Best Hunting Backpack Buying Guide & Review

The best hunting backpack for those who are regular hunters during the hunting season or regular hikers/campers when traveling. These backpacks carry loads of hunting gear and accessories with their many compartments, water reservoirs, and more today than they did years ago. These 10 quality hunting backpack recommendations for avid bow hunters, regular hunters, and hikers alike were carefully researched and studied thoroughly. Backpacks (BP) are supposed to have the expected comfort and convenient places to store certain packages, such as dried foods, containers, water bottles, and even a rifle and pistol! Only a hunter or traveler will require top quality-made backpacks that are sold in today's outdoor sports industry.

The value of using a hiking backpack to keep everything that is needed in one area while hauling it to your destination. In fact, the essentials is the most important, whether you go on a "camping retreat" for a few days or go to a "hunting expedition" for weeks. While it helps balance the weight between your head and shoulders, these backpacks help the upper and lower back from receiving too much pressure.

Unfortunately, our physical body can't take too much weight without balancing all that weight on our backs with some type of frame that's comfortable enough to "lug" around for miles. If we're walking miles in the day or night, there is some major comfort that hunters and hikers need while doing so. With so many to choose from, there's some things that need to be considered. When you do look for a best hunting backpack such as on Amazon. These are recommended because of the quality-driven elements they have. 

Comparison Table of Best Hunting Backpack

Lightweight Hunting Backpack

Having lightweight backpack hunting gear may be important for you, but having to pack those items with the standard items that every hiker/hunter should have is more critical when searching for the right hunting backpack. All in all, even the lightest backpack essentials are needing the following. Remember there are some items you can't go without. In fact, you can't go hiking without the following. They should have compartments and pockets with expandable sides. The hunting backpack doesn't have to be so heavy. When it comes to lightweight backpack hunting here are the most common items needed today that must be able to make it in the compartments.

Compass, water bottle, first aid kit, prepped/dry foods, sun lotion for skin and UV protection, flashlight (with extra batteries), personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, comb/brush, deo...etc.), small tarp, knife or multi-functional tool, one set of clothes.

At any rate, you can get a bow hunting backpack that's available with many features similar to the standard outdoor backpack as well.

Top 10 Hunting Backpack Recommendations

Some of the best backpacks on the market must have certain features to help the hunter not hinder him/her while they're on their hunting or hiking trip. What's needed are compartments, places to strap down rifles, guns, water bottles, meat, clothing, and many essentials. Without the backpack, hauling things such as gear and food would be impossible for those needing to walk miles, or sleep for days and nights in the wilderness.

Camo Pattern with padded belt around the waist and pockets with mesh webbed clip style holsters. Easy access to front pocket that makes it easy to get to while on a treacherous hike or hunting expedition.

Features and benefits -This one has the capability to carry heavy loads when hunting or hiking. It's organizational pockets in the front keeps all things in tact while also giving you easy access to your gear. Keep your essentials close with a drop-down rifle, gun, or bow with a holder pocket. There's many other compartments that include a hydration pocket and port. In fact, it also has the extension lashing straps which help extra large items or loads. The ALPS Traverse EPS has a padded waist belt with the two pockets and the reinforced webbing mesh material. This belt helps take the pressure off the shoulders too. It's accommodated by clip-style holsters. Additionally, it has an orange rain cover for safe hunting in the wilderness. It'll keep your gear dry. The weight is 4 lbs. and 1 oz. and the size of the backpack is 2700 cu. in.

The charcoal-colored fabric is strong and sturdy because of the nylon ripstop material. This makes it ideal for the hunter who will be in the wilderness. Its large frame gives hunters the versatility to use it as a hauling device when the pack is removed.

Features and benefits - It has enough pockets to take the essentials and then some, with the draw cords, this makes it easy to get into and out. If needed, you can detach the bag and simply use the frame to haul meat or anything else that you may think of hauling to the hunter's campsite. The ALPs Commander is very organized for your gear and one of the many pockets it has is specially made for a rifle. There's two sides that are necessary for essentials and this includes a clip-style holster. There's also the drop down pockets. The main benefit is the ability to take off the pack when needed and the holsters for the rifle and scope.

The camouflaged back pack is essential for hunters who may need to take hunting tools or hunting equipment. Some compartments are easily accessible. It's big in size and has many features and benefits for the avid bow hunter.

