Hunting for some is a hobby or pastime, for others, it is a necessity and a way of life. Regardless of one’s own hunting views and values, a good hunting backpack is absolutely crucial for successful big-game hunting expeditions.
Hunting backpacks are a personal choice and should be tailored to suit the user’s needs. They will need to carry specific items depending on the target prey, and in big-game hunting situations, they must be able to store large amounts of meat after a successful kill. However, at the same time, they need to remain lightweight and allow hunters to move with comfort and ease.
There are countless styles and options, and the right set of characteristics and features can be found in different brands and different models. Let’s continue by reviewing our favorite hunting backpacks, and finish by deciding on our choice for the best hunting backpack currently available.
Best Hunting Backpack – Reviews For 2023
- Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack
- Eberlestock X2 Pack
- ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack
- Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack
- CVLIFE Tactical Military Backpack
Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack
The Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack is an incredibly high-quality piece of equipment and is definitely one of our favorite candidates for the best hunting backpack.
This backpack is built for comfort on long hauls with its built-in molded memory foam suspension and a harness that naturally conforms to the user’s body over time. The reverse tightening feature on the backpack’s waist belt allows the user to pull the belt’s ends inwards instead of outwards, in order to provide the leverage needed to cinch the belt for maximum carrying comfort.
The KXO-50 fabric has all of the best KXO-32 fabric features – incredible toughness and quiet friction capabilities, as well as being fully waterproof. KXO-50 is even lighter weight, and the Badlands’ C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment keeps any moisture from seeping into fabrics.
The Badlands Superday Hunting Daypack comes with a built-in detachable rifle/bow boot, with a batwing that straps onto the back to securely carry a rifle or bow, hands-free.
In terms of extra features and important add-ons, this hunting backpack comes with a number of extras that hunters need. The Superday is equipped with easy-access hip-belt pouches, bedroll straps, organization pockets, and is built to fit Badlands’ 2L hydration reservoir.
The Approach camo is a carefully constructed, neutral color palette that allows the pattern to adapt to your surroundings and current lighting conditions. Changing light will no longer have an effect on whether or not you stay hidden in crucial situations.
In conclusion, the Badlands Superday hunting daypack is definitely a high-quality contender for the best hunting backpack available on the market today.
Eberlestock X2 Pack
The Eberlestock X2 pack is a great option for hunters that need a piece of equipment with the best hunting backpack features.
The Ample FlexChassis is an awesome feature that can flip forward and be used as an on-the-go seat, or can help cradle heavy loads that have been strapped to the backpack.
This hunting backpack is designed to accept either the A1SS or A2SS Side Scabbards which have the capacity to carry either shotguns or full-scale hunting rifles.
The padlock webbing tie-points are strategically placed in key places on the backpack in order to accommodate accessory attachments and help with lashing on gear or other loads. This hunting backpack is made with microsuede waterproof fabric to keep all of the important contents perfectly dry in wet or rainy conditions.
The Eberle X2 hunting backpack is a small and extra sturdy piece of equipment, with the awesome features of a bigger pack. The oversized compression straps are intended to provide flexibility and assist with lashing on heavy loads, while dual hydration compartments allow users to store their liquids. This hunting backpack is also equipped with quick-access pockets for storing spotting scopes, tripods and other smaller items. One of the best structural features is the Eberle’s unique tubular aluminum Intex frame, meant to promote rigidity and toughness.
The X2 has been field-tested to demonstrate its exceptional performance and proves that this pack is fully capable of moving all kinds of gear, as well as carrying a serious load of freshly killed meat.
ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack
The Dark Timber is a great choice for long adventures when the need for maximum comfort and durability is a must. This hunting backpack is equipped with a padded waist belt and padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. The ALPS OutdoorZ day pack has been designed with three separate pockets to keep all of your gear organized, as well as water bottle pockets on both sides. More than enough room to pack the necessities and have extra room for everything else.
This pack is built to be hydration compatible and also comes equipped with lashing straps to tie up more gear or other loads. It comes in at a weight of two pounds and 1 ounce, which is the lightest weight option out of all five of our backpacks under review. For some customers, this may be an important feature as it will help reduce the overall carrying weight.
The ALPS Outdoorz Dark Timber hunting pack is made with 100% polyester material and comes with a large front accessory pocket as well as a main front pocket. The side mesh pockets allow for extra storage and the hydration pocket with a water bladder tube port are awesome hunting backpack features. This backpack also comes with side compression straps that are designed to pull the weight of the pack inwards, which will in turn make heavy loads easier and more comfortable to travel with.
Finally, the Outdoorz Dark Timber day pack’s padded waist belt and shoulder straps with a set of adjustable sternum straps truly provide another dimension of maximum comfort for users.
There is one important feature that is missing from the ALPS hunting pack which is the rifle/bow holder. This is for some customers a must-have feature and should be considered when shopping for a hunting backpack.
Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack
The Reebow Gear military tactical backpack is another awesome piece of equipment that proves itself as a great option for the best hunting backpack.
This military tactical backpack is a blend of high-density nylon and polyester fabric, designed specifically to be water-resistant and very durable. The zipper closures are strong and high quality, with large metal zipper tabs to ensure easy maneuverability and access.
The backpack measurements are approximately 13 inches by 20 inches by 11 inches and it has a capacity of 40 liters.
The Reebow Gear military backpack is equipped with Molle webbing throughout the unit designed for attaching additional tactical pouches, gear, and other additional loads.
It comes with double-stitched heavy-duty zippers as previously mentioned, as well as utility-style cord pulls that are highly durable. The side and front load compression systems provide extra stability while the ventilated mesh padded back area & shoulder strap provide another level of comfortability.
The Reebow military backpack is fully hydration compatible with the proper outfittings for a hydration bladder (not included), and as a result works as a hydration backpack, hunting backpack, or outdoor camping/hiking backpack.
There is however one important feature that is missing from theReebow military backpack which is the rifle/bow holder. This is for some customers a must-have feature and should be considered when shopping for a hunting backpack.
CVLIFE Tactical Military Backpack
The CVLIFE Tactical military backpack is our final candidate for the best hunting backpack available on the market today. This piece of equipment features a number of great hunting backpack features and should definitely be considered by prospective customers.
This backpack was made with 100% 600D high-density Polyester fabric. The D refers to a unit of fabric density measurement called deniers. The 600D measurement of the Polyester used in the CVLIFE hunting backpack means it is made with heavy-duty, high-density polyester that will provide maximum durability and water resistance.
The CVLIFE tactical military backpack is an incredibly spacious piece of equipment. It features one large main compartment as well as a front detachable bag that doubles as a fanny pack, as well as two detachable side tactical accessory bags that can be used as first aid bags or for other small capacity loads. It is a multipurpose backpack that provides a high level of versatility and should be considered a 50 – 60L capacity unit.
Similar to some of the other backpack options, the CVLIFE model comes with a molle fabric integration that provides ladder-style pouch attachment capabilities for adding on extra gear, more bags, or other supplies. The adjustable dual-density mesh shoulder straps are ventilated for breathability, while the cinching waist strap, double compressions straps, and rain diverting flaps make sure that the backpack is comfortable and properly secured.
There is however one important feature that is missing from theReebow military backpack which is the rifle/bow holder. This is for some customers a must-have feature and should be considered when shopping for a hunting backpack.
The CVLIFE backpack is a multipurpose pack that can be used for a variety of things including a hunting backpack, range bag, survival backpack, hiking backpack/rucksack, and many more. Strategically added stitching at common stress points ensures that the backpack will withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions of any kind.
What Should I Keep In My Hunting Backpack?
You can bet that hunters will never forget their rifles and ammunition when heading out on an expedition, however, there are a number of crucial items that are necessary to have on all hunting trips.
Here is a list of our top 10 most important items to keep in your hunting backpack:
Water Bladder
- To store water in a clean container that is easy to access and can be integrated into most modern day hunting backpack models.
Anemometer (Wind Meter)
- An anemometer is used for measuring wind speed and direction. Common weather station instrument.
Lighter
- The lighter will be used for starting fires and potential other uses.
GPS
- The GPS will be used for orientation, mapping routes and staying in control of coordinate situations.
Folding Knife
- The folding knife can be used for a number of things including the gutting and skinning of game, as well as other more tactical uses.
Multi-Tool
- The multi-tool is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment that can be used for cutting, gripping, screwing, prying and much more.
Bandaging Tape
- The bandaging is an obvious necessity that can be used for a wide variety of injury and first aid situations.
Duct Tape
- The duct tape is incredibly versatile and can be used for a number of things including patch jobs, make-shift strapping jobs and waterproofing needs.
Bipod
The bipod is a v-shaped two legged stand or support structure that helps support and steady a device, in our case a rifle or other hunting firearm.
Parachute Cord
- The parachute cord is another super versatile piece of equipment to have in your hunting backpack. Used for repairing packs, lashing on gear, tying up equipment, hanging food packs and so much more.
Can You Use A Hiking Backpack For Hunting?
The short answer to this question is yes, you can technically use a hiking backpack for hunting. There are some high-quality hiking or “backpacking” backpacks that are sturdy enough to handle hunting expeditions and carry the necessary heavy loads.
However, hunting backpacks are designed specifically for being able to carry heavy loads of meat, rifle gear and ammunition, and pounds of other necessary gear comfortably. They come equipped with a variety of compression straps and cinch belts that are designed specifically to help carry the weight and keep the load sturdy.
Some of the best hunting backpacks will also be made with quality materials such as high density and high thread count polyester and nylon. These materials are not only very durable but also highly water-resistant and will keep the backpack’s contents safe and dry in any weather conditions.
