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quoteHeading out for the day and want to take some key items of kit with you, in a pack that’s as convenient and comfortable to use as possible? Check out the almost limitless number of backpacks available, across a wide range of prices, too. We’ve featured eight great examples below.
Backpacks are the most ergonomically efficient way of carrying stuff, and arguably the least stressful, too – especially as it often means less strain and tension on your back as well as overall posture.
Here’s our round-up of daysacks and smaller rucksacks, perfect for taking away in the caravan or motorhome, plus some top tips on making your purchase work best for you.
Top backpack buying tips
- Visit a retailer that sells a range of backpacks. It’s an ideal place to get independent advice, as well as seeing and contrasting different makes and models for yourselves. Better still, if you get the chance to try any possible purchases.
- Get a suitable capacity for you. Backpack volumes are measured in litres. You’ll want to make sure there’s sufficient space to carry those essential items with you. You might want to consider more than one backpack – a smaller one for shorter adventures and a large one for full days.
- Back panels are pretty crucial, too. Check out the padding/support as well as breathability – panels that can let a good airflow through will help to stop any build-up of sweat on your back etc. Extra support features such as sternum straps and hip belts will also help with weight-bearing and stability.
- Consider ease of access – not just to the main compartment but also external pockets. That’s also the time to consider how essential fittings like clips and holders, hydration pockets and more are to your particular needs.
- Consider a backpack with water-resistant fabric or a built-in rain cover – especially if you’ll be heading out on longer hikes or day trips.
- Think about storage space in your caravan or motorhome. Make sure your backpack isn’t too bulky to store when not in use. Soft-sided or foldable options are great for stashing away in overhead lockers or under seats.
- Don’t forget style and colour. It’s not just about practicality – pick something you’re happy to wear. Some colour choices are also better at hiding dust or dirt, especially if you’re adventuring off the beaten track.
- Just be a little bit more careful if you have a pack on your back, especially if you’re moving in confined spaces, like your caravan or motorhome kitchen!
Star Player #1
Osprey Talon 33
Updated for the 2025 season, this is the type of backpack that’s designed for long periods of use as well as the more serious walkers among you, yet it starts at an amazingly light 1.26kg.
Men’s and women’s versions are available for this daysack, with a choice of four different colours for each.
All fabrics are recycled and Bluesign-approved (i.e. highly sustainable) nylon with DWR treatment – 100D for the main compartment (also triple ripstop and abrasion-resistant)/420D at the base/70D for the trim.
Key Osprey features include its BioStretch harness, for optimal flexibility, and the Airscape back panel for great ventilation.
It’s a top-loading opening design, with the main compartment also including an under-lid mesh pocket.
It also comes with a series of mesh pockets – to the front, sides, harness and underside of the top. All materials are recycled.
Key features 3420HD nylon packcloth (it’s smoother than some other fabrics), 33-litre capacity, top-loading opening, dimensions 68cm x 30cm x 31cm, ice axe and trekking pole attachments, upper and lower side compression straps
Expect to pay £155
www.osprey.com and www.trekitt.co.uk
Star Player #2
Sierra Designs Flex Hike 20-30L Backpack
The Sierra Designs Flex Hike 20-30L is a versatile backpack that adapts to your adventures. With clever expandable gussets, you can adjust the capacity from 20 to 30 litres, ideal if you’re shedding layers or lightening your load throughout the day.
The dual adjustable shoulder straps offer a snug, custom fit for a range of body types, and with plenty of handy stash pockets on the sides and hips, your go-to gear is always within easy reach.
Lightweight, flexible and smartly designed, it’s available in three great colours – Majolica Blue, Peat or Butterscotch – to suit your style.
Key features 100D nylon honeycomb and 420D Oxford, dimensions 50cm x 10cm x 30cm, weighs 850g, hydration pack ready, 20-30L capacity, seven exterior pockets
Expect to pay £160
Star Player #3
Gregory Nano 20
New for the 2025 season, here’s a superior quality daypack that can cope with it all and is offered in 14L, 16L, 18L and 28L sizes, as well as a choice of five main colours. It also comes at a pretty keen price.
Backpack and general bag storage specialist Gregory has been making lifetime guarantee-backed packs since 1977.
As per its name, the Nano 20 has a 20-litre capacity (and a maximum load weight of 11kg). It’s made from recycled nylon fabrics, with Bluesign-approved buckles.
Features like the breathable back panel (to help wick away sweat etc), removable webbing hip belt, one-handed sternum strap buckle and lots more make for top-level practical performance. There’s also a separate zipped pocket for a hydration reservoir.
The main compartment has zip access along with compression straps and quick-release buckles. There’s also a zip-access front pocket with an organiser section and a key hook.
