You don't need to spend $150+ on a travel backpack. After testing over 30 backpacks under $60 on real trips — from weekend city breaks to two-week backpacking adventures — we found 7 that genuinely outperform their price tags.
Whether you're a first-time traveler, a student on a budget, or just someone who refuses to pay premium prices for a bag, this guide has you covered.
Quick Comparison
| Backpack | Best For | Capacity | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Warehouse Forclaz 20L | Overall Value | 20L | 0.9 lbs | $25 |
| Osprey Daylite (Previous Gen) | Daily Carry | 13L | 1.0 lbs | $55 |
| REI Co-op Trail 25 | Hiking | 25L | 1.2 lbs | $59 |
| Amazon Basics Carry-On | Air Travel | 40L | 1.5 lbs | $35 |
| Decathlon Quechua NH500 Escape | Organization | 23L | 1.1 lbs | $30 |
| Naturehike 35L Ultralight | Lightweight Travel | 35L | 0.7 lbs | $28 |
| Topeak Daypack | Laptop Carry | 22L | 1.3 lbs | $45 |
1. Mountain Warehouse Forclaz 20L
We keep coming back to this bag. For $25, you get a surprisingly well-built 20L daypack with padded shoulder straps, a decent zipper, and enough space for a day hike or city exploring. It's not fancy, but it works perfectly, and if it gets lost or stolen, you're out less than a dinner bill.
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Lightweight (0.9 lbs)
- Good enough for daily use
❌ Cons
- No laptop sleeve
- Limited padding on hip belt
2. Osprey Daylite (Previous Generation)
The Osprey Daylite regularly goes on sale, and when it's under $60, it's a no-brainer. This 13L pack is compact but incredibly comfortable, with Osprey's signature suspension system that makes heavier loads feel lighter. Plus, it comes with Osprey's legendary lifetime warranty — even on the sale model.
✅ Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Superior comfort for size
- Light yet durable
❌ Cons
- 13L is small for longer trips
- No water bottle pockets
3. REI Co-op Trail 25
REI's in-house brand consistently punches above its weight. The Trail 25 is a no-frills hiking pack that does everything a $100+ pack does, for half the price. Adjustable torso length, hydration sleeve, and multiple attachment points make this perfect for day hikes or even lightweight overnight trips.
✅ Pros
- Adjustable torso fit
- Hydration sleeve included
- REI guarantee
❌ Cons
- Minimal hip belt padding
- Not carry-on friendly (25L+ full)
4. Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
Sometimes the generic brand wins. This 40L behemoth fits in most airline carry-on sizers, opens like a suitcase (clamshell design), and costs less than a pair of jeans. It's not the most stylish bag, but for a dedicated travel backpack, it's functional and affordable.
✅ Pros
- Clamshell opening
- 40L for under $40
- Carry-on compliant
❌ Cons
- Cheap zippers (be gentle)
- No sternum strap
5. Decathlon Quechua NH500 Escape
Decathlon's Quechua line is famous for value, and the NH500 Escape is a perfect example. This 23L pack has surprisingly thoughtful organization — multiple pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and even a hidden security pocket. If you want organization on a budget, this wins.
✅ Pros
- Great pocket layout
- Laptop sleeve
- Hidden security pocket
❌ Cons
- Not waterproof (splash resistant only)
- Available mainly online
6. Naturehike 35L Ultralight Backpack
At just 0.7 lbs (320g), this is the lightest bag on our list. It's a simple roll-top pack that's perfect for minimalist travelers. No frame, no frills — just a big tube that can hold a surprising amount. Great as a second bag to pack inside your main luggage for day trips.
✅ Pros
- Ultralight at 0.7 lbs
- Roll-top waterproof closure
- Packs down tiny
❌ Cons
- Zero organization
- No frame means poor weight transfer
7. Topeak Daypack
While marketed as a cycling pack, the Topeak Daypack is a fantastic budget travel backpack. It has a dedicated padded laptop compartment, reflective elements for visibility, and a comfortable back panel with airflow channels. The only downside is the cycling-specific shape, but for urban travel, it's excellent.
✅ Pros
- Padded laptop compartment
- Airflow back panel
- Reflective details for safety
❌ Cons
- Cycling-specific design
- Limited color options
How We Tested
We spent 4 months testing 30+ backpacks under $60. Our testing criteria included:
- Comfort: Worn for 4+ hours with 10-15 lbs load
- Durability: Zipper tests (100+ open/close cycles), fabric abrasion tests
- Water resistance: 10 minutes under a simulated downpour
- Packing efficiency: How well does it fit a standard loadout?
- Value: Does the quality justify the price?
FAQ: Budget Travel Backpacks
Is $60 enough for a decent travel backpack?
Absolutely. While you won't get premium materials or brand-name prestige, most bags in the $25-$60 range are perfectly functional for light to moderate travel. The key is knowing what trade-offs to make.
How long will a $50 backpack last?
With normal use — 1-3 years. The zippers are usually the first thing to go. If you travel more than 30 days a year, consider spending a bit more ($80-100) for better hardware.
Can I use these for hiking?
Some can. The REI Trail 25 and Naturehike 35L are best for hiking. The others are more suited to urban travel and light walking.
The Verdict
You don't need a $150 backpack to travel well. Our top pick — the Mountain Warehouse Forclaz 20L — costs just $25 and handles most travel scenarios admirably. If you're on a tight budget, start there. If you want something with a warranty and better comfort, grab the Osprey Daylite on sale.
The best backpack is the one you actually buy and use. Don't let analysis paralysis stop you from getting out there.