Waterfly Hiking Foldable Lightweight Backpack (28L) with Wet Compartment – packable daypack rucksack for travel & trekking

What it is and why people buy it

The Waterfly Hiking Foldable Lightweight Backpack is a 28L packable daypack designed for trips where you want something light and easy to carry, but still capable of holding your everyday essentials. What makes it stand out (at least on paper) is the folding approach: it switches from a full-size daypack into a smaller pouch format. That’s the kind of practical feature that appeals to people who travel often—think plane/train days where you may need a compact extra bag once you’re there.

It’s also built around the typical “day out” needs: multiple pockets for organisation, side mesh pockets for bottles, and padded, adjustable straps for a more comfortable carry. And there’s a specific wet compartment up front, aimed at keeping damp clothing or towels separate from the rest of your kit.

The essentials: storage, wet separation and everyday organisation

This is a compartment-led design rather than a simple one-pocket bag. The front includes a waterproof compartment intended for storing wet clothes or towels. In day-to-day use, that’s the sort of detail you notice when you get caught in bad weather, pack a gym kit, or finish a hike with sweaty layers. The middle area has several small compartments, which can make it easier to grab items without emptying everything.

The main pocket is positioned as the “everything else” space for essentials and clothes for your trip. It’s aimed at practical packing—books, an iPad, an umbrella, water bottles, and everyday clothing are mentioned as typical items. If your routine is more “minimal carry” than “full kit”, the bag should suit you well. If you’re trying to pack bulky hiking gear, you may find 28L tight, especially once you use every compartment.

Carry feel and thoughtful details

Comfort-wise, you get adjustable and padded straps so you can dial in length. There’s also a chest buckle designed to help stop the backpack from slipping and shaking while you’re walking—useful for uneven paths or when you’re moving between activities.

On the back, there’s breathable mesh padding, and on the sides there are two mesh pockets for water bottles. It also includes a whistle for added safety outdoors, which is a small inclusion but one that can matter when you’re out for a longer day.

One detail to keep in mind: a foldable pack can feel more “bag-like” than a rigid frame rucksack. If you tend to carry heavy loads for long periods, it may not be the best match—you’re looking at a lightweight, portable daypack rather than something engineered for maximum load performance.

Portability that actually matters (folding design and dimensions)

The key convenience is the instant transformation. The backpack is described as going from a full-size daypack (18.11"x12.2"x7.87" / 46x31x20cm) to a pouch format (8.26"x2.36"x7.87" / 21x6x20cm). It’s also stated to weigh 0.95lbs / 0.43kg.

That combination—size reduction plus low weight—makes it easier to stash in a suitcase, handbag, or car boot without it becoming dead weight. It’s exactly the sort of feature that suits people who like to travel with a “just in case” bag for day trips.

Is it perfect? Not necessarily. The folding size is convenient, but you still need to pack smart. Overstuffing a compact daypack can reduce the benefit of the wet compartment and make the bag less comfortable to carry.

Materials and build approach (what you can expect)

The pack is made from abrasion- and tear-resistant fabric, with SBS zippers. The description also mentions reinforcement at critical stress points across seams and shoulder straps, aimed at handling daily use and travel without tearing.

In other words, it’s trying to be more than a temporary throw-in-the-suitcase bag. That said, it’s still positioned as a lightweight foldable rucksack. So if your usage involves consistently heavy loads, frequent rough handling, or demanding multi-day trekking with bulky equipment, you may find you want something more purpose-built.

Best use cases, and who it suits (and who should be cautious)

It’s a solid fit if you want a lightweight daypack for travel, day trips, commuting, camping, cycling, or straightforward hikes—especially when you value the ability to pack it down small. You’ll likely like it if you often deal with changing conditions and want a dedicated wet compartment for damp items.

It might not be a great match if you routinely carry very heavy gear for long stretches, or if you’re after a rigid, structured rucksack feel. Also, if you prefer maximum organisational space with lots of large internal pockets, you may find the compartment setup more geared towards essentials than deep storage.

Buying verdict

Should you buy it?

Buy the Waterfly Hiking Foldable Lightweight Backpack if your priority is portability for travel and day outings, with the practical bonus of a waterproof wet compartment. The folding design (including the stated full-size and pouch sizes) and the low weight make it easy to live with, and the adjustable straps plus chest buckle should help for everyday movement.

Skip it if you need a heavy-duty carry for demanding trekking loads, or if you want a more structured pack experience. On balance, it sits more in the “light, packable daypack” lane than the “serious load-hauling rucksack” lane.

Mini FAQ

How big is it when folded?

It’s described as transforming into a pouch size of 8.26"x2.36"x7.87" (21x6x20cm).

What’s the wet compartment for?

The front includes a waterproof compartment intended for storing wet clothes or towels, helping keep damp items separate.

Does it have space for bottles?

Yes, there are two side mesh pockets for water bottles.

Is it suitable for commuting or travel days?

It’s designed for travel, hiking, and daily commutes, and the packable format is particularly helpful for carrying it as a spare bag.

Does it feel comfortable to wear?

The straps are described as adjustable and padded, with a chest buckle for stability, plus breathable mesh padding on the back.