14 Best Backpacks Under $50: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Best Value For Students


This Jansport model is simple yet sturdy and great for students with computers, books and more.

Best Value Hiking Backpack


This 40L bag is jam packed with features for hikers such as buckles, straps and a hip belt.


Just because you’re not in a position right now to splash the cash, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality, durability or useful features in a backpack. We’ve done the research for you and come up with 14 great options of all shapes and sizes.

There’s sure to be the right one there for you, whether you’re planning a hiking trip, you need a capacious pack for your daily school or college needs or just a handy everyday carry pack. These days there are many names for backpacks, but whatever your preference, there is always a top quality bag that can be found below $50.

Backpacks Under $50 Compared

Image

Model

Size

Compartments

Check Price

Mancro Laptop Backpack for Travel, Anti-theft...

Mancro Laptop Backpack

Medium - 20 X 12.2 X 5.7 Inches

14

High Sierra Loop Backpack, Travel, or Work...

High Sierra Loop Backpack

Medium - 19 X 8.5 X 13.5 Inches

6

JanSport Big Student Classics Series Backpack...

JanSport Big Student Backpack

31 Liters

4

No products found.

Uoobag Backpack

Medium  -
20 X 15.5 X 2.75 Inches

7

No products found.

Carhartt Work Backpack

Small - 8 X 11.5 X 18 Inches

3

Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel...

Outlander 20L/33L Backpack

Medium/20L & Large/33L

6

Amazon Basics DSLR and Laptop Backpack...

Amazon Basics DSLR & Laptop Backpack

Medium -
13.4 X 8.8 X 17.7 Inches

Customizable

No products found.

Under Armour Boys’ Storm Scrimmage Backpack

Medium -
18 X 12 X 8.5 Inches

3

Mardingtop 35L Tactical Backpacks Molle...

Mardingtop Backpack

35 Liters

2 +

Coreal unisex 50l hiking backpack for travel...

Coreal Backpack 35L

35 Liters

6

HawLander Lightweight School Backpack for...

HawLander Backpack Casual Daypack For Women

20 Liters

6

Osprey Daylite Everyday Backpack, Stone Grey

Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack

Medium -
18 X 9 X 9 Inches

5

MOUNTAINTOP 40L Hiking Backpack for Women &...

Mountaintop 40-Liter Backpack

Large/40 Liters

4

WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking...

Wasing 55L Internal Frame Backpack

Large/55 Liters

6

What to look for In a Good Backpack Under $50

Material

No matter what purpose your backpack is designed for, the material it’s made from will be the key to its longevity. Sturdy, water resistant polyester fabric is commonly used as it’s robust enough to endure the daily battering that backpacks inevitably suffer.

It’s a given that any backpack should be strong enough to cope with the weight it’s designed to carry but you also need to consider the weight of the pack when it’s unladen. The trick is to find a backpack which is lightweight but sturdy or you’ll be adding unnecessarily to your burden.

Warranty

Many backpacks, even those at the lower end of the price spectrum, will come with a warranty and it’s definitely worthwhile checking out what the terms are. Some products come with a lifetime guarantee (conditions apply, naturally) whereas others offer a replacement over a limited period.

Straps

The level of padding on the straps and how easy they are to adjust are possibly the two most important things to consider when you’re looking for a backpack.

After all, there’s no point in having a pack which has all kinds of useful features and gizmos that’s the ideal size for your laptop or for your camping gear if you can’t carry it in comfort.

The adjustability of the straps is crucial because, when you’re carrying a backpack for any length of time, you’ll find that relatively small adjustments can make a whole heap of difference to your comfort and reduce any back, neck or shoulder strain. Just because you’re paying a lower price for your pack, doesn’t mean to say that you need to compromise on comfort.

Extra Features

It’s only after assessing how comfortable the straps are that you need to start thinking about any extra features the pack may offer. These are some features you might like to consider:

  • Backpacks are either completely frameless or have either an external or internal frame. If you’re planning on carrying large and cumbersome items – camping gear for a few days, for example - an internal frame is the best option.
  • While the majority of packs are top-loading, many bags now offer a zippered front panel that helps you access deeper parts of your backpack more easily, more like a suitcase. Especially for larger packs, this can be a really useful option as you can guarantee that whatever you’re looking for will always be lurking at the bottom of your pack, so a front panel that allows easy access is a really useful feature.
  • Multiple pockets for organizing your gadgets, gizmos and personal items, sleeping bag compartments and removable day packs are all features which you may find useful, depending on where you’re going and what you’re planning to carry.
best laptop backpack under 50

Multiple compartment system

You’ll find daily life when you’re out and about so much easier if you’re able to organize all your possessions and keep them in individual pockets where they’re easy to locate. A selection of compartments of different sizes is ideal to accommodate all your bits and bobs of varying dimensions and it’s ideal if some of them are zippered to keep smaller, important items secure inside the pack.

