slippers or sandals,” says Kenny. The Luka backpack can hold up to 22 liters of essentials, but it still feels so lightweight.

Pros:  Laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, soft adjustable straps Cons: Very narrow luggage trolley sleeve

Quince Revive Nylon backpack

Made from 15 plastic bottles, the sleek recycled nylon on the Quince backpack is smooth to the touch, water-repellent, and lightweight. The nylon material is a selling point for senior commerce editor at Architectural Digest , Rachel Fletcher . “I love the black nylon because it’s basically invincible when it comes to stains and —two things I’m very prone to," she says. Though compact, it can still fit quite a bit—Fletcher has used it for commutes to the office as well as a weekend to Connecticut . She says "it fits an East Coast summer weekend’s worth of clothing pretty comfortably. It's best to bring on an airplane as your personal item, but if you’re a light traveler, it would definitely fit the bill for a quick trip."

Pros:  Thoughtful laptop sleeve, water-repellent material, accessible price point Cons: A little bulky

eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack

Traveler contributor Tori Harstein says the eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack is “perfect for weekend trips and can save a buck for thrifty travelers limited to personal items. For longer vacations, it’s probably best to supplement it with an additional carry-on .” It's compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane and comes with backpack straps that are easy to stow. It you need some extra room, you can use the 1.5-inch zipper expansion. Choose from a few different ways to wear it: enjoy hands-free travel on your back, tuck the traps away and carry it as a briefcase, or throw the bag over one shoulder with a convenient duffel strap.

Pros:  Many separate compartments, opens like a suitcase which makes packing easier Cons: Can feel heavy on your back

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack

With five colors and patterns to choose from, the customization is great for this Tumi backpack. The small, compact design hides the sheer capacity of the Navigator backpack—and it can be expanded for more space. Global director of audience development Lara Kramer says she can easily fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries inside (and an extra pair of flats or sandals in the summer). “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” says Kramer. Plus, it's made from recycled ballistic nylon, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Pros:  Many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material Cons: Hefty price tag

Matt Ortile

Ryan M. Moser

Olivia Morelli

Hannah Towey

Monos Metro Backpack

This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travelers looking for a more elevated backpack. According to senior commerce editor Madison Flager , “it’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot—I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished." Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby.

Pros:  Multiple pockets, trolley sleeve, and comes with a removable pouch Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulky

Herschel Kaslo Daypack Tech

Although labeled as a tech bag, the simple and sleek design makes it versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. There’s two main compartments that give you plenty of room to pack clothes, toiletries, a laptop, iPad, and large over-the-ear headphones. There’s also multiple interior pockets that keep small essentials secure. Kenny was able to fit two days worth of clothing inside and says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights . “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” she says.

Pros:  Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shaped

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian has traveled with the Dagne Dover backpack to Mexico, Italy , France, New Hampshire , and Boston to name a few. There are several pockets inside and it expands enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothing. It’s extremely light when unpacked and the foamy exterior straps don’t dig into your shoulders and evenly distributes the weight of the backpack. It's made from neoprene and Performance Air Mesh which was a selling point for Erdekian. "The look of this backpack is a major part of why I use it so much. Something about the neoprene foam look feels really modern and fresh. It also looks so simple and free of distractions, whilst being tricked out with all these hidden bells and whistles on the inside,” she says.

Pros:  Spacious, comfortable, chic design Cons: There are almost too many pockets inside and the black neoprene can get a little scuffed

Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack

Traveler Contributor Lydia Mansel loves this sleek, convertible backpack for carrying all of her work essentials. It features a 13" laptop compartment and can easily transition into a tote, thanks to backpack straps that tuck into a back pocket. It has plenty of pockets for organization—including a hidden one at the top for slipping your passport and boarding pass into while at the airport—and a trolley sleeve. It's made of a mix of nylon and leather, and has memory foam straps for extra comfort.

Pros:  It can carry two laptops, plenty of pockets, luggage sleeve Cons: Offered in two sizes, but the smaller version is a little too small to store a day's worth of essentials

Read a full review of this backpack here .

Pond LA Transform tote

Kenny has deemed it the most functional tote that she's ever used. You might be wondering why a tote deserves a spot on our best backpacks list—it transforms into a backpack with its adjustable straps. It's made from lightweight oxford fabric that's known to be durable and water-resistant. It can fit easily fit a 15"laptop and slides over your carry-on with its luggage trolley sleeve.

Pros: Can be worn as a backpack or tote, multiple pockets inside, large water bottle pocket Cons: The straps can feel a bit awkward

Read a full review of this bag here.

Roam The Continental backpack

Each time Flager takes this backpack on vacation she's complimented on its aesthetic. The bag is fully customizable, so each customer can choose the colors used for the front, back, sides, and straps. The wide, deep side pockets are a highlight for Flager, who says “there’s a place for everything—I like to put my important documents, ID, phone, and AirPods in the top zippered pocket for easy access, my Kindle or a book in the largest exterior pocket, and my keys in the smallest exterior pocket. I like that there are two side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella or other small item."

Pros:  Lightweight, many color options Cons: A water bottle sometimes slips out of the pocket

Bagallini Soho backpack

This is has long been a go-to work bag for commerce producer Paris Wilson , “I've carried this non-stop since I got it. I just love how lightweight it is. It has a lot of storage space and a dedicated laptop sleeve," she says. It has one main compartment with a laptop sleeve and interior pockets that have hard inserts and pen holders. It's impossible to overpack with this bag which means that you don't have to worry about the weight straining your shoulders. Wilson notes that one of her favorite features of the backpack is the design: “it has a study build where it stands up on its own while I organize my things. The reinforced structure makes me feel put together when I wear it.”

Pros:  Multiple pockets, can stand on it sown Cons: Limited colors available

Troubadour Apex backpack

If you're looking for a sleek yet functional bag that's polished enough for the office, look no further than Troubadour's Apex backpack. Made of waterproof fabric, Kenny says this lightweight backpack is perfect for busy commuters. It fits up to a 17" laptop and has multiple pockets for small essentials like AirPods, glasses, or a wallet. This stylish backpack also features a breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for added comfort. “This would be a great bag for business trip and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," says Kenny.

Pros:  Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated look

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack

Contributor Rekaya Gibson raves about the amount of space that this backpack offers. “It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organized,” she says. The top of the bag has a convenient drawstring that secures your items on the top before covering it with the flap. Each bag comes from repurposed materials which vary slightly—this helps reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly pick, too.

Pros:  Has a lot of security elements (which is great for hikes) Cons: Shows wear quickly depending on your trek

Lululemon City Adventurer backpack 20L

Although deemed a gym bag, the City Adventurer backpack takes characteristics from it's name and can be the perfect companion for days spent exploring. The water-repellent fabric makes it an easy choice when commuting on rainy days or when you are packing it into a suitcase with toiletries (don't worry we have you covered ). Flager likes using this backpack for days when she heads to the gym after work. The backpack has thick padded straps, a trolley sleeve, and an expandable laptop sleeve.

Pros:  Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded laptop pocket Cons: When filled with shoes, your main compartment room is limited; no exterior water bottle pocket

Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

Elegant and versatile, the Peugeot Voyages is an elevated option for travelers. The bag's exterior is made from leather and weather-resistant canvas and the interior comes from recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can carry the bag as a backpack or a tote. Plus, the shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for extra comfort. Associate social media manager Kayla Brock was on the hunt for the ideal laptop bag when she came across this. “I found exactly what I was looking for. A backpack that could hold my laptop as well as be an easy travel bag with several pockets for storage to get me through a week or two on the road without the back pain. With its price point, it's definitely worth the investment,” she says.

Pros:  Made from recycled materials, padded straps and back panel Cons: Can easily become bulky

Radley London Dukes Place zip around backpack

This stylish leather bag is ideal for travelers looking for a chic backpack that's equally functional and comfortable. There are two large compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zip closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds an extra layer of security. Contributor DeAnna Taylor says "it's large enough to fit a light jacket , a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure including lip balm, hand sanitizer, sunscreen , and more."

Pros:  Lightweight, versatile, and durable Cons: Limited colors available

Best Travel Day Bag: How to Choose the Right One

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE

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Not sure what the best travel day bag for your next trip is? There are lots of factors to keep in mind and we happily break down the criteria you should consider when selecting one. Check it out!

Best Travel Day Bag

Table of contents.

A day bag for travel is a must-have for any journey you take and an essential part of your capsule wardrobe . However, there are important criteria that you should consider when selecting one:

Packability

Functionality.

The right bag will check all the boxes on the above list, and ensure your personal items are kept safe and secure without being clunky and heavy. Below, we cover all these points and more!

How to Choose the Best Day Bags for Any Trip

Travelon Classic Messenger Bag

Security is an important factor to consider, especially when choosing the best day bag for European travel where there is a higher occurrence of pickpockets. Even if that’s not the case, you’ll still want a bag with good security features.

The security features you should look for are:

• Locking compartments
• Slash-proof material
• RFID-blocking card slots

A crossbody bag is a strong choice because you can keep it attached to you, rather than dangling off your shoulder. Make sure the bag part is visible to you (hanging closer to the front of your body) while out-and-about or in crowded areas.

Also, leave your passport or laptop behind at your accommodation in a locked suitcase or safe. That way you don’t have anything vital with you and your bag is lighter to carry.

Here are more popular anti-theft crossbody bags readers adore:

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Travelon Double Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody

This popular Travelon crossbody has all the anti-theft features you could need: locking zipper pulls, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking pockets. The straps can be locked to stationary objects, too. So, when you sit down for a meal or lounge on a beach chair, you’ll know your bag isn’t going anywhere!

Travelon Double Pocket Bucket Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag

This bucket bag from Travelon features a spacious main compartment and an organization pocket for money and passports, with secure locks. The adjustable strap is comfortable to wear, and users say it holds everything you need for a day of exploring new places. And it’s slash-resistant, too!

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag

Travelon Essential Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

This Travelon bag gives you that cute messenger bag look while providing you with the utmost security for your belongings. With Travelon’s slash-proof material, lockable zipper, and RFID-blocking features, you’ll be able to focus on the sights around you without worrying about theft. It has great organization, can fit all you need for the day, and is lightweight too!

For security-conscious travelers, take a look at the best anti-theft travel bags !

