7 Best Hunting Backpacks [Buying Guide]

Best Backpacks for Hunting

Being a hunter, you know the importance of having a hunting backpack. A backpack provide storage for your hunting gear as well as the supplies that you may need for the day.

Additionally, a backpack allows you to keep your hands free when trekking through the fields. Keeping hands free is essential for better balance when you are in rough territory. The backpack also frees your hands to hold a weapon when walking to a blind or stalking your prey.

“If you choose wisely then your backpack will improve your entire hunting experience”

These benefits show that every hunter needs to own at least one hunting backpack. You can make any backpack work, but if you choose wisely then your backpack will improve your entire hunting experience. Read through the article below to find the best hunting backpack for your situation.

Comparison Chart – Best Backpacks for Hunting

Here is a list of some great hunting packs. Find more details for backpack in the article below.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Hunting Backpacks Reviews

1. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack

Best Budget Hunting Backpack

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This bag is a good choice when trekking through the field. It has a large main pocket and front pocket, and lower side mesh pockets. These pockets allow you to keep all gear organized.

In addition to to gear pockets, it also has a bow pocket that allows the user to store a bow or rifle. This pocket pulls down from the bottom of the bag while in use and stows away while not in use. It’s lashing straps help your bow or gun in place.

ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Features:

  • Drop-down pocket that helps to carry your bow or rifle securely.
  • A blaze orange rain cover that helps protect gear stored in the bag from rain.
  • Center aluminum stay that provides extra support.
  • Hydration pocket that enables the user to carry along sufficient drinking water.
  • Adjustable and well-padded waist belt for the user’s comfort.
  • Well-padded shoulder harness that enhances comfort while carrying heavy weight.
  • Organizational self-pocket that enables keeping of needed gear at fingertips.
  • Total pack weight is 4 pounds and 1 ounce which makes it an excellent lightweight pack.
  • A D-ring clip that enables hanging of the bag from a tree.
  • Large main and front pockets that allow storing of large amount of gear.

Due to its durability, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Backpack is a perfect choice if you want to avoid falling a victim of buying packs that are prone to wear and tear. This pack is also a fabulous choice for those who deal with a large amount of gear as it contains more than enough storage space.

Pros

Things we like

  • The bag is light in weight and durable
  • Padded shoulder belt and waist belt
  • Removable hip belt
  • Adjustable shoulder harness
  • Tons of storage
  • This backpack does not make noise
  • Great value

Cons

Things that could be better

  • The bag is not waterproof
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2. Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack

Best Overall Hunting Backpack

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A lifetime investment. This is a backpack that has proven its durability and sturdiness. The company amazes customers with its lifetime warranty coverage, and stands behind the product 100%.

The Badlands 2200 is a pack that is known to handle a lot of weight very well. It has a T-6 aluminum frame and is designed to shift weight from your shoulders to your hips. The built-in “meat shelf” is great for hauling out meat after a successful hunt. The design and strength of the pack can easily easily handle 100 plus pounds of meat.

Badlands 2200 Features:

  • KXO-32 fabric which makes the bag strong quiet and waterproof.
  • T-6 aluminum aircraft frame to support the weight of the loads comfortably.
  • Several compartments for gear storage.
  • Unconditional lifetime warranty.
  • Rear straps to enable holding of the bow or rifles.
  • A rear entry suspension system that enables easy access to the inside of the pack without having to take the pack off.
  • A meat shelf that provides space for your game.

Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack is well known for its top-notch back support which enables distribution of weight to the hips without straining the spine. These ergonomic bags are suitable for heavy loads. This backpack is also suitable for carrying a rifle or bow and has a hip belt pistol holder. A little bit expensive, but the features and lifetime warranty are worth the extra amount.