Zippers

In our experience, one of the things which can let you down is the zipper. Having good quality, sturdy zippers is really important because, if the zipper fails, all your possessions will be on view to the world and at risk of getting lost, getting rained on or being stolen.

No matter what backpack you buy and no matter how good the quality of the zippers, our top tip is to avoid over-filling your pack, to minimize the strain on the zipper and reduce the chances of it bursting open in transit.

Quick access pockets

Having a selection of easy-access pockets on the outside of your pack for essentials that you’ll need at a moment’s notice is a great feature. Think how often you’ll be reaching for your cell phone, your water bottle and things like hand sanitizer when you’re on the road and you’ll see the need for these external quick-access pockets.

Size

Any experienced traveler will tell you that life on the road is a careful balance between having enough clothes and travel accessories and not over-burdening yourself with excess and unnecessary weight. The size of your pack, therefore, is important because it’s very tempting to pack more ‘stuff’ if you have a larger pack.

Before you buy, think very carefully about the purpose of your pack, what you’re doing and where you’re going and buy the smallest size you can which will accommodate the absolute essentials you need to carry. You’ll thank us for this advice, we promise you!

doug dyment blog

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Travelling lightly reduces stress: it is simply a more hassle-free way to get about. 




Doug Dyment onebag.com

Weight Capacity

This, of course, carries neatly on from the previous point. You’re going to be hauling your pack around with you, so you really don’t want it to be any heavier than absolutely necessary. That said, you do need to check that the straps and points where they connect to the pack are sturdy and are up to the job.

Price Vs. Quality

You’ll see from the list of products we’ve reviewed that you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice quality just because you’re on a limited budget. If you’re savvy, there are plenty of good quality options out there which won’t break the bank. Check out our list of the best backpacks under $50 and you’ll see what we mean.

Consider Customer Reviews

If customers have taken the time to leave a review, it’s usually worth reading them as you may learn as much from them as from the official product description – possibly more. Customers’ comments may help you to decide on exactly the right backpack for your particular needs.


14 Best Backpacks Under $50 Reviewed

1. Mancro laptop backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Laptop
  • Size = Medium 20 X 12.2 X 5.7 Inches
  • Warranty = No
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 14 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes - 17 Inches

We think this is one of the best laptop backpacks under $50 that you’ll find. Better yet, not only is it under $50, it actually costs closer to $30, so it really does represent excellent value for money. It’s made from water resistant polyester fabric and has a reinforced bottom and durable straps. We also rate this model our #1 choice in backpacks for commuting to work.

Its multiple compartments offer a separate space for your laptop (up to 17in), cell phone, tablet, passport, wallet, binders, folders, water bottle and an umbrella, so there really is somewhere to stash every possible item you might need at the office or at school or college.

One of the many special features of this backpack is its external USB port with built-in charging cable, so you can charge your phone while you’re on the move. Another unique feature is the integral combination lock, designed to keep your valuable items secure inside. 

Read our full Mancro review here.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Multiple compartments for storage
  • USB charging port
  • Combination lock
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Water bottle compartment is tapered and doesn’t fit larger bottles
  • Some reviewers report problems with zipper

2. High Sierra Loop Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Everyday Carry
  • Size = Medium 19 X 8.5 X 13.5 Inches
  • Warranty = Yes – Limited Lifetime 
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes

This thoughtfully designed backpack, available in umpteen different colors, will do a great job if you’re looking for a versatile, sturdy and reasonably priced bag. It was made to transport all the bits and bobs you need on a daily basis, at work, at school or college or when you’re traveling. This company has been producing quality sports gear for around 40 years and is one the most reliable brands on the market.

It has generous main compartments and multiple pockets, so you can keep all your personal items organized and the laptop sleeve will give a good degree of protection. The side compression straps are adjustable to keep your items secure and the webbing straps at the bottom are perfect for attaching additional items like a small tent or sleeping bag.

