7 Best Cheap Hiking Bags to Buy in 2025

This ultra lightweight beast redefines what budget hiking bags can achieve—delivering a rare blend of durability, smart design, and serious packability in a sub-1-pound frame. With its 20L capacity, high-density Oxford cloth construction, and smooth two-way metal zippers, it stands out as a go-to for travelers dodging baggage fees or hikers needing a reliable emergency daypack. The standout feature? Its independent storage pouch—a clever solution that lets you fold the entire backpack into itself without losing space to a bulky built-in sack.

In real-world use, this pack shines on short hikes, city explorations, or as a carry-on supplement. At 18.5 x 11 x 6 inches when unfolded, it offers ample room for layers, snacks, a hydration bladder, or travel essentials. We tested it on rainy trails and urban commutes—the water-resistant fabric held up impressively, shedding light rain without dampening contents. However, the lack of a dedicated hydration sleeve or sternum strap limits its performance on strenuous terrain. While the three outer and two inner compartments keep gear organized, the shoulder straps are thin and may dig in under heavy loads.

Compared to other entry-level packs like the G4Free 11L, the Seektop model offers nearly double the capacity with minimal weight trade-off—making it ideal for travelers, college students, or casual hikers who value versatility. It’s not built for multi-day treks or rugged alpine climbs, but as a do-it-all daily carry that folds into a jacket pocket, it outclasses most competitors. For those seeking maximum utility without breaking the bank, this pack delivers far more than its price tag suggests.

Meet the stealthy minimalist’s dream: a featherlight 11L pack that disappears into your main luggage until you need it—perfect for impromptu hikes, cruise excursions, or city strolls. Weighing just 4.59 ounces, this G4Free daypack is among the lightest in the category, yet it doesn’t skimp on thoughtful features like dual zippered compartments and side mesh pockets that swallow water bottles whole. The polyamide fabric feels surprisingly durable for its weight, and the SBS zipper glides smoothly, resisting snags even after repeated folding.

During testing, this bag proved invaluable as a grab-and-go solution—we tossed it into a suitcase before a weekend trip and unpacked it at our destination for a spontaneous coastal hike. Its 8.27 x 6.30 x 13-inch profile fits essentials like a light jacket, snacks, phone, wallet, and a 20oz bottle. It handled drizzle well thanks to its water-resistant coating, though prolonged downpours soaked through at the seams. The lack of padding on the back panel and straps makes it less comfortable for loads over 8 lbs, and the small main compartment can’t fit larger items like books or bulkier jackets.

When stacked against the Seektop 20L, this model sacrifices capacity for extreme portability, making it better suited for ultralight travelers or those who only need a few essentials. While it’s not a standalone hiking pack for serious trails, it’s an unbeatable emergency backup or secondary pack. For users prioritizing space-saving convenience over carrying comfort, this G4Free 11L is a no-brainer over bulkier budget options.

Don’t let the sub-one-pound weight fool you—this 10L G4Free pack punches above its weight class with rugged thickened oxford fabric and a design built for real-world abuse. At just 0.59 lbs, it’s nearly weightless on the shoulders, yet it stands up to brush snags, gravel spills, and surprise showers thanks to its fully waterproof construction and high-grade SBS zipper. The 16.5 x 10.2 x 5.1-inch footprint gives it more usable space than many 11L competitors, and the dual side pockets are perfectly sized for standard water bottles—a rare win at this price.

We used this pack on half-day hikes and urban errands, and it handled both with ease. The front zip pocket kept keys and tissues accessible, while the main compartment swallowed a folded hoodie, lunch, and sunscreen. When not in use, it folds down to 7.1 x 7.5 inches, slipping into a purse or duffel like a folded map. However, the shoulder straps are flat and un-padded, leading to shoulder fatigue after 90 minutes of heavy carry. There’s also no chest strap or airflow back panel, limiting breathability on hot climbs.

Compared to the G4Free 11L, this model offers better weather protection and slightly more volume, making it a smarter pick for outdoor use. It’s not as spacious as the 20L Seektop, but it’s more rugged and weather-ready than most sub-$15 packs. For budget-focused buyers who want a trail-capable, foldable bag that won’t quit in the rain, this 10L G4Free delivers exceptional value without cutting critical corners.

The sleek, anti-theft sling that blends urban style with outdoor practicality—EVANCARY’s compact crossbody is a revelation for runners, city hikers, and minimalist travelers. At just 11.2 inches tall, it’s small, but its multi-pocket layout and hidden security pocket make it a powerhouse for carrying essentials without bulk. The water-resistant nylon shrugs off morning dew and sudden showers, while the adjustable strap ensures a snug, bounce-free fit whether you’re sprinting uphill or weaving through crowds.

