Unfortunately, when people hear the word “cheap” in reference to anything, they immediately get mental images of something sub-standard. For example, when looking to buy cheap hiking backpacks for your upcoming trips, you might think that all the available options just might not be good enough simply because they have the word “cheap” in them.
While it is true that there are a lot of cheap things that are sub-standard, there are many that aren’t. It should also be noted that “expensive” isn’t always synonymous with high-quality, just like “cheap” isn’t synonymous with substandard. There are cheap hiking backpacks on the market today that are not only affordable but also:
- Tough
- Durable
- Multipurpose
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
These are the kinds of backpacks we are going to look at today. While creating this roundup review, we looked at some of the most reliable yet affordable backpacks on the market and came up with a comprehensive list. This list offers you an assortment of agreeable options that meet a great number of needs for the most avid hikers.
Each of the items below is designed to serve a specific type of hiker in a specific environment. All you have to do is find one, or several, that suit your specific kind of hiking. Our Cheap Hiking Backpacks Guide advice on what features matter when buying a budget pack.
The Best Cheap Hiking Backpacks for Every Kind of Hiker
1. Best Overall: TETON Sports Scout 55 Backpack
- Capacity: 55L
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 12 inches
Key Features:
- Adjustable torso length
- Compression straps (side and front)
- Adequate storage
- Hydration ready
It’s no wonder that this TETON Sports Scout 55 Backpack is popular with thousands of hikers across the globe, going by the number of five-star reviews it gets. All you have to do is try it on yourself, and you will quickly realize how comfortable it is to carry. Equipped with maximum adjustability around the waist, the shoulders, and the chest, this hiking backpack is designed to fit almost anybody comfortably.
It has a wide array of features that are all suited for the great outdoors. For instance, it comes with an integrated rain cover, which is perfect for when the skies suddenly turn gray, as they often do while you are out on the trail. This rain cover will keep your backpack from getting drenched and protect your gear from the rain.
With a 55L capacity, this affordable TETON Sports Scout 55 Backpack has plenty of storage space, including front and top bungee stashes, giving easy access to your jackets, ropes, shoes, and even a sleeping pad. Moreover, it has a designated storage space for your sleeping bag, which makes it ideal for hikers who like to have all their gear and camping essentials in one neat package.
What We Like
- Hydration ready means that this TETON Sports Scout 55 Backpack has a pouch in which you can easily fit a 3L water bladder
- The bag offers excellent storage space both internally and externally
- It has lower and side gear loops that allow for external attachment of additional hiking gear such as walking poles
- It has an adjustable torso, which means this backpack can fit almost anyone
- It comes with compression straps on the sides and the front. These help stabilize your gear and load as you hike
What We Don’t Like
- It’s quite heavy to begin with
2. Best Brand Option: The North Face Borealis
- Capacity: 28 L
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Dimension: 15 x 10 x 5 inches
Key Features
- A padded laptop compartment
- Breathable lumbar panel
- Injection-molded shoulder straps
If you are the kind of hiker who likes to have brand-name gear, then this North Face Borealis backpack is the perfect solution for you. Not only does it come from a well-trusted brand name in the outdoor gear industry, but it does so at an extremely affordable rate. Even though this backpack isn’t quite as cheap as most of the options on this list, it does offer you the kind of high-quality with which the North Face brand is synonymous.
With a 28L capacity, this North Face Borealis backpack isn’t the biggest, yet it’s perfectly ideal for people who enjoy day hikes and don’t plan on spending the night in the woods. The backpack has plenty of room for your most treasured gear. It even has a 15″ padded laptop compartment and a tablet sleeve in the front. That makes this backpack quite versatile, as you can use it for the trail, school, or office.
The North Face Borealis has a chest strap and a hip belt to keep your hiking load securely strapped to your body. It also has a breathable lumbar panel, a padded mesh back panel, and injection-molded shoulder straps that allow for maximum comfort and optimal support.
