North Face Hiking Backpack Small: How to Pick the Right Size in 6 Steps

By Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

A small North Face hiking backpack is usually a daypack in the 15 to 30 liter range, built for short trail days, travel carry-ons, or as a second bag on longer hikes. This guide walks you through how to match a small North Face hiking backpack to your actual trips, check fit before you buy, and avoid the sizing mistakes that leave people with a pack that is too cramped or too big. By the end, you will have a clear capacity target and a short list of models to compare.

Step 1: Define What “Small” Means for Your Hikes

“Small” is relative. A pack that feels roomy for a three-hour loop can feel tight once you add a rain shell, a insulated layer and a bottle of water. Most hiking daypacks fall into three rough capacity bands, and North Face’s lineup covers all of them.

• Under 20 liters: Short walks, city hikes, and minimal-gear outings where you carry water, snacks, a light jacket and a phone.
• 20 to 27 liters: The sweet spot for most day hikes of four to eight hours, enough for a warm layer, rain gear, lunch, a first aid kit and water.
• 28 to 35 liters: Full-day hikes in variable weather, or trips where you carry a bulky item such as a camera, extra food or a trekking pole set.

Write down the longest hike you plan to do in the next year, the weather you expect, and the three or four items you always carry. That list will tell you more than any capacity label.

Step 2: Build a Base Packing List Before Comparing Models

Before you open a product page, lay out your typical day’s gear on the floor. This is the fastest way to find your real volume requirement. Include anything you would normally bring, even if you would rather not.

1. Water: one to two liters in a bottle or hydration bladder.
2. Layers: a fleece or puffy jacket, plus a lightweight rain shell.
3. Food: lunch, two snacks per hour of hiking, and an emergency reserve.
4. Safety: a headlamp, first aid kit, map or offline navigation device, and a whistle.
5. Personal: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, toilet paper and a small trowel if required.

Stack these items together and measure the rough volume. Compressible items like a shell or puffy can be rolled, but water and a hard-sided first aid kit cannot. If the stack fits with about 20 percent of spare room, your target capacity is probably right.

Step 3: Check Fit Before Considering Capacity Alone

Capacity matters less than torso length and hip belt fit. A 25 liter pack that rides correctly will outperform a 30 liter pack that bounces. Most small North Face hiking packs come in one torso size, so the key measurement is your torso length.

How to Measure Torso Length

Have someone measure from the bony bump at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) down to the top of your hip bones, roughly where a hip belt would sit. Keep your head level and let the measurement be taken with a soft tape. Compare the result to the pack’s listed torso range, and check the manufacturer’s size chart, since ranges vary by model.

Hip Belt and Shoulder Strap Checks

• The hip belt should wrap your iliac crest, the top of your hip bones, not your waist.
• Shoulder straps should sit flat against your upper chest with no gap at the top.
• A sternum strap should sit about one inch below your collarbone.
• Load the pack with 10 to 15 pounds and walk around for ten minutes. Pressure points show up quickly.

Step 4: Compare Key Features Against Your Trip Type

Small daypacks differ mainly in access, hydration support and weather protection. Use the table below to match features to how you actually hike.

If you often hike in wet conditions, look closely at fabric and seam treatment. For more detail on this, see Water Resistant Hiking Backpack: How to Choose One That Keeps Gear Dry and Waterproof Backpack for Hiking: How to Choose One That Keeps Gear Dry.

Step 5: Narrow the Field to Specific North Face Models

North Face has offered several small hiking and daypack lines over the years, and models change between seasons. Rather than memorizing names, filter by capacity, fit and feature set, then check the current specifications on the product page. For a side-by-side view of current options, read 3 Best North Face Backpacks for Hiking: Top Picks Compared (2026) and Best North Face Daypack: 7 Models Compared for Hiking and Commuting.

