20L Daypacks

What's a 20-litre rucksack for?

Twenty litres is the day-trip volume: a wander through the woods, a short walk with no night spent outdoors, a half-day outing in the hills. It's enough for water, a packed lunch, a small first aid kit and a waterproof layer, without the excess bulk that weighs you down. For anyone who likes to keep things simple and prioritises lightness, 20 litres is often the best choice.

Is 20 litres enough? What you'll pack for a day out

A well-designed 20-litre rucksack holds a water bottle or hydration bladder, a few snacks, a windproof layer and your small essentials (phone, map, torch). If you're heading out for longer or into rough weather, it's worth stepping up to a 30L rucksack, which gives you a bit more breathing room. From the most compact to the largest sizes, you'll find every volume within our hiking rucksacks.

Light, compact and weatherproof

At this smaller size, lightness and compactness come first. A water-repellent nylon or polyester fabric is enough to handle a passing shower, while a waterproof rain cover protects your gear in heavier rain. Padded straps and a ventilated back panel keep things comfortable even without a big hip belt: at this capacity, the load stays light and the rucksack practically disappears on your back.

Comfort and organisation

Even at a small size, a good 20L rucksack gets the access right: an easy opening, side pockets for your water bottle, and a hip pocket for snacks. A ventilated back panel keeps sweat at bay on the climbs. The lightness of a compact rucksack makes for brisker walking - a real advantage on quick outings.

How to choose your 20L rucksack

To choose well, start with how you'll use it: a light, comfortable model with a well-proportioned 20-litre capacity is plenty for a day out or a short walk. Look for adjustable, foam-padded straps, a breathable back panel and a slim hip belt that keeps the load steady in the hills. A large flap or wide opening makes it easy to get to your things, and one or two side pockets keep your water bottle within easy reach. The right 20L rucksack gives you the comfort of a small volume without giving up the essentials.

Who's it for?

The 20-litre size suits day walkers, children carrying their own kit, and anyone who likes to travel light. Need more capacity for a night in a mountain hut or a bivouac? A 40L rucksack takes over from there. Adjustable straps and a breathable back panel keep you supported on the climbs, while a wide opening makes it easy to reach your gear. For those who love travelling light, an ultralight model lightens the load even further. Choosing a weatherproof model with a well-sized capacity means a worry-free outing whatever the weather. To keep your essentials within reach without opening the main rucksack, a hiking bag makes the perfect companion to a small day pack.