You might think you don’t have a lot of equipment, but let’s face the truth. Every hunter things that, including myself.
Backpacks are a perfect solution to carry small and medium accessories & equipment no matter where you go. But how do you know which backpack will serve you well?
In this post, I’ll review the best hunting backpacks you can find on the market, and I believe that every hunter should have at least one of them.
Therefore, keep on reading because you won’t only find the most ideal hunting backpack to suit your needs, but you will also find out how to choose one and what makes a good hunting backpack!
What Makes a Good Hunting Backpack?
If you have a look at any of the stores, there are plenty of different backpack types. There’s almost a backpack type for every occasion.
Therefore, you won’t have trouble finding the hunting backpacks. But even though there is a specific backpack made just for hunting, I believe you should still know what makes a good hunting backpack and how to choose one yourself.
Here’s what you should look for in a hunting backpack before making a purchase:
- Lightness
- Durability
- Space efficiency
- Backpack handle
- Load lifters/suspension
- Sizing
- Camouflage
Lightness
Every hunter wants their backpack to be light. When a backpack is light, you can load it better and have a higher capacity. However, you should also consider the material of the backpack since it’s related to durability.
Durability
You should look for a backpack that’s made out of a high-resistant & quality material such as nylon ripstop fabric. This type of fabric is often used for hunting backpacks since it’s light yet resistant to tear, wear, and sometimes even water.
Space Capacity
Every hunting backpack will come with a capacity that is almost always noted by the manufacturer, and I highly recommend looking out for it. This is important because you can try and imagine the items you will be carrying in the backpack. The larger the capacity, the better – but you’ll have to look for a stronger material and better load lifters & suspension system.
Handle
Backpack handle is often overlooked by hunters, but it’s also a crucial part of the hunting backpack. Since you will be lifting the backpack up & down, most of the time fully loaded – you’d want a handle that will be tear & wear-resistant and strong enough, but comfortable.
Load Lifters & Suspension System
Load lifters & suspension system often consists of a couple of parts such as waist belt, shoulder straps, load lifters, and the frame itself. For the best comfort, performance, and efficiency – you’d want a backpack that puts less strain on your shoulders and back even when it’s fully loaded. Quality hunting backpacks will give hunters the ability to add additional right or left stability system to reduce pressure and weight off the shoulders.
Sizing
Most hunters mix sizing with capacity, but sizing is something different. Sizing is all about fitting the backpack to your body to achieve the best performance and comfort. Since most hunting backpacks come with adjustable straps, waist belts, load lifters, and tension systems – these are all of the things you should take time to tailor to your body and your needs.
Camouflage
Lastly, you shouldn’t forget about the color of the backpack. You want to camouflage the backpack so it doesn’t attract attention or gives you out to your prey. Some quality hunting backpacks even feature a noiseless material that is ideal for the quietest hunting situations.
And since most of the hunters are wondering whether military-type backpacks will work – the answer is yes! They’re very similar in build and often come with camouflage that is ideal for the forest.
Best Hunting Backpacks Suitable for Every Hunter
PANS Expandable Hunting Backpack
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The first thing that caught my eye with this backpack was the versatility of the colors/finishes. It comes in 9 different finishes and at least a couple of them will be ideal for most hunting surroundings so you won’t have to worry about blending in!
It’s a military-type backpack which comes with four main loading space. Each one of these compartments features a different size so you can place anything from your keys & wallet to compact hunting accessories or clothes.
My favorite is the water bottle mesh pocket which is integrated into the backpack. Therefore, no matter how many hours or days you go hunting, you’ll always stay hydrated. Staying hydrated during hunting is very important, and yet you might not always be in the most comfortable position to get a drink – and this backpack resolves this issue.
Pans hunting backpack can be expanded by unzipping the zipper on both sides which turns this backpack into 13″ backpack from 8″ backpack. Also, this increases the backpack’s capacity to 64L.
It’s built out of high-quality material that is tear & wear-resistant, as well as waterproof.
ALPS OutdoorZ Dark Timber Hunting Day Pack
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If you’re trying to stay compact and yet still carry plenty of accessories, clothes or equipment with you – ALPS is a perfect hunting day pack.
It has a capacity of 37L featuring a large front accessory including the main pocket where you can keep all your essentials and still stay organized. It’s important to be able to quickly get what you need out of your hunting backpack when you’re in the position.
For the comfort, ALPS added side compression straps that pull in the backpack’s weight – making it easy to carry heavier loads on your back without feeling discomfort.
For extra safety, better fit, and easier way to carry heavier equipment with you – there is a waist belt that is also padded to increase comfort.
Most manufacturers aren’t only considering your safety, comfort, and efficiency – but manufacturers such as ALPS introduce hydration packs within the backpack to help you stay hydrated at any point.
Paladins Camo Heavy Duty Backpack
Paladins Camo is a medium-sized heavy-duty backpack that is ideal for hunting and it’s packed with features that don’t only provide better comfort but also ideal solutions for hunters.
