Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Deuter Speed Lite 21 ($75 – $100).
- A well-fitting mid-range pack beats an expensive one that does not fit.
- Choose capacity by trip length: 20 to 30 liters for day hikes, 50 liters or more for multi-day trips.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good hiking backpacks. These are the cheapest hiking backpacks we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deuter Speed Lite 21 | Buy | 8.3/10 | $75 – $100 |
| Osprey Talon 22 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $140 – $160 |
Budget picks in detail
Deuter Speed Lite 21
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.3/10 · Typical price: $75 – $100
For most people, Deuter Speed Lite 21 is worth its usual price of $75 – $100. Our score: 8.3/10.
Osprey Talon 22
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $140 – $160
Osprey Talon 22 is one of the hiking backpacks we would buy in the US. It scores 8.8/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $140 – $160.
How to save money
A well-fitting mid-range pack beats an expensive one that does not fit.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Choose capacity by trip length: 20 to 30 liters for day hikes, 50 liters or more for multi-day trips.
Common mistake: Buying without checking torso length.
Compare more options
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap hiking backpacks in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Deuter Speed Lite 21, typically $75 – $100.
Are cheap hiking backpacks worth it?
A well-fitting mid-range pack beats an expensive one that does not fit. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Choose capacity by trip length: 20 to 30 liters for day hikes, 50 liters or more for multi-day trips.
When are hiking backpacks cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.