Best Hiking Backpack Under $100 Review & Buying Guide OF 2023
There are many different brands and types of hiking backpacks available. They come in a range of sizes, styles and with varying features. What determines the best backpack for hiking is the one that meets your individual needs the closest. We've reviewed twelve of the top-rated backpacks that are recommended by hikers for hikers. Here you'll find everything you need to know about them along with useful tips that tell you what to look for. Here is a list of top 12 best Hiking Backpack Under $100 for 2023.
Top 12 Best Hiking Backpack Under $100
Review Of The Best Hiking Backpack Under $100
The Venture Pal Lightweight Packable is one of my favorite backpacks for light hikes and day hiking. It's one of the most lightweight backpacks I've ever owned and it is moderately durable when used as recommended.
Light to carry
The bag is remarkably light before filling with your hiking essentials. The total weight is just 0.7 lbs.
Water resistant
It's resistant to moisture so if you're hiking in the rain, the contents of the bag will be protected from moisture damage.
Double layer bottom
The bottom of the bag is reinforced for extra strength which makes it more resistant to tears and rips from excess weight or friction from the contents shifting when you're hiking.
Comfortable
This backpack is comfortable to carry because of the mesh shoulder straps that let air flow in. This helps to prevent sweat from forming. There is enough padding to protect your shoulders from rubbing and irritation.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This backpack is great for taking light hikes. It is durable when used as recommended, but you shouldn't go with this option if you're taking a trip that requires packing a lot of heavy equipment. The bag is best for light use. The warranty on this bag is exceptional though. It comes with a lifetime guarantee of quality.
The Outlander Ultra Lightweight is one of my favorites because it's rugged and durable for heavier duty use. It has a strong and sturdy construction that makes it an ideal choice for overnight hikes or longer. It's very light to carry and there are multiple compartments and pockets for great organization.
Compact
When the backpack isn't in use it folds up into a small size that can fit inside a large pocket.
Lightweiggt
It'ss one of the lightest packs on the market today weighing just .46 pounds. That's less than a half pound empty weight.
Roomy
This backpack will hold between 20 to 33 liters of weight. There are several pockets and compartments to separate and organize items, plus a large main space for storing larger items.
Carabiner Clip included
This is a nice bonus feature. The carabiner clip lets you attach things to the backpack to make it easier to carry more essentials.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
Outlander Ultra Lightweight backpack is the cheapest backpack under $50. This is an amazingly strong and light backpack for hiking. Although some users had issues with the lining, most gave it high ratings for strength and durability. Overall, it comes highly recommended for modern heavy-duty use.
The Teton Sports is far from being a basic backpack. It's loaded with useful features in a deluxe backpack that is heavy duty, strong, durable and dependable.
Extra large capacity
This backpack offers enough room to hold a week's worth of provisions for extended hiking trips. The interior provides you with 200 cubic inches of space.
Adjustable
You can customize the position of the pack with a torso adjustment that offers multi-positioning. It easily adjusts to fit a large range of body sizes from small to large.
Comfortable
A cell foam lumbar pad makes this pack ultra comfortable to carry. It features molded channels that allow great airflow to prevent perspiration.
Sleeping bag compartment
The special sleeping bag compartment is the perfect size for carrying a sleeping bag in addition to all of your other long trip hiking essentials.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is the ultimate backpack for long hiking trips. It's strong, sturdy, spacious and loaded with useful features. It's one of the heavier packs in our collection, but it's more of a trade-off for high dependability in a high-performance pro hiking backpack. We don't recommend it for short day hikes, but it's totally awesome for anything from overnight trips to week-long excursions.
This hiking backpack is made for high-performance and offers deluxe features for serious outdoor excursions. It's one of the most versatile backpacks available on the market today and one of the top sellers for the brand.
Internal frame
The internal frame gives this pack a sturdy design for sustaining a heavy load and distributing the weight evenly for greater ease of carrying.
Versatile and spacious
The interior offers 4,000 cubic inches of room for one of the largest capacity backpacks available.
Comfortable
Fully customizable straps let you adjust the way you carry the backpack for the perfect level of comfort.
High Quality
Strong materials and sewn together with reinforcements at the pressure points to make this backpack highly reliable so it won't fail you when you need it the most.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This hiking backpack is best suited for experienced hikers who are used to carrying a heavy load. It's a deluxe model for high-performance use that is packed with great features for carrying multiple days' supplies. It's comfortable and fully adjustable but not the best choice for day hiking.
The Mountaintop Internal Frame Backpack is ideal for long hikes when you need a dependable and high performing pack to carry multiple days worth of provisions.
Heavy-duty materials
The materials used to make this pack are strong and it's designed to hold up under a heavy load. The YKK zippers open and close smoothly and are resistant to breakage.
Extra large capacity
The interior of the pack will hold up to 65 liters of provisions. You can pack a week's worth of supplies easily, plus personal items.