The backpack is built on a very comfortable frame that includes lumbar support (something that positively surprised me) along with specially molded channels that help with weight support.
After all, this heavy-duty backpack has a 40L capacity, and if you load it with heavy items – you won’t have to worry about carrying it around (even if you carry it for hours).
Considering the price, this hunting backpack is really affordable and yet it is built using durable material (Nylon 600D) and strong stitching so no matter how much weight you put in the backpack – it will support you at all times.
Compartments are really well organized so you can stay organized – which is pretty cool since I believe much time went into design planning of this backpack. So you can store anything from the smallest piece to the largest and yet access them within seconds no matter where you are.
Auscamotek Camo Hunting Backpack
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Auscamotek is a camo hunting backpack made out of brushed polyester fabric and is even PVC coated to make it waterproof.
I must admit that Auscamotek camo backpack has one of the most realistic camouflage among the best hunting backpacks. This is because of the natural tree and leaf printing – which you will love seeing in person!
Interior provides plenty of space considering the dimensions of this backpack (19 x 12 x 8) and yet there are also pockets on both the left and right side of the backpack. I find these outer pockets to be ideal for 2 large water bottles.
Since this backpack doesn’t include an integrated hydration pack, you’ll have to supply yourself with your own water bottles.
Also, what I noticed was that the shoulder straps are very well padded and in my opinion, chest & waist straps aren’t uncomfortable at all (considering they’re not padded).
Overall, this hunting backpack might not be the biggest one, but it’s definitely the one you’ll love having with you when you want to conceal yourself to the maximum and yet have plenty of space for your own stuff.
Timber Hawk Big Basin Hunting Daypack
Remember our post on the best quiet hunting clothes? If not, go check it out and if you remember – you will love this backpack.
Timber Hawk is a big basin hunting daypack that is made out of noise-reducing fibers known as Quiet Cloth. If you already own some quiet hunting clothes, this backpack will help you stay quiet whether you sneak, walk, or run.
It’s a backpack based on a very decent frame that offers plenty of space inside the backpack. Space inside is split into 4 different compartments and even features 4 smaller accessory pockets. If you never knew where to put your car/home keys and your phone – you won’t have to think twice with this backpack!
When I read before purchasing this backpack that it is hydration compatible – I wasn’t aware that you need to provide your own reservoir. That’s just something you should keep in mind. It’s pretty amazing how Timber Hawk pulled this off.
Reebow Gear Tactical Hunting Backpack
This Reebow Gear backpack is a tactical backpack made after the military-type backpacks which provide great capacity of up to 34L, even though it’s considered to be a small & compact backpack.
It’s ideal for hunting because it is made out of high-density fabric that is durable and even water-resistant. Along with the material, Reebow Gear added a double stitching and heavy-duty zippers so you never occur a problem during your hunting trips.
And considering the price of this backpack, the value already paid off the price it costs – but it gets better!
Reebow Gear made this backpack for 3-day tactical assaults and if you take this backpack to the woods – you will be able to hunt for at least 3 days and have a drink, food, equipment, and accessories with you.
There’s even a space for a 2.5L water reservoir, but you have to add it yourself which is just something to keep in mind.
Some of the best features that directly improve comfort is the ventilated mesh padding on the shoulder straps so you never get sweaty from carrying your backpack, but also the comfortable & padded back area.
Side and front load suspension will help you carry heavy equipment in this compact backpack for at least 3 days without having a single thing to worry about.
Allen Company Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack
Allen Company 1800 is actually 1800 cubic inch capacity daypack ideal for hunters who are looking to conceal themselves in the woods and yet carry plenty of accessories or equipment with them.
Even though it comes with a perfect camouflage finish, it features high-vis lining alongside the backpack which is a great safety feature. You’ll be seen only by someone who has to see you – even in low-light conditions.
This backpack is made out of quiet fabric which won’t only keep your movements quiet but it’s also durable and wear & tear-resistant.
If you’re looking for a way to stay hydrated without having to provide your own water bottles or reservoir, you’ll definitely appreciate Allen Company for adding an integrated hydration pouch.
When it comes down to comfort, you’ll never again find yourself complaining about the back or shoulder pain. This backpack comes with extra-padded shoulder straps, and a waist belt that helps with the weight distribution and a better fit & placement of the backpack.
No matter how many hours you walk or run in the woods and no matter what you carry – you’ll be able to pull it off.
Conclusion
Hunting backpack is the most needed accessory and if you have been hunting at least once – you’d know why.
These are some of the best hunting backpacks you can purchase, and they’re all very affordable. I specifically chose these backpacks because they provide plenty of value for the reasonable prices they cost.
And I highly guarantee you won’t regret going for any of these backpacks – but if you’re still in doubt, make sure to read the choosing guide twice so you know exactly what needs your backpack needs to fulfill!
What backpack are you using for hunting? Have you experienced a hunting backpack or clothing made with noise-reducing fibers?
Feel free to leave a comment down below and let me know your thoughts!
