Best Hiking Backpacks Under $100 You Need To Know For 2024

Looking for a hiking backpack to up your outdoor game, but don’t want to spend too much money? Here are the 9 best hiking backpacks you can get for under $100 without missing out on functionality or style.

I was recently on a hunt for a hiking backpack or daypack for weekend hikes. Before that, I realised that I was trying to bring as few things as possible on hikes because I just didn’t have the right backpack. Even though some hikes may be shorter, you still need a hiking backpack to bring enough water, snacks, a cap, a camera etc.

However, I also realised that many of the recommended best hiking backpacks can be a little expensive for those who are just starting to get into outdoorsy activities.

Today I want to show you that you can still get excellent day packs and hiking backpacks for under $100, along with pros and cons to help you decide which backpack is for you. I’ve also included a few of the best stylish backpacks designed by top outdoor brands that are sure to make heads turn!

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What are the best hiking backpacks under $100?

Industry-leading brands’ hiking backpacks under $100

I’ve always loved Osprey’s products and the brand name is synonymous with great quality assurance. Hence, my overall top choice is the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack – and it’s even great for everyday use!

The one I recommend buying if you’re just starting to hike is REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack because it’s so wallet friendly. It has everything you need in a minimalist hiking backpack and there’s no harm trying it out.

• Best overall and suitable for everyday use: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
• Value-for-money affordability: REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
• Larger loads: REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack
• Hydration solution: Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack
• Ventilation: Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack

Hiking in style with backpacks under $100

Sometimes you just need a regular backpack that can double up as a hiking day pack when the occasion calls for it. In that case, consider these versatile backpacks from the top outdoor brands that know how to make hiking look cool. I also have some tips on how you can take photos of yourself hiking so you can feature your new backpack!

• Topo Designs Y-Pack
• Cotopaxi Batac Del Dia 24L Pack
• KAVU Timaru
• Topo Designs Rover Park Classic

1. Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

Best overall and suitable for everyday use

The Osprey Daylite Plus Pack is the number 1 choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable backpack. It can be used for hiking and also for everyday activities as the padded inner sleeve can function as a compartment for either a hydration bladder or a laptop.

The backpack’s handle is also designed such that you can slide it through luggage handles, making it perfect as a travel bag. However, since there’s only one size for this backpack, the handle design may not be comfortable for some people as it may press against the neck. If you’re worried about that, you can always try it out at home and return it if it doesn’t suit you.

This Osprey backpack also ticks the box on the breathability factor, as it has the AirScape™ mesh-covered back panel with ridged foam to enable airflow. With a decent capacity to weight ratio of 1.0, you are getting the best of all worlds and it’s the perfect hiking backpack under $100.

2. REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack

Best for value-for-money affordability

The REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack offers exceptional value at 22 L capacity and weighs just 14 oz. Overall, it does exactly what a hiking backpack should and is hard to beat at this price. In addition, this is the lightest backpack on our list which makes it easy for a beginner to bring for a hike.

Although the material is fairly thin and not as durable as other hiking backpacks, it would hold up well for most hiking situations where you’re not bumping against rocks and branches. It is also easily packable as a hiking day pack on longer backpacking trips.

If you’ve always been hesitant to get a hiking backpack because of the cost, this backpack is your best bet as it strikes a good balance between cost and performance. It was exactly this reason that made us get this as one of the best value-for-money hiking backpacks under $100.

3. REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack

Best for larger loads

The REI Co-op Trail 25 Pack is suitable for those who need extra space for their outdoor or hiking gear. With its 25 L capacity, it’s perfect for longer day hikes as well. If you have camera equipment, this backpack also has a spacious interior for it and even a rain cover included to protect your gear.

It also has a number of great features for a hiking backpack including 5 exterior pockets, an internal frame that shields your back from any protruding gear, and hooks for attaching trekking poles.

4. Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack

Best for a hydration solution

The Gregory Nano 22 H2O Hydration Pack is ideal for hikers who prioritise staying hydrated. If you’ve always struggled with drinking enough water while hiking, or you are looking to switch to a hydration bladder, this backpack is perfect for you. It’s also a great deal because it comes with the Gregory 3 L hydration reservoir so you don’t have to purchase one separately. Naturally, hydration routing is already integrated into this backpack.

5. Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack

Best for ventilation

If you dislike being sweaty, consider getting the Osprey Hikelite 18 Pack to help you stay cool and comfortable during hikes.

This backpack features Osprey’s Airspeed back design that comprises of a suspended mesh, meaning there’s no foam back panel unlike other backpacks. The internal frame also helps this 18 L backpack hold its structure and allows for the airflow with the right amount of tension.

Update for 2024: There seems to be a newer version of the Hikelite 18 that has been released in late 2023. However, it now costs more than $100 so technically it’s not as relevant for this list. However, you can still get the previous model on sale on Osprey if you act fast.

6. Topo Designs Y-Pack

The Topo Designs Y-Pack combines classic style with modern functionality. It’s perfect for those who appreciate both fashion and function in their outdoor gear. You can also use this for your everyday commute as it has an inner laptop sleeve, and is roomy enough at 23 L to be taken for a hike.

7. Cotopaxi Batac Del Dia 24L Pack

The Cotopaxi Batac Del Dia 24L Pack is an eye-catching choice where each backpack has a unique color combination. It also has a laptop sleeve, so perhaps that makes up for the lack of a dedicated hydration bladder compartment. Note that if you buy this backpack from REI, you may not know what colors you’re getting.

8. KAVU Timaru

This KAVU Timaru backpack maintains an outdoorsy style while being versatile for urban commutes, day hikes or exploring the city. It also has numerous exterior pockets which make it suitable for outdoor adventures, and the compression straps on the side make it useful for carrying things like a tripod.

This was originally our everyday backpack, though we absolutely love its practical features even as we took it hiking. However, one thing to note about this backpack is that the internal stitching between the main body and the cord-cinched fabric may be weaker. We had a tear there over time as we sometimes grab the bag by this inner fabric instead of the handles.

9. Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic

The Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic is indeed the classic design of outdoor backpacks. You might have seen this in those “outdoor aesthetic” type of photos. It’s also made from a very sturdy material so you don’t have to get too worried about the backpack getting scraped while you’re outdoors. Overall, this hiking backpack is a crowd pleaser if you’re not particular about hiking-specific features.

How to evaluate features of hiking backpacks under $100

When deciding on the best hiking backpacks and day packs, we looked at these features when comparing, especially since they’re all under $100.