How to Choose the Best Hunting Pack

Most people don’t realize exactly what goes into being prepared for a hunting trip. You’ll need to take a fair amount of gear along with you, and, of course, some way to carry the prey that you do bag.

For this reason, it’s essential to get yourself the best hunting backpack. You will need something with many convenient pockets to stash different bits of gear, but also one with a reasonable amount of space to store small birds or animals that you may have caught along the way.

You’ll also want a pack that can safely carry the choicer cuts of meat from the animals that you have hunted.

If you’re serious about hunting, you’ll need the best hunting backpack that you can afford. It’s a good idea to choose something that has been made well, even if it costs a little more. The more reputable brands offer backpacks that won’t break after a few uses.

How do you find the best hunting backpack for your needs? It can be tough. There are many contenders on the market. Also, every manufacturer claims that their product is the best hunting backpack.

To help clear up the confusion, we’ve drafted this review. We checked out many popular models and came up with our top five picks. Let’s see who made the grade, shall we?

List of Top Rated Hunting Backpack

#	Image	Hunting Backpack	Price
#1		Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack and Meat Hauler	$$
#2		ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack	$$
#3		ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag	$$
#4		Eberlestock X2 Hunting BagPack	$$
#5		Tenzing TZ 4000 Back country Hunting Pack	$$$

Hunting Packs Buying Guide

Choosing the best hunting backpack can be tough. That said, it will make a big difference in how well things go. Hunting backpacks are roughly divided into two categories: daypacks and multi-day packs. The type you need will depend on how long you’ll be out for.

Your typical day pack will be able to carry your gear, some extra clothing, ammo, cameras, knife, and scopes.

Multi-day packs are much bigger and can carry more gear. Before you rush off and get the biggest pack you can find, though, do consider how far you are going to need to travel with them fully packed.

Also, keep in mind that your gear is only a small part of the equation. You’ll have meat that you want to pack too.

Here are some things to think about before making your final decision.

Size

Size is important in terms of how much stuff you can carry. It’s also important in relation to how the pack sits against your body. The fit against your body is vital. If the pack is too tall, it could tire you more easily. If it sits too low on the body, it could tax your hips.

Design

This is one area that can complicate your decision. There are countless options when it comes to the design of the packs. The main thing to consider here, though, is whether you need an internal frame or an external frame.

An internal frame helps to redistribute the weight more evenly. If you’re carrying a heavy pack, a frame can be a lifesaver. Just keep in mind that models with an internal frame sit closer to the body. This might not be ideal in hot weather.

An external frame is useful if you’re going to be hauling your kill. It provides extra support and will allow better air circulation. This helps to keep the meat fresh and helps to keep you cooler. They do take some getting used to, though, so do give them a trial run before you use this type of pack.

External frames tend to be bulkier and can add extra weight. They’re not ideal in situations where you won’t be carrying a fair amount of meat.

The next design feature to look for is how many compartments the pack has. We love a bag with many compartments but be sure to see how they’re placed. More specifically, will any be obscured or difficult to reach if the surrounding pockets are full?

A pack with external straps and hooks can also be useful. They allow you to easily clip on the stuff you need urgently.

FAQ When You Are Buying a Hunting Backpack

Why Do I Need a Hunting Backpack?

Since you’ve probably spent a decent amount of money on your new weapons and other hunting accessories, it’s only natural for you to want to save however you can. You may even consider passing on purchasing a new hunting backpack thinking that any old bag with plenty of room can serve you well outdoors.

You can try to get away with using a normal bag on days when the weather is ideal and things play out perfectly in the wild. More often than not though, something will not go according to plan and your bag will have to endure more wear and tear.

Ordinary bags aren’t built to withstand rugged terrain and harsh conditions the way hunting backpacks are. Hunting backpacks are usually made out of more durable materials that can handle prolonged exposure to the elements as well as rocks and trees that may get in your way. The bags you use on a regular basis are usually not made from those materials because they don’t have to be.

Don’t forget that manufacturers like to include additional compartments in their backpacks. These come in very handy for carrying around the many tools that are required for hunting.

The bottom line is that hunting backpacks are what you need to be certain that you will be ready to handle any situation you encounter while you are out in the wilderness.

What Is the Recommended Size for a Hunting Backpack?

Similar to regular backpacks, hunting backpacks are offered in a variety of sizes. It’s great to have many options available, but that does make the selection process just a little tougher.

So, which size hunting backpack do you need? That depends in large part on what kind of hunting expedition you are planning.
Abbreviated hunting trips that will last for about 2 to 3 days tops will not require you to bring a bulky backpack. Something with a capacity of about 2400 cubic inches should suffice.

You will obviously need more than that if you intend to go on a week-long hunting trip.

Keep in mind that the capacity is not the only thing to take into consideration when looking for a backpack that fits you.

The number of pockets present in a backpack is also important, especially if you have smaller tools you like to use.

Hunting backpacks also have components that can fit around your body like shoulder and waist straps. Given that you are looking for the hunting backpack that is sized perfectly for you, it’s a good idea to check how snugly it fits on your body. That should make carrying it around easier.

Should You Purchase a Hunting Backpack with an External or Internal Frame?

Over the course of shopping for a new hunting backpack, you will inevitably have to choose between getting one with an external frame or one with an internal frame.

