Best Budget Hiking Backpack

BEST BUDGET HIKING BACKPACK – Want To Pack In A Budget Getaway?

By ANNIE RITCHIE / August 12, 2022

Cracking Choice is reader-supported and thanks to your clicks (at no extra cost to you) we may earn a small commission on qualifying links. Learn more here.

We can’t all have extravagant vacations can we?

Hiking can be an excellent way to spend leisure time without breaking the bank. With the right gear, you can hike all day and camp under the stars for far less than a hotel stay will cost you.

If you know what to look for, finding the right backpack doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. You can go on that hiking adventure after all.

How We Uncover The Best For You

We know that finding the perfect backpack is essential to any successful hike. We also know that if you are on a budget it can be a daunting task to find one.

We have done the research and calling on our experience, we have chosen a selection for you that won’t break the bank. You’re sure to find the perfect backpack for your next outdoor adventure. Check out our selection of budget hiking backpacks and soon you will on your way!


Best For Half Day Trips

Osprey Hikelite Hiking Backpack – A Cracking Choice For A Half-Day Hike

We Chose This Because

Things We Love

If you’re looking for a great hiking backpack, the Osprey Hikelite is a great choice. It’s designed incredibly well, with features like breathable side vents and a chest strap that help make it comfortable to carry. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great option for shorter hiking assignments. Plus, the convenient rain cover helps keep your contents and backpack dry in case of bad weather.

Things To Know

The Osprey hiking backpack is a great option for those looking for a durable and well-made pack. It features 18L of storage, a 3-liter hydration pack facility, and mesh side pockets for additional water bottles or snacks.

Additionally, the pack has a scratch-resistant pocket for more valuable items like phones. The nylon construction is very tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for hiking or any other outdoor activity.


Best For Day Trips

Kelty Redwing Backpack – A Cracking Choice For All Day Hikes

We Chose This Because

Things We Love

The Kelty Redwing Backpack is a great choice for day trips hiking and fishing, or for any other outdoor adventure. With a capacity of 36L and a weight of 2lb 9oz, it’s perfect for carrying all the essentials without being too bulky or heavy.

The backpack features a perimeter frame for stability, side compression straps to help balance the load, and padded waist and chest straps for a comfortable fit. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain trail or just exploring your local park, the Kelty Redwing Backpack will help ensure that you have a great time.

Things To Know

The Kelty Redwing backpack is a great choice for hiking and other outdoor activities. The backpack features a well-designed back ventilation panel that helps to keep you cool and comfortable while hiking.

The backpack also has a zippered top-loading or front-loading storage area, which is perfect for storing hiking gear. The backpack also features 2 zippered wing pockets, which are perfect for storing snacks and other small items.

Overall, the Kelty Redwing backpack is a great choice for day hikes and other outdoor activities.


Best For Comfort

Kelty Coyote Backpack – A Cracking Choice For A Comfortable Carry

We Chose This Because

Things We Love

The Kelty Coyote Backpack is a great option for hikers looking for a comfortable and stable pack. When hiking, it’s important to have a backpack that is comfortable and can properly distribute the weight. The Kelty Coyote Backpack is perfect for this with its perimeter-supporting frame design. The frame and straps help to keep the backpack in place while properly supporting the back.

Furthermore, the pack is adjustable to any torso, making it a very comfortable fit with good weight distribution options. There are also lots of adjustments for a comfortable fit. Overall, the Kelty Coyote Backpack is a great option for hiking because of its comfort and ability to distribute weight evenly.

Things To Know

Made of durable polyester material, this backpack is a great choice for hiking. At 4lb 10oz, it’s ultra-lightweight, making it easy to carry on long hikes. In addition to a sleeping bag compartment, this bag has 4 zippered pockets on the front and side for convenient storage.

The pockets are convenient to access, and make it easy to grab whatever you need while on the go. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the woods or a week-long hike, the backpack is up to the task. So if you’re looking for a pack that can handle all your hiking needs, the Kelty Coyote is a great option.