NeatPack Multi Pocket Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Let’s face it: some bags are adorable, but they don’t pack very well. So, when choosing a bag for travel, it’s a good idea to look for one that’s packable. 

Well-made day bags for travel have pockets, zippers, and closures that are necessary for security and help you pack items more efficiently. The key to packing all your necessities is having a well-organized bag where your things are protected yet easy to find. 

The best day bags for European travel (or any other destination) should have pockets to carry smaller items, such as keys or credit cards.  You’ll also want to look for bags with RFID-blocking capabilities, like the NeatPack Crossbody .

Specialized compartments, for things like a water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, a travel scarf , or anything else you want to have on hand, can be useful too!

Here are more packable bags readers adore:

Baggallini Hobo Lightweight Travel Purse

Baggallini Hobo Tote

Baggallini is a huge favorite among TFG readers, and the Hobo tote is one of their most popular styles. It’s cute and uber practical, with a wide assortment of pockets and sleeves that can hold a lot while still being lightweight. A functional option for on or off the plane! 

Baggallini Cross Body Travel Purse

Baggallini Criss Cross Crossbody Bag

The Baggallini Criss Cross crossbody is lightweight and perfectly compact but has lots of room inside for your things. With so many handy pockets (including a hidden center pocket for valuables), it’s easy to keep daily essentials organized and ready to go. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to suit your travel wardrobe!

Kipling Pahneiro Adjustable Travel Purse

Kipling Pahneiro Bag

Kipling’s Pahneiro bag will fit everything needed for a day of sightseeing without being too bulky. A spacious main compartment holds larger items, while inner and outer pockets are just right for small essentials. It’s super versatile, so it’ll go with anything, and you can wear it as a handbag or crossbody to switch it up!

To be more secure on your next European adventure, use these anti-theft travel accessories !

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

Your day bag often doubles as your in-flight personal item, so it’s usually a smaller size than your carry-on. 

The exact dimensions you need to follow will depend on what your airline defines as a “personal item.” To figure this out, we recommend checking your airline’s website. For example, United Airlines’ max measurements for personal items are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

But beyond meeting the airline’s requirements, a good day bag has to work for you off the plane too. Think about what you’ll be doing during your trip to determine the best size for you! 

Here’s the full review of Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack!

Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack

You definitely don’t want to be carrying around a big bag or backpack that’s larger than necessary, especially for sightseeing trips where you’ll be doing tons of walking. 

If you’ll mostly be visiting cities, you can usually run back to your hotel during the day to grab a sweater or a change of shoes. So, a medium size bag is usually just right to hold the day’s essentials like a map, your on-the-go cosmetics, and a stylish scarf.

You can also use a packing cubes to keep your belongings organized in your day bag so that you have access to what you need right away!

Here are more bags that readers adore for a personal item:

Longchamp Le Pliage Leather Trim Backpack

Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

The Le Pliage is a chic reader favorite and sells every year in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s durable, gorgeous, and spacious enough to easily fit a day’s worth of must-have items. One of the coolest features is that it can fold neatly into itself when not in use!

Learn why the Longchamp Le Pillage Backpack is so popular in this review !

Herschel Settlement Day Pack

Herschel Settlement Backpack

If you need to comfortably carry a good amount of items while sightseeing, check out this stylish Herschel Settlement backpack ! With 17L of space, it can hold a camera, a jacket, snacks, and other travel necessities. It’s simple, sturdy, and will hold up well over time, too!

Fjallraven Kanken Everyday Backpack

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

This cute Fjallraven backpack has plenty of pockets, 16L of storage space, and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfortable carrying. Made of a dirt-resistant and water-resistant material, it’s amazing for travel and super easy to clean. It comes in a TON of colors as well! 

Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote

The best travel day bags are not only sized right but are made from lightweight materials, like the Le Pliage shoulder tote . 

For easier travel, try to avoid bags with unnecessarily heavy fabrics and accents (like buckles, etc.). While you want your small day bag to be fashionable, it still needs to be comfortable enough to carry around during the day! 

Here are more lightweight bags that readers adore:

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Lightweight Bag

TUMI Voyageur Ruma Crossbody Bag

If you like to travel light, it doesn’t get better than this TUMI Voyageur crossbody . Tiny but mighty, this bag offers multiple pockets, card slots, a key clip, and a TUMI tracer just in case it gets lost. Super functional and very stylish! 

Find out what our readers have to say about their Tumi Bags in our review !

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Bag

Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Handbag

Readers adore Longchamp Le Pliage for their lightweight feel, durable nylon construction, and fashionable look. The Mini Le Pliage handbag is the perfect size for holding just the necessities for day explorations and more!

Find out why Longchamp bags are the best travel handbags!

Travelon Mini Sling Tote

Travelon Anti-Theft Mini Sling Bag

Another small and lightweight option, this Travelon sling bag comes equipped with the brand’s signature anti-theft features to keep your valuables safe and sound as you explore. Inside, there are lots of pockets and RFID-blocking card sleeves, while the exterior has a simple look that comes in a variety of pretty colors!

TUMI Tula Nylon Crossbody Bag

Once you’ve decided on the size and weight of your day trip bag, you’ll need to think about functionality. Consider your destination, what you’ll be doing, and what you’ll need to carry.

After all, this is the bag that you’ll put all of your essentials in for the whole day!

The Sak’s Sequoia Hobo Leather Bag

Depending on how much space you have, the best travel day bag may need to double as your purse too. If this is the case, look for a bag with small zippered compartments to hold your bills and loose change, such as The Sak’s Sequoia hobo bag , which has multiple handy pockets. 

Here are more functional bags that readers adore:

Baggallini Crossbody Everywhere Bag

Baggallini Everywhere Bag

The Baggallini Everywhere bag is amazingly practical, with compartments and pockets to keep everything you need organized. More functional features include a removable wristlet, a trolley sleeve, and a comfy, adjustable strap. It’s lightweight and durable, so it can handle any adventure with ease, and the variety of colors and patterns add lots of style!

Vera Bradley Crossbody Hipster Purse

Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody 

This adorable Vera Bradley crossbody is made from soft and washable recycled cotton and comes in a wide variety of fun patterns and colors. It’s the perfect everyday travel bag, with plenty of zippered pockets and a slim silhouette that’s convenient and comfy to carry.

Kipling Alvar Classic Cross Body

Kipling Alvar Crossbody Bag

A compact crossbody like this Kipling Alvar bag is such a great and functional style for travel! This bag is comfortable to carry and with plenty of compartments and zippered locks, your things will stay organized and are easy to access. This bag is lightweight, of great quality, and has a cute, classic look. 

Fossil Kinley Large Cross Body Purse

When it comes to style, the best day bags should offer both aesthetics and function. 

After all, day bags are the items you’ll have with you most of the time. So, try to find one that you’ll be happy to see in your travel photos and that you can wear all day long! 

Fossil Fiona Crossbody Purse

If you plan on walking around a lot, stay away from a bag that feels heavy or constantly needs adjusting. Your bag has to be functional, first and foremost, and cute or chic second!

A day bag like the Fossil Fiona crossbody definitely has the pretty factor; it’s made from soft leather, is uber comfortable to carry and lightweight, and can easily fit the day’s essentials. 

Here are more stylish and practical bags that readers adore:

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Purse

Deluxity Faux Leather Crossbody Bag 

With dangling tassels and pretty faux leather, this Deluxity crossbody offers both style and function. Wearers say it holds its shape well and can fit a good amount of travel essentials, like a small camera, wallet, sunglasses, and more. It’s available in over 35 beautiful colors and is a very budget-friendly option, too! 

This best travel purse post has more choices of budget-friendly purses!

Oak Leathers Sling Crossbody

Oak Leathers Crossbody Sling Bag

With studded details and gorgeous genuine leather, this Oak Leathers day bag gets major style points. It’ll certainly add flair to your travel look while also providing ample space, interior and exterior organization, a bill compartment, and slots for your phone and sunglasses! 

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Classic Leather Bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag

An elegant choice, the Le Pliage Cuir leather shoulder bag features Longchamp’s top-notch quality and design that TFG readers love. It’s the perfect size to carry everything you’ll need for the day’s adventures, and the removable strap allows you to wear it in different ways. Chic and lovely all around! 

Best Travel Day Bag Comparison Chart

Editor’s Pick: Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

The TFG editor-in-chief shares her top choice for a bag that’s stylish, comfortable, and super practical. Watch the video or read her entire Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack review! 

How TFG Editor Rocks Her Favorite Travel Day Bags

View this post on Instagram What a fantastic trip to Paris I got to go on a couple weeks ago with my mom! In addition to this stop, we were also able to visit Rome, Venice and Basel, Switzerland – we celebrated both of our birthdays together while abroad and it was seriously such a trip to remember. ❤️ And of course, it wouldn’t be a true travel fashion journey without bringing along some of my favorite TFG-approved pieces, such as Rebecca Minkoff’s Julian backpack and Leith’s ruched body-con tank dress. There are plenty more pics to share of this magnificent trip so stay tuned! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jul 1, 2018 at 7:54pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Got to put SO many TFG favorites to use while exploring Europe! There was comfort for all day walking in my @skechers Pureflex slip ons, anti-theft protection thanks to my @travelonbags messenger bag and lightweight layering in my @anatomiestyle Kenya jacket (it even folded up perfectly in the Travelon bag when I wasn’t wearing it!) plus the Anatomie Skyler pants, too. Last but not least, my favorite @ospreypacks Ozone 35 Liter backpack allowed me to pack carry-on only for 12 days (with the help of my Compass Rose packing cubes inside, of course ?) I was so happy to curate a look that ended up doing it all – have YOU tried any of these TFG approved items? Let me know in the comments below! #TravelFashionGirl #TFGonthego A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jul 13, 2018 at 1:28pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Easy & breezy ? Sunny days call for maxi dresses and this piece from @toadandcoclothing does the job perfectly (it’s literally called their “Sunkissed Maxi”) Flowy and functional, this is beautiful enough to be worn anywhere from a beach wedding in Playa Del Carmen, strolling around the temples in Southeast Asia or right there in San Diego where I shot these looks. Also pictured is their vacation perfect Americano hat – couldn’t have been a better match! #livewelldogood #trailtotavern #everydayisanadventure A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Jun 3, 2018 at 6:38pm PDT

View this post on Instagram So many sights to see in beautiful Playa Del Carmen ☀️ One of my favorite activities to do when I’m in town is some good old sightseeing, and a day spent at @mercado30pdc certainly didn’t disappoint! Wearing one of my favorite dresses for travel, which is available to shop (and currently on sale ?) via my LinkTree! #TravelFashionGirl #myrm A post shared by Alexandra Jimenez (@travelfashiongirl) on Aug 25, 2019 at 7:10pm PDT

What do you think is the best travel day bag? Share in the comments!

