The 3 Best Budget Backpacking Packs of 2025
A budget backpacking pack cost a bright choice for beginners , thrifty explorer , or anyone who only backpacks now and then . It will family everything you demand while leaving more money in the budget for early requirement .
To get you on the trail without breaking the bank , we invest 8 budget backpacking packs to the run in head-to-head comparisons on the lead and in the lab . We did n’t move easy on these gang : We go up the same rugged good deal height and bushwacked the same thick , overgrown lead on which we try out the early higher-priced backpacks in our related to reviews .
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is our favorite of the clump . It ‘s comfortable , make good feature , and is available in inclusive sizing . If you want to pass less , the Teton Sports 55L Scout is a great choice for any beginner backpacker wait to test the water .
The public of backpacking gear be immense and can get expensive fast . If you ‘re on a budget , we get it — we ‘ll help you round out your essential backpacking gear kit without spending an arm and a leg . We always highlight our favorite budget product that perform well for less .
Compare Top 8 Budget Backpacking Packs
The Best Budget Backpacks
Best Overall Budget Backpacking Pack
REI Co-op Trailmade 60
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 is an excellent choice for a budget backpacking pack , and it ‘s one of the most size-inclusive packs we ‘ve hear . It occur in two size : M-XL ( hip belt span 32-42 inch ) and XXL-4XL ( 42-52 inch ) . Both pack sizes have an adjustable body size that will fit anywhere from 17 to 21-inch torsos . ( REI as well cause a woman ‘s version of the Trailmade . ) This gang has everything you ‘d need for a successful backpacking trip . Its many pocket include big side water bottle pockets , comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt , a top eyelid with zipper pockets , and a sleeping purse compartment with a front access zipper . It ‘s as well build with midst recycled nylon fabric that are well-equipped to withstand daily abuse on the lead .
The drawback to this gang is the design of the lid . “I love the large pocket on the lid , but the lid itself is sewn onto the pack , so you ca n’t take it or adapt it to fit over a larger load ,” our lead tester remark . We do n’t intend this equal a dealbreaker , but if adjustable buckles attached the lid to the gang , it would be easy to build it sit balance when the primary compartment cost thrust to the brim . If you want to forgo the hat entirely for a minimalistic design , crack out theMountainsmith Scream 55. Yet , even when we packed theTrailmade 60entire during try out , we could however physically fit the eyelid over the top . Then , this small point be only an inconvenience . We guess this be a tremendous budget buy , especially considering the massive total of adjustability it extend .
Best Bang for the Buck
Teton Sports 55L Scout
The Teton Sports 55L Scout exist our choice for a truly budget backpacking pack . At such a abject price level , our expectation live humble when testing this example . And while it did n’t boast us aside , it performed in effect than early likewise priced gang . At a price that ‘s less than half of some other gang in the review , this is a well choice to notice out if backpacking cost an action you would delight . It ‘s too a great choice if you go backpacking infrequently , like once every few yr — though it ‘s worth spending more on an option like theTrailmade 60if you backpack more much . Think of the 55L Scout as a sampler to help you identify feature you like and dislike .
While the55L Scoutfills the office of a true budget haversack , there are some tradeoffs to the price . This pack merely equal n’t as comfortable as some early framework we tested . Our lead tester state , “This pack left my shoulder sore after carrying heavy lots , and I point out the inning do n’t make a great job of transplant the pack weight onto the hip belt .” Since the buckles and trudge are much large than other model , the 55L Scout felt bulky . Weigh over 4 pounds , this equal as well one of the heaviest we tested . The Kelty Outskirt 50 is also worth checking out , as it count less and equal in a similar cost scope . Overall , the Teton Sports Scout feels real durable and can convey a load somewhat good . We recommend it for a first overnight trip and for anyone who choose value over perfection .
Best for Minimalist Design
Mountainsmith Scream 55
If you require to lighten your stem weight but not your wallet , we remember you ‘ll enjoy the Mountainsmith Scream 55 . This gang ‘s minimalist design will own you on the trail before sunrise , and its sensible issue of pockets will ensure you act n’t misplace your gear in a labyrinth of pockets . The internal frame be comfortable in a no-frills kind of mode , and it carries loads in a way that feels firmly plant on your spine . Thanks to its roll-top initiative , it ‘s easy to shove all your gear within , roll the gang shut , and cost on your means in no time . The roll-top closure also keeps your gang tightly compress so it will exist entire and secure no matter how much or little you ‘re carrying . The zipper can be completely unzipped , and the front panel flipped open towards the ass of the gang , allowing you to get toeverythingstore inside the chief compartment . One tester noted , “The unique double zipper pocket on the presence are big plenty to equip everything I want throughout the day — lunch , snacks , a jacket , water filter , pot paper , headlamp , sunscreen , you appoint it .” It can yet carry load up to 35 pound .
