The best day-trip backpack should perform a surprisingly complicated balancing act. It needs to carry everything from a water bottle and camera to an emergency snack, without making you look as though you are tackling Everest rather than catching the train to Winchester!
I tested the BAGSMART Faro Light Backpack on a full day out in the former capital of England, taking it from busy railway platforms to cobbled streets, riverside paths and a highly important pie-and-mash lunch. All with a baby in tow.
The result? This lightweight 20L backpack is practical, comfortable and far more spacious than its streamlined shape suggests…
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BAGSMART Faro Light Backpack at a Glance
The Faro Light Backpack has a 20L capacity and weighs just 425g.
It measures 28cm x 16cm x 46cm and is made from durable, water-repellent Cordura nylon.
There is also a breathable back panel, padded shoulder straps, 2 bottle pockets, a front zipped pocket, internal mesh sleeves and a water-resistant fleece-lined pocket for valuables.
It is underseat-approved.
What I Packed for Winchester
Winchester is wonderfully walkable, but a day there can involve several costume changes courtesy of the British weather and a weaning 8 month old.
Into the Faro went a lightweight waterproof jacket, reusable water bottle, camera, portable charger, purse, sunglasses, snacks, mini deodorant, lip balm, and that all important post-feed change of top!
Everything fitted without an aggressive game of backpack Tetris.
The 20L main compartment held the bulkier items, while the smaller pockets kept essentials accessible.
My keys, lip balm and charging cable remained easy to find, rather than vanishing into the fabric equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle.
The side bottle pockets were particularly useful. They meant I could grab my drink without unpacking half the bag or performing an undignified shoulder manoeuvre in the middle of Winchester High Street.
Buy your Faro Light Backpack
Comfort on a Full Day of Exploring
The Faro’s biggest selling point is its low weight.
At 425g, the backpack itself adds very little to your load, and that matters more than you might expect after several hours of sightseeing.
I carried it from Winchester station into the centre, around the cathedral area, along the River Itchen and past Winchester City Mill.
Even after filling it with water, camera gear and an entirely sensible quantity of snacks, it remained comfortable.
The padded shoulder straps distributed the weight well, while the breathable 3D back panel prevented things from becoming too clammy.
No backpack can make a warm uphill walk feel like a spa treatment, but this one avoided the dreaded sweaty-back situation better than many everyday bags I have used.
The back panel is removable too if you want to reduce the weight further.
Personally, I preferred keeping it in place for the extra structure and cushioning, particularly when carrying my camera and water bottle.
Organisation Without Pocket Overload
The main compartment is roomy and easy to access.
Interior mesh sleeves help separate smaller items, the external zipped pocket works well for things needed quickly, and the fleece-lined valuables pocket offers extra protection for a phone, sunglasses or small electronics.
This layout worked nicely on the train.
My ticket, phone and headphones were within reach, while everything else stayed neatly contained.
The 14-inch laptop sleeve also makes the Faro a practical choice for travellers combining sightseeing with work, although owners of larger laptops will need another option.
How Did It Handle British Weather?
No British day trip is complete without staring suspiciously at a cloud, and Winchester delivered a brief spell of drizzle.
The Faro’s water-repellent Cordura fabric handled it without drama, keeping the contents dry during normal showers.
I would not treat it as a fully waterproof hiking pack or leave it sitting in a downpour.
However, for everyday travel, light rain and the occasional drink splash, the fabric provides reassuring protection.
It also feels tough enough for regular use without giving the bag a stiff or excessively technical appearance.
What Could Be Better?
The Faro is an excellent day bag, but 20L will not suit everyone.
Travellers carrying bulky camera equipment, several layers or a small child’s complete mobile support unit may find it restrictive.
It is marketed for trips of one to two days, although light packing would be essential for an overnight stay.
The laptop sleeve only accommodates devices up to 14 inches, which limits its appeal for some commuters.
I would also welcome a little more padding in the main compartment for camera equipment, although a separate protective insert solves that problem.
Buy your Faro Light Backpack
Is the BAGSMART Faro Light Backpack Worth It?
For day trips, commuting and light travel, yes.
The price reflects the low weight, durable Cordura fabric and thoughtful comfort features.
It feels more refined than a basic daypack but remains relaxed enough for walks, rail journeys and casual city exploring.
What impressed me most was how little I noticed it.
A good travel bag should make the day easier, not become the main event.
The Faro carried everything I needed around Winchester without feeling bulky, awkward or overly outdoorsy.
The BAGSMART Faro Light Backpack is a strong option for travellers who want one lightweight bag for city breaks, countryside walks and everyday use.
Its 20L capacity is ideal for a well-packed day out, while the breathable back, comfortable straps and sensible pockets make it easy to carry for hours.
It will not replace a larger travel backpack, and photographers or enthusiastic over-packers may need more room.
For my Winchester day trip, however, it was exactly the right size – light on my shoulders, organised on the train and smart enough for lunch without looking as though I had arrived via base camp.
Practical, good-looking and refreshingly unfussy, the Faro proves that travelling light does not have to mean leaving the useful stuff at home.
My Faro Light Backpack was gifted by BAGSMART but, as always, all views are my own.
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