If you are buying for a smaller frame or a woman’s fit, Top 7 Ladies Small Hiking Backpack Picks for Every Trip covers sizing options that may suit you better than a unisex cut. Owners often report that women’s-specific shoulder straps and hip belts make a noticeable difference on packs under 25 liters.

Step 6: Test, Adjust and Confirm Your Choice

Once a pack arrives, do a short test before your first big hike. Load it with your real gear, adjust the hip belt and shoulder straps, and walk on stairs or a hill for 20 minutes. Check that zippers reach what you need without unpacking, that the hydration sleeve fits your bladder, and that nothing rubs. If you have a specific use case such as a wheeled pack for travel, Hiking Backpack with Wheels: Pros, Cons and How to Choose One explains the trade-offs.

Common Mistakes

• Buying by capacity alone. A 22 liter pack with a poor hip belt will cause more trouble than a well-fitted 26 liter pack.
• Ignoring torso length. Choosing a pack too long or too short shifts weight onto your shoulders.
• Packing for the trip you wish you had. Plan for realistic weather, not the best-case forecast.
• Skipping the load test. Empty packs feel fine. Loaded packs reveal fit problems.
• Overstuffing. Filling every pocket can make a pack less stable and harder to access on trail.

Tips for Getting the Most From a Small Daypack

• Keep frequently used items, such as snacks, sunscreen and a headlamp, in the top or front pockets.
• Use a dry bag liner for electronics and spare layers, even if the pack claims water resistance.
• Carry a small repair kit with a few zip ties, duct tape and a sewing needle for field fixes.
• Adjust your load so about 80 percent of the weight rests on your hips, not your shoulders.

Recommended Gear

• Hydration bladder with a wide-mouth opening: Easier to fill and clean than narrow-neck designs, and it fits most small pack sleeves. View on Amazon
• Dry bag liner: Protects electronics and sleeping layers if the pack gets soaked during a rain squall. View on Amazon
• Packing cubes: Separate food, layers and first aid items so you can find things without emptying the whole pack. View on Amazon
• Trekking pole straps or attachment kit: Useful if your chosen pack lacks a dedicated pole loop. View on Amazon

FAQ

What size is a small North Face hiking backpack?

Small North Face hiking packs usually range from about 15 to 30 liters. The exact capacity depends on the model, so check the product specifications before buying.

Is a 20 liter pack big enough for a day hike?

For hikes of two to four hours in mild weather, a 20 liter pack is often sufficient. For longer hikes or colder conditions, a 25 to 30 liter pack gives you more room for layers and food.

How do I know if a North Face backpack fits me?

Measure your torso length and compare it to the manufacturer’s size chart. Then load the pack and check that the hip belt sits on your hip bones and the shoulder straps lie flat.

Are small North Face hiking backpacks waterproof?

Most are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. Many owners add a dry bag liner or rain cover for heavy rain, especially to protect electronics and sleeping gear.

Can I use a small hiking backpack for travel?

Yes. Many small daypacks fit airline carry-on size limits and work well as a second bag. Check your airline’s dimensions before you fly.

Do women need a women’s-specific pack?

Not always, but women’s-specific packs often have shorter torso lengths and narrower shoulder straps that can improve comfort. Try both cuts if you can.

How much should a small daypack weigh when loaded?

For most day hikes, aim for a loaded weight under about 15 pounds. Heavier loads may be fine for longer trips, but they increase fatigue on steep terrain.

Should I consult a professional about pack fit?

If you have back, shoulder or neck pain, consult a physical therapist or healthcare provider before relying on a new pack for regular hiking. A professional fitter at an outdoor retailer can also help.

Conclusion

Choosing a small North Face hiking backpack comes down to matching capacity to your typical trip, confirming torso length and hip belt fit, and checking features against how you hike. Build a realistic packing list, measure yourself, and test the pack under load before your first long outing. With those steps done, you will have a daypack that stays comfortable and useful for years of trail days.

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backpacks & packing systems guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.