Pros

Things we like

  • Come with an excellent lifetime warranty package
  • Its weight is evenly distributed, and it can carry a lot of weight comfortably
  • Lots of storage spaces
  • It is comfortable and stays in place
  • Does not make noise while on move
  • It offers a great value for money
  • The backpack is strong and sturdy

Cons

Things that could be better

  • It does not come with a water bladder but it can be purchased separately
  • Pack sits above the shoulders, which is annoying to some people
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3. Tenzing 2220 Daypack

Premium daypack full of features.

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The Tenzing 2220 is a great day pack made of premium materials. This pack has 19 total compartments or pockets making it easy to organize your gear and ensure quick access when you need it.

The Tenzing 2200 is a sturdy but comfortable pack to wear. It has a a fluted aluminum frame stay for support and air mesh system for breathability. The pack has a build in gun or bow boot that folds out of the bottom. It also has a full rain cover that pulls out the bottom of the pack.

Tenzing 2220 Daypack Features:

  • Air mesh padding for breathability.
  • Aluminum frame stay for support.
  • 5 horizontal straps to secure your load.
  • Fold out rain cover.
  • Fold out gun/bow boot.
  • Compatible with 2 liter water bladders.

The Tenzing 2220 is a good choice for a day pack. It has plenty of storage and features to haul and organize all of your hunting gear.

Tenzin 2200 Highlights and Features

Pros

Things we like

  • 19 compartments / pockets provides great organization.
  • Rip-stop fabric that is quiet in the field.
  • Built-in carrier for your gun or bow.
  • Build-in rain cover.

Cons

Things that could be better

  • Does not include hydration bladder
  • No pistol / side arm holster
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4. Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack

Mid-size tactical backpack

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The Direct Action Dragon Egg is a 25 liter sized pack designed for military and law enforcement operators. However, this can be a useful pack for hunters. Its shape makes it comfortable to carry, and its adjustable shoulder straps enable it to fit all body sizes.

The Dragon Egg has a ventilation system that makes it comfortable for those who go for long walks or those in hot temperatures. It has three zippered pockets. These include a large and the main compartment, a rear padded pocket and a front admin pocket. Apart from this, it comes with other features so keep reading.

Direct Action Dragon Egg Features:

  • Unique egg shape makes the bag suitable for those who do not need much space.
  • 100% Cordura 500D, DWR coated fabric that is water resistant.
  • Elastic side pockets that allow for easy expansion.
  • Ventilation system that allows for flow of fresh air to the wearer’s back.
  • Lightweight that makes the bag portable in long distances.

The Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack is a great choice if you are looking for a versatile backpack for daily outdoor activities. This pack provides great value for money. Additionally, it comes in a range of colors so you can get the most suitable for your purpose.

Pros

Things we like

  • Bag is well padded giving much comfort
  • It comes in a diversity of colors giving a range to choose from
  • Great quality, good double stitching, and excellent zippers
  • Large storage capacity
  • Well-padded back that gives additional comfort
  • Waist belt is detachable
  • Breathable back that keeps one fresh
  • Presence of side pockets that give space to store water bottles
  • NIR(Near-infrared) treated which makes it not noticeable with the night vision

Cons

Things that could be better

  • Its shape makes it roll off when placed on a flat surface
  • Waist strap is a bit difficult to remove
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5. Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack

Pack of choice for one of our reviewers

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Just like the Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack, this pack is primarily designed for military and law enforcement operators. However, its size is much larger with a 31+ liter capacity.

This is a versatile pack that is useful in various scenarios (including a hunting pack). It has two hydration bladder pockets; one in the main compartment and another in the zippered back part. It also has a combat ventilation system that gives extra comfort to the user.

Direct Action Ghost Tactical Features:

  • Patented Combat Vent System to prevent a buildup of heat and sweat.
  • 100% Cordura 500D, DWR coated fabric that makes the bag more durable.
  • Elastic side pockets that allow for expansion providing more storage space.
  • Overall weight of 5 lbs.
  • Unique laser cut MOLLE/PALS system.

The Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack is a perfect option when looking for a bag that fits strict military quality standards. However, this pack is just good for military duties, it can also be used for hunting, hiking, adventures, or as a day pack.

