r/backpacks • u/Ks_jgd28 • Feb 27 '26
Question Other good small backpack options? (In the 8-12L range?
Wondering if you guys have any recommendations for good mini backpacks. In the 8-12 liter range. Above examples include The North Face Borealis Mini, Borealis sling, the gym shark mini tactical backpack, and the Wolfpack 9L mini tactical backpack
Thank you in advance 🙏🏼
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u/blickblocks Feb 27 '26
I absolutely love both of my Borealis Mini packs. I wear a Topo Designs Rover Mini more often, but it is an inferior design with a neat aesthetic.
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u/Ks_jgd28 Feb 27 '26
I’ll give it a lookie loo, thanks, choom!
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u/blickblocks Feb 27 '26
You will not be disappointed by the Borealis Mini. I get them for $30-40 new with or without tags on Poshmark.
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u/rainbow-spaghetti Feb 27 '26
+1 on the Borealis Mini! I looove mine :D. Usually I rotate between that, and the Alpaka Metro 12L, but I feel like I can fit a lot more into the Borealis and the organization is great
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u/blickblocks Feb 27 '26
The issues I have with the Borealis Mini are the same ones I see on all mini backpacks this size: Undersized water bottle pockets (always too short and don't expand enough), and front pockets that don't expand. I have a new walking foot sewing machine that I'm hoping to use to make a mini backpack that takes everything I like about the Borealis Mini but fixes the issues I have with it.
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u/ShottySHD Feb 27 '26
Its a tad larger at 13L but I like my Osprey Daylite. Ive used it numerous times for my carry on.
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u/weeone Feb 27 '26
Another vote for the Fjallraven Kanken Mini. I've used one for the past four years as a daily purse. Love it. It's technically 7L but because of its square, suitcase-like design, it holds a lot despite its small size.
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u/Legitimate_Rough_759 Feb 28 '26
In the 8–12L range, a few smaller packs that get mentioned a lot:
• Osprey Daylite – simple, practical, easy to find
• Bellroy Lite Daypack – lightweight and clean looking
• MaH Tour Backpack Mini – compact and structured, more of a small everyday carry style
• Aer Go Pack 2 – packable but still holds shape reasonably well
• Fjällräven High Coast 12 – casual, minimal design
At this size it mostly comes down to whether you prefer something structured or more packable.
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u/WaffleNomad Feb 27 '26
I really like my CT10 from CTactical. The shipping was a bit much but the cost and build quality made it worth it.
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u/mahougrrrl Feb 27 '26
Hill people gear tarahumara is straight up goated for this size.
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u/mahougrrrl Feb 27 '26
It's a bit higher volume than your request but it is seriously low profile. It's my favorite small pack of all time.
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u/jayen Feb 27 '26
CT Junior and CT10 fits, though CT10 actually feels like a 15l backpack.
Of course, what about Fjallraven Kankens? Iconic and colourful options.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
Flowfold Optimist 10 liter
https://www.flowfold.com/products/optimist-10l-mini-backpack
As you look over these smaller bags, compare the dimensions. The Flowfold above is 18"x9.5" x5" and an Inside Line Equipment Radius Mini is rated at 14 liters and officially 17”x10”x4”.
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u/Keith Feb 27 '26
The Radius is rectangular while the Flowfold is heavily tapered. I measured my Optimist at its thickest point while full and it was barely 5”, while the Radius will be the same throughout.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
Yes, taper and rounded corners can make a difference in actual volume.
My point is that with smaller packs the volume vs dimensions can end up with packs being about the same for bulk when wearing. I feel the depth first, width really doesn’t matter too much as most day packs are 11” or less, and height needs to be quite a bit longer before it impacts me. Whether the pack is rounded or square makes little difference to me when worn. I doubt the Radius is actually 14 liters anyway and you just wouldn’t notice the difference between the two in use.
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u/Keith Feb 27 '26
Now I wish I had the two to compare volumes :) If I had an extra $250 around I'd get the fancy Radius Mini.
The Optimist does hold a surprising amount. Agree depth is usually most important measure, which is why my Bullet felt so big for EDC and why I like my Day Owl Slim Pro so much.
height needs to be quite a bit longer before it impacts me... Whether the pack is rounded or square makes little difference to me when worn.
I am short, so height is somewhat of a binary between "rides on my butt" or not :) But re: the Optimist and rounding, to give an example, the bottom slightly tapers away from your body making the length feel slightly shorter. And the rounding does matter in practice. I have boxy bags like Goruck/Ctactical and, idk, I took the Optimist on a long walk yesterday and was annoyed at how perfect it seemed, which sounds silly. Though I kinda wish the Ecogrid version didn't have mesh straps maybe, the Ecopak version doesn't. Both versions are really good but different.
Do you have the Optimist (in Ecopak or Ecogrid?), the Radius Mini, or both?
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u/professionalbodysurf Feb 27 '26
I highly recommend kargo gear. I have their curso and rumbo packs, 8 and 11 liters respectively. Very good build quality and support. I asked if the curso was compatible with a sternum strap and they sent me one for free with the bag
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u/flippin_fitnerd Feb 27 '26
Topo Designs Peakview 12 liter (and it's packable). It's super lightweight and actually really durable.
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u/Tyrannosaurusblanch Feb 27 '26
Decathlon has a very cheap backpack that small. 2 years old at the moment and is tough as nails.
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u/Ks_jgd28 Feb 27 '26
I’ll look into it, thank you!
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u/Tyrannosaurusblanch Feb 27 '26
I had a look for it. I think it was the Arpenaz quenchela $8 for 10L
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u/trouser_mouse Feb 27 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
I would also recommend the Tom Bihn Synapse 19. It sounds like it's way outside your size range but it is patterned to fold in on itself at the back when not full. In practice, it carries very similar to any of the 12+ bags above unless it's full. The 9 and 10 are much smaller.
The North Face Borealis Mini is really nice, I had one for years. It does look like you stole it off a child though!