For more travel bags, please read:

• Best Cross Body Purses for Women
• Best Convertible Backpack for Travel as Recommended by Readers
• What Exactly Is a Carry-On Personal Item?
• Travelon Crossbody Bag Review: The #1 Selling Travel Purse

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Hope you liked this post on how to choose a travel day bag. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  After three exciting years in New York, Claire Gros left the big city in pursuit of the alluring unfamiliar.  She now finds inspiration in the traveling summer solstice and the affordable flights that keep the sun in her sky. Follow her journey on instagram:  clurrgros .

23 Comments

Thank you for these great suggestions! I have discovered so many unique travel items by diving into your blogs! I am a fan of crossbody bags and can now add some new options to my list for our upcoming anniversary trip!

I love my Travelon Crossbody bag I bought it for my trip to Park City to see my sister and I knew I would be walking allot and they have an event every Sunday there called Silly Sunday’s with vendors and music so it was great to use while walking around . I am going to show my mom and see if she would like one to keep her secure when she is out shopping since she is 87 years old.

Did a vry hectic sched in France & Zurick and had a small black crossbody bag pretty much same as the Fossil bag shown only probably smaller & softer so it stretched. After much travelling past year Ive secured the essentials down to little money, coins, lipstick phone & a pen. My passport & more money goes to my secret chest bag

Right now I have an Osprey Stuff pack for my packable day pack, but I’ve been on the search for a crossbody/ backpack convertible bag. my main luggage when I travel is an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack, so I need something I can bring that is hands free, but that I can also use once I’ve reached my destination and am running around a city. It’s a bit elusive! Most are backpack/tote convertibles or they aren’t very nice. The search continues!

I use the Von Baer Liberty Women’s Leather Backpack. I just like the feel of backpacks and the Von Baer bag provides enough space for me.

Perhaps it’s an age issue, but after trying several backpacks, I’m sold on lightweight cross-body bags. I feel somewhat vulnerable in a crowd with a backpack. The purse can be placed in the front and cradled in your arms if need be.

Good point!

Excellent reviews. Extremely helpful for those of us that don’t get to travel too often, but want to do it like a pro! thanks

Thanks Brenda!

I always took my lightweight backpack to a plane; thanks to your articles I tried a simple purse this time. It was awesome!!! I could have it rest on my carry-on and my shoulders were sooo thankful. 🙂

Have I not mentioned here before just how much I LOVE my Traveon Anti-theft bags? I own several now, and they are the PERFECT travel companion. I love all the anti-theft features, the various pockets (on most bags) that allows me to keep cards, cash & passport secure, and quick access to other items (like travel guides, airline tickets, etc). I stick to the cross-body bags because they’re so comfortable to tote, and I even use them for my day-to-day bag!

I’ve just recently become a new fan and will be writing alot more about them in the future 🙂

I agree completely, I own three Travelon bags, and one off brand Bagalini. They are so light, and have useful compartments and most now have RFID protection. The cross body style is adjustable, and it stores so much. I have a small clutch, with a wrist strap, but always go back to the medium sized, black cross body. I’m in Italy now, and debating a small leather cross body, for going out evenings, but it wouldn’t off the security features I’ve grown accustomed to.

You might like this small anti-theft clutch: http://amzn.to/2qmkuZD

Hi I put my Travalon crossbody travel handbag into my Onyaback folds to nothing packpack together with the coat and scarf i am travelling in and this still meets the size for the small second piece of handluggage.

Love the Rebecca Minkoff Julia Backpack for travel!!! I do like to take a larger tote bag with me as well. Usually put the Julia in it for my personal item. My favorite tote is my Goyard followed by my Beis.

I have found that the Longchamp cross body bag combined with a nylon Rebecca Minkoff backpack works the best for me. I can fit my travel wallet, sunglasses, tissues, key and chapstick in the cross body while extra odds and ends go in the backpack. Both are easy and light to pack.

Great suggestions thanks!

Thanks Evangeline 🙂

Thanks for the suggestions. I am on the eternal search to find the best backpack that converts into a satchel. Any ideas are most welcome! Thanks 🙂

Here are a few ideas: https://travelfashiongirl.com/convertible-backpack-purse/ Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestions. I am on the eternal search to find the best backpack that converts into satchel. Any ideas are most welcome! Thanks 🙂

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The Best Packable Daypack for Travel

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Packable daypacks are a perfect option if you need a lightweight spare bag to stash inside your luggage when you travel. They’re also great if you need an extra bag while running an unexpected errand during your daily commute.

After testing 18 packable daypacks, we chose four lightweight, portable, well-constructed bags to fit a variety of situations, including traveling, hiking, and commuting.

Although every trip has its specific considerations, the bags we recommend share a few similar qualities. All of them are water resistant to some degree, pack down small enough to fit easily into a carry-on bag, and hold at least 20 liters comfortably. We picked a bag for city travelers , a pack good enough for daily use , and a lightweight bag that stays dry in stormy weather . For space-conscious travelers, we have a pick that fits in the palm of your hand .

The research

Why you should trust us, compact and comfortable: away the packable backpack, more structure: waterfield packable backpack, a lightweight bag to carry in the rain: matador freerain22 waterproof packable backpack, a pack that fits in your palm: sea to summit ultra-sil day pack, how we picked and tested, other good packable bags, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve covered travel luggage and bag design for Wirecutter for nine years and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time.

For this guide, I built on previous years of experience and research by a writer and two editors who have, among them, worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica.

We developed our earliest criteria for this piece after doing an interview with Sara Morrow, an archaeologist who spends summers working expeditions on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She uses a packable daypack to transport her tools, notebooks, and personal items between the base camp and dig sites, and she considers it a necessity in the field.

Personally, I try to pack lightly and almost always travel with at least one packable bag to use on small day journeys once I’ve reached my destination.

Away The Packable Backpack

Compact and comfortable.

Remarkably light and easy to compress, this bag ticks all the boxes for daily use while traveling: comfortable, quietly stylish, and sturdy.

Buying Options

Who this is for: It’s a good option for anyone who wants a packable bag that takes up as much space as a pair of socks but is still comfortable. Its casual look is also unlikely to draw attention when you’re walking around.

Away’s The Packable Backpack is made of a blend of light recycled nylon, with classic, if somewhat minimal, good looks.

It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s comfortable to wear. On your shoulders, the only thing that sets this bag apart from a regular backpack is the lack of structure, a side effect of the bag’s 7-ounce weight. It doesn’t have the same reassuring heft of a traditional backpack (no packable bag does), but when it’s filled with a few odds and ends, its wide straps and sensible shape are comfortable to carry on your back. To save on weight, Away designed the top of the bag like a cinch tote with a flip cover—a simple and effective solution.

It packs up small. When not in use, it rolls up and fits into a separate zippered pouch; it’s about the size of a bunched-up heavy T-shirt.

It’s well made and well priced. For a bag of this quality, it’s an excellent bargain. Away uses the same materials in similarly designed packable tote and sling bags, which we recommend if you’re looking for packable options that aren’t backpacks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A minor quibble is the lack of internal organization beyond the one small, zippered wallet pocket. If you need more organization, the WaterField Packable Backpack has another front pocket and bottle holders. But it’s such a small complaint for bags in this category that it’s hard to call it a flaw.

• Expanded dimensions: 18.1 by 11 by 5.9 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 7 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Capacity: 19 liters
• Warranty: 100-day return and one-year warranty

WaterField Packable Backpack

A more structured pack.

Slightly heavier weight and more-advanced materials give this backpack a reassuring heft and impressive water resistance—and a high price tag. It’s comfortable enough to use as your daily backpack.

Who this is for: Anyone who values a slightly mature look with extra durability and protection from the rain will appreciate this pack. However, it is our most expensive pick.

The WaterField Packable Backpack is a well-built travel backpack that marries the heft of a regular backpack with the compactness of an easy-to-pack tote.

It looks and feels like a regular backpack. In addition to being the most traditional-looking backpack of our picks, it feels the most like a traditional backpack. The shoulder straps, which are ergonomically shaped and lined with breathable mesh fabric, make the bag easier to carry over long distances.

It has more organization. WaterField’s Packable Backpack has a front zippered pocket and two open side pockets that could hold a water bottle and an umbrella. When you’re not using the bag, you can fold it down into a built-in packing pocket, which doubles as an interior zippered pocket when the bag is on your back.

Its high performance matches its high price. However, it’s WaterField’s attention to materials that sets this bag apart from our other picks (and increases the overall price). A layer of Taslan nylon—a very thin, but sturdy, fabric—is layered with a structural tricot mesh and a robust water-resistant coating. Water practically bounced away from this bag during testing—even more so than with our pick from Matador —so it’s a good option for wet climates.

• The Waterfield Packable Backpack weighs about 12 ounces; it’s heavier than our other picks but not by much. The bag holds 16 liters of stuff, which is on the smaller side compared with our other picks but still plenty big for a single traveler on a walk. It doesn’t pack down as small as our other picks.
• It’s a little tricky to pack into its self-contained pocket. It’s not as simple as just inverting it and stuffing away to your heart’s content. You have to do a series of particular folds to pack the bag properly, which WaterField shared in a video . There’s a fine line between portability and irritability, and this bag cuts that line very close.
• Expanded dimensions: 15 by 11 by 6 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 9 by 9 by 3 inches
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Capacity: 16 liters
• Warranty: “practical lifetime” repair or replacement

Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

A lightweight bag to carry in the rain.

This bag will keep your things dry during adventures in wet climates or unpredictable weather. It packs down to about the size of a potato, but its lack of overall structure isn’t ideal for long hikes or days of carrying.

Who this is for: If you need a spare lightweight bag that can stand up to the elements while taking up very little space, the Freerain22 backpack is for you.

The Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack is excellent in wet climates or anywhere where you might realistically expect to get caught in the rain—think hiking around Seattle or touring London in the fall.