The contoured, padded, air mesh shoulder straps are designed with a special suspension system to provide relief when you’re carrying heavier loads, which will help to relieve any back or neck strain.

Read our full High Sierra backpacks reviews here.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Multiple compartments
  • Bottom straps to attach additional items
  • Suspension system for shoulder straps

Cons

  • Some reviewers complain that it feels ‘cheap’

3. JanSport Big Student Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = School Or College
  • Size = 31 Liters
  • Warranty = Lifetime - Limited
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 4 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No

This backpack from JanSport is one of the best college backpacks for under $50 in our opinion. It has a large capacity, which means it will easily hold all your textbooks, neatly separated into its two main compartments. The large front pocket with integral organizer is ideal for storing your necessary gadgets and gizmos and includes a useful headphone cord port. It is widely recognised and featured in 21 Jump street by Channing  Tatum playing a college student.

The specially-designed, ergo dynamic, S-curved straps reduce the stress on your shoulders and are contoured to the natural shape of your upper torso. They’re designed to disperse the weight evenly across your back and to encourage air circulation, keeping you cool and comfortable while you’re on the move.

This pack is made from 600 denier polyester fabric which is water resistant and wipes clean. You can choose from several different colors to suit your own style and taste. 

Read our full Jansport backpacks reviews here.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Large capacity
  • Contoured straps

Cons

  • Large size could encourage over-loading
  • No laptop sleeve

4. Uoobag Backpack

No products found.

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Laptop Or Tech Equipment
  • Size = Medium 20 X 15.5 X 2.75 In
  • Warranty = No
  • Zipper Quality = High
  • Compartments = 7 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes – 15.6in

In our view, this is one of the best tech backpacks under 50 dollars.

Not only does it have multiple compartments for storing the various gadgets and bits of techy kit, but it’s also ergonomically designed, with comfort in mind, and is suitable for both men and women.

While storage space is clearly the most important feature of any backpack, it will ultimately not be fit for purpose if it’s not comfortable to carry.

It’s made of nylon fabric with a high-quality polyester lining, so it’s sturdy enough to cope when it’s at full capacity. It has a two-way anti-theft zipper which will help to keep your items secure.

The capacity of this backpack is exceptional. Its spacious compartments will easily fit a tablet, a 15.6-inch laptop and even some clothes, together with a whole host of other personal items and electronic gizmos, which can all be stored in separate compartments so you won’t have to rummage around trying to locate them. 

Pros

  • High quality, waterproof, & durable
  • Safe and secure design
  • Huge capacity
  • Easy to clean
  • Good for people of all ages

Cons

  • Colors may vary from images

5. Carhartt Work Backpack

No products found.

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Everyday Carry
  • Size = Small 8 X 11.5 X 18 In
  • Warranty = Limited Lifetime
  • Zipper Quality = High
  • Compartments = 3 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes (Tablet)

There are quite a few options out there for everyday carry backpacks, suitable for work, school or college, but this is one of the best in our opinion. Since we all have a habit of overloading our everyday bags, they need to be robust and good quality. 

This backpack from Carhartt fits the bill nicely. It's comfortable as well as durable, with contoured shoulder straps designed to fit your shoulders snugly and also has a padded air mesh back panel to keep you cool. Its durability comes from the 1200 Denier polyester material, which is pretty tough and minimizes the risk of tearing, and also has an abrasion-resistant base.

One of this pack’s extra features is a rain defender to repel water – ideal for keeping your items dry on wetter days. The main compartment has an extra pocket for laptops and it also has a useful tablet sleeve to keep your electronic equipment protected.

Esquire refers to carhartt as the brand who holds a 'degree of progressivism with working class values' and this is evident in their most popular backpack.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • 100 polyester
  • Strong shoulder straps
  • Larger than average capacity

Cons

  • Not suited to long trips

6. Outlander 20L/33L Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Hiking Or Camping
  • Size = Medium/20L & Large/33L
  • Warranty = Yes
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No

The Outlander gets our vote as one of the best hiking backpacks under 50 dollars not just because it’s less expensive than many but it’s also versatile, lightweight and durable.

It comes in two sizes: 20 liters and 33 liters and is made from durable, rip-resistant nylon fabric which is also water-resistant. It ticks lots of boxes for travelers and is designed with practicality in mind. One of its really useful and unusual features for a backpack is that it’s packable, so it can be stored away in your luggage till it’s needed for a hiking trip. 