Features and benefits - There's room for the bow, the rifle, and a spotting scope. The frame is big and the pack can carry many hunting essentials. Being an essential place for things like a H20 hydration port and dry foods, tools, such as knives, utensils, and even pots or pans. It can take on the weight as long as you pack it all right. lot of straps available to fit to many different body width's and height allowing it to sit very comfortable for a long period of time. The metal back plate is a critical part to the pack because of it's strength. There's also extra clip rings for the carabiners and keys.

The neutral color of the Badlands 2200 is camouflaged. It allows for the pattern to adapt to the surroundings and with the lighting, it blends into the wilderness very easily. Its large bow-hunting pack is great for bowhunters and to haul meat back to your camp. With the Badlands 2200 Pack, it has more than enough compartments to pack accessories and hunting tools.

Features and benefits - The Badlands 2200 backpack is sturdy and durable for any hunter or hiker who may need to carry a lot. In fact, besides the essentials, it's definitely going to be a good thing to carry one of these when bow hunting. It's ideal for outdoor hunting, plus when you have to trek miles upon miles the comfortness on the back eliminates the pressure off the shoulders and the spine. It's a great survival tool because of the compartments it has. There's a place for the bow/arrows and several other compartments that make them available to keep everything in place and that's with a little space. Knowing that it has to be manhandled when it's fully-loaded is one of the perks the company has.

A dark hunter brown/green color with many compartments for any hunter's trip. It's made of nylon material for a longer lasting backpack. Large and a stylish way to put the rifle on the side as well as other gear zipped within the front and bottom compartments. Well compact and easy to use when hiking on for miles.

Features and benefits - Ideal for harsh weather and one of the main features is the pockets. There are many areas to organize your hunting accessories in them. That's actually an understatement. The compartments all have the ability to be utilized in some way. For instance, the main pocket is essential for the most needed larger objects you need at your reach. The webbing loops allow for more gear if needed in the exterior part of the pack. The spotting scope and the front pocket are naturally a benefit since they're available easily. Keeping the main things critical to your hiking or hunting adventure would be wise. Accommodating yourself with the "clip-style holster, drop-down rifle pocket and hydration pocket and port." One of the main features that benefit hunters when using this pack is the rifle holder. You can even haul your meat with the lash system. What you need to do is simply detach the bag and then get the frame for the hauling, a very convenient benefit for all hunters.

Large front accessory with the main pocket for all the hunting essentials you'll need for your next hunting trip. It has side mesh pockets and with the standard green camouflaged material, it certainly will blend in the great outdoors.

Features and benefits - Once it's fully packed and loaded, the storage pockets and the hydration pack and port compartment is available as too. It's easy to adjust and carry. Another benefit is the side compression straps that are needed when heavy loads are carried. The padded belt is at the waist and feels comfortable when hiking uphill or downhill. The straps are adjustable for that maximum comfort. It's a lighter weight backpack, weighing only 2 lbs. 1 oz. with the holding capacity of 37 L / 2,285 cu. In.

The large black backpack is ideal for hunters, hikers, and travelers alike. it's approximately 13" x 20" x 11" in size. The military tactical backpack is made of a high-density material that is both durable and water resistant. With the padded handles and straps, you'll be able to utilize every inch of this backpack.

Features and benefits - The tactical backpack does have a molle system with the webbing tacticals throughout; this is for additional pouches or gear needed to add onto. Considered for a 3-day pack, there's also "bug out bags" with double-stitches and heavy-duty zippers. There's also the cord-style pulls. The side and front has loaded compression systems, with ventilated mesh pads for the back and the shoulders making it comfortable. Military backpack style has hydration compatibility and it works great with the hydration bladder. Perfect use for outdoor camping, hiking, and for use by reservists, hunters, survival extremists, trekkers, or basic daily backpack use.

The brown and greenish camouflaged backpack has everything a hunter needs to haul to the base camp. With the main compartment and the mesh pocket, you'll be able to store and organize your gear for a daily trip. It's a light-weight pack with it weighing only 2 lbs.

Features and benefits - The backpack has the ultimate storage space which will expand and hold many hunting accessories. Being able to organize your things into the expanding main compartment, the face compartment, and the side pockets is what these features are meant for. The benefits of this light day pack for hunting is handy for those daily runs in the wilderness. The benefits of the pack is the mesh back which is padded on the hip panels. It also has the H2O compatibility with the other eight total compartments for the hunters' use.

