Hunting is a sport that traces back to the dawn of civilization. Not only is it a great source of pride (and food) for many people, but it is also a wonderful way to tune into nature. Many people enjoy spending their vacations on hunting excursions because of the peace of mind they find “roughing it” in the outdoors.

A good hunter knows that having the proper equipment can help enhance the stress-free way of life they find out in the woods- and that not least of these tools is the best hunting backpack.

A hunting backpack has often been described as “a Swiss army knife that you wear.” It is a multi-functional apparel item that can carry extreme weights and hold an impressive amount of camping and hunting gear including sleeping bags, ammo, and a hunter’s kill.

Best Hunting Backpacks

The number of hunting backpacks on the market is overwhelming. To make the selection easier, we will review ten of the best hunting backpack on the market to determine which is best.

1. Tenzing TZ 6000 Back Country Hunting

Buy on Amazon

The Tenzing pack weighs 4 lbs., 6 oz., and has nine separate compartments for storage. It also has a strap for a rifle or crossbow, bungee holders on each side, and four unspecified attachment points on the back.

Feature #1: Shooter’s Rest Design

The bag is actually designed with a plastic and iron insert to hold a rifle or crossbow straight through the back of the bag. This is convenient not only for carrying the weapon but, also, without even removing the weapon, you can lay your bag on the ground and use the insert as a gun rest.

Because of the design of the gun, you are ready to shoot at any time, which can save you valuable moments when you find your target. Not only does the rest help you to shoot more comfortably, but using a rest also steadies the arms and improves aim.

Feature #2: Breathable Mesh Back Pad

The breathable mesh back pad allows air to flow onto your back. When carrying a large amount of weight through the woods, one of the worst effects suffered by hunters, hikers, and campers is heat.

Your body generates heat through exercise and, if there is no airflow to your body, that heat gets trapped against you. A breathable mesh back pad allows the heat to escape, which keeps you comfortable and feeling well throughout your hunt.

Feature #3: Padded Hip Panels

Padded hip panels make sure that weight is distributed evenly on both sides of the back and keep the backpack from cutting into your hips which can cause discomfort or even injury.

When your back and hips are feeling up to the challenge, it is easier to stay in the woods for a longer duration of time. All too often, hunting and hiking trips are cut short because the physical pain of carrying the packs is too much for some to handle.

A backpack that is designed with your comfort in mind is a winning situation when it comes to staying out and “roughing it” for an extended period.

Real Users Feedback

Most of the reviews are very good. A lot of hikers and hunters have found that the pack is conveniently designed with everything placed “exactly where it is needed.”

Many archers were pleased with the discovery that this pack supports a crossbow. The pack seems to be extremely durable, although some found that the rain cover was not designed as well as it could have been. The pack was described as “great for day hunts, but not suitable for an overnight pack.”

Pros:

• Convenient
• Holds a Lot
• Crossbow Compatible

Cons:

• Potential Issues for Overnight Trips
• Leaky Rain Cover

2. Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 5 lbs., 15 oz. It advertises a “multitude of pockets,” with an official count of eight. It features pistol holders on each side, a scope holder, a meat shelf, and more- including an impressive capacity of nearly 5,000 cubic inches!

Feature #1: Batwing Design

The batwing design of the bag allows for extra weight to be added to the frame of the bag. This includes the capability of carrying up to 280 lbs. of meat! That’s an entire white-tail buck!

When not in use, the meat shelf can also be used as a bright orange flag which is a must if you are hunting in a congested area where there is danger of being shot by another hunter or if you are lost in the woods and wanting to draw attention to your location.

Feature #2: T6 Aircraft Aluminum

T6 Aircraft Aluminum is used in the frame of this backpack, allowing for the pack to hold an incredible amount of weight with ease. The frame of the pack is also designed to curve to the side and avoid the spine, keeping the bulk of the weight off of the most sensitive parts of the back.

The aluminum transfers weight evenly across all points of the back, making carrying the backpack and all of its attachments a comfortable experience for its user.

Feature #3: Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Badlands offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on this backpack. This means that if the bag breaks from wear and tear, it can be sent back for repair at no cost. This is a wonderful bonus for anyone who purchases a bag with intent to get a lot of use out of it.

Those who enjoy hunting every weekend will often find that their bags wear out fast. Being able to send a bag in to be repaired whenever it is needed for the life of the bag is an almost surreal benefit to purchasing from this company.

Real Users Feedback

Almost all of the reviews were glowingly positive. Many people were extremely pleased to find that the bag could, in fact, hold up to its promise of an impressive weight limit on the meat shelf. There are reports of people carrying up to TWO whitetail deer and even one that said he and his friend were able to field dress and haul an entire elk on their two Badlands packs.