It has a roomy main compartment, one internal security zippered pocket, two front zippered pockets for small accessories and two side pockets, which help to keep your personal items organized and easily accessible.

Pros

  • Easy to carry on your back
  • Multiple colors to choose from
  • Waterproof and ideal for hiking
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not fit for transporting a laptop
  • Better as a daypack rather than travel

7. Amazon Basics DSLR & Laptop Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Store & Carry A Camera Or Laptop
  • Size = Medium 13.4" X 8.8" X 17.7”
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Limited
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = Customizable
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes – 17in

The AmazonBasics DSLR and Laptop Backpack, rated by us as one of best camera backpacks under $50, is particularly versatile since it seamlessly transitions from a regular backpack to a bespoke camera bag simply by taking out the removable middle compartment.

It's a great starter photographer’s backpack which will keep your valuable equipment stored safely, with a padded camera compartment and a separate compartment for additional items. Amazon bags always review highly among customers and usual retail on the value for money end of the scale. 

It’s capacious enough to carry a 17” laptop as well as two camera bodies and three or four lenses. The bag’s interior is very well-padded and well-organized, with the useful feature of having movable dividers to allow for optimal storage. The external side straps are ideal for securing bulky accessories like tripods and the shoulder, waist and chest straps are fully adjustable to ensure maximum comfort when carrying a bulky load. 

Pros

  • Separate DSLR and laptop compartment
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Good for photographers
  • Cost efficient

Cons

  • Not a waterproof backpack

8. Under Armour Boys’ Storm Scrimmage Backpack

No products found.

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Everyday Carry
  • Size = Medium 18" X 12" X 8.5"
  • Warranty = No
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 3 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes – 15in

This is an attractive and user-friendly everyday backpack that's versatile and ergonomically-designed to suit everyone. Whether for use on a journey or for daily use for school, college or work, it’ll perform well. It’s designed with UA Storm technology and a breathable DWR water-repellent coating, so it’s made to last.

It's equipped with a soft-lined laptop sleeve to fit a 15-inch device and has a number of exterior and interior organizer pockets, so you’ll be able to keep your personal items organized for easy access. There are mesh water bottle pockets, so it’s easy to keep hydrated when you’re on the go. The shoulder straps are designed with comfort in mind, as is the padded back panel.

This giant brand recently teamed up with 'the rock' Dwayne Johnson in a collaboration attempt at the worlds bets gym bag. yet another testament to their quality and expertise no matter which product they produce.

Read our full Under Armour backpacks reviews here.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Heat grade backpack
  • Versatile
  • Value for money
  • Made for children

Cons

  • Smaller storage than other brands

9. Mardingtop Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Tactical Backpack
  • Size = 35 Liters
  • Warranty = 90 Days Limited
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 2 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes

The Mardingtop Tactical Rucksack & Assault Pack, in our opinion the best tactical backpack under $50, is an excellent option for civilian or military users seeking a pack which is durable, comfortable and features strong military-compatible MOLLE webbing.

The S-curve shoulder straps are contoured to balance the weight evenly across the shoulders, chest, and back – an important feature for a tactical backpack which will often be carried for long distances with heavy loads. It’s made from durable, high-quality fabric, which is water-resistant, and it comes with a raincover to your items dry – even those which are stored in the external pockets.

Furthermore, the Mardingtop features a large zippered pocket and convenient carry handles on the back and side. There’s also a compartment which can either store a hydration bladder or offers secure laptop storage. The MOLLE webbing allows for external attachment of all sorts of additional gear. Overall, this pack is incredibly versatile and tough enough to do the job it’s intended for.

Pros

  • Hydration bladder ready
  • Rugged polyester construction
  • MOLLE compatible
  • S-curve shoulder strap for enhanced comfort
  • Water and liquid-resistant

Cons

  • Less compartments than other models

10. Coreal Backpack 35L

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Hiking/Camping 
  • Size = 35 Liters
  • Warranty = No
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No

We think the Coreal backpack is the best backpack for hiking under $50. It’s lightweight and storage-friendly and it’s made from strong, highly rip-resistant nylon fabric which makes it very durable. When not in use, you can just fold it up into its pouch to transform it to a super-small handheld carry bag, which is a really useful additional feature.

