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Over the past 5 years, we've tested 15+ of the best budget backpacking packs to get you on the trail without breaking the bank. For this year's lineup, we put 10 top models to the test in head-to-head comparisons on the trail and in the lab, searching for the perfect option for every situation. And we didn't go easy on them. We climbed the same rugged mountain peaks and bushwacked the same thick, overgrown trails on which we tested the other higher-priced backpacks in our related reviews. Luckily for you, a lot of these packs are pretty darn good and ready to accompany you on your adventures for a reasonable price. We hope this review helps you find the right fit for your needs and budget.
The world of backpacking gear is vast 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 breaking the bank with our reviews of the best budget backpacking tents. Saving a bit of money on some of your bigger purchases will hopefully help open up your affordable travel budget and allow you to splurge on a pair of the best hiking boots.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on August 3, 2023, to include testing results from several new additions to our lineup from The North Face, REI Co-op, Kelty, and Mountainsmith.
The Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10 is an all-around great backpacking pack and is our top choice for men — or anyone who fits its measurements — backpacking on a budget. When we first got our hands on this pack, we did multiple double-takes to ensure we saw the price correctly. This has all the same features you'll find in more expensive packs while still being super affordable. The suspension reminds us of some of the best trampoline mesh back panel systems we've seen. This back panel is comfortable and airy. The well-padded shoulder straps and hip belt round out a suspension system that evenly distributes pack weight between your hips, shoulders, and back. This pack has nine external pockets, so you'll have no shortage of options to keep your gear organized. You can access everything in the main pack body through the top, bottom, or front panel opening on this pack. Also included is a waterproof pack cover to keep all that gear dry in wet weather. And with all these features, it still weighs 3.7 pounds — a respectable weight for a full-featured pack.
While the MT500 Air has a whopping six inches of torso length adjustability, it only comes in one size. If your torso length is greater than 20 or less than 14 inches, this pack is unlikely to fit you. Also, if you plan to carry loads of 35 pounds or more, this pack isn't the best choice. One oddity can be found in the asymmetrical side pockets. On one side is a stretchy bottle pocket, but the other side pocket is static and works only for water bottles, as the bottom of the pocket is just a single strap. At the end of the day, the Forclaz MT500 Air is a great choice for a full-featured backpacking pack at a very affordable price.
The The North Face Terra 55 tied for the top spot and is the best budget backpack for women that we've tested. It has everything you'd want in a women's backpacking pack at an affordable price. It's incredibly comfortable, easy to use, and comes in multiple sizes to dial in your perfect fit. It features a sturdy aluminum frame and a plushly-padded back panel with an air channel to keep your back cool while you hike. The shoulder straps and hip belt are cushioned with firm padding so the pack load feels planted on your shoulders and hips, but the ride is still very comfortable. This pack has a single load lifter buckle that controls both load lifter straps. This ensures you always have evenly distributed weight on your shoulders. The frame effectively disperses the pack's load across your hips, shoulders, and back. The Terra has tons of great organizational features as well: large hip belt pockets to store snacks, phone, and other items you need at the ready; large side water bottle pockets you can reach while you hike; a zippered lid pocket where you can store a jacket, maps, and more; and a huge front zipper opening with sliders on both ends so you can get into either end easily.
While almost everything about this pack is great, it doesn't have a way to adjust the torso length. It comes in multiple sizes, so you can still buy it to fit your measurements. But with whatever pack size you buy, you can only adjust the torso length with the shoulder straps. This isn't a dealbreaker, but you won't be able to share it with friends who are significantly taller or shorter than you. However, the multiple torso sizes make this pack great for someone who needs a women's specific backpacking pack that will fit their body, and it has a massively adjustable hip belt.
