It’s fun to be out in nature but it also leaves you vulnerable if you don’t have the resources you need. A backpack helps you to hold hands-free all you need, so you can conquer the slopes, climb and walk about without any hurdles. Not all backpacks are made equal though. Not only does the best bushcraft backpacks help you to hold all your essentials but it also keeps them comfortable and organized. This is vital because when you are out in nature, there are moments where you need to rapidly find just what you need.
You therefore also recognize, as a bushcrafter, the value of having the best bushcraft backpack. You depend on your bushcraft backpack to hold the stuff to keep everything packed as you intend to bring all that you need to live in the bush for a week or even a month. Bushcrafters have a range of objectives somewhat different from backpackers. Bushcrafters have little to do with the destination but lean towards the experience of the trip. The trip through the woods with your bushcraft backpack might not be more than a hundred yards from where you exit your car, or it can entail a two-day hike deep through the remote forest.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs by Frost River – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Materials are very durable
- Craftmanship is superior
- Ax sleeve is pretty handy
- Over engineered design
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Bushcraft Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Spongy cords on top could be used to strap a jacket and keep it handy
- The sleeping bag compartment allows easy access to your sleeping bag
- Shoulder strap is comfortable
- It’s a bag built to last because of the fabric and material used
Best Bushcraft Backpacks – Overview
It can be a difficult job to find the best bushcraft backpack. You don’t want to get torn or end up with a lousy bag, but how do you really know what’s best? There are hundreds of customers on the street, and most of them are made cheaply, mass-manufactured, and end up breaking too soon. Of all the various kinds of bushcraft backpacks currently on the market, it’s hard to figure out which one is the best backpack for bushcraft. This is why we’ve done the hard work for you and picked out some of the best bushcraft backpacks that are ideal for hikers, climbers, and survivalists.
Bushcraft Backpacks Reviews
1. Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs by Frost River – Premium Pick
The Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs by Frost River are built to carry big or small loads. All three sizes are designed narrow, for exploration, slipping between dog hair aspen, and brush. These packs blend classic materials and construction with updated features for modern classic backwoods adventures. With lots of organization in the form of pockets, attachments, and straps.
There’s space to keep gear where it needs to be. Plus, there’s plenty of capacity in the tall, narrow pack body. This pack features twin vertical 2 in 1 pocket, each pocket. Each pocket is roughly the size of a 1-liter bottle and provides a space between the pocket and pack body to stow a folding saw or other long, thin objects, and keep it handy. A slip pocket at the bottom of each side panel, two D-rings on the lid, lash squares at the bottom (four squares on the full size, Jr., two squares on the Mini) allow your gear to be stored on the outside of the pack.
Key Features:
- Premium Buckskin padded backstraps
- Lashing and compression at the sides with bridle leather straps
- Built-in Axe Sleeve for carrying woodcrafting tools into the brush
- Leather Lash Squares on the pack bottom
Specifications:
- Brand: Frost River
- Dimensions: 23″ H x 15″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Materials are very durable
- Craftmanship is superior
- Ax sleeve is pretty handy
- Over engineered design
- On the expensive side
2. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Bushcraft Backpack – Best Value
Incredible views and remote trails are just some of the rewards you’ll enjoy when you’re doing bushcraft in the wilderness. And because bushcraft can push you to your limits, you need a backpack that can keep up with you and your latest adventure. The TETON Sports Scout 3400 Bushcraft Backpack is a high-quality backpack that is loaded with features like a sleeping bag compartment, compression straps, and multiple compartments and pockets for strategic packing.
Comfort features include a padded back panel that is channeled for optimal airflow, padded lumbar and waist and shoulder straps that help carry the load. Adjust the torso, waist, chest, and shoulders to fit men, women, and youth. The Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack was designed with you in mind. The Scout 3400 is helping thousands of bushcrafters enjoy The Great Outdoors.
