Good news!
You don’t have to break the bank to buy a high-quality backpack.
The bad news?
Not all budget backpacks are made equal! There’s no shortage of low-cost backpacks out there, but not many actually do the job.
As someone who’s no stranger to cheap backpacks, I thought I’d put together a budget backpack buying guide to help you find the best cheap backpack possible.
Sound good?
Keep reading for 8 reviews of the best cheap backpacks I could find (followed by a set of suggestions for choosing the right one for your needs).
[Last Updated: February 2021]
Heads up, this post contains affiliate links
The Best Cheap Backpacks At a Glance
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The Best Budget Backpack Reviews: 8 of the Best Affordable Backpacks
Let’s dive straight into 8 reviews of the best budget backpacks, discussing their unique features and comparing their respective advantages and disadvantages.
1. Everest Luggage Backpack (Best & Cheapest Backpacks Overall)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Two spacious compartments
This Everest luggage backpack features two spacious zippered compartments to house all of your belongings.
The rear, larger pocket would perfect for storing all your books, notebooks, clothes, work-stuff, and so on; the smaller front pocket is lined with an internal organizer section (with elasticated bands to hold everything in place).
Aside from the general ease of organization, you’d enjoy quick access to your valuables, pens, and keys without having to dig through the entire backpack!
Sturdily built
The Everest Luggage Backpack’s manufactured with 600 Denier polyester.
This high-grade canvas is well-built and should provide decent water-resistance too. That’s good news for your stuff if you ever had to carry it around in bad weather.
The sturdy material is also resistant to tears and scratches, meaning it’s nice and durable for a cheap backpack!
Dual side mesh pockets & great all-rounder
There’s nothing face about the Everest Luggage Backpack, but it does come with two side mesh pockets to store a water bottle or two. They’d help you stay hydrated on the move, which is always a positive!
All told, you’re looking at a good-quality, no-nonsense backpack that’s well-made and would certainly do the job.
There are no special straps/gizmos to make the bag more comfortable, but it’s only small, which means you shouldn’t struggle with the weight/discomfort anyway. Last but not least, a wide array of colours would help you find one to suit your specific aesthetic requirements.
PROS
- Super cheap!
- Small, lightweight and reasonably comfortable
- Perfect for everyday use including for school, college, or commuting
- Lots of different colours and designs to choose from
- Highly-rated and popular online
CONS
- No designated pocket for your laptop or tablet storage
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
2. Under Armour Scrimmage Backpack 2.0
PRODUCT FEATURES
UA Storm Technology
I like the look of this Under Armour Adult Scrimmage backpack a lot.
Aside from the trusted brand name (which all-but guarantees it’ll be well-made) and sleek design, it has an unparalleled waterproofing system to keep all your belongings dry.
The innovative UA storm technology keeps the water at bay while remaining breathable. This ventilation ensures you’d remain comfortable on hot and humid days too.
Multiple compartments (including soft-lined laptop sleeve)
Another impressive aspect of this backpack is how it’s organized. You’d have two primary zippered compartments for your possessions and a stash pocket at the front for your valuables.
Better still, the main compartment has a soft lined laptop sleeve that can comfortably house a laptop of up to 15 inches. This would keep your valuable computer in place, protected, and easily accessible at all times.
There are also two mesh pockets on the side for your drinks bottles.
Padded HeatGear shoulder straps
The Under Armour HeatGear fabric used for the shoulder straps makes them well-suited for hot and sweaty days.
Great at wicking away sweat and moisture, you’d stay more comfortable all day long. I like that they’re both padded and adjustable too. This would contribute to the comfort-levels too, but a) stopping the fabric from digging into your shoulders and b) allowing you to fit them to your specific requirements.
You’ll definitely find cheaper backpacks out there. Overall, though, this backpack is exceptionally hard to fault.
It’s no surprise that almost 90% of its near 3,000 reviews have been rated 5-star.