Read the full detailed review of the Direct Action Ghost Tactical Backpack

Pros

Things we like

  • Detachable second pouch with its own handle.
  • 100% Cordura 500D water resistant fabric.
  • Detachable waist belt with suspenders.
  • Combat Vent System for comfort.
  • Multiple color choices.

Cons

Things that could be better

  • Zippers don’t pull easily.
  • Only one camo pattern.
  • Some users have had internal stitching fail.
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The Trail Blazer by ALPS OutdoorZ is packed with features and storage. The pack has one large main pocket, a zippered front pocket, and lower side mesh pockets. This pack is a balance of being lightweight and providing just enough storage for full day of hunting gear.

The Trail Blazer has a drop down expandable pocket so you can carry your gun or bow on the pack. It also has a full blaze orange rain cover that is useful during gun season or those rainy days.

Trail Blazer Hunting Pack Features:

  • Only 2.6 lbs makes it ideal for longer hikes.
  • Expandable pocket to carry your bow or gun.
  • Hydration pocket to use a water bladder.
  • Orange rain cover to secure the bag in wet periods.
  • PE frame sheet that provides extra support and stability.
  • Bartacked webbing on the pack to attach extra gear.

The ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer Hunting Pack is a pack worth your hard-earned money. If you are looking for a lower priced but higher quality day pack then you should consider the ALPS Trail Blazer.

Pros

Things we like

  • Great value.
  • Pack is made of high-quality material.
  • Comes along with a durable rain cover.
  • High-quality zippers.
  • It is hydration compatible.
  • Ability to carry a rifle or bow securely.

Cons

Things that could be better

  • Pack isn’t waterproof without the rain cover.
  • It only has one large pocket while the others are small.
  • Doesn’t come with a water bladder.
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7. Tenzing SP14 Shooters Pack

Great for carrying a Crossbow

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The Tenzin SP14 Pack was designed to carry a crossbow or scoped gun. The unique design of the backpack allows the gun or crossbow to fit snugly between the two compartments.

However, this back does a lot more than carry a weapon securely. You can store your gear in the primary full length/width compartment, one of the two side compartments or in one of the mesh side pockets. The pack is made of quality rip-stop material with a fluted aluminum frame stay for support.

Tenzing SP14 Features:

  • Designed to carry scoped guns and crossbows
  • Breathable mesh for comfort
  • Water bladder compatible
  • Internal fluted aluminum frame stay
  • Fold out rain cover

The Tenzing TZ SP14 is the backpack you should consider if you need to haul a crossbow to your stand or blind. This bag will hold all of your hunting gear for a day trip and easily allow you to pack in your weapon.

Pros

Things we like

  • Securely holds a crossbow or scoped gun.
  • 3 large compartments for gear storage.
  • Integrated, fold out rain cover for rainy days.
  • Bungee system can hold your quiver on the side of the pack.

Cons

Things that could be better

  • Doesn’t include a water bladder
  • Side compartments are long and narrow which makes it difficult to get gear from the bottom.
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Things to Consider in Your Hunting Backpack

Let’s briefly discuss what you should consider when purchasing your hunting backpack.

Backpack Size

Backpacks come in different sizes; there is the small sizes ideal for overnight packs, medium sizes suitable for a weekend package and the big sizes suitable for a week-long packing. Based on the gear and fuel you intend to carry, you should be able to decide on the best bag to accommodate all your stuff.

Consider the length of time you will be away, the weather, as well as your activity. This should help you determine what to leave behind and what you must have in your bag.

Backpack Durability

How sturdy do you expect your bag to be? This is a question you will want to answer, as you will want to ensure that your bag is suitable to endure all hardships.

A good bag should have the ability to carry 50 lbs+, without breaking. First, determine the weight of the stuff you expect to carry on a regular basis, and from this determine the type of bag that can endure this weight with no problem.

