A backpack is probably the most essential hiking gear of all. While you’ll want to be sure to get a quality backpack, the top models can get quite pricey, With that in mind, we’ve put together this post to rank our choices for the best hiking backpacks under $200.
With a budget of $200, you can get an outstanding quality backpack without breaking the bank. Here are our favorites:
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Backpacks Under $200
1. TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
The Explorer 400 is far from being described as an average backpack, as it has numerous features that distinguish it as a must-have for anyone wanting to push the limit on a serious hiking trip. You can perform a multi-position torso adjustment on it to make it fit your body size. It has a 4000 cubic capacity and weighs 5 pounds.
Key Features
- The backpack weighs 5 pounds
- It has a capacity of 4000 cubic inches
- It is made by TETON sports
- The filled dimensions are 32” x 18” x 12”
- It is fully adjustable
- It features a sewn-in rainfly
Check the current price of the TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
2. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
The Scout 3400 is a top-notch backpack with features such as compression straps, pockets for strategic packing, sleeping bag compartments, and multi compartments. Some features that have been introduced for optimum comfort of users include waist and shoulder straps to assist in carrying the load, a padded back panel that is channeled for optimal airflow, and padded lumbar and waist. To make it fit your body size, you simply have to adjust the torso.
Key features
- The dimensions of the backpack when filled are 26 x 11 x 9 inches
- The capacity of the bag is 3400 cubic inches
- It features a padded back panel for airflow
- It has a fully adjustable scout
- The pack weighs 4.5 pounds
- It has a bungee storage
- It features a sleeping bag compartment
- The torso length can be adjusted between 15” to 24”
Check the current price of the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
3. Mardingtop 50L/55L/60L/75L Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpacks with Rain Cover
This backpack is moderately lightweight, and it is spacious enough for all the things you need for an average 4-day trip. The backpack allows you to hang your sleeping mat, tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear on it. It also features an extension collar that has two drawstrings on the top that you can expand to increase its capacity by about 5 liters.
Key features
- The dimensions of the product are 13.0 x 9.4 x 29.9 inches
- The item weighs 4.49lbs
- The coating fabric is water-resistant
- It features a hydration compartment
- It is made of a water-resistant 600D Polyester
4. TETON Sports Ultralight Backpacks; Lightweight, Durable, Internal-Frame Backpack
The TETON Sports Hiker 3700 Hiking Backpack is a multi-purpose backpack that includes multi-directional compression straps, pockets for strategic planning, and a sleeping bag compartment. It also has features such as the padded back panel that helps to optimize airflow. The multi-position torso adjustment allows it to fit a wide range of body sizes. The durable open-cell foam Lumber pad and molded channels make it extra-comfortable for users. With all its features, it’s safe to conclude that this is a beyond-basic backpack, albeit it is sold at a low price.
Key Features
- It has a sleeping bag compartment
- It has compression straps
- It has a 60 liter capacity
5. Mountaintop 60 Liter Hiking Internal Frame Backpack with Rain Cover
Do you need a bag that’s large enough for multiple-day camping trips? Then this may be a good option for you. The bag allows a capacity of over 50 liters. These packs work well for winter gear, food, cooking gear needed on a camping stint, and as tents. This largest pack can be used for both specialty gear and as a tool for mountaineering.
Key Features
- The dimensions of the product are 29.1 x 12.6 x 9.1 inches
- The item weighs 4.03 pounds
- It has a hydration compartment
- The hip belt can be adjusted to 77-145cm
- It is made with water-resistant nylon lining
- It has a zipper closure
- It has a bottom access
- It features hydration access on a side of the pack
- It is manufactured by Qibin shop
Check the current price of the Mountaintop 60 Liter Hiking Internal Frame Backpack with Rain Cover
6. Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L Travel Camping Backpack with Rain Cover
The Loowoko Hiking Backpack is a 50L capacity backpack that’s perfect for packing necessary things for an outdoor event. The bag has some interesting features that guarantee a top-notch user experience. Some of those features include 8 adjustable straps that help in tying your pack and hanging tripod, hammock, sleeping bag, and mat. It also has mesh side pockets that help to keep your pocket separate and organized. The backpack is well designed to fit the needs of both men and women and can be used by most genders.
Key Features
- It has a zipper closure
- The item weighs 2.6 lbs
- The dimension of the product is 23.62 x 11.8 x 2.8 inches
- It uses YKK Zipper and Buckle
- It is made of polyester lining
- It has hydration access on a side of the pack with a water bladder sieve in the bag’s main compartment
- It has 8 adjustable straps
Check the current price of the Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L Travel Camping Backpack with Rain Cover
7. Mardingtop 50L/55L/60L/75L Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpacks with Rain Cover
The Mardingtop Molle Hiking Internal Frame is one that’s designed to be an effective backpack for individuals that have an interest in outdoor activities. It has a host of features that make this backpack a noteworthy one. Some of those features include an easy-to-access internal frame that can easily be opened to access the main compartment. The Mardingtop Molle Hiking Internal Frame is well used as a 3-day assault pack that you can use for trekking, climbing, backpacking, camping, and hiking.
