Hey hunters and welcome to my post where we will check out my 3 best hunting backpacks to carry everything out into the wilderness with this year. In my opinion, a hunting backpack is an essential piece of equipment as it is more than just an outdoor bag. It’s a piece of technical equipment designed to support its load and fit the gear you need without taking up too much space.
And as per everything else to do with hunting and fishing, there are a great number of different options to choose from. So to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My three recommended hunting backpacks
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:Â
What are hunting backpacks?
As mentioned above, this backpack is specifically designed to carry the hunting equipment and other necessities you will need whilst out in the wilderness.
When it comes to hunting, there are a number of essential items you will need such as weapons, ammunition, clothing, weatherproof coats and so on – and in some cases even the meat of your kill. This is all the while remaining light and agile for use while hunting. An adjustable frame or yoke should be included and you must have the proper-sized frame to fit your torso length for comfort and to avoid injury.
Check out these: Rifle bags
What should you be looking for?
The following factors should be considered as you look for a good backpack for your hunting adventures.
- Type
- Carrying capacity
- Accessibility
- Construction
- Comfort
- Additions
Type
Hunting backpacks present themselves in various types, based on what you are planning and the type of hunter you are. These include:
- Daypack: This type, as the name implies, is used for activities that require carrying a day’s worth of gear. While most hunting backpacks are intended for large game hunting, daypacks are much more versatile and typically range from 1,000 to 2,500 cubic inches (15 to 40 liters).
- Overnight pack: The second class of hunting backpacks, slightly larger than hunting daypacks, can be a good fit for many hunters and is used if you plan to spend the night in the woods. An overnight bag’s cargo capacity typically ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 cubic inches (25 and 50 liters), and they typically include compression straps to help streamline lighter loads.
- Multi-day pack: This kind is the most specialized type of hunting backpack. These packs typically range from 2,500 to 6,000 cubic inches (40 to 100 liters), with larger backpacks available for hardcore hunters. Multiday packs are designed to be as light as possible while providing extra toughness and add-ons explicitly designed for the unique challenges and rigors of backcountry big game hunting.
Carrying capacity
The primary function of a hunting backpack is to store your gear and, with any luck, your game’s meat. For this very reason, make sure to get a pack with enough space for your belongings, but avoid purchasing a bag that is too large.Â
Cargo capacities vary greatly between daypacks and multi-day backcountry packs, so choose a backpack that meets your specific requirements. However, for first-timers, I recommend purchasing a medium-size pack with a cargo volume of 3,500 to 5,000 cubic inches (60 and 80 liters).
To determine the carrying capacity that fits your needs, try to answer these crucial questions:
- What am I hunting?
- How long do I plan to hunt?
You should also match the hunting backpack’s carrying capacity to your torso size. This video could help you determine this essential information. (Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SGiGZlppMM)
Accessibility
Another area of recommendation is to look for a hunting pack with plenty of pockets and pouches for storing your gear in convenient places. While not for everyone, a hydration reservoir pouch is a good investment for most people because it keeps your gear dry.
Smaller external pockets, hip belt pockets, bow/rifle carriers, and glove-friendly zipper pulls can also be handy. In this case, determine the amount of gear you intend to take with you and how accessible you want it to be whilst out there.
Construction
Hunting backpacks are usually by design built to withstand any type of abuse. Function and durability reign supreme in this category, making build quality the deciding factor. Weight and weatherproofing could also be factors to consider.
Packs with YKK zippers, double (or triple) stitching, and high-quality materials are well worth your money. The best pack materials are highly durable (rip, scratch, and abrasion-resistant), weather resistant (or weatherproof), and quiet.Â
Comfort
All best-selling packs include features that provide a customized fit for optimal comfort. As a result, features such as padded shoulder straps, padded hip belts and sternum straps are essential. Proper weight distribution is also equally important, especially for multi-day backcountry hunts.
