Inexpensive, Minimalist 60L-ish Backpack

Oh, and maybe “Minimalist” wasn’t the best word to use in the title… it needs to have a frame, and be able to carry at least around 30 – 35 lbs… Not sure what all he plans to carry… I just meant without all the stupid bells and whistles… no gimmicks. Just a normal pack with a single large compartment, maybe a front pocket and water bottle pockets on the sides.

Tell him to check out the REI garage sales that happen 4-6 times per year.  They sell the returned gear, for wholesale prices – less if it’s a little dirty or scuffed.

John, yeah I thought about that but where we live there is no REI even remotely close. He isn’t going to put that much effort into it.

I figure that unless he decides to invest just a little more he will just end up with something from Walmart or the such… I hate that, but it’s his choice. I was hoping maybe someone out there was familiar with a bag somewhat close to 60L for around $60 or so… I have spent a couple hours looking and came up with nothing really except for some on Amazon, but just feel leery of such cheap stuff.

Ah well…

Look for a used golite jam, should be close to that price and close to 60 liters

I second the used Jam idea.  They can be found on the gear swap periodically for ~$50, I have one myself that I use primarily as a travel bag.  They tend to go for more on ebay but you might find one there also.  For that matter, it would not surpise me if you could find a decent used REI pack on ebay.

For that budget, I would go used. You could a find a quality external frame pack that would get your buddy out on the trail and last for years.

Rodney@ULA has numerous bargains packs for sale at $90 off retail.  I just scored a CDT for $80, maybe he could get one of their larger packs for ~$125?

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Stick, check your pm’s.

Thanks!

Steven M.

If money is the issue, go to the thrift or second hand sports store. An external frame pack still works for on-trail use, is lighter than you’d think (many are ~ 3 lbs) and is going to be better quality than an Ozark Trails pack. I’ve seen older Kelty frame packs for $25.

The old warrior still works.   And for $25 it will do the most important thing: Get them on the trail.

They can look cooler later…

Thanks for the responses everyone, and Steofan I have replied to your PM. Thanks.

Mags, I have always been jealous of folks finding cool backpacking related gear at their local thrift stores, but not here where I am… bummer.

Actually a Kelty has been “cool” looking for decades. This one is older than Paul and Chad :-)

My first pack was a Kelty… but it was in 2009 and was a Red Cloud 5600! That sucker was almost 6 lbs, empty! Lol…  :)

The pack in the picture is a D4 weighs 3 1/2 pounds. Decades ago I replaced the web belt with a heavier wrap around belt. You can probably find one on eBay.