Ask your Gregory retailer about the Plus Size fit and Standard fit options too.
Key features Body 210D high density 40% recycled nylon/450D 100% recycled polyester with DWR, base 450D 100% recycled polyester with DWR, ventilated back panel, stretch mesh side pockets, reflective hydration routing loops; dimensions 52cm x 28cm x 19cm, weight 0.54kg, Gregory lifetime warranty
Expect to pay £70
Star Player #4
Regatta Shilton II 20L
Ideal for everyday use, this will also accommodate your laptop (up to 14in) in a design that incorporates a top lid closure with a zipped pocket and side pockets. The main compartment also includes a full-height zipped pocket and stash pocket.
There are also padded shoulder straps, an internal divider, plus a grab handle.
At the time of writing there was a choice of three colours. It’s the Ivy Green shown here.
Key features 600D recycled polyester with waterproof base, padded back panel, adjustable straps, dimensions 13cm x 26cm x 45cm, reflective detailing, inner security pocket with key clip, daisy chain webbing
Expect to pay £40
Star Player #5
OlPro 28L Daysack
In ripstop polyester, with a reflective embossed tree logo and tabs on its straps and a front moon pocket with organiser and key hook. The two side pockets are also ideal for water bottles etc.
Features include a padded internal pocket for a laptop that’s some 24cm wide.
At the time of writing, this had been reduced from its original £62 to a highly tempting £20, available direct from OlPro.
Key features Ripstop polyester, front pocket with sewn-in organiser, mesh side pockets, padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap, top handle, dimensions 43cm x 27cm x 18cm
Expect to pay £20
Star Player #6
Craghoppers 16L Kiwi Classic Roll Top
Another smaller backpack with a significant price reduction at the time of writing. This Craghoppers model started at £60 but was down to £24.
The company says its PVC-free DWR (durable water repellent finish) is at least 50% plant-based. Plus, the detailing, gear loops and café strap (for clipping the bag around a chair leg or similar, to give extra security) have reflective qualities.
The main compartment has a rolltop closure and inside includes a padded section for a tablet (up to 9in) or laptop (up to 13in).
There are two colour choices – Black or Blue Navy. Do feel free to team this with the £14 Kiwi Bottle Bag II.
Key features 100% polyester (35% recycled) with DWR coating, 100% recycled polyester lining, strap webbing 100% polyamide, padded shoulder and back panels, adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, side pockets and gear loops, reflective detailing, 16-litre capacity, unladen weight 480g, guaranteed for life
Expect to pay £24
Star Player #7
Gandys Orange Waxed Cotton Bali Backpack
It’s all about the style here, although it’s not easy to ignore the price. It’s an iconic, handmade cotton design with a good coating of wax treatment to keep it water resistant. It’s all trimmed in leather and brass for a highly distinctive look.
Practical features abound, however – there’s a sleeve for a laptop, an internal pouch and zip pocket, plus a rolltop for effective rain protection. It also has a padded back panel that includes a zipped valuables pocket, whilst at the front there’s a double compartment, also zipped.
If you like the style, there are three other colour choices – Black, Khaki and Teal.
Key features Waxed cotton outer, polyester lining, padded straps, 15in laptop sleeve, weight 1.05kg, dimensions 45cm x 32cm x 15cm
Expect to pay £100
Star Player #8
Lifeventure Waterproof Packable Backpack
Pack this right down (to 125mm x 75mm x 45mm) when you don’t need it, then open it out for a surprising amount of storage space and capacity (500mm x 280mm x 135mm).
The main compartment has a 22-litre area, supplemented by two deep stretch mesh side pockets for items you want to access most easily.
It’s pretty tough, too, thanks to its Cordura main fabric. And features like the roll-top enclosure and taped seams help keep it all waterproof.
Key features 30D siliconised ripstop Cordura fabric, front cord compression straps, webbing hip belt, contoured shoulder straps, top grab handle, reflective tabs, bike light attachment point, total weight 150g
Expect to pay £36.99
Whether you’re setting off on a short countryside walk from your campsite, tackling a day-long hike, or simply need something practical for day trips and exploring, the right backpack can make all the difference.
For caravanners and motorhomers, it’s all about finding that perfect balance between comfort, capacity, and practicality – all while making sure it doesn’t take up too much precious storage space in your leisure vehicle.
Take the time to try a few options if possible and consider which features matter most for your style of travel. A well-chosen backpack will be a trusty companion on your travels – ready for anything from mountain trails to meanders through market towns.
Over to you…
Got any advice on rucksacks and daysacks you’d like to pass on to fellow caravanners or motorhomers? Please feel free to add a comment below.
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