outdoors travel

Cheap backpacks can be made
but I don't recommend it. Unless you are extremely skilled at sewing
it isn't likely to come out like you want. Also
even if you are an expert
it will probably take less of your time to pick up an extra day at work and buy a pack with the earnings.

On the other hand
if you have an old backpack frame
you can make a cheap backpack with it. Remove the old pack
and tie a plain nylon duffel bag to it firmly
with the zipper facing out. Small bungee cords will work for attaching it too. I did this using an old aluminum frame that still had straps and a waist belt
and for the cost of a $15 duffel bag
I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot
but weighed just two pounds.

Buying Cheap Backpacks

There are several ways to buy cheap backpacks. The most obvious is to just wait for a good sale. A quicker way is to shop for a used pack online. Try Ebay.com
or go to a backpacking or other outdoor forum that allows people to sell their gear
like whiteblaze.net. The forums are nice
because you can easily ask questions about the pack.

You can also buy used backpacks cheap at rummage sales. Watch the ads for any mention of outdoor gear
and call to see if they have a backpack you might want. You may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Otherwise
start shopping early
and negotiate a bit. I recently sold a beautiful Kelty frame-pack for $15 at a garage sale.

Thrift stores sometimes have cheap backpacks. More often they have day packs
but you never know. I have seen big old frame packs that were rough at thrift shops
and it occurred to me that for a few dollars I could just toss the pack
and use the frame with a duffel bag
as described above.

Another way to keep the cost down is to go light. The lightweight backpacks
unlike other lightweight gear
are always cheaper than the big packs. If you have been thinking about lightening the load
you can save money too. Ultralight backpacks are usually under two pounds and frame-less. You'll probably use a sleeping pad as a "frame" of sorts. The good news is that they are often on sale for under $100.

Go-Lite has several packs that are near $100
and sometimes on sale for less than that. The list price on the Granite Gear Virga Ultra Light Packer may still be under $100
and I have seen it on sale for under $80. It also weighs only 21 ounces
a bonus for me
as I like the idea of light AND cheap backpacks.