Ever lugged around a huge, floppy backpack while trying to navigate crowded city streets? It feels awkward, right? You want to explore museums, hop on buses, and grab lunch without feeling weighed down. Finding the perfect small backpack for city travel is a real challenge. Too small, and it won’t hold your water bottle and map. Too big, and you’re constantly bumping into people!
The right city backpack should be light, secure, and stylish. It needs to hold your daily essentials without becoming a burden. Many travelers settle for the wrong bag, leading to sore shoulders and frustration during their adventures. We understand this struggle completely.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will reveal the best features to look for in a compact travel companion. You will learn exactly how to choose a bag that makes your city explorations smooth and enjoyable. Ready to ditch the bulky gear and embrace easy city movement? Let’s dive into finding your ideal small backpack!
Top Small Backpack For City Travel Recommendations
- FOLDABLE DESIGN: Unfold size 16.9*11.4*5.5in, folded size 8.7*6.3in.You can fold this backpack when you don't need it, which saves space and allows you to easily pack it in your suitcase, backpack
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT AND PREMIUM MATERIAL: Recycled nylon material makes this backpack only 10.2oz, easy to fold and carry. Polyester linings help relieve the stress on your shoulders. And durable SBS zippers make opening silky smooth
- LARGE CAPACITY: 20L capacity meets all your daily requirements and travel needs. Multi-compartments include one main pocket, two front pockets, and one zipper-removable pocket
- MULTIPLE OCCASIONS: This foldable backpack is suitable for daily use,day trips, travel, vacation, hiking, camping, fishing, and cycling. It can be taken on any airline
- Everyday Carry: Suit for hiking, leisure, daily outings, amusement parks, walks, and more — enjoy versatility on every adventure.If you have any problem with broken or damaged items you purchased，please do not hesitate to tell us with your order ID. We will reply and address your issue within one day, so please purchase with confidence
- FOLDABLE: This backpack is easy to fold up into its pocket (Not included extra pouch. Just its own inner pocket to pack with. ) Unfold size: 15.5x9x3.5inches. Folded size only 7.5 x 6inches, easily pack it in your suitcase, backpack, or car and simply unfold from your checked bags and use it as a carry-on for your excess baggage to avoid the overweight charge.
- ENOUGH CAPACITY& LIGHTWEIGHT: One front compartment holds your tissue key or earphone. One main compartment fits your travel essentials: such as clothes and Umbrella. Two side pockets keep your things organized and separated. This lightweight backpack is only 0.56lb, and is easy to carry and use.
- DURABLE: Made with thickened water-resistant polyamide material and high-quality SBS zipper. Durable and not easy to tear. Don't be afraid of getting wet even if it rains when outdoors hiking.
- MULTIFUNCTION: This packable backpack is the perfect companion for the outdoors, one-day hiking, biking, traveling, camping, work, and shopping. Fit for men and women.
- 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: This small shoulder backpack will be durable with strict craftsmanship. We stand behind the durability of our goods. If there is any quality problem with our product, please feel free to contact us.
- Compact Yet Spacious Design - Despite its mini size, this backpack offers ample storage with a well-organized interior. It features a main compartment with an iPad sleeve (fits up to a 12.9-inch iPad), an inner zippered pocket, an inner slip pocket, and a secondary compartment, allowing you to carry all your essentials effortlessly.
- Lightweight & Comfortable - GOLF SUPAGS mini backpack weighing only 0.37 kg, this backpack is designed for ultimate comfort. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for long days out, ensuring you won't be weighed down during your daily activities or travels.
- Durable & Water-Resistant Material - Our backpack made from high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric, the backpack provides excellent protection for your belongings against light rain and splashes. Its durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use and outdoor adventures.
- Multiple Pockets for Optimal Organization - Stay organized with multiple external and internal pockets. The backpack includes two front zippered pockets, one back zippered pocket, and two side pockets, offering easy access to frequently used items like your phone, keys, or water bottle.
- Versatile & Stylish Appearance - Available in three elegant colors—Black, Light Apricot, and Light Pink—this backpack complements any outfit. Its sleek and modern design makes it suitable for various occasions, including daily outings, travel, shopping, and outdoor activities.
