You need the best hunting backpack as one of the essential accessories for a successful hunting trip. It is necessary to house your gears and other accessories you will need for the hunting mission.
However, selecting the best hunting backpack does not come on a platter of gold as there are many hunting backpacks available. This makes it quite difficult and overwhelming to choose the appropriate hunting backpack that will fit your needs.
This is where this hunting backpack review comes in. After considering hundreds of hunting backpacks, reading user experience and customer feedback, we narrowed our search to the ten best hunting backpack. We considered essentials like the ease of use, breathability, compression straps, design, waterproof factor, etc.
As a result, we are confident that users will find the best hunting backpack for their hunting trips from our list. After comparing the features, specifications, pros, and cons, we are convinced that users will find a good backpack that will fit their needs. A detailed buying guide also explores various things users need to know for them to pick the best hunting backpack.
Best Overall: ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack
For everyone who wants a comfortable and durable bag for their outdoor trips like hunting, ALPS OutdoorZ hunting pack is a terrific choice. This is a high-quality bag that comes with various awesome features. As a result, we are not surprised it is one of the top options by users.
The bag features everything users need for a comfortable hunting expedition. This explains the padded waist belt alongside shoulder straps, which makes it comfortable on the body. Users also get three distinct pockets to keep their gears and other things organized. You also get pockets to house your water bottle on both sides of the bag.
ALPS outdoors has lashing straps with which the bag can hold down more gears. It was made of strong and durable materials that will stand the test of time. With a capacity of over 37 Liters, you can hold various gears and even attach others to the bag.
- Hydration pocket and port
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Side compression straps
- Padded shoulder straps with a waist belt
- Lower storage pocket
- Hydration pocket and ports
- Brand: ALPS outdoorZ
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Capacity: 37 liters
- Comfortable and easy to carry
- Lots of compartment available
- Great stitches
- Self-repairing zipper
- Highly durable
- Awesome build quality
- The backpack is not waterproof.
Best Pick: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Ninja Tactical Day Pack
Also on our list of the best backpack for hunting is SOG specialty Ninja tactical daypack. Made from a blend of canvas and polyester, this is a water-repellant backpack made with a rigid material that can withstand rigorous hunting and other outdoor activities.
This bag can be used for everyday activities like hiking, travel, school, and other outdoor activities, etc. It features a modular design alongside different major compartments that will comfortably house your stuff. Users can comfortably carry it on their shoulders with little fatigue and disturbance.
It is a fully modular bag with a water repellant pack alongside the main compartment for different stuff like electronics, sunglasses, etc. Both sides of the bag come with hose ports making it hydration compatible. There are four points with which you can attach a sleeping bag. The pack also features airy mesh, which allows heat flow, thereby preventing the buildup of heat.
- Padded shoulder straps
- Heavy-duty MOLLE webbing
- Yoke style adjustable
- Breathable padded mesh
- Hook and loop patch
- Durable plastic buckles
- Dual bottom grommet drainage
- Brand: SOG Specialty
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 1.92 pounds
- Capacity: 24.2 liters
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 11.1 x 6.1 in
- Comfortable to use
- Padded straps
- Water-resistant
- Durable construction
- Attachment for other gears available
- Users enjoy a lifetime warranty.
- No serious negative found
Best Expandable Backpack: WolfWarriorX Men Backpacks Large Capacity Military Tactical Hiking
For people that need a large capacity tactical backpack for hunting, WolfWarriorX Men’s backpack is a recommended choice. It is an expandable bag with a main compartment of about 39L, which can be expanded to 64 liters, enough to accommodate whatever you need on your hunting trip. There are varieties of space and another compartment in the bag to house your gears.
This is a comfortable bag with an adjustable chest, which helps distribute the pressure of the load on your body. With the adjustable belt, the backpack can have a comfortable fit on the body. It is a multipurpose bag that suits the various purpose and outdoor activities. It was made of 600D water-resistant material, which gives extra protection to your stuff.
WolfWarriorX is not only for men but suitable for women as well. Users can even adjust the thickness of the side between eight and thirteen inches. The water-resistant capacity makes it highly suitable for various activities. It is convenient, practical, and ideal for everything you might want to do.