PROS
- Well-organized, well-made, and well-designed
- Multiple pockets and compartments with designated purposes
- Available in a variety of colours and styles
- Lots of features to facilitate comfort
- Trusted brand
CONS
- Fairly expensive as far as ‘budget backpacks’ go
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
3. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack (Awesome Inexpensive Backpacks)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Awesome organization
If you like the idea of keeping your stuff well-organized, then the Matein travel backpack would be ideal.
It’s got more pockets, compartments, clasps, and organisational features than almost every other bag on this list!
The large main compartment would house most of your bulkier items. The designated pocket for your laptop would keep any gadgets (measuring up to 15.6 inches) safe, secure, and accessible.
And the front organizer pocket provides further storage for all the small items you may frequently need (such as your phone, wallet, keys, earphones, and more).
There’s even a ‘front side pocket’ and a ‘rear padded pocket’ that’d be useful places to stow anything you want to keep accessible and safe from pick-pockets, respectively.
Throw the side mesh water bottle pockets, designated pen pockets, and a key fob hook into the mix and you’re looking at an amazingly organized backpack that’s jam-packed with useful features.
Maximum comfort
Several features make this travel backpack easy and comfortable to wear for long periods of time as well. For instance, the ‘airflow back’ is designed to provide good ventilation and keeps you from getting too hot or sweaty.
The multi-panel ventilated padding also offers excellent back and shoulder support.
Then there’s the adjustable shoulder straps to consider, which allow you to carry the backpack low or high, depending on your needs. And lastly, the foam-padded top handle lets you carry the backpack in your hand if your back needs a break.
USB port/Smart design
Want to charge your phone as you walk?
There’s even a space to install a power bank in the inside pocket and plug your phone into a USB port that’s positioned on the outside. You’d be able to charge your electronics and use them on the go.
Overall, this is an exceptional backpack that delivers amazing bang for your buck.
Well-built, well-designed, well-organized, it’s got everything you could need and more. The only exception to this is if you wanted to take it hiking, in which case I wouldn’t recommend it (mainly because of the lack of waist and chest straps).
It’s hard to overstate how satisfied past customers are with this pack though.
The online listing literally has over 20,000 reviews. And almost 85% of them of rated 5-star! You’re sure to walk away happy if you decided this was the right backpack for you.
PROS
- A luggage strap allows you to slide the bag over the handle of a wheeled suitcase
- Made of water-resistant and durable polyester fabric
- A hidden anti-theft pocket on the back keeps the valuables safe
- Great value for money
- Well-organised and durable design
- Exceptionally popular online
CONS
- No chest or waist straps to distribute the total weight
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
4. Della Gao Travel Laptop Backpack (Great Cheap Camping Backpacks)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Perfect for travel
If you’ve been looking for a good quality backpack to take on weekend getaways and short excursions, then the Della Gao travel backpack would be a great choice.
Its spacious design and multiple compartments would fit everything you would want to carry, while still being compact enough to take on the plane.
Much like the Matein above, the selection of different sized compartments makes for easy organisation (more on this next) and there’s a wide array of useful elasticated pockets and features that add to its overall functionality.
For instance, you’ve got a headphone hole, USB port, room (and a designated pocket) for a 17” laptop, and reflective stripes to help you show up in the dark.
Throw in the anti-theft lock, double-zippers, breathable padding, and a strap to hook over your suitcase handles, and you start to see how versatile and well-designed this backpack really is.
Superior organization
It’s worth emphasizing its organisational attributes!
With more than 20 independent large and small pockets, this is surely one of the best budget backpacks in terms of keeping your possessions in place, accessible, and well-organized.
There’s literally a designated compartment for everything you could ever want to transport- from phones to pens and laptops to water bottles.
Convenient cell phone charging
The same as the Matein above, the Della Gao travel backpack has a convenient USB charging port on the outside to recharge your electronics on the go.
Once again, the power bank isn’t included, but there is a purpose-built pocket on the inside in which you can stow your own.
With adjustable and padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and heaps of helpful features, this is another top backpack at a great price.
PROS
- Night light reflective strips keep users safe when walking on busy roads in the dark
- Padded and breathable mesh back panel adds to the comfort of the wearer
- Lanyard design on both shoulder straps creates a convenient place to hang your sunglasses, keychains, pendants, or other small items
- Highly popular
- Great for travelling, commuting, and digital nomads.
