As someone who went on her first multi day hike in the Himalayas with a heavy backpack, I understand that backpacks can make a mountain of a difference. Pun intended! In all seriousness, it’s not just about carrying your essentials—it’s about comfort, durability, and organization. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and expertise to help you find the best hiking backpack under 100 USD. These backpacks offer exceptional quality and value without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Picks: Best Hiking Backpacks under 100
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Hiking Backpack
Capacity
Opt for a size that matches the length of your hikes and accommodates your gear requirements.
Fit and Comfort
Prioritize adjustable straps, padded hip belts, and a ventilated back panel for a comfortable fit.
Weight
Choose a lightweight design for reduced strain during your hike without compromising on durability.
Durability
Look for reinforced seams, robust zippers, and weather-resistant materials for longevity in challenging conditions.
Accessibility
Select a backpack with multiple compartments and easy-access pockets for efficient gear organization.
Ventilation
Ensure airflow with mesh back panels or ventilation systems to prevent discomfort from a sweaty back.
Weather Resistance
Consider a backpack with a rain cover or water-resistant coating for protection in diverse weather conditions.
Compression Straps
Opt for stability and load balance with compression straps that also reduce volume when the pack isn’t full.
Hydration Compatibility
Choose a backpack with a hydration reservoir sleeve or dedicated compartment for easy access to water during your hike.
Budget
Set a realistic budget based on your needs, as quality hiking backpacks are available at various price points.
Brand Reputation
Consider backpacks from reputable outdoor brands known for their quality and durability, and read reviews for real-world feedback.
8 Best Hiking Backpack Under 100 USD
TETON Sports Explorer
- Dimension: 18 x 32 x 12 inches
- Item Weight: 5 Pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 65L, 75L, 85L
The TETON Sports Scout Internal Frame Backpack stands out as an award-winning and best-selling choice on Amazon, offering a feature-rich design at an affordable price. With a pocket for hydration, custom comfort is a priority, featuring a multi-position torso adjustment suitable for both small and tall users. The durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels ensure maximum comfort and airflow, making it an excellent backpack for both men and women.
Thousands of 5-star reviews speak to its exceptional quality and design, highlighting features such as a large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, and numerous compartments and pockets, providing a designated place for everything.
This backpack is a crowd favorite, thanks to its generous capacity, adjustable suspension, and durable construction. It also comes with a rainfly to keep your gear dry during unpredictable weather conditions.
What I like:
✔ Comfortable and durable backpack
✔ Affordable
✔ Included rain cover
✔ Lots of pockets
✔ Suitable for beginner or experienced hiker
What I dislike:
✘ Hieght adjustment on the shoulder strap could be improved
✘ Not many color choices in the 75L and 85L bags
Osprey Hikelite 18L Unisex Hiking Backpack
- Dimension: 10 x 18 x 11 inches
- Item Weight: 1.49 pounds
- Capacity: 18L
The Osprey Hikelite 18L Hiking Backpack is a lightweight and feature-rich option for budget-conscious hikers.
Its practical design includes a trekking pole attachment with an upper compression strap capture, providing a secure and convenient way to carry trekking poles. The scratch-resistant organization pocket is a thoughtful addition, offering a dedicated space for sunglasses and electronics, keeping them protected and easily accessible. The upper side compression straps further enhance the backpack’s functionality, allowing for customizable compression and organization of gear.
With Osprey’s reputation for quality and innovation, this backpack offers practical features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking a reliable backpack under USD 100.
What I like:
✔ Extremely lightweight bag
✔ Trustworthy brand
✔ Trekking pole attachment
✔ Ventilated airspeed backpanel
✔ Integrated rain cover
What I dislike:
✘ Not as comfortable as larger backpacks from the same brand
✘ Only preferred for day hikes
Mountaintop 40L Hiking Backpack
- Dimension: 21.65 x 12.99 x 7.87 inches
- Item Weight: 2.1 Pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 40L
The MOUNTAINTOP 40L Hiking Backpack is a durable and versatile companion for weekend getaways and three-day excursions. Crafted from tear and water-resistant polyester fabric, this backpack boasts rugged good looks, making it an excellent choice for hikers, hunters, and fishermen. It offers ample storage space with multiple pockets and compartments, including a large main compartment suitable for a 15.6” laptop. The built-in rain cover in the bottom pocket ensures gear stays dry in any weather.
