Dreaming of hitting the trails but worried about the cost of a good backpack? You’re not alone! Many hikers want to explore nature without breaking the bank, and a quality backpack is essential for carrying all your gear. But when you look for hiking backpacks under $100, it feels like there are a million choices. How do you know which one is tough enough for your adventures and comfortable enough for long hikes?
Finding a backpack that’s both affordable and reliable can be a real challenge. You want something that won’t fall apart on your first trip, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune. This post is here to help! We’ve done the hard work for you.
By reading on, you’ll discover the best hiking backpacks you can snag for under $100. We’ll talk about what makes them great and how they can make your hikes more enjoyable. Get ready to find your perfect trail companion without emptying your wallet!
Our Top 5 Hiking Backpacks Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Hiking Backpacks Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. MIYCOO Backpack – Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel Camping
Rating: 9.3/10
The MIYCOO 45L Backpack is your new best friend for any adventure. This backpack is incredibly light, weighing even less than your phone. It folds up super small, fitting right into its own pocket, so you can take it anywhere. When you need it, it opens up to a big 45-liter bag, perfect for travel, camping, or hiking. It’s made to handle splashes and everyday wear and tear, with strong zippers and reinforced spots to keep it lasting a long time.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, almost weightless when packed away.
- The waterproof material protects your stuff from light rain and splashes (IPX4).
- Strong zippers and reinforced seams mean it won’t fall apart easily.
- It has a large 45L capacity with three main sections, including a special wet compartment.
- A survival whistle is included on the strap for safety during outdoor activities.
- It folds down really small, making it easy to stash in a suitcase or pocket.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s waterproof against splashes, it might not be suitable for heavy downpours.
- The “ultralight” focus means it might not have as much padding as a traditional heavy-duty hiking pack.
This MIYCOO backpack is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable, portable bag. It’s the perfect companion for when you need extra space without the bulk.
2. Maelstrom Hiking Backpack
Rating: 8.9/10
Gear up for your next adventure with the Maelstrom Hiking Backpack! This 40L blue daypack is designed for comfort and durability, making it your ideal companion for hiking, camping, and travel.
What We Like:
- Made from tough, rip-stop nylon fabric that resists water, tears, and scratches.
- Includes a free rain cover to keep your belongings dry in any weather.
- Padded back and adjustable shoulder straps offer great comfort and reduce strain.
- Chest buckle doubles as a survival whistle for emergencies.
- Lots of pockets, including a special wet pocket, help you stay organized.
- Reflective signs enhance safety during low-light conditions.
- Features for trekking poles and a headphone hole for music on the go.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and it fits airline size requirements.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the material is water-resistant, the zippers might not be fully waterproof, so using the rain cover is essential for heavy rain.
This backpack offers a fantastic blend of features for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a reliable and comfortable choice for all your explorations.
3. BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack for Men Women Foldable Packable Back Pack Ultralight Hiking Daypack for Travel Camping Outdoor
Rating: 9.2/10
The BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack in Beige is a great choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s a handy pack that’s perfect for a day out. This backpack is designed for both men and women and can be used for many different activities. It’s lightweight and can be folded up small, making it easy to carry when you’re not using it.
What We Like:
- It has a cool strap design with a special pocket for your phone on one side and a drawstring pocket on the other.
- The shoulder straps are made of mesh, so they are comfy and let air flow.
- The backpack is made from strong material that resists tears and scratches.
- It folds up easily into its own pocket, which is great for travel.
- There are lots of pockets to keep your things neat, including a special anti-theft pocket in the back.
- It has a chest strap that you can adjust to make sure the backpack stays put.
- The chest strap buckle also works as a whistle, which is a smart safety feature.
- It’s good for hiking, camping, traveling, and even just for daily use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 15L size might be a little small for longer trips where you need to pack a lot of gear.
This BECOJADDE backpack is a really useful and well-made bag for your adventures. It’s a versatile option that offers good organization and comfort for a variety of outdoor activities.
4. IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L Packable Lightweight Camping Backpack Men Women Waterproof Hiking Daypack Outdoor Travel Daypack
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready for your next adventure? The IGOLUMON Hiking Backpack 40L is a versatile and lightweight pack designed for both men and women. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a day hike, camping out, or traveling, this backpack is built to carry all your essentials comfortably and keep them dry.
What We Like:
- It offers a generous 40-liter capacity with plenty of pockets, including a special waterproof wet pocket to keep your damp items separate.
- This backpack is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 1 pound, and it folds up small for easy storage when not in use.
- The padded mesh shoulder straps and adjustable chest strap make it comfortable to wear, even on long journeys.
- Reflective signs on the backpack help you stay visible and safe at night.
- It has handy features like straps for trekking poles and webbing at the bottom for attaching extra gear like sleeping mats.
- The durable, tear-resistant, and waterproof nylon fabric with double metal zippers ensures it can handle tough conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a wet pocket, the overall waterproofing might not be enough for extreme downpours; consider using dry bags for extra protection.
- The “packable” nature means it’s designed for portability, so if you need a super rigid, structured pack, this might feel a bit softer.
This IGOLUMON backpack is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-packed daypack. It balances comfort, durability, and smart design for all your outdoor activities.
5. Lightweight Hydration Backpack
Rating: 9.4/10
Hit the trails or the dance floor with the NEVO RHINO Lightweight Hydration Backpack. This pack is designed for comfort and convenience, keeping you hydrated and organized on all your adventures. Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or enjoying a music festival, this backpack has you covered.
What We Like:
- Super lightweight at just 8.5 oz, you’ll barely notice it’s there.
- The 2L water bladder is made from safe, BPA-free material and has a leakproof bite valve.