In addition to the weight of their kill, they also were able to carry all their rain and camping gear with ease. The few negative reviews on the list pertained to the new design of the bag, which some reviewers say isn’t as great as the older version of this model. Also, again, the rain cover is not the best on the market and purchasing a second rain cover to use in conjunction with the built-in cover is recommended.

Pros:

• Carries a lot of Weight
• Comfortable
• Lifetime Warranty

Cons:

• Will Want an Extra Rain Cover
• New Design Possibly Sub-Par

3. ALPS Outdoorz Falcon Hunting Pack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack advertises “several” pockets, but doesn’t specify an exact amount and weighs 4 lbs., 7 oz.  It has four webbing straps as attachment points.

Feature #1: Waterproof

The bag advertises itself as waterproof with an extra rain cover included making it a great hunting backpack in areas that are prone to bad weather.

Feature #2: Vented Back

Again, this backpack features a vented back. The difference between this design’s vented back system and the one we saw on the Tenzing is that the Tenzing used a mesh design, which still features a lot of fabric. A vented backpack allows for heat to escape, but also helps to push more cool air into the area of the back to prevent overheating.

Feature #3: Water Compartment

This bag has a compartment with a water bladder, which eliminates the need for a canteen. There is a drinking spout that comes up from the water compartment and water can be taken from the compartment by squeezing in the same way a child might squeeze a juice pouch. It is always recommended to carry water when hunting. This compartment frees up hands for other things.

Real Users Feedback

The reviews were split between good and bad. The good news is that most reviewers found the pack comfortable and easy to carry. They enjoyed the vented back system and said that the water compartment was a genius idea to ensure that water was available at all times.

The negative is that the water bladder compartment does tend to leak and the bag is not as “waterproof” as it claims to be. They also said there were durability issues where the clips were concerned and that too much weight on the bag actually caused stitches to burst from the straps, which is never a good sign when it comes to a quality heavy-tote hunting or hiking back.

Pros:

• Good-Feel
• Vented Back

Cons:

• Leaky
• Not Durable

4. ALPS Outdoorz Trail Blazer Pack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 2lbs., 9 oz. with “many” attachment points.

Feature #1: Bar-tacked Webbing

Bar-tacked webbing stretches across the front of this pack, creating a large number of attachment points. This is a great added feature for anyone that intends to carry a lot of gear along on their hunt.

Feature #2: Hydration Pocket with Port

Again, this is a bag that eliminates the need for a canteen. Being able to carry water directly in the pack, itself, frees up an attachment point and ensures that you can stay properly hydrated throughout your hike. The port is a small hose that extends out of the bladder, allowing you to take a sip without ever removing the pack from your shoulders.

Feature #3: Blaze Orange Rain Cover

The rain cover envelopes the entire bag and serves the dual purpose of an S.O.S. beacon if you are lost or in need of help. Think of it as a large orange bag that wraps around the existing backpack. You will be easy to spot and your gear will remain dry. What more could you want?

Real Users Feedback

While the pack is said to be of great construction and design, there are those that say that it lacks the functionality of all the other ALPS models. For example, there are no small storage pockets for a cell phone, matches, or flashlight.

This causes these items to become “swallowed” into the stuff that is being carried in the larger pockets and puts them at risk of falling out and becoming lost. The camo design is not “busy” like some models and is of a great quality design, making this pack an aesthetically pleasing option for some.

Pros:

• Attractive
• Durable
• Lots of Attachment Points

Cons:

• Lacks Small Pockets
• Better ALPS designs available

5. Badlands Sacrifice Hunting Pack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 4 lbs. 3 oz. featuring 8 separate attachment points.

Feature #1: Heat-Hardened Steel

The heat-hardened steel design makes the frame super durable. It will not bend or break while walking, which saves its wearer risk of injury or loss of items and functionality in the woods. While many steel frames consist of several pieces held in place by brackets, this design is one solid chunk of metal.

Feature #2: Hidden Fold Out

On the underside of the pack, there is a hidden fold out to carry the butt of the rifle. This holds the rifle in place while you are hiking, providing added safety and balance in slippery, rough terrain. When you are ready to use the rifle, it slips out easy with one move of the hand.

Feature #3: Rip-Stop Fabric

The tear-resistant fabric prevents your pack from falling apart if you get caught up in the brush. This protects the life expectancy of your bag and ensures that items are not lost during your hike.

Many hunting backpacks wind up full of stitches and patches. The ripstop stitching of this fabric will eliminate much of that, making the bag more durable and attractive throughout its entire life.

Real Users Feedback

The rain cover on this design seems to be of very poor quality with many complaints about moisture. While the pack itself is highly durable thanks to the rip-stop fabric, the clips leave much to be desired.

At least two reviews point out that the clips broke easily once the backpack became loaded with weight. Furthermore, the fabric is noisy. Friction on the material creates a swishing sound that can make your game aware of your presence before you are ready to shoot. Otherwise, the lightweight and comfortable design of the model did bring a lot of praise.