It has a large capacity (35 liters), so it’s roomy enough for all the gear you need for a hiking trip. The backpack straps are padded for additional comfort, with an adjustable chest clip to make carrying the backpack more secure and comfortable.

The main compartment is sub-divided with a fabric panel and there’s a double-sided pouch which provides additional storage and connects securely to the top of your pack.

Pros

  • Multiple colors to choose from
  • Huge capacity
  • Easily folds up into small pockets
  • Long-lasting 

Cons

  • Only good for adventure travel

11. HawLander Backpack Casual Daypack for Women

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = School Or College 
  • Size = 20 Liters
  • Warranty = No
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes

If you’re looking for a casual daypack for women or girls, then this Hawlander Daypack for women is a great choice. It’s a simple but stylish and thoughtfully designed backpack which is perfect for any journey. Equally, it would also be ideal daily use for school, college or work.

Compact, lightweight and ergonomically designed to suit the female shape, it also has a water-resistant exterior so your personal items can be kept dry on rainy days. In spite of its small size, it has ample storage capacity, being large enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop as well as a whole host of personal items.

There are 9 compartments in all - 2 open inner pockets, 2 side pockets, 1 laptop pockets, 1 top, 1 back and a front zipped compartment – so you can keep all your essential items organized and easily accessible when needed.

Pros

  • Lightweight, easy to carry
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps
  • Stylish day pack

Cons

  • Much smaller than other brands
  • Can slip off the shoulder

12. Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Everyday Carry
  • Size = Medium 18 X 9 X 9 In
  • Warranty = Yes
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 5 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes

The Osprey is the best daypack backpack under 50 in our opinion. It’s a stylish pack with many useful features and it has a mesh-covered foam back panel to enhance comfort when you’re carrying heavier loads. As well as being an all-rounder when it comes to short or long trips, this is the perfect bag for transporting laptops, featuring an internal padded compartment designed especially for this purpose to protect your electronic devices.

Another useful feature for when you’re hiking or trail walking is the built-in external hydration reservoir pocket. It has plenty of different compartments, including a mesh organizer to keep your personal items easily accessible. There are a couple of additional stretch side pockets which add to the storage capacity and are ideal for things like water bottles.

This backpack is designed to allow other gear to be attached to it, which is a really useful additional feature.

Read our full Osprey backpacks reviews here.

Pros

  • Hydration bladder is available
  • Easily attachable to other devices
  • Flexible and durable material
  • Extremely lightweight backpack

Cons

  • Not suited to extreme wet conditions

13. Mountaintop 40-Liter Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Hiking/Camping
  • Size = Large/40 Liters
  • Warranty = 90 Days Limited 
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 4 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No

Thinking about going on a hiking or a camping trip? Love to pack well, with plenty of capacity, yet still be stylish? The Mountaintop 40-liter backpack could be just what you’re looking for. We think it may well be the best hiking backpack for under $50 with a whole host of useful features to make your trip pleasurable.

The padding on this backpack is outstanding. It has deep, thick and highly adjustable shoulder straps and hip belts, to ensure that you keep the weight evenly distributed to minimize any discomfort. In addition, it has two padded sections on the back, designed for comfort but also to encourage air flow to keep you cool. The multiple compartments mean that you can store your items securely and keep them organized. It has two front pockets, one hidden pouch, two mesh pockets and a hidden compartment on the back.

The durable polyester fabric is water-resistant and there’s a rain cover which goes over the whole pack when the heavens open to make sure that your belongings stay dry.

Read our full Mountaintop review here.

Pros

  • Adjustable straps than usual for many purposes
  • Secure zippers
  • Air circulation back pads
  • Water-resistant polyester
  • Adjustable bearing system

Cons

  • Fewer separate compartments
  • Can be too big for some needs

14. Wasing 55L Internal Frame Backpack

Quick Look - Bag Features
  • Purpose of Backpack = Hiking/Camping
  • Size = Large/55 Liters
  • Warranty = 90 Days Limited 
  • Zipper Quality = Average
  • Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No

If you’re looking for a large capacity backpack for hiking/camping then this could be just what you need. We know that this kind of outdoor items usually come with a high price tag, but there are some affordable options that you can get without sacrificing the other must-have qualities! The WASING 55L backpack is one of them.