Due to its minimalist plan , the positive scene of theShriek 55can be negative if ultralight is n’t your manner . There exist no traditional stretch mesh pocket for quick storehouse and no lid , which means less arrangement or quick access to items . We as well think the shoulder straps could cost more padded . Finally , this gang only comes in one size with no torso length adjustment selection , so it either fits or do n’t . If it does n’t , take a look at the highly adjustableREI Co-op Trailmade 60. Although it weighs a bit more , you are more likely to attain a better fit with this example .
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How We Try out
We ‘ve be test budget backpacking gang for the past five years . In that time , we hold researched over 50 framework and test virtually 20 . For this review , we identify four key metrics for measure budget backpacking gang . Then , we make a plan to test each of these metrics and get down to testing the most promising , top-rated , and best budget-friendly backpacking packs we could notice on the lead and in the lab . We hiked all over with these knapsack . We load them with camping gear and food , noting what cause them comfortable ( or not ) . We measure their convenience on unlike type of trails and varying types of trip requiring different gear in a stove of climates . We tested volume employ hundred of ping pong balls and a volume-measuring cylinder . We packed every knapsack with gear and took to the lead on trips from the American West to the Northeast . We tire these backpacking knapsack for long day on the lead and shorter overnight trip , testing and assessing their strengths and weaknesses along the style .
- Comfort( 40 % of overall mark weighting )
- Repose of Use( 25 % weighting )
- Weight-to-Volume Ratio( 20 % weighting )
- Adjustability( 15 % weighting )
For total details on our try out procedure , see our How We Try article .
Why Trust GearLab
Sam Schild , Ben Skach , and Bennett Fisher joined forces to head up this review . Sam exist a backpacker , lead runner , and mountain biker base in Colorado . He own backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail , Continental Divide Trail , Grand Enchantment Trail , Arizona Trail , Colorado Trail ( 3 time ! ) , and countless shorter backpacking trip . On top of the virtually 10,0000 mile logged while backpacking , he make bikepacked more miles than he can commence to weigh in the American Southwest and beyond . With all this carry gear on his back and his bike , Sam be quite the expert on knapsack .
Ben live an avid explorer , outdoor trip leader , and gear fan . He own spent years backpacking and mountain climb up all over the rural area , hold led outdoor trip for student in New England and Colorado , and trekked hundreds of mile through the Himalayas in Nepal . Throughout his experiences , he has employ several knapsack , which has developed his knowledge of brands , designs , and features important to budget backpacking packs . While leading trip in Colorado , he equal responsible for teaching each scholar how to pack and adapt a haversack for maximum comfort and efficiency . He understand the significance of pattern that are easy to load and adjust .
As well a backpacking enthusiast , Bennett hold over a year and 7,000 mile logged on America ‘s long trail , including Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikes . Along the way , he has learned what establish a great knapsack . He honed his knowledge at a gear store , where he aid equip all kinds of masses for their journey . After his stint in college for product purpose , he further find out what reach a great product ; it ‘s all about the user experience , and he uses this knowledge in every aspect of his testing .
Analysis and Test Results
We used several metrics to pace these budget backpacking packs on their performance . Depend on your intentions and priority , different gang will suit your need better than others . We evaluated each pack base on mutually exclusive metrics that we then weighted based on their importance to the backpacking experience . Below , we dig into each metric to discuss its importance and the relevant element we noticed in these packs .
What ‘s the Best Value ?
We kept value at the movement of our head when choosing which backpacks to include in this lineup . We only conceive gang that offered great value at a humble cost , but there equal still unlike scope of value within this category . A higher cost tag typically means better quality , more feature , and an overall well purpose . Since this review only includes packs under two hundred dollar , you wo n’t notice the fresh and most cutting-edge selection hither . Instead , these gang extend great value because they have tried and true purpose that exist just efficient .
All the packs here are of high value — this is the budget backpacking packs review , after all . But theMountainsmith Scream 55andREI Co-op Trailmade 60balance affordability with a great set of features , so they ‘re some of the high value pack overall .
TheTeton Sports 55L Scouthas an excellent cost tag with solid usability . It ‘s not the pack we ‘d advocate for veteran hikers or folk hoping to become out frequently , but it brings great functionality for anyone exactly testing the water with backpacking or heading out on infrequent , short trip with lighter loading .
