CHEAP BACKPACKS GUIDE: As a long term budget backpacker (backpacking cheap), I can tell you that whether you are backpacking for 1 week or 2 years, choosing what you'll be carrying on your back is really important in making sure you not only have a cheap backpacking experience, but also a comfortable one - where you aren't too tired or in pain to enjoy your experience.
If you don't have a comfortable backpack, it can become hell climbing up all those stairs to get to that middle of nowhere Hostel with a sharp piece jabbing into your back, or uncomfortable arm straps without enough padding rubbing against your arms.
As someone who has it as a must to backpack cheaply, I also find it really important to not just buy a comfortable backpack, but also a cheap backpack that fits a budget.
Of the many backpacks I have looked at as a long term backpacker who has been on the road since January 2009, I have only found 3 that are both comfortable and cheap backpacks.
HOT TIP for cheap backpacks:
Buying backpacks (or most things) from shops instead of from online is often more expensive because there are more costs involved - for example the costs of the shop include wages of staff, rent of building, general costs of operating a store (ie electricity, computer system, security system etc etc) and also the profit margin itself - all of which they have to pass on to you the buyer. If you cut out the middle man and buy cheap backpacks direct online, you may find yourself buying backpacks cheaper than what you previously thought possible.
Criteria for how I choose my backpacks:
- Height adjustable shoulder straps to adjust to any body size
- Side pockets to allow you to get smaller items without having to unzip the entire bag and
search through everything.
- Waterproof. No matter how much a cheap backpack is, if its not water proof forget it!
- Strong, comfortable, shoulder, back and waist padding.
- That the price I am paying is for the quality and not just for a brand name
All 3 of the cheap backpacks below fit these criteria and have additional features:
3. CUSCUS 6200
- Large main compartment with top and bottom access; water-resistant PVC coating
- 2 side zippered pockets, 1 front zippered pocket, and top lid pocket
- Heavily padded back panel, shoulder straps, and waist straps
This cheap backpack is comfortable and supportive, with a heavily padded back panel, an adjustable torso length, and padded shoulder straps, waist straps, and chest straps to stabilize the load. Other features include front tightening straps with square buckles for holding water bottles or accessories; side compression straps with buckles to help distribute the load evenly; and D-rings on the shoulder straps for hanging accessories.
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2. TETON SPORTS SCOUT
Features include:
- Shoulder straps, lumbar and waist belt padding
- Adjustable shoulder straps for a more comfortable fit
- Separate sleeping bag compartment
This backpack is perfectly sized for youth and the light backpacker. Complete with adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly, the Wilderness55/Scout3400 also features a padded water bladder pocket. Two side zippered pockets, side and front mesh pockets, and a top zippered pocket provide plenty of room for smaller accessories. A top-loading main compartment and a sleeping bag compartment complete the pack. Includes bright yellow attached rain fly and is hydration system ready
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1. SUMMIT 45 DELUXE COMFORT
This backpack is the most comfortable backpack you'll find at a cheap price. The features include:
- Padded backpack straps, with adjustable load-lifters, is constructed with Vapel™ mesh Airflow™.
- 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.
- Adjustable waist belt, with Vapel™ mesh Airflow™ padding, wicks moisture.
Lightweight and sporting a roomy 45-liter top-load main compartment, this feature-rich pack includes a host of extra like multiple compression straps, a hydration-ready design, soft lashing hardware and lots of handy pockets.
Click the image for further information.
Would love to hear from you, what are your experiences with backpacks, have you found other cheap backpacks that are also comfortable? Let us know in the comments field :)