- You can adjust the shoulder and chest straps for a perfect, comfortable fit.
- It’s made from tough, waterproof fabric that can hold up to 25 lbs.
- Thoughtful pockets keep your essentials like your phone, keys, and even a small umbrella handy.
- It’s versatile and great for many outdoor activities and events.
- NEVO RHINO offers a 1-year replacement service for quality issues and lifetime customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the main compartment holds the bladder, additional larger storage might be desired for longer trips.
- The description doesn’t specify the exact dimensions of the backpack itself.
This hydration backpack is a reliable and comfortable companion for anyone who loves to stay active outdoors. Its smart design ensures you can focus on your activity, not on your gear.
Conquer the Trails Without Breaking the Bank: Your Guide to Hiking Backpacks Under $100
Finding a great hiking backpack doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can score a reliable and comfortable pack for under $100 that will serve you well on many adventures. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a hiking backpack under $100, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity (Volume): This is how much stuff your backpack can hold. It’s measured in liters.
- Day Hikes (10-30 liters): Good for carrying water, snacks, a light jacket, and essentials for a few hours on the trail.
- Overnight/Weekend Trips (30-50 liters): You’ll need more space for a sleeping bag, tent, more food, and extra clothing.
- Multi-Day Trips (50+ liters): These are larger packs for longer adventures. For under $100, you’ll likely find excellent options in the day hike to overnight range.
- Comfort and Fit: This is super important!
- Padded Shoulder Straps: Soft straps prevent digging into your shoulders.
- Padded Hip Belt: This belt takes most of the weight off your shoulders and transfers it to your hips. Look for one that’s comfortable and adjustable.
- Adjustable Torso Length: Some packs let you adjust how high or low the straps sit on your back for a better fit.
- Back Panel Ventilation: Mesh or air channels on the back panel help keep you cool by allowing air to flow.
- Organization and Pockets:
- Main Compartment: The biggest section for your gear.
- Front Pocket/Shove-it Pocket: Great for quickly stashing a rain jacket or map.
- Side Pockets: Perfect for water bottles.
- Lid Pocket: Usually on the top, good for smaller items you need easy access to.
- Internal Pockets: Help keep your gear tidy.
- Durability: You want a backpack that can handle the wear and tear of the outdoors.
- Water Resistance: While not fully waterproof, many packs have water-resistant coatings to protect your gear from light rain.
Important Materials
The materials used in a backpack greatly affect its durability and weight. For packs under $100, you’ll commonly find:
- Nylon: A strong and durable synthetic fabric. It’s often coated to make it water-resistant. Ripstop nylon is even better as it has a special weave that stops small tears from spreading.
- Polyester: Another synthetic fabric that is also durable and somewhat water-resistant. It’s often a bit less expensive than nylon.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a backpack great or not so great, even at a lower price point.
- Improved Quality:
- Sturdy Zippers: Good zippers are smooth to open and close and don’t snag. Look for brands that use reliable zipper types.
- Reinforced Stitching: Stronger stitching, especially at stress points like strap attachments, means the pack will last longer.
- Good Buckles and Adjustments: Easy-to-use and durable buckles and adjustment straps make a big difference.
- Well-Designed Suspension System: This refers to how the straps and hip belt are set up to carry weight comfortably.
- Reduced Quality:
- Flimsy Fabric: Thin, easily torn material won’t hold up to rough use.
- Weak Zippers: Zippers that stick, break, or have small pull tabs can be frustrating.
- Poorly Padded Straps/Hip Belt: If the padding is thin or uneven, the pack won’t be comfortable to wear for long periods.
- Lack of Adjustable Features: A pack that doesn’t fit your body well will be uncomfortable.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good hiking backpack under $100 can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.
- Day Hikes: This is where many budget-friendly packs truly shine. They’re perfect for carrying your water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a light layer of clothing for a few hours in nature. You can easily pack everything you need for a comfortable day out.
- Casual Outdoor Activities: These packs are also great for trips to the park, picnics, or even as a durable everyday bag for school or work.
- Beginner Backpacking: If you’re just starting out with overnight trips, a well-chosen pack under $100 can be a fantastic entry point. You can carry your essentials for a night or two in the wilderness.
- Travel: Many people find these packs useful for travel, as they offer good storage and are easy to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying a hiking backpack under $100?
A: Comfort and fit are the most important. A pack that doesn’t fit well will be uncomfortable, no matter how many features it has.
Q: How much capacity do I need for a day hike?
A: For a day hike, a backpack between 10 and 30 liters is usually sufficient.
Q: Can I use a backpack under $100 for overnight trips?
A: Yes, many backpacks in the 30-50 liter range under $100 are suitable for overnight or weekend trips.
Q: What does “liters” mean for backpack capacity?
A: Liters measure how much volume or space the backpack has inside.
Q: Is ripstop nylon better than regular nylon?
A: Yes, ripstop nylon has a special weave that helps prevent tears from spreading, making it more durable.
Q: What are padded hip belts for?
A: Padded hip belts help transfer the weight of the backpack from your shoulders to your hips, making it more comfortable to carry.
Q: How can I tell if a backpack is well-made?
A: Look for sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and comfortable padding on the straps and hip belt.
Q: Are backpacks under $100 waterproof?
A: Most are water-resistant, meaning they can handle light rain, but they are not fully waterproof. Consider using a rain cover for heavy rain.
Q: What kind of pockets should I look for?
A: Look for a main compartment, side pockets for water bottles, and a lid pocket for easy access to small items.
Q: How do I ensure the backpack fits my torso?
A: If possible, try the backpack on. Some packs have adjustable torso lengths, which is a great feature for a better fit.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.