Choosing a Machu Picchu backpack is not anywhere near as straightforward as it may seem! Strict regulations govern those starting a hike to Machu Picchu or participating in a day trip to the site, including requirements for backpacks. Hence this guide, which is here to steer you through the maze of picking the best backpack for Machu Picchu.
In fact when you backpack to Machu Picchu, you will leave most of your luggage behind in Cusco. Usually this will be at your hotel, or your tour operator’s office. Other than that, you can take a couple of bags to Machu Picchu, one of which is your daypack. It’s all about travelling light.
Choosing the best daypack for Machu Picchu is therefore the focus of this guide. This is the bag you’ll be carrying around yourself while making the ascent to the Lost City of the Incas, so it’s very important to get it right.
In a hurry? Click here to see the best daypack for Machu Picchu, The North Face Mini Borealis.
Covered here is all you need to know about buying the best bag for backpacking to Machu Picchu. We begin by taking a look at the Machu Picchu backpack size limits, followed by a quick reference overview of the top products. Next up is an in-depth look at each of these, then an overview of what to look out for when choosing. The top FAQs are then answered before wrapping up.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-placed to pick the best daypack for your Machu Picchu adventure. Let’s get started!
Wondering what to pack for your trip to Machu Picchu? Find out with our complete Machu Picchu packing list. There are many reasons to visit the Inca citadel – read our guide on Why Machu Picchu is worth visiting! and How many days you should spent in Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Backpack Rules and Regulations
Daypack
When visiting the Machu Picchu site and passing through the control point, you are only allowed to bring a standard-sized daypack, which is our focus here. This daypack is what you’ll personally carry, holding all your daily essentials.
Size
So what size daypack for Machu Picchu is allowed? Any bag or backpack must measure a maximum of 16 x 14 x 8 inches – or 40 x 35 x 20 cm. If your backpack exceeds this, then you will not be permitted to carry it. So it’s critically important to get this right!
These limited dimensions mean, in reality, that most hiking backpacks are too big, particularly in terms of height. You therefore need to look for scaled-down daypacks, rather than regular sized hiking daypacks or laptop backpacks. Most big branded hiking daypacks – even compact ones – exceed the maximum measurements by an inch or two, at least.
In general, you need to look for a daypack with a capacity of around 10 litres – but you still need to check the measurements very carefully indeed! Also keep in mind that your backpack’s dimensions may increase when it’s full.
Weight
If you’re taking the train to Machu Picchu, then limits also apply. For Peru Rail and Inca Rail services the dimensions differ slightly, but as long as you’re within the size stated above then that’s under what both operators require. They do also enforce a weight restriction, however.
Whether you travel with Peru Rail or Inca Rail, your packed daypack must not exceed 8 kilos, or 17.64 lb, in weight. So a lighter backpack might be preferable – though this might mean prioritising this over strength and durability.
Machu Picchu Backpacks Comparison Chart
| Name | Size | Capacity | Best for | Key features | Price |
| North Face Mini Borealis | 14 x 9 x 5” | 10L | TOP PICK | U-zips, bungee cord, water bottle pockets, mesh section, padded straps | Check here |
| Osprey Daylite Sling | 15 x 9 x 6” | 6L | Sling backpack | Daylite, good pockets, left or right shoulder carry | Check here |
| Fjallraven Kanken Mini | 11 x 8 x 3” | 7L | Scandi style | 3 outer pockets, unique looks, lots of colours | Check here |
| Carhartt Mini | 12 x 8 x 5” | Not stated | Durability | Durable & rain repellent finish, protective outer pocket | Check here |
| Quechua Outdoor Daypack | 16 x 8 x 5” | 10L | 10-year warranty | Outdoor style, large capacity, 10-year warranty | Check here |
| JanSport Half Pint | 11 x 10 x 4” | 10L | Patterned prints | Lifetime warranty, many colours, front pocket + sleeve | Check here |
| North Face Berkeley | 16 x 12 x 6” | 16L | Storage space | Lots of pockets, 16L capacity, water resistant | Check here |
| WOLFpak 9L | 10 x 9 x 7” | 9L | Waterproofing | 29 colours, military style, tough & waterproof fabric | Check here |
| Adidas Must-Have Mini Backpack | 11 x 9 x 5” | Not stated | Sporty sorts | Good value, various pockets, matching mini pouch | Check here |
| G4Free Hiking Daypack | 16 x 9 x 4” | 10L | Budget buy | Low price, 10 litre capacity, packs down small | Check here |
The 10 Best Machu Picchu Daypacks
The North Face Mini Borealis
Best overall
- Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 5 inches
- Capacity: 10 litres
Another Machu Picchu option with a 10 litre capacity is the Mini Borealis from The North Face. A distinctive feature of this pack is the bungee cord on the front, which allows you to attach items as you go. The U-pull zippers also make it simple to access the main section.
