Many hunters go deep in the woods or mountains in search of game. Some cover so much ground that they’re gone for days. They have to carry all the essentials like food and water, first-aid equipment and dry socks. A hunting backpack can carry all their equipment and make it easily and quickly accessible.
Regular backpacks aren’t suitable for hunters because they don’t have the specialized compartments needed to organize everything hunters carry. This guide can help you find the right hunting backpack for your needs. If you’re looking for one that combines ballistic strength and maximum comfort, take a look at the ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Hybrid X Bag.
What to know before you buy a hunting backpack
Storage space
Bigger is often better, but that isn’t always the case with hunting backpacks. Some are built for short trips while others are built to haul essentials for days over long distances. It’s a good idea to give some thought to what you need to carry with you and then look for a hunting backpack designed to carry those items.
Frame
Internal frames are more stable on uneven terrain, but they don’t carry as much cargo as backpacks with external frames. They rest flush against your back and so can cause you to sweat more than a backpack with an external frame.
External frames are better if you carry items of irregular sizes, shapes and weights. External frames are built to provide airflow around your back so you don’t sweat as much.
Materials
Outdoor gear should be durable enough to stand up to the rigors of hunting. Look for hunting backpacks that have double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers and strong utility cords. Look for how well each piece is attached. Water-resistance is enough for some hunters, but others insist their backpacks be 100% waterproof.
Hunting backpack features
Fit
Backpacks vary in length just like hunters’ torsos. If your hunting backpack is too long or too short for your body, carrying it will be tiring and exhausting. Get one that adjusts or is sized ideally for your body.
Straps
Shoulder straps: Even with well-designed hunting backpacks, hauling heavy loads over many miles of rough terrain puts a lot of strain on your shoulders. Look for hunting backpacks that have well-padded and adjustable shoulder straps.
Waist strap: This feature of better hunting backpacks makes sure your backpack stays properly positioned to shift weight to your hips and take strain off your shoulders. Look for a backpack with a waist strap that can be easily and securely adjusted so you can make it tighter or looser as the day goes on.
Compartments
The best hunting backpacks have compartments of different sizes located in different places. Well-organized hunters have a place for everything and can easily reach and remove what they want without even looking. Make sure the compartments on your hunting backpack have flaps or zippers to keep your gear dry.
Hunting backpack cost
You can easily find very basic hunting backpacks for less than $100. Some good hunting backpacks can be found for under $300, but better hunting backpacks made from better designs with better materials cost somewhere between $300 and $500.
Hunting backpack FAQ
Can I carry rifles and bows in my hunting backpack?
A. Yes, if you buy one that’s specifically designed for one or the other because the best way to store a bow and arrows is not the best way to store a rifle.
Why would I need a waist strap on my hunting backpack?
A. A properly designed hunting backpack puts more weight on your hips to take strain off your shoulders. The waist strap keeps the backpack properly positioned, so make sure you look for a strap that can be easily and securely tightened and loosened.
Which hunting backpack should I get?
Best of the best hunting backpack
ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Hybrid X Bag: available at Amazon
Our take: This backpack combines nylon ballistic strength with Lycra shoulder straps for maximum comfort.
What we like: The pack attaches to the frame by a series of compression straps and molded foam suspension. The high-density polyethylene frame has shelf and compressed wing pockets for hauling anything large or small. This backpack has a rifle and bow drop-down pocket, a hydration pocket and port, a waist belt with pockets, anti-sway straps and an attachment for a clip-style holster. This hunting backpack comes with straps, loops and pins that allow the user to easily attach and detach tools and small items to the outside of the bag.
What we dislike: Casual hunters may find this backpack is too pricey.
Best bang for your buck hunting backpack
Tenzing TZ 2220 Day Pack Hunting Backpack: available at Amazon
Our take: If you’re looking for comfort and functionality for day excursions, this small hunting backpack does the job.
What we like: This hunting backpack has 19 total compartments and pockets, a full-zip main compartment and dual side compartments large enough to carry spotting scopes. Five horizontal compression straps keep your load secure. The premium air-mesh suspension system delivers improved breathability and airflow.
What we dislike: The 2,400 cubic inches of storage space isn’t enough for longer trips.
Honorable mention hunting backpack
Badlands 220 Camouflage Hunting Backpack: available at Amazon
Our take: This waterproof backpack is the top choice of meat haulers for its comfort over long distances.
What we like: Badlands’ proprietary magnesium alloy weighs less than aluminum but is more than twice as strong. This backpack’s fabric is tough, quiet and absolutely waterproof, all while weighing less. The waist belt has a reverse-tightening feature that lets you pull the ends inward rather than outward, giving you the extra leverage you need to cinch up your belt for maximum comfort.
What we dislike: Some say it feels too light to be sturdy and durable.
David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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