- Ultra Lightweight -- Weighing only 7 oz and size 11 x 17.3 x 5.9 inch / 28 x 44 x 15 cm, this hiking daypack is perfect for minimalist travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. It folds down to wallet-size(7.9 x 1.6 x 6.7 inch / 20 x 4 x 17 cm), making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag when not in use. A perfect companion for hiking, travel, or commuting.
- Durable & Water Resistant -- Crafted from good-quality water-resistant nylon, this compact daypack is designed to keep your essentials safe and dry. This foldable backpack offers superior durability, withstanding scratches from branches, rocks, and rough outdoor conditions.
- Spacious Storage -- Despite its compact size, this daypack offers ample storage with a main zipper compartment, a front zippered pocket, and two side mesh pockets for water bottles or other quick-access items. Nice for city tours, camping trips, or shopping, it accommodates all your essentials without being bulky.
- Multi Purpose -- Whether you're heading out for a weekend hike, or a day trip, this foldable backpack is your go-to solution. Its space-saving design makes it a great backup bag for air travel, fitting easily into your carry-on luggage or travel wallet.
- Active Lifestyle -- Whether you’re a hiker, traveler, or simply love outdoor activities, this packable backpack is fit for you. Lightweight, durable, and versatile, it's your good companion for all your active pursuits.
- Foldable and Lightweight: Weight only 0.66 pounds, the folded size is only 7* 7 inch, which can be folded into a compact bag and turned into a small handbag, easily pack it in your suitcase, backpack, or car
- Premium Material: Made of water-resistant nylon material and high-quality zipper, effectively prevent rainwater from wetting the phone or cash and other items in the backpack, Don't be afraid of getting wet even if it rains when outdoor hiking
- Multipurpose: This Foldable backpack provides enough storage space for outdoor travel, camping, hiking, day trips and shopping, fit for men and women
- Reasonable and Orderly: Our packable backpacks capacity is 15L, the main pocket is large enough to accomodate a lot of stuff, such as your book's, Ipad, umbrella and clothes etc, there are also smaller compartments inside where you can store your small items
- Ergonomic Design: The small foldable backpack we design perfectly fit the back of the human body to make the center of gravity more stable, designed accord with ergonomic, adjustable shoulder straps to adapt to different people's use
- Foldable & Lightweight-- Minimalist Designed. The ultra-lightweight small backpack save your space to fold into its built-in pouch as a Sandwich size. (Note: No extra pouch carry with). Easily pack it in your suitcase or purse
- Roomy 20L Capacity--Keep things organized. Unfold size : 16.5*11.8*6.3inch(L*W*H). Three zippered compartments. The main pocket is Large enough to hold ipad and clothes. Outer smaller pockets are great for quick access such as tissue and keys. An inner zippered pocket is a perfect place for travel essentials such as cash, credit cards, and passport. Two large sides mesh pockets for water bottles or umbrella
- Durable & Tear Resistant-- Made with high-quality water and tear abrasion-resistant water-resistant coated Polyamide material with SBS zipper. Update version without zipper flap and no struggle to get stuck in the zipper. Reinforced more than 14 places with a Bar-tack process for extra strength
- Comfortable--This is a perfect travel backpack for everyday use. Conformable to wear on your back or carry with a wide S-shape breathable Mesh Shoulder strap. Easy to adjust the length and lock firmly
- Versatile for the Trips--Ultra-lightweight. Ultra-durable. This compact backpack is the perfect companion to hold travel gear for short trips, day trips, vacation, travel, hiking, carry-on, camping, and shopping. This backpack obeys the spiritual airline rules limited and is suitable to take as personal items. It will be a fantastic necessity for no matter outdoor sports or leisure activities in or out of the city
- Compact Yet Spacious: This hiking backpack for women combines minimal size with maximum practicality. The 15l main compartment and zippered interior pocket can hold your travel and hiking essentials. Two quick-access front zippered pockets hold your phone, portable charger and more. Two side pockets can easily accommodate large water bottles and umbrellas. An elastic drawstring stores items such as hats or sports protective gear