What We Like
- It comes with a Lifetime warranty
- It has injection-molded shoulder pads, which make it extremely comfortable to carry
- The chest straps and hip belt keep it secured to your body
- Despite offering only 28L in terms of capacity, it has a spacious main compartment
What We Don’t Like
- The hip belt doesn’t have padding
3. Best Daypack Option: REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack
- Capacity: 25 L
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimension: 19.5 x 13.25 x 7.5 inches
Key Features
- Built-in HDPE frame sheet
- Rain cover
- Four large foam pads
This REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack is perfectly suitable for hikers who want a lightweight backpack for their day hikes. Not only does it feature a simple and effective design, but it’s also quite durable and is a multipurpose backpack to boot.
Even though this is a front-loading backpack with only one compartment, it comes with a host of other organizational features that give it commendable versatility. For instance, an interior sleeve designed for your water bladder connects to your shoulder strap, which makes hydration a breeze.
It also has regular mesh pockets (two mesh pockets on the right side only). It also has trekking pole holders attached to the front panel and bottom and side straps that are ideal for attaching sleeping pads, ponchos, jackets, and so on.
Despite being designed for day hikes, this REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack has a built-in HDPE frame sheet, which gives it extra flexibility and support.
What We Like
- It is manufactured by a trusted brand
- It has four large foam pads equipped with ventilation channels between them, which wick away sweat from your back while offering comfort
- It has a sternum and hip strap for stability
- It’s quite versatile
What We Don’t Like
- The sternum and hip straps don’t have padding and aren’t that comfortable
4. Best Value for Money: Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Dimension: 26 x 16 x 12 inches
Key Features:
- Adjustable torso suspension
- Reliable compression straps
- Padded straps
Although a bit pricier than most, if not all the other options on this list, the Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack still offers you the best value for money. That’s mostly thanks to the numerous and extremely innovative features.
What makes this particular Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack version better is that it has gone through several re-designs, and the brand finally settled on this option because it can accommodate a wide range of adventures, making it ideal for different kinds of hikers.
In short, this Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack is suitable for anything you can throw at it, from international travel to a weekend day hike and even a camping trip.
For starters, it has an adjustable suspension that allows for a wide range of torso lengths. Secondly, it offers both top and front-loading options for ease of use. The main compartment has a hydration pocket, allowing you to safely store a 15″ laptop.
It has mesh and zippered pockets that are ideal for water bottles and other hiking gear. It also has compression straps that keep long gear, such as trekking poles and tripods, in place.
Finally, it has a waist strap, back panel, and shoulder straps that are all covered in comfortable padding, which not only distributes the weight around but also ensures maximum comfortability when this bag is on your back.
What We Like
- It has padded straps (waist, shoulder, and even back panel) that offer extreme comfort when hiking
- With its 50L capacity and numerous pockets, plus strap-in options, this bag can carry a lot of gear
- Beautiful and innovative design that is versatile
- The adjustable suspension means it can fit almost any torso length
What We Don’t Like
- It’s rather heavy
- A bit more expensive
5. Best Ultralight Backpack: Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack
- Capacity: 40 L
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Dimension: 12.5 x 6.3 x 19.3 inches
Key Features:
- It folds into its own pocket
- Ultralight
- Heavy-duty zippers
Weighing only 0.7 pounds with a 40L capacity, this Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack is not only ultralight but also quite cheap. In fact, it might very well be the cheapest option on this list. However, just because it’s a cheap ultralight backpack doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a lot of quality to offer because it does.
For starters, let’s talk about the fact that it can be folded into its own pocket. This makes it one of the most compact packages on this list. It can be folded into a small package that fits into any other backpack and can be used as a day pack on camping trips.
Equipped with one large compartment, two side pockets, and a small front compartment, this daypack also has compression straps that help keep the entire bag and its contents secure.
