In the interest of helping anyone looking for a new backpack, let’s take a closer look at three cheap Osprey backpacks that are perfect for summer day hikes. Buying a cheap backpack doesn’t always pan out, but in the case of Osprey packs, you’ll still get a quality pack that should last for several summers.
Article Overview
Cheap Osprey Backpacks
Osprey is one of those coveted brands that can be tough to find on sale. But these three options can get you on the trail with a fresh pack…and some extra money still in your pocket.
Osprey Sportlite 30
Best Use: Day Hiking
Pack Capacity: 30 liters (1831 cubic inches)
Weight: 1.768 pounds
Dimensions: 26.77″ H x 11.81″ W x 10.04″ D
Fabric (Main and Accent): bluesign® approved 100D recycled high tenacity bird eye nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR
Fabric (Bottom): bluesign® approved 420D recycled nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR
While it boasts a minimal design, the Sportlite is an excellent technical daypack. The back panel and suspension system respond deftly to your movements and provide ample ventilation on hot summer days.
The pack’s unisex fit makes it approachable for all hikers and it provides plenty of features to make your day hikes comfortable. That includes quick-release compression straps, trekking pole loops, a padded hip belt, an external hydration sleeve with direct access, and much more.
Osprey Talon 22
Best Use: Day Hiking
Pack Capacity (S/M): 20 liters (1220 cubic inches)
Pack Capacity (M/L): 22 liters (1343 cubic inches)
Weight (S/M): 1.91 pounds
Weight (M/L): 2.04 pounds
Dimensions (S/M): 20.08″ H X 9.84″ W X 9.06″ D
Dimensions (M/L): 22.05″ H X 9.84″ W X 9.06″ D
Fabric (Main): bluesign®-approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon, PFC-free DWR
Fabric (Accent and Bottom): bluesign®-approved recycled 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
This pack offers a male-specific fit and it’s a primo solution for everything from summer peak hiking to bikepacking. The breathable back panel provides ideal ventilation for summer recreation and the pack’s wrap-around harness allows it to stay with you wherever you go.
The Talon multi-sport pack offers attachment points for trekking poles, a bike helmet, and even an ice ave. Plus, it’s built with an external hydration reservoir sleeve, a mesh front and side pockets, and dual-zippered access to the main compartment.
Osprey Tempest Jr.
Best Use: Kids Hiking and Multi-Sport
Pack Capacity: 11 liters (671 cubic inches)
Weight: 1.2 pounds
Dimensions: 15.35″ H X 9.84″ W X 6.69″ D
Fabric (Main): bluesign®-approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon, PFC-free DWR
Fabric (Accent and Bottom): bluesign®-approved recycled 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR
If the kids are ready to start carrying their own weight this summer, the Tempest is a great kids pack. The harness-to-hipbelt wrap and the pack’s light weight make it comfortable for kids to carry and hipbelt pockets keep their favorite snacks at the ready.
Ideal for kids from ages 4 to 12, the Tempest is great for hiking, biking, summer camp, and more. Plus, its external hydration sleeve helps you ensure they have plenty to drink for all-day adventures. Other great features include bike helmet and blinker light attachment points and an expandable harness pocket.
Quick Buyer’s Guide for Cheap Osprey Backpacks
Purchasing a new backpack requires careful consideration. You don’t want to mess up because it can (and should) last a long time. I still have the very first pack I bought. It’s probably has been used for well over a thousand cumulative miles, but it’s ole’ reliable.
To aid in your decision, this buyer’s guide focuses on two critical factors: how much you want to carry and how much you’ll be using your new backpack.
How Much Do You Want to Carry?
Carrying capacity is an important consideration. Experienced backpackers have often narrowed down their gear to the absolute essentials, so they’re most likely searching for a smaller pack that allows them to travel lighter, further, and faster.
However, new or intermediate backpackers typically like to have a little more space to carry their gear. This allows you to throw in a few of those last-minute items that may not fit on the “Essentials” list, but that will make your trip that much more fun and enjoyable.
Here are my general rules:
- My typical daypack falls in the range of 20 to 30 liters (this is still a bit large, but I like to carry a little extra if I’m going out for just a day).
- My typical overnight pack falls in the range of 35 to 50 liters (this gives me plenty of space for sleeping gear, food, and cooking equipment, but I won’t be bringing too much else).
- And my typical multi-day pack falls in the range of 50 to 70 liters (this gives me plenty of space for everything I’ll need for a week, or even a month, on the trail).
How Often Will You Use Your New Pack?
Are you backpacking every weekend during the summer or are you only getting out on two or three trips per summer? Depending on how much you plan to use your new backpack, your needs will differ.
- If you’ll use your pack once or twice a month, you can get by with a solid “middle-of-the-road” pack (in terms of price) and have it last a few years before replacing it.
- If you’ll use your pack on a daily or weekly basis, it makes sense to pay a little more for a pack that you can be sure will last.
When it comes to your pack, the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” certainly rings true. Fortunately for you, Osprey is one of the most trusted brands on the market today.
What Do You Think Of These Cheap Osprey Backpacks?
Which of these, if any, would you consider buying? I’d love to know what attracts you to one pack over the others, and what features you deem “indispensable” when it comes to a backpack.
Also, if you decide to purchase a cheap Osprey backpack after reading this review, I’d love to know how you like it once you’ve put it to good use. Leave a comment below or slide into my DMs @thebackpackguide on social media.
About The Backpack Guide
I’m always looking for new trails and wildernesses to explore and I’m always interested in your experiences in the wild. If there is one thing I’m sure of, it’s that we can all spend more time enjoying and connecting with Nature.
Feel free to reach out to me directly (email below), or share your latest adventure or backpack by tagging @thebackpackguide on Instagram or Facebook.
