Before I started traveling the world for the Epic Trails TV show, I didn’t have the budget for top-of-the-line gear. I used whatever I could afford, and that meant a lot of cheap backpacks. But now, after a year of testing everything from $15 discount packs to $400+ ultralight models, I’ve finally had the chance to see what really separates cheap backpacks vs expensive backpacks.
Comfort is Paying for What You Don’t Feel
I'm a big fan of movies and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into making them. There's a popular saying in the world of sound design that goes; “you don't notice good sound design, only bad sound design.” I've found that the same is true in backpacking. the more expensive your backpack, the more invisible it becomes. That’s what you’re really paying for. With cheap backpacks vs expensive backpacks, the difference isn’t how many zippers or compartments you get — it’s how much (or how little) you notice the pack when you’re hiking.
My old $15 Temu pack? I remember exactly how it felt digging into my hips and making my back a sweaty mess. My current Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L is so comfortable I barely notice it’s there, and that’s the point. The same can be said for my Mystery Ranch. You’re paying for comfort and design that lets you focus on your surroundings, not your shoulder pain.
This ISN'T to say that you positively need the expensive stuff. If you are fine with your current setup, I say let it ride.
You Don’t Need to “Level Up” to Be Legit
One of the biggest myths about cheap backpacks vs expensive backpacks is that expensive automatically means “better hiker.” That’s just not true.
I know people with serious money who still hike with the same old pack they’ve had for years, because it works for them. And I’ve met adventurers saving every penny to buy their dream pack, and that’s valid too. What matters most is your comfort, your priorities, and your experience on the trail.
My Take on the Whole Cheap vs. Expensive Backpack Debate
At the end of the day, expensive gear exists to give you options — not to rank you in some imaginary outdoor hierarchy. If you can afford the upgrade and want to feel that “invisible” comfort, go for it. If you’re rocking a cheap backpack that gets the job done, that’s great too.
So whether you’re saving up for your dream pack or sticking with the one that’s seen a hundred miles already, just remember: it’s not about the price tag — it’s about getting outside and enjoying the adventure.
Read some of my recent backpack reviews of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L and the Loris 25L.
