Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering what is the Best Daypack For Air Travel? SIXT.VN offers solutions that will make your travel in Vietnam smooth and enjoyable by offering convenient services like airport transfers and hotel bookings. The right travel backpack will help you explore fascinating destinations like Hanoi, ensure that you are well-prepared, comfortable, and stress-free. Maximize your Vietnam travel experience with these packable backpacks.
1. What Is A Packable Daypack?
A packable daypack is a lightweight, compressible backpack designed for convenient storage and portability. It is the ideal travel companion for anyone seeking a versatile travel backpack. These backpacks are designed to fold into a small size when not in use, making them easy to carry in luggage or larger bags.
Packable daypacks are usually made with very 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. 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.
Tortuga Packable Backpack Packing
Tortuga Packable Backpack Compression.
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.
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).
2. What Materials Are Used To Make Packable Daypacks & How Durable Are They?
Packable daypacks prioritize thin and light materials to maximize compressibility. Innovation has led to materials strong enough to withstand the stresses of carrying and compressing, ensuring that the pack holds up over time.
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.
- Ripstop Nylon
- CORDURA® Nylon
- Dyneema®
- Various types of “Sailcloth”
All of these materials are incredibly similar—they’re all thin, lightweight, and have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio.
Bellroy Lite Daypack Brand Material
Bellroy Lite Daypack Diamond Ripstop Fabric
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.
That being said, given the limitations of packable daypacks, they’re incredibly durable. 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.
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.
3. Who Is The Best Daypack Good For?
Packable daypacks are useful for travelers who need a secondary bag for day trips or excursions. They are also 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.
Packable Daypack Size Comparison
Packable Daypack Size Comparison
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.
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.
Putting The Matador Freefly16 In A Jacket Pocket
Putting The Matador Freefly16 In A Jacket Pocket
4. What Are The Advantages Of Using A Packable Daypack?
Packable daypacks are thin, light, and allow you to be prepared for anything. It’s truly awesome to have a backpack that compresses to the size of your fist.
Lightweight Packable Daypack
Lightweight Packable Daypack
With SIXT.VN, you can easily book airport transfers, arrange accommodations, and plan excursions, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.
5. What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Packable Daypack?
Packable daypacks are not designed for heavy, daily use and may not be as comfortable as traditional backpacks. 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.
Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack Review
Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack Outdoors
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.
Matador Freefly16 Daypack Stitching Coming Loose
Matador Freefly16 Daypack Stitching Coming Loose
6. What Are The Top Recommendations For Packable Daypacks?
Here are our top recommendations for packable daypacks:
- Tortuga Packable Backpack
- Mystery Ranch In and Out 18
- Matador FreeFly16L Packable Backpack
6.1. Tortuga Packable Backpack
Tortuga Packable Backpack
Tortuga Packable Backpack
Tortuga adopting a less compartmentalized design for its backpacks has shown us the brand can do lightweight packs, too. Doubling down on that is their Tortuga Packable Backpack. Made with 70-denier ripstop nylon, the entire 19-liter bag only weighs 11 ounces while still looking like a full-fledged daypack. Yes, its harness system isn’t quite as robust as its more buff siblings, but it has a decent balance of padding and thinness to maintain the bag’s overall packability. On that note, compressing the bag is no issue since it packs into its own pocket and is down to a size no bigger than a melon.
6.2. Mystery Ranch In and Out 18
Mystery Ranch In and Out 18 Review
Mystery Ranch In and Out 18
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. One of the key differences between the Mystery Ranch In and Out 18 and its bigger 22-liter sibling is how you access the main compartment. The 18’s top hatch opening is the way to go, in our opinion, as it’s easier to open and close when you’re hiking. The pack’s oversized water bottle pockets and hiking pole loops are handy features, too, though the bag’s packable nature leaves it with very few amenities. That said, if it’s a packable backpack for the trail you want, the In and Out 18 offers the necessities and the robust build quality the brand is known for.
6.3. Matador FreeFly16L Packable Backpack
Matador FreeFly16L Packable Backpack
Matador FreeFly16L Packable Backpack
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.
7. How To Choose The Best Daypack For Air Travel For Your Trip To Vietnam?
Choosing the best daypack for air travel involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:
- Define Your Needs: Consider the activities you’ll be doing in Vietnam.
- Size and Capacity: Aim for a daypack with a capacity between 15 and 30 liters.
- Comfort and Support: Look for padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a hip belt.
- Material and Durability: Choose a daypack made from durable, water-resistant materials like ripstop nylon or polyester.
