Ever feel like your hiking backpack is wearing you instead of the other way around? If you’re a smaller hiker, you know the struggle. Finding a pack that fits your frame without feeling like a giant turtle shell is a real challenge. Many packs are designed for average-sized people, leaving smaller hikers with straps that are too long, shoulders that are too wide, and a general sense of being overwhelmed by bulk.
This is why we’re diving deep into the world of hiking backpacks specifically made for smaller women. We understand the frustration of trying on pack after pack, only to find they just don’t sit right. It can make even the most beautiful trail feel like a chore. But don’t worry, your perfect pack is out there!
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to look for. You’ll learn about key features, how to get the best fit, and discover some top-rated options that will make your adventures more comfortable and enjoyable. Get ready to say goodbye to an ill-fitting pack and hello to a hiking experience that feels just right!
Our Top 5 Hiking Backpack For Small Women Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Hiking Backpack For Small Women Detailed Reviews
1. Uselike 10L Small Hiking Backpack Travel Daypack Lightweight Packable Back Pack for Women Men(Teal Blue)
Rating: 8.8/10
The Uselike 10L Small Hiking Backpack in Teal Blue is a super handy daypack for all your adventures. It’s designed to be light and easy to carry, making it ideal for both men and women who love to explore.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing less than a pound, so it won’t weigh you down.
- The 10-liter capacity is just right for essentials like snacks, a water bottle, and a light jacket.
- A special zippered pouch on the shoulder strap keeps your phone safe and easy to reach.
- Another pocket on the opposite strap has a secure closure, perfect for your wallet or keys.
- This backpack folds up really small, making it easy to pack in your luggage.
- It’s made from tough, water-resistant nylon and has a strong SBS zipper.
- The adjustable chest strap and whistle add extra safety and comfort.
- It’s versatile and works well for hiking, biking, traveling, or just everyday use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s water-resistant, it might not be suitable for heavy rain.
- The 10-liter capacity might be too small for longer trips or if you need to carry a lot of gear.
This Uselike daypack is a fantastic, practical option for anyone needing a compact and reliable bag. It’s a great value for its many useful features.
2. sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack Lightweight Daypack M0714
Rating: 9.5/10
The sunhiker Small Cycling Hiking Backpack Water Resistant Travel Backpack Lightweight Daypack M0714 is a versatile pack designed for those who love to explore without being weighed down. Its compact size and smart design make it ideal for carrying your essentials on a variety of adventures, from a quick bike ride to a day trip to a theme park.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and Durable: Made from tough nylon fabric, this backpack is built to last and resists wear and tear.
- Water Resistant: A special coating keeps your belongings dry, even if you get caught in a little rain.
- Comfortable to Wear: The breathable mesh padding on the back and straps helps reduce pressure, so you can stay comfortable for longer.
- Smart Storage: With three main compartments, including one for a laptop, and handy side mesh pockets for water bottles, it’s easy to keep your gear organized.
- Adjustable Fit: Chest and waist straps let you adjust the backpack for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for hiking, cycling, camping, and even everyday errands or travel.
- Suitable for All Ages: Its smaller size is great for adults who travel light and even for children aged 3 and up.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity Limit: While great for essentials, it might not be enough for longer trips or if you need to carry a lot of gear.
- Size Consideration: It’s important to double-check the dimensions to ensure it’s the right size for your needs before buying.
This sunhiker backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and comfortable pack for their outdoor activities and daily travels. It offers a good balance of durability, comfort, and organization for its size.
3. ZOMFELT Hiking Backpack for Women Men
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the ZOMFELT Hiking Backpack, your new favorite travel buddy! This 15L backpack is super light and can fold up small, making it perfect for all your adventures. Whether you’re hiking, walking, cycling, or just need a handy bag for your trip, this beige backpack has got you covered. It’s built tough and designed for comfort, so you can focus on enjoying your day.
What We Like:
- It’s surprisingly spacious for its size, with lots of pockets for all your gear.
- The rip-stop nylon fabric is strong and dries quickly, so it can handle a little rain or dirt.
- It feels comfortable on your back and won’t bounce around, even when you’re active.
- You can fold it down super small, like the size of your palm, making it easy to pack or keep as a backup.
- It’s not just for hiking; it’s great for travel and everyday use too, and even fits under airplane seats.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s water-resistant, it might not be fully waterproof for heavy rain.
- The 15L capacity might be a bit small for longer trips or if you need to carry a lot of bulky items.
This ZOMFELT backpack is a fantastic, versatile option for anyone who loves to explore or needs a reliable daypack. It offers great features at a good value for your next journey.
4. BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack for Men Women Foldable Packable Back Pack Ultralight Hiking Daypack for Travel Camping Outdoor
Rating: 9.0/10
The BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack is a versatile and lightweight companion for your outdoor adventures. This beige daypack is designed for both men and women, making it a great choice for a variety of activities like hiking, traveling, and even daily commutes. Its smart design ensures comfort and organization, all in a compact and packable package.
What We Like:
- The unique strap design is a standout feature, with a handy zippered phone pocket on one side and a convenient drawstring pocket on the other.
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps keep you comfortable, even on long treks.
- The adjustable chest belt adds stability, and the built-in survival whistle is a great safety bonus.
- This backpack is made from tough, tear-resistant fabric, so it can handle rough use.
- It folds down small into its own pocket, making it super easy to pack as a backup bag.
- The 15L capacity is just right for day trips, and the multiple pockets help you keep everything organized, including water bottles.
- It’s designed for many activities, from serious hiking to casual travel and daily errands.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for day trips, the 15L capacity might be too small for longer excursions requiring more gear.
- The beige color, while stylish, might show dirt more easily than darker colors.