Finally, as an ultralight backpack, this Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack is made of nylon and comes with heavy-duty zippers made out of metal, allowing it to hold heavier loads than most other lightweight backpacks. With its 40L capacity, the Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack is quite spacious for its weight.
What We Like
- It’s ultralight, which makes it easy to carry around with you even when you don’t need it
- It offers a 40L capacity, which is quite adequate for a daypack
- It’s made out of nylon, which makes it somewhat waterproof
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t have any hip support
6. Best Budget Hiking Backpack: Outdoor Master Hiking Backpack 50L
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Dimension: 23 x 15 x 8.6 inches
Key Features:
- Thick, padded shoulder pads
- Rain cover included
- Water-resistant
This Outdoor Master Hiking Backpack 50L is the ideal backpack for those who are not only looking for something practical that they can carry on a day hike and a camping trip but also for something affordable but not exactly cheap. That’s why it takes the “best budget hiking backpack” spot. It’s affordable and practical but not cheap, nor is it expensive.
Made out of lightweight nylon, this bag is water-resistant and durable, making it ideal for hiking in all kinds of weather. As a 50L capacity backpack, this Outdoor Master Hiking Backpack 50L is surprisingly spacious. It can comfortably carry a great deal of gear that can be strapped onto the bag itself. That’s exactly what you can do with your sleeping bag; despite the fact that this bag doesn’t have a dedicated compartment for a sleeping bag carriage, it does have straps at the bottom for that purpose.
Finally, the shoulder straps are rather thick and well-padded, which makes them quite comfortable. This Outdoor Master Hiking Backpack 45L also has space for a 15″ laptop in its main compartment and loops for your trekking poles, as well as mesh pockets and compression straps for any other gear you might like to bring with you.
What We Like
- It comes with a rain cover, which can take on heavy rain
- It has rather large external pockets, ideal for carrying the gear you would like to get to quickly while on the trail
- It’s incredibly spacious
- It’s quite affordable
What We Don’t Like
- It’s a frameless backpack
7. Best Internal Frame Backpack: Amazon Basics Hiking Backpack
- Capacity: 65L
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
- Dimension: 18 x 8 x 37 inches
Key Features:
- Internal frame
- Integrated rainfly
- Separate rain cover
Even though the Amazon brand isn’t quite synonymous with outdoor gear, this Amazon Basics Hiking Backpack is commendable, to say the least. With a 65L capacity, this backpack is massive and perfectly ideal for people who like to bring a lot of gear on their hikes. This Amazon Basics Hiking Backpack is one of those backpacks you can take with you when you go out into the wild for a few days.
One of the main reasons it made this list is because it has a sturdy internal frame. This not only gives it the stability most backpackers and hikers need, but it also helps the bag maintain its shape, allowing for better storage management and carrying heavy loads.
Speaking of storage management, this Amazon Basics Hiking Backpack has a host of storage compartments that you can use. Apart from the main compartment, which is massive, it also has mesh side pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, compression straps and loops that can be used with carabiners. All of this is to show that your equipment will remain properly secured.
One thing that sets this cheap hiking Backpack apart from the rest of the pack is that it has an integrated rainfly and a separate rain cover. That’s all in addition to having a water-repellent polyester coating. There’s no doubt that both you and your gear will remain dry should it rain on the trail.
What We Like
- It comes with an integrated rainfly and a separate rain cover
- It features a water-repellent polyester coating to dry your gear if it rains
- It has a lumbar foam pad in the back panel to help support your lower back
- It offers a 65L capacity, which is quite massive
What We Don’t Like
8. Best Backpack With a Removable Lid: Granite Gear Crown 2
- Capacity: 60L
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimension: 23.5 X 13 X 8 inches
Key Features:
- Fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt
- Removable lid
This Granite Gear Crown 2 Backpack is an all-new and improved version of its predecessor, the Crown V.C. 60. This massive Granite Gear Crown 2 is designed to bring much more to the table and offer extreme versatility and comfort to hikers and campers alike.