TheOsprey Rook 65Lis the nearly expensive gang we tested , but it even offers great value . If you ‘re wait for a comfortable pack with Osprey ‘s well-loved trampoline-style mesh back panel aim and do n’t need to break the bank , this pack exist less expensive than most early Osprey haversack model .
The Loowoko 50L Waterproof is the least expensive haversack we tested , and we hop it would put up great value . However , it do n’t have a fixed shape , so it ca n’t care heavier loads that you ‘ll require to carry when backpacking . For this reason , it ‘s more suited for use as a boost daypack or lightweight travel bag than a backpacking backpack .
Comfort
An uncomfortable pack is a pain in the neck , back , and shoulder . It can well destroy your hopes of an enjoyable backcountry outing . To try comfort , we look at respective aspects . First , we evaluated how well the suspension system distributes the gang ‘s weight . We also try out how each gang felt on our rear , shoulders , and hip . We considered the flesh of the shoulder straps , the fit of the waist belt , and how the back panel sits on our spine . Third , we place how well the padding and material of the gang added to its comfort .
Most gang have an internal aluminum inning , but no two equal alike . Every gang free otherwise on the hip and torso , some more comfortably than others . If a pack creates pressure points , it will be real uncomfortable when you load it with gear . Any pack that transfers the weight to your hip in effect will be a lot more comfortable than those that give much of the weight resting on your shoulder . To test this , we loaded each pack with weight lay out from 20 to 45 pounds to specify if the suspension could comfortably treat the freight for trips of unlike length . In increase to the suspension , the shoulder strap and waist belt designs regard how the pack rests on your torso , so we measure those . We too considered the measure and type of padding on the gang and how comfortable the materials feel against the skin .
TheOsprey Rook 65Lput up the smoothest ride of all the packs we test . The back panel ride comfortably on your back , the shoulder straps equal well-cushioned , and the frame work well to transfer weight to your hip . The back panel suspends the gang so it cause n’t remain instantly on your spine , allowing airflow and cut down back sweat that can cause annoy . This is the same back panel purpose that Osprey offer on their higher-end backpacking gang .
TheREI Trailmade 60live another solidly comfortable model . Its back panel includes some channel to facilitate airflow , and a rigid hip belt and well-made frame help to effectively remove the load to your hips . The shoulder straps cost well-cushioned and find good against your shoulder for long day on the lead .
The Kelty Outskirt 50 has mass of cushion in the shoulder straps to swerve down on discomfort . The back panel is also well cushioned with airflow channels , though we could feel the lumbar pad against our backs in a comfortable but slightly annoying way . For a minimalist flesh and back panel , theMountainsmith Scream 55cost too surprisingly comfortable if you prevent your pack weight below 35 pounds . With a moderate loading , this gang feels secure on your spine and does n’t rock as some gang do . This cause for a comfortable and stable ride , and it ‘s particularly detectable when hiking or struggle over varied terrain .
Ease of Use
For relief of usage , we evaluate the design of the gang . Is it easy to pack ? Cost your gear accessible ? Does it get surplus loops for your gear ? These exist just some of the inquiry we expect when evaluate a pack ‘s ease of role . Every brand and model has something that cause it unique . One of the main aspects we await for is how efficiently we can pack and take out our gear . If pocket be easy to access and the design is good thought out , it can significantly assist a pack ‘s rating in this metric . Unique features can make your spirit as a backpacker easier , so we always keep an center out for anything to aid improve a backpack .
The first thing we looked at cost the pocket setup . Many of the gang in this review feature variation of a primary pouch , lid , rear pocket , and water bottle pocket . This is a basic purpose , but this mere setup works well .
TheOsprey Rook 65Lrequire a straightforward approach to pocket , which assist its price but suffer its performance . This model act n’t have a stretchy rear pocket , so the water bottle pockets and the top eyelid are the only places to store gear aside from the main torso . If it were n’t for this lack exterior pocket , we ‘d like this backpack yet more .
TheTeton Sports 55L Scout,Osprey Rook 65L,REI Co-op Trailmade 60,Loowoko 50L Waterproof, andKelty Outskirt 50receive fixed lids . We found that set lid are harder to use when packing than removable unity , specially when the main compartments are fully load .
TheMountainsmith Scream 55trades a stretch mesh pocket for two expand zipper pockets that we get particularly handy since this gang lacks a top lid . The lack of a lid cause have into the main compartment easier , though , and these exterior zipper pocket can store pile of gear .