When it comes to hiking backpacks, they are often designed in a way that makes them extra lightweight and easy for users to carry. The designs are meant to shave off ounces in a number of places including using lighter materials for meshing, zippers, closures, etc. As a result, hiking backpacks will often not be able to keep up with the heavy loads that hunting backpacks are specifically designed to deal with. Hunters looking for a backpack that can carry a fresh elk quarter as well as their watery supply and other gear may find a hiking backpack won’t be up to the task
With that being said, there are some hiking backpacks that are made with high-quality material that can surely withstand the elements and can carry a surprising amount of weight. Depending on the type of hunting you plan on doing in terms of load size, game size, and hunting conditions, a hiking backpack may suffice. However as I mentioned before, there are a number of useful features and capabilities a hunting backpack has that a hiking backpack does not.
How Do I Clean My Hunting Backpack?
Hunting backpacks are built to withstand some of the toughest and grimiest workloads compared to other backpack styles on the market. There are a number of different methods as well as important tips and tricks that are important to know when it comes to properly cleaning your hunting backpack.
First and foremost, always begin by checking the washing instructions on the label of the backpack. There are many fabrics used to make hunting backpacks that are subjected to various treatments that will in turn help the material become waterproof. In these cases, using hot water or certain harmful detergents could damage the material and ruin the relative water resistance. Be sure to read the washing instructions to avoid damaging your backpack and ruining the integrity of the material with harmful cleaning practices.
Before you go ahead with cleaning, be sure to completely empty all pockets and compartments. After that, turn the backpack upside down with all of the compartments open, give it a good shake and allow all dirt, sand, or other debris to fall out.
For a light cleaning:
- Use a relatively coarse but not too abrasive sponge to wipe out the interiors of the backpack. You may use a very mild soap to get out stains or stuck on dirt from the inside or outside of the backpack. Be sure to use a scent free, light soap.
- Be sure to GENTLY scrub the spots or stains until they have come out
- Use cool water that is nice and clean to completely rinse off all of the excess soap once you have dealt with any stains or stuck on dirt
- Finally, hang the pack in an open area and allow it to air-dry
Deep cleaning:
- Completely empty the backpack and open all pockets/compartments
- Carefully vacuum all of the seams and crevices in all sections of the backpack, get into all corners and thoroughly remove all of the dirt and debris
- If it is possible, detach the shoulder straps and waist belt. Wash these separately with light soap and a sponge. Rinse them in clean water afterwards
- For hunting backpacks with any sort of metal framing or inserts, detach and remove everything possible
- Fill a bathtub or large sink with about 6 inches of clean lukewarm water. Add some scent-free soap to the water
- Gently submerge the backpack and take a sponge to the interior and all compartments to help remove all stains and odour
- Take the sponge to the exterior of the backpack as well, focusing on stained areas and any crevices that collect dirt, mud and other debris
- Be sure not to to scrub the mesh pockets aggressively as they could potentially rip or tear under heavy friction
- When finished, drain the dirty water and fill the tub or sink with clean cool water
- Rinse your pack thoroughly and repeat this process until the water is clear. This is necessary to ensure all soap residue has been removed
- Hang the backpack in an open space to allow it to air dry. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and other damage
How Big Of A Pack Do I Need For Elk Hunting?
When it comes to embarking on an elk hunting expedition, having the right backpack to carry all of your necessary gear comfortably, while also leaving room for your kill harvest is incredibly important.
In regards to how big of a backpack is needed for elk hunting, packs usually range in size from about 2000 cubic inches to 5500 cubic inches. You can use a trip length guideline for choosing the right pack size. A 3500 ci pack would be sufficient for a 3-day trip, while hunters on a 5-day trip would likely need a 5500 cubic inch pack to bring all of their necessary gear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we reviewed five of our top contenders for the best hunting backpack on the market, and have decided on a stand-alone winner.
When it comes to hunting backpacks hunters need a piece of equipment that is sturdy, durable, versatile, and properly equipped with the most important features. After taking a close look at our five options, we have decided that the Badlands Superday hunting daypack is the best hunting backpack.
It is made using high-quality, water-resistant materials that are meant to withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions. The Badlands daypack comes equipped with a built-in detachable rifle/bow boot, that has a batwing for strapping equipment onto the back to securely carry a rifle or bow, hands-free. This rifle/bow holder is a very important feature for a high-quality hunting backpack to have.
It also comes with a variety of other awesome features including easy-access hip-belt pouches, bedroll straps, organization pockets, and is designed to fit the Badlands’ 2L hydration reservoir.
We also went over a few of the more frequently asked questions within the hunting community. Take into consideration all of these things before you decide on the best hunting backpack for your needs.
References
https://www.archerytalk.com/threads/why-a-hunting-pack-vs-a-hiking-pack.1687336/
https://campsandtrails.com/600d-polyester/
https://www.elk101.com/2017/06/choosing-an-elk-hunting-backpack/
