Best Hunting Backpacks

10 Best Hunting Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

It can be quite difficult to find the best hunting backpack. Such backpacks are available in different sizes and styles and at a range of prices. While you don’t have to go hunting with a backpack, it can make the trip easier. It can also result in a good hunting trip if all of your equipment is kept in one convenient location.

Not all bags of hunting are the same. Whether you’re hunting a deer, elk, cow, or moose, one of the following hunting backpacks will help you bring home your next hunting trophy. This is why we’ve included some insightful tips below to help you narrow down your options and pick the best hunting backpack. And if you want a bag with space for your bow, check out the best bow hunting backpack.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 11 hrs of research

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Hunting Backpack

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Hunting Backpack – Best for Backcountry

Why is it better?

  • Hugetop loading pack. Top of the pack has extended sleeves with a drawstring enclosure so the pack can be easily over-stuffed
  • Sternum strap is height adjustable and has little slides that it moves on
  • You can really keep things tight and tidy with the extra straps that come with the pack
  • The waist strap holds the pack close to your lower back and puts a lot of weight right where it goes right to your legs making carrying a lot of weight comfortably

ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack

ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Strong seams, flexible yet rugged fabric
  • The waist belt is padded well enough to make the most grueling hike a breeze
  • The adjustment straps are all well placed, and functional making it quite comfortable with any load
  • The bag opens quite large and the bottom is made of a durable material

No products found.

Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack – Best for Elk/Deer

Why is it better?

  • Easy to adjust load lifters
  • Unconditional warranty
  • The molded foam compression system brings your pack’s weight to where your body can best carry it
  • A bat-wing design opens up when you need to carry dressed game

Best Hunting Backpacks – Overview

Some are designed for equipment for camping. Others are made for meat transportation. The best is willing to do both. Most of these backpacks are external frame backpacks because they need to haul heavy loads. Can you backpack hold a bow or rifle? Much better! Needless to say, there are many choices, and there are many brands that can be considered for a good quality pack. We’ve listed a few things to look for at the bottom of this article.

Hunting Backpacks Reviews

1. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Hunting Backpack – Best for Backcountry

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Hunting Backpack

When you get the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Hunting Backpack, you get a 5250 cubic inch Pack Bag from the Commander Freighter Frame. The Pack Bag is great to get to your base camp with all your clothes. In addition to the main compartment, the Pack Bag features a front pocket, spotting scope pocket, gun tray, and two side attachment hinged pockets. It can be quickly removed after you clear your Pack Bag so that the Commander can also be used as a Freighter Base.

Designed for hauling meat, the Commander frame offers a unique lashing system. The Commander also offers torso adjustments from 17” to 23”, providing a custom fit for your body. There are flashlight and knife pockets as well as a holder for your shooting sticks on the lashing straps.

Key Features:

  • Made of durable nylon ripstop fabric
  • Two side accessory hinged pockets, Main, front and spotting scope pocket
  • Clip-style holster, drop-down rifle pocket, and hydration pocket and port
  • Lashing system for hauling meat

Specifications:

  • Brand: ALPS OutdoorZ
  • Capacity: 86L
  • Dimensions: 41″ H x 16″ W x 13″ D
  • Weight: 7.3 lbs
Pros
  • Hugetop loading pack. Top of the pack has extended sleeves with a drawstring enclosure so the pack can be easily over-stuffed
  • Sternum strap is height adjustable and has little slides that it moves on
  • You can really keep things tight and tidy with the extra straps that come with the pack
  • The waist strap holds the pack close to your lower back and puts a lot of weight right where it goes right to your legs making carrying a lot of weight comfortable
Cons
  • The pins that hold the pack on can be a pain to take off at first
  • The frame pack could use more back and shoulder padding

2. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack

ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack

The ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack is the perfect backpack for hunts where you need a lot of extra gear with you. With a 2700 cubic inch capacity, the aluminum frame and extension lashing straps help you support and carry heavy payloads. The hydration pocket allows you to use your favorite water bladder for hands-free, on-the-go hydration. 

