The 5 Most Popular camping & Hiking Backpacks Under $50 on Amazon
Are you looking for a new hiking or camping backpack but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 5 most popular and highly-rated hiking backpacks under $50 on Amazon. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, these budget-friendly options offer excellent value and performance.
Choosing the right backpack is crucial for any outdoor adventure. It needs to be durable, comfortable, and able to carry all your essential gear. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit. That’s why I’ve done the research for you, testing and reviewing the top-selling hiking backpacks under $50 to help you make an informed decision.
In our in-depth video review, we put 5 of the best-selling hiking backpacks under $50 on Amazon to the test. Here’s a closer look at each one:
1. Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack 40L: A Great Backpack for Any Adventure!
Price: $39.99
⭐ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from over 3,000 reviews)
Size: 40L
I love hiking and camping, and I needed a strong, comfortable, and spacious backpack. That’s when I found the Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack! After using it for a while, I can say it’s one of the best backpacks I’ve ever owned. It has tons of space, smart design features, and a rain cover to keep my things dry.
Keeps Everything Dry – Even in the Rain! ☔
One of the best things about this backpack is that it’s water-resistant. I’ve been caught in the rain while hiking, and my stuff inside stayed completely dry. Plus, it comes with a rain cover that is tucked into a small pocket underneath the bag. This cover is easy to pull out and use whenever needed.
Lots of Space for Everything!
This backpack has 40 liters of space, which is plenty of room for all my hiking gear. It has four big compartments with zippers, a laptop pocket (fits up to 16-inch laptops), and two side pockets for small items like water bottles. There are also two hip pockets, which are perfect for keeping my phone, keys, or snacks within easy reach.
✅ What I Love About This Backpack:
✔️ Lots of storage compartments to keep things organized
✔️ A special spot for a water bladder or laptop
✔️ Comes with a rain cover to keep my stuff dry
✔️ Soft, padded back and straps make it really comfortable
✔️ Includes a whistle for emergencies
What I Don’t Like:
⛔ The water bottle pockets aren’t very deep, so big bottles don’t fit well.
Super Comfortable to Wear All Day! ️
This backpack is designed to be really comfortable, even on long hikes. The padded back with soft mesh material helps reduce sweating and keeps me cool. The adjustable, padded shoulder straps make sure the weight is evenly spread, so my back and shoulders don’t hurt. Even after hours of walking, I don’t feel tired wearing it.
The compression straps help keep the backpack balanced, so it doesn’t feel too heavy or bulky. Whether I’m walking on a steep trail or just traveling around town, it stays secure and steady on my back.
Strong, Lightweight, and Built to Last!
Even though this backpack is lightweight, it’s also very strong. It’s made from tear-resistant material, so I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged easily. The zippers are smooth and sturdy, and the stitching is reinforced, which makes it long-lasting.
I also love the upgraded design! It has zippered pockets for small items, a pouch for pens, and foldable material that makes it easy to store when not in use.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Have Backpack!
If you need a spacious, comfortable, and waterproof backpack, the Diamond Candy Hiking Backpack is a great choice. It’s lightweight, durable, and has lots of pockets to keep things organized.
Best for: Hiking, camping, traveling, and daily use
✅ Top Features: Waterproof, comfortable, and spacious
I highly recommend this backpack for anyone who loves the outdoors!
2. Maelstrom Hiking Backpack (40L) – Super Comfy and Full of Space!
Price: $39.99
⭐ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 2,000 reviews)
Size: 40L
If you’re looking for a comfortable, roomy, and strong hiking backpack, the Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is a great choice! It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and has plenty of space for all your stuff. Plus, it comes with a rain cover to keep your things dry in bad weather.
Strong and Weatherproof! ☔
One of the best things about this backpack is its high-quality material. It’s made from rip-stop 210D nylon fabric, which is tear-resistant, water-resistant, and scratch-proof. This means I don’t have to worry about rain or rough surfaces damaging my bag.
It also comes with a rain cover that is tucked inside a small pocket underneath the backpack. The cover even has a reflective silver logo, making it easier to be seen in the dark.
Super Comfortable for Long Hikes!
This backpack is one of the most comfortable ones I’ve ever used! The padded shoulder straps and back panel make it really soft and easy to carry. The breathable mesh helps keep my back cool, so I don’t get too sweaty on long hikes.
The chest buckle helps keep the backpack steady, and it even has a whistle for emergencies. The only downside is that the chest strap sits a little low, but it still works fine.
✅ What I Love About This Backpack:
✔️ Really soft padding on the straps and back
✔️ Has a headphone hole so I can listen to music
✔️ Comes with a rain cover to keep my things dry
✔️ Big pockets for extra storage
What I Don’t Like:
⛔ The chest strap sits too low, which feels a little weird.
