When you go hunting, you’re going to need to carry a lot of hunting gear with you so that you are prepared for every situation.
This means that you’ll want to have a hunting backpack that you can use that will help you have your equipment on hand when you need it. In this article, we are going to look at some of the best hunting backpacks that you can find on the market and compare them so that you can decide which one is best for your needs.
We will also consider some of the features that the best hunting backpacks should have.
Hunting Backpack Reviews
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
The first of our hunting backpacks that we’re going to look at in this guide is one that’s designed to be used with either a bow or a gun. The Alps OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack has a real tree look that will keep you out of sight in the woods. It has a drop down pocket that you can use to secure a bow or a gun as well as a quiver holder that is located on the side of the backpack. There is a D-ring on the top of the bag that you can use to secure it while you’re hunting.
The bag only weighs about four pounds, so it should be easy to transport while you’re getting into position. There’s even a hydration pouch that you can use to store your drinks. The backpack has two different color options that you can consider when you’re looking for a replacement bag, and the straps and the backing of this bag are padded to make sure that it’s easy to carry. This bag is not waterproof, but it comes with an orange rain cover to help keep it dry.
2. ALPS OutdoorZ Ranger Day Pack
If you’re looking for smaller hunting backpacks that will not break the budget, then the Alps OutdoorZ Ranger Day Pack is a great option to consider. It is considered to be one of the greatest because it is ideal for a small hunting trip that’s only a day or two long. It comes in mossy oak country and realtree edge, which are both camouflaged designs that will help keep you safe in the woods.
This is a hunting backpack that’s only a little bit over one pound as well, which makes it a lightweight option that can be used to carry essentials that you may need. There is a D-ring on the top of the bag that you can use to attach it to a tree. There are only shoulder straps on the bag, but they are padded so that they add comfort to your frame while you trek to your hunting location.
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS Hunting Pack
The Alps OutdoorZ Traverse EPS Hunting Packs another great option that will work for both hunting with a gun and a bow and arrow. It is designed with a lot of pockets that will help you keep your gear organized and easy to reach when you need it, such as your hunting headlamp. Its winged pockets on the front of the bag are ideal for securing your weapon as well as other gear. There’s also an expandable section of the bag that will give you an additional 1,200 cubic inches of space that you can use.
Comfort is very important when you’re looking for a backpack to use while you’re hunting. This hunting pack is designed with padded shoulder straps that will make it easy to carry for longer periods of time. It also has a torso and a waistband that you can adjust to give you the most comfortable fit. In total, the bag weighs a little less than seven pounds, and it has a capacity of 74 liters.
4. ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer Hunting Pack
The next hunting backpack that we are going to look at is the Trail Blazer Hunting Backpack from Alps Outdoorz. Its designed to be used to carry bows and guns, and it can easily expand to fit your weapon snugly so that it is secure during your hike. There is a pocket that will help to secure your gun or bow, and there is also a strap that can be adjusted to keep it secure. In addition, this is a bag that has quite a bit of storage space, so when you need something, you will be able to find it with ease.
The front of the pack has a MOLLE design that will allow you to attach anything lightweight to it. Only weighing about three pounds when it is empty, this is a bag that will be easy to carry, even if you are planning on hunting for more than one day. There is a hydration pocket that you can use as well, and it comes with a built-in rain fly to protect it from the rain.
5. ALPS OutdoorZ Big Bear Hunting Day Pack
One of the best features of this ALPS day pack is its modular design; this bag can be worn as a low-slung pack or incorporate the upper bag for a standard style of hunting backpack. As a result, this is a product that adapts to your hunting trips. For example, if you’re packing light, you can just bring the fanny pack portion so that you don’t feel bogged down.
Also, the design is really unique and will truly grant you a high level of stealth when you’re out in wooded environments. The fanny pack’s unique design also has straps that have a good level of padding, so wearing the day pack will be comfortable and won’t cause much fatigue. Finally, the shoulder harness is fully detachable, which grants another level of versatility.
6. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Crossfire X Hunting Pack
Our final ALPS product also falls in the OutdoorZ line of packs that are great for hunting. Not only does it have plenty of pockets and enough internal capacity to carry much of your gear, but it also includes a hydration pocket and port so that you can drink easily without making a lot of needless sound.