The drop-down weapon holder is designed to hold your gun or bow, keeping your hands free for intense climbing or glassing fields and mountain tops. The adjustable torso range, padded shoulder harness, and padded waist belt will keep you ultra-comfortable and are fitted to allow for full range of motion. A plethora of pockets allow you to keep your favorite gear close at hand.

Key Features:

  • Organizational front shelf pocket
  • Drop-down rifle/bow holder pocket, quiver holders and hydration pocket and port
  • Padded waist belt with two pockets and reinforced webbing to accommodate clip-style holsters
  • Rain cover included

Specifications:

  • Brand: ALPS OutdoorZ
  • Capacity: 44L
  • Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 4″ D
  • Weight: 4 lbs
Pros
  • Lots of pockets, pretty easy to organize. Holds a lot of gear overall
  • Extra padding on straps and back to ensure even more comfort
  • Extra clips rings for carabiners, keys, and any type of clips on front and in front pocket
  • The first compartment folds down with support straps to act as a shelf
Cons
  • When pack is stuffed full it’s tough to strap a rifle or bow on without it going wonky since the center of the pack sticks out further than the gun support on the bottom

3. Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack – Best for Elk/Deer

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The Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack put Badlands on the map..or should we say, the backs of every serious hunter in the industry, whether bow hunter or rifle hunter. This pack fulfills its primary duty exceptionally as a meat hauler but also can serve as a daypack. With its near-perfect center of gravity, the 2200 pack works with your body‘s own natural ability to support weight. The T-6 aircraft aluminum frame bypasses your spine and transfers any size load evenly down to your hips through the molded foam suspension, greatly increasing comfort and control.

The groundbreaking “Approach” camo pattern of our fabric is especially well-suited for bow hunting. The micro/macro patterns help conceal movement and are versatile enough to make this multi-environment material. This hunting pack includes zippered back panel access, carries bows and rifles, and even includes two hip-belt pistol holsters. The bat-wing design allows pack to be compressed down to a manageable hunter’s daypack, yet, when opened up, will carry an elk quarter and then some. Our guide to the best camo backpacks offers more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Built-in meat shelf, internal scope, and tripod pockets
  • ThermoMold Suspension utilizes molded foam
  • Approach camo has a neutral color palette, meticulous patterning, and multi-layered design
  • Integrated rifle boot and built-in hipbelt pistol holder

Specifications:

  • Brand: Badlands
  • Capacity: 32.4L
  • Dimensions: 19″ H x 17″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 5.93 lbs
Pros
  • Easy to adjust load lifters
  • Unconditional warranty
  • The molded foam compression system brings your pack’s weight to where your body can best carry it
  • A bat-wing design opens up when you need to carry dressed game
Cons
  • When pack is stuffed full it’s tough to strap a rifle or bow on without it going wonky since the center of the pack sticks out further than the gun support on the bottom

4. Tenzing 6000 Back Country Hunting and Hiking Pack

Tenzing 6000 Back Country Hunting and Hiking Pack

Bigger, stronger and lighter than any comparable pack on the market, the Tenzing 6000 Back Country Hunting and Hiking Pack is the ultimate in long-range hunting gear. This pack takes away any and all limits, allowing you to go further, hunt longer and still carry out the rewards of a successful trip. Equipped with an integrated rain cover to keep your belongings dry and let everyone else fumble for garbage bags as a backup, as well as an easily accessible bow/rifle carrier for fast action deployment

One of its most attractive features is the detachable daypack, which ensures that this backpack displays convenience and flexibility unseen with other products. It’s also one of the few internal frame hunting backpacks on this list, for which your back will be thankful. The Tenzing 6000 may cost more than others, but you’re not going to care with such a variety of cool and useful features.