It comes with a fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, which allows for comfortable load management and carrying. Furthermore, it has a dual-density shoulder harness, which comes with “load-lifter straps” and a sternum strap. All these features are designed to make your hiking even more comfortable, despite carrying a heavy load on your back.
It also has a removable lid, which allows for better and easier access to the main compartment. Speaking of compartments, this back has a host of mesh pockets, zippered pockets, and an internal hydration sleeve for your convenience. The removable lid also has an additional compartment or lid pocket for even more gear.
What We Like
- It’s extremely comfortable
- It’s big enough for a multi-day hike and camping trip
- It comes with a removable lid, allowing easier access to the main compartment
What We Don’t Like
- It’s only for men, although there’s a female option
9. High Sierra Pathway 50L Backpack
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Dimension: 23 x 12.5 x 9 inches
Key Features:
- Interior straps
- Shoulder pads
- Chest strap
Weighing only 2.9 pounds and with a 50L capacity, this High Sierra Pathway 50L Backpack is one of the best backpacks for people who want to carry a lot of gear while owning a Hyperlite mountain gear backpack.
One of the main reasons it stands out from the crowd is how easily you can access the storage compartments. This High Sierra Pathway 50L Backpack not only has an opening at the top, but it also features a large U-shaped zipper that opens the front compartment.
Another unique feature is that it has a number of divider panels as well as interior straps that work well to keep all your camping and hiking gear organized within the backpack. To finish that off, it has thick padding lining every compartment, ensuring comfort when you have a heavy load on your back.
The High Sierra Pathway 50L Backpack comes with two shoulder pads, which help evenly distribute the weight and improve your comfort levels. One of the biggest issues with this bag is that the chest strap is thin and, as such, isn’t as comfortable as it could be. Besides that, it had a host of pockets and a pair of loops for hanging your gear.
What We Like
- It’s quite comfortable to carry, thanks to the shoulder pads
- It has interior straps that help keep things nice and organized within the bag
- It has a 50L capacity and a lot of accessibility, which makes it very easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- The chest strap is thin and uncomfortable
10. Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 65L
- Capacity: 65L
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Dimension: 26 x 14 x 2 inches
Key Features:
- Hip belt
- Ventilation system
- Internal frame
This Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 65L achieves something that very few cheap hiking backpacks within its price point do: the perfect balance between weight, comfort, price, capacity, and quality. This Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 65L is a wonderful choice for people who not only want something durable but also practical and affordable.
Loaded with excellent features, this Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 65L is simply stunning. It has a suspension system allows for adjustability, making it capable of fitting any torso length. It also has a sturdy internal frame, which gives it an excellent structure to hold your hiking gear, despite making it slightly heavier than most other options on this list.
Furthermore, this Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 65L has a host of external straps, which are excellent when carrying bulky luggage such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, or even a tent.
What We Like
- It’s a massive bag (65L capacity) that carries a great deal of gear out into the wild
- It has both top and bottom access capabilities, making it easy and convenient
- It features a sturdy internal frame and an adjustable torso length for your convenience
What We Don’t Like
- The mesh pockets are rather fragile
11. Mardingtop 50L Backpack
- Capacity: 50L
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
- Dimension: 11.4 x 9.1 x 28.3 inches
Key Features:
- Top and front access
- Rain cover
- Adjustable torso
This Mardingtop 50L Backpack is an ideal multi-day hiking backpack for people who don’t mind carrying quite a bit of gear. Despite offering 50L in terms of capacity and being capable of carrying lots of gear, this Mardingtop 50L Backpack is surprisingly very comfortable.
This backpack also offers easy accessibility. The main compartment is accessed through the top via a drawstring opening. It can also be accessed through a large, zipped panel at the front, allowing it to open up just like a duffle bag.
When it comes to storage space, this Mardingtop 50L Backpack has tons. One of the most iconic options is its spacious top pockets, which are, quite frankly, massive. These pockets can be used to carry gear such as cameras, water filters, and some snacks.
