Do I need a hiking daypack?

Question

I don't own a specific hiking day pack like the ones from Patagonia or REI or other outdoor equipment manufacturers. Will a standard small backpack be fine?

Here's the hikes I plan to take in 3 days (listed in no particular order)

I assume given these are not that long, I'll be carrying about 1L water, couple snacks, some bags for trash and my camera (on a sunset hike)

Boynton Canyon Vortex

Doe Mountain

Sugarloaf mountain

Cathedral Rock

Bell Rock

Red Rock Loop

Secret Slick Rock

Seven Sacred Pools.

I'll likely have a pair of all birds rubber sole sneakers and another pair of new balance sneakers that also have good grip.

First time taking a vacation around hiking and I don't know if I wanna spend money on stuff I may not use again.

TIA

Answer

For the hikes you’ve listed in Sedona, a standard small backpack will generally be sufficient. Most of the trails you plan to do are short to moderate in length, so you won’t need the capacity or specialized features of a dedicated hiking daypack. Your plan to carry about 1 liter of water, a few snacks, some bags for trash, and your camera is manageable in a standard backpack.

Here are a few considerations to help you decide:

Comfort: Hiking daypacks often have padded shoulder straps and a chest or waist strap to distribute weight evenly, which is helpful for longer hikes or heavier loads. Since your load is light, a small backpack with simple padded straps should suffice.
Accessibility: Daypacks often have multiple compartments for easy access to water, snacks, maps, or camera gear. A small backpack with a main compartment and a front pocket should work if you organize items carefully.
Durability and Breathability: Hiking packs tend to be made of more durable, water-resistant materials and have a ventilated back panel. For your short hikes and mild Sedona weather, these features are nice but not essential.

Tips for using a standard small backpack on Sedona hikes:

Use a small insulated bottle or hydration bladder if possible to keep water accessible.
Organize items so that the camera and snacks are easy to reach without taking off the bag.
Consider adding a small microfiber towel or light jacket depending on the weather, as Sedona can get warm during the day but cooler at sunset.
Make sure your sneakers have good grip, which you mentioned they do, and check that your backpack doesn’t shift when you move over uneven terrain.

In summary, for your first-time hiking-focused vacation in Sedona with the trails and activities listed, a small standard backpack is perfectly fine. You do not need to invest in a specialized hiking daypack unless you plan to take longer hikes or carry heavier gear in the future. Comfort, accessibility, and organization are the key points to focus on for this trip.