Choosing the correct backpack is a crucial part of vacation preparation. If you choose a large bag, you’ll be burdened with additional weight. If it’s too tiny, you can forget about putting everything you need in it. If you don’t use a water-resistant fabric, your belongings will get wet when it rains.
While some high-quality travel backpacks can cost a small fortune, others can be purchased for much less. If you’re itching to hit the road, then I recommend one of the affordable backpacks I’ve highlighted below:
- Osprey Daylite Backpack
- Matein budget Travel Backpacks
- Carhartt Essentials Backpack
- Vintage Cheap Travel Backpack
- Vaschy 17-inch Laptop Backpack
- Sowaovut Affordable Travel Backpack
- Venture Pal 40L Travel Backpack
- Ambor Anti Theft Backpack
- Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
- Nubily Charging Business Backpack
- Monoki Military Tactical Backpack
- R Horse Adventure Internal Frame Backpack
1. Osprey Daylite Backpack (Best Value Option)
If a bag hurts your back, it’s not worth the money. There’s no reason to pay for something that will hurt your back and shoulders and make you sweat a lot in the summer.
A good backpack should be cushioned, spacious, comfy, and, most importantly, cheap. Do these things come with the Osprey Daylite? Let’s see.
This is one of the least expensive backpacks, and it is made of Nylon, which is a very strong material. It doesn’t need an extra layer to keep water out because of the tight weave. Because it lasts so long, nylon is one of the best materials for bags.
The fact that this bag only weighs 1 lb. is also very impressive. This makes it great for day trips or overnight trips because it can hold just enough things for a day outside without being too heavy.
Quick Takeaway
Each and every part of the backpack that touches your body is made of breathable mesh. This allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and fresh even on hot summer days. Because of this, Osprey Daylite is a fantastic choice for trips and outdoor activities that demand constant movement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Small capacity |
| Breathable back panel and shoulder straps | Very few pockets |
2. Matein budget Travel Backpacks
The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a great school and travel bag. The anti-theft pouch is included. It comes in two sizes and has plenty of room for everything. this is one of the best and most cheap travel backpacks due to its great design, USB connector, and low price.
It provides safety and ample storage room in a sleek and reasonably priced package. The quality of the construction is excellent. This backpack is well-padded and has multiple compartments to keep your electronics organized.
Quick Takeaway
You get a stylishly concealed anti-theft pocket, which is unusual in a bag of this price range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A good number of pockets | Not exactly waterproof |
| A great amount of space | |
| Comfortable to carry |
3. Carhartt Essentials Backpack
Do you need a backpack that can accommodate your active schedule and keep your belongings secure while you travel? The Carhartt Essentials 15-Inch Laptop Backpack is perfect for adults. Whether you need it for business, school, or travel, this backpack has plenty of room for your laptop and other necessities.
The unisex Carhartt Adult Essentials Pack is constructed from durable 600 denier fabric. As a result of being coated with Rain Defender, it is robust, long-lasting, and weatherproof. The primary compartment of the backpack can accommodate your daily necessities. It has a padded compartment specifically designed to hold a laptop of up to 15 inches in size.
The backpack’s front zippered compartment is perfect for storing and quickly accessing your most frequently used small things. Your phone, wallet, and keys can all find a safe home in this section’s many compartments and slots. A water bottle or other frequently accessed things can be stored in the backpack’s single side pocket.
Quick Takeaway
The Carhartt backpack has you covered whether you’re going on an extended hiking or camping trip in a tropical jungle, need a dependable backpack for your travels, or need one for your daily commute to the office.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple compartments | Heavy |
| Great weather resistance in rain | |
| Durable, sturdy construction |
4. Vintage Cheap Travel Backpack
This backpack serves multiple purposes, is lightweight and pleasant to carry, and is constructed of durable, high-quality materials. Each of the bag’s seven color choices is as elegant and classy as you’d hope to find in a product of this caliber.
Quick Takeaway
With its spacious main compartment, additional storage pockets, and comfortable straps and handles, this backpack is perfect for carrying around your iPad, laptop, books, periodicals, and other daily essentials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elegant & Stylish | Not 100% durable |
| Lightweight for College/Work or Traveling. | |
| Soft & comfortable material |
5. Vaschy 17-inch Laptop Backpack
At first glance, this Vaschy laptop backpack is extremely thin and light. It is constructed from water-repellent Polyester to safeguard your electronics from the elements.