Best For Versatility

Gregory Mountain Products Stout Backpack – A Cracking Choice For A Versatile Backpack

We Chose This Because

Things We Love

If you’re looking for a hiking backpack that can handle all your gear, the Gregory Mountain Products Stout backpack is a great option. With a 60L capacity, it’s perfect for longer hikes or overnight trips.

The pack is top-loading, so you can easily access everything you need, and it also has mesh side pockets and zippable hip pockets for additional storage.

Plus, the rain cover will keep your bag dry in case of bad weather. Best of all, the Gregory Mountain Products Stout backpack comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident in its quality.

Things To Know

The Gregory Mountain Products Stout Backpack is a great backpack for hiking. It is lightweight, at only 3lb 9oz, and has an easily adjustable suspension system that ensures a comfortable and perfect fit for your adventure.

The ventilated back panel is also built for comfort and is great for sweat regulation when hiking, ensuring a great fit whilst hiking. Plus, the added bonus of an adjustable padded hip belt and an adjustable chest strap makes this backpack even more comfortable and functional. So, if you’re looking for a great backpack for hiking, the Gregory Mountain Products Stout Backpack is definitely worth checking out!


Best For Beginners

Osprey Rook Hiking Backpack – A Cracking Choice For Newby Hikers

We Chose This Because

Things We Love

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The Osprey Rook Hiking Backpack is a great option for those just starting out. It has a capacity of 65L and weighs just 3lb 8oz, making it lightweight and easy to carry.

The well-made pack is made of 600 denier material, making it sturdy and durable. It also comes with a rain cover for wet weather, so your belongings will stay dry.

The adjustable padded shoulder straps and grab handle make the backpack comfortable to wear, and there are no chafing or tender spots. The back panel is well-designed and provides great ventilation. So if you’re looking for a great value hiking backpack, the Osprey Rook is a great option.

Things To Know

The Osprey Rook hiking backpack is designed to transfer weight to your thighs and waist, making it easier to carry heavy loads. It features a wide and supportive hip belt with zippered pockets on each side, mesh side pockets for storing water bottles or other items, and a storage pocket in the top flap.

These hiking backpacks also have a convenient facility to hold a 3-liter hydration pack, as well as a floating floor divider for additional storage. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the Osprey Rook hiking backpack is an excellent choice for your next adventure.


Best Budget Hiking Backpack For You?

A Buyers Guide: Gearing up for a hike with limited funds means it’s important to make the right decisions, finding value for your money products, but being careful not to sacrifice quality along the way.

What Type Of Backpack Is Best For Hiking?

Backpacks are an essential piece of gear for anyone who loves hiking. But with so many different types and features on the market, it can be tough to know what to look for in a hiking backpack. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Use

How often do you plan to use the backpack? If you plan on using it frequently, you’ll want something that is comfortable and durable.

Consider how the backpack will fit your torso. A good hiking backpack should have adjustable torso length, suspension for great carrying comfort, back panel breathability, ergonomic shoulder straps, and padding and strap support.

What type of terrain will you be hiking on? If you will be hiking on rough terrain, you’ll want a backpack with thicker padding and stronger straps.

If you’re planning on hiking in rough terrain, you’ll need a backpack with a heavier and bigger frame. But if you’re going to be hiking on trails, look for a frameless and lightweight backpack.

And of course, it should be easily foldable into its own sack so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Size

What size do you need? You’ll want to find a backpack that is the right size for your body and for the amount of gear, you plan to pack.

Generous storage and expandable volume are also key features to look for in a hiking backpack. What is worth remembering is a sleeping bag compartment, rain cover or other forms of waterproofing, external storage options, hip belt and water bottle pockets.

Weight

How much does the backpack weigh? Heavier backpacks can be more difficult to carry, but they often have more features and can carry more gear.

Materials

Pay attention to the durability of the fabric and the quality of the zippers. You want a backpack that will last for years, so make sure to choose one made from high-quality materials. Ventilation functionality is also important, as are water resistance ratings.

Budget

What is your budget? You can find good quality hiking backpacks at a variety of price points