Buckle closures
In addition to strong zipper closures, buckle closures give you alternative storage areas that are easier to access with a single hand.
Water resistant
This backpack is ideal for hiking in misty or rainy days because the waterproofing keeps the contents inside dry.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is an ideal backpack for hikers who like the framed styling. It's not the preferred style for all hikers and it may be too heavy for persons with a lighter frame or limited stamina but it is great for seasoned hikers who like to carry all necessities on their backs.
The Wasing 55L is a deluxe hikers backpack that is designed for mountaineering adventures.It is packed with features that make it the ideal choice when reliability matters.
Internal zippered divider
The compartment is good for securing items separately and it allows fast access to the divided bottom portion of the backpack.
Water-resistant
This pack is great for all weather use because it keeps the contents dry when its misty or rainy outside.
Comfortable
The molded foam back panel adds comfort and prevents abrasions from backpack rub. There's extra padding to prevent items on the inside from irritating your back.
Breathable
Airflow channels built into the back panel help to keep your back cooler and they help prevent perspiration.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is one of the most versatile hiking backpacks available. It's strong for heavy-duty use and it's fully adjustable to fit any body style. It's ideal for extreme backpacking if you're used to hiking and have a high level of stamina. It's not recommended for novice hikers or for light day hikes because of the weight. If you're into extreme hiking, we highly recommend this as our top pick.
This is a tactical military molle rucksack type backpack that is an ideal solution for hiking, camping or traveling. It comes with a rain cover and a high-quality closure system. Intended for serious hikers, campers and survival situations.
Molle webbing feature
This deluxe feature is hard to find on the average hiking backpack. It allows you to hang a variety of tools, poles, sleeping bags, tents and other items for heavy-duty preparation.
Heavy duty construction
Strong and durable materials with heavy-duty construction make this backpack highly reliable and suitable for survival and mountaineering hiking excursions.
Hydration compartment
A built-in hydration compartment is large enough to hold a water bladder of up to five liters for extreme hiking and long-term treks.
Extra large size
This tactical pack can hold up to 65 liters of provisions and has additional accessories for suspending items from the pack.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is the perfect hiking backpack for survival situations, extreme hiking and long camping trips where access to the camp spot is by foot. The pack holds enough provisions for several days and the Molle webbing makes it possible to suspend additional camping essentials from the pack for comfort at the camping site. The only real drawback is that this pack is heavy and it's intended for more extreme hiking situations.
This is the perfect solution for camping in rainy conditions when access to the site is by foot only. It comes with its own rain cover to offer extra protection from rainy or misty environments.
Spacious interior
This backpack can hold up to 50 liters of provisions which is enough for a 3 to 4-day trip.
Comfortable
The padded back and shoulder straps prevent irritation on longer hikes and protect your skin from abrasions.
Versatile
The pack can be used for outdoor hiking but it's also a size that meets the regulations for airline travel.
Waterproof
Ideal for use in wet weather conditions. It's not only waterproof but it also comes with a rain cover for extra protection from wet climates.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is one of the best choices for use in wet weather conditions. It's perfect for use in climates that have high humidity, rain or mist because it features a waterproofing system that is superior to most other hiking backpacks. It's a little on the heavy side but if the weight is distributed well, this should help.
The G4Free is a medium capacity backpack that is ideal for light to moderate traveling and hiking trips. Its light weight reduces the burden and its compact size make it easy to store when it's not in use.
Large capacity
The 40-liter storage space is ideal for carrying a small hammock, clothing, a towel and a 1 to a 2-day store of provisions for light hiking and camping.
Lightweight
The total weight of this backpack when empty is just 12.7 ounces. It's less than a pound and it is more comfortable to carry than some of the other heavier or bulkier backpacks.
Durable
The materials used to make the pack are durable and strong nylon that is resistant to tearing and fraying.
Comfortable
Padding in the shoulder straps makes it more comfortable to carry and it helps to prevent irritation from rubbing.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This backpack is recommended for light to moderate hiking trips that don't require the maximum space for longer trips. It's best for light trips of one or two days at the maximum. It shouldn't be packed too tightly or it can stress the nylon materials. It is strong when used for light to moderate hiking conditions.
The Teton Sports Hiker 3700 offers ultralight comfort with a strong construction in a backpack that is suitable for a variety of travel situations.
Waterproof
The backpack is waterproofed and it also comes with a sewn in rain cover for extra protection from the elements.
All-purpose pack
This backpack is light enough to use on day trips and big enough for extended hikes of several days.
Spacious interior
The Teton Sports offers enough room for up to 4 days worth of provisions and gear for long hiking, camping and traveling adventures.
Lightweight
This pack is ultra light in weight so it won't create a burden on extended hikes.