The Teton Sports Scout 3400 is our pick for a truly budget backpacking pack. At such a low price point, our expectations were minimal. And while it didn't blow us away, it performed better than other similarly-priced packs. At a price of less than half of some other packs in the review, this is a good pack to find out if backpacking is an activity you would enjoy or take a trip once a decade. Think of this pack as a sampler to help you identify features you like and dislike.
While it fills the role of a true budget backpack, there are a few things to note. During testing, we found the pack slightly lacking in the comfort department. This led to some sore shoulders when we carried heavier loads. We also found the pack felt bulky since the buckles and padding are much larger than other packs. At over 4 pounds, this pack is also one of the heaviest we tested. But it does feel very durable and can carry a load reasonably well. The Scout would make a good first pack for an overnight trip, and we recommend it for anyone looking for value over perfection.
If you want to lighten your base weight but not your wallet, we think you'll love the Mountainsmith Scream 55. This pack's minimalist design will have you on the trail before sunrise, and its reasonable number of pockets will ensure you don't misplace your gear in a labyrinth of pockets. The internal frame is comfortable in a no-frills kind of way, and it carries loads in a way that feels securely planted on your back. Thanks to its roll-top opening, it's easy to shove all your gear inside, roll the pack shut, and be on your way in no time. The roll-top closure also keeps your pack tightly compressed so it will be full 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 bottom of the pack, allowing you to get to everything stored inside the main compartment. The unique double zipper pockets on the front are large enough to fit everything you'll need throughout the day — lunch, snacks, a jacket, water filter, toilet paper, headlamp, sunscreen, and more. It can even carry loads up to 35 pounds.
Due to its minimalist design, the positive aspects of the Scream 55 can be negative if ultralight isn't your style. There is no traditional stretch mesh pocket for quick storage and no lid, which means less organization or quick access to items. We also think the shoulder straps could be more padded. Lastly, this pack only comes in one size with no torso length adjustment options, so it either fits or doesn't.
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 seen, fitting up to 4XL. It comes in two sizes: Regular (small through extra large) and Extended (2XL through 4XL). Both pack sizes have an adjustable torso size that will fit anywhere from 17 to 21-inch torsos. The Regular size fits waists between 30 and 42 inches, and the Extended size fits waists from 42 to 58 inches. Both of these sizes are compatible with REI's Packmod Hipbelt Extender, so you can extend the range of this hip belt even more. Beyond the adjustability of this backpack, it has everything you'd need for a successful backpacking trip. Its many pockets include large side water bottle pockets, comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt, a top lid with zipper pockets, and a sleeping bag compartment with a front access zipper. It's also made with thick recycled nylon materials that are well-equipped to withstand daily abuse on any trail.
While we love the large pocket on the Trailmade 60 lid, this lid is sewn directly onto the pack. This means that you can't adjust it to fit over larger loads in the pack. This isn't a huge deal, but if the lid were attached to the pack with adjustable buckles, it would be easier to make it sit in a balanced way when the main compartment is stuffed full. However, even when we had this packed to the brim, we could still physically fit the lid over the top. So, this minor detail is only an inconvenience. Overall, this is a great budget backpacking pack, especially considering the massive amounts of adjustability it allows.
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 has some of the best adjustability features we've seen, so it will fit a wide range of body sizes.
Credit: Sam Schild
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Comfort, price, and a great set easy to use features make the North Face Terra 55 a top contender for your next trip.
Credit: Sam Schild
Why You Should Trust Us
We've been testing budget backpacking packs for the past 5 years. In that time, we've researched over 50 models and tested nearly 20. For this review, we identified four key metrics for evaluating budget backpacking packs. Then, [How We Test | we created a plan to test each of these metrics] and got down to testing the most promising, top-rated, and best budget-friendly backpacking packs we could find on the trail and in the lab. We hiked everywhere with these backpacks. We loaded them with camping gear and food, noting what made them comfortable (or not). We evaluated their convenience on different types of trails and on variable types of trips requiring different gear in a range of climates. We performed volume testing using hundreds of ping pong balls and a volume-measuring cylinder. We packed every backpack with gear and took to the trail on trips from the American West to the Northeast. We wore these backpacking backpacks for long days on the trail and shorter overnight trips, testing and assessing their strengths and weaknesses along the way.
