A hiking backpack is probably the first piece of gear one starts searching for after getting bit by the hiking bug. No wonder, it’s also the most important one after the rather obvious pieces of clothing and boots. The reasoning is quite simple too: no matter how much effort and money you put into your hiking gear it’s no good unless you have an appropriate backpack to carry them in.
Considering this huge responsibility it makes sense to invest in a backpack that you can trust. But can you get quality if you are operating on a tight budget? Yes you can!
| Photo | Backpack | Details | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B00HA3E2GS" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]High Sierra Appalachian 75[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 75 l Height: 34", adjustable for 15"-20" torso | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01DIRRDXI" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Mountaintop 75-80L[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 80 l Height: 33", adjustable in 1-8 steps (exact torso measurements unknown) | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B000F38YIM" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]TETON Sports Fox 5200[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 75+10 l Height: 34", adjustable for 15.5" - 23" torso | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B006JYHHL6" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]TETON Sports Hiker 3700[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 60 l Height: 33", adjustable for 16" - 21.5" torso | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01JYY7M5S" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]TETON Sports Explorer 4000[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 65 l Height: 32", adjustable for 19" - 23" torso | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B000F34ZKS" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]TETON Sports Scout 3400[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 55 l Height: 30", adjustable for 15" - 19.5" torso | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B06Y5M3D4P" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 55/65/75 l Height: Model dependant | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01DZK666I" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 55 l Height: 27", adjustable | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B00OXPC074" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]TETON Sports Oasis 1100[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 18 l Height: 18.5" | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B019Z9TYIA" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L[/easyazon_link] | Capacity: 50 l Height: 23", adjustable | See details |
Best Hiking Backpacks Under $100 2024
Sierra Appalachian 75 Hiking Backpack
- Top load main compartment with gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid
- Single contoured aluminum frame bar can be adjusted to fit the shape of your back
- Molded foam back panel with Airflow channels to keep your back cool and dry
- No matter what form your adventure takes; High Sierra; Adventure This Way
- Sport type: Trekking
- 34″ x 14.25″ x 10.25″ / 75L / 5.8 lbs
- Adjustable top lid
- Drop-bottom sleeping bag compartment with divider
- Front access to the main compartment
- Dual contoured aluminum frame
- Keeps your back dry – molded foam back panel with airflow channels
- All the straps, load-lifters and stabilization features you can imagine
- Water bladder compartment
Mountaintop 75L-80L Hiking Backpack
- 🏃Bottom Access:There is a divider between the sleeping bag compartment (at the bottom) and the main compartment at the top.You can access the main compartment from the bottom if needed.
- 🏃Hip-belt adjustable length:76-145cm/29.9-57in. It's not typically worn at the waist, but somewhat lower, on the hips. It's often beneficial to comfort and balance to adjust belt position while hiking, so plan to occasionally use less than the full 57" as you reposition.
- 🏃TORSO-LENGTH ADJUSTMENT- 8 stage height adjuster at the back, held in place with a thick hardened area with magic tape.
- 🏃Hydration Compartment:Separate bladder sleeve in the main compartment.Big enough or a 3 liters hydration bladder.
- 🏃EXPANDABLE COLLAR- An extension collar with two drawstrings on the top can expand the pack and increase the main compartment capacity by 5 liters.
