So you’re in the market for a new hiking backpack? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a thru-hiker, a good pack is arguably your most important piece of gear. But between technical fabrics and ergonomic suspension systems, prices can skyrocket. If you want a pack that sits comfortably and fits all your essentials without “paying the earth,” you have to be strategic.
Whether you are looking for a specific brand or are overwhelmed by the “sale” signs at the mall, there are plenty of ways to keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket. Here are our top 10 ways to get a high-quality hiking backpack without breaking the bank.
10. Do the Legwork (In-Person Research)
If you have the time, head down to your local outdoor gear shops or malls to compare deals. There are often in-store clearance items or “floor models” that aren’t listed online. Pro tip: Take notes on how different brands feel on your back. Use this time to get sized correctly, then compare those prices against online retailers to ensure those “bargain” signs are actually offering a real discount.
9. The DIY Route (MYOG)
The “Make Your Own Gear” (MYOG) community is huge right now. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can buy high-tech fabrics like Cordura or X-Pac and sew a custom pack. This allows you to include only the features you need—like specific hydration ports or easy-access hip belt pockets—at a fraction of the retail cost. Plus, you’ll have the most unique pack on the trail!
8. Second-Hand and Thrift Stores
Don’t dismiss the thrift shop! Many people buy top-tier gear with grand intentions of hiking, only to realize the “great outdoors” isn’t for them after one trip. You can often find nearly-new packs from premium brands at a massive discount. Check local shops in mountain towns specifically, as they tend to have the highest turnover of quality used technical gear.
7. Off-Season Shopping
The worst time to buy a backpack is the week before summer starts. To find the real “steal,” shop during the off-season. Retailers slash prices on hiking gear in the late fall and winter to make room for snow sports equipment. If you aren’t a fair-weather-only hiker, this is the best time to snag a high-end pack for a “last year’s price.”
6. End-of-Line Deals
Manufacturers update their models almost every year, often just changing a color or a minor buckle design. When the “Version 2.0” comes out, retailers must clear out the original stock. These “End of Line” deals are goldmines. You get a brand-new, professional-grade pack at a clearance price simply because the color is from last season.
5. Scour the Clearance Racks
Clearance racks aren’t just for “bad” gear. Often, a pack ends up there because the color was unpopular or it was a niche size (like an Extra Small or Extra Large) that didn’t sell as fast as the mediums. If you aren’t picky about the shade of blue or orange on your back, the clearance rack is the easiest place to save 40-60% instantly.
4. Direct-from-Source Online Shopping
Many major brands manufacture their goods overseas. By looking at international marketplaces or buying directly from smaller overseas manufacturers, you can sometimes cut out the “middleman” markup. Just be sure to calculate shipping costs and check for reputable reviews to ensure the quality matches your safety needs on the trail.
3. Liquidation and Bankrupt Stock
When outdoor retailers unfortunately go out of business, trustees hold liquidation sales to turn inventory into cash as quickly as possible. These sales often start at 20% off and drop lower every week. Keep an eye on local business news or liquidation websites to catch these rare but highly lucrative opportunities.
2. Online Auctions (eBay & Marketplaces)
Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace are flooded with hiking gear. You can filter by “New with Tags” to get a brand-new pack at a used price. A word of warning: Set a maximum bid and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in a bidding war and end up paying close to retail price!
1. Use GearChase.com
The absolute best way to save time and money is to let us do the work for you. GearChase.com tracks hundreds of retailers simultaneously. Instead of checking twenty different websites for a sale, you can search once and see every discount, coupon, and closeout deal currently available across the web. We find the “hidden” sales so you can get back to what really matters—the hike.
Don’t believe us, check out the hand picked deals on outdoor gear on GearChase.com