- Heavy-duty 600D PVC Materials
- Removable waist belt
- Shoulder straps
- Expandable
- Brand: WolfWarriorX
- Material: Heavy-duty 600D PVC
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Capacity: 39 to 64 liters
- Dimensions: 15″ x 21″ x 8″ – 13”
- High capacity
- Expandable
- Practical and convenient
- Water-resistant materials
- Good price
- Possibility of the zipper sticking
Best Lightweight backpack: SHARKMOUTH Tactical MOLLE Hydration Pack Backpack 900D
Shark mouth is the right choice for people that need a lightweight and functional backpack for all their hunting trips. It comes with all essential features, which makes it comfortable, and the top choice among users. Users will love the ergonomic design, which makes it very comfortable to use.
The bag comes with a breathable and soft mesh pad, which is engineered to keep your body cool and dry. There is also an insulated part made from thick aluminum foil material where users can put their water bladder, which will cool your water container so you can calm yourself on your hunting trip.
Users also get a 2L water bladder that is leak proof. This is a taste-free, odorless, and BPA free hydration bladder that will serve you throughout your trip. The water bladder has a large opening, which makes it easy to refill, dry and clean.
Users get a big compartment to house their gears. Also, there is a Molle system in which you get to attach other gears.
- Molle system
- The 2L water bladder system
- Ergonomic design
- Breathable mesh
- Insulated compartment
- Brand: Sharkmouth
- Weight: 26 ounces
- Dimensions: Size 16.5*9.1*2 inches
- Compact backpack
- Lightweight and comfortable
- The insulated pocket keeps water cool.
- Waterproof
- High-quality material
- Strong zippers
- Good gift product
- Not suitable for long runs
TIDEWE Hunting Pack 3400cu, Silent Frame Hunting Backpack for Bow/Rifle/Pistol
Finally on our list of best hunting backpack reviews is the Tidewe Hunting pack. This is the ideal bag for all hunting expedition as it is light and comes in a simple and ergonomic design. With a capacity of 55 L, it is easy to use as there are adjustable sternums and shoulder straps, which makes it easy to fit the backpack to your personal size.
The backpack also features thick padding that reduces the pressure on your body. It is a breathable backpack that encourages ventilation, which disperses your sweat. This way, you can use the backpack for a long time without worrying about sweat and smell. Users also get superb comfort with the innovative shoulder grip design.
This bag comes with spaces that can securely house rifle, pistol, and other hunting gears. You will get three main storage compartments at the front pocket where you can organize your gear alongside different small inner compartments, which makes it easy to pack all you need. With this backpack, you can comfortably pack enough stuff and wears it for three days hunting trip.
Users will love and appreciate the high-performance fabric that makes the backpack highly durable. With the reinforced carry strap, you can focus on your hunting game. There is also a strong and reinforced steel carbon frame, which helps hold your small and oversized loads.
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Reinforced carry strap
- Steel carbon frame
- Soundless fabric
- Brand: Tidewe
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Capacity: 55 liters
- Dimensions: 28” x 15” x 12”
- Lightweight with good ergonomics
- Strong and highly durable
- Plenty storage space
- Breathable and comfortable
- Breathable design
- User-friendly design
- No information on warranty
5.11 Tactical Military Backpack – RUSH12 – Molle Bag Rucksack Pack
This is a tactical backpack suitable for hunting and other outdoor activities. It comes with 16 separate compartments alongside a spacious main storage area and a hydration pocket. Users will find this bag incredibly useful as it comes with many features that make it appealing to users.
Users will find this backpack durable as it was made from 1050D nylon, which gives it the capacity to stand the test of time. It is water-resistant and comes with self-repairing YKK zippers with a signature centerline design.
There are various slots alongside a zippered fleece strap system, which helps keep your things organized. This is the perfect companion for your trekking, camping, hunting, and survival expedition. You can also use it as a day pack.
It comes with a remarkable storage capacity alongside a compatible web platform design. There are also adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, all for users’ comfort.
