When it comes to hiking gear, finding the best balance between cost and quality is key—especially when it comes to backpacks. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone planning a day trip, having the right backpack can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Top 5 Best Hiking Backpacks that are both cheap and high-quality. Our team at HikingGearsReviews.com has reviewed these products, considering their real-world performance, expert analysis, and customer feedback to help you make the best choice.
Table of Contents
1. PAXLamb Backpack: Foldable, Ultra-Lightweight Daypack
Key Features:
- Weight: 0.2 lb
- Capacity: 20L
- Material: Ripstop polyester, water-resistant
- Best for: Day trips, light hiking, and travel
The PAXLamb Foldable Daypack is designed for minimalist hikers who prioritize lightness without compromising on functionality. At just 0.2 pounds, this pack is incredibly light, yet roomy enough to hold a 14” laptop, a change of clothes, snacks, and water. Despite its slim profile, the backpack’s ripstop material ensures durability, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a practical and cost-effective option.
Expert Opinion:
This backpack is ideal for travelers who want a versatile bag that folds up neatly when not in use. Perfect for short hikes and day trips, it shines as a secondary pack on longer excursions. Though some users have noted that the zippers and fabric can wear over time, most reviews suggest that this is a highly reliable product for the price.
Customer Review Highlight:
“I bought this for an overseas trip and was impressed by how sturdy it was for the price. Despite looking thin, the material has held up through multiple trips.” – Clint, Amazon Reviewer
Who is this for?
If you’re someone who prefers a compact, foldable bag for casual hikes or travels, this backpack is a great fit. It’s also perfect for people who travel light and need a convenient solution for short trips.
| Buy If | Don't Buy If |
|---|---|
| You prefer ultra-lightweight backpacks. | You need a large-capacity pack. |
| You value foldable and compact designs. | Durability is a top priority. |
| You hike for short trips or errands | You require heavy-duty outdoor gear. |
2. BROGEND Small Daypack: Perfect for Lightweight Travel
Key Features:
-
- Weight: 5.6 oz
- Capacity: 10L
- Material: Water and tear-resistant nylon
- Best for: Day hikes, concerts, festivals, and casual use
The BROGEND Small Daypack is a 10L pack that is both lightweight and functional. Whether you’re hiking or attending a music festival, this compact backpack is large enough to carry the essentials: water, sunscreen, a small jacket, and snacks. Its water and tear-resistant material ensures it can handle light outdoor use while remaining stylish.
Expert Opinion:
This pack is a good option for people who don’t need a lot of gear but want something lightweight and reliable. While it may not be big enough for overnight hikes, its size and weight make it a perfect daypack. It’s especially great for women and younger hikers due to its compact build.
Customer Review Highlight:
“For day hikes, this is the perfect backpack. It holds just what I need and doesn’t feel restrictive. It’s lightweight but seems durable enough for regular use.” – PDXTOM, Amazon Reviewer
Who is this for?
The BROGEND Daypack is perfect for those who want a small, easy-to-carry backpack for casual hikes, daily errands, or quick getaways. Its size makes it an excellent choice for children or minimalists.
| Buy If | Don't Buy If |
|---|---|
| You need a compact daypack. | You plan multi-day hikes or camping. |
| Lightweight and tear-resistant appeals. | You prefer multiple compartments. |
| It's for festivals, errands, or kids. | You need a backpack for rugged terrains. |
3. 20L Ultra-Light Foldable Backpack: For Quick, Easy Storage
Key Features:
- Weight: Lightweight, foldable
- Capacity: 20L
- Material: Tear and water-resistant nylon
- Best for: Travel, short hikes, biking, and daily activities
The Ultra-Light Foldable Backpack is designed for those who love convenience. Made from high-quality, tear-resistant nylon, this pack is incredibly lightweight, and its foldable design makes it easy to store away when not in use. The pack also features breathable shoulder straps for comfort, making it a great option for travelers and hikers alike.
Expert Opinion:
For those who need a pack that can be folded into the size of a sandwich, this is a winner. Though some users have mentioned the fabric can be thin, it still performs well in non-extreme conditions. If you’re traveling and want to avoid overpacking, this is the go-to backpack for its compact and lightweight nature.
Customer Review Highlight:
“I bought this for my trip to Japan and was pleasantly surprised by how much it could hold. It folds up super small, but still carries everything I need for a day out.” – Amazon Customer
Who is this for?
Perfect for casual hikers, travelers, or urban explorers, this backpack fits the needs of those who prefer a minimalist and portable option without compromising on storage.
| Buy If | Don't Buy If |
|---|---|
| You need a highly foldable design. | You carry heavy or sharp items. |
| Lightweight packs are your priority. | Durability in harsh conditions is essential. |
| You hike or travel light. | You prefer thicker, more padded straps. |
4. BAGPARKK 35L Hiking Backpack: Spacious Yet Lightweight
Key Features:
- Weight: 0.88 lbs
- Capacity: 35L
- Material: Water-resistant nylon
- Best for: Hiking, camping, long day trips
For hikers needing a little more space, the BAGPARKK 35L Backpack offers a larger capacity without adding bulk. Weighing under a pound, this backpack features multiple compartments, including inner and outer zippered pockets for valuables. The adjustable waist and chest straps add extra stability, while the breathable shoulder straps ensure comfort on longer hikes.