- Tough Lightweight Fabric: This packable backpack is made of rip-stop nylon material that's tough and durable against scratches and spills. The quick-drying fabric hides trail dirt better than other materials. The silky-smooth two-way zipper resists snagging for better usability. Weighing only 0.63 pounds, this lightweight backpack can easily fold down to the size of your palm for stress-free carrying
- Body-Adaptive Comfort Design: Our small hiking backpack features an ergonomic design that fits like a second skin against your back, evenly distributing weight across your shoulders. The breathable shoulder straps of our small travel backpack can keep you cool during hikes and trips, while the adjustable straps customize the fit for any body shape and prevent bouncing during bike rides or commutes
- Instant Space-Saving Fold: This foldable backpack measures 10.2 x 6.2 x 15.4 inches when unfolded and 5.9 x 6.7 inches when folded. It can transform instantly from a full-size daypack to a compact pouch that fits even in coat pockets. Store it in your main backpack or suitcase, keep it as an emergency backup, or attach it to your hiking pack for unexpected needs. Whether you're at the airport or outdoors, everything remains easily accessible
- Adventure-to-Urban Versatility: This compact hiking daypack serves more purposes than just hiking. It's versatile enough for walking, travelling, and daily commuting. Its TSA-friendly design fits this small backpack easily under airplane seats, significantly reducing your travel burden. With multiple color options available, this small hiking backpack also makes an excellent gift for friends and family during holidays
- Compact & Hiking Backpack: FIORETTO packable mini backpack measures 17.7" H x 11" L x 5.1" W (45x28x13cm) and weighs just 10.95oz, offering a 15L capacity ideal for minimalist adventurers, day trips, and hiking, or daily commuters. Slip it into luggage as a lightweight backpack or wear it solo for hands-free travel. Always verify that the dimensions match your needs before purchasing.
- Quick-Access Shoulder Pockets: Stay organized on the go! The ergonomic shoulder straps feature a zippered pocket (fits phones up to 7”) and a stretchy cord pouch for keys, lip balm, or transit cards. No more awkwardly removing your outdoor backpack mid-hike—grab hiking essentials instantly. Designed for active lifestyles, these pockets keep valuables secure yet within reach during biking, skiing, or city adventures.
- Premium Durability & Safety: Built to last, this hiking daypacks uses rugged fabric that resists abrasion and tears. Reinforced stitching and smooth-gliding zippers ensure years of use. Reflective strips boost visibility at dusk, while the adjustable chest strap (with emergency whistle) stabilizes loads during brisk walks. Breathable mesh straps minimizes sweat, so you stay cool on long treks.
- Smart Storage Compartments: Three spacious main compartments, two mesh side pockets (fits 2.4'' diameter bottles), and a hidden anti-theft rear pocket keep gear neatly sorted. Securely store wallets in the back, stash snacks in the front, and use the elastic-lined pockets for quick-dry towels or sunscreen. Perfect for camping weekends, gym sessions, hiking bag, or as a carry-on personal item.
- Versatile for Any Adventure: From mountain trails to theme parks, FIORETTO daypack backpacks adapts effortlessly. Lightweight yet sturdy, it's designed for hiking, camping, cycling, snowboarding, travel, and daily errands. Machine-washable fabric makes cleanup a breeze. Need a small backpack men that balances style and function? This is your go-to. Questions? Our customer team is here to help—just reach out!
The Essential Buying Guide for Your Small City Travel Backpack
A small backpack is your best friend when you explore a new city. It holds your essentials without weighing you down. Choosing the right one makes your trip easier and more fun. We break down what you need to know before you buy.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these main features. They determine how useful the bag will be on your adventures.
Capacity and Size
- Size Matters: For city travel, look for bags between 10 to 20 liters. This size fits a water bottle, a light jacket, a camera, and your phone. Bigger bags often become bulky and hard to carry on crowded buses or subways.
- Laptop Sleeve (Optional): If you must bring a tablet or small laptop (under 13 inches), check for a padded internal sleeve.
Security and Access
- Anti-Theft Features: City crowds are targets for pickpockets. Look for zippers that lock together, hidden pockets near your back, or slash-proof materials.
