You might have heard before that you need to plan everything accordingly if you want a successful hiking trip.
Without doing that, the possibility of you witnessing unfavorable events will be pretty high.
When it comes to planning everything, first need to select the essential items you want to carry with you. Then you need to select something that can hold all of the selected items.
Well, that is where trouble will arise. You would require a proper backpack for that and you might be looking for the best hiking backpack under 50 if you are under a tight budget.
One of the good units from that budget segment will offer you the amount of space you require.
Many will have some extra bells and whistles that are only found on the high-end models.
Benefits Of Hiking Backpack Under 50
Before we do get into the review section, let us give you a brief idea about the advantages that you are going to enjoy by having one of these.
They are as follows:
Plenty Of Space For ½ Day Trips
Most of these will have a good amount of space to accommodate all of the things that you might require for a ½ day trip.
Some will even have that amount of space that you would be able to go for a full-day trip with them on your back.
Small In Size
The models that are within this pricepoint are quite compact and small in size. Because of having this form factor, it should be pretty easy for you to store them.
You would also be able to double them as a regular backpack because of the small and compact form factor that these have.
Affordable
Last but not least, these are the ones that you would want to opt for if you do not want to break your bank.
You will even find many of these in the 40$ range. And if they have a good amount of features, it will be pretty much a great bang for the buck purchase.
Quick Tip: If you have a budget of $100 for the backpack, go to this page.
10 Best Hiking Backpack Under 50
You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars just to get a proper backpack for hiking.
Many 50$ and under options are far rich in features when compared to average expensive models. And, we have picked exactly those ones for you.
So, without further ado, here is the list of the ones that we have hand picked for you:
#1. Osprey Daylite Daypack
Comfort is the key to getting an enjoyable hiking experience. And if the backpack you are carrying is not comfortable, you will not have a good experience when you are on the trail.
Well, if you get this one, you would not have to worry about that one bit.
To start with, the back panel of this unit has a mesh-covered die-cut foam. That mesh panel will provide a good amount of ventilation, making sure that your back does not sweat too much.
Also, because of the thick foam that it has, carrying it with the compartments full of items will be pretty easy for you.
On that note, the main compartment is pretty large. It has a panel-loading mechanism that will make it easier for you to access the inside.
The unit’s overall size is 13 liters, which is quite enough for half-day trips. You will not feel like it does not have an adequate amount of space to carry all of the required items.
Aside from the main compartment, there are two side pockets. The pockets utilize stretchable mesh material, which makes them capable of carrying large-sized water bottles.
You can also use those pockets to store small items and electronics that you need quick access to.
Besides the pockets, the interior has sleeves. Those sleeves will come in handy if you are planning to store a hydration reservoir inside.
It will also offer you the ability to store laptops and tablets inside. And because of the sleeves, the thing you are going to put inside will stay in place.
Apart from that, the front has a zipper pocket. It is also quite sizable, which means you can store a good amount of items there.
And as it has a mesh organizer, you should be able to keep all of the things organized.
#2. G4Free Hiking Daypack 50L
While you are on a trip, the battery might die in the middle of the trail. And having to put the phone inside the pack to charge it up using a power bank can be a bit risky.
It can get damaged because of colliding with other items that you might have inside. Well, G4Free has come up with a solution for that.
Unlike some of the other packs that are out there, this one has a USB port on the side. You would be able to make the wire inside connect with a power bank.
Once you do that, all you have to do is connect a wire with your phone and keep it in your pocket.
Other than that the USB port, the inside of this pack is quite spacious. The overall size is 50 Liters, which makes it ideal for both the half and full-day trip.
There will be no lacking of storage for the items that you want to carry. In fact, you might have extra room left after packing all of the essential things.
Aside from the interior, the exterior of the unit is waterproof nylon. Because of being made of waterproof material, it should be able to repel splashes of water and rainwater exceptionally well. There is a rain cover integrated on the bottom pocket.
Besides that, all the straps that are in this unit offer a comfortable fit. They have breathable mesh, which will let the air circulate through.
