Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Osprey Farpoint 40 ($160 – $200).
- A mid-size travel pack suits most trips.
- Clamshell openings pack like a suitcase.
In this article
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On a budget? Here are the best-value travel backpacks in the US, starting with the cheapest model we rate, with typical prices and our verdict on each.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $160 – $200 |
| Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L | Buy | 9.0/10 | $300 – $350 |
Budget picks in detail
Osprey Farpoint 40
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $160 – $200
For most people, Osprey Farpoint 40 is worth its usual price of $160 – $200. Our score: 8.8/10.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $300 – $350
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is one of the travel backpacks we would buy in the US. It scores 9.0/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $300 – $350.
How to save money
A mid-size travel pack suits most trips.
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
Clamshell openings pack like a suitcase.
Common mistake: Overpacking a bag that becomes uncomfortable to carry.
Compare more options
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap travel backpacks in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Osprey Farpoint 40, typically $160 – $200.
Are cheap travel backpacks worth it?
A mid-size travel pack suits most trips. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Clamshell openings pack like a suitcase.
When are travel 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.