In addition, your bag will be lightweight and durable due to the high-quality materials used. Both the design and the dimensions are excellent. The most notable features are its low price ($40 on Amazon) and waterproof weather cover.
There’s also a hidden zippered pocket in the rear for storage. You can also adjust the padded reinforced strap and use the two smaller straps to secure your eyeglasses.
If a laptop will be an essential thing to be taken with you on your trip then check more options for this kind of backpack in my guide on the best travel backpacks for laptops.
Quick Takeaway
The Vaschy is a sturdy shoulder backpack designed as a courier bag. With a year of coverage, you should have plenty of time to discover any problems. Those who prefer a more laid-back style will appreciate this. Students, working professionals, and travelers alike can make a fashion statement with this backpack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish and multi-functional | Limited colors |
| Heavy-duty shoulder messenger bag | |
| Water-resistant | |
| Padded panel | |
| Big separate compartments with hidden pockets | |
| Built-in USB charging port |
6. Sowaovut Affordable Travel Backpack
For the tech-savvy tourist, nothing beats the Sowaovut Travel Laptop Backpack Anti-Theft Bag. This backpack is the epitome of fashion and safety; it’s made from sturdy black leather and has a variety of secure compartments inside
This backpack was made specifically to prevent the loss of its contents. The protection of your belongings is ensured by the integrated password safeguard.
Also, your passport, wallet, phone, and other valuables can be stored safely in the tiny anti-theft pocket located on the back. Large space and a variety of compartments characterize the Sowaovut Travel anti-theft backpack.
Quick Takeaway
This lightweight and affordable backpack is ideal for flight travel and can be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor pursuits. For international travel, camping, hiking, trip, and work, this large, sturdy backpack can serve as a laptop bag, a college book bag, or a school book bag for both boys and girls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft design | Heavy |
| Durable and Comfortable |
7. Venture Pal 40L Travel Backpack
This backpack is built for travelers who intend to spend a lot of time on the road, so it’s tough, long-lasting, and has lots of compartments to keep your belongings organized.
The high-quality design of this backpack is resistant to tearing and includes reinforced bar tacks at joints, which give them additional strength.
Quick Takeaway
Even though it only weighs 0.7 pounds, this Venture Pal backpack has more than enough space and functionality for your needs. You can take this backpack with you to discover new places to go cycling through the forest, hiking, camping, or fishing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Snugged straps on both sides | Machine washing hardens the zipper |
| Great quality fabric |
8. Ambor Anti Theft Backpack
The AMBOR Anti Theft Laptop Backpack protects your assets with durable metal zippers, a key lock, and a hidden pocket and it is extremely affordable.
This backpack also has a USB charging port, an integrated headphone jack, a charging cable, and an internal headphone wire so you can charge your phone and listen to music while walking or traveling without using your hands.
Quick Takeaway
The AMBOR Anti Theft backpack holds a 17-inch laptop and plenty of books, clothes, phones, files, and other items. Padded “S” curved straps and sturdy, eco-friendly nylon make it comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | It’s small for long trips |
| Great compartment | |
| Anti-theft with safe zippers |
9. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
You can take this 40-liter backpack with you on any journey without any problems. Although this backpack for travel only appears small and it is affordable, it actually has plenty of storage space and a sternum strap and waistband for extra support.
Quick Takeaway
It’s a dual-mode variant, meaning you can use it as either a backpack or a duffel bag to carry your belongings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile Roomy Compartments | Weakly joined shoulder straps |
| Comfortable to Carry | |
| Easy to Compress | |
| Airline Approved Size | |
| Sturdy Material |
10. Nubily Charging Business Backpack
If you just need a cheap backpack, the Nubily is a fantastic option. Even the heaviest 17″ gadgets will not roll over in this. If you need support for a larger notebook (up to 18.4 inches), you can find a solution for a slightly higher price.
Because of its many pockets and storage spaces, this bag can be used for a wide range of purposes. The Nubily is a decent carry-on option because its laptop compartment is approved by the Transportation Security Administration and its total volume is 40 liters, the standard for most airlines.
The polyester used in the backpack is resistant to moisture, and it has been stitched together more securely. Although it’s not the most durable laptop backpack available, for the price, it’s hard to beat.
The front of the backpack features 4 additional zippered compartments. The roomy main section is perfect for storing all of your essentials for daily use or for packing a weekend’s worth of clothing. The load can be stabilized with the aid of the side compression straps and two stretchy side pockets that can carry water bottles.