Look for a bag made of high-quality material, and one with proper inner and outer stitches. There should be no signs of threads that seem to come out, and the threading at the shoulder straps should be secure. If you expect the bag to handle an extra load of meat from your hunting, be extra cautious in this one.

Backpack Comfort

Apart from having a durable bag, you will want one that keeps you comfortable in the entire trip. How can you get to determine if the bag you want to buy will give you the comfort you want?

A good pack should enable you to adjust it’s shoulder straps and waist belt so that it fits you well. On the other hand, it should have comfortable padding so that it doesn’t press you much and it should bear enough ventilation to keep you fresh during the entire you have worn it.

Features of The Backpack

Based on your preference there are several features that you will consider first when buying your hunting bag. Is ventilation a concern to you? If it is, you will want a bag made of lightweight mesh or perforated foam. When you expect to carry heavyweight stuff, you will want to ensure that your bag has sufficient padding both on the shoulder straps and hip belt.

External features such as Loops, daisy chains, and bungees are other features you might want to consider, especially if you need some additional space to store gear. Apart from these, check if your bag has several compartments, to enable you to keep it more organized.

Finally check for a rain cover in your bag, especially if you anticipate to go to rainy environments frequently. Good bags should be made out of water resistant material or at least lined with waterproof material.

Color

Do you want a camo colored backpack? Does it need to match your clothing camo pattern? How you answer these questions will greatly impact the number of bags you can consider. Most bags come in multiple colors or camo patterns, but you might be limited if the pack has to match your other hunting clothes.

Manufacturer Reputation and Warranty

How reputable is the pack’s manufacturer? Will the manufacturer stand behind the bag and warranty? Hunting backpacks can be very expensive so you want it to last several seasons or even longer. A high quality pack should have a great warranty behind the product. For example, packs from Badlands (our recommended hunting pack) have a lifetime warranty and the company stands firmly behind that promise.

Now you have a idea of what to look for when purchasing your hunting backpack. Review the list above to find some great packs that work for your situation. The list contains details of the features, pros, and cons that you can expect from each of the backpacks.

Hunting Backpack FAQs:

Q. Is the backpack waterproof?
A. Most buyers want to know whether their gear is safe in case it happens to rain while on a hunt. While several backpacks are waterproof, most which are not, come with a rain cover that the user can use to cover the bag to prevent water from penetrating.

Q. Is the backpack silent?
A. Backpack users want to purchase quiet packs, which is the reason this is a frequently asked question. Silent bags are preferred to avoid scaring away game.

Q. How many cubic inches is the backpack?
A. The size of the bag is another issue that bothers many buyers. Knowing beforehand the cubic inches of the backpack helps you determine if it is a perfect choice to accommodate all gear. The table above contains sizes for all the packs in our list.

Q. What is the weight of the bag?
A. Most users prefer getting packs that are light to enable them to carry them for long hours without getting exhausted. The table above contains weights for all the packs in our list.

Conclusion

Great hunting backpacks are an asset to hunters. The right backpack can make you a better hunter by allowing quick access to the gear you need. Try to find a quality hunting pack with the specific features you need on your hunt.

If you just want a great, all around hunting pack, then we recommend the Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack. This is one of the most capable packs on the market and you can’t beat the quality or warranty on the product.

4 thoughts on “7 Best Hunting Backpacks [Buying Guide]”

  1. Any suggestion for skinny people? I’m 6’4″ tall and weight between 150-160 lbs.My shoulder bones are very visible as well as the hip bones. Now I’m using an Eberlestock j107, but the problem is it seems to not have enough padding on the hip belt. The shoulder straps also seem to be too far apart with the sternum strap being bungy which does not stay close enough to my neck. Looking for a good backpack.

    1. Well, we have also featured a backpack for the skinny people in this top ten list. The Badlands Diablo Day Pack should be perfect for you as it is super light, having a weight of only 3lbs! Though the pack is light, but it is strong enough to carry heavy weights. You can also consider the EXO K² 3500 or 5500.

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