CONS
- Water-resistant but not completely waterproof
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
Looking for more budget backpacks? Check out this post about the best hiking backpacks under $100!
5. Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Travel Backpack (Best Budget Hiking Backpack)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Good size & well-organized (includes upgraded wet pocket)
Anybody looking for a super lightweight, versatile backpack should seriously consider this one from Venture Pal.
At 40L, it boasts a sizeable capacity to transport your gear and has multiple pockets and compartments to keep everything organized/accessible.
There’s a main compartment, a smaller front compartment, and a zippered pocket on the back that provides access to the wet-pocket (more on this coming up). The two mesh pockets on the side mean you can transport your water bottles with ease.
The numerous inner pockets deserve an honourable mention too!
On top of all that, the new design of this Venture Pal backpack features a unique waterproof wet pocket on the interior of the main compartment.
You could use it to store sweaty gym clothes or stow your swimming costume after a session in the pool. Completely separate from everything else in the backpack, it’d keep the rest of your stuff dry.
High-quality manufacturing
For a budget backpack, the Venture Pal seems surprisingly well-made.
The nylon fabric used in the construction is both tear and water-resistant, meaning it should withstand rough treatment without getting damaged. The metal zippers and reinforced stress points provide further durability.
More noteworthy features of the Venture Pal include the compression straps that are fitted to the sides.
These useful additions would help you squeeze the backpack down to a more manageable size and allow you to strap items (such as towels or hiking poles) in place too.
Comfortable, lightweight, & foldable design
Another of the key selling points of the Venture Pal backpack is that it’s entirely foldable!
You can literally fold it up into a tiny squares-shaped package that makes it easier to both store and transport when you have nothing to put inside it.
That’d be helpful for travellers, for example, who might want to take a daypack with them in their main travel backpack.
The shoulder straps should get a mention too. Now, they won’t be the most comfortable or supportive straps in the world. But they’re not bad for a foldable, ultralight budget backpack!
With a bit of sponge padding for comfort and a mesh design for ventilation, they’d do a good job of protecting your shoulders when you’re out and about.
Better still, there’s a chest straps too, which would help spread the weight better when you’re carrying a heavy load.
PROS
- 40L storage space
- Multiple designated compartments
- Extremely lightweight at only 0.7lbs
- Water-resistant material
- Great value for money
- Foldable design makes it super transportable
- Good for the outdoors
CONS
- No designated laptop pocket
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
6. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack (Best Budget Backpacking Pack)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Built to last & highly popular
Looking for a no-thrills, minimalistic, high-quality, and budget-friendly backpack? Well, I think you’d like the Jansport SuperBreak.
It’s durable and built to last as well. The 600 denier fabric is nice and heavy-duty, and they’re reported to be 3 times the industry standard for abrasion and water repellency. All told, you should be able to use this bag day in and day out with no worries about it breaking.
That might have something to do with its 7,200+ five-star reviews! It’s clearly a popular backpack that leaves customers happy.
Organization made easy
The Jansport boasts a nice, simple, and stylish design that looks just as good as it performs as a backpack.
You’ve got a spacious main compartment that’s big enough to fit all of your everyday items and a smaller utility compartment on the front. This has a built-in organizer inside that would be handy for keeping your valuables and smaller items in place and well-organized.
One slight downside is that there’s no specific pocket for a laptop.
However, that’s not what this particular backpack’s designed for anyway. As opposed to a laptop bag, the Jansport’s more of an everyday bag that’d be ideal for ferrying your work stuff, travel gear, gym clothes, or college items around all day.
Risk-free purchase
Another advantage of buying this particular backpack pertains to the brand itself.
Basically, Jansport’s a well-known and trusted company, which means you know you’re paying for quality! This backpack’s the same as their others, with a simple, functional, and stylish design that’d be perfect for day to day use.
Furthermore, you can buy it with total confidence. The lifetime warranty that’s attached to every Jansport backpack means there’s no risk here whatsoever.
This backpacks great value for money anyway, but they’ll replace it or repair any issues if/when they arise anyway.
