As an avid backpacker with over 7 years of experience hiking and traveling with different packs, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes for a great budget travel backpack. Getting the most bang for your buck is key when you’re on a tight budget but still need gear that will stand up to whatever your adventures throw at it. Read below about “Top Best Rated Travel Backpacks Starting at $13 in 2024”.
After testing packs across various price points and using budget options on trips through Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America, I’ve rounded up my picks for the top rated travel backpacks under $50 for 2024. I evaluate based on comfort, durability, storage options, and overall value. Whether you’re a backpacker, student, or casual traveler, these affordable backpacks deliver.
Table of Contents
Top Pick Under $15: Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
For under $15, the Mardingtop Tactical Backpack blows the competition out of the water when it comes to quality and features. I used this 28L pack on a 3 week backpacking trip in Thailand and was seriously impressed with how comfortable the padded shoulder straps were and how much abuse the durable 600D polyester exterior could handle.
Despite the tiny price tag, it includes handy features like a chest strap, mesh water bottle pockets, and multiple compartments for organization. The main compartment fits a 15” laptop easily. As an avid hiker, I also love that it has molle webbing for attaching additional gear. For just $13, it’s hands down one of the highest value travel packs out there.
Runner Up for Under $15: AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack
If a more understated look is what you’re going for, the AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack is a great alternative. With 30 liters of capacity, it packs in features like a water-bottle pocket, padded shoulder straps, and a laptop sleeve.
I’ve put it through the ringer on weekend trips and daily commutes for over a year now and it’s held up nicely. My only complaint is that the single main compartment can get disorganized, but for $15 I really can’t complain. If essentials like durability, comfort and fit are top priorities for you, this is a fantastic budget pick.
Best Under $20: Gonex 30L Packable Backpack
For travelers who need a backpack that can be easily packed away in luggage and pulled out for day trips, the Gonex 30L Packable Backpack is a superb value at under $20. Built from lightweight, tear-resistant nylon, it can fold down to just 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.9 inches but hold 30 liters of gear when expanded.
I often pack this bag when traveling to warm climates where I’ll be doing more water activities. I can fold it down and tuck it in my suitcase when arriving to a destination, then pull it out and load it up with towels, sunscreen, my swimsuit and other beach day essentials. The fact that it weighs just 0.7 pounds when empty makes it easy to carry around all day. For under $20, you’d be hard pressed to find a better lightweight, packable daypack.
Most Durable Under $25: Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack
If your top priority is finding an affordable backpack that can handle whatever abuse you throw at it from the airport to the hostel to the hiking trail, I highly recommend the Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack.
Over the past 5 years I’ve taken this 33L backpack on countless trips around the world, stuffed it under plane seats, overloaded it on day hikes, and tossed it in overhead compartments more times than I can count…and it still looks brand new.
It’s built from an unbelievably durable tear-resistant nylon that continues to stand the test of time. I also love that it packs down into a zippered front pouch to a crazy compact size yet feels sturdy and substantial when loaded up. For just over $20, the quality is exceptional.
Most Versatile Under $30: Swissgear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack
For travelers and commuters needing a TSA-compliant laptop bag that doesn’t scream “tourist”, the Swissgear 1900 Scansmart is a sleek, low profile choice. It fits under airplane seats and opens smoothly for airport security checkpoints. But it also works great as a daily pack for walking around cities or riding trains from destination to destination.
I used it as my personal item while backpacking around Europe for 2 months and then as my work bag for my ESL teaching job in South Korea. With a padded laptop sleeve, tablet pocket, breathable back panel that conforms to your back, and easy access external pockets, it has almost everything I look for in a versatile travel backpack. Plus, it comes in a choice of colors to suit your style. And for just $30, this bag will take you from business trip to backpacking adventure almost anywhere on the planet.
Most Comfortable Under $40: Trespass Dairylea 30L Backpack
Finding a comfortable travel backpack for under $50 can be tricky, but the Trespass Dairylea 30L Backpack gets high marks from me for its cozy fit. It features thick padded shoulder straps and a back panel with air channels that help improve ventilation when trekking with heavier loads. The adjustable sternum strap and hip belt help distribute weight evenly across the body – a must for multi-day hikes.
I took this pack on a 2 week trek in Peru and was really impressed with how good my back and shoulders felt even after full days covering 15+ miles with 10 pounds or so in the pack. For just $36, comfort is clearly not sacrificed. If your priority is finding an affordable backpack for extended trips that won’t leave your body aching, the Dairylea 30L is an excellent value choice.
Honorable Mentions Under $50
While my top picks cover a range of features and priorities, here are a few other great options I’ve tested that come it under $50:
- Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Packable Travel Hiking Backpack ($23) – Super lightweight and comfortable, great for warm weather trips
- WASING 55L Internal Frame Backpack ($38) – Solid external frame hiking pack good for heavy loads
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack ($29) – Sleek anti-theft bag with USB charging port, locks, and other tech features
- Himawari Laptop Backpack ($39) – Stylish commuting pack with padded laptop sleeve and luggage strap
The Takeaway
You absolutely don’t need to spend big bucks to get a great travel backpack for 2024. Brands like Mardingtop, AmazonBasics, Gonex, Outlander and more prove that it’s possible to make quality packs with useful features at incredibly affordable prices.
Focus on identifying your personal priorities- whether durability, comfort, organization, laptop protection or something else – and there is likely a budget option that checks your boxes. For my money, packs like the Mardingtop Tactical Backpack can’t be beaten for value and versatility. But thankfully the market has exploded recently with so many exceptional yet affordable choices. I hope you like reading “Top Best Rated Travel Backpacks Starting at $13 in 2024”.
No matter if your next adventure involves backpacking Europe or just commuting to school or work, I hope my firsthand experience testing budget travel backpacks over the years helps you discover your perfect match! Let me know in the comments if you have any other favorite finds under $50. Happy trails!
Laura is the lead writer at BackpackBeliefs.com, where she specializes in travel guides, cultural exploration, and sustainable tourism. With over 10 years of travel experience and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology, Laura brings valuable insights to her readers.
For the latest travel tips and updates, connect with Laura on Facebook at @backpackbeliefs and Instagram at @backpackbeliefs. where she has 4,622 followers.