Never overlook the hunting backpack’s suspension system. Most manufacturers use a load-bearing frame, load lifters, and a thick hip belt to improve this particular feature. Additionally, if you normally do most of your hunting in summer, then a backpack with cooling elements included is a good option as well.
Additions
Other potential additions include
- Gun holder: This add-on helps keep your hunting weapon within reach in case you see your target game nearby. Some include a holder for a bipod or monocular tripod as well
- Customizable frame: The frame can be adjusted to provide necessary comfort as you carry the hunting pack.
- Meat shelf: This is the place in your hunting pack allotted for your game’s meat.
FAQ
What makes a good backpack for hunting?
A good hunting backpack is one that is large enough to carry everything you will need whilst out in the wilderness chasing your game. This can include spare clothing, weatherproof gear, ammunition, water, food, hunting knives and even your rifle. The bag itself should be durable and weatherproof with comfort built into the straps and body for ease of use on long day hunts.
What is a meat shelf backpack?
A backpack with a meat shelf is one with a section included for the specific use of carrying the meat or skin of your kill should you choose to keep it. This section should be fully sealed and water proof to ensure that anything kept within it does not seep into the rest of the backpack.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. TIDEWE Hunting Backpack
This first option is made from durable materials making it tough to take on what hunting offers. It is equipped with a great amount of pockets and straps, is waterproof and includes comfortable strapping. See its specifications below:
- Brand: TIDEWE
- Construction materials: Polyester
- Capacity: 2200 cubic inches (35 liters)
- Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 10 inches
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Removable gun bandage
- Strong and ergonomic handles
- Rain cover
- Distress whistle
- Hydration port
Why have I chosen it?
This entry-level hunting pack suits your spot-and-stalk hunting style. The integrated rain cover of the bag protects your equipment and essentials from wet weather and its carrying pocket, quiver hook and loop make transporting your bow or rifle simple. Thanks to the equipped hydration port, you can remain hydrated as you move to locate your target game. This is a great day pack option for new and experienced hunters alike.
2. TIDEWE Hunting Backpack with Frame
My second hunting pack option offers a large storage capacity to carry all your hunting essentials while providing comfort and accessibility. There is also an emphasis on protection, as demonstrated by its functional frame design. See its specifications below:
- Brand: TIDEWE
- Construction materials: High-quality branded fabric
- Capacity: 5500 cubic inches (90 liters)
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 21.7 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 9.59 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Drop-down rifle holder
- Adjustable shoulder straps and frame
- Soundless design
- Hydration system
- Multiple pocket system
- Easy-access whistle
Why have I chosen it?
If you are planning to hunt for days, the 90-liter cargo limit will meet all of your needs. The pockets are strategically placed so that whatever equipment you need is accessed easily with stitching tested to endure any load weight. For comfort, the unique curved top frame design enables the backpack to protect the head from being hit and it is even noise-free which helps conceal your presence as you approach your target animal.
3. Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack
This third option provides impressive functionality and sleek design, ergonomic design that allows for exceptional comfort for the shoulder and back. It also offered impressive durability due to the aircraft grade aluminum frame as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Badlands
- Construction materials: KXO-50 top fabric
- Capacity: 2200 cubic inches (35 liters)
- Dimensions: 25.25 x 14.25 x 8 inches
- Weight: 5.28 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Detachable rifle/bow boot
- Built-in meat shelf
- Zippered back panel
- Magnesium frame
Why have I chosen it?
There are many prominent features of this hunting backpack. It is equipped with a Rear Entry Suspension System, which grants the user quick access to the interior without removing the pack all the way and with eight different pockets on the pack, you can easily store everything you need and more.
For maximum comfort, the hunting pack features a molded memory foam suspension and harness with fabric that has been treated with C6 Durable Water Repellent, which prevents any moisture from entering. It also includes a detachable rifle and bow boot with batwing straps that securely hold weapons of any size, even when optics are attached. The boot drops from the bottom and has cross straps for added security.
This is a fantastic option for those who like to hunt over a couple of days and bring their meat home with them as well.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best hunting backpacks to carry your essential hunting belongings. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