Overall, the BECOJADDE 15L backpack offers excellent value with its thoughtful features and durable construction. It’s a practical and stylish choice for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
5. ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L
Rating: 8.6/10
The ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L is a super handy, packable daypack designed for both men and women. It’s incredibly light, weighing just half a pound, and folds down to fit easily into your pocket or purse. This makes it a fantastic travel companion, perfect for day trips, vacations, or even just running errands.
What We Like:
- It’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to carry without adding extra bulk.
- The 20L capacity is just right for essentials like a water bottle, snacks, and a light jacket.
- It’s made of water-resistant nylon, so it can handle a little rain.
- The design includes thoughtful pockets for organizing your smaller items.
- The zippers are smooth and made with good quality materials.
- It has reflective strips for safety during night walks.
- The comfortable straps help reduce pressure on your shoulders.
- It’s highly packable, folding down to a small size for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- While water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, so don’t expect it to protect your gear in heavy rain.
This ZOMAKE backpack is a great choice for anyone needing a lightweight and versatile bag. Its practical design and durable construction make it a reliable option for many different activities.
Choosing the Right Hiking Backpack for Small Women
Hitting the trails is a fantastic way to explore nature, but having the right gear makes all the difference. For women with smaller frames, finding a hiking backpack that fits well is super important. A good pack won’t just carry your stuff; it will feel comfortable and balanced, letting you focus on the beautiful scenery. Let’s dive into what makes a hiking backpack perfect for smaller hikers.
Key Features to Look For
- Torso Length: This is the most crucial feature. Backpacks come in different torso lengths. You need one that matches your body. A pack that’s too long or too short will feel awkward and put strain on your shoulders and hips.
- Adjustable Suspension System: This lets you fine-tune the fit. Look for adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt that can move up and down.
- Padded Hip Belt: A good hip belt carries most of the pack’s weight. It should be well-padded and wrap comfortably around your hips.
- Padded Shoulder Straps: These should be comfortable and not dig into your shoulders. They help distribute the remaining weight.
- Sternum Strap: This strap connects the shoulder straps across your chest. It helps keep the pack stable and prevents the shoulder straps from slipping.
- Capacity (Liters): Think about your hiking trips. For day hikes, 15-35 liters is usually enough. For overnight or multi-day trips, you might need 40-65 liters.
- Pockets and Organization: Extra pockets are great for keeping things handy, like snacks, water bottles, or a map.
Important Materials
Backpack materials need to be tough but also lightweight. Common materials include:
- Nylon: This is a very strong and durable fabric. It resists tears and abrasions well. Ripstop nylon has a special weave that stops small tears from spreading.
- Polyester: Another good option, polyester is also strong and resistant to UV rays (sunlight).
- Water-Resistant Coatings: Many backpacks have coatings like PU (polyurethane) or DWR (durable water repellent) to help keep your gear dry in light rain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Backpack Better?
- Sturdy Zippers: Good quality zippers are smooth and durable. They won’t snag or break easily.
- Reinforced Stitching: Strong stitching at stress points makes the pack last longer.
- Breathable Back Panel: A mesh back panel helps air flow, keeping your back cooler and drier.
- Lightweight Design: A lighter pack means less weight to carry, which is always a good thing.
What Can Make a Backpack Less Good?
- Flimsy Materials: Thin, cheap fabrics can tear easily.
- Poorly Padded Straps: Uncomfortable straps can make even short hikes miserable.
- Weak Zippers: Zippers that are hard to open or close will frustrate you.
- Heavy Frame: Some internal frames can be too heavy for a smaller pack.
User Experience and Use Cases
A well-fitting backpack feels like an extension of your body. You’ll notice a big difference in comfort, especially on longer hikes. You won’t feel the constant pull on your shoulders or the pack shifting around. This allows you to enjoy the hike more and have more energy.
Use Cases:
- Day Hikes: Perfect for carrying water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and an extra layer of clothing.
- Overnight Camping: Needs more space for a sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear, and more food.
- Weekend Backpacking Trips: Requires even more capacity for longer stays and varied weather.
Remember to try on backpacks before you buy them, if possible. Load them up with a few pounds of weight to see how they feel. Your back and shoulders will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I measure my torso length for a backpack?
A: Ask a friend to help. Place a flexible tape measure at the C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck). Then, find the iliac crest (the top of your hip bone). The distance between these two points is your torso length.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a backpack?
A: Capacity is the volume of the backpack, measured in liters. It tells you how much stuff the backpack can hold.
Q: Is a water-resistant coating the same as waterproof?
A: No. Water-resistant means it can handle light rain, but waterproof means it will keep water out completely, even if submerged.
Q: Should I get a backpack with an internal or external frame?
A: For most hikers, internal frame backpacks are better. They hug your body for better balance and are less likely to snag on branches.
Q: How much weight should I put in a backpack when trying it on?
A: Aim for about 10-15 pounds. This gives you a good idea of how the pack will feel with your essential gear.
Q: What if a backpack is almost perfect but a little too big?
A: Many backpacks have adjustable features that can help. However, if the torso length is significantly wrong, it’s best to find a different pack.
Q: Do I need a special backpack for women?
A: Yes, women’s specific backpacks are designed with different shoulder strap curves and hip belt shapes that often fit women better.
Q: How do I clean my hiking backpack?
A: Most can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
Q: What’s the difference between a daypack and a backpacking pack?
A: Daypacks are smaller and designed for short trips, while backpacking packs are larger and made for carrying gear for overnight or multi-day adventures.
Q: Can I use a regular backpack for hiking?
A: While you can, a dedicated hiking backpack offers better support, comfort, and features designed for the trail, making your hike much more enjoyable.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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.