We test every backpack using the following four rating metrics:
Comfort (40% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (25% weighting)
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20% weighting)
Adjustability (15% weighting)
We measured the internal volume of every backpack using ping pong balls and a volume-measuring cylinder calibrated with 70 liters of water.
Credit: Sam Schild
Sam Schild, Ben Skach, and Bennett Fisher joined forces to head up this review. Sam is a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Colorado Trail (3 times!), along with countless shorter backpacking trips. On top of the nearly 10,0000 miles logged while backpacking, he has bikepacked more miles than he can begin to count in the American Southwest and beyond. With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks.
Ben is an avid explorer, outdoor trip leader, and gear lover. He has spent years backpacking and mountain climbing all over the country; he has led outdoor trips for students in New England and Colorado and trekked hundreds of miles through the Himalayas in Nepal. Throughout his experiences, he has used various backpacks, which has developed his knowledge of brands, designs, and features important to budget backpacking packs. While leading trips in Colorado, he was responsible for teaching each student how to pack and adjust a backpack for maximum comfort and efficiency. He understands the significance of designs that are easy to load and adjust.
Also a backpacking enthusiast, Bennett has over a year and 7,000 miles logged on America's long trails, including Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikes. Along the way, he has learned what constitutes a great backpack. He honed his knowledge at a gear shop, where he helped equip all kinds of people for their journeys. After his stint in college for product design, he further learned what makes a great product; it's all about the user experience, and he uses this knowledge in every aspect of his testing.
We tested these packs in real-world backpacking scenarios and in the test lab.
Analysis and Test Results
We used several metrics to rate these budget backpacking packs on their performance. Depending on your intentions and priorities, different packs will suit your needs better than others. We evaluated each pack based on mutually exclusive metrics that we then weighted based on their importance to the backpacking experience. Below, we delve into each metric to discuss its importance and the relevant factors we noticed in these packs.
Value
We kept value at the front of our minds when choosing which backpacks to include in this lineup. We only considered packs that offered great value at a low price, but there are still different ranges of value within this category. A higher price tag typically means better quality, more features, and an overall better design. Since this review only includes packs under two hundred dollars, you won't find the newest and most cutting-edge options here. Instead, these packs offer great value because they have tried and true designs that are just effective.
All the packs here are of high value — this is the budget backpacking packs review, after all. But the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10, The North Face Terra 55, and REI Co-op Trailmade 60 all balance affordability with a great set of features, so they're some of the highest value packs overall. The Teton Sports Scout 3400 has an excellent price tag with solid usability. It's not the pack we'd recommend for veteran hikers or folks hoping to get out frequently, but it brings great functionality for anyone just testing the waters with backpacking or heading out on infrequent, shorter trips with lighter loads.
High value comes from more features and functionality at a lower price, and many of the packs in this review achieve great value.
Credit: Sam Schild
Comfort
An uncomfortable pack is a pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. It can easily ruin your hopes of an enjoyable backcountry outing. To test comfort, we considered several aspects. First, we evaluated how well the suspension system distributes the pack's weight. We also tested how each pack felt on our backs, shoulders, and hips. We considered the shape of the shoulder straps, the fit of the waist belt, and how the back panel sits on our backs. Third, we rated how well the padding and materials of the pack added to its comfort.
Most packs have an internal aluminum frame, but no two are alike. Every pack rides differently on the hips and torso, some more comfortably than others. If a pack creates pressure points, it will be very uncomfortable when you load it with gear. And any pack that transfers the weight to your hips effectively will be much more comfortable than those that leave much of the weight resting on your shoulders. To test this, we loaded each pack with weights ranging from 20 to 45 pounds to determine if the suspension could comfortably handle the load for trips of different lengths. In addition to the suspension, the shoulder strap and waist belt designs affect how the pack rests on your body, so we evaluated those. We also considered the amount and type of padding on the pack and how comfortable the materials feel against the skin.
