This Amazon Backpack Has Come With Me to Almost 60-plus Countries — and It's Only $19

If there's one thing that you need to know about me, it's that I'm not known for packing light — and I’m never sorry about it. Traveling around the world every week, I have a small mountain of items that keep me comfortable, healthy, safe, and happy wherever I end up, and whatever schedule I’m on. But that doesn’t mean that I want to tote everything around all day while adventuring, sight-seeing, or even just strolling. 

The G4Free Hiking Backpack lets me carry only the day’s needs, no matter the activity, while everything else chills in my room until I need it. While writing this, I’m currently sailing the Mediterranean with Viking Cruises, but this isn’t a lounging-on-beautiful-beaches itinerary. I’m exploring a frigid cave castle in Slovenia, hiking Mt. Parnassus to witness the Oracle of Delphi in the Greek sun, and chasing waterfalls in Croatia. Each of these activities demands completely different gear and accessories, and my G4Free daypack ensures that I have the right items (and no excess) in each port. 

G4Free Hiking Backpack

Because it’s water-resistant, I also don’t have to worry about important items, like my passport or cash, getting damaged while I’m out all day. I keep these in a small, separate pocket that makes finding them on-demand much easier. Plus, its packable design ensures that it can come along on any trip, regardless of my suitcase situation. And at just over 1.5 pounds, the backpack's lightweight nylon construction and breathable mesh straps are greatly appreciated, not just because they don’t add any stress to my back, but because they reduce the inevitable sweat that larger, thicker bags promote.

Of course, that minimal weight comes in extra handy when I’m packing for bulk-heavy trips, like a recent visit to the stunning The Omnia hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland. The mountaintop hotel is perched above the idyllic Swiss ski town with Matterhorn views from its indoor-outdoor pool and sauna circuit. The design is sleek, unfussed luxury, but my luggage was far from the same. Packed with the weightier clothes and the gear that I needed for this skiing and hiking haven, the collapsible backpack still easily fit inside my suitcase without wasting valuable luggage space.  

Another excellent characteristic of this workhorse backpack is that it easily adapts to any adventure. As I've previously mentioned, my trip itineraries vary drastically depending on the destination, and some days are just for strolling, snacking, and, of course, shopping. On those days, I still bring my G4Free daypack because I never know how much I’ll end up buying (again, not sorry). While my bag is still empty, I keep it folded into its own small pocket and carry it by the attached loop instead of wearing it on my back.

On a fall shopping day in Minneapolis, I picked up a few locally-made jewelry pieces at Statement Boutique before the mood struck to explore Minnehaha Falls (yes, there’s a 53-foot waterfall inside the city). Thankfully, I was able to unfold my G4Free and toss my purchases onto my back before climbing and trekking the trails and rocks surrounding the falls. 

G4Free Hiking Backpack

Between touting the no. 4 spot on Amazon's best-selling hiking daypacks list and nearly 2,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, the G4Free backpack has earned quite the reputation among travelers. In their review, one traveler praised its versatility, saying, “From hiking the rainforest to surviving a whole day on the water to hiking along the beach/cliffs, it’s been great having this reliable backpack with me to hold everything I need and more.” Chiming in, another shopper confirmed that it’s a “perfect size for travel” as it's ideal for souvenirs, extra layers, and more. 

One minor drawback of the G4Free Hiking Backpack is that, though there are two water bottle pockets on the exterior, they’re not especially wide. Chunky water bottles aren’t going to fit here, and have to be carried inside the main compartment instead. Still, one reviewer noted that the deep pockets hold water bottles snugly with no threat of tipping out, even when the bag is being tossed around. 

G4Free Hiking Backpack

In a pinch, I’ve found a bonus use for the G4Free Hiking Backpack at the airport. Recalling that I’m an overpacker, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that I’ve run up against baggage weight limits a number of times, especially on return flights when newly purchased souvenirs can push me over the threshold by a couple of pounds. When this happens, I reach for my G4Free bag, stuff it with a few extra clothes, and carry it aboard on my back as my personal item instead of inside of my luggage. It prevents overweight fees and can double as extra cushioning on the plane (or as a footrest for shorter flyers).

And I haven't even gotten to the best part yet: it's only $19. That might just make it the most budget-friendly travel bag buy that you'll ever make. So, if you're not happy with your current backpack situation, take a cue from me and the near-2,000 shoppers that love the G4Free Hiking Backpack and add it to your collection. Or, you can check out the other top-rated Amazon travel backpacks that are ready for your next adventure.

More Travel Backpacks at Amazon:

Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack

New Outlander Lightweight Travel Backpack

Osprey Daylite Cinch Backpack

Skysper 10L Hiking Backpack

At the time of publishing, the price started at $19. 

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