Budget Tips Archives - The Homebody Tourist

Anyone else love a good deal?! These budget-friendly backpacks will keep some cash in your pockets WITHOUT foregoing the necessities. You definitely do not need the fanciest or most expensive hiking backpack to get started hiking. I've been (day) hiking for years and I still use a 40 dollar backpack from Amazon. With this being said...I am not an expert on all hiking backpacks. For this reason, I reached out to the actual experts (those who have tried the backpacks themselves) and completed my own research to share the best day and overnight hiking backpacks for under 100 dollars! This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support! Day Hiking Backpacks for under $100 Rupumpack Insulated Hydration Backpack I'll start off with the hiking backpack I have been using for the past 4 years. After my first hike, (I brought a plastic water bottle to share with two people.....), I quickly realized I needed a backpack with a water bladder. I bought a different smaller one first and eventually tried this one out. It's extremely affordable and I LOVE it. The back pocket is insulated and keeps the water bladder (and my snacks) cold, and the front pocket is big enough for extra layers, first-aid kit, dog supplies, etc. It's also very comfy and has a strap for your waist and chest so it takes the weight off your shoulders and back. Pros: AffordableInsulated back pocket Water bladder Large front pocket Chest and waist strap for added comfort Cons: Not suitable for heavy loads Day-hiking only Check current price here! REI Co-op Trail 25 As tried by Victoria from Guideyourtravel The REI Co-op Trail 25 is a fantastic backpack for anyone looking for a small and durable day pack that holds all the essentials without being too bulky. If you’re looking for a gift for a fellow traveler friend definitely consider this backpack. At 79$ it’s definitely not the most affordable backpack but it’s still reasonably priced and definitely a worthwhile investment. The REI Co-op Trail 25 exists as both a male and female version although the difference is not extremely noticeable. A large portion of the backpack is made from recycled materials and a rain cover is also included. 25 liters isn’t a lot in terms of storage, but the pack holds more than you might expect. The backpack is incredibly comfortable and won’t hurt your back even on longer hikes. There are so many different compartments and zippers that you can store even small items safely and access them whenever you need them. If you’re looking for a lightweight and comfortable backpack definitely go for the REI Co-op Trail 25. Pros: Raincover inclued Made from recycled materials Different compartments Lightweight and comfortable Cons: A bit more expensive Check the current price here! Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack If you are looking for a super affordable hiking backpack to get started with, the Venture Pal is the way to go. At only a little more than 20 dollars, it's the perfect starter pack. The backpack has a unique waterproof pocket, sponge shoulder straps, and a chest strap with a whistle. The biggest downfall is no hydration pack, but I know there are some people who prefer to drink out of a water bottle instead. Pros: Very affordable Spnge shoulder strapsChest straps Cons: No hydration pack Check the current price here! Backpacking Hiking backpacks for under $100 Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly As tried by Soumya at Nature Diary The entire backpack is sturdy and durable as it is made of top-quality polyester. When you are going on a hike, you need a backpack that can withstand all types of weather conditions. This one is the best for camping and hiking anywhere, anytime. It is an internal frame backpack that comes with a 65 L capacity. There is also a 5 L extension capacity with the collar. So, you can carry all the essential things you will need for your adventure trip. This backpack is the first choice of hikers because of the ease of storing things. There are additional storage pockets and compartments to keep essential items like medicines, torch, ropes, etc. Besides, the large storage compartment is for carrying the sleeping bag. With any other backpack, the heaviness of it strains your shoulder a lot. The pain ruins the enjoyment of hiking, right? Carrying the backpack won’t strain your shoulder as it comes with multi-directional compression straps. For this reason, it's a great choice for longer hikes. These straps are adjustable and padded to put lesser pressure on the shoulder. It also comes with an open cell-foam lumbar pad that gives support to your lower back. There are also molded channels that assist good airflow in finding it difficult to carry. The exterior coating is water-repellant, and there is also an integrated water-resistant rain fly to protect the backpack from light rain. You can carry it in heavy rain as it comes with a waterproof cover. Pros This is a waterproof backpack for all weather.The internal frame makes it sturdy.The padded and adjustable straps help the user carry it without much effort.It comes with lots of storage pockets for essential objects.Sturdy finish and durable manufacturing make it last longer.It is a budget-friendly product under $100. Cons Not suitable for very heavy loads. Check the current price here! Berghaus trailhead 60 liter As tried by Martha at May Cause Wanderlust The Berghaus Trailhead 60 liter is great for multi-day hiking trips because it is big enough for all the gear you need and is very adjustable. It has a base compartment accessible via its own external zip, which is really convenient for getting things like a sleeping bag in and out without having to unpack everything. This compartment can be separated from the rest of the main packing space or the divider can be removed to make it one big space. It also has a pre-curved cushioned hip belt and adjustable straps to help distribute the weight properly and make the pack comfortable to carry The rainproof cover definitely comes in handy and also folds away into a very small space when it is not needed. There are all the pockets and attachments you need, including space for a water pack. The main downside is that the pre-curved hip belt makes the backpack a little harder to store, as it doesn’t flatten down fully. However, for me, the benefit of having that comfortable hip belt outweighed this minor inconvenience, and I was very thankful for the comfort when hiking the Inca Trail in Peru! Pros: Rainproof cover Space for water-pack Dividers for organization Cushioned hip belt Cons: Pre-curved hip belt makes it harder to store Check the current price here! TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack This affordable backpacking pack is less than 100 dollars and comes with everything you could possibly need. With 3400 cubic inches of storage, multiple pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, rain cover, and multi-directional shoulder straps, it is the perfect backpack for short camping trips. Reviewers state that the narrow build makes it easier to carry, but that it can also carry heavy loads. It also comes in four different colors to meet the interests of all! On the downside, reviewers also state that the sleeping bag compartment can only hold light-weight sleeping bags, the waist strap gradually loosens, and that it is not great for trips longer than three days due to the limited storage space. Pros: Narrow Build for easier carrying Multi-directional shoulder straps Sleeping bag compartment Cons: Not for longer than 3 days Waist strap gradually loosensCan only hold lightweight sleeping bags Check the current price here! Hiking Inspiration! Are you hoping to get started hiking with your new backpack?! Here are some of my TOP hiking recommendations for beginners. If you have read any of my previous posts, you know I LOVE medium-length hikes to the coolest views. So the hikes listed below are accessible for beginner hikers with a bit of preparation research! Pickens Nose Trailhead: Located in North Carolina, this hidden gem leads to an amazing overlook! You will have to drive down a rough dirt road to get there, but it is definitely worth it. Pipiwai Trail: If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime hike, head to Maui. This hike is located at the end of the Road to Hana and features a bamboo forest and an AMAZING waterfall. Lighthouse Trail: Some may say Texas is boring, BUT Palo Duro State Park will definitely change your mind. After walking through the canyon, you will come across a super unique rock feature that you can climb and explore. Do you have a hiking backpack you LOVE for under 100 dollars? Come share it with me on Instagram and I would love to add it to his post!