Key Features:

  • Fully adjustable torso suspension
  • Two rigid internal aluminum frame stays
  • Padded hip support
  • Channeled, air-cooled back pad
  • Foldout bow and gun carrying boot

Specifications:

  • Brand: TENZING
  • Capacity: 72-98L
  • Dimensions: 28″ H x 11.5″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 4.37 lbs
Pros
  • The bow/rifle boot is very handy and made it very simple to attach a bow with the quiver attached
  • The rain cover also worked quite well
  • Detachable daypack is handy
  • Sleeping bag compartment in the bottom of the pack
Cons
  • The zippers would come undone (side compartments) when stuffing gear into them

5. ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Hunting Pack

ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Hunting Pack

Hauling decoys, gear and extra rain gear? Carrying a bow? Need a fanny pack? How about a daypack, too? Oh, and you want to haul away your meat? Nobody wants to buy five different packs for all your different needs, which is why ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Hunting Pack has brought you a pack that can accommodate ALL your hunting needs! There is a nice padded waist belt and shoulder harness system that makes carrying the Pathfinder a comfortable fit and helps distribute the weight. When more room is necessary, you simply unroll the daypack mode out from the fanny pack and you have an additional 1100 cubic inches of space.

Once the daypack mode is set, you have the option to use the Pathfinder in a hauling mode or bow-carrying mode. The hauling mode has extra fabric and straps that create additional space, to either carry out meat or extra gear. Last, but not least, there’s a bow pocket that fits a wide variety of compound bows, and once strapped in by the lash straps, your bow will be secure and your hands will be free!

Key Features:

  • Fanny pack expands to day pack
  • Extension lashing straps for extra-large loads
  • Padded waist belt and H20 pocket and port
  • Compatible with our Accessory Pockets: Binocular, Camera and Turkey Call Pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: ALPS OutdoorZ
  • Capacity: 44L
  • Dimensions: 16″ H x 13″ W x 6″ D
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs
Pros
  • The main pack is able to accommodate pretty much anything you would need for a days hunt
  • Very adjustable, even for a bigger guy
  • Converting to full day back is very useful
  • The loops on the zippers are very easy to grab with gloves on
Cons
  • It doesn’t have as many smaller pockets

6. Tenzing 2220 Daypack with Firearm Carry Boot and Rain Fly Cover

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Meet the most innovative all-around hunting pack ever designed. The Tenzing 2220 Daypack with Firearm Carry Boot and Rain Fly Cover provides 2,400 cubic inches of 100% usable space so you can hunt light and fast with everything you need in reach. The TZ 2220 is a serious overachiever in every category: weight packability, premium materials, quick access, simplified organization, specialized accessories, and all-day comfort. Carry a bow or gun in the fold-out boot and load additional gear with webbing straps.

The TZ 2220 can keep pace to handle it all – and then some. Robic rip-stop fabric is up to 50% stronger with 2.5x the tear strength of traditional nylon fabrics. You’ll find this add-on in high-stress and high-abrasion areas in our most premium packs to ensure a lifetime of failure-proof use. Padded air mesh has been added to the suspension, back panel and waist belt of select packs for enhanced breathability, reduced weight and added comfort.

Key Features:

  • 11 Compartments and 8 Organization Pockets
  • Fold-out rain cover and fold-out bow and gun carrying boot
  • Horizontal Compression Straps to secure load
  • Robic rip-stop fabric adds durability in high-stress area
  • Premium air mesh suspension system 

Specifications:

  • Brand: TENZING
  • Capacity: 39L
  • Dimensions: 23″ H x 12″ W x 4″ D
  • Weight: 4 lbs
Pros
  • It’s extremely durable and comfortable to wear
  • There is nice access to the pockets and compartments
  • The zippers are super smooth and quiet
  • The rifle/bow carrier is convenient, and simple to use, and the rain cover is a much needed addition
Cons
  • The hydration bladder can be quite difficult to get out when packed full

7. ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack – Best Value

ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack

The ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack is a great choice for trips when comfort and durability are a must. There is a padded waist belt and shoulder straps. With three separate pockets to keep your gear organized, plus water bottle pockets on each side, there’s enough room to bring along the essentials, plus some! The pack is hydration compatible and has lashing straps to tie down even more gear.

A large accessory pocket and main storage compartment offers plenty of organization and storage space. Both the waistbelt and shoulder straps are padded, making the pack more comfortable when loaded with weight. Side compression straps help to bring the pack’s weight closer to your body, making carrying heavy loads easier and more comfortable. Bartacked webbing creates multiple attachment points on the front of the pack for lashing extra gear.