This backpack has so much to recommend it. It comes from a top outdoor brand, has a couple of water bottle pockets, features a water-resistant finish, and is even made from 75% recycled materials. There’s also a separate internal compartment, plus a padded grab handle and shoulder straps.
Pros
- U-pull zippers
- Front bungee cord
- 2 water bottle pockets
- Separate internal compartment
- Padded shoulder straps and grab handle
Cons
- Limited colours
Osprey Daylite Sling
Best for a sling backpack
- Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 6 inches
- Capacity: 6L
Unfortunately, most backpacks in the excellent Daylite range from Osprey exceed the maximum measurements for a Machu Picchu daypack. Not so the Daylite Sling, however. This highly rated product offers a different way to carry your essentials, so it’s best for those who already know they get on with this style of bag.
Redeeming features include a choice of a dozen colours, quick U-zip access to what you need, and a range of compartments including one on the harness for when you’re on the go. The material is also breathable, as well as soft on your skin.
Pros
- Part of Daylite range
- Range of easy access pockets
- Carry over left or right shoulder
Cons
- Only 6 litre capacity
- No regular backpack straps
Fjallraven Kanken Mini
Best for Scandi style
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 3 inches
- Capacity: 7 litres
The Kanken from Fjallraven is a design classic, and comes in a huge range of colours. If you want a backpack that you can also use for everyday life, this could be the one. It’s just about big enough for all you may need on a daily basis.
Adjustable straps should ensure your comfort while hiking, and there are convenient grab handles too. Patch side pockets plus a zippered front compartment and the main interior provide a range of storage solutions.
Pros
- 3 outer pockets
- Unique, stylish design
- Huge range of colours
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Only 1 main interior compartment
Carhartt Mini Backpack
Best for durability
- Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 5 inches
- Capacity: Not stated
This preppy little backpack is perfect for fitting what you need into a compact daypack. It also has a water resistant finish, to help keep your stuff dry. Available in six colours, it’s a classic that will take you anywhere.
Made from 600-denier polyester, the Carhartt Mini is also one of the toughest daypacks around, meaning it’s a good investment. Yet the price tag isn’t too high at all. The front pocket is also fleece lined, protecting breakable items like your phone or sunglasses.
Pros
- Durable materials
- Rain Defender finish
- Fleece-lined outer pocket
Cons
- Small in size
- No side pockets
Quechua 10L Daypack
Best for a 10-year warranty
- Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 5 inches
- Capacity: 10 litres
If you want to max out what you can carry on your trip to Aguas Calientes, the village at the bottom of Machu Picchu, then this backpack from Quechua offers a 10 litre capacity. At under 16 inches, you can squeeze in more while staying within the strict size limits. This one also has more of an outdoorsy design than others in this list.
A 10-year guarantee means you can be confident this one will last. It also offers thumb rests for carrying, a padded back and straps, and an abrasion-resistant finish. There’s also a deep storage pocket to the outer.
Pros
- Outdoor design
- Larger capacity
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Plain design
- Only 2 compartments
JanSport Half Pint Mini Backpack
Best for patterned prints
- Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 4 inches
- Capacity: 10 litres
If you’d like something a little more decorative, then the Half Pint mini backpack from JanSport comes in a range of plain colours and patterns, including flower, camo, and ripple prints. JanSport is also a trusted brand that offers a lifetime warranty with their backpacks.
