Top 10 Best hiking backpacks under $100 [2022 Reviews]

A good backpack becomes your best friend during a trekking trip, which is why it is so critical to choose the right backpack. In this article, we will enlist our choice of the top ten cheap and affordable hiking backpacks under 100 dollars. We will also provide you with a quick guide on what to look for while choosing a backpack for trekking or camping.

So let’s jump right in!

Quick Comparison: Top Hiking Backpacks under $100

#	Preview	Product	Rating
1		TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain...	2,062 Reviews considered	CLICK FOR PRICE
2		TETON 65L Explorer Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking,...	2,517 Reviews considered	CLICK FOR PRICE
3		TETON Sports Fox Backpack, Aztec Blue (122) , 34" x 16" x 13"	1,105 Reviews considered	CLICK FOR PRICE
4		NEEKFOX Packable Lightweight Hiking Daypack 35L Travel Hiking Backpack,...	3,084 Reviews considered	CLICK FOR PRICE
5		Gonex Lightweight Packable Backpack Handy Travel Daypack Upgraded Version...	493 Reviews considered	CLICK FOR PRICE

**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

What to look for in a hiking backpack under 100 dollars?

Before choosing a backpack from the list given above, you must make sure that it suits your requirements. We have thus given a brief idea regarding the type of backpacks and what features to look for in it based on your needs.

Based on Capacity of Backpacks

Based on the number of days you will be traveling, you can choose from 25 liters backpacks to 60+ liters backpacks. These fall into three main types

Daypacks

Daypacks are designed for short one day or two-day trips. Its capacity ranges between 25-35 liters. These are lightweight and can only carry the very minimal load. These can also serve as a campus backpack when not in use.

Mid-sized Backpack

These range between 35 and 60 liters. Most suited for an individual with a small frame.

Expedition/Extended Trip Backpacks

These have 60+ liters of capacity and are primarily designed for long, excruciating hours of trekking.

Ultralight backpacks

Ultralight backpacks come with least number of gears thus generally weighing less than 2 pounds and never over 3 pounds. This might not be for everyone as you sacrifice a lot of gears in the process and must make up for this with personal judgment and discretion of what to carry and what not to, based on your camping destination. This is not the best choice for new, inexperienced backpackers.

What about Internal v/s External Frame Backpacks?

Internal Frame Backpack

Internal frame backpacks are more popular than ever! The simple reason being, these look better on us than other types. These provide excellent mobility as the backpack sees to hug your body. But these usually come with one big compartment. It is difficult to fit external gear into these.

Always make sure your backpack fits you properly, the hip belt should properly envelop your hip area and not the waist.

External Frame Backpacks

 This is most preferred while carrying heavy loads. These have external frames made of lightweight materials. There is sufficient space between your back and the bag’s body, facilitating airflow during hot weather. Also, the weight is positioned high on the back thus providing an upright walking posture. These have lots of smaller compartments.

The disadvantage is that they do not offer much stability which can be a problem during climbing.

Since these are bulky, they are not suited for dense forest trekking and such.

Front loading v/s Top Loading Backpacks – which one is best?

Top Loading Backpacks

Any backpack larger than 25 liters, with front loading design, will not be user-friendly as it will be harder to find the things you are looking for. If you are traveling with smaller, hand things, this might suit you.

Front Loading Backpacks

These work like suitcases wherein you can see all the things at once. These are the more preferred option for heavier loads.

Choosing a Backpack That Fits You

There are two things you must measure and see before buying a backpack. Make sure these sizes match yours.

• Torso size
• Waist size

Additional Accessories

• Backpack rain/dust cover
• Sternum strap
• Strapettes
• Backpack Hanger
• Waist pack and pack pocket
• Backpack cleaning kit

Review of Some of The Best Hiking Backpacks under 100

How to Maintain/Clean Your Backpack?

No matter the price of your backpack or the quality, you can have your companion for the long run if you properly care for it. Hiking bags are designed to sustain a certain amount of wear and tear, but this doesn’t mean that rough using it for extended time periods will not cause damage. After every trip, make sure the backpack is cleaned, dried and stored properly. If these three steps are followed religiously, your backpack will last much longer.

• Make sure the backpack is always stored dry.
• Never use harsh detergents on your backpack.
• Don’t store your backpack in a wet, mushy environment unless while traveling.
• Make sure any wear and tears incurred during the trip are cared for immediately after it.
• Do not rub the fabric while washing
• Use a gentle bristled brush to get off any dirt stuck inside it.

Though we might think that splurging lavishly is the solution to getting any good product, you might just be wrong. Especially in the era of online shopping, the market is flooded with affordable yet great quality goods; luckily affordable backpacks fall right into this category.

So unless you are a pro hiker gearing up for the trek of your life, the backpacks we have enlisted will prove to be sufficient for your trip. The list given ranges from heavy duty bags designed for tough weather to simple day packs ideal for single day trips. So choose wisely after going through their features and specifications.

Have great trip folks!