Key Features:

  • Large front accessory and main pocket
  • Fully loaded with side mesh pockets, lower storage pocket, and hydration pocket and port
  • Side compression straps
  • Padded waist belt and shoulder straps with adjustable sternum straps for maximum comfort

Specifications:

  • Brand: ALPS OutdoorZ
  • Capacity: 37L
  • Dimensions: 23″ H x 12″ W x 4″ D
  • Weight: 2.06 lbs
Pros
  • Strong seams, flexible yet rugged fabric
  • The waist belt is padded well enough to make the most grueling hike a breeze
  • The adjustment straps are all well placed, and functional making it quite comfortable with any load
  • The bag opens quite large and the bottom is made of a durable material
Cons
  • No integrated rain fly cover

8. Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack

Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack

Roomy, comfortable, and full of storage options, the Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack is ideal for both day hunts and multi-day backcountry adventures. Small enough to quietly navigate thick timber, the Killshot’s main compartment has enough capacity to hold several nights’ worth of gear and pack out meat afterward. Crafted of polyester brushed tricot with PVC backing, this quiet-cloth backpack includes a pull-out orange blaze rain cover to protect and provide visibility when needed. It also comes with a two-liter hydration bladder with an insulated hose, and can also carry a rifle or bow in several different ways.

Raptor compression straps shrink the pack for load stability, while right and left hip belt accessory pockets to give instant access to gear or snacks. Other features include the Hawk-Eye binocular strap system, Silent Stalk quick-ejection clips for dropping the pack in a hurry, bottom and top lashing points for external storage, a drop-down scabbard for secure rifle storage, an internal spotting scope sleeve, and dual shoulder strap pockets for radios, phones, and GPS.

Key Features:

  • Carries a rifle, bow or tripod in multiple ways
  • Includes durable, ultra-quiet twill lining, pull-out rain cover, and two-liter reversible hydration bladder
  • Adjustable shoulder strap system
  • Backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Specifications:

  • Brand: Timber Hawk
  • Capacity: 56.2L
  • Dimensions: 22″ H x 12.5″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 7.6 lbs
Pros
  • The Bino attachment points built into the shoulder straps are perfect
  • Plenty of other compartments and pockets to stash everything else
  • There’s a pull out orange pack cover concealed in a zippered pouch at the bottom if the pack for safety
  • Straps, belts all fully adjustable
Cons
  • No integrated rain fly cover

9. Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack

Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack

You’re going to be hard-pressed to find a better pack than the Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack for all-day hunting adventures. This value-priced, high-tech pack is built from a quiet, durable polyester fabric that will be used and abused for years to come. The Superday has 1950 cubic inches of capacity for the ultimate in gear storage, including two compartments and several pockets.

The front compartment is fitted with a pistol holder, while the padded waist belt is easily accessible to the back, providing comfort and purpose. Compression straps and safety webbing allow you to protect your outer clothing layer or all the equipment you need. The Superday is compliant with hydration as well. This backpack is light enough to wear the whole day, and the state-of-the-art suspension keeps your weight off your shoulders, reducing fatigue and increasing focus.

Key Features:

  • Thermo-mold back panel
  • A neutral color palette
  • Built-in pistol holders
  • 5 compression straps that give you lots of options for gear attachment

Specifications:

  • Brand: Badlands
  • Capacity: 32L
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 16″ W x 11″ D
  • Weight: 3.9 lbs
Pros
  • The pack is nice and well built
  • Because it’s not a gigantic pack, it rides close to your body and is very comfortable to wear all day, even with a sidearm in the waistband holster
  • It’s a perfect earthy brown color
  • There is more than enough room to carry gear to spend a night or two out in the backcountry
Cons
  • It doesn’t come with a water bladder

10. Eberlestock X2 Pack

Eberlestock X2 Pack

The Eberlestock X2 Pack is a tough little pack with big pack features. Oversized compression straps for lashing on a heavy load. Dual hydration compartments. Quick-access pockets for spotting scopes and tripods. And best of all, a unique tubular aluminum Intex frame. Other major features include the Ample FlexChassis which can flip forward for use as a seat or cradle loads you strap to the pack.