It’s mini but mighty. The Freerain22 backpack folds down so small—to about the size of a pocket camera—that it feels like a magic trick. Made from 30-denier abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon (denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric), it kept our things dry even in a rainstorm, although a small amount of humidity and moisture did get in on occasion while we were hiking around Hawaii. The main compartment opens and closes with a roll top that buckles down on the sides like a dry bag. It’s the best possible design if you’re serious about keeping out water.

It’s versatile—to a point. During our testing, it worked well for travel and on the trail, as long as we didn’t try to carry too much, too far. This pack’s mesh shoulder straps, though very breathable and wide enough to distribute the weight, are like two pieces of hosiery: barely there. And though they are wide enough to resist pinching, a thin strip of fabric can only do so much to protect your clavicles. In addition to using this pack for travel and hikes, we also liked to throw the Freerain22 pack into a jacket pocket in case it rained during commutes around town.

It has some nice extras. Along with a sternum strap, removable hip strap, and loops to hold trekking poles or ice axes, it has two side pockets for water bottles, with side buckles for securing the containers in place, and a zippered front pocket. Other than that, it doesn’t have much organization. But that’s not why you buy a bag like this. The Freerain22 backpack is best as a just-in-case bag. It’s so small that you can bring it with you everywhere, and when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.

• The compromises that are necessary to shrink a bag this small also become its flaws. The shoulder straps are so thin and insubstantial that it’s impossible for the Freerain22 backpack to be comfortable over long distances, especially when you’re carrying more than 10 pounds.
• Some of our testers also found that the shoulder straps, though adjustable, were so long that they couldn’t get the straps short enough to fit their shoulders and frame.
• It’s not as structured as our other picks—it feels more like a reusable shopping bag on your back. If you want a stiffer, more traditional backpack feel, consider the WaterField Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19.5 by 11 by 9.5 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 5 by 3 inches (length by diameter)
• Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Capacity: 22 liters
• Warranty: one-year repair or replacement

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-size packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry more often, though, you might prefer one of our more structured picks.

Who this is for: It’s fantastic for anyone who needs a light, spare bag that they can take with them anywhere, anytime.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack is perfect to keep in your pocket or in the glove compartment of your car—it’s handy for when, say, you need a spare bag at the market.

It’s our most packable pick. The Ultra-Sil pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it’s very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

It’s tougher than it looks. The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, so it can carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more-structured picks.

• With a bag this small and light, any flaw is an aspect of its narrowly engineered use. Are the shoulder straps thin? Of course! Would it be nice if this bag—which deploys from a small sack that fits in the palm of your hand—had more back padding? Yes. But that would also make it larger and heavier. If you’re not willing to trade some comfort to get the smallest possible carry, this isn’t the bag for you.
• The bag also won’t keep your things dry in the rain like some of our other picks, such as the Waterfield Packable Backpack or the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack .
• Expanded dimensions: 19 by 11 by 8 inches (height by width by depth)
• Packed dimensions: 3.5 by 2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: 20 liters
• Warranty: lifetime repair or replacement

Depending on whether you plan to scale cliffs or tour museums , certain features become more or less important when you’re choosing a day bag.

To help make sense of what to prioritize among the dozens of available options, we pored over articles across many outdoor publications and consulted other comparative reviews and advice from sources such as REI and GearLab .

We also considered our own experiences to determine what makes a great packable daypack. Here’s what we look for:

• Weight and size: The whole point of a packable daypack is that it packs well, so weight and compressed size are important factors. Carrying capacity generally correlates to the weight and size of a bag, except in more explicitly technical packs, which may cut down on weight by using lighter, but more expensive, materials.
• Ergonomic features: Stowable daypacks can look and feel like stuff sacks with straps, or they can be full, ergonomically shaped backpacks. The wearability of a bag usually comes down to its load distribution and support system (such as the sternum strap on the Matador Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack ).
• Organization: Most packable daypacks come with at least two compartments—the largest, or main, compartment and the (often attached) pouch into which the whole pack stows away. Beyond those, an external pocket that can hold small, frequent-use items (such as keys) or sleeves for water bottles are useful. The drawback of adding more organization is that it decreases the packability of a bag and often contributes to weight.
• High-quality materials: Because a packable daypack needs to be able to carry at least some weight when in use but still fold up for storage, materials make the difference between a lightweight pack that feels cheap and flimsy versus one that you feel confident filling to the max and carrying into a rainstorm. The fabrics and composite materials used in higher-quality bags are light and durable but remain nearly invulnerable to water.
• 15- to 25-liter capacity: This seems to be the ideal range for a pack that can hold a full day’s worth of stuff while remaining reasonably lightweight and portable. It’s enough to accommodate a 13-inch laptop, along with some rain protection, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, and whatever else you might need for a day about town.
• Weather resistance and durability: Although a few bags we liked, such as the Matador Freerain22 pack and the WaterField Packable Backpack , come extremely close, total waterproofing is a lot to ask of any lightweight bag. At a minimum, a pack should provide enough protection to keep you and your gear dry through at least a few minutes of wet weather. The better packs often feature more-careful construction, which is visible in details such as sealed and tighter stitching (our pick from Matador), self-sealing YKK zippers (our pick from Away), and reinforced bottoms (our pick from WaterField).

If you’re planning some heavy excursions and looking for the absolute best equipment: You might consider the Hyperlite Summit 30 . It’s a remarkable piece of equipment, a full-size 30-liter backpack weighing only 0.8 pounds. Made of Dyneema composite fabric, Hyperlite backpacks are highly water resistant and long-lasting. And each one folds up to take the same space as a couple of T-shirts. Most people looking for a spare travel bag don’t need a $200 ultralight backpack designed for hiking. But for a rare type of traveler, the Summit 30 might be the best choice.

If you need a heavy-duty bag for hiking: The Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack is a capable hiking daypack that’s hydration-bladder compatible, but not everyone needs a packable bag this hefty. Alone, it’s 1.25 pounds, which is heavier than any of our picks. For the price, we prefer the simplicity of our other picks. But the Beast28 is a good bag, albeit with a large footprint even when it’s packed up.

If none of our picks are available: Consider the REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack , another decent choice in the sub-$50 cinch-top-bag category. It’s a fine alternative, but for a little more money you get a lot more value with our other choices.

Aer Go Pack 2 : The previous version was a pick, but the current model is too bulky to be packable; it takes up more space in your suitcase than would ever be worth it on a trip.

Cotopaxi Luzon 18L Backpack : This is a decent small backpack, but the drawstring closure top kept this out of consideration. Not only are drawstrings a hazard if they slip out, but they are prone to breaking, and the cinch closure is useless against bad weather.

Dakine Packable Backpack 22L : These are tempting bags, especially for the price. But the fabric (115-denier recycled nylon) feels thin and underwhelming—although it’s Bluesign approved, which we like. The problem is the bag’s closure, which only has a cinch top. If Dakine added a lid that could close over the design similar to Away’s The Packable Backpack , we’d likely make it a pick.

Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack : This bag was previously our runner-up pick for hikers. Its zipper and material felt flimsy enough that we were concerned they would fail with long-term use.

Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 : This is a good bag at a slightly high price, but it didn’t make the cut for us because of its weight and large size even when rolled up.

Gonex 20L Lightweight Packable Backpack : Although it has rave reviews online , we found the stitching was more fragile than we like to recommend.

L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack : The Stowaway Pack was organized and comfortable enough that we liked carrying it on the hiking trail, but we preferred our pick from Matador for its better weatherproofing.

Mystery Ranch In and Out 19 : The In and Out 19 is made of a 100-denier Cordura nylon, which was strong but too heavy for us. The biggest mystery during our testing was how to fold this bag back into its pouch.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L : This is simply a bad design for a tourist. The tote’s large handles, which hang loosely off the back of the bag when it’s worn as a backpack, are a huge red flag for personal safety and security. And all the extra straps and connections make carrying and using the bag a pain.

REI Co-op Stuff Travel Pack - 20L : This is a competitor of the Matador Freerain22 pack that falls short. It mimics our Matador pick in its design, but not in the quality of its materials. Its flimsier fabric and zipper will fail sooner.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

We’re testing a new packable daypack from Tortuga; we plan to report back with our findings soon.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

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22 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas You’ll Absolutely Love

Posted on Published: December 15, 2022  - Last updated: April 4, 2024

Looking to escape the busy city of Las Vegas? Of course you are! There’s so many amazing adventures just minutes away. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Las Vegas, here’s your list!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Las Vegas has a reputation for shopping, dining and casinos – and it lives up to the hype! But if you’re craving adventure – or some nature – taking a day trip from Las Vegas is a great way to do just that.

Leave the crowded strip and hit the road!

Some of the best day trips are just 20 minutes away, while others will take you away the entire day from sunrise to sunset (or beyond). Whether you’re traveling solo , celebrating a birthday in Vegas with friends, as a couple or with your family, there’s something on this epic list of day trips from Las Vegas to fit every travel style .

Let’s dive in!

Map of the best day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re a visual person like I am, this map of the best places to visit near Las Vegas will help you plan your perfect adventure.

By the way, as someone who’s actively checking places off my travel bucket list , I haven’t been everywhere (yet). So I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with these things to do near Las Vegas. Enjoy!

Day trips from Las Vegas

Located in the Mojave Desert, there’s so much to see and do in the area. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do outside of Vegas!

1. Red Rock Canyon (one of the best things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles / 20 minutes

Perhaps one of the shortest day trips from Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s perfect for a full day of adventure away from the busy city, yet close enough for a quick drive.

One of the most popular things to do is the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive . This one-way, 13 mile drive takes you through the entire conservation area. Stop at Calico II to see the vibrant red sandstone rocks.

Bring grippy hiking shoes for the 2.2 mile hike on the Calico Tanks Trail . This fun, interactive hike requires a bit of scrambling to get to the viewpoint of the Las Vegas strip. So cool!

You’ll actually need a timed entry reservation to see the conservation area from October through May, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! If you can’t grab a spot, consider booking a Red Rock Canyon hiking tour which includes park entry.

Of course, come prepared with enough water and high protein snacks. If you’re hiking be sure to bring the 10 essentials and a satellite communicator in case of emergency.

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

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2. Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 56 miles / 48 minutes

Valley of Fire is a famous Nevada State Park, and a nature preserve area known for its breathtaking red sandstone and rock formations. It consists of 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone.