Lots of Space for Everything! ️
This backpack has tons of compartments to help keep my stuff organized and easy to find. Here’s what I love about the storage:
Large Main Compartment – Fits clothes, gear, and even a laptop
3 Front Zipper Pockets – Great for quick-access items like snacks and maps
2 Waist Zipper Pockets – Perfect for keys, phone, or wallet
2 Mesh Side Pockets – Holds water bottles or small items
Waterproof Wet Pocket – Keeps sweaty clothes or wet gear separate
Smart Features for Outdoor Adventures!
This backpack has cool extra features that make it perfect for hiking and camping.
✔️ Reflective Safety Signs – Helps me stay visible at night
✔️ Elastic Straps for Trekking Poles – Easy to carry hiking sticks
✔️ Headphone Hole – So I can listen to music while walking
✔️ Hydration System Compatible – Special water pipe hole for a hydration bladder
Final Thoughts – A Must-Have Backpack!
The Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is one of my favorites because it’s super comfy, has lots of storage, and comes with a rain cover. The soft padding and breathable mesh make it perfect for long hikes.
Best for: Hiking, camping, traveling, and everyday use
✅ Top Features: Lightweight, waterproof, and spacious
If you need a strong, comfy, and feature-packed backpack, I highly recommend this one!
3. REEBOW Gear Tactical Backpack (40L) – Super Strong and Ready for Any Adventure!
Price: $49.99
⭐ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 22,000 reviews)
Size: 40L
If you need a strong, tough, and reliable backpack, the RBO Gear Tactical Backpack is a great choice! This backpack is built for rough adventures like hiking, camping, survival trips, or military use. It has tons of compartments to keep things organized and a Molle system to attach extra gear.
Super Strong and Durable!
This backpack is made from high-density fabric, which makes it tough and water-resistant. It can handle rain, dirt, and rough outdoor conditions without getting damaged. The double-stitched seams and heavy-duty zippers make sure it lasts a long time, even with heavy use.
One of my favorite things about this backpack is how secure everything feels. The compression straps on the sides and front help keep everything in place so the bag doesn’t feel bulky even when it’s full.
✅ What I Love About This Backpack:
✔️ Super strong and durable material
✔️ Lots of pockets for organizing my stuff
✔️ Molle system to attach extra gear
What I Don’t Like:
⛔ No water bottle holders!
Plenty of Space to Organize Everything!
This backpack has a 40L capacity, which is big enough for a 3-day trip. It has tons of compartments to keep everything organized and easy to find. Here’s what I love about the storage:
Main Compartment – Big enough for clothes, camping gear, or survival tools
Side and Front Pockets – Great for flashlights, gloves, or small accessories
Compression Straps – Keep everything secure and balanced
Even though it doesn’t have water bottle holders, it is hydration bladder compatible, which means I can use a water bladder (not included) to stay hydrated.
Built for Comfort and Long Trips! ️
Even though this is a rugged, military-style backpack, it’s still comfortable to wear. The ventilated mesh padding on the back and padded shoulder straps help reduce sweating and keep me cool.
The adjustable shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly, making it easier to carry even when the bag is full. The front and side compression system also helps keep the weight balanced and steady.
Perfect for Many Uses!
This backpack isn’t just for hiking—it’s great for all kinds of adventures:
✔️ Hiking and camping trips
✔️ Hunting and survival gear
✔️ Range bag or tactical use
✔️ Everyday carry for travel or work
Final Thoughts – A Strong and Reliable Backpack!
The RBO Gear Tactical Backpack is one of the toughest backpacks out there! It’s super strong, has tons of storage, and is built for any adventure.
Best for: Hiking, camping, survival, and tactical use
✅ Top Features: Strong, durable, and lots of pockets
If you want a rugged backpack that can handle anything, I highly recommend this one!
4. SEMSTY Expandable Hiking Backpack – Great for Extra Space!
Price: $29.99
⭐ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (from 1,000 reviews)
Size: 40L (Expands to 50L!)
If you need a backpack with lots of space, the SEMSTY Expandable Hiking Backpack is a great choice. This bag is lightweight, strong, and can expand when you need more room. It’s perfect for hiking, camping, or traveling.
Expandable for More Storage!
One of the coolest features of this backpack is that it can expand! It starts as a 40L backpack, but you can unzip the bottom to make it 50L. This is super helpful when I need to pack extra gear, clothes, or camping supplies.
Even though the bag gets bigger, the side buckles help keep everything tight so it doesn’t feel too bulky. The strong zippers also make sure my things stay secure inside.
✅ What I Love About This Backpack:
✔️ Expands for extra storage
✔️ Strong zippers that won’t break easily
✔️ Lightweight and easy to carry
What I Don’t Like:
⛔ The hip belt is too thin, so it’s not super comfy for long hikes.
