Cheap
Backpacks
By Steve Gillman
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.
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 If 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.
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight
backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free
book can be found at
http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.co
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