Pros:

• Large Capacity
• Durable Fabric

Cons:

• Noisy
• Leaky
• Weak Clips

6. Timber Hawk Killshot Backpack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 3 lbs., 8 oz. with ten advertised attachment points.

Feature #1: Ultra-Quiet Twill Fabric

The Ultra-Quiet fabric design has the opposite effect of the material used in the last review. The twill fabric is soft and smooth, so the friction of the material does not create noise.  This is absolutely a must when hunting deer, elk, rabbits, or any other prey that survives on a keen sense of hearing.

Feature #2: Ergonomic Waistband

The design of this backpack supports good posture, even when loaded down with weight. Walking with proper posture relieves the tension on the back and makes for a comfortable hike.

It works in much the same way an ergonomic office chair does- keeping you from slouching distributes pressure to the parts of the back that are meant to withstand it. If used appropriately, you won’t need a visit to the chiropractor after this weekend in the woods.

It’s worth mentioning that the design also makes this an attractive option for sufferers of chronic back pain or survivors of previous back injuries.

Feature #3: Silent-Stalk Quick Ejection Straps

A great compliment to the twill fabric are the ejection straps. The straps allow the wearer to drop the backpack fast if they need to rush their target. With one push of a button, the pack drops to the ground allowing the hunter to run. This is also a valuable design option for hunters who frequently find themselves in high-predator areas.

Real Users Feedback

A lot of people were surprisingly impressed by the strong zippers on this backpack. In fact, many said that the entire pack was of excellent quality in design and functionality with a wonderful layout for the price. It is said to fit comfortably, stay silent, and carry up to a ¼ of a whitetail deer without issue.

One reviewer said he was able to sneak up almost close enough to touch a whitetail deer without being detected thanks to the silent design features of the bag. The only major complaint is that the bag can be extremely heavy when filled to capacity and the fabric does not “breathe” well against the back.

Pros:

• Quiet
• Strong Design
• Good Layout

Cons:

• Heavy
• Hot on the Back

7. ALPS Outdoorz Pursuit Hunting Backpack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 4 lbs., 4 oz. with over eight attachment points.

Feature #1: Bow-Fit Design

This backpack is designed to fit a variety of bows. This is an amazing feature considering many hunting backpacks are not designed with bow-hunters in mind. Because bows come in such a variety of shapes and designs, it can be hard to find a backpack that will accommodate most. This backpack is designed with just that kind of versatility in mind.

Feature #2: D-Ring Clip

The D-Ring clip design enables this pack to hang from a tree branch with ease. This is a great bonus on wet or rainy hunt days or for hunters who frequently use a tree stand- or even those who go without the stand! Some hunters like to spend their hunt time hiding in trees waiting for their target to come to them.

Having your equipment handy is important no matter where you are- and knowing it won’t fall to the ground and startle away a year’s worth of progress is even better.

Feature #3: Organizational Shelf Pocket

The organizational shelf is designed to keep all necessities within easy reach. There is room for a first aid kit, snacks, flashlight, knife, or anything else you may need to access on the fly. Better yet- you can access the items on this shelf without even taking the backpack off of your shoulders.

Real Users Feedback

The main complaint about this backpack is that it is overall too small. Not only does it not fit well on larger builds, but the capacity design is poor. It can carry a lot, but not adequately to survive several days in the woods. It’s a great day pack- but nothing more.

Pros:

• Lots of Pockets
• Durable
• D-Hook

Cons:

• Small Size
• Doesn’t Fit Well for Larger Frames

8. Mossy Oak Silver Leaf 2-Day Pack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 1 lb., 5 oz. with five attachment points.

Feature #1: Low Cost

This is the lowest-cost backpack on our list, making it an affordable option for almost any budget. Starting hunters will appreciate an affordable option as they try out the sport. It is also a great hunting backpack for children who want to hunt alongside their parents.

Feature #2: Emergency Whistle on Strap

The shoulder strap of this backpack comes equipped with an emergency whistle. It is a great tool for scaring off certain predators and also for drawing the attention of nearby people if you become injured or lost. It is a simple bonus to this backpack, but valuable in its thoughtfulness.

Feature #3: Lightweight

This pack weighs less than 2 lbs. off the shelf, making it an appealing option because of the lack of added weight from the materials, themselves. Obviously, when you have to carry the weight on your back, you want to be cautious of how that weight is rationed. Starting small means you can fit more later.

Real Users Feedback

The reviews for this design were not kind. It’s clearly a better option for a photographer than it is a hunter based on its lack of ability to carry the weight of guns or ammo effectively. Some reviews say it felt more like a school book bag than it did an outdoorsman’s pack.

The straps come unstitched if there is too much weight added to the pack, as well, so it is probably best for only day hikes. This is a simple case of “you get what you pay for.”