Prehistoric remnants and unparalleled vistas are intertwined among the valley’s red rocks. There are also ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the Aztec Sandstone rock formations. These spectacular rock formations are best viewed on a sunny day, and every sunset, they illuminate the valley, making it appear they’re on fire.

There are several outdoor activities that you can do in the Valley of Fire. The park offers a short hike for you to survey the area’s scenic views.

As you explore the site, take advantage of these fascinating rock formations like the Valley of Fire Beehives, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave. They will surely leave you speechless in their beauty.

You can stay overnight in the Valley of Fire; various campgrounds located near this famous spot for camping enthusiasts. And reservations in advance are required, check the  park’s website  for more details.

Valley of Fire is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas; it would take you about 1 hour to get there by car. Take the I-15 north for about 35 to 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Head east toward the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead from Exit 75. The West Entrance Station is located in the Valley of Fire, about 17 miles away.

The best time to visit the park is in October and April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant during this period, while they are extremely hot during the summer. The park is open from sunrise until sunset.

Recommended by Christine of Guide To Daytrips

3. Kanarra Falls

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 33 minutes

At just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Kanarra Falls is the perfect day trip for adventure lovers. Grab your hiking boots and trekking poles and head off to this amazing slot canyon.

After arriving at the trailhead you’ll see a small restroom and ticket counter. They only allow 150 hikers a day, so it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your tickets online before arriving as no more tickets are sold on-site once the limit is reached. 

The hike itself is a moderate 3.8-mile hike directly through an epic slot canyon. Be prepared to get wet as the majority of the hike will have you walking through ankle-deep water (sometimes higher).

After about 1.6 miles you’ll see your first waterfall. If you choose to continue up the ladder, you’ll find the second waterfall about 0.3 miles later.

It will surely be a hike you won’t soon forget. Kanarra Falls is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas!

Recommended by Jordan of The Homebody Tourist

4. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 31 miles / 36 minutes

Lake Mead is a wonderful afternoon or a day escape from the bustling city of Las Vegas! Located less than an hour outside of Las Vegas in Boulder, Nevada, visitors to Lake Mead are greeted with a surplus of outdoor activities sure to provide an outdoor recharge. 

For Lake Mead day trips Las Vegas, it’s recommended to drive so that visitors have flexibility to explore different parts of this natural preserve throughout the afternoon.  

Enjoy hiking, navigating slot canyons, swimming and boating at Lake Mead.  Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, and that swimming and boating beaches are separated. 

More of a relaxed afternoon can be spent driving to one of the many pull out parking spots to enjoy some views with a picnic lunch. Most of the pull out parking spots include a bathroom house.  

Visiting outside of summer months is most recommended as the Mojave Desert can heat up to 120 degrees fahrenheit during this time of year.  

A huge plus is that the natural preserve accepts the Annual National Parks Pass . Without the pass, entrance is $30 per vehicle. 

Recommended by Alyssa of An Apple a Plane

5. Zion National Park (a favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 41 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is visiting Zion National Park in Utah. Just over 2.5 hours from Vegas, Zion offers incredible views and adventures you’ll love.

The perfect Zion itinerary for one day is to take the shuttle into the Zion Scenic Drive to see the impressive canyon. If you’re up for adventure, hike The Narrows.

The Narrows is the popular hike where the canyon narrows and you can walk through the Virgin River (up to 10 miles round trip) to see the massive canyon up close as it closes in. Be sure to bring water shoes and hiking sticks for The Narrows.

Alternatively, you could get crazy awesome views on the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just one mile round trip, offering wide open views of the canyon with less effort.

Grab lunch or ice cream at the Zion Lodge or in Springdale, just outside the park. Or, pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the canyon! Regardless of if you’re solo, as a couple, with friends or visiting Zion with kids , it’s a fabulous adventure and perfect day trip from Las Vegas.

Just be sure to take the right hiking essentials when visiting in Zion, like good hiking shoes and plenty of water!

Note: if you’re based in or near Vegas and have or rent an RV, check out this RV road trip guide that details the road trip from Vegas to Zion then the Grand Canyon. What a fun adventure!

6. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles / 39 minutes

Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a short drive, and one of the best ways to spend a day away from the city. You can rent a car and drive yourself or take a tour from Vegas . See the historic Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1936.

As a visitor to the Hoover Dam, you can park for free and walk to the viewpoint on both the Nevada and Arizona Sides. The Nevada side you can see the front of the dam. On the Arizona side, you’ll see the Colorado River and the back side of the dam.

The visitor center has information on the history and architecture of the dam. If you rent a car and drive yourself, the parking lot closest to the entrance is $10 to park, or you can walk the 0.7 miles from the free parking to get there.

One of the best ways to learn about the dam’s construction is through a Power Plant Tour. You’ll actually get to go down into the dam to see how it works!

At the time of publication, you can purchase a Guided Power Plant Tour online but not a Guided Dam Tour so if you want the most in-depth tour of the dam, you’ll need to get there early to get a tour, because it’s first come, first serve and sells out quickly.

Book it now: Hoover Dam tour from Vegas

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

7. Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes (flight time)

Enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon without all the driving! Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are a very efficient way to see the 4th most visited national park in the USA !

While driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas (see #14 below) allows you to hike and see the South Rim, a helicopter tour allows you to land inside the canyon, thousands of feet below the rim.

After a 45-minute helicopter ride from Las Vegas , feel extra bougie as you toast champagne on a bluff from within the canyon. Soak in the incredible views of the massive canyon you’re standing inside of! What a bucket list experience!

Book it now: helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Vegas

More things do do near Las Vegas

Outside of the city but comfortable enough to do in a day, here are more ideas for ya. There’s so much to see in the area!

8. Emerald Cave kayaking (one of the most fun things to do outside of Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 55 miles / 58 minutes

Kayaking in the Emerald Cave is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas strip. The cave is located in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, along a calm section of the Colorado River.

Your journey to the caves will include a relaxing kayak ride along the Colorado River. The surrounding hills and cliff walls are awe-inspiring as they tower above you. 

Along the way, you can also go ashore and take a number of short hikes for a better view of the river and rock walls. These hikes will also give you a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the area. 

The Emerald Cave itself will often get crowded, and only a few kayaks can enter at a time. The cave is shallow, giving you a chance to enter, take pictures, and then exit again within a few minutes time. 

Within the cave, you’ll see a green glowing light reflecting off of the water and onto the cave walls. This green glow is where the Emerald Cave gets its name. The best time of year to see the full emerald effect is to go in summer on a sunny day. 

To reach the caves, you can drive to Lake Mead Recreation Area and rent a kayak there, or book a half-day tour , which includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from Las Vegas. For your trip, it helps to bring the right gear , including a good backpack and water shoes . 

The tour will provide you with guidance and instruction along the way, so it’s a great option if you’re newer to kayaking or unfamiliar with the area. 

Kayaking the Emerald Cave is one of the best Lake Mead Day Trips from Las Vegas!

Book it now: Emerald Cave kayaking

Recommended by Merry of Virginia Vacation Guide

9. Mojave National Preserve

Distance from Las Vegas: 68 miles / 1 hour, 9 minutes

If you’re looking for a way to get away from Las Vegas but want somewhere with few crowds, then consider making a visit to Mojave National Preserve. In just an hour’s drive on Interstate 15 from the big city, you’ll find hiking trails, caves, and much more to explore.

First, head to Cima Road, which is home to more Joshua Trees than you’ll even be able to find within the namesake national park. These are rare trees, only growing within certain parts of the southwest.

Another one of the best things to do is to visit the Kelso Dunes. These beautiful sand dunes offer viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to stand on top of the tallest dune.

The Lava Tubes Trail offers a short hike and a unique experience in a cave. There aren’t many places where you’re able to climb directly into the tube, so this one shouldn’t be missed!

Other fun activities include seeing the cinder cones along Aiken Mine Road, hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail, and visiting the Mojave Desert Mailbox. Because you’ll be in the desert, be sure to dress comfortably to stay cool while you’re out exploring.

It’s also nice to have a high-clearance vehicle for the visit, as some roads can be pretty rough. Also, be sure to check the status of the roads, because wintertime may bring snow and poor weather conditions.

Recommended by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

10. UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 25 miles / 49 minutes

Get ready for an epic adventure in Prime Valley and Hidden Valley at the McCullough Mountain Range, Nevada . This is one of the most fun day trips from Las Vegas if you’e looking for an adrenaline-filled time!

This half day UTV excursion takes you through fun, rugged desert terrain just outside of Las Vegas. You’ll get to see Hidden Valley National Monument during your excursion.

An excursion like this was one of the most fun things to do in Aruba , and I think you’ll agree it’s an awesome day trip from Vegas , too. Drivers must be 16 or older, and each UTV is fit for 2 people. Kids as young as 12 can ride with an adult, so it’s great for families with older kids, too.

Pro tip: wear clothes you can get dirty and closed toes shoes.

Pack anything you don’t want to get dirty in a dry bag with a strap and tie it down. That prevents dirt from penetrating a backpack for other cloth bag. This is the dry bag I used while UTVing and it worked great! Don’t forget to take extra water in reusable water bottles , too.

Book it now: UTV adventure near Vegas

11. Death Valley National Park (one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas for scenery)

Distance from Las Vegas: 110 miles / 1 hour, 55 minutes

Death Valley is one of the best national parks in California and a perfect day trips from Las Vegas if you are looking to escape the crowds and explore the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert. 

Although summers bring triple-digit temperatures to Death Valley, winter has a mild sunny weather with no snow, except for high altitudes. 

You can get to Death Valley by taking a guided tour from Las Vegas that includes major highlights of the national park or renting a car in Las Vegas . If you rent a car, you will have more freedom exploring this vast area and also enjoy stargazing at night since Death Valley boasts incredible dark skies free of light pollution.

The park has many hikes like Golden Canyon, overlooks and is also home to the lowest point in North America, Bad Water Basin, that sits at 282 feet below sea level. Since Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states, prepare to drive longer distances, as some points of the interest are as far as 50 minutes away from one another.

Book it now: Death Valley tours from Las Vegas

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

12. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 24 miles / 27 minutes

Some of the oldest buildings in Nevada lie right next to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This historic ranch is a fun little day trip from Las Vegas , where you can tour old buildings like a blacksmith shop and sandstone cabin.