They pack a proper amount of padding as well. Both of them combined will make sure that you have a comfortable experience when you are carrying this on your back.
Lastly, two of the hip belts have an inner pocket in them. Those can carry the small items that you need quick access to.
#3. Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L
Just like the tracks of a hiking trail might be unfavorable, the weather can get unfavorable sometimes. Rain might catch you off guard. However, if you have this on the back, you will have nothing to worry about.
First of all, the overall construction is of nylon that is somewhat waterproof. And to enhance that waterproofing even further, it flaunts a polyester rain cover in the bottom pocket.
That material does a great job in repelling the water and preventing it from getting inside. So even if it rains, the inside will be dry as a desert.
Aside from the waterproofing capability, the materials that the manufacturer utilized is quite high in quality. The polyester that is on the bottom pocket can resist ripping and wearing reasonably well.
For that reason, you can expect it to last for a long amount of time without showing any major issues.
Apart from that, the overall capacity of the unit is 50 liters. That amount of storage space is more than enough to pack all of the essentials inside.
You might even have some room left after storing all of the items inside. There are multiple compartments inside, which will enable you to keep the items organized.
Other than that, there are eight different straps. All of the straps are adjustable. That means you are sure to get a secure fit with this.
And the mesh side pockets that it has should be able to accommodate water bottles of all sizes. You can also use it to store small items there.
Besides that, the unit’s size is ideal for people that are 5 feet to 6 feet 5 inches in height.
Also, the unit’s dimensions comply with the airline specification, which means there will be no need to pay extra if you are planning to fly to your hiking destination with this on your back.
#4. MOUNTAINTOP Unisex 40L
Even though most of the units are going to have plenty of straps on them, the hip belt is all that it counts if you want to carry it securely. MOUNTAINTOP had put proper emphasis on that in this unit that they are offering.
To start with, it has a highly adjustable hip belt. Depending on your waist’s size, you will be able to adjust it from 29 inches to 53 inches.
And after properly adjusting it, you should be able to carry it securely. You would not feel like it is falling off your back.
Apart from the adjustable hip belt, the sternum strap that it has is also adjustable. It will enhance the chances of you getting a secure fit even further.
The shoulder straps have an S-shaped design, which is going to enhance comfort. You should be able to carry the entire weight of the pack without any issues.
Other than that, the interior has separated compartments. It will be pretty easy for you to keep your items in an organized fashion.
Also, the sleeve that it has on the inside will offer you the ability to store laptops and tablets properly. They will not move around, which will reduce the chances of them getting damaged.
Aside from that, both the back panel and the straps have a breathable mesh on them. That mesh will ensure that the air is not obstructed.
Instead, it will let the air circulate through to cool you off. So you would not sweat excessively when you are on a trip with the sun producing scorching heat.
Besides that, it has a waterproof cover on the bottom pocket. It can repel water exceptionally well and you can use it when the rain catches you off guard.
Also, the pocket has its own dedicated zipper.
#5. Diamond Candy Waterproof Backpack
The track that you are planning to take for the trip might have loads of waterbodies. As we have mentioned earlier, there is a high chance that you might get caught off guard by the rain.
In such scenarios, having a waterproof bag, such as this one, is a must.
First of all, the exterior material of the pack is nylon. And the nylon that the manufacturer has utilized is relatively high in quality.
It has a high capability to resist water. Also, the waterproofing is further enhanced with the inclusion of the rain cover. It resides on the bottom pocket, which you can unpack during rains.
Aside from the waterproof characteristics that it has, the inside of the unit has multiple compartments. All of them are separated using a divider.
As a result, you would not struggle that much when trying to store all the items in an organized manner. There are dedicated sleeves for storing laptops as well.
The unit is surprisingly lightweight, thanks to the high-quality material that it features. Also, the material is reasonably durable.
It can resist tearing and wearing exceptionally well. You can expect this one to last for an extended amount of time without showing any internal or external damages.
Other than that, there are two side pockets. You can use those to store water bottles. Also, you will find small pockets on the hip belt.