The camouflaged backpack is ideal for the hunter because of the bundle of molle bags it has for heavy use when out hunting or hiking. Plus, it has the hydration bladder pack that is extremely important in rough terrain conditions.

Features and benefits - The MonkeyPaks will come fully loaded. The complete water badder is available as well. Fill the bladder and it's ready to go. The benefits of the webbing is great for all the gear needed. There are 3 molle bags which are included as well as a detachable bug out bag. It's made of 600 D strong nylon with the heavy duty large teeth zippers. There's also a paracord which is silent. Very high quality and with that military style look because of the Monkey Packs.

The beige/light brown camouflaged design has the main compartments that have Molle equipped packs as well. The shoulder straps are adjustable too. With the material made of polyester, the fabric makes it ideal for cold winter weather.

Features and benefits - Some of the better features and benefits of the Fieldline Men's Day Pack is that it's lightweight and it's durable. With the many compartments, its a handy and useful day backpack which has a "hydration reservoir" compatibility. It's not too big either for smaller framed bodies. This has the waist pack which is essential for a backpack. It's a must have w the items for the field line essential waist pack. The rugged hunting enthusiasts everywhere will like this backpack.

Consider For A Best Hunting Backpack

Size: Size is important for those who carry backpacks when hunting. The question is how much space do you need and what is the max weight the backpack is able to hold. For obvious reasons, every backpack manufacturer will have their own measurements, but the best way to see if its right for you is to try it on. Putting it on with the maximum amount of weight in it may help. Make sure the warranty is available. In fact, when you put on the backpack, it plays a huge role because if the size is too small, you'll be very limited to comfort and space. The backpack you consider should have the necessary space in its size to carry the necessities for your survival out in the wilderness. Hence, it should also keep everything in tact. Therefore size does matter when selecting a hunting backpack indeed. Some range in the size of 1900 – 5000+ cubic inches.

Internal/External Frame: When you consider purchasing a backpack, just remember that when you haul various items in and around your backpack, the frame should be able to take pressure off your spine. The frame systems are meant to help not hinder. Frame systems are somewhat task-specific so there's no need for all that extra stuff. In fact, you should be able to handle all that stuff. The backpack for instance is measured 900 to 1900 cubic inches for the average day hunting trip. It should help your spine when carrying one that is full of your hunting gear and supplies. Like many hunting wear, it should fit well and manageable. You need backpacks will transfer loads from your back all together. The internal frame should act as a secondary spine that "sheds off" of your spine. If you become indecisive while getting one, figure when and how long you'll be wearing the pack when you go on a trip.

Materials: Another element to consider is what the material is used to make them. Is the backpack expandable and made with material that can handle a certain amount of weight such as 100 lbs. or more? Ripstop is either nylon or polyester which is a good material for backpacks. Many have mesh material in certain areas like the sides, the front and even for inside material. The textile and the leather are two common materials. Shells made for backpacks are also available. Shells ABS offers this type of comfort and uniqueness in the material a backpack is made of. This is a sound absorbing material which is common nowadays but watch out for those that say they are by looking at the percentage of what the backpack is made up of. What makes it soundproof when is the acoustical foam.

Design: The design of the backpack will help determine your choice if your an avid experienced hunter. It should hold up for years since you'll be wearing and tearing it if you will be using it for months. The quality of the design and the material it’s made of can be distinguished by comparing a couple of packs. Take the time to really scrutinize seams, straps, thread, etc.. You don’t want the pack coming apart on the first load, nor the 100th load. How efficiently does the pack distribute weight to the parts of your body that will be most effective in carrying that weight? When carrying a lot of weight, the hip bones are designed to take the weight. Is the pack designed to put it there? You need a pack that will transfer a load, not to your spine, but around your waist and the most effective way to accomplish this is with an internal frame system. It's acting as a spine, thus taking pressure off your back.

Features: Most of the features you are looking for in a backpack are the quality compartments. Some are for water bottles and small things. They're made with mesh expandable material, a compartment for your bows if buying the bow hunting backpack, and also front pockets, padded shoulder handles, and those internal compartments. These are the main features along with it having a sturdy aluminum or steel frame plus with the weatherproof material is always helpful for the outdoors. Another feature is having drawstrings for adding or loosening a compartment or pocket.

Durability: This other consideration is important. You don't want to loose anything if the backpack tears while you're in the middle of a hike. The backpacks on the market today are showing durable and sturdy material on the outside. So, there shouldn't be any inconvenience when you select a solid one. The leather is a great material for backpacks. These are very durable. This can be on the inside or the outside. With many backpacks, the zipper and the straps should be durable, too, since these are some of the most used parts of the backpack.