To help you make an informed decision regarding that matter, let’s first discuss how the frames affect the bags themselves.

External frame backpacks are more conventional and they’re often larger too. Since the support architecture is on the outside, you can stuff more items inside a backpack with an external frame. The external frame also helps balance the weight you’re carrying better.

The backpacks with external frames also tend to have more compartments that are useful for organizing your hunting equipment. They are often the more affordable options .

Internal frame backpacks can’t offer the same amount of space as their external frame counterparts. What they can do instead is maintain their form better. Backpacks with internal frames hardly ever get in your way as you’re moving.

Hunting backpacks with internal frames will suit you better if you’re heading somewhere with rough terrain that requires precise movements. If you’re hunting somewhere with more agreeable terrain though, you may find it wiser to invest in an external frame backpack.

How Is the Fit of the Hunting Backpack Adjusted?

Carrying a hunting backpack full of gear can be a real challenge. It also becomes nearly impossible to pull off when the backpack is not sitting properly on your body.

Using your hunting backpack correctly also means wearing it the right way. If you find that its initial fit is not ideal, don’t fret because you can still work on that.

You will have to adjust a few straps to get the hunting backpack to fit right on your body.

Start with the hip strap and see that it fits just above your hips.

With the hip strap in place, you can now pull on the shoulder straps. Pull the shoulder straps tight, but not overly so. That will keep them from digging into your body and causing discomfort.

The shoulder straps will also keep the backpack from hanging too low which can be problematic if it’s left unaddressed.

Check out what stabilizer straps are found on the hunting backpack and focus on them next. Use them to pull the backpack closer to you. The next step is to work on the chest strap. That last strap will help you secure your adjustments and lock the backpack into place.

Is There a Special Method for Cleaning a Hunting Backpack?

Whether or not your hunt turned out successfully, you will probably end up with soiled gear. Keeping all of those items in your backpack can cause quite a mess.

Cleaning up your hunting backpack on a regular basis is a must, but don’t go about it in the same way you would washing a regular backpack.

You can get things started by taking out everything that can be removed or detached. By everything, we mean all the tools, compartments, and even the frame if the design of the backpack allows for it.

With everything separate, you can now start cleaning by first using a damp cloth on the backpack and its components.

If there are stains found on the components of the backpack and the backpack itself, you may be tempted to use bleach or detergent to get them out.

Avoid doing so. Cleaners with strong smells can alert animals to your presence outdoors and must be avoided. If there’s a stain you want to remove, use a hunting detergent of some kind.

Continue by submerging the bag and its components in water and brushing them clean. Rinse all of the items after that and then allow them to dry before reassembling the backpack.

What Items Should Be Present inside a Hunting Backpack?

It doesn’t matter how experienced or skilled you are. Nature is unpredictable, and if you haven’t brought the right items along for your hunting trip, you could be in for some trouble.

The first item that belongs in your hunting backpack is a first aid kit. You can purchase this or put one together yourself with some help from the Red Cross. Taking blaze orange hunting gear with you is also a must to ensure that you remain visible.

Other items that will help you survive should things take a turn for the worse while you’re out hunting include some rain gear, a change of warm clothes, portable food that won’t expire, water, and a flashlight.

It’s also good to bring some extra socks along. Your feet can get really cold when they get wet so bring extra socks just in case you step into a body of water or it rains.

You can’t forget about your weapons and your field dressing kit. A separate bag that can hold the spoils of your hunt is also something you should bring along.

Lastly, take a sleeping bag with you because you never know when you might have to extend your stay outdoors.

What Are the Essential Features to Look Out for?

Like with everything, you get packs that have some useful features. Before being wowed by all the features they offer, though, consider whether they’re helpful or not. As we’ve said, finding the best hunting backpack is a different for everyone.

An external frame, for example, might be more of a hindrance than a help if you’re not lugging meat around. Let’s have a look at the features that really make the most sense.

Rustle-Proof Fabric
You spot a deer and are ready to line up the shot. You just need to get some extra ammo out of your pack. You reach back and open the zip. Only, the material made a loud noise, so the deer got spooked.
For a hunting pack, you should look for something that is as quiet as possible. Look for fabrics that won’t make a crinkling sound and zippers that are quiet.

A Boot for Your Weapon
It’s also an excellent idea to get a pack that has an integrated boot or a strap to secure your weapon. This makes it much easier for you when you’re traveling. The pack should allow easy access to the weapon, but also provide enough protection that it doesn’t get jostled too much.

A Rain Cover
Okay, this is not necessarily essential, but it makes good sense. While most backpacks will at least be water-resistant, they could still get soaked in a downpour. Look for a waterproof cover that protect the whole pack. Afterall, the best hunting backpack is a dry backpack.

A Hydration Pocket
These are also not strictly essential but are extremely useful. These allow you to store water in the bag itself. It’s an easy way to carry water, and it makes it a lot more accessible too.

Final Notes

When choosing the best hunting backpack for you, there are a lot of factors to consider. Most important, though, is that you get something that’s suited to your needs. You don’t want to end up paying for features that you’ll never use.

We’d recommend considering getting a day pack and a multi-day pack as well. That way, you have the perfect model on hand no matter what trip you’re going on. When deciding on the size, do remember that every item added also adds weight.

And, while that extra pound or two doesn’t make a difference when you pick the pack up, it will make it harder to lug the pack around.