Perhaps surprisingly, this JanSport mini backpack has a 10 litre capacity. It’s also tough, being made from 600-denier, 100% recycled polyester. Adjustable shoulder straps and a zippered front pocket with stash sleeve complete the picture.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Plenty of colours and patterns
- Zip front pocket with stash sleeve
Cons
- Just 1 compartment inside
- Unpadded straps
The North Face Berkeley Daypack
Best for space
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 6 inches
- Capacity: 16L
As The North Face Mini Borealis is our top pick overall, it made sense to include another option from this leading brand. The Berkeley is a more glamorous, vintage-style pack that could have so many uses back home. It also has a generous 16 litre capacity.
There are good practical features, too, though. These include water bottle pockets, a water-repellent finish, padded straps, and a selection of inside pockets to help you stay organised. With a modern take on vintage style, this brings city style to your Machu Picchu visit.
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- 16 litre capacity
- Water-resistant fabric
Cons
- Higher price tag
- City rather than outdoor style
WOLFpak 9L Mini Backpack
Best for waterproofing
- Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 7 inches
- Capacity: 9 litres
If you’re seeking something a little different, how about the WOLFpak Mini? Like Fjallraven backpacks, it’s more square in shape than usual, and this gives it a rugged, capable look. You can also choose from almost 30 colours and patterns.
It’s not all about appearances, though. This tough backpack is made from 1,000 denier waterproof polyester, has two-way, water-resistant zippers, and can cope with heavy loads of up to 35 lbs. In short, this military-style backpack really stands out.
Pros
- 29 colours and patterns
- Stand-out military style design
- 1,000 denier waterproof polyester
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Adidas Must-Have Mini Backpack
Best for sporty sorts
- Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 5 inches
- Capacity: Not stated
If you like sporty style, this Must-Have Mini Backpack from Adidas is an affordable, all-purpose pick. It’s got adjustable straps, lots of pockets for storage, and even a cute little matching purse for stashing small items like lip balm, tissues, and coins.
You can pick between two shades of pink plus white, grey, and black. Not the most robust or spacious choice, perhaps, but could be perfect if you only want to carry the bare minimum – and don’t want to pay too much for a new pack.
Pros
- Great value price
- Various compartments
- Matching zippered pouch
Cons
- Limited space
- Not the most robust
G4Free 10L Hiking Daypack
Best for a budget buy
- Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 4 inches
- Capacity: 10L
Whether you want to buy a daypack for Machu Picchu that you might never use again, or you’ve already blown the budget on getting to Peru, then check out this bargain buy. It comes with highly positive ratings and reviews, and a very appealing price tag.
This one packs down really small, so it’s also ideal if you want to take it along without actually using it when flying. It can hold 10 litres, though, comes in many colours, and is made from tough, durable fabric.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 10 litre capacity
- Packable daypack
Cons
- Budget looks
- Lesser-known brand
What to Look For in a Machu Picchu Backpack
Measurements
Do note that most hiking daypacks exceed the specified dimensions for Machu Picchu. Height in particular is an issue with many backpacks. When we were searching for the right products, we found even smaller, more lightweight packs are often at least an inch or two too tall.
Go-to favourites like the Osprey Daylite range, the JanSport SuperBreak, and many more, are all just a little too big. Compact daypacks typically measure around 17 to 18 inches in height, which exceeds the 16 inch limit. Even the North Face Jester for kids and the Herschel Mini backpack, for instance, are both 17 inches plus, and they are downsized packs!
This means you need to think outside the box a bit. Smaller, scaled-down versions of popular daypacks are ideal. Examples include the North Face Mini Borealis, the JanSport Half Pint, the Fjallraven Kanken Mini, and the sling version of the Osprey Daylite.
City style packs – rather than more rugged, outdoor types – can also be smaller than hiking backpacks.
Weight
Weight isn’t such an issue with such small daypacks, but it all adds up. It may also matter more if you are taking a train to Machu Picchu, as an 8 kilo, or 17.64 lb, limit applies. Don’t forget to factor in the contents when thinking about how much you’ll have to carry.
Capacity
How much do you want to carry while visiting Machu Picchu town and the Inca citadel? Given the strict size requirements for backpacks, realistically you’ll be looking at a 10 litre capacity – or less.
This means you’ll need to pack light – and could choose to bring much less than this. Making a packing list before choosing your bag is the best way to make sure you can fit in all the absolute essentials.
Pockets
As with any backpack, particularly a daypack, pockets can make or break your bag for Peru! Having lots of storage compartments can simplify life on the go, as it’s easier to stay organised.