Those can accommodate small items, such as electronics. You would also be able to use those small pockets to store the things you need to use frequently.
Lastly, the back panel has a mesh layer. This layer will let the air circulate through, which will reduce the possibility of you sweating excessively.
Also, the straps and the back panel both have a fair amount of padding on them. So carrying it full of items will not be that hard.
#6. HIKPRO 20L
Storing relatively large backpacks when you are not using them can be a hassle. And the same thing goes for some of the compact ones as well.
However, this one does not fall into that criteria, and you will know exactly why after going through the review.
To start with, it is exceptionally lightweight. The unit’s overall weight is just 7.5 oz, making this unit one of the lightest hiking backpacks under 50$.
It is relatively compact as well. And there is a mechanism that will allow you to fold the unit up. You would not have to sacrifice too much room in your cupboard.
Aside from the size and the weight, the design that it features is quite minimalistic. It comes in few different colors.
Depending on the looks that you are after, you can choose one of the nine different colors that it is available in. All of them look quite sleek.
Even though the unit is comparatively small and lightweight, the space inside is considerably large. It has a maximum capacity of 20 liters, which means you should be able to fit all of the essentials for ½ day trip easily.
Also, there are three different zippered compartments. Those will enable you to keep things organized.
Other than that, the exterior of the unit is water-resistant, thanks to the high-quality nylon construction. The capability of repelling water is relatively high.
It should be able to keep the inside dry even if you are out in the rain for up to 1 hour. Also, there are two side pockets. You can put your bottles or umbrella there.
Apart from that, the exterior can withstand tough weather conditions at ease. As the nylon it utilizes is of high-grade, it has the ability to resist tear and wear.
#7. MIRACOL Hydration Backpack
Even though most of the units are going to have side pockets, most of them do not have the ability to carry large-sized water bottles.
And it can get quite difficult to keep walking if your hydration level is low. Well, that is where this one steps in.
First of all, you are going to find a built-in water bladder inside. The maximum capacity of the bladder is 2 liters.
That amount of water is more than enough to carry out a reasonably long hiking trip. And to add a cherry on the top, it is replaceable, and the container is BPA-free. You can clean pretty easily as well.
Alongside that, the water and the food you are going to keep inside this will stay cool, thanks to the thermal insulation layer that it has on the exterior.
The insulation that it creates can last for up to four hours, which is more than enough for some of the trips.
Other than that, the material that MIRACOL has utilized for the exterior is reasonably sturdy as well. The material has military-grade sturdiness.
It can resist wearing exceptionally well. That means it will last for an extended amount of time without showing any sort of issues.
Apart from that, there are multiple separators in the main compartment. Because of having those dividers, you can properly organize the things you are going to keep inside.
There will be no need to search the entire pack when you are looking for a specific item.
The unit has multiple pockets on the exterior too. There are two side pockets, and the belly belt has horizontal pockets as well.
You will be able to use those to keep the small items. Also, the unit is comparatively lightweight. It only weighs 1 pound, which means carrying it will be an effortless task for you.
#8. MOUNTAINTOP 40L Outdoor
The hip belt that most of the units feature is capable of ensuring a proper fit. However, it will be hard for you to get that adequate fit if they are not adjustable.
But you will not have to think about that too much if you get this one that is from MOUNTAINTOP.
To begin with, the overall size of the unit is forty liters. That means it should have enough room to accommodate all of the essential items that you might require for a full-day trip.
You would not have to leave anything behind. And as it is 4.5 inches deep, you would have no trouble in storing laptops inside it either.
Alongside that, MOUNTAINTOP has sourced out high-quality material for the overall construction. The exterior is of high-grade polyester.
This material that they have used to manufacture is highly resistant to wear and tear. So the chances of it showing exterior flaws in a short amount of time would be considerably low.
Apart from the material, all of the accessories that the manufacturer has used are of high-quality as well. It has zippers that are from YKK.
You will not have to put that much pressure to open the teeth. And the buckles are from the same brand too.