PROS
- Designed for comfortable all-day carrying
- Water repellent fabrics with a coated interior
- Just the right size for everyday use
- Good value for money
- Lots of colours and styles to choose from
- Reputable brand
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- No side pocket for water bottles
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
7. BRINCH Laptop Backpack (Awesome & Cheap Small Backpacks)
PRODUCT FEATURES
Stylish & practical
The Brinch Laptop Backpack is definitely one of the most fashionable options on this list! Its aesthetic design would make it a great option for anybody looking for an everyday backpack to carry with them on the move.
Unlike other packs on this list, the top zipper opens its main compartment up a bit like a handbag (and indeed, the handle on either side of the opening means you can carry it by hand if you wish).
This means you can see inside more easily and access whatever you need with less fumbling around!
Thankfully, the stylish design doesn’t sacrifice on practicality. The interior of the primary compartment as a designated sleeve for your laptop (up to 15.6”), which leaves plenty of room leftover for anything else you have to carry.
A zippered stash pocket on the front would be useful for smaller items/valuables, the side pockets would hold your water bottle(s), and another zip pocket on the back provides a handy way to protect valuables from theft.
USB charging port/Smart design
The Brinch laptop backpack is another one to feature a USB charging port on the outside.
Neither the power bank nor the USB cable for the outside is included, yet having both would mean you could that connect your phone/electronics and charge them on the go.
That’s good news for anybody who uses their tech a lot throughout their day and doesn’t have access to a power outlet.
You can give your gear some extra juice and use it while moving from place to place.
Carry in comfort
There are several ways to carry this stylish backpack as well. Use the padded and adjustable shoulder straps to wear it on your back, tuck it into your elbow like a tote by the top handle, or carry it by hand in the same way.
You’d also have a strap on the back to fit over your suitcase handles- a nice touch that’d make it far more convenient to transport.
PROS
- Spacious interior & unique way to access it
- The wide-open design provides easy access to items
- Multipurpose travel laptop backpack
- Attractive, fashionable design
- Well-made and good value for money
- Water and scratch-resistant
CONS
- Might be too small for anybody travelling for longer than a day
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
8. Yorepek Extra Large Travel Laptop Backpack
PRODUCT FEATURES
TSA approved
Big, smart, and professional-looking, I think the Yorepek backpack would be a top option for any business travellers, digital nomads, or anybody else who needs extra capacity for clothes, documents, and/or electronic goods.
TSA-approved, it’d definitely be a great bet for frequent fliers.
At airport security, the bag will freely unfold to a 90 or 180-degree angle. It literally unfolds flat, which means you can show your stuff with less fuss, keep everything in place, and get through security as fast as possible.
The strap on the back that fits over your suitcase handles is just one more reason the Yorepek’s so well-suited to air travel!
Practical, convenient, & popular
This is another backpack that boasts the ideal combination of being well-designed and well-made.
Expect durable materials, great build-quality, and endless pockets and compartments to hold, store, and organize everything under the sun (from clothes to electronic goods). With lots of padding on the back and an airflow system for ventilation, it should be quite comfortable to carry as well.
As far as features go, the built-in USB port (power bank not included) allows you to conveniently charge your phone and other electronic devices on the go.
Then there’s the hole on top for your headphones, which is a nice touch for anybody who likes listening to music on the move.
It’s worth mentioning that this is another highly popular backpack too, with over 11,000 reviews (of which almost 9,000 are 5-star). All those happy customers can’t be wrong! You’re sure to walk away happy if you end up buying the Yorepek.
Large capacity
Measuring 19.0 x 14.6 x 10. 2 inches, this pack has a total capacity of 45 litres. The result?
It should provide ample space to carry everything you need! Even travellers going for extended trips abroad should be able to get by with the Yorepak on their back.
My only concern’s that it might be a bit too big and bulky.
The backpack’s wide and deep, which could make it cumbersome to carry around- especially when it’s full. Likewise, with no chest or waist straps, you could end up lugging around a large backpack with minimal back support.
The good news is that the shoulder straps are well-padded and adjustable, though, which should make a positive difference in this regard.