- 32.7″ x 13″ x 11.4″ / 80L / 4.4 lbs
- Six compression straps for additional gear
- Water bladder sleeve with hydration access
- Adjustable in 8 steps, frame goes from small to large
- Latching loop (front webbing)
- Bottom compartment with divider for sleeping bag
- Side mesh pockets, suitable to be used as a water holster for example
TETON Sports Fox 5200 Hiking Backpack
- 34″ x 16″ x 13″ / 75+10L / 5.5 lbs
- Top & bottom compression straps for additional carry
- Sleeping bag compartment at bottom
- Bright yellow water-resistant rainfly
- Open-cell foam and molded channels provide comfort and ventilation
- Plenty of functional compression straps
- Fully adjustable torso and waist belt
TETON Sports Hiker 3700 Backpack
- ALL-PURPOSE ULTRALIGHT PACK: Large capacity, lightweight pack with enough room for all the gear you’ll need for an extended outdoor adventure; For all kinds of travel
- FIVE-STAR COMFORT: Multi-position torso adjustment custom fits a wide range of body sizes; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; Backpack for men and women
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Beyond Basics backpack by TETON Sports who has thousands of 5-star reviews; Large sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, gear ties, and multiple pockets for strategic packing
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Thickly-padded, comfortable split waist belt with independent top and bottom hip adjustments offer a perfectly, customizable fit
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS with TETON Sports
- 33″ x 15.5″ x 12.5″ / 60L / 4 lbs
- Lightweight
- Multi-position torso adjustments
- Molded channels for air circulation at back
- 7 pockets, 2 pouches, compression straps
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Lumbar support
TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Hiking Backpack
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 65L, 75L or 85L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
- DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- 32″ x 18″ x 12″ / 65L / 5 lbs
- Multi-position torso adjustments
- Pass through side pockets for tent poles and such
- Hydration system built-in (bladder not included)
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Multi-directional compression straps
- Multiple side pockets and pouches
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 45L, 55L or 65L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
- DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- 30″ x 17″ x 12″ / 55L / 4.5 lbs
- Multi-position torso adjustments
- Hydration system built-in (bladder not included)
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Multi-directional compression straps
- Multiple side pockets and pouches
AmazonBasics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
- Internal-frame backpack with 75 L capacity (70 L + 5 L extension collar); made of durable polyester; ideal for hiking and camping
- Extensive storage pockets and compartments; large sleeping-bag compartment; multi-directional compression straps
- Adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit; open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels for lower-back support and airflow
- Water-repellent exterior coating and integrated water-resistant rainfly for light rain; waterproof cover included for heavier rain; choice of color
- Measures 29 inches long; backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty
- 3 different sizes: 55/65/75L
- Large sleeping-bag compartment
- Adjustable straps & compression straps for extra carry
- Open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels for lower-back support and airflow
- Material: durable polyester
- Multiple side pockets
WASING 55L Hiking Backpack
- 27.1″ x 12.5″ x 9.8 / 55L / 2.8 lbs
- Material: water resistant rip-stop polyester
- Molded foam back panel for ventilation
- Adjustable aluminum frame bar
- Water bladder sleeve
- Hip belt pocket and additional pouches
- Lot of options for extra carry
TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hiking Backpack
- WATER NEVER TASTED SO GOOD: During a long hike having water so convenient and still cold…there’s nothing like it. Lightweight with a custom fit, you’ll forget you have it on until you need it.18L pack give you plenty of storage for your day hike
- HYDRATION BLADDER INCLUDED: 2-liter water bladder included; Complete with durable, kink-free sip tube and innovative push-lock cushioned bite valve; Large 2-inch (5 cm) opening for ice that also makes cleaning easy
- GET THE PERFECT FIT: Low-profile athletic cut with full adjustment fits all body types comfortably; Comfort-taped straps with high-density notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering means you can wear this pack comfortably for hours, Water backpack for hiking fits men, women, and youth
- LOADED WITH FEATURES: 18 Liter hiking backpack with hydration bladder; Large pocket with a hidden-teeth zipper: Weather guard protects everything you’re packing; Bungee cord system for bike helmet; Butterfly opening for jackets, etc.
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- 18.5″ x 10″ x 7″ / 18L / 2 lbs
- 2L water bladder included
- 4 zipper pockets (including the one for the water bladder)
- Bungee cord system for bike helmet
- Front webbing
- Comfort-taped shoulder straps
- Raincover
OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 50L
- MULTIPURPOSE 45L HIKING BACKPACK - Spacious backpack packed with many pockets & features. Great for hiking, travel, camping & as carry on luggage, for both men & women. THE ONLY BACKPACK YOU NEED!
- WATERPROOF RAIN COVER INCLUDED - Dedicated pocket for the included waterproof rain cover, padded laptop compartment (15.6") & PLENTY OF ROOM for all your equipment & accessories.