- Weight: Opt for a lightweight daypack to minimize the load you’ll be carrying.
- Compartments and Pockets: A well-organized daypack will have a main compartment, a front pocket, side pockets for water bottles, and internal pockets for smaller items.
- Security Features: Consider daypacks with lockable zippers, hidden pockets, or RFID-blocking technology to protect against theft.
- Packability: If you plan to pack the daypack in your luggage, choose one that can be easily compressed or folded.
- Style and Design: Choose a style and color that you like and that fits your personal taste.
8. How Can A Packable Daypack Enhance My Travel Experience In Hanoi?
A packable daypack can significantly enhance your travel experience in Hanoi by providing convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.
- Flexibility: A daypack allows you to carry essentials comfortably while keeping your hands free to take photos, navigate, or enjoy street food.
- Convenience: Packable daypacks can be folded into a compact size when not in use, saving space in your luggage or hotel room.
- Security: A daypack allows you to keep your valuables close and secure, reducing the risk of theft.
9. What Are Some Essential Features To Look For In A Travel Daypack?
Here are some essential features to consider when choosing a travel daypack:
- Comfortable Straps: Padded and adjustable shoulder straps are crucial for carrying the daypack comfortably.
- Water Resistance: Look for water-resistant materials to protect your belongings from rain or spills.
- Multiple Compartments: A well-designed daypack should have multiple compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized.
- Lightweight Design: A lightweight daypack won’t add extra weight to your load, making it easier to carry around.
- Durability: Choose a daypack made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.
- Anti-Theft Features: Look for features like hidden pockets, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking technology to protect your valuables.
10. How Does SIXT.VN Help Make My Trip To Vietnam More Convenient?
SIXT.VN offers a range of services that can make your trip to Vietnam more convenient and enjoyable:
- Airport Transfers: SIXT.VN provides reliable and comfortable airport transfer services, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure experience.
- Hotel Booking: SIXT.VN offers a wide selection of hotels in Hanoi and other destinations in Vietnam, catering to various budgets and preferences.
- Sightseeing Tours: SIXT.VN offers guided tours to popular attractions in Hanoi and nearby areas, allowing you to explore the city with ease.
- Car Rental: SIXT.VN provides car rental services, giving you the freedom to explore Vietnam at your own pace.
- Travel Assistance: SIXT.VN offers travel assistance services, including visa support, travel insurance, and emergency assistance.
With SIXT.VN, you can easily book airport transfers, arrange accommodations, and plan excursions, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience. Contact SIXT.VN today via Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam or Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358 and visit SIXT.VN to explore comprehensive travel packages, airport transfer services, hotel options, and captivating Hanoi tours!
FAQ About Best Daypack For Air Travel
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Q1: What size daypack is best for air travel?
A: A daypack with a capacity between 15 and 30 liters is generally ideal for air travel, providing enough space for essentials without being too bulky.
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Q2: What features should I look for in a travel daypack?
A: Look for comfortable straps, water resistance, multiple compartments, lightweight design, durability, and anti-theft features.
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Q3: Can I use a packable daypack as my only bag for a trip?
A: While possible, packable daypacks are best suited as a secondary bag for day trips. For longer trips, a traditional backpack might be more suitable.
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Q4: How do I choose the right packable daypack for my needs?
A: Consider your activities, size requirements, comfort preferences, material durability, and desired features like compartments and security.
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Q5: What are the best materials for a durable travel daypack?
A: Ripstop nylon and polyester are excellent choices for their durability and water resistance.
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Q6: Are anti-theft features necessary in a travel daypack?
A: Anti-theft features like lockable zippers and hidden pockets can provide extra security, especially in crowded tourist areas.
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Q7: How can a packable daypack enhance my travel experience in Vietnam?
A: Packable daypacks provide convenience, flexibility, and security, allowing you to carry essentials comfortably while exploring the country.
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Q8: What services does SIXT.VN offer to make my trip to Vietnam more convenient?
A: SIXT.VN offers airport transfers, hotel booking, sightseeing tours, car rental, and travel assistance to ensure a seamless travel experience.
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Q9: How do I book services with SIXT.VN for my trip to Vietnam?
A: You can book services with SIXT.VN by visiting their website or contacting them via phone or WhatsApp.
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Q10: Where can I find reliable travel advice and assistance for planning my trip to Vietnam?
A: SIXT.VN offers expert travel advice and assistance to help you plan a perfect trip to Vietnam, tailored to your preferences and needs.