PROS
- U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation design on the back offers good ventilation
- Wide, breathable mesh shoulder straps
- Durable, well-made, and well-designed
- Folds out to 180 degrees
- TSA-friendly; awesome for air travel
- 45L capacity
CONS
- Weighing 2.43lbs, it’s not the lightest backpack out there
- Slightly less budget-friendly than others
-> Click here to check it out on Amazon
Don’t Forget to Check Out…
- The best mess kits for camping
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- The best backpacks for back pain
- The different types of backpacks
How to Choose the Best Affordable Backpacks
Not all affordable backpacks are made equal! It’s important to take certain factors into consideration to ensure you buy the best low price backpacks possible.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind before you start adding items to your cart:
1. Purpose
Before you consider anything else, have a think about the function that your backpack’s going to serve. In other words, what are you going to be using it for?
Do you need something to carry your books to school/college? Or are you looking for a bigger backpack to take along on hiking trips? Do you need something to take your laptop to work each day? Maybe you’re planning a weekend break and need something smaller than your suitcase to explore the chosen destination.
Whatever your specific requirements for the backpack might be, keeping them in mind throughout the shopping process should help you find the best one for the job.
2. Size, Capacity, and Weight
With the purpose sorted, it’s worth considering three fundamental factors for any backpack:
Its size, storage capacity, and weight.
In an ideal world, you’d pick a backpack that’s lightweight, durable, made from high-quality materials, and has enough space to store everything you plan to carry! However, the one downside of buying a cheap backpack is that you’re unlikely to find one that ticks every box.
For instance, you may have to compromise a bit on build-quality to get a backpack that’s big and light-weight enough for your needs.
By the same token, you might have to make do with something smaller/heavier in order to buy a better-quality pack.
3. Comfort
Bigger, bulkier, heavier backpacks aren’t fun to carry around for long periods! Your shoulders get sore, your back starts to ache, and the whole experience can become a little miserable.
That’s why it’s important to buy backpacks with certain features that make wearing them more comfortable.
For example, they might have padded straps to prevent them from digging into your shoulders and a breathable back section that stops you from getting too sweaty.
Other helpful features include a weight distributing chest or waist strap, the use of lightweight materials, an inner frame, and a luggage strap that lets you drape the backpack over the handle of your wheeled trolley bag.
Any and all of these would prove useful in any circumstance! Once again, though, cheaper backpacks may not always include all the comfort-inducing features that’d come in handy.
4. Organization, accessories, and other features
The best backpacks (especially the ones designed for hiking) are stuffed full of useful pockets and compartments too.
These useful additions help you keep the contents well-organized in the pack and easily accessible when you need something in a hurry.
Another important thing to consider when buying cheap backpacking backpacks is the accessories that come with them! Some packs have everything from loops for your hiking poles to waterproof covers and designated spaces for your water bottle/pouch.
A few even have power banks to help you charge up your electronics on the move!
Depending on your particular needs, it might be worth spending a little extra to get a backpack with these kinds of accessories.
5. Price
And of course, the price of the backpack will almost certainly be another factor in your decision. After all, the last thing you want to do is splash the cash when you’re hunting for affordable backpacks!
Having said that, think twice about reaching straight for the cheapest backpack you come across. The budget price tag might seem appealing, but spending a bit extra could get you a much better product.
At the same time, though, added expense doesn’t always equate to quality. Sometimes, low price backpacks are much higher quality and offer better bang for your buck than branded products.
Doing a bit of research and weighing up the pros and cons should ensure you buy the best backpack for your needs without overspending.
Time to Buy the Best Cheap Backpack Possible
Good-quality backpacks don’t always come cheap. But they do sometimes!
If you’re a hiker, camper, traveller, or someone who simply wants a new pack for everyday use, then you can 100% find a budget backpack that’s up to the task.
With any luck, this buying guide will help in that regard! Keep these 8 low cost backpack suggestions in mind and you should be one step closer to selecting the best cheap backpack for your needs.
Still looking for a budget backpack? Don’t worry! Click here to see a whole range of other top options.