Real-world testing confirmed its strength as a hands-free essential carrier—we loaded it with phone, wallet, keys, lip balm, and a power bank, and everything stayed secure during a 5-mile trail run. The anti-theft rear pocket is a game-changer, discreetly shielding cards and cash from pickpockets. However, the lack of ventilation on the back panel leads to sweat buildup during extended wear, and the single strap can shift under dynamic movement. It’s not designed for large items—forget bringing a jacket or large water bottle.

Against the Pritent and WATERFLY slings, this model wins on security and simplicity, though it lacks their storage depth and reflective safety features. It’s the ideal pick for low-profile adventures where speed and safety matter more than capacity. For female hikers or urban explorers who want a lightweight, theft-resistant bag that transitions seamlessly from trail to town, this EVANCARY sling offers unmatched agility at a jaw-dropping price.

This is smart design in motion—a multi-role sling that transforms from chest bag to crossbody to mini backpack with a simple strap swap, all while offering best-in-class organization. With two zippered front pockets, a buckle compartment, four internal open pockets, and a side mesh sleeve, it’s a minimalist’s dream for keeping gear sorted. The reflective shoulder straps add a critical safety edge for dawn hikes or city night walks, and the breathable mesh back panel prevents sticky discomfort during long wear.

We tested it on crowded festivals, day hikes, and daily commutes—the 7.5 x 3.5 x 14.5-inch frame comfortably held an iPad mini, phone, power bank, wallet, keys, and even a compact umbrella. The 31-inch adjustable strap fits all body types, and the dual D-rings let you switch sides effortlessly. The thick, tear-resistant fabric survived scrapes on rocky trails, and the hidden headphone port kept audio accessible. However, the main compartment lacks internal structure, so smaller items get lost without dividers.

Compared to the EVANCARY sling, this Pritent bag offers more storage, better airflow, and enhanced visibility, making it a superior pick for active users. While heavier than ultra-minimalist options, it strikes the perfect balance between function and versatility. For those who want a single bag that adapts to every scenario—from hiking to commuting to travel—this Pritent crossbody delivers unmatched flexibility without sacrificing durability.

This chameleon of compact packs blurs the line between 10L and 15L utility with a stretchy, adaptable design that expands when needed—making it one of the most intelligently foldable options under $20. At just 0.56 lbs, it’s among the lightest in its class, yet it handles everything from day hikes to airport transfers with quiet confidence. The polyamide fabric resists water and abrasion, and the internal folding system—using its own pocket as a stowaway pouch—eliminates the need for extra sleeves, saving weight and space.

In use, the bag proved surprisingly roomy—its 15.5 x 9 x 3.5-inch profile swallowed a light jacket, lunch box, water bottle, and small first-aid kit. The two side pockets held our 20oz bottle securely, and the front zip compartment kept keys and tissues handy. We folded it mid-trip to stash in a larger pack, and it returned to shape instantly. However, the unpadded back panel and straps make it uncomfortable for loads over 7 lbs, and the single front pocket limits organization compared to rivals like Pritent.

Stacked against the G4Free 10L model, this version offers slightly better expandability and a cleaner fold, though it lacks the former’s thicker oxford fabric. It’s not the most durable or comfortable, but as a space-saving, go-anywhere secondary pack, it’s hard to beat. For travelers and hikers who need a near-invisible, ultra-light reserve bag that pops open when duty calls, this G4Free 10L/15L is the most compactly engineered option in its price range.

Engineered for all-day comfort and smart access, the WATERFLY sling bag is a standout for hikers and travelers who refuse to choose between storage and ease of movement. Its breathable shoulder strap and back panel wick moisture like a premium pack, while the reversible, three-D-ring strap system lets you wear it left-shoulder, right-shoulder, or cross-chest with zero reconfiguration hassle. The 6-inch tall side mesh pocket fits large water bottles—a rarity in slings—and the hidden earphone port keeps tunes flowing without cable chaos.

We tested it on 10K steps through city streets and forest trails—the 18 x 9 x 38 cm frame held an iPhone Plus, power bank, wallet, keys, sunscreen, and even a compact camera. The front zip and buckle pockets kept essentials secure, and the adjustable strap (31”–39.5”) ensured a custom fit for all body types. However, the main compartment lacks internal dividers, so small items shift during movement. And while the fabric is durable, it’s not fully waterproof—just water-resistant.

Compared to the Pritent sling, this model offers superior comfort and bottle access, though it trades some organizational features. It’s heavier than minimalist options but justifies the weight with ergonomic design. For users who prioritize long-wear comfort, bottle access, and adaptable carry styles, the WATERFLY sling is the most thoughtfully engineered option for sustained outdoor use.