- Easy Access Pockets: You need quick access to your transit card or phone. External water bottle pockets and small front pockets are very helpful.
Comfort and Fit
- Strap Quality: Padded shoulder straps prevent your shoulders from hurting after hours of walking. Adjustable straps ensure a good fit for everyone.
- Back Panel Ventilation: City walking means heat. Mesh or ventilated back panels allow air to flow, keeping your back cooler.
2. Important Materials
The material affects how long the bag lasts and how heavy it feels.
Durability and Weather Resistance
- Nylon and Polyester: These are the most common choices. They are light and strong. Look for high denier counts (like 400D or higher) for better tear resistance.
- Water Resistance: A bag treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish keeps your electronics dry if you get caught in a sudden rain shower. Some bags use waterproof materials like TPU coating.
Weight
- Keep it Light: Since you carry this bag all day, the bag itself should weigh very little—ideally under 1.5 pounds. Heavy materials reduce the space you have for your actual items.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details separate a great backpack from a frustrating one. Pay attention to the hardware and stitching.
High-Quality Indicators
- Strong Zippers: Brands like YKK make the best zippers. They glide smoothly and rarely snag or break.
- Reinforced Stitching: Check the stress points, especially where the straps connect to the bag body. Double stitching here shows the manufacturer built the bag to last.
Low-Quality Red Flags
- Thin, Flimsy Fabric: If the material feels very thin and crinkly, it will likely rip soon.
- Plastic Buckles: Cheap plastic buckles break easily under strain. Metal hardware is always better for critical points.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you will actually do with the bag.
The Sightseer (All-Day Walking)
If you plan to walk miles visiting museums and parks, comfort is key. You need excellent padding and perhaps a small chest strap to keep the bag stable while you move quickly.
The Commuter (Transit Focus)
If you use subways and buses often, prioritize security and slimness. A bag that hugs your back and doesn’t stick out far prevents accidental bumps and makes navigating tight spaces easier. Hidden pockets are very important here.
The Day Tripper (Short Excursions)
For short trips outside the main city area, prioritize water resistance and capacity for snacks or souvenirs. A bag with external attachment loops can carry a rolled-up light jacket.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small City Travel Backpacks
Q: What is the ideal size for a small city travel backpack?
A: Most travelers find 15 to 18 liters to be the perfect sweet spot. This size holds daily necessities without feeling too big for crowded areas.
Q: Should I get a waterproof bag or just water-resistant?
A: Water-resistant is usually enough for city travel. It handles light rain. If you travel during monsoon season, look for fully waterproof bags with sealed seams.
Q: Are small backpacks safe from theft?
A: They can be, but you must choose smart features. Look for locking zippers or hidden pockets placed against your back. A simple bag is easier for thieves to open.
Q: Do I need a chest strap (sternum strap)?
A: A chest strap is not mandatory, but it greatly improves comfort on long walking days. It stops the shoulder straps from slipping off your shoulders.
Q: How important is the bag’s empty weight?
A: It is very important. If the bag weighs 2 pounds empty, you only have 8 pounds left for your gear if you aim for a 10-pound carry limit. Lighter bags give you more packing space.
Q: Can a small backpack fit under an airplane seat?
A: Yes, most bags under 20 liters fit easily under the seat in front of you. Always check the specific airline’s personal item dimensions if you plan to use it as your only carry-on.
Q: What is better: one main compartment or multiple small ones?
A: Multiple small pockets improve organization. You can keep your wallet separate from your water bottle and snacks. Too many compartments, however, make finding things difficult.
Q: How do I clean my small travel backpack?
A: Always check the tag first. Usually, you can spot-clean nylon or polyester bags with mild soap and water. Never put high-quality bags in a machine dryer, as this damages the water-repellent coating.
Q: Are external water bottle pockets necessary?
A: Yes, external pockets are highly recommended for city travel. They stop condensation from wetting the inside of your bag where your phone or camera sits.
Q: Should I buy leather or synthetic material for city use?
A: Synthetic materials like nylon are generally better for city travel. They are lighter, dry faster if they get wet, and often offer better anti-theft properties than traditional leather.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.