Nestled in a picturesque setting, it’s a lesser-known attraction in the Las Vegas area , so you’ll really be able to escape the crowds. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit this state park is October through May.

The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a great spot for beginner hikers or families and pets, too. Hike the Spring Mountain Ranch Loop trial, at just 1.5 miles and flat, it’s an easy trail for nearly any skill level.

Hours change seasonally so check before you go at the Spring Mountain Ranch website .

13. Seven Magic Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 26 miles / 27 minutes

A fun experience close to Las Vegas is the Seven Magic Mountains . These colorful stacked boulders are an art instillation that took social media by storm in 2016, thousands of visitors come to the Seven Magic Mountains annually.

It’s a free, short day trip from Las Vegas, and one worth visiting if you’re looking for something low-key to do in the area. And bonus – no extra hiking gear or picnic supplies required.😊 It’s perfect for when you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids !

Created by artist Ugo Rondinone and supported by the Nevada Museum of Art  and  Art Production Fund , this is a free attraction although donations are always welcome! Take as many photos as you desire, but please don’t damage the boulders.

Pro tip: If you want great photos with fewer people, come early in the day – just after sunrise – to avoid crowds. Also check out this guide for more free things to do in Las Vegas .

Seven Magic Mountains is one of the best things to do outside of Vegas that doesn’t take a lot of time, either.

Full day trips from Las Vegas

With 3+ hours of driving each way, these are the best day trips from Las Vegas that make a long day, but totally worth the effort! Of course if you have more time, these destinations would make great weekend trips from Las Vegas, too.

14. South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 279 miles / 4 hours, 22 minutes

If you’re looking to escape the intenseness of Las Vegas for a day and want to spend some time surrounded by incredible scenery you’ll never forget, head to  the Grand Canyon South Rim .

The Grand Canyon is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world and offers absolutely stunning views. The South Rim in particular is considered to be the best part with its really expansive views and is truly a sight to see.

There are many unique hikes and viewpoints such as Mather Point that you can visit at The South Rim – but note that the weather and temperature can change suddenly here so make sure to bring plenty of layers and be prepared for any weather. Woolx Merino wool layers work perfect for any season and are perfect for the Grand Canyon.

Drive time to Grand Canyon South Rim is just over 4 hours each way from Las Vegas so it’s a long day but it is definitely worth it! You can rent a car and drive yourself, or if you’d prefer someone else to do the driving you can book a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas on a bus.

The day trips are usually around 15 hours long, starting at around 6 or 7am, and cost under $100 so good value for money! It’s best to book a Grand Canyon tour in advance as it is a popular day trip from Vegas!

Not only is The Grand Canyon one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, but the route to get there is really interesting too as you’ll get to drive along the famous Route 66!

Book it now: Grand Canyon bus tour from Vegas

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

15. Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles / 4 hours, 23 minutes

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed sites along the Colorado River and a fantastic excursion for those traveling from Las Vegas.

While on the far end for a day trip, Horseshoe Bend is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Located in Page Arizona, the iconic feature is a must-do for those traveling through the southwest. 

Horseshoe Bend, part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is one  top things to do in Page Arizona .  It can be done as a stop along with other activities in the area.

The trail and parking for Horseshoe Bend is managed by the city of Page, and doesn’t take any National Park or other park passes for entrance to the site. Parking for Horseshoe Bend is $10 and the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

For those visiting the site, the hike requires about 1.5 miles (out and back) to reach the viewpoint for the bend. There’s a small platform located at the end of the trail.

However, be sure to continue on past the viewpoint along the slick stones and you’ll be treated to some great other views of the bend without as many tourists around. You can even climb the small hill to get a better overlook of the site. 

Beyond Horseshoe Bend, there’s plenty of other things around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Visit to the nearby Glen Canyon Bridge and Dam is worth a quick excursion. Visitors can view the amazing engineering feats of creating both the bridge and dam in this part of the river.

There’s also great hiking nearby such as the Hanging Gardens Hike, the Chains, and The “New Wave” which is a lovely banded sandstone area close to the glen canyon dam. 

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door

16. Bryce Canyon National Park (one of the most epic day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 259 miles / 4 hours, 3 minutes

You’ll want to get up early for this one! As a day trip, this is doable but a pretty long day. It would make a great weekend trip from Las Vegas, too.

Anyway, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the famous hoodoos, which are irregularly shaped rock spires. Witness the unique beauty of this landscape from Bryce Point or Inspiration Point.

If you’re up for hiking, try the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop , which is a fun, interactive trail. It’s 3.1 miles and rated as moderate, you’ll weave through hoodoos and witness the bright orange and red rocks up close.

Have a picnic at Sunset Point or enjoy the views at Sunrise Point, too. You can see all the Bryce Canyon National Park highlights in just one day!

17. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 186 miles / 3 hours, 8 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is a day in Joshua Tree . It takes about 3 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park, but it is worth the drive and a great way to escape the city.

Joshua Tree is best during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. In the summer, the park gets very hot, and in the winter it’s cold. However, if you’re taking a day trip in the winter, you will still experience the warmest part of the day in winter.

While in Joshua Tree, take the quick hike to Arch Rock, drive down Queen Valley Road, visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, and, of course, see all the Joshua Trees. One of the best places to find a high concentration of Joshua Trees is along Queen Valley Road or on Park Boulevard from the West Entrance Station.

Recommended by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

18. Antelope Canyon (a popular tour from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 278 miles / 4 hours, 32 minutes

Las Vegas is such a fun city to explore but many people don’t realize there are amazing places to visit outside of Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon in Page, Arizona.

The canyon is full of beautiful Navajo Sandstone that makes for some of the most stunning views you’ll find. Getting to escape from the concrete jungle of Las Vegas is a great way to refresh and enjoy some time away from the city.

If you’re planning on visiting Antelope Canyon, there are a few things you must know.

The canyon is on Navajo land and is restricted to tours by Navajo tour guides and tours are required to visit. You’ll want to book in advance to ensure you can get a tour. If you find that Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are booked, look into tours of Antelope Canyon X .

May to October get really busy, the earlier you book your tour , the better.

To do Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas, follow I-15 North through Saint George, Utah. Then take UT-9 to Hwy 59 towards Kanab, UT, where you’ll get on the US-89 East to Lake Powell and Page, Arizona. The drive is a little long, but it makes for a great adventure to one of the most beautiful slot canyons you can find!

Book it now: Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

19. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 231 miles / 4 hours, 9 minutes

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, taking a day trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is an ideal way to add some fun and adventure to your travels. Though it’s situated about 4 hours away, there are so many ways to spend one day in Palm Springs !

You can explore the iconic downtown area, which features boutique shops, hip galleries, and tasty restaurants. Or, check out the original retro architecture on residential homes and hotels.

Outdoor lovers can venture out for a day hike at one of the many trails, such as Tahquitz Canyon. One can’t-miss activity for any first time visitor is the famous Palm Springs aerial tramway, which takes you up the nearby San Jacinto Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder why Palm Springs has become such a popular getaway spot for travelers from Las Vegas.

Be aware that summer is a tough time for hiking and strenuous activity in the California desert. If visiting in the summer months, I would recommend visiting one of the many pool and mineral springresorts. 

Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth 

20. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 240 miles / 3 hours, 41 minutes

Did you know there are actually 2 Red Rock Canyons to escape to as a day trip from Las Vegas?

Not to be confused with the National Conservation Area just a few minutes outside of Vegas,  Red Rock Canyon State Park  is a 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. While it’s a long drive for a day trip, it’s doable starting before sunrise and driving back at sunset.

Located in Cantil, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is part of the Mojave Desert. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Joshua Trees and get a breathtaking view of sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy activities such as rock climbing, picnicking, easy nature walks, as well as beginner canyoneering. Best of all, you won’t find huge crowds here, so enjoy the peaceful escape from the city.

Recommended by Cassie of Cassie’s Compass

21. Grand Staircase Escalante (another favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 213 miles / 3 hours, 26 minutes

Grand Staircase Escalante is a fun and unique day trip from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to hike some really cool slot canyons, Grand Staircase is the place to do it.

A 3.5 hour drive from Vegas, there are a  few different slot canyons  located within Grand Staircase Escalante to visit. One of the most famous is Zebra Slot Canyon, a canyon that has stripes along the wall making it look like the stripes on a zebra!

Besides hiking the slot canyons in the area, there are plenty of other amazing trails to hike in this area. To get to Grand Staircase Escalante, head northeast on I-15 towards St. George, once in St. George depending on where you want to go in Grand Staircase either head towards Kanab or head towards Bryce Canyon.

The roads inside of Grand Staircase aren’t paved and a lot of the roads require you to have a 4×4 vehicle. Make sure to always check with the visitor centers nearby in Kanab and Escalante before heading out to make sure the weather and roads are safe for exploring.

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

22. Alabama Hills (one of the most scenic things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 246 miles / 4 hours, 13 minutes

Alabama Hills, California is an underrated destination that’s gained in popularity over the last decade or so. A long day trip from Las Vegas, it can be done in a single day with an early morning and late night, or better yet, as a weekend getaway from Las Vegas!

With expansive views of these smooth rocky formations, there’s quite a bit to see and do in Alabama Hills. Movie Road is aptly named based on the volume of films that have been shot here. Drive down it and recognize scenes from Iron Man and Gladiator, just to name a few.

There’s plenty of hiking opportunities in Alabama Hills , too. Grab your hiking shoes and head to the famous Mobius Arch, coming in at less than one mile. Or explore views of the snow-capped mountains on the Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch .

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Well, that’s a wrap! The area surrounding Las Vegas is full of fun and activities for all ages. Whether you’ve got just one day trip from Vegas or have a few days to explore the area, you’ll find something amazing to do with your time!

Let’s take a look at those adventures again, in a quick list…

Places to visit near Las Vegas

• Red Rock Canyon
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Kanarra Falls
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter
• Emerald Cave kayaking
• Mojave National Preserve
• UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains
• Death Valley National Park
• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• Seven Magic Mountains
• South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Antelope Canyon
• Palm Springs
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante
• Alabama Hills

Related content you might like: 20 BIG Adventure Vacations in the US Not to Miss 28 Absolutely Best National Parks to Visit in Summer 100 Most Romantic Vacations in the United States You’ll Love

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wanderwithbelle

Sunday 29th of January 2023

I love Vegas and have been there a numerous of times!! Thanks for sharing these great tips.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Welcome Belle. Thanks for your comment and visiting the blog! :)

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Vegas itself isn't really on my list of places to visit, but I'd love to do all of these daytrips!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Agreed! Every time I go to Vegas, I leave Vegas 🤣

Saturday 17th of December 2022

I am not a big fan of Las Vegas so I love the idea of trying some of these road trips on the next time I attend a conference in Nevada. I love the rugged landscape.