- Self-repairing YKK zippers
- Water-resistant Nylon material
- Multi slot admin compartment
- Two external compression straps
- Adjustable sternum height
- Zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket
- Brand: 5.11
- Material: 1050D Nylon
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Capacity: 29 liters
- Main Compartment: 18″ x 11″ x 6.5″
- Front pocket: 12” x 9” x 1.75”
- Water-resistant
- Available in varieties of colors
- Several pockets available
- Hardwearing zip, easy to open
- Simple and high-quality design
- Thick and padded shoulder straps
- Available in varieties of color
Best Value: Outdoor 3 Day Expandable 40-64L Backpack
This is one of the great backpacks by ARMYCAMOUSA, a terrific choice for people who want a rugged bag for their hunting and other outdoor trips. It is a versatile bag applicable in various situations like a military assault, school, etc. It comes with a different compartment, which allows you to organize your stuff with ease.
We recommend this bag because it will hold three days worth of cloth alongside other accessories for a comfortable and terrific time outdoors. It is indeed a multifunctional bag that will serve various purposes like hunting, survival, combat, etc. It is water- resistant and will keep your stuff protected in a storm.
Users will love the accordion zipper as it allows them to reduce the size to a smaller one; if you do not have to carry many loads in the same way, it can be expanded 5 inches deeper to access more gears. This is a tear-resistant bag made with 600-denier polyester with awesome straps and rugged zippers. The waist straps are removable, which allows you covert it easily into a carry-on bag.
- Removable waist belt
- Mesh pocket
- Expandable capacity
- Daisy chain
- Heavy-duty handlWater resistant
- Brand: ARMYCAMOUSA,
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Capacity: 64 liters
- Dimensions: 14.5″ x 21″ x 8″
- The bag is versatile, applicable for any situation.
- Water-resistant
- Various compartments allow for good organization.
- Can be expanded or reduced
- Great customer service
- Adequate protection with the available rubber lining
- Large storage pockets hold lots of stuff.
- Some parts are made of plastic.
Best Multipurpose backpack PANS Backpack for Men Large Military Backpack Tactical.
If you need a multipurpose bag suitable for various stuff like hunting, hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities, the PANS backpack is a good choice. It is a general daypack that is suitable for both men and women with various features that makes it comfortable.
It has some Molle system, which makes it possible to add several small pouches to the bag. This backpack will house your stuff for three days journey with various compartments to give your property a useful categorization. There is a water bottle mesh pocket at the side where you can drink water even while outside. The front Molle system makes it possible to add a pouch and hook other accessories with the backpack.
Users also get two pouches at the back to house their walkie-talkie, which makes it convenient to use even on the go. The chest belt is adjustable, which helps disperse the pressure of the backpack across your body evenly. It is comfortable to carry and gives a perfect fit.
There is an expandable zipper at the back, which makes it easy for the user to expand or shrink the size of the backpack to the desired size. You can adjust the thickness between 8 inches and 13 inches, while the backpack capacity can get up to 64l.
- Expandable bag
- Removable belt
- Molle System
- Water-resistant
- Additional straps
- Brand: Army Pans
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Capacity: 64 liters
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.3 x 3.82 inches
- Comfortable to use
- High capacity
- Backpack is expandable
- Water-resistant bag
- Molle system
- It comes with a removable belt.
- No information on warranty
Best Value: TIDEWE Hunting Backpack 5500cu with Frame and Rain Cover
This is a large capacity bag that people who need a hunting backpack will find incredibly useful. There are various compartments in this to house your gears and other stuff. With a total of 90L storage capacity, this backpack offers multiple storage pockets. The backpack has an extension bag and drawstring on the top, which makes the storage compartment bigger.
Users will love the ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable on the body. It comes with an adjustable frame and a shoulder strap, which allows you to customize the bag to your desired. It also features breathable and soft padding, which serves as a cushion to reduce the pressure on your shoulder. With this, going on long walks with the bag will be possible.
The bag features a curved top design, which protects users; heads from being hit. The frame is light and compact, which is comfortable all through the trip. This bag was specifically designed to be conducive for hunting as it features reinforced Hypalon at the frame that reduces noise. Also, the camouflage design enables it suitable for the hunting environment.
Users will love the high quality, exquisite textile and durable material, which makes it applicable to all hunting expeditions.
- Ergonomic design
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Noise-free Realtree edge fabric
- Breathable padding
- Brand: Tidewe
- Weight: 9.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 31.5” x 21.7” x 11.8”
- Large capacity
- Comfortable design
- Conducive for hunting
- High-quality construction
- Best external frame
- Soft and breathable pads
- Good price
- Adjustable
- No information on warranty
Buying Guide: Best Hunting Backpack
This part of the best hunting backpack review sheds light on essential things users will know about choosing a quality backpack.