Key Features:
- External storage options
- Bungee storage
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Integrated rainfly
Specifications:
- Brand: TETON Sports
- Capacity: 55L
- Dimensions: 30″ H x 17″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Spongy cords on top could be used to strap a jacket and keep it handy
- The sleeping bag compartment allows easy access to your sleeping bag
- Shoulder strap is comfortable
- It’s a bag built to last because of the fabric and material used
- The water bottle pockets are not elastic/stretchy, makes it hard to fit bottle in there especially the opening are quite small and tight
3. mPac Tactical Bushcraft Backpack
Need a reliable, comfortable, and heavy-duty bag for your bushcraft adventures? The mPac Tactical Bushcraft Backpack is large enough to store all your bushcraft gear, outdoor equipment, and everyday items. It is fitted with sturdy Molle webbing, where you may attach additional tactical pouches or extra outdoor gear for easy accessibility.
This military survival bag is smartly designed with spacious zippered compartments, padded back and shoulder straps, made from 600D high density and waterproof fabric with double-stitched zippers and high-quality POM buckles for years of no-worry use. This backpack features a heavy-duty MOLLE webbing to attach a variety of optional pouches, accessories, and modular tactical gear. So, you can easily expand the storage or customize your backpack for your needs. Be sure to also check out our list of tactical backpacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Ventilated back mesh padding
- POM buckles
- Double-stitched 600D high-density fabric
- Interior and exterior zippered pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: mPac
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 13″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Has multiple pockets for great organization
- Main compartment can fall completely flat especially if you don’t want to go rummaging around forever
- The various straps make it easy to adjust based on load and body size
- Great external pouches to connect your water bottles or other small items
- When you open the compartment, there is no kind of sleeve or any kind of place inside for it to safely place the water bladder
4. AmazonBasics Internal Frame Bushcraft Backpack with Rainfly
Gear up for your next great outdoor adventure with the AmazonBasics Internal Frame Bushcraft Backpack with Rainfly. Ideal for hiking and camping, the backpack provides a durable design for reliable performance, and it offers loads of space for all those must-have essentials. Best of all, it ensures a comfortable fit that will help inspire you further along the trail and onto that next beautiful vista.
Designed for a variety of body sizes, the backpack provides a secure, fully adjustable fit around the torso, an adjustable waist belt, and adjustable straps at the shoulders for upper-load balance and support. Don’t let a little rain slow you down. This bushcraft backpack features a water-repellent exterior coating, plus an integrated water-resistant rainfly, which prevents light rain from getting inside.
Key Features:
- Extensive storage pockets and compartments
- Large sleeping-bag compartment
- Multi-directional compression straps
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit
- Lumbar support for added comfort
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Capacity: 75L
- Dimensions: 29″ H x 18.5″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 5.12 lbs
- Good material and build quality
- Adjustable shoulder height allows custom fitting to the person’s body size
- Nice padding on the shoulder and waist straps
- Many buckles and straps for securing additional items external to the backpack, such as a tent, sleeping pad, and others
- The lower compartment has a semi-round opening. The opening is a bit too small for accessing the compartment
5. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag is made of durable Nylon Ripstop fabric, giving you a long-lasting use in the harshest weather environments. Organize your gear in one of the many pockets: two side accessory hinged pockets, main, front, and spotting scope pocket. Keep your essentials close with accommodation for a clip-style holster, drop-down rifle pocket, and hydration pocket and port.
Designed for hauling meat, the Commander frame offers a unique lashing system. For extra-large loads, three extensions straps are included. Keep your heavy loads secure utilizing the freighter shelf. Simply lash the load to the frame and adjust the straps on either side of the shelf, to maximize the support. Love hunting? Check out our review of the best hunting backpacks for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Made of durable Nylon Ripstop fabric
- Two side accessory hinged pockets
- Clip-style holster
- Secure lashing system
Specifications:
- Brand: ALPS OutdoorZ
- Capacity: 86L
- Dimensions: 40″ H x 17″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 7.31 lbs
- Padding is comfortable during heavy loads
- Ease of changing out from bag to lashing for meat hauling
- All stitching held strong under heavy load and repetitive use
- Lots of pockets, well sized, works well to provide immediate access to most of your gear
- Bag is a little noisy while carry under heavy load
6. MOUNTAINTOP Bushcraft Backpack
The MOUNTAINTOP Bushcraft Backpack is impressively practical for shorter treks, there’s a wide color selection to fit any hiker’s style. If your torso is longer than 52 centimeters, then Mountaintop recommends you seek a different pack. The side slots for the bottles are sufficiently wide and high so that you don’t have to worry that the bottle will be lost on the way.