As mentioned, this backpack is quite comfortable even though it doesn’t have the thickest padding on the market. Finally, it has impressive buckle straps that feature excellent stitching, making them both aesthetically appealing and durable.
What We Like
- It has huge top pockets, which can be very useful
- It’s easy to use
- It opens up like a duffle bag, which makes it accessible
What We Don’t Like
- Its hip belt doesn’t have hip belt pockets and adequate padding
Cheap Hiking Backpacks Buyers Guide
No matter how cheap you think the backpack on offer is, it’s still an investment, and getting one calls for quite a bit of forethought and consideration. After all, your hiking backpack will be one of the best pieces of gear you bring with you on the trail. You will have made your trip that much smoother by simply picking a highly versatile and useful backpack.
With that in mind, here are some factors that you need to consider before buying your next “budget-conscious” hiking backpack.
Material
Whenever you are going for the backpack material, there are three qualities that you need to be on the lookout for:
- Durability
- Sturdiness
- Water-resistance
With these three qualities in mind, here are the three best materials for your next hiking backpack.
- Nylon: This is often the most logical choice since it’s durable, thermal-resistant, water-resistant, and often strong.
- Polyester: Polyester is also often a good choice. It’s strong, often lightweight and sturdy.
- Cotton canvas: Despite being heavier than the other two, cotton canvas material is also a good choice because it is tough and durable.
Comfort
When it comes to backpacking and hiking, comfort is one factor that you simply can’t overlook. Hiking is often a whole day or even multi-day affair, and if you can’t wear your backpack for more than a couple of hours without needing a chiropractor, you are in trouble.
Regarding hiking backpack comfort, it’s all about padding, lumbar support, and the straps. For the most part, you will find that many excellent hiking backpacks have straps with padding. This reduces how much of the strap is coming into contact with your body and distributes the weight a bit more, thus preventing the straps from digging into your muscles.
Ventilation
Although you will definitely sweat while out there on the trail, having a backpack with a robust ventilation system will promote excellent airflow and at least keep your back mostly dry. Backpacks with internal frames also have excellent ventilation systems despite the frames making them heavier.
Of course, there are other things to consider, such as price, number of pockets and internal frames, but most of these factors are highly subjective. What could be considered cheap for one person may be just affordable for another and, quite frankly, out of reach for others.
Do you need a backpack when you are going hiking? It depends. In many cases, yes, you will need a backpack when hiking. These packs make it easier to carry a lot of the gear that will make your hike worthwhile. You don’t have to have one, but it would be nice and better if you did.
Thankfully, there are some extremely affordable options on the market today. Excellent examples are listed above.
FAQ
What’s the best material for a hiking backpack?
You want something strong, durable, tough and, ideally, waterproof. Polyester checks all those boxes.
Are cheap backpacks a bad idea?
No. What you should look at is the quality of the backpack in question. Expensive doesn’t always mean premium quality.
Can you go hiking without a backpack?
Yes, you can, but it will be more cumbersome. Where are you going to put your water bottle and other hiking gear?
Final Thoughts
Now you know what materials are best for the best cheap hiking backpack. From there, it’s time to choose the right size. If you are largely a casual hiker or a weekend warrior, you can go with a small backpack. It’s easier to fit more into a small pack than into a large one.
On the other hand, if you are a serious hiker or backpacker, you should probably opt for a medium backpack. The medium is the best all-around size. You can fit a lot in it and still be able to move around easily. The last thing to consider is the weight.
If you are going on an extended hike, particularly one that takes you over several miles, as a guide will tell you to bring extra water and food, you’ll have to be sure that your backpack doesn’t put too much weight on you.
One of the best ways to make sure you have the right size is to put the pack on. Your back can tell you a lot about your backpack. If it feels heavy, try using a different backpack that feels lighter. On the other hand, if the pack feels light, you may want to consider going with a bigger size.
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Last update on 2022-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
