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There’s a limit to how many pockets you can wear and they only fit small sized items, which isn’t ideal for long days on the trails. Hiking backpacks are a great choice to carry your gear because they are functional, durable, and reliable. But sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles because fancy features can make the price go up. A cheap hiking backpack is the best option to choose, when you just want to carry your gear and don’t need any expensive features.
However, you may be concerned about the quality and it can be hard to determine which design is the best value backpack. We want to show you that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability, so we have made a list of the ten best budget hiking backpacks and included our comprehensive guide. With our help, you can find inexpensive backpacks that you’ll enjoy using on your hikes so that you can stay prepared and confident for all your adventures.
OutdoorMaster Waterproof Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Versatile design can be used for different activities
- Ideal for on the trail, traveling, and camping
- Made of lightweight and durable nylon
- Waterproof rain cover included with purchase
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- Multiple pockets including a laptop compartment
Product Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 8.6 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 50L
Features: S-curved shoulder straps, foam padded hip belt, reinforced haul handle, waterproof cover included, plenty of pockets
Colors: 10 options
Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- 2-liter hydration bladder included
- Thermal insulation throughout the backpack
- 100% leak proof design
- Two zipper compartments
- Exterior pockets
- Mesh back and shoulder straps
- Better airflow to stay cool
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Features: BPA free hydration bladder, thermal insulation, adjustable waist straps, elastic straps, lightweight design
Colors: 10 options
Outlander Ultra Lightweight Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Made of rip-stop and water-resistant nylon fabric
- Durable and long-lasting
- Compact into its front pocket for easy transportation
- Multifunctional carabiner included for easy carrying
- Multiple compartments for storage
- Breathable mesh straps
- Reinforced stress points
Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 7.5 inches
Weight: 0.7 pounds
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 33L
Features: Durable 2-way zipper, bar tacking reinforcements, compacts into pocket, classic shape, multiple pockets, carabiner included, two side water bottle pockets, breathable mesh shoulder straps
Colors: 15 options
TETON Sports Scout Internal Frame Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Internal frame
- Full 55L capacity
- Ideal for 2-4 day adventures
- Multi-position torso for customized comfort and fit
- Open-cell lumbar pad
- Multiple compartments and pockets
- Bungee storage on the exterior
- Integrated rainfly to stay dry
Product Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 17 inches
Weight: 4.4 pounds
Capacity: 55L
Features: Multi-position torso, foam lumbar pad, multiple compartments and pockets, internal frame, bungee storage, external storage options, sleeping bag compartment, integrated rainfly
Colors: 3 options
G4Free Lightweight Large Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- 40L capacity compacts into a small carrying pocket
- Main compartment with smaller pouches and pockets
- Exterior water bottle holders
- Padded shoulder straps with a chest clip
- Safety whistle in the chest strap
- Bungee elastic ropes for exterior storage
- Durable nylon fabric is lightweight and tear-resistant
Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 7.8 x 22.8 inches
Weight: 12.6 ounces
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 40L
Features: Â Water resistant cap, trekking attachment, chest strap with whistle, plenty of storage, compacts into foldable pouch
Colors: 10 options
Outlander Packable Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Strong and long-lasting
- Reinforced stress points for longevity
- 2-way abrasion resistant zipper for easy access
- Lightweight and roomy design
- Multiple storage compartments
Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 8.1 x 2.9 inches
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 35L
Features: Carabiner included, water-resistant, rip-proof, breathable mesh shoulder strap, reinforced stress points, carrying pouch, abrasion resistant zippers
Colors: 9 options
AmazonBasics Internal Frame Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Internal frame
- Large capacity with a 70L compartment and 5L extension collar
- Ideal for camping, hiking, or backpacking
- Extensive storage pockets
- Multi-directional compression straps
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Water-repellent exterior
Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 29 x 8 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Material: Polyester
Capacity: 75L
Features: Internal frame, large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, lumbar support, thick padded shoulder straps, rainfly, extension collar
Colors: Black or green
Venture Pal Day Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Durable and comfortable for a full day of hiking
- Thick, sturdy, and water-resistant material
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps are sponge padded
- Chest clip secures and distributes weight
- Folds into small pocket
- Multipurpose design is ideal for a variety of activities
Product Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.5. x. 9 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Capacity: 45L
Features: roomy main compartment, two front zipper pockets, internal zipper pocket, open-mesh side pockets, padded and adjustable shoulder straps
Colors: 11 options
Venture Pal Small Packable Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Spacious compartments and pockets
- One large main compartment
- External pockets for quick access
- Mesh water bottle pockets
- Rain cover included
- Comfortable design
Product Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 7.3 inches
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 25L
Features: Heavy duty 2-way zippers, water-resistant, tear-resistant, zippered pockets, mesh pockets, breathable padding
Colors: 13 options
G4Free Outdoor Budget Hiking Backpack
- What Makes This Budget Hiking Backpack Stand Out
- Multiple compartments and pockets
- Organization is a key feature
- Easily access all your gear
- Zipped compartments and pockets
- Adjustable and padded straps for all day long comfort
- Made of durable ripstop nylon
- Water-resistant but a rain cover is included
Weight: 2.14 pounds
Material: Nylon
Capacity: 45L
Features: 9 adjustable straps, expandable mesh pockets, padded shoulder straps, foam lumbar pad, rain cover included
Colors: 4 options
How To Choose A Budget Hiking Backpack – Buying Guide
Capacity
The first feature that you will have to consider when you are looking at affordable hiking backpacks is the capacity. The capacity of cheap outdoor backpacks is often measured in liters and should be indicated in the product specifications. A budget women’s day hiking backpack is better with a smaller size, like 25L. But if you want to look at cheap backpacking bags, the capacity will be significantly larger to carry your gear for various days.