Expert Opinion:
This backpack is ideal for individuals who need more storage but don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy pack. The thoughtful design, including a built-in whistle and reflective strips, makes it a great choice for longer or more intense hikes. Some users feel it could use additional outer pockets, but for the price, it’s hard to beat the storage and comfort this pack offers.
Customer Review Highlight:
“I bought this for hiking Mount Fuji and it performed great. It carried everything I needed for a two-day trip without any issues.” – Greg Uyechi, Amazon Reviewer
Who is this for?
Ideal for longer hikes, camping, or multi-day trips, the BAGPARKK 35L is suited for adventurers who need a reliable, spacious backpack that won’t break the bank.
| Buy If | Don't Buy If |
|---|---|
| You need a spacious, lightweight pack. | You prefer a smaller or compact backpack. |
| You hike or camp for extended periods | Extra outer pockets are a must for you. |
| Adjustable straps and comfort matter. | Durability concerns over zippers worry you. |
5. PAXLamb 25L Foldable Backpack: Lightweight, Waterproof, and Durable
Key Features:
- Weight: 0.2 lb
- Capacity: 25L
- Material: Ripstop, water-resistant polyester
- Best for: Day hikes, city trips, and casual adventures
The PAXLamb 25L Foldable Backpack offers an excellent balance of size and portability. With its 25L capacity, it can handle everything from water bottles to extra clothing and electronics. Its water-resistant material makes it a great choice for various weather conditions, and its ability to fold into a compact size ensures it can be stowed away when not in use.
Expert Opinion:
This backpack’s foldable design makes it a versatile option for those who need a reliable daypack. Although some users have mentioned the zippers could be sturdier, its waterproof feature and size make it a solid choice for outdoor excursions or even city use.
Customer Review Highlight:
“I used this on a trip to an amusement park, and it kept my belongings dry even on the water rides!” – Theresa, Amazon Reviewer
Who is this for?
This is a perfect pick for those who need a lightweight yet functional backpack for day hikes or city explorations. It’s great for people who want something easy to store but with enough space for day-trip essentials.
| Buy If | Don't Buy If |
|---|---|
| You value waterproof material. | You need a heavy-duty, long-term pack. |
| You want a foldable, travel-friendly design. | Sturdy, reinforced zippers are non-negotiable. |
| Day hikes and city trips suit your needs. | You require storage for camping gear. |
Top 5 Best Cheap Hiking Backpacks for 2024
| Hiking backpacks | Best For | Key Features | Expert Opinion | Who Is This For? | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAXLamb Backpack | Day trips, light hiking, travel | Ultra-lightweight (0.2 lb), 20L capacity, ripstop polyester, water-resistant | Great for minimalist hikers who need a compact, foldable backpack for casual use. Versatile for travel and short hikes.. | Minimalist travelers or hikers needing a compact and lightweight pack. | Check Price |
| BROGEND Small Daypack | Casual hikes, festivals, errands | Lightweight (5.6 oz), 10L capacity, tear-resistant nylon, water-resistant | Perfect for those who need a small and reliable daypack. Ideal for younger hikers or minimalists needing essential storage. | Day hikers, festival-goers, or anyone needing a lightweight, compact bag for essentials. | Check Price |
| 20L Ultra-Light Foldable Backpack | Travel, biking, short hikes | Lightweight, 20L capacity, tear-resistant and water-resistant nylon | A portable and compact option for travelers and casual hikers. Performs well in non-extreme conditions. | Travelers and urban explorers who value portability and storage. | Check Price |
| BAGPARKK 35L Hiking Backpack | Long hikes, camping, multi-day trips | Spacious 35L capacity, adjustable straps, multiple compartments, water-resistant nylon | Suited for longer hikes or camping. Lightweight and spacious with thoughtful design features like a built-in whistle and reflective strips. | Adventurers needing a reliable, spacious backpack for multi-day trips or longer hikes. | Check Price |
| PAXLamb 25L Foldable Backpack | City trips, day hikes, casual outings | Lightweight (0.2 lb), 25L capacity, water-resistant ripstop polyester, foldable design | Excellent for outdoor excursions and city explorations. Offers a solid balance of size, portability, and waterproofing. | City explorers or casual hikers looking for a portable and durable daypack. | Check Price |
Conclusion: Which Backpack is Right for You?
Choosing the best hiking backpack depends on your specific needs. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider the PAXLamb 20L or 25L foldable daypacks for their ultra-lightweight and compact designs. For more substantial hiking or camping trips, the BAGPARKK 35L offers extra storage and comfort features like padded straps and a chest buckle with a whistle.
For casual day hikers or those who want something small for festivals and daily use, the BROGEND 10L Daypack is a great, stylish option. Finally, for a versatile, all-purpose bag that doesn’t break the bank, the 20L Ultra-Light Foldable Backpack is a good middle-ground choice for both hiking and travel.