Quick Takeaway
The harness and backpiece feature a breathable mesh and are padded for your comfort. There is a hidden compartment in the backpack’s lower back panel and a small zippered pocket on one of the shoulder straps on this side.
If you intend to use this backpack specifically for business then I invite you to read my previous article on the best travel business backpacks to get more options and learn how to choose a great fit for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Padded and ventilated back panel | No hip belt or sternum strap |
| TSA-friendly laptop compartment | A little bulky |
| Excellent organizational features |
11. Monoki Military Tactical Backpack
The Monoki Military pack is a great choice if you want a tough everyday carry backpack. This rugged 900D Oxford and nylon backpack can be used for many different things and works well even in rough situations. Its outside is water-resistant, so light rain won’t hurt the things inside. Still, it is not completely waterproof.
On the front and sides of this backpack are several MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) panels that make it easy to connect large items. Even the adjustable shoulder straps have a couple of places where you can put things you want to have with you at all times.
You can easily organize all your everyday carry items in the bag’s two main sections. They have a lot of space and pockets and sleeves on the inside for your laptop and phone.
Quick Takeaway
The padded and well-ventilated back panel and strap of this backpack will make it very comfortable to wear. Your back will be able to breathe without sweating, even on hot days. And the hip belt and chest strap will move the weight away from your shoulders so you don’t feel the backpack’s weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-theft design | Not entirely waterproof |
| Durable and rugged exterior | The hip belt is not padded |
| Excellent organizational features |
12. R Horse Adventure Backpack
The R Horse backpack is a great choice if you want a good outdoor bag with a lot of space. A 70-liter bag costs between $40 and $60, which is a good deal. It has an aluminum frame inside that keeps it stable no matter how much you put in it and makes sure the bag is easy to carry.
The thick padding on the harness and back panel and the hip belt and chest strap also make you feel comfortable. The last two features help move the weight of the pack to your hips so you don’t feel the full weight of the bag.
Also, both the harness and the back part are made of breathable mesh, which lets air flow well on hot, sweaty days.
Quick Takeaway
This is very comparable to other backpacks in terms of the various pockets and compartments. It has a big primary compartment with a top-loading design, stretchy side pockets, a separate sleeping bag compartment at the bottom, pockets at the hips with zippers, and multiple exterior attachment points.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rugged and durable exterior | Not very versatile |
| Rain cover included | Heavy |
| Padded and ventilated harness and back panel |
How To Find A Cheap Travel Backpack That Fits Your Needs?
Even if you’re on a budget and just want the cheapest backpack possible for your trip, it’s still important to know what to look for before making your purchase.
Here’s a rundown of the factors to consider to find the right travel backpack for cheap:
1. Backpack’s Weight
When picking the right backpack, weight is a big deal. Let’s say you’ll be carrying the pack for a long time. In that case, it’s best to choose one that doesn’t have a style that adds too much weight and makes it hard to carry around.
There’s nothing better than a backpack that keeps your things safe and is easy to carry and light.
2. Backpack’s Durability
The longevity of the material and the way the backpack is put together are also very important. It would be a shame to have a low-quality bag that breaks or opens and causes you to lose things on your trip.
3. Bag Storage
For travelers, the most important thing about a backpack is that it works well. When picking the best travel backpack, this is an important detail to think about because of how many things you usually need to bring.
It wouldn’t be helpful to have an eye-catching bag that only fits some of the things you need to take with you.
No matter which backpacks you choose, think about how long they will last so that your new travel buddy can go on adventures with you for years.
More Travel Bags:
| Best Purse Backpacks | Backpacks For Moms |
| Backpacks For Clothes | Backpacks For Back Pain |
| Backpacks For Asia | Backpacks For Adults |
| Carry-On Travel Backpacks |
Final Thoughts
Your next cheap travel backpack is just around the corner, with lightweight designs that make it easy to take everything you need and strong materials that can handle rough conditions.
Still, trying to figure out what the best backpack for you is?
The Osprey Daylite is the best classic travel backpack you can get, so you can’t go wrong with it. It is made of the best materials and comes with a lifetime warranty from the brand. There are a lot of things to like about this backpack, like its sturdy build, comfortable back panel, and roomy pockets.
And because of its high quality and low cost, the Osprey Daylite Backpack is currently the best value backpack out there.