Comfort is a priority, featuring breathable mesh padding and a ventilated back system to prevent unwanted sweat during warmer temperatures. The well-thought-out details include a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets, and compression belts for trekking poles, sleeping bags, tents, and other camping essentials. This backpack is not only an ideal outdoor companion but also a great gift with various color options to suit different preferences.
What I like:
✔ Compact yet spacious
✔ Lightweight
✔ Rain cover included
✔ Durable and quality backpack
What I dislike:
✘ Only 2 tiny outer pockets
✘ The top two straps are adjustable, but it’s very difficult to remove them from the buckle.
✘ Only suitable for short hiking trips
Maelstrom 40L Hiking Backpack
- Dimension: 8.86 x 12.99 x 23.62 inches
- Item Weight: 2.18 Pounds
- Material: 210D Nylon fabric
- Capacity: 40L
The Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted from high-quality rip-stop 210d nylon, it’s water-resistant and durable. The ergonomic design ensures comfort with padded straps, an ergonomic ring handle, and an adjustable chest buckle.
With a 40L capacity and various compartments, including a waterproof pocket, it offers efficient storage. Unique features include reflective signs for safety, trekking stick storage, a headphone hole, and a water bag system. Lightweight and breathable, it’s suitable for travel, camping, and hiking, meeting airline size requirements. An affordable yet reliable option for both men and women.
What I like:
✔ Budget-friendly backpack
✔ Lightweight
✔ Included rain cover
✔ Compact yet spacious
✔ Lots of pockets
✔ Suitable for beginner or experienced hiker
What I dislike:
✘ Waist size matters for long hike comfort.
✘ Decent quality – may not be super durable
G4Free 45L Hiking Travel Backpack
- Dimension: 15.35 x 8.66 x 24.02 inches
- Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Material: Nylon
- Capacity: 45L
The G4Free 45L Hiking Backpack stands out as a versatile and functional choice for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. Featuring multiple compartments, including one main zipped compartment, 2 zipped front pockets, 1 unzipped middle pocket, 2 side pockets, and 1 bottom pocket with a rain cover, this backpack offers ample storage and organization options. The main compartment is spacious enough for travel essentials, and the water bladder exit on top adds convenience (Water Bladder NOT INCLUDED).
With 9 adjustable straps, it provides versatility for tying up or hanging various gears like a sleeping bag, mat, hammock, tripod, or climbing stick. Lightweight at 2.2lb and roomy at 45L, this backpack is equipped with three front zipped pockets, expansible meshes for water bottles and umbrellas, making it a must-have for any trip. The 2cm thick padded back and shoulder straps, along with breathable mesh, guarantee a comfortable fit and stress relief during outdoor adventures.
What I like:
✔ Great quality for the price
✔ Lightweight
✔ Rain cover included
✔ Lot of pockets and compartments
✔ Can be used as a day pack or for a few days of travel
What I dislike:
✘ Not a rugged as other heavy duty bags on this list
✘ Hip belt pockets are small
✘ The hip pads are not adjustable in height from the top straps so may not be suitable for tall people
Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack
- Dimension: 6 x 11 x 25 inches
- Item Weight: 1 Pounds
- Material: Nylon
- Capacity: 40L
The Venture Pal 40L Hiking Backpack stands out for its upgraded and user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The addition of a waterproof wet pocket in the main compartment, accessible through a back zipper, allows for easy separation of sweaty clothes or personal items after swimming or exercise. Constructed from high-quality tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, featuring heavy-duty metal zippers and reinforced stress points, this backpack ensures long-lasting durability against daily activities.
