Best Backpack for Hiking and Day Trips: The Cheap Daypack That Gets the Basics Right

By Editorial Team | April 2026

Small daypacks live or die on basics. You want something light, comfortable, and easy to grab without paying for features you will never use. The Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L is the pick because it does those basics well and stays cheap at £31.42.

Our picks at a glance

Pick	Product	Price	Best for
Best overall	Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L	£31.42	Short hikes, walks, commuting, and everyday carry with minimal bulk
Best upgrade	Osprey Daylite Plus	£60	Better organisation and a more refined carry for all-day use
Best budget	DECATHLON Small 10L backpack with laptop compartment	£17.99	Cheap city carry when you care more about pockets than trail comfort

Based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (RTings, Wirecutter, relevant subreddits), and current pricing.

Best overall: Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L

Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L — £31.42

This is a simple small daypack that makes sense the second you put it on. At just 145 g, it barely adds weight, and the padded back, padded straps, and thumb rests make it comfortable enough for short hikes, errands, and day trips. The 10L capacity is the limit here, but that is the point: it carries the essentials without turning into dead weight.

Why we picked it:

• The 145 g weight is genuinely useful if you want a bag that disappears into your day.
• The padded back and straps give it enough comfort for a few hours of wear.
• The deep outer pocket and double-zip main compartment keep the layout simple and fast.
• The 10-year warranty is unusually strong for a cheap pack and makes it feel less disposable.

The trade-off: it is not for anyone who needs laptop protection, lots of internal organisation, or breathable back support on hot, longer walks.

If you want the short version, buy the Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L and stop overthinking a small daypack.

Best upgrade: Osprey Daylite Plus

Osprey Daylite Plus — £60

This is the move if you want a more polished daypack for longer city days, travel, or heavier everyday carry. You pay for better organisation, more structure, and a more proven carry system than the bare-bones Quechua setup.

Worth it if: you regularly carry more kit, want a bag that feels more sorted, and do not mind paying roughly double for the improvement.

Best budget pick: DECATHLON Small 10L backpack with laptop compartment

DECATHLON Small 10L backpack with laptop compartment — £17.99

This is the cheaper option if your priority is value over trail simplicity. It gives you the same rough size class for less money, plus a laptop compartment, but it is not as clean a hiking pick and will not feel as stripped-back as the Quechua.

Worth it if: you want a low-cost everyday backpack for commuting or school runs and care more about organisation than outdoor comfort.

How we chose

We looked for the small-daypack sweet spot: low weight, enough comfort for short wear, simple access, and a price that does not feel silly for a basic bag. We also checked current retailer listings and compared the subject product against real alternatives people actually buy, rather than fantasy premium picks.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 10L backpack big enough for day hikes? Yes, if you are carrying water, snacks, a layer, keys, and a few small items. It is too small for bulky gear or a full kit.

Is the Quechua NH Arpenaz 50 10L good value for £31.42? Yes. The comfort, weight, and 10-year warranty make it feel like a sensible buy rather than a throwaway one.

Does it work for commuting? Yes, for light commuting, but skip it if you need a laptop sleeve or proper organisation.