Do you want a water bottle pocket, for example, or another outer pocket for easy access to items on the go? How about the interior? Some packs comprise just one inside section, while others have two or more. That way you can divide things up as you like, which might make it simpler to locate the items you want.
One of the packs in this list comes with a bungee cord, which is useful for stashing things, or for attaching extras to.
Comfort
When you’re trekking uphill all day long, comfort is key. Factors to increase comfort include adjustable shoulder straps, padding to the straps and back panel, and smooth, breathable materials that feel sleek against the skin.
Durability
Whether you want to invest in a pack that will see you through many other trips – or perhaps daily life at home – is a personal decision. If you find a pack you like, but the price tag seems a little high, it’s worth thinking about other uses beyond your travel adventure in Peru. The price per use can be low if you buy a daypack that you’ll get years of faithful service from.
Some of the packs in this guide come with 10 year or lifetime warranties. This gives you peace of mind when investing in a more expensive product.
Weatherproofing
The weather can get pretty wet in Peru, not least at altitude. So it’s worth looking for a pack that can at least cope with a few showers. You might still need a waterproof cover for heavier rain, but a water-resistant finish can save you time, and keep your stuff dry during lighter showers.
Machu Picchu Backpack FAQs
What’s the Machu Picchu backpack size limit?
Any bag or backpack taken to Machu Picchu must measure no more than 16 x 14 x 8 inches – or 40 x 35 x 20 cm. So you must choose a backpack that’s this size – or smaller – when packed. If you don’t, you will not be allowed to carry it onto the site. These rules are laid out by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, so it’s important not to break them!
Can you bring a backpack into Machu Picchu?
You can bring a backpack or bag into Machu Picchu. However, strict size limits apply. Daypacks must measure a maximum of 16 x 14 x 8 inches – or 40 x 35 x 20 cm – in accordance with strict Peruvian Ministry of Culture guidelines. If yours is bigger than this, then you’ll need to leave it in one of the lockers by the entrance.
What Are the Rules for Hiking Backpacks on the Inca Trail?
When planning your hike on the Inca Trail, whether you are tackling the 2-day Short Inca Trail or the classic 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, it is important to understand the varying restrictions that may apply. A hiking backpack is generally taller than the standard daypacks allowed inside Machu Picchu. So, what does this mean for your journey? Let’s break it down:
Duffel Bags and Daypacks on the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail
For the classic 4-day Inca Trail, a duffel bag is usually included. The first thing to know is that you can take two bags with you to the Inca Trail. One is a duffel bag, which will be carried by the trek porters. This duffel bag is generally supplied by your tour operator, so you shouldn’t need to worry about that.
For the hike itself, we recommend placing non-essential items like your sleeping and camping gear into the duffel bag, which will be carried by the porters. This way, you only need a normal day backpack with the essentials you will need during the hike. This backpack can also be taken into the Machu Picchu site without any problems.
However, some tour operators don’t include duffel bags, so in that case, you’ll want a 40-50 liter backpack to ensure you have all your essentials. Fortunately, there are no official size restrictions for backpacks on the Inca Trail, which is a plus. The Inca Trail uniquely leads to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), bypassing a control point. Hikers with their gear can pass through without any issues.
Daypacks and Restrictions on the Short 2-Day Inca Trail
Keep in mind that for other circuits within Machu Picchu or if you are entering through the regular control point, such as on the second day of the Short Inca Trail, a standard daypack is required. You can leave your hiking backpack at the entrance for a fee of 5 soles and retrieve it after your tour.
For those on the Short Inca Trail, you will hike on the first day, spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu on the second day. In this case, you can leave your hiking backpack at the hotel and only take essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, phone, passport, and ticket for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Best Backpack for Machu Picchu: Final Thoughts
As you can see, picking the right daypack for Machu Picchu means adhering to strict size limits. If your pack exceeds these, do keep in mind that you’ll have to leave it in a locker at the entrance.
It’s all about choosing a pack that suits your budget, has the features you really need, and can fit in what you have to carry. Once you’ve ticked all those boxes, style might also come into play.
A good backpack for Machu Picchu can make so much difference during your trip – and don’t forget that it may have a long life after you return home, too. Choose carefully and you could be using your new backpack for hiking trips, general travel, or even daily life. Which is surely well worth investing in.