Other than that, the hip belt that it comes with is adjustable. It will offer you the freedom to change the length from 25 inches to 55 inches.
Also, it comes with a sternum belt that is adjustable as well. And the shoulder straps adopt an S-shaped design, which will increase the overall comfort when you are carrying this.
Lastly, the dimensions of the unit comply with the airline specification. So there will be no need to pay extra if you are planning to fly with this on your back.
#9. Bassdash Waterproof TPU Backpack
Waterproofing is something that all of the units will have to some extent. However, Bassdash did not take it lightly in that regard. They have gone all out and brought out this ultimate waterproof backpack.
Unlike some of the units that are available in the market, this one has TPU coating on both sides.
The TPU coating that it features is eco-friendly, which means it will not harm the environment when you decide to throw it away after years of use. There are three different color coatings available as well.
For the coating that it has, blocking water for the exterior will be a breeze. And as the coating is also on the inside, even if water does manage to get inside, it will not be able to go through the main compartment separator.
You can stay completely worry-free even if you have electronics in your backpack.
Alongside that, Bassdash did not skimp one bit on the material as well. They have used 420D nylon, which is considered to be one of the highest quality nylon out there.
It is reasonably sturdy and will be able to withstand harsh environments at ease. You can expect to get extended use out of it.
The overall capacity of the unit is 20 liters. However, there is a zippered pocket on the inside. And the compartments are properly separated.
That means it should be easy for you to organize the items you are going to keep inside. And for the roll-top design that it has, you are sure to get quick access to the inside.
Apart from that, the overall design of the unit is quite ergonomic. It has a reasonable amount of padding on the back and the strap.
There is a large waist strap, which is fully adjustable. The shoulder straps are adjustable as well.
#10. SHARKMOUTH Hydration Pack
If you were on the lookout for something that has a large amount of capacity inside and has a built-in bladder but is not that heavy in weight, then what you are looking for is this one that is being offered by SHARKMOUTH.
First of all, the unit has a built-in bladder inside. It is 2 liters in capacity, which means you would be able to carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the entire trip.
And the bladder is of leak-resistant material. So you will not have to worry about the interior getting flooded either. It is BPA-free as well.
Alongside that, worrying about the water getting heated up is not something you would have to do for this one. It has a thermal insulating layer on the top.
That layer will make sure that the sun’s heat can not make it through the upper surface. And the shut-off valve of the bladder will make it easier for you to refill it.
The two front compartments that it has are quite spacious. They both the space to accommodate most of the essential things that you might require for the trip.
Both of the compartments are also insulated. It can keep the inside insulated for four hours. That means you would be able to keep food containers inside them safely.
Aside from that, the overall construction of the unit is pretty solid. SHARKMOUTH has sourced out military-grade material for this.
Instead of using regular nylon, they have used tear-resistant 900d polyester. It does not only make it structurally solid but also makes it achieve a longer lifespan.
Other than that, both of the shoulder straps are adjustable. You will have total control over the fit for that reason. And the waist strap is also adjustable.
Lastly, the unit is reasonably lightweight.
What To Look For Before You Buy?
Even though all of the units that we have included in our review section are worth getting, you still should not get one of them blindly.
To get the full worth of the money that you are spending, you should keep some important factors in your mind.
The factors that we are mainly talking about are as stated:
Capacity
Unlike the other factors that we are going to talk about, capacity is something that will depend on you.
As in, it will depend on how much stuff you are actually planning to carry. If you are planning for a half-day trip, then the ones that have around 20 liters of capacity will be fine.
However, you can get the 30 liters one to be on the safe side.
On the other hand, if you are planning for a whole day trip, you should opt for the ones that are more than 30 liters in size. The ones that we would recommend for this case would be the 40 liters or the 50 liters one.
Nevertheless, if you plan to carry loads of stuff for the ½ day trip, opt for the 40 to 50 liters one instead of 20 to 30 liters one.
With those, you would be able to pack all of the essentials and still have some room left for food and other stuff.