The padded back panel has an air channel along the middle to ventilate your back while hiking with this pack.
The padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt continues onto the pack's back panel, which makes it very comfortable.
Each pack has a slightly different back panel and strap design, which affects how they feel on your back, shoulders, and hips.
The The North Face Terra 55 and Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10 had the smoothest rides of all the packs we tested. Both packs have very comfortable back panel designs that suspend the pack so it doesn't rest directly on your back, allowing airflow and reducing back sweat that can cause chafing. We found the trampoline mesh suspension system on the MT500 Air remarkably comfortable and provided the best airflow to our backs.
The Decathlon Forclaz has a super comfortable trampoline mesh back panel that allows for great airflow between your back and the pack.
Credit: Sam Schild
In addition to a comfortable back panel, the Terra has a unique load lifter system. It has just one load lifter buckle attached to a single load lifter strap. When you tighten or loosen this buckle and strap, you adjust the load on both shoulder straps so the tension is always evenly distributed between both shoulders. This takes the guesswork out of adjusting the load lifters. The REI Trailmade 60 is another solidly comfortable model. Its back panel includes some channels to facilitate airflow, and a stiff hip belt and well-made frame help to effectively transfer the load to your hips.
The North Face Terra has a single load lifter buckle that adjusts both load lifters at the same time, so you always have evenly tensioned shoulder straps.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Kelty Outskirt 50 has plenty of cushion in the shoulder straps to cut 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 frame and back panel, the Mountainsmith Scream 55 is also surprisingly comfortable if you keep your pack weight below 35 pounds. With a moderate load, this pack feels secure on your back and doesn't sway as some packs do. This makes for a comfortable and stable ride, and it's especially noticeable when hiking or scrambling over varied terrain.
The Mountainsmith Scream has a no-frills back panel that feels comfortable and secure on your back.
Credit: Sam Schild
Ease of Use
For ease of use, we evaluate the design of the pack. Is it easy to pack? Is your gear accessible? Does it have extra loops for your gear? These are just some of the questions we ask when assessing a pack's ease of use. Every make and model has something that makes it unique. One of the main aspects we look for is how efficiently we can pack and unpack our gear. If pockets are easy to access and the design is well thought out, it can significantly help a pack's rating in this metric. Unique features can make your life as a backpacker easier, so we always keep an eye out for anything to help improve a backpack.
The first thing we looked at was the pocket setup. Many of the packs in this review feature variations of a main pouch, lid, rear pocket, and water bottle pockets. This is a basic design, but this simple setup works well. The Gregory Stout 60L and The North Face Terra 55 are similar in terms of pockets included. Both of these packs have all the necessary pockets to make staying organized and efficient on the trail easy.
The Osprey Rook 65L also takes a straightforward approach here. This helps its price but hurts its performance. It foregoes a stretchy rear pocket for a more streamlined look. This means that the water bottle pockets and the top lid are the only places to store gear aside from the main body. The lid is fixed to the bag, meaning it isn't removable. The Teton Sports Scout 3400, REI Co-op Trailmade 60, and Kelty Outskirt 50 also have fixed lids. We found that fixed lids made it harder to pack than removable ones, especially when the main compartments were fully loaded.
The lid on the Stout 60 is roomy; good for first aid, toiletries, and a guidebook.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
The Mountainsmith Scream 55 trades a stretch mesh pocket for two expanding zipper pockets that we found especially handy since this pack lacks a top lid. The Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10 has some of the most external pockets of any of the packs we tested. This pack features side zipper pockets, two pockets on the lid, a front expanding pocket, and hip belt pockets. It also has three ways to access the gear inside your pack: from the top, the front, or the bottom.