- DURABLE & COMFORTABLE TO CARRY - Made of lightweight materials with durability & comfort in mind. Featuring padded adjustable shoulder straps & mesh ventilation for a SNUG & COMFORTABLE FIT.
- PACKED WITH FEATURES & POCKETS - Plenty of both small & large pockets, as well as external attachment points, to hold your hydration reservoir, tent, trekking poles, sleeping bag & more. This pack HOLDS ALL YOUR hiking & travel ESSENTIALS!
- WHAT YOU GET - 1 x OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack 45L, 1 x Waterproof Rain Cover, OutdoorMaster's friendly customer service.
- 23″ x 15″ x 8.6″ / 50L / 2.4 lbs
- Breathable mesh for back sweat reduction
- Waterproof rain cover included
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Plenty of pockets and pouches
- External attachment points for additional gear
Hiking Backpack Buyers Guide – Check These
Before you put on your buying pants it’s wise to find out what you should be looking for. If you have already thought about your criteria for a backpack you can skip this part.
Price
Given that you are reading an article about hiking backpacks that cost no more than 100 dollars, this is quite obvious. But then again, even within this range there is a lot of variety. Generally speaking you want to stay away from the cheapest alternatives (unless you find a great sale), this will save you from a lot of headache in the future. In this case we should probably say backache, though.
Fit
This is ultimately the single most important factor you have to consider, as hiking with improperly sized backpack can be extremely wearing for your back. Most manufacturers will provide good guidelines for proper sizing, but if you are still uncertain your safest bet would be getting an adjustable backpack.
Measure your back from your shoulder line to the top of your hip.
- Small: 16”-17+”
- Medium: 18”-19+”
- Large: 20+”
Size, Capacity & Weight
Ultimately the optimal size of your backpack depends on what kind of hikes you are planning to use it on. The longer the hike the more equipment you’ll likely need to be carrying. It also depends on the season: winter and cold seasons in general require more volume as the gear will also be bigger (tents, sleeping bags, clothes etc). You will probably get a good hunch of the volumes after you browse your options for a while.
Generally speaking weight is something you just have to deal with when shopping on a tight budget, but we managed to fit in a few lighter alternatives too. Backpacks sized like our picks with ultralight materials will lighten your wallet A LOT more, and the benefit is minimal. You are not going on a hike with an empty backpack anyways.
- Dayback: 0-1 nights, 20-30L
- Weekend: 1-3 nights, 30-50L
- Multiday: 3-5 nights, 50-80L
- Extended: 5+ nights, 70+L
Frame
As a rule of thumb you don’t need to put too much focus on the frame unless you are planning to carry heavy weights with you. Most of the backpacks we listed have internal-frames, which are optimal for most hikes. External-frames are usually only used with heavy loads and frameless backpacks are those who are looking for an ultralight experience and have no need for proper load-support on their back.
Design
Having a general idea of what you’d like to fit in your backpack will help with picking the properly designed one for you.
Features & Accessories
Once you start browsing through different options you will quickly notice that there are LOTS of different features to choose from.
Waterproofing and proper ventilation via hydration ports to help with back sweating are also features that are found from most hiking backpacks.
Pockets & Pouches
Even though you don’t really NEED anything else than a properly sized main compartment, most hikers will enjoy the accessibility that additional pockets will provide. They range from hip belt pockets (for stuff you need often like your phone) and front mesh pockets (for airing out wet socks for example) to all kinds of side pockets.
Straps & Belts
A hip belt is an absolute necessity if you are planning to carry any noticeable weight for long trails. It will reduce a lot of strain from your shoulders and back by holding some of the load on your hips. It’s also a feature found on pretty much all hiking backpacks on the market worth considering.
Shoulder straps are something you won’t have to worry about as quite naturally we would not recommend you a hiking backpack without comfortable shoulder straps. Other additional straps like the sternum strap (the one on your chest that connects the shoulder straps together) are not necessities but something you might want to keep an eye on depending on your criteria.
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API