Monday 19th of December 2022

Same, same Terri! Each time I visit Vegas I have to get out 🤣 Have fun on your next non-Vegas adventure!

Interesting read. Emerald cave kayaking looks so relaxing.

Totally agree, Anukrati! I hope you get to try it sometime.

Friday 16th of December 2022

Some great ideas here, and some wonderful photos too!

Glad you found this helpful :)

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Moscow

Day trips from moscow.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Go Russia Travel Company

2. Privilege Tour

3. Put-in Tours

4. Walks With Folks

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Vadim Pavlov Guide and Driver in Moscow

8. Moscow With Locals

9. GuiasRusia

10. Taxi Francais

11. Katya & Nikita — Local Moscow Guides

12. Tanya Neyman Tour Guide

13. Rusmania

14. RussiaEguide

15. Weatlas

16. Lovely Moscow Tours

17. Walk & Talk Tours

18. Guides & Guides

19. Capital Tours

20. Rusia.Tours (en español)

21. Wow! Moscow Tours

22. Moskovity

23. Nikolay Sysenko

24. Alexandre de Russie

25. Tour Moscú

26. TRUE NATURE OF RUSSIA

27. IGuide Moscow

28. VIP Travel Russia

29. MORE MOSCOW

30. Bolshoi Tour

What travelers are saying

AAA forecasts nearly 44M travelers for Memorial Day weekend: See best times to travel

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, which means people will be flooding highways and airports this weekend looking to get away for some rest and relaxation.

The American Automobile Association is projecting nearly 44 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period, which is defined by the organization as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, in a news release. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."

The organization projects over 38 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, over 3.5 million will travel by air and nearly 2 million will travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises and trains.

The 38 million drivers is the highest number for Memorial Day since AAA began tracking data in 2000 and is up 4% compared to last year. The 3.5 million air travelers is an increase of nearly 5% over last year and, according to AAA, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005.

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When is Memorial Day?: Here's when the holiday falls and what to know about its history.

Best, worst times to travel for Memorial Day weekend

Drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters, AAA said, citing data from transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Drivers going back home Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, in the news release.

Here's a breakdown of the best and worst times to travel by car depending on which day you are traveling:

Thursday, May 23

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between noon and 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst travel time: Between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best travel time: After 7 p.m.

Gas prices continue to decrease heading into Memorial Day weekend

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen four cents since last week, to $3.60. The primary reasons are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel, according to the organization.

“Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, in a news release. “There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices.”

This Memorial Day weekend, drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was about $3.57.

"Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks," AAA said in the news release, while also noting that prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway.

The wildcard remains the cost of oil, according to the organization, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Watch CBS News

Memorial Day weekend 2024 could break travel records. Here's what to know.

By Emily Mae Czachor

May 20, 2024 / 5:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Despite another month of spring technically still ahead, travelers often view Memorial Day weekend  as an unofficial kickoff to the summer season — and traffic notoriously reflects that . Based on current forecasts, travel around the upcoming 2024 holiday next Monday, May 27, is not expected to relieve Memorial Day of its bad reputation for drivers and airline passengers. They may actually find themselves on some of the busiest highways and flights they've seen in decades.

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, warned of potentially unprecedented congestion on roads this weekend, along with airports that could be even more crowded than in years past. The organization, which looks at various economic factors and partners with other groups to project travel conditions, announced earlier this month that an estimated 43.8 million people across the United States would likely travel at least 50 miles from Thursday to Monday. That would mark a 4% increase in overall travel compared with 2023, according to AAA. It would also come close to the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, which happened in 2005 when 44 million people left home for the holiday.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of the travel division at AAA, in a statement. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."  

For those planning to hit the road or board a plane this weekend, here's what to know.

Prepare to hit traffic

Memorial Day weekend in 2024 is expected to set a new record for road trips, according to AAA. The organization has estimated that 38.4 million people will travel in cars over the course of the weekend, which would be the biggest number recorded around this particular holiday since the group first started keeping track of Memorial Day travel patterns in 2000. 

Car rental company Hertz told AAA that demand for rentals this year will be highest in Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando, with most renters scheduled to pick up their cars on Thursday and Friday.

In general, drivers hoping to beat the traffic, or at least face less of it, should avoid the roads during afternoon hours on any day of the long weekend. Citing transit data from INRIX , AAA said the worst times to travel by car , in any U.S. time zone, are between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. 

The best times to drive will be before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Thursday, before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Friday, before 1 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on Saturday, before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Airports will be crowded

Airports across the country are bracing for another spike in travelers, following an upward trend in flights booked around Memorial Day since last year's air travel numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 3.51 million people are projected to fly this weekend, according to AAA, which is up from 3.35 million who traveled on planes to their destinations last year. If as many people fly as expected, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when AAA said 3.64 million people caught flights for the holiday.

United Airlines said more than 500,000 people are expected to fly each day from Thursday to Tuesday, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend on record. Delta said 3 million people are expected to fly on its planes over that six-day period and American Airlines said it expects 3.9 million people to fly over the weekend.

Public transportation tips

Any of the projected 1.9 million people who use public transit systems to get to where they're going this weekend can plan ahead, too. INRIX projections show metro riders will face a degree of congestion in major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Congestion on metros is expected to peak in those places in the late afternoon, early evening and mid-morning each day between Thursday and Monday. 

Forecasts suggest D.C., Los Angeles, Houston and Tampa will see the largest jumps in metro crowding compared with their respective norms. The worst is projected for one route from Gainesville to Tampa, where INRIX said metro congestion on Sunday at 9 a.m. local time could be 88% higher than usual.

Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting.

• Memorial Day

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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Full transcript of "Face the Nation," May 26, 2024

6 things to know as Memorial Day kicks off ultra-busy summer of travel

Airports will be crowded for Memorial Day. But flying this summer might also be cheaper.

When it comes to summer travel this year, one word keeps coming up: busy.

“This will be the busiest summer travel season we have on record,” David Pekoske, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, said at a news conference last week.

The agency expects to screen more than 18 million people at airports between Thursday and May 29; Pekoske said he anticipates days later this summer on which security checkpoints will see a record 3.1 million or 3.2 million people.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release forecasting nearly 44 million travelers between Thursday and Monday. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Travel advisers say the numbers are bearing out the enthusiasm they’ve seen from clients. John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group , said families have been planning for this summer since last year — and already are booking trips for spring break and the summer of 2025. He said people realized early in the pandemic how much travel brought to their lives and have since made it a priority.

“What we’re hearing every single day is that people are just so joyful to get out into the world again,” said Mel Burton, coordinator at CruCon Cruise Outlet .

For the millions of people traveling over the upcoming weekend or months, there are some key tips to remember.

Airfare is giving us a break

It should cost less to fly over the holiday weekend (or throughout the summer) this year compared with last — and even compared with pre-covid times.

According to flight-booking app Hopper, the cost of domestic flights for Memorial Day weekend was averaging $260 as of last week, a decrease of 9.5 percent year over year.

“It’s a trend that’s going to continue through the summer,” said Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist.

For June, July and August, domestic airfare is averaging $305 a ticket, a 6 percent drop, Hopper said in its summer outlook . Even flights to Europe are trending cheaper after last summer’s sticker shock. Berg said the average airfare for Europe flights of $950 for June through August was down 8 percent.

Still, that’s about 15 percent higher than the cost of flights in 2019.

More seats are available

Part of the reason behind the higher travel numbers and lower airfare is simple: There are more seats to fill.

According to Hopper, there are about a million more seats flying domestic routes over the Memorial Day weekend from Thursday until the following Tuesday — more than a 6 percent increase in capacity.

“We fully expect airlines are ready for it,” Berg said. “They’ve added back only capacity that they can maintain because of the disaster of cancellations and delays in 2022 coming out of the pandemic. We’re not expecting any major meltdowns barring any unexpected weather.”

Cirium , an aviation analytics company, said that there are over 15 million more seats flying domestically between June and August this year compared with last, an increase of 5.6 percent.

That all amounts to a little bit of potential relief for travelers, said Scott Keyes, founder of the cheap-flight alert service Going .

“Airlines just have more capacity and more flights on the schedule, which results in cheaper fares and more elbow room,” he said.

New refund rules won’t help you yet

Maybe this summer will be free of airline meltdowns, but it’s better to prepare for the worst. Passengers should be aware that they are entitled to their money back if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed and they end up not traveling.

By the winter holidays, new rules will be in place requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers in those cases. But that rule — which also covers refunds for significantly delayed bags and extra services that aren’t provided — won’t be in place for summer travelers.

To get a refund before the rules kick in, travelers will need to request it from their airline and be prepared to push for money back instead of vouchers or flight credits.

To find out what else they might be entitled to in case of delays or cancellations that are caused by airlines, travelers can turn to a Department of Transportation customer service dashboard . That will reveal which airlines will, for example, book passengers on an alternate carrier, provide meal vouchers, offer ground transportation or pay for a hotel if a traveler is stranded.

Bag fees are up

Alaska Airlines started a pricing trend in January when it raised its fee for a checked bag from $30 to $35. American Airlines did the same the next month, followed by price hikes from United, Delta and JetBlue . It was the first time some airlines had raised checked-bag prices in years.

Keyes, who predicted that multiple airlines would raise bag fees at the beginning of the year, said it will be interesting to see whether any bag pricing will change after the new DOT rule on fees goes into effect.

For now, he warned, “don’t be shocked when each bag costs $5 more than the last time you traveled.”

Deals in Florida, Mexico and Canada

Travel experts rounded up some of the most budget-friendly summer flights for The Washington Post: look to Colorado, the Caribbean, rural Europe and beach regions in Mexico.

In its summer forecast , booking site Kayak also has suggestions for the cheapest average airfare for the summer. Florida, Mexico and Canada are all at the top of the list.

The top cheap flights domestically include Minneapolis, Orlando and a handful of locations in Florida (Tampa, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale). Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary) and Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City) top the list internationally.