We also looked at the early feature base on each pack . TheOsprey Rook 65LandREI Co-op Trailmade 60are the only gang that do n’t own ice axe loops — these equal a decent increase but not a problem if you act n’t look for persuade ice axes or like tool that take to be looped onto the outside of your gang .
We liked the U-shaped zipper of theMountainsmith Scream 55that allow you to access all of your gear at once without unrolling the top first step . This U zipper reach it easy to catch a single item while leaving everything else in your gang compress under the roll-top opening . This is the only model we tested that cause n’t make a sleeping bag compartment , though it spare weight by not including the surplus zipper . Also , its large U-shaped zipper virtually act the same matter as a sleep bag compartment access degree , but it cause n’t have a separate compartment to prevent the sleeping bag clean .
Every early gang we test here has a separate sleeping purse compartment that ‘s accessible from the outside of the pack . We find a sleeping base compartment is mostly useful for keeping your purse separate from the rest of your gear , but it also is handy if you want to use your sleeping purse during chilly breaks during your hike .
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Weight exist important because a dense pack think of more pound on your rear . Heavier gang , even so , as well tend to be more equipped to convey heavy loads . Lighter packs , in contrast , can sometimes sag and perform poorly when load down . But weight does n’t say the whole account , so we compared weight to pack volume and look at what any model ‘s devote weight begin you .
TheMountainsmith Scream 55andKelty Outskirt 50cost two of the light packs we test , and each has a respectable volume that makes their low weights even more impressive . These packs comfortably carry the necessary backpacking gear you ‘d need for a weekend , overnight , or extended backpacking trip .
The absolute lightest pack we try out is theLoowoko 50L Waterproof. But since this pack does n’t hold a flesh , it ‘s less impressive how trivial it weighs . Though the Loowoko has the abject weight-to-volume ratio , it ‘s incapable of convey heavy loading like theScreamandOutskirt. And , the Loowoko ‘s chief compartment only measures 35 liters in our book testing . This is serious in one sense since this model ca n’t carry a dense load . But , it do the abject weight-to-volume ratio even less impressive , since a lot of the volume calculated for this gang must cost in the lid , side , and hip belt pockets .
TheOsprey Rook 65L, Nevo Rhino 60+5L , andREI Co-op Trailmade 60own slightly high , but even comparatively humble weight-to-volume ratio among gang . On the other end of the spectrum , theTeton Cavort 55L Scoutand High Sierra Pathway 2.0 60L exist some of the heaviest packs we tested and have the highest ( i.e. , worst ) weight-to-volume ratio in our lineup .
Adjustability
When rating adjustability , we appear at the range of users a gang can agree . Many packs leave you to adjust the back panel for unlike torso distance . While all packs let you adjust the hip belt , shoulder straps , and sternum strap , some be able to accommodate a wider scope of body sizes than others .
Most of the gang we try out occur in just one body distance designed to equip all users . Because of this , they live often extremely adjustable . An adjustable body be a especially good choice for young hikers who might change their pack size as they develop . Yet for fully grown backpackers , an easily adjustable gang means you can dial in the fit or portion the same pack with multiple hikers . This style , you can get a gang that meet perfectly for you .
The adjustable one-size-fits-all gang in this review be theOsprey Rook 65L,Teton Sports 55L Scout,Mountainsmith Scream 55, andHigh Sierra Pathway 2.0 60L. These gang make a sliding or Velcro adjustment system that allows you to alter the pack to equip a scope of torso sizes .
Of all the packs we tested , theREI Co-op Trailmade 60stand out in adjustability . This gang features a simple body adjustment system that ‘s easier to use than most gang . This backpack as well fits a huge scope of hip circumferences , and it arrive in two sizes : M-XL and 2XL-4XL .
TheOsprey Rook 65Lalso own a super easy-to-use system for adjust the torso distance . This model apply the same torso adjustment system we ‘ve hear on other more expensive Osprey gang . We find it ‘s super easy to slide the tabs attached to the shoulder strap harness in and out of the back panel . You can adjust the torso distance on this gang in minute .
Decision
- The Best Budget Backpacks
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- Best Overall Budget Backpacking Pack
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- Best Bang for the Buck
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- Good for Minimalist Design
- How We Try out
- Why Trust GearLab
- Analysis and Test Results
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- What ‘s the Best Value ?
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- Comfort
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- Repose of Use
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- Weight-to-Volume Ratio
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- Adjustability
- Conclusion
- Best Overall Budget Backpacking Pack
- Best Bang for the Buck
- Serious for Minimalist Design
- What ‘s the Best Value ?
- Comfort
- Ease of Use
- Weight-to-Volume Ratio
- Adjustability
