Looking for one backpack that can do double duty: budget travel (hostels, buses, cheap flights) and short hikes. Total budget under $100, but I’m open to used gear. I’m new to this and overwhelmed by choices. Use case: 6-8 weeks in mixed climates, mostly cities and small towns, with a couple of 1-3 day hikes Needs to pass as carry-on on strict airlines (Ryanair/Wizz-style cages), but still be comfortable for 8-10 kg on trail Survive bus roof racks, wet platforms, and hostel lockers without babying it Questions where I’d love real-world experience: Liters vs dimensions: Is a “40L” that’s 45x35x20 actually realistic, or do I need to hunt by measurements not liters? Any models that compress well enough to fit sizers when not stuffed? Panel loader vs top loader: Panel seems easier in hostels, but does it fail on trail for weight distribution or durability? Frame and hip belt: Can a real hip belt exist on a carry-on sized pack? Removable belts that still transfer weight when attached? Back ventilation vs simplicity: Is a trampoline back worth the bulk at this size/price, or does a simple foam sheet do fine if I pack smart? Water protection: Built-in water resistance vs just a cheap rain cover and a trash-compactor liner. What’s held up for you in tropical downpours? External carry: Smart ways to strap a light sleeping bag or wet clothes without snagging in bus holds. Bungee cord DIY vs sewn-in lash points? Security: Lockable zips on budget packs-useful or just marketing? Any pickpocket-proofing tips that don’t add weight? Daypack strategy: Detachable daypack, packable 10-15L sling, or just a fanny pack and call it good? Repairs on the road: Easiest zipper/pull/strap fixes I should plan for. Are spare buckles worth carrying? Sourcing: If buying used, what older models are solid and still cheap? Thinking Osprey Farpoint 40, Kelty Redwing 44, Deuter ACT Lite, etc. For new, are Decathlon/Naturehike sleeper hits? Any Amazon specials that actually last? Fit for short torso folks: Any carry-onable packs with adjustable torso that don’t weigh a ton? Constraints I care about: Under $100 new or used Subtle look (not too “tactical” or neon), but with a couple of discreet lash points Simple, repairable hardware over fancy stuff Fits typical hostel lockers if possible If you’ve done hostel-to-trail on a tight budget, what specific pack did you use, what did it cost, and what would you do differently next time? Also open to DIY hacks like adding a foam pad as a frame, aftermarket hip belts, or shock cord mods. Thanks!

Outdoor Backpack

backpackonabudget

Looking for one backpack that can do double duty: budget travel (hostels, buses, cheap flights) and short hikes. Total budget under $100, but I’m open to used gear. I’m new to this and overwhelmed by choices.

Use case:

6-8 weeks in mixed climates, mostly cities and small towns, with a couple of 1-3 day hikes
Needs to pass as carry-on on strict airlines (Ryanair/Wizz-style cages), but still be comfortable for 8-10 kg on trail
Survive bus roof racks, wet platforms, and hostel lockers without babying it

Questions where I’d love real-world experience:

Liters vs dimensions: Is a “40L” that’s 45x35x20 actually realistic, or do I need to hunt by measurements not liters? Any models that compress well enough to fit sizers when not stuffed?
Panel loader vs top loader: Panel seems easier in hostels, but does it fail on trail for weight distribution or durability?
Frame and hip belt: Can a real hip belt exist on a carry-on sized pack? Removable belts that still transfer weight when attached?
Back ventilation vs simplicity: Is a trampoline back worth the bulk at this size/price, or does a simple foam sheet do fine if I pack smart?
Water protection: Built-in water resistance vs just a cheap rain cover and a trash-compactor liner. What’s held up for you in tropical downpours?
External carry: Smart ways to strap a light sleeping bag or wet clothes without snagging in bus holds. Bungee cord DIY vs sewn-in lash points?
Security: Lockable zips on budget packs-useful or just marketing? Any pickpocket-proofing tips that don’t add weight?
Daypack strategy: Detachable daypack, packable 10-15L sling, or just a fanny pack and call it good?
Repairs on the road: Easiest zipper/pull/strap fixes I should plan for. Are spare buckles worth carrying?
Sourcing: If buying used, what older models are solid and still cheap? Thinking Osprey Farpoint 40, Kelty Redwing 44, Deuter ACT Lite, etc. For new, are Decathlon/Naturehike sleeper hits? Any Amazon specials that actually last?
Fit for short torso folks: Any carry-onable packs with adjustable torso that don’t weigh a ton?

Constraints I care about:

Under $100 new or used
Subtle look (not too “tactical” or neon), but with a couple of discreet lash points
Simple, repairable hardware over fancy stuff
Fits typical hostel lockers if possible

If you’ve done hostel-to-trail on a tight budget, what specific pack did you use, what did it cost, and what would you do differently next time? Also open to DIY hacks like adding a foam pad as a frame, aftermarket hip belts, or shock cord mods. Thanks!

ThriftPath

Hey folks, jumped into this thread late but had to chime in-I've bounced around SE Asia on a shoestring with a beat-up Deuter ACT Lite 40 (snagged used on eBay for $60 last year). It's a top-loader with a basic frame and hip belt that actually transfers weight decently for short hauls, even at 8kg. Fits Ryanair's cage like a dream when not overstuffed (dimensions are legit: 62x28x23cm compressed). No trampoline back, just foam that gets sweaty in tropics, but I liner it with a trash bag and it survives monsoons fine-no rain cover needed, though I swear by the compactor bag hack for wet clothes inside.

For security, lockable zips are meh marketing; I just use a carabiner on the main one and keep valuables in a money belt. Daypack? A cheap 10L packable from Decathlon ($15) stuffs in the top-beats fumbling with a fanny pack. Repairs: Carry duct tape and a spare buckle (under 50g total); fixed my strap mid-Vietnam trek. Next time? I'd add DIY shock cord for external straps-sewn points snag on buses. Solid pick for short torsos too, adjustable and subtle. Hunt eBay for older ACT Lites; they're tanks. What'd you end up with, OP?