With the Decathlon Forclaz, you can access the gear in the main compartment from the top, front (pictured, or bottom.
Credit: Sam Schild
We also looked at the other features found on each pack. The Osprey Rook 65 and REI Co-op Trailmade 60 are the only packs that don't have ice axe loops — these are a nice addition but not a problem if you don't anticipate carrying ice axes or similar tools that need to be looped onto the outside of your pack. We liked the U-shaped zipper of the Mountainsmith Scream 55 that allowed access to all of our gear at once without unrolling the top opening. The North Face Terra 55 also has a great front access zipper that curves from the left side all the way to the bottom of the pack. This zipper has sliders on both ends, too, so you can access the sleeping bag and main compartment with the same zipper.
The North Face Terra has a convenient front access zipper that curves from the left side to the bottom of the pack with sliders on each end.
Credit: Sam Schild
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Weight is important because a heavier pack means more pounds on your back. Heavier packs, however, also tend to be more equipped to carry heavy loads. Lighter packs, in contrast, can sometimes sag and perform poorly when loaded down. But weight doesn't tell the whole story, so we compared weight to pack volume and considered what any model's given weight gets you.
The Mountainsmith Scream 55 and Kelty Outskirt 50 are two of the lightest packs tested, and each has a respectable volume that makes their low weights even more impressive. These two, along with the Osprey Rook 65, have the lowest weight-to-volume ratios among packs in this lineup. On the other end of the spectrum, the Teton Sports Scout 3400 and High Sierra Pathway 2.0 60L are some of the heaviest packs we tested and have the highest (i.e., worst) weight-to-volume ratios in our lineup.
We weighed every pack when empty on our home scale to verify the weight.
Credit: Sam Schild
Adjustability
When rating adjustability, we looked at the range of users a pack can fit. Many packs allow you to adjust the back panel for different torso lengths. While all packs let you adjust the hip belt, shoulder straps, and sternum strap, some are able to accommodate a wider range of body sizes than others.
Most of the packs we tested come in just one torso length designed to fit all users. Because of this, they are often highly adjustable. An adjustable torso is a particularly good option for young hikers who might change their pack size as they grow. Even for fully grown backpackers, an easily adjustable pack means you can dial in the fit or share the same pack with multiple different hikers. This way, you can get a pack that fits perfectly for you.
Many of the packs have a Velcro adjustment system. Simply pry open the Velcro, and the upper part of the suspension can slide up and down to adjust the torso size.
Credit: Ben Skach
The adjustable one-size-fits-all packs in this review are the Gregory Stout 60, Osprey Rook 65, Teton Sports Scout 3400, Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10, Mountainsmith Scream 55, and High Sierra Pathway 2.0 60L. These packs have a sliding or Velcro adjustment system that allows you to change the pack to fit a range of torso sizes.
The REI Co-op Trailmade 60 has one of the easiest to use torso length adjustment systems of any pack we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
Of all the packs we tested, the REI Co-op Trailmade 60 stood out in adjustability. This pack features a simple torso adjustment system that's easier to use than most packs. This backpack also fits a huge range of hip circumferences, and it comes in two sizes, Regular (S-XL) and Extended (2XL-4XL). And if that's not enough, REI also sells a hip belt extender that further increases the adjustability of this already seriously adaptable pack.
Our testing proved to us that you don't have to spend hundreds to get good quality features, great usability, and impressive comfort from a backpack.
Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
Selecting a pack is one of the most important steps in gearing up for backpacking. These budget backpacking packs are a good choice for people who are just starting out backpacking and aren't sure if they're ready to fully commit to an expensive pack. They're also great for folks who pack light and don't hit the trail frequently or kids who are still growing but want to get out there while they do so. We've tested these wallet-friendly options thoroughly to give you an idea of what each pack is like and we hope we've helped you narrow down your search for the right backpack.