Guns are not carry-ons

Pekoske reminded travelers that firearms aren’t allowed at security screening areas, in secure parts of an airport or in airplane cabins. Passengers who want to travel with a gun have to follow a list of rules that include keeping them unloaded, locked and stored in checked bags. People who bring a gun through security could be arrested or cited by local authorities and could be subject to a TSA fine and loss of PreCheck eligibility.

“As you can imagine, whenever there’s a firearm at a checkpoint, it slows down the process certainly for that individual, but for everybody else in that checkpoint,” he said.

So far this year, there have been 2,300 firearms detected at security checkpoints, Pekoske said; last year, the number was more than 6,700 .

“We’re not seeing that go down like we’d like to see it,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has also warned travelers heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands to carefully check bags for weapons or ammunition. Five Americans have been arrested on ammunition charges while traveling in the Caribbean destination and face a sentence of 12 years in custody.

“If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the embassy said.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.

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Amazon’s Top-rated Travel Pants Are 58% Off for Memorial Day — Shop the 16 Best Deals From $9

They’re all under $50.

Travel + Leisure

The warm weather is finally here. It has us planning vacations that call for dresses, tanks, bikinis, and other clothes that bear more skin. Shorts are the obvious bottom option but don’t forget to grab a new pair of pants — the most versatile, easy-to-wear style for travel . If you run hot, you might not consider pants a 12-months-of-the-year piece of clothing, but there is a range of breathable, lightweight, and stylish pants to choose from, and many of them are on sale for under $50 during Amazon’s Memorial Day sale . 

When shopping for the best travel pants, consider the shape you want. Women can choose from leggings , joggers , wide legs , and capris that can be dressed up or down and are comfy to wear while on the go. There are equally cool styles for men, some with an active flare and others with a refined look. Amazon’s top-rated pants will keep you stylish in pictures, plus they also come in handy for chilly planes, offer sun protection, and are dressy for a nice dinner. Keep reading for 16 of the best Memorial Day deals on travel pants at Amazon now.

Baleaf Women's Quick-dry Hiking Pants 

Amazon's top-selling hiking pants are currently over 30 percent off. These pants are beloved by shoppers because they have a cool look and are made to keep you comfortable. With a drawstring waist and adjustable cords at the cuff, their fit is relaxed and easy. This pair of travel-friendly pants also offers UV protection and is quick-drying and water-resistant. Plus, there are a ton of options — lengths tall, regular, and petite, plus 20 colors and a range of sizes from XS to 3XL.

Libin Women's Cargo Joggers

Another popular hiking option is this pair of cargo pants. With joggers, you’ll have a polished silhouette with the comfort of sweatpants. Adding to the put-together look are the anti-wrinkle fabric and cuffed ankle. Five pockets, all with either zipper or hook-and-loop closures are handy to keep your goods secure. One shopper who bought the pants for a long-haul flight wrote, “I tried them out on a shorter domestic flight last week and they were perfect. Comfortable on the plane, soft elastic waistband, breathable fabric. I especially like the elastic ankles because it keeps the pant-leg from hitting the floor in public restrooms at airports and on the planes.” And, of course, they added that the pants are “cute, too!”

Under Armour Women’s HeatGear High No-slip Waistband Ankle Leggings

Under Armour leggings for under $20, almost 60 percent off the original price? This is a run, don’t walk, quickly-add-to-cart situation. Leggings are another style I personally love to travel in since they are comfortable and more polished than looser sweat styles. As a compression legging, this has a second-skin feel that’s super light, wicks sweat, and dries fast. The no-slip waistband and ergonomic flatlock seams keep comfort front and center. It also has a side drop-in pocket, my favorite for storing my iPhone when jet-setting. 

The Gym People Women’s Lightweight Jogger Pants

As the no. 1 best-seller in women’s activewear leggings at Amazon, The Gym People jogger is a must-try. A smooth, wide waistband is always appreciated, especially when it's flattering and offers a bit of tummy control. The jogger is also crafted in a soft, stretch fabric that allows for easy movement. This review from a buyer who purchased the pants in three colors sold me: “They are perfect for traveling. They roll up well and don’t wrinkle that much. They wash and wear well. They are so comfortable and you can dress them up with a nicer shirt or wear them with T-shirts.” Choose from any of the neutral or bright 22 shades. 

Anrabess Women’s Linen High-waist Wide-leg Pants

This pair of linen pants is packed with style for an easy upgrade to your travel look. From the elastic self-tie waist down to the flowy leg opening, you'll look effortlessly chic. These features also make this comfy pair of pants versatile and easy to dress up with a tucked-in tank and heels, or go casual with a tee and low-profile sneakers. “I bought multiple pairs for an overseas trip, and they were perfect,” one five-star reviewer shared . “I was able to use them for work and sightseeing. They were so comfortable and lightweight, easy to pack for travel.”

Santiny Women’s Drawstring Jogger Pants 

Joggers are personally some of my favorite pants to travel in. I love their sleek and flattering silhouette, which pairs nicely with a hoodie for a long flight and a tank for sightseeing. This top-selling pair also doubles as workout pants for those who love to exercise while away. Deep pockets are ready to hold essentials like phones, keys, and your wallet, while the soft, four-way stretch will feel good against the skin. A drawstring elastic waistband and a cuffed ankle lend a personalized fit that will stay put no matter your activity. From running in a new city to lounging in an airport, you’ll easily fall in love with this jogger. 

Eddie Bauer Women's Rainier Capris

Capris are back, a trend that many might find surprising. What makes the style excellent for travel is that the short length is less bulky and a whole lot cooler than long pants, yet offers more coverage than shorts. This very popular capri from Eddie Bauer is made for the outdoors with two-way stretch, a water-repellent finish, and UPF 50+ sun protection. This packable pair also has hems finished with adjustable bungees for the freedom to change up the look. For hiking adventures or overnight campouts, this pair is a must-own. 

Lnx Women’s High-waist Wide-leg Linen Pants

Linen is an ideal material for summer travel since it’s naturally breathable and lightweight. This option on sale on Amazon has a cute high-waisted, cropped silhouette, which makes it easy to pair with tanks and tees and comfy-to-walk in sneakers and sandals. One customer said these were perfect to go from beach to dinner, while another five-star reviewer found them in search of comfy yet stylish pants for long travel: “The mid-rise waist has a perfect amount of give and [is] flattering to the figure. They look dressy enough to wear with a nice top but have the comfort and roomy feel of wearing sweatpants.”

G Gradual Women’s 7/8 Stretch Ankle Sweatpants

Another very popular option on Amazon is this pair of athletic sweatpants. Currently the no. 1 best-seller in women’s golf pants , this pair will support you along the golf course, with a comfortable silhouette and an adjustable elastic waistband. What I particularly like about this pair is the cropped 7/8 ankle length. It's not only stylish but will look good with your athletic golf shoes, sandals on vacation, or your easy-to-slip-on and off-travel shoes. I suspect that whether you buy these for golf or travel, you will probably also end up lounging at home in them, too — yet another perk.

Briggs New York Women’s Super Stretch Millennium Pull-on Career Pant

While work pants are great for work travel, they also can double as a dressy bottom on vacation. This pull-on pant has a smoothing panel along the waist along with slimming solution technology, for an ultra-flattering look. Crafted with a stretch fabric, this on-sale pant comes in great color options from go-to black to an easy-to-mix into your wardrobe gravity blue. One shopper even shared that they keep their shape. “I bought these specifically for travel and they were perfect. Great fit and comfortable elastic waist. Although they are ‘stretchy,’ they did not stretch out and lose their shape, even after several days of wearing. I will definitely buy another pair.”

Unionbay Men's Rainier Lightweight Comfort Travel Tech Chino Pants

Anyone traveling to sunny locales should consider pants like these that are made for the climate. This lightweight pant has it all — they’re quick-drying and water-resistant, and the fabric has UPF 50 protection. Stretch fabrication also allows for ease of movement. Plus, you can secure your belongings with mesh-lined pockets, leg pockets, and zipper closure pockets. From a graphic tee and walkable sandals for the day to a polo and dress shoes for the night, these pants will get a ton of wear on all your travels. 

Lee Men's Extreme Comfort Canvas Cargo Pant

Canvas pants are great for travel because they are comfortable yet have a polished and refined look. With a straight leg, this pair is super versatile to wear with sneakers, oxfords, or sandals. The canvas fabric also contains stretch, combined with the flexible waistband, it’s ideal for long travel days. “So comfortable," one shopper wrote . “These pants are versatile and comfortable. The sizing is accurate. [I’ve] worn them for travel, hiking, layering — you name it. They can be easily dressed up. Bought them in two colors and might buy more!”

Rdruko Men's Casual Lightweight Quick-dry Hiking Pants

Whether traveling by plane, train, or car, these are comfortable pants are made for a long day of sitting. At the same time, when you are ready to get up and get moving, they're flexible with an elastic waist and stretch. The fabric is also durable and quick drying if your movement takes you on a long hike on a hot day. Another great feature is its side zippered pockets that securely store what you need.

Amazon Essentials Men's Classic Fit Stretch Golf Pant 

The number one golf pants for men on Amazon is currently on sale for under $10. Made in a performance fabric with moisture-wicking properties, this is an optimal pair for the course, especially in the summer heat. Off the green, they still work as comfortable pants with a classic fit. Also worth noting, especially in terms of traveling, is their versatility and the fact that they don’t wrinkle easily, as reviewers mention. 

Linlon Men’s Quick Dry Zip-off Cargo Hiking Pants

For men who love options or prefer shorts, these convertible pants are a two-for-one style thanks to their zip-off legs. The ability to go from pants to shorts makes this an excellent purchase for hikers who would appreciate the ability to cool off their legs mid-excursion. Quick drying, water-repellent fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection makes these pants excellent for outdoor activities. And reviewers also mention how easily packable they are, too.  

Amazon Essentials Men's Classic Fit Wrinkle-resistant Flat-front Chino Pants

The best-seller in men’s casual pants on Amazon , these pants are wrinkle-resistant — perfect for travel. A tailored design with a flat front waist, front slant pockets, and button-through back pockets keeps the look classic and flexible to go from day to night. The fact that they are machine washable also makes them great for travel, and easy to keep clean and wear more than once. This Amazon chino pant is now on sale for under $10 and is available in a variety of inseam options to get the best fit. 

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