Separate Compartments
No matter what the capacity of the unit you are picking up, you must make sure that it has separate compartments inside.
Without the separator, you will have to keep all of the items in one place. And during an emergency, if you need to find one specific item, you need to take everything out.
On the other hand, if you get the one that has separate compartments, it will be pretty easy for you to organize stuff.
As a result, you will have quick access to all of the items inside. So when you are looking for something specific, there will be no need to panic.
Side Pockets
The side pockets are something that most of the units that you will stumble upon will have. Some will utilize mesh for these, while some will utilize regular nylon and polyester clothing for the pockets.
Nevertheless, no matter which one you are picking, do make sure that it can accommodate the water bottle you will carry.
Built-in Bladder
As we have mentioned above, there will be some that will not have any side pockets. Instead of that, they are going to sport a built-in bladder.
And if you are planning for a whole day trip, we would highly recommend you to consider these over the other ones.
The reason behind such a high recommendation is the amount of water that these can carry.
Unlike the other packs where you can store at most 1 liter bottles, the bladder that these will have can contain at least 2 liters of water.
That amount of water can come in handy for long trips. You would stay hydrated through the whole track.
However, do make sure that the bladder is leak-resistant and the material is BPA-free. You would not want the water that you are drinking to get mixed with plastic and other toxins.
Also, check whether it is removable and easy to clean or not. Without that, you will not be able to use it for a long amount of time.
Material
Most of the brands are going to utilize polyester and nylon. However, not all of the nylon and polyester that the manufacturers are going to utilize will be the same.
Some will opt for low-grade ones, while some will utilize the high-grade ones. The low-grade ones will not be that resistant to wear and tear.
On the other hand, the ones that are high in quality will be able to resist wear and tear exceptionally well.
As a result, they would be able to withstand the rough and tough environments pretty easily. So you can expect them to last for an extended amount of time without showing any sort of issues.
Waterproof Capability
As we have mentioned, most of the units are going to utilize nylon and polyester. Both of them can resist water to some extent.
However, some of the units will have some special coating on them, which will make the material achieve a high level of water-resisting capability.
And you will never know whether it is going to rain or not when you are on the hiking trail. Considering that, you would want to opt for the ones that have a high water-resisting capability.
With those, all of the items that you will store inside would remain dry, even if it does rain excessively when you are on track.
Padding
You might have to be on a hiking trail for a long amount of time. And you would not want to carry something uncomfortable for that much amount of time, would you?
Well, for that reason, you would need to consider whether the one that you are shooting for has a good amount of padding or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Capacity For The Backpack Should I Choose For Hiking?
It will highly depend on the amount of stuff that you are going to carry. And the things you are going to carry will depend on the hiking trip that you are planning.
If it is a half-day trip, you should be okay with something that is 20 to 30 liters in size.
On the other hand, if the trip that you are planning is a day-long, you should get the ones that are at least 50 liters in capacity.
Those will be able to pack all of the essential things and might even have some space left.
Are The Backpacks With A Bladder Worth It?
The units that have a built-in bladder can usually contain 2 liters of hydration liquid. On the other hand, most of the packs with large side pockets can accommodate bottles that are at most 1 liter in size.
And while you are on a hiking trip, you would not want to dehydrate that much.
Considering all of that, we would say that the units with a built-in bladder are definitely worth it.
Would I Be Able To Use A Regular Backpack For Hiking?
That depends on the capacity. If the one that you have has a good amount of capacity, you should be able to use it for a hiking trip.
Are Hiking Backpacks And Frame Backpacks The Same?
Yes, the frame backpack and the hiking backpacks are generally the same things. Many will even refer to them as backpacking backpacks.
What Are The Things That I Should Not Pack Inside A Hiking Backpack?
You should not take any jewelry or something that is valuable with you on a hiking trip. If you really need to carry some, learn how to lock the backpack.
Also, do refrain from taking the shoes that you like the most.
Final Words
Even if your budget is too tight, you should not settle for anything other than the best hiking backpack under 50.
We are hopeful that we were able to make it easier for you to pick one.