Related Review: Women’s Hiking Backpack
Weight
The larger the capacity of your good cheap hiking backpack, the heavier it will be when loaded with all your gear. A lightweight best value backpack may weigh only ounces but can sufficiently hold your gear and will be significantly less weight than cheap backpacking bags when they are packed with your gear.
While the overall weight will depend on the amount of gear you need for your trip, features like padded shoulder straps and a waist belt can help you manage and distribute the weight better. The most comfortable cheap outdoor backpacks will use these features to ensure you are comfortable for a full day on the trail.
Related Review: Lightweight Backpack
Frame Type
A good cheap hiking backpack may have an internal frame, depending on the capacity. Larger capacities like 55 liters or larger are better with an internal frame for support and structure. The internal frame will be a solid structure placed in the back of the bag, which keeps it from folding in on itself with the weight of your gear. However, if you are using a budget camping hiking backpack that is 35 liters or smaller, it may be frameless.
Frameless backpacks are better for day hiking and short trips because they reduce the weight of the bag. An internal frame will weigh more than a frameless backpack and is better for backpacking or multiple days on the trail.
Fit
For your comfort, the fit of your budget camping hiking backpack is an important consideration. The best budget backpacking pack will have adjustable features so that you can customize the fit of your bag. Areas that should be adjustable are the shoulder straps, waist belt, and chest strap.
Related Review: Adjustable Length Backpack
Features
The best budget backpacking pack will have multiple features to make it easier to use, comfortable, and functional. Some of the best features include multiple storage pockets, compression straps, and external storage systems. Budget hiking backpack reviews are a great resource to check on what features a backpack has and how useful they are, before you make a purchase.
Quality
A top rated budget backpacking pack should be made with quality materials and have a strong construction. The materials used in a best value backpack doesn’t mean that the cost has to drastically increase. Many synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are featured in a good cheap hiking backpack. Both nylon and polyester are durable fabrics that are resistant to wear and water so that your backpack will last for longer. You can use budget hiking backpack reviews to determine the quality of cheap outdoor backpacks before you make a purchase.
Cost
When you’re looking to stay on budget, the cost of inexpensive backpacks is important to consider. The best budget hiking backpack will be affordable, durable, and functional. All of the selections on our list are under $100 dollars, which means that they have great quality but come at an affordable cost.
The cost of a backpack will change depending on the size and features. A large budget camping hiking backpack will be more than a small cheap hiking backpack. You should consider the amount of gear you need to carry and purchase the correct sized backpack to keep the cost down.
Related Review: Hiking Backpacks Under 100
FAQs
Q: Are cheap backpacks less durable?
Q: What is the best material for a hiking backpack?
Q: Does lower price mean giving up on quality?
Globo Surf Overview
It can be a challenge when it comes to finding the best budget hiking backpack that balances cost and quality, but with our ten picks and guide it’s made easy. With our help, you can find the best value backpack that will help you to carry all your gear so that you stay safe on the trail. A top rated budget backpack pack should have the durability to keep you going on hikes throughout the years so that you can spend less time searching the stores and more time exploring the outdoors.
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Do you own one of the budget hiking backpacks that made it onto our list? Has it become your trail favorite? Let us know how much you value your budget hiking backpack in the comments section below.