In the meantime, I hope you Fly Like An…Osprey!
The Backpack Guide
Comments
Great post you have shared here and I must say you have shared quite a lot of things concerning all these Osprey backpacks. They look really great and worthy. Also, the variety in structure and all makes them really good to get. From the listing here, the one I found really good is the Wayfarer 70. Very good one!
Author
Thanks Rodarrick! Are you currently in the market for a new backpack?
Hi Tucker,
I am a big fan of Osprey backpacks, I don’t have one myself, but I have a couple of hiking friends that swear by them. We do a lot of hiking together in the French alps. During the summer we did a two day hike to Chamonix, staying in a refuge. For a hike like this, you really need to have some room for supplies. The Variant 52, would be ideal for this kind of trip.
Author
Hey Tom! I’d love to make it over to hike there someday. I believe that you’re right in selecting the Variant 52 for a hike like that. Although everyone seems to be trending towards ultralight hiking/trekking, I always find that a little extra pack space goes a long way!
Thanks for this post on the backpack. I got the Wayfarer 70 around last year in April when we wanted to go for a vacation. The bag was just the best for me. It’s very spacious and contained every item I took in it, but it got it misplaced at the camp so I think I am gonna get another one soon. Thanks for this great review!
Author
So sorry to hear that your bag was misplaced Rose! I’d love to hear how it goes acquiring another one. If you’d like any other recommendations for packs similar to the Wayfarer 70, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
Thanks for this great review on The Backpack Guide. Some months ago we wanted to travel to greet some of my family members in a foreign country. We had to get a good backpack and we got the Variant 52, which was very good for us because it contained everything we packed inside of it. I would like to recommend it to anyone going for a trip. Thanks!
Author
Thanks for chiming in with your recommendation Gracie!
I like this women’s perigee pack especially for hiking and travel. It looks portable and simple but in a stylish way. You seem to have quite a collection of nice backpacks here. You know what, I’ll have to bookmark this post so I can later revisit it and drill down the text. Thanks a lot for this wonderful post.
Author
Thanks Sipheni! I’m glad you found the site useful and I’d be happy to work on reviewing any other packs that you’re curious about. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
I am a big fan of Osprey backpacks. In fact, I have had my current backpack for many years! Unfortunately, it is time to get a new one, as I have worn this backpack out, but many amazing adventures were had with it! The Wayfarer 70 looks like the perfect replacement for me, but enough to carry what I need to carry and I really like the idea of the detachable day pack for smaller excursions. Thank you so much for your help! I can’t wait to get out of the trail with my new pack!
Author
And so the cycle continues Travis! I had my first REI backpack for over 10 years and lots of miles. But there comes a time when we all must upgrade. I’m glad you found a recommendation that suits you here and I’d love to hear about your experience with your new pack once you’ve put it to the test!
As a mother of 3 boys who are now grown, it used to be that the zipper would break or the threading would come undone. Every 6 months to a year I would have to replace the bags. What I would like to know, are the bags boy-proof? :)… I like the look of the Variant 52 and the women’s Perigee. Great bags are always worth the money you pay for them. Another thing is that when I click on the link to check the price it took me off your website.
Author
Hi LJ! These packs are designed to hold up for miles and miles on the trail or traveling around the world. The link you clicked should take you to Amazon if you’re looking at the Variant or the Perigee! If you’re having trouble with that, please let me know. Just for your convenience, you can click the links below for the pack you’re most interested in!
Perigee Pack
Variant 52
I am thrilled to stumble across your website as I am in the market for a new backpack for my sister. Her favorite colors are pink and purple therefore I will be getting her the Women’s Perigee Pack I discovered on your blog. I can’t wait to see the look on her face this Christmas because it is hard finding that color combination that looks classy and sophisticated like she is.
Author
I love to hear that Pamela! I think that will be an excellent choice for her and I look forward to hearing how she likes it! When you have time after the holidays, come on back and shoot me a message. Happy Holidays!
Very accurate assessment of the variant 52 pack which has become my “go to” pack for…summer. I might not qualify for the ultra-light category of long distance hikers but I’m very conscientious of what I carry. I’d be in the camp that believes the only thing that really matters is how the pack feels on your back once loaded and that the materials, workmanship, looks and design do matter. I might take a look at the other packs in the future.
Regards!
Author
I couldn’t agree more Jordan! I wouldn’t consider myself an “ultralighter” and I place a higher priority on how the pack feels once it’s loaded down. I’m glad to hear you’ve liked your experience with the Variant 52! If you’d be interested in crafting a full review of it and guest posting it here, please shoot me a direct email and I can provide a template!
Great article on backpacks!
I use a backpack for my hunting trips and they are defiantly worth their price!
The amount of things you can put in them is unbelievable and it will keep your pockets and hands empty!
I prefer a backpack that is sturdy with several different zippered compartments to store food and hunting accessories separate from the main storage area where I put my coat while I am walking.
Author
Hey Justin!
What type of pack do you use for your hunting trips?
It’s clear that you know what you’re looking for in a hunting pack and I’d be curious if you’d like to review the pack that you use and publish your experience on The Backpack Guide for other readers?!
If you’re interested, shoot me an email and I’ll send a review template your way!
Hello Tucker, it’s nice to be able to come back to your website and get some very nice reviews on some very good backpacks. U like so many times that I just come to gaze at the beauty of your recommendation, I actually am being recommended to something today. The osprey Scorpion is the bag I’m going for because I’ll be going hiking in a couple of weeks and I need a very good backpack for it. I’m happy you shared this post. Thanks
Author
Hey Riley!
I’m glad you found a pack that you’re excited about from this post.
Would you be interested in sharing your experience once you’ve taken the Scorpion out for a few trips?