Quietness: Being absolutely silent when you are hunting in the wild is extremely important. Similar to fishing, it's a well thought out sport. A scuffling of a leaf fallen from a tree can keep a deer running away. Backpacks can be constructed with Mutex™, which is a fabric or material type that is developed by the "Badlands" brand. It's quiet and guaranteed to remain soft and silent, especially in extreme conditions. Gear tends to make noise when rubbing against other camping gear so this material sound makes a muted internal sound. You don't want to scare a 16 pointer.

Comfort: And yet another thing to consider is the overall comfort of the backpack. Out of all the elements of considering the purchase of a best hunting backpack, comfort has to be one of the main ones. You'll be able to feel comfort if it's right for your body size. Backpack consumers want the ease and comfort when putting a backpack on. You want to put all your things you need in it, plus you want to be comfortable when having it on your hike or camping trail. When you go hunt, you may be outdoors for an entire day or night, so comfort is important. Consider the comfort of hauling a backpack with you that is full of everything you need. A good hunting trip is wearing a comfortable backpack when hiking or walking with it on for miles.

Different Types of Daypacks

When you plan on getting out in the wilderness or on a hiking trail, daypacks are great to have. For those who may not know the true definition of a daypack, it's basically a small backpack. Although some may argue that the daypack is different from a backpack, the main difference is that it's less spacious with a limited amount of space. It's equipped with shoulder straps that have padding also.

Most of these packs also have a waist belt and are able to be used on various camping and hiking ventures. In fact, the lack of the inside frame such as those mentioned in the Top 10 recommended best-hunting backpacks is one of the differences. Between the day pack and the hunting backpack, there's also least amount of compartments too.

Here Are Some Types of Daypacks

"Standard" Daypack: This one is smaller than a backpack that's designed for a day's worth of activity. Some have the padded shoulder straps in order to take off the pressure from the shoulders and the head and allows for comfort while walking with it. It may have some suspensions and clips and padded hip belts too. Those who carry a standard daypack will have at least a day's worth of gear: food, water, rain gear, and supplies. They're inexpensive and can be used for work, school, or shopping.

Ventilated Daypack: There are some that need this because the last thing you need is sweat dripping while your hiking or taking a walk with one on. These types of daypacks will not get saturated with sweat when you have it on. The ventilated daypacks are ideal for lightweight frames and are normally used to prevent your back from sweating in extreme temperatures. It absorbs moisture because the mesh material on the back helps the absorbency. This causes an airflow that can go to the back of your torso which is what keeps you from sweating onto these packs.

Packable Daypack: This is ideal for a daily run or walk with the most necessary things needed to be totally functional. In fact, when this type of daypack is emptied, it can fold within itself. When it needs to be used and is filled with items, then this is what makes it "packable" by definition. They can be the size of your hand when folded within itself. In fact, you can use a packable daypack when you go on a day trip from your week-long camping trip. Normally you'll have it packed into your larger scaled backpack essentials.

Technical Daypack: are normally light and has "torso-specific" sized precisions which should fit all sizes according to the one you buy. For instance, the small, medium, or large size daypack is available and should fit comfortably when hiking or trekking miles and in most cases the most technical terrain.

Hydration Packs: where water reservoirs have at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water in the bladder. You'll get thirsty regardless of what you do outdoors. The daypack must have some type of hydration bladder or at least have the hydration compatibility. All in all, they weigh much less than carrying water bottles.

The Best Bet

The best bet on deciding what you need in terms of a hunter's backpack or a trekker's daypack, decide what and for how long you'll be outdoors. Nevertheless, a backpack with a rain cover on it while you hike through rough terrain in the rain will keep your gear dry while making you comfortable is a plus. With the selected top 10 backpacks for hunters (or hikers), you are better off with comfort and stability overall.

Overall, find out if it's comfortable by simply trying it on first and putting things in it to get some weight on it. Consequently, when you select the right one from one of these top 10 best backpacks on the market today, you'll be happy before committing to it. Finally, these 10 best hunter's backpacks have between 4 to 5 stars in a 5-star rating scale. All in all, the main concern for many of those who've purchased any of these are the quality, comfort, and longevity. Thus, having enough compartments in it to take everything you need for a great trip is the least.