Includes an adjustable hip belt on this bag that fits waist sizes 25–55 inches, but the belly strap is not removable. An adjustable sternum strap, breathable molded foam back panel, and S-shaped shoulder straps ensure you can properly carry the weight of your gear. The rain cover, which is located in a separate compartment, is so large that it fits easily over the packed backpack
Key Features:
- Made of durable Nylon Ripstop fabric
- Two side accessory hinged pockets
- Clip-style holster
- Secure lashing system
Specifications:
- Brand: MOUNTAINTOP
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21.4″ H x 11.7″ W x 5.2″ D
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- The middle compartment and the hidden compartment hold things well
- The cushioning from the shoulder strap is nice and thick
- Is able to hold a lot of items in its many compartments & it has a rain cover
- Lightweight
- The two open side compartments for your bottles/etc aren’t the deepest
7. Karrimor SF Sabre Bushcraft Backpack
Karrimor SF Sabre Bushcraft Backpack is a must-have in Military circles, the Sabre 45 offers the user a reliable and durable load carriage system. The removable F-Format internal frame can be shaped to conform to the back profile of the user. Additional PLCE side pockets and hydration systems may be attached to the pack further increasing its capacity and functionality
Other features include a cool mesh back system, s-shaped shoulder harness, sternum strap, YKK zippers, compression straps Shock cord carry system, zipped lid compartment, and twin ice axe holders.
Key Features:
- F-Format internal frame (removable)
- One main compartment
- S-shaped shoulder harness
- Sternum strap
- Coolmesh back system
Specifications:
- Brand: Karrimor SF
- Capacity: 45L
- Dimensions: 22.44″ H x 12.6″ W x 4.33″ D
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- The pack is extremely comfortable
- The zippers are incredable (huge and bullet proof)
- The outside is not crammed full of attachments like a lot of military packs are
- The waist straps do their job and put most of the weight on your hips if the shoulder straps are adjusted right
- Not too fancy with the features
8. GEARONIC TM Men Vintage Canvas Backpack
An ideal and practical bag for people that are always on-the-go, now you may carry all your everyday essential items around with hands-free comfort using this casual and rugged style in this GEARONIC TM Men Vintage Canvas Backpack. Made with premium quality durable canvas fabric and PU leather, this sturdy bag features a classic yet stylish button closure flap over design, vintage brass hardware accents, adjustable and comfortable shoulder straps, and multiple pockets to keep you organized
There are four external zippered closure pockets: one on the front, two on the sides, and one on the back, that offer added storage for cell phone, keys, small tools, and other frequently used accessories that you need to keep within easy reach. The spacious main compartment with drawstring closure under flap offers plenty of space to hold many things such as books, tablet, camera, or other important belongings for all day use conveniently. Our guide to the best canvas backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Stylish button closure flap over design
- 2 side pockets
- Reinforced leather corners
- Premium quality and durable canvas fabric
Specifications:
- Brand: GEARONIC
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 16″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Great amount of pockets
- Durable
- Comfortable to wear
- Smaller compartments inside
- No water bottle holder
9. NOOLA Tactical Bushcraft Backpack
The NOOLA Tactical Bushcraft Backpack is designed to be a high-performance tactical assault pack that provides ample space for gear and accessories while remaining reliable enough for extended excursions or tactical deployments. A large tactical backpack with 3 detachable pouches for extra storage capacity.
The military tactical backpack features unmatched storage capability, detachable combination, adjustable and practical shoulder, and sternum straps, and durable, water-resistant construction. It’s a backpack built to be ready for trekking, hiking, traveling, fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor activities.