⛔ Not many small pockets for organizing tiny items.
Strong and Built to Last!
This backpack is made of tough polyester fabric, which makes it tear-resistant and long-lasting. The zippers are reinforced, so I don’t have to worry about them breaking after a few uses.
The outside straps let me attach sleeping bags or other gear, which is really handy for camping trips.
Comfortable for Short Trips ️
The back panel has soft padding and is covered with breathable mesh, which keeps my back from getting too hot and sweaty. The shoulder straps are also padded and help reduce pressure on my shoulders.
However, the hip belt is really thin, so it doesn’t provide as much support as I would like. This means it’s not the best for super long hikes, but it works great for short trips and everyday use.
Perfect for Everyday Adventures!
This backpack isn’t just for hiking! It’s also great for:
✔️ Traveling and road trips
✔️ Backpacking and camping
✔️ Hunting and climbing
✔️ Cycling and casual day trips
If you need a backpack that’s lightweight, expandable, and easy to use, this is a good choice.
Final Thoughts – A Good Backpack for Extra Storage!
The SEMSTY Expandable Hiking Backpack is strong, lightweight, and has lots of room. It’s great for short hikes, camping, and everyday use, but the hip belt is a little too thin for long hikes.
Best for: Hikers, travelers, and campers who need extra space!
✅ Top Features: Expandable design, lightweight, and durable!
If you want a budget-friendly backpack with lots of room, this one is worth checking out!
5. FENGDONG Lightweight Hiking Backpack – Easy to Carry and Full of Space!
Price: $33.99
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (from 7,000 reviews)
Size: 40L
If you want a lightweight and simple hiking backpack, the FENGDONG Hiking Backpack is a good choice. It’s easy to carry, has lots of space, and is perfect for short hikes, traveling, or everyday use. However, it doesn’t come with a rain cover, and the chest strap sits a little too low, which can feel strange when wearing it.
Strong and Water-Resistant! ☔
This backpack is made from thick, tear-resistant polyester material, which makes it durable and water-resistant. It can handle light rain and rough use without getting damaged. However, since it doesn’t come with a rain cover, I have to be careful in heavy rain to keep my stuff dry.
✅ What I Love About This Backpack:
✔️ Water-resistant and strong fabric
✔️ Large 40L capacity to hold all my stuff
✔️ Super lightweight and easy to carry
What I Don’t Like:
⛔ No rain cover included
⛔ Chest strap sits too low, which feels awkward
Plenty of Space for Everything!
This backpack has a lot of room! It has a big main compartment for clothes, hiking gear, or school books. There’s also a zipped front pocket and two side pockets for small items like snacks, keys, or water bottles.
Inside the main compartment, there’s a separator and a small zippered pocket, which help keep my things organized and easy to find.
Super Lightweight and Compact! ️
One of the best things about this backpack is how light it is! It only weighs 1.9 pounds, so I don’t feel like I’m carrying a heavy load on my back.
Another cool feature is that it can fold into its own pocket! This makes it easy to store when I’m not using it or when I want to pack an extra bag for trips.
Comfortable for Short Hikes!
The padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel make it comfortable to wear, even on warm days. The breathable design helps keep my back cool while walking or hiking.
However, the chest strap sits too low, which feels a bit weird. It would be better if it could be adjusted higher for a more comfortable fit.
Perfect for Travel, Hiking, and Daily Use! ♂️
This backpack isn’t just for hiking! It’s also great for:
✔️ Camping and outdoor sports
✔️ Day trips and vacations
✔️ School and college
✔️ Everyday errands or commuting
Final Thoughts – A Good Lightweight Backpack!
The FENGDONG Lightweight Hiking Backpack is a great choice if you need a simple, water-resistant, and spacious backpack. It’s very lightweight and easy to carry, but the chest strap sits a bit low, and it doesn’t come with a rain cover.
Best for: Short hikes, travel, school, and daily use!
✅ Top Features: Lightweight, compact, and spacious!
If you want a budget-friendly, lightweight backpack, this one is worth checking out!
Final Thoughts – The Best Hiking Backpack for You!
Best Overall: Diamond Candy Waterproof Hiking Backpack – Waterproof, comfy, and lots of storage!
Best for Extra Space: Semsty Hiking Backpack – Expandable design with lots of room!
Best for Tough Adventures: REEBOW Gear Tactical Backpack – Super strong and built to last!
Best for Short Trips: Fengdong Hiking Backpack – Lightweight and easy to carry!
Most Comfortable: Maelstrom Hiking Backpack – Soft, padded straps for all-day comfort!
No matter what kind of hiking backpack you need, there’s a great option under $50! Which one do you like best? Let me know in the comments!