Perfect platform for our ARCG ButtBucket, for carrying a compound bow. Designed to accept either our A1SS or A2SS Side Scabbards, to carry either shotguns or full-scale hunting rifle. Padlock webbing tie-points in key locations for accessory attachment and lashing on gear. “Shooter Harness,” which is both thinner for shooting and more comfortable for heavier loads.

Key Features:

  • Ample FlexChassis which can flip forward for use as a seat or cradle loads you strap to the pack
  • Designed to accept either the A1SS or A2SS Side Scabbards, to carry either shotguns or full-scale hunting rifle
  • Padlock webbing tie-points
  • Quick-access pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: Eberlestock
  • Capacity: 30L
  • Dimensions: 22″ H x 12.5″ W x 6.8″ D
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs
Pros
  • Material and construction is all top notch
  • The design with the wing pockets and the ability to haul stuff for a small pack is great
  • The suspension system along with the aluminum frame rides excellent going over climbing over rocks and traversing uneven ground
  • Very comfortable straps
Cons
  • This pack is a little on the expensive side

Buying Guide

Size

The size of your hunting backpack refers not only to how much equipment it can carry but also to how well it suits your type of body. Make sure the pack is comfortable to wear, especially if you’re going to cover a lot of ground when you’re on hunting. If the backpack doesn’t suit your body correctly, it can cause painful backaches before any prey is seen.

External Frame

A backpack for hunting should be able to carry a very heavy load. That means up to 100 pounds for big-game hunters who move into the wild. What’s the reason? Because that is what a big elk quarter plus some equipment you carry will weigh. This means most of the time an external frame.

Space

It should be able to carry enough supplies for those who pack deep into the woods to sleep overnight or longer. This means a sleeping bag, tent, and equipment for cooking, plus things mentioned above. For this purpose, modular systems work admirably allowing larger or smaller packs on a single frame.

Daypacks

Such packs are more than enough for many hunters. For those hunting deer or smaller animals, a small daypack fits where they can be dragged out. Those with access to ATVs or horses may be able to get by using a basic daypack because they can handle heavy transportation.

Uses

What do you need your hunting backpack? How long are you hunting? Do you need a holster for rifles, bows, knives or pistols? Are you going to need a meat shelf? Is this water-resistant? These are all things you need to consider when you’re searching for a hunting backpack.

Frequently Ask Questions

Why do I need a hunting backpack?

Normal backpacks are all fine if you only drive to and from school, the workplace, or the gym, but a hunting backpack can make your trip a hundred times more fun when it comes to the possible dangers and unpredictability of the wilderness. When hunting, you need the right equipment that offers reliability, function, and comfort as you may experience a multitude of problems you never expected. This can include everything from unexpected rain, illness, and a need for adequate food and water to last longer than you had anticipated.

What items should I have in my hunting backpack?

There is certainly a list of important items that you don’t want to leave home without while going out. Some of these are useful for any kind of backpacking trip while others are hunting-specific. Some general items include water, a first aid kit, rain gear, a flashlight or head torch, baby wipes, and snacks. You would also want to put a blanket of survival and fire-starting equipment in there. There are also items like a field dressing knife, latex gloves, a rangefinder, and a game caller you can bring along. Don’t forget your license to hunt, too! It’s a smart idea to put this in an easily available, waterproof container somewhere.

What size do I need for a hunting backpack?

If you are planning to take a short trek into the forest then a simple day pack with a capacity of between 30 and 40 liters could ideally fit you for up to three days. This form of size will give you enough space for a change of clothing, water, hunting gear, and food while still having enough space to fit any additional gear you may need such as first aid kits, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. On longer hunting trips, it’s important that you buy a backpack with about 50-70 liters that can carry clothes worth up to several days.

Do I need a waist belt for a hunting backpack?

A hunting backpack’s weight is intended to be spread mainly over your hip and not your shoulders. But it’s not just the support feature that makes them useful, some waist belts come with zippers, pockets, and loops so you can store small items or an easily accessible pistol (if your backpack doesn’t have a dedicated holster). Waist belts are going to be helpful and thus it is important to have one if you can.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best hunting backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a hunting backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.