Key Features:
- 3 removable pouches
- A hand carry strap and adjustable shoulder strap
- Double-stitching
- 2 side pouches
Specifications:
- Brand: NOOLA
- Capacity: 50L
- Dimensions: 19.7″ H x 13″ W x 8.7″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Made of a thick durable looking material
- The pack is rugged
- The fabric is dense and well stitched
- It can hold a lot of items
- Not much back padding
10. Eberlestock Bushcraft Backpack
The Eberlestock Bushcraft Backpack is in wide use by elite military, police, and civilians all over the world — snipers, marksmen, and regular folks who appreciate the overwhelming utility and versatility of this product. It’s a mid-sized pack with a full-width scabbard to better accommodate weapons with larger cross-sections or bulky optics. The wide scabbard also allows it to serve as an excellent laptop or military radio compartment, and because it’s also wide at the bottom, users have the option of carrying weapons butt-down or butt-up.
Like the G4 Operator pack, it features both front loading and top loading features, giving exceptional versatility and flexibility of use. The G2 comes with the Eberlestock Intex-II frame system, which outperforms both traditional external frames and internal frames, with the best qualities of both: the structure of an external frame without the noise and with minimal weight, and the close-ride and comfort of an internal frame pack.
Key Features:
- Intex II frame can be interchanged with either the AG2S Gossamer frame, or the AGIF Endo fram
- Several organization pockets
- 500 denier waterproof ripstop nylon cordura
- Water-resistant construction
Specifications:
- Brand: Eberlestock
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 10″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
- The shoulder strap/yoke height is adjustable
- The stitching is top-notch
- The pack has easy to access compartments with tons of molle webbing
- It’s exceptionally well-made
- The padding/venting system would be well-designed if it were grown-up-sized
Buying Guide
Materials
The backpack must endure daily abuse and rough environments. That’s why you have to make sure your pack is crafted from the most reliable material. If rain and snow are nothing to worry about, you may skip the waterproofing option. Top-quality bushcraft backpacks are constructed of nylon of high denier, ballistic grade, and other related materials. These are considered to be super-lasting materials that can stand out both heavy abuse and extreme weather. Or you can simply get a separate rain cover.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important especially if you are out in hot weather. Search for ventilating fabrics, such as perforated foam, lightweight mesh, and ventilated framing. This should encourage air to pass in so that while you’re out in nature your back isn’t getting so hot and sweaty. You ‘re more at ease when you’re calm.
Padding
The majority of your backpack ‘s weight will be carried by your hips. You have to increase the padding when adding weight to your bag. Another important thing is shoulder padding because it can reduce the soreness and fatigue of your shoulder, especially when your backpack is particularly heavy.
Accessories
There’s a bushcraft backpack with an ax holder, which is very handy if you like camping and bushcraft sports. In such a case, you may carry a knife, ax, and saw. Some backpacks also offer a MOLLE attachment system that allows you to carry additional easy-access pouches and items. If you think you will be carrying plenty of accessories in the foreseeable future, we recommend picking a bag that has this feature.
Organization
It is crucial that you are able to organize your bushcraft backpack in a manner that better fits your needs and preferences. You can pick precisely which items go where for different compartments so that you can find them quickly. You won’t need to continually search your bag having multiple access points to locate the things you ‘re searching for. You only need to remember the access point that helps you to find a particular item and you’ll save a lot of time to get what you need.
Frequently Ask Questions
What are the must-have accessories and tools for bushcraft?
It all depends on the individual. Yet there are some things that just about everyone requires. Pocket knives, folding saws, axes, fire starters, flashlights, water purifiers, emergency tent and so on are items any bushcraft backpack needs to hold.
How to adjust load lifters on a backpack?
Only heavy duty backpacks come with lifters for loading. The top-most part of the pack does not touch your head. Adjust by loosening the load lifter, to ease the height. The load lifter can lock your hips to the load. You can tighten them even more until you feel it is safe.
How to adjust the sternum strap?
No need to touch your neck with the sternum strap. That is too high if it touches your neck. Think of changing the shoulder strap in this situation. If the sternum strap can not secure your backpack to your back, the strength of your pack is too large for your body.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best bushcraft backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a bushcraft backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.