Weighing only 1 pound, it is compact and easily foldable into its own pocket for convenient storage and unfolds when needed. The breathable mesh shoulder straps with ample sponge padding provide comfort, and the chest clip with a whistle buckle ensures weight distribution, keeping the pack steady and centered. With a large 40L storage capacity and a multi-compartment design, including a main zipped compartment, front pockets, and side pockets, this backpack offers ample space for organizing essentials. The separator and small zippered pocket in the main compartment add further convenience for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, making it a must-have for sports, hiking, and camping adventures.
What I like:
✔ Great quality for the price
✔ Incredibly lightweight
✔ Ample storage space
✔ Lot of pockets and compartments
✔ Affordable
What I dislike:
✘ Padded back panel doesn’t have ventilation so back could be sweaty
✘ Not for serious backpacking
✘ No adjustable waist belt to help distribute weight better
N NEVO RHINO 50L Hiking Backpack
- Dimension: 12.6 * 7.8 * 25.6 inches
- Item Weight: 2.9 Pounds
- Material: Nylon
- Capacity: 50L, 60L
The N NEVO RHINO Waterproof Hiking Backpack is a top-notch choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and feature-rich backpack under $100. With an upgraded design of 50L capacity, the adjustable top cover ensures optimal positioning when packing, and the front bungee pocket allows bundling of a wet towel or thin jacket.
The main pocket features a closed drawstring design, and there’s an interior pouch for a water bladder, along with various small pockets for carry-on items. The backpack prioritizes comfort with breathable mesh shoulder straps, ample sponge padding, and ergonomic S-type shoulder straps for optimal ventilation and reduced burden during travel. The thoughtful design includes multiple compartments, side mesh pockets, waist pockets, and a compartment for a sleeping bag.
With a commitment to customer satisfaction, N NEVO RHINO offers replacement services for quality issues within one year and lifetime customer service, ensuring peace of mind for outdoor adventures.
What I like:
✔ Affordable and value for money
✔ Whistle on the chest strap
✔ Included rain cover
✔ Sleeping bag and water bag compartments, lots of pockets
✔ Suitable for long periods of hiking (over a week)
What I dislike:
✘ Straps might be too big for someone who is petite
deuter Speed Lite 25L Backpack
- Dimension: 21.65 x 11.42 x 7.48 inches
- Item Weight: 710 grams
- Material: 100% recycled materials
- Capacity: 25L
The deuter Speed Lite Unisex Hiking Backpack stands out as a lightweight and eco-friendly option for hiking enthusiasts on a budget. Weighing a mere 710 grams, this backpack prioritizes comfort without sacrificing functionality. Equipped with side compression straps, it allows for optimal compression or secure equipment attachment, ensuring a streamlined and organized hiking experience. The backpack is hydration system-ready, accommodating the deuter Streamer 3.0 (not included), making it convenient for staying hydrated on the go.
A zippered pocket on the shoulder strap adds practicality, providing easy access to essentials like smartphones, GPS devices, or snack bars. Moreover, the backpack’s main material is crafted from 100% recycled materials and is bluedesign certified, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The deuter Speed Lite Unisex Hiking Backpack is a testament to the fusion of lightweight design, functionality, and eco-conscious practices, making it a valuable choice for budget-conscious hikers.
What I like:
✔ Extremely lightweight bag
✔ Good brand value
✔ Shoulder strap pockets
✔ Bag made of eco-friendly material
What I dislike:
✘ Only suitable for day hikes or short duration hikes as the capacity is relatively less
✘ No integrated rain cover
✘ No internal pockets
Conclusion
Finding the perfect hiking backpack doesn’t have to break the bank. This list of the best hiking backpacks under $100 on Amazon.com combines affordability, quality, and functionality. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just getting started, these backpacks will enhance your outdoor adventures while keeping your gear organized and secure. Happy hiking!