Comfortable
The innovative design provides a split waist belt with thick padding and bottom hip adjustments so you can achieve the perfect fit.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is the best budget hiking backpack for moderate duty trips. It's among the lightest for its size. Although some of these packs have had buckle failures, the majority of users report no issues. It's great for traveling, hiking camping and a good choice for men, women and youth because of its adjustable sizing.
This is a large capacitys hiking backpack with plenty room to carry gear and provisions for up to 4 days. It's fully waterproof and the ideal camping companion.
Waterproof
The backpack is treated with waterproofing to keep out moisture in wet and damp weather conditions. It also comes with a rain cover for extra protection when the weather is foul.
Fully adjustable
Six adjustable straps make this backpack suitable for most body sizes and shapes. You can also hand a mat, hammock, tripod, sleeping bag or other gear from the straps.
Hydration compartment
The hydration compartment can hold a water bladder for hydration.
Comfortable
An adjustable hip belt lets to adjust the pack to achieve the ideal fit
Versatile configuration
This pack can be used for hikers, campers, backpackers or students because there is a built-in compartment that will hold a laptop up to 17 inches.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This is the best weekend hiking backpack in the market. It's medium duty in construction making it ideal for day or overnight hiking trips. It's versatile enough to use for traveling, hiking, camping or for the classroom. It's not extremely heavy duty so care should be taken to avoid overpacking.
The Hikpro 20 liter is the perfect light duty backpack for day hiking for men, women and youth. It's light and water resistant and large enough to hold provisions and personal items for nice day hike in the mountains.
Water-resistant
This pack is resistant to water and suitable for use in moist, misty or light rain conditions. It keeps the contents dry when the weather is wet.
Lightweight
This backpack reduces fatigue with lightweight materials and construction that weighs a total of 7.5 ounces when empty.
Breathable mesh
The sholder straps are made of breathable mesh material for good ventilation that helps to keep your body cool when you're hiking in warm weather.
Comfortable
Light padding in the straps prevent rubbing or irritation of the skin and the extra width of the straps distributes the weight evenly.
What we liked
What we didn't like
Final Verdict
This pack is ideal for day hikes and light traveling. Its one of the lightest packs available. As long as care is taken not to pack too tightly or heavily, the materials hold up well. It's not a particularly versatile backpack but it's ideal when you need a light and comfortable backpack for light use.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Hiking Backpack Under $100
There are some important considerations to make before you go out and buy a hiking backpack. These are the tips that will help you to know what to look for before you shop.
Types of Hiking Backpack
There are different types of hiking backpacks in the market. But hiker or traveler must be select their bag based on hiking duration.
Size
Size matters. If your backpack is too large it may overwhelm you and cause you to carry extra weight that is unnecessary. It should be a size that is comfortable for your body size to carry. If it is too small, you won't have room to pack everything you'll need for your trip.
The first thing to do in figuring out the best size is figured out how many days you'll be gone, how much food you'll need to pack and so forth. Once you make a detailed list of the essential hiking gear and equipment you'll be taking along, including food, a backpacking tent and warm clothing, you'll have a better idea of the size that you'll need.
Weight
The ideal backpack will be as light in weight as possible. Heavy backpacks can become a burden quickly. Choose a backpack that is made of the most lightweight materials possible. Most hiking backpacks advertise their total weight which makes it easier to find the weight before you add contents. This will help to make your hike more enjoyable.
Quality/Durability
A cheap backpack that is made of poor quality materials may be very light but that doesn't mean that it's a good deal. It's very important to have a backpack that is made of strong and durable materials. It should be well constructed and sturdily built. A cheap backpack that tears when you're miles away from civilization could cause a dangerous or at least miserable situation for you.
Special Features
Backpacks come with a range of special features and designs. Some offer back support, others have special configurations for the pockets and so forth. The features are the things that make them different. Some have frames to carry a heavier load and make them stronger and others have a combination of the supportive shoulder or belly straps. Choose the hiking backpack with the features that you will find the most useful.
Why Are Hiking Backpacks Important?
When you're hiking in the wilderness, your backpack is essential equipment. It will hold everything that you need to carry with you. Your safety and comfort depend on the contents of your backpack. You need one that is dependable and will be large enough to carry all of the things you could possibly need for your trip. Your backpack will contain your food, sleeping gear, warm clothing, cooking gear, first aid kit, and other necessary items. This is why it is so important for you to choose the right one.
Final Verdict
These are the 12 best hiking backpacks on the market today. Each comes packed with features that make them unique. Some are intended for heavy-duty hiking situations and mountaineering or survival situations. Others are intended for moderate use for trips of up to 2 to three days while others in our review are intended to be very light and comfortable to carry for day use when you don't need to carry a lot.
We've given you a broad range of styles, brands and types to choose from. We encourage you to take your time and browse through our recommendations to find the perfect backpack to meet your needs.