How to Chose a Good Quality Backpack
A backpack is one of the essentials every hunter should have, even though hunting backpacks vary and they come in different designs. Here are essential things one need to check before choosing a hunting backpack.
Purpose and Carrying Capacity
This should be the primary determinant of the hunting backpack you want to select. One needs to answer the question: What will you use the backpack for?
For people that want to carry hunting gears alongside other stuff like camping gears such as a bedroll, water bottle, we recommend a larger backpack like ALPZ OutdoorZ. This is because you need a bag with a capacity of 5000 cubic inches to house all your gears.
You, however, might not need up to this if you are hunting from your truck. A small daypack should help serve you. Do not buy a big backpack if you will be hunting from a park, as it will be unnecessarily big.
There is also the question of how you will transport the meat when you kill your target.
The target game
For small games like deer, goat, etc., you can dress them and carry them from the bush without the use of a specially framed backpack. This is valid for people who are hunting in groups as they can share the meat and carry it.
If your target is a big game like a deer, elk, we recommend a meat hauling pack. While some smaller bags do come with meat shelves, you will need a big bag for big animals.
Design
There are three styles in which backpacks are designed. They are:
- The internal frame
- The external frame
- The frameless design
External frames are the best when it comes to carrying many hunting gears. They are strong, adaptable because it is possible to dismantle the sack and attach the game to the frame directly. If you will hunt frequently, make sure to get a backpack with an external frame.
Internal frame design, on the other hand, brings the weight closer to your body compared to external frames. They are light but not recommended for meat hauling because you cannot separate the pack from the frame.
Frameless hunting backpacks are pretty light and also cheap. You cannot carry many loads in them, which makes them ideal for simple day hunting.
Weight and Fit
One also needs to take note of the physical features of the backpack as it can be more critical than the carrying capacity of the pack. In other words, the bag should fit you.
Hunting backpacks made these days are designed to give people a good fit. Although, there are some models that will not fit people of very small sizes.
Also, one needs to consider the weight since chances are the bag will be on you for a pretty long time. However, a bag that is properly fitted will distribute the weight evenly on the body, which makes the overall weight light.
Weather Resistance Capacity
Many times, hunters are usually exposed to weather and other elements like rain. There is no shed in the woods where you can hide and avoid the rain.
This makes it necessary to factor the water resistance capacity into the hunting backpack to prevent you from having wet gear. Most zipper at times is usually the weakest link, so a waterproof fabric might not offer complete protection from the rain.
There are hunting backpacks that come with a rainfly built-in, which protects the bag and its content from the rain.
Weapon Holding Capacity
It might be pretty challenging to hike through rough and rugged terrain. The presence of a rifle with you makes it more dangerous. It is a good idea to have your firearm or bow stowed until you get to the hunting ground.
There are holsters, scabbards, or other rifle holders with many hunting backpacks. Also, a couple of these backpacks come with a mechanism for carrying bows.
These are essential in a hunting backpack as it allows you carry a weapon hands- free.
Quality of Design Material
When hunting, you will have to hike and trek on rugged terrains. Also, it exposes the hunter to various extreme outdoor elements. As a result, you need high-quality materials that can withstand the extremities and difficulties of the outdoors. Also, it should be resistant to water, blood, dirt, heat, cold, and branches.
The best backpacks for hunting are durable, rugged, and should be suitable to use in various outdoor conditions. Also, it should be resistant to wears and tears. There are materials that help accomplish these, and a few of the common ones are:
- Nylon: This is an excellent material for hunting as it is strong and can withstand constant exposure to water. Also, the bag has some form of protection against UV rays. Cordura Nylon: This material stands out due to its durability and lightweight. It is, however, less resistant to water.
- Rip-Stop Nylon: This has a lot of similarities to regular nylon. It is, however, more durable and will not tear easily, which explains why many manufacturers use it as a backpack.
- Polyester: This is a strong material with high resistance to UV rays. It is, however, not as strong as nylon and other materials.
- Canvas: Canvas stands out for its high durability, which explains why it is the top choice for many when it comes to the manufacture of the backpack. The negative side, however, is insufficient water resistance capacity and high weight.