Made from hard-wearing, water-resistant polyester, it’s durable and tough enough for the job. It features padded shoulder straps and a foam back panel which is designed to mold perfectly to your back and includes airflow channels so that your back remains cool.

There are plenty of compartments of different sizes and configurations to keep your belongings organized and secure, and it features a bladder sleeve for hands-free hydration when you’re on the move. The additional rain cover will keep everything in the internal and external pockets dry. Who would have known that such a complete hiking backpack could cost less than $50?

Pros

  • Extremely robust and durable fabric
  • Huge capacity
  • Water-resistant backpack

Cons

  • Heavier than other hiking models

Always Consider Why You Want a Backpack

Laptop or Tech Equipment?

Valuable, sensitive and potentially fragile electronic or techy gear needs to be given the ultimate protection when it’s being carried around to minimize the chance of it being damaged in transit. The backpack you choose needs to have substantial padding to ensure that this expensive kit comes to no harm. Many backpacks include a dedicated laptop sleeve for this purpose.

Do You Need a Tactical Backpack?

If you’re planning on long-distance hikes or you’ll be on military deployment or similar high-activity ventures, you’d be well advised to consider a specialist tactical backpack. Many of these packs are compatible with hydration bladders and have external ports for nozzles, radio antennae or earphones.

They’re ergonomically designed to sit comfortably on the upper body, even when you’re toting heavy items, and are made of all-weather materials to keep your gear protected in the most challenging environments.

To Store & Carry a Camera

All the paraphernalia which goes with professional or ‘serious’ amateur photography does not come cheap, can be rather bulky and is often of an awkward shape. It’s also easily damaged. A backpack suitable for carrying this type of equipment will need to be waterproof, sturdy and well-padded.

For School or College

All those textbooks soon add up to quite a weight. Since you’ll be carrying a substantial load, day in, day out, for much of the year, we can’t stress how important it is to find a pack which is sturdy enough to cope with the weight but is also comfortable, helping to minimize any back or neck strain.

Hiking or Camping

The size of the pack you choose for this type of use will depend on how long you’re planning to spend out of doors. A few hours’ hiking on a mountain or forest trail calls for a smaller pack, with multiple pockets and especially easy-access ones. A weekend or week-long camping expedition, on the other hand, calls for a larger pack to accommodate all your needs, including a sleeping bag and a tent.

Everyday Carry

We’ve often contemplated how awkward life must have been before some clever person came up with the idea of a backpack! Being able to carry quite heavy loads with minimal awkwardness while one’s hands are free is just so convenient. Carrying all your essentials on your back in relative comfort makes everything from the daily commute to a weekend away an absolute breeze.

Traditional suitcases may have been transformed by the invention of the wheelie bag but having both hands free is so much more convenient, so it’s often so much more convenient to carry the load on your back.

best tactical backpack under $50

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Where is a good place to buy cheap backpacks?

Look no further than our reviewed and rated list of the best backpacks under 50 dollars and you’ll see for yourself where to buy these indispensible but often surprisingly inexpensive items.

Can I really get a great backpack under $50?

It does sound too good to be true, doesn’t it? Make no mistake, there are plenty of high end backpacks out there which will set you back a hundred dollars or so. If you’re savvy, though, you can have all the benefits which those more expensive packs offer at a fraction of the price. Read our reviews to discover just a few.

Is a backpack a personal item when traveling?

This all depends on its size. A ‘day pack’ will usually fit the criteria of a ‘personal item’ but larger packs are less likely to. When selecting a backpack, you do need to keep the size in mind.

Can you clean or wash a backpack?

As with everything, this is a case of checking the manufacturers’ instructions because this will depend on the material it’s made from and also whether it has an internal or external frame. Most backpacks, though, can be smartened up quite a lot with a damp sponge which will go some way to removing any of the inevitable stains.

How long can I expect a backpack to last?

This will depend on how much use the backpack gets and also the type of use. On the whole, they’re designed to be fairly robust because they have a pretty tough job to do. To extend the life of your backpack, we’d advise that you don’t over-fill your pack because that will put undue strain on the straps and seams and ultimately shorten its useful life.


Conclusion

Whether you’re carrying your school books every day, you’re on a tactical military mission or you’re a professional photographer, you’ll need a backpack which is suited to your particular needs.

We’ve done the hard yards for you and reviewed the best backpacks under $50 to suit all types of activity, so you’re sure to find one which matches your requirements.

  • Updated July 29, 2021