Key Features
- It is made with 600D polyester
- It has YKK Buckle and Zipper
- It has chest straps to cope with the load weight
- It has a zipped pocket at the top of the pack that makes it perfect for your rain cover
- It has a patch are for nametape and flag patches
- The item weighs 4.49 pounds
8. TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder
Have you ever been in a difficult situation where you find it difficult to stay hydrated while on an outdoor activity? The Oasis 1100 by TETON can help with that. It is an 18-Liter backpack that comes with a leakproof 2-Liter hydration bladder and is well designed to fit your necessary needs for a multiple-day outdoor activity. The chest, waist straps, and shoulder can be adjusted to custom fit.
Key Features
- It features a hydration bladder
- It has an 18L (1100 cubic inches) capacity
- The unfilled pack weight is 2 lbs
- The weight belt is expandable by up to 60”
- It has a 2-liter hydration bladder
- The dimension of the product is 18.5 x 10 x 7inches
9. FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking
The Fendong Waterproof Lightweight Outdoor Backpack is designed for individuals going for outdoor activity. It’s specifically built to withstand a rainy environment and harsh environment. FENDONG reinforced all stress points so that the bag can last longer than its competitors.
Key Features
- It is made of nylon lining
- It is water-resistant
- It has a zipper closure
- It features a 13” shoulder drop
- The backpack is compact and comfortable
- The backpack weighs only 1.9 pounds
Check the current price of the FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking
10. Esup Hiking Backpack, 50L Mountaineering Backpack with 45L+5L Rain Cover
The Esup Backpack is a multipurpose backpack that allows you to have all you need with you while going camping, mountaineering, or on any outdoor expedition. The backpack meets most airlines’ size requirements and has enough room for an average person’s three or four-day trip.
Key Features
- It is made of rip-stop nylon
- It has a 50L capacity
- It weighs 2.6 pounds
- The load-bearing capacity is 40kg
- The dimensions of the product are 25.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches
- It has a rain cover
Why Is a Good Backpack Important?
There are 33 bones in your spine called the vertebrae, and the vertebrate has disks in them that act as a shock absorber. When you wear the wrong backpack, the backpack will pull you backward, and you’ll have to bend forward to compensate for the pull. This causes the spine to compress unnaturally. It can also cause the upper back to become curved and the shoulder to be rounded. A good backpack is basically one that prevents all these and is convenient to carry and remove.
Types of Hiking Backpacks
External Frame
This type of backpack is hardly used for hiking as they are typically less travel-friendly, bulkier, and heavier than other types of backpacks. A typical external frame backpack consists of a pack, an aluminum frame, and a harness. Although the aluminum frame is designed to give support, it also adds to the weight of the backpack.
Internal Frame
A typical internal frame backpack is either rigid or semi-rigid as they’re usually made with plastic frame sheets or aluminum rods. Due to its construction, the backpack’s weight is efficiently transferred from the carrier waist to his/her hips.
No Frame
A no-frame or frameless backpack is very light and best for carrying light loads. The frameless backpacks are constructed flexibly, which makes them very light. A top-quality frameless backpack weighs about 600 grams.
Daypack
A daypack is a smaller type that is light but big enough to add items needed for a day’s activity.
What Size of Hiking Backpack Should I Buy?
Most backpacks are usually between 25-85 liters, which is a wide range.
Bags that are around 25L are perfect for carrying items that you need during a day’s activities. If you’re a light packer, the 25L backpack should be ideal for you.
65L backpacks are good for a long hiking trip as they can fit most things that are needed for multiple-day trips. Backpacks that are longer than 65L are too big for most people to carry, while those within 35 to 45-liter packs are ideal for travel.
How to Choose the Right Backpack
Size
No one backpack size is better than another. What determines which backpack is better than the other is your body’s proportion to your backpack. If a backpack is too small or too big, it will make it difficult for you to balance and you might topple over in difficult terrain.
Material
When shopping for backpacks, it’s best to look out for a material that will best suit the reason for having a backpack. This guarantees that you have a great user experience while using the bag. Here are some common backpack materials:
- Cordura: If you want a durable, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric of luggage and backpack, the cordura is a good choice.
- Cotton Canvas: This is one of the best choice materials to use, however, it has a few flaws. It rots when stored, and cannot withstand much abrasion.
- Nylon: A majority of backpacks are made of treated nylon fabrics. This is primarily because they resist tearing, and when they do, the woven pattern of the threads stops the tear from growing.
Frame Type
There are basically three types of frame types to choose from, they are:
- Internal Frame: These are the most common types of backpacks, and they’re specifically designed to be keeping a hiker stable on rough terrains.
- External Frame: If you’re carrying a heavy, irregular load like toting an inflatable kayak to the lake, then this backpack is a good choice for you.
- Frameless: A frameless backpack is the best choice for individuals that like to hike light and fast.
Price
The exact price of a backpack depends on the fabric, brand, and size of your backpack. The price of most backpacks ranges between $99 to $300 dollars. Purchasing a store brand is much cheaper than popular brand names like Gregory, Osprey, and North Face. Most bags that are more expensive than $300 have numerous features that most travelers don’t need.