- Weapons and ammunition like arrows and firearms
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- First aid kit
- Game scent and call
- Run gear
- Extra socks
- Food and water
- Rain gear
- Make sure to get rid of all items from the backpack.
- Separate the frame from the bag if you can
- If there are any detachable, separate them.
- Use a brush to wipe away all dirt.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire bag.
- If you have a non-beach stain remover, you can use it to remove all stains.
- You pour some fragrance-free and gentle detergent into the water at room temperature. If possible, use a hunting detergent.
- Soak the backpack into the mixture above and use a soft brush to gently scrub the bag
- Rinse in clean water
- Hang the bag upside down to dry
- When wearing the hip belt, it should be in line with your hip bones – the top; you should not wear it down by your hips.
- Your shoulder straps should be tightened to give a firm grip, but not too tight. Your finger should be able to go through your shoulder and the straps.
- Pull the strap for load lifting and stabilizer strap to move the weight of the pack closer to your body.
- Buckle the chest strap and make it tight. This should send part of the weight away from your shoulder.
- Make sure you have a comfortable position by going over the strap. You can repeat this every time you feel uncomfortable.
These are the most common materials used in the manufacture of hunting backpack. A lot of brands use synthetic materials like suede and leather.
FAQ for Hunting Backpacks
Q: What is the need for a hunting Backpack? A: For people that are considering going to the office, classes, gym, a regular backpack is a good idea. However, when it comes to the woods, you need a hunting backpack as it can make your experience an enjoyable one.To hunt, one needs the right gears and accessories that will make the hunting trip a memorable one. Also, the equipment should be comfortable so that it will not cause issues that are unplanned.
When out hunting in the wilderness, one needs the right equipment that is good and applicable to the situation. Ordinary backpack will not serve, which makes it essential to invest in a reliable, comfortable, and robust backpack.
Q: What are the essentials to pack inside a hunting backpack?
A: Many of the items that apply to hiking can also be used in hunting. However, one needs a couple of hunting specific items. Here are some of them listed below:
For people that want to spend more than a day in the wood, they need to add other standard camping equipment-items like cooking utensils, sleeping bags, a trash bag, toiletries, etc.
Q: How Do I clean my hunting Backpack? A: Backpacks can get pretty dirty and messy, especially when exposed to the elements. They could be contaminated by animal blood, dirt, sand, etc., which makes it essential to know how to clean your backpack.While it is possible to wash your backpack with a machine, it is not recommended. When you consider the fabric, washers could be pretty hard on it, which could make the material wear out better.
Here are some important ways to wash a hunting backpack with the hand:
It is a good idea to consult the label of your backpack before washing it. The above might work for some backpack while others have their particular care routine.
If you insist on using a machine, make sure it is compatible and use a gentle cycle. You, however, cannot machine dry a hunting backpack unless you want to ruin it.
Q: What is the purpose of a waist belt in some backpacks? A: The idea behind the waist belt is to offer additional support so that carrying the backpack will be easy. This is good for people that will not be carrying massive and weighty supplies, gears, and loads. It is essential to distribute the load evenly on the body, thereby preventing fatigue and body aches. Buckling up the waist belt is an excellent way to avoid backache.There is, however, more to the waist belt than the support they offer. A lot of waist belts have zippers, loops, and pockets, which allows you to store various things like water, snacks, pistol (for a backpack without a holster).
Q: How do one adjust a Hunting backpack? A: There is a high probability that you will have your backpack on for hours, which makes it essential to have a good fit.The chance of getting a good and perfect fit at once is extremely low. Many things like the load weight, length of the journey, etc., will define the feel of the backpack, which makes it essential to adjust it even while in the wild.
Here are recommended tips to adjust your backpack.
With this method, 67% of the weight of your bag should be on your hips, while the remaining 33% should rest on your shoulders. This way you get the needed strength to carry the gear’s weight alongside your meat without any fatigue.
Conclusion
Anyone that wants to get a comfortable hunting backpack can check this review for recommendations and other information on this. Indeed, the kind and nature of your hunting backpack are primal to your success on the hunting trip.
Our top choice is 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack for people that are undecided about the option of a backpack. It is a comfortable one with many great features that will stand the test of time.
We also have a detailed buying guide that helps users make the perfect choice of their hunting backpack. There is also a FAQ section that will answer questions users might have on the option of a good and durable hunting backpack.