In total, the product has a 38-liter capacity so that you can carry a lot of your best hunting belongings with little effort. Also, the straps have a high level of padding so that carrying the bag on your hunting trips won’t be very fatiguing like a messenger bag would. This extra padding reduces the amount of sound the pack makes, which can help you tag the game you are looking to take down.
Finally, this is a good multi-weather pack; it has great zippers and incorporates a rainfly into its overall design. Overall, this is a great mid-level product to bring with you hunting.
What to Look for in the Best Hunting Backpack
Whether you’re looking for gun or compound bow backcountry hunting backpacks, there are certain things that you’re going to want the product that you buy to have to aid in carrying all your necessary gear.
Some of the things that you’ll want to consider include:
Durability is Key for a Lasting Pack
When you’re hunting, you are likely to be in a situation where you may need to hike or climb quite a distance with your hunting gear. The last thing that you need is for your backpack to give out while you’re in the woods, so you’ll want it to have a durable design that you can rely on. Look for a bag that is made from durable materials and one that has reinforced stitching to make sure that it stays in one piece as you use it.
Consider the Materials In The Construction
This type of backpack comes in a lot of different types of material, and you’re going to need the exterior of one to be able to handle roughing it while you’re hunting. In general, a durable, waterproof hunting backpack is going to have the longest lifespan.
The common options for the material include:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Polyurethane
Also, you’ll want to avoid a bag that has Velcro and zippers since these can make a lot of noise when they are being used in the wilderness, which can scare the prey that you’re hunting. For pouches that make less noise, consider buttons or clips for your close points.
The Weight of The Hunting Pack is Important
Remember, you’re going to have to carry your hunting edc backpack with you all day, and the more hunting gear that you have in the bag, the heavier it will be on your back. Some bags are designed with frames that will help add support to the bag as you carry it.
Unfortunately, this type of bag may be more challenging to pack, and this could leave open spaces in the unit that could make it even more awkward to carry. Make sure that you can pick up the bag once it is filled. A heavy bag that is packed perfectly will be of no use when you cannot carry it to your hunting destination.
Will You Need it To Be Waterproof
Rain happens, and when you go hunting, the weather is not likely to change to accommodate your excursion. With that being said, you are going to need to look for a waterproof hunting backpack that will not leak or take on water when it rains. In addition, the wetter your bag is, the heavier it will be to carry.
Some bags are not fully waterproof, but a water-resistant bag is going to be better than nothing. There are even rain ponchos that you can consider to help keep water out of the bag and your hunting gear dry.
Camouflage Appearance to Stay Out of Sight
Appearance is not everything when it comes to a hunting bag, but you don’t want a bright red bag that will attract unwanted attention to your hunting spot. In general, you’re going to want to look for a bag that has a camouflage pattern on it.
This will help you stay hidden amongst your surroundings, and help you stay hidden from the deer that you’re hunting as well.
Don’t Forget The Comfort of The Hunting Backpack
The last thing that you will want to happen when you’re hunting is to be uncomfortable when you are getting to your perfect spot. When you’re carrying a heavy bag, it is crucial that you have padded shoulder pads, a waist strap, and a chest strap that will help balance the weight and put less stress on your shoulders and back.
Make sure that the straps fit you well and that the back of the bag has some breathability so that it doesn’t cause you to sweat.
What Weapon Carry System Do You Need
Sometimes while you’re hunting, you are going to need to have your hands free, which means that you’ll need a backpack that is designed with a safe weapon carry system that you can use.
Some backcountry hunting backpacks have either a system that is intended for a bow and arrow while other options are designed to be used with rifles. There should also be a compartment that can be used to store your ammo that’s close at hand and easy to reach.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, having a great backpack that you can take with you hunting is a huge advantage when you’re in the woods. All six of the options that we have reviewed here are great, but which one is the best hunting backpack to choose?
Well, if we were to select just one of the bunch, the winner of this roundup would be the ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS Hunting Pack. It has quite a bit of space, padded shoulder straps, and comes in three camouflage color options.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.