Affordable Backpacking Packs That Don't Feel Like Robbery
$400 for a backpack? Yeah, that's a hard pass for most people just getting started. The good news is you don't need to spend anything close to that for 1 to 3 night trips. Solid options exist well under $200, and if you shop smart, often under $150. Whether you're waiting for a trekking backpack sale or just want to know which brands hold up without draining your wallet, browsing the trekking backpack sale section on Geartrade is one of the better places to start. You'll find used gear from top brands at a fraction of retail. Here's what's worth knowing before you buy. How much should you actually spend? For 1 to 3 night trips, you're looking at a 38L to 65L pack. Most decent options in that range go for $100 to $200 new. Used, you can get the same packs for $60 to $140. The logic is simple: a $75 pack that falls apart after 2 trips costs more in the long run than a $150 one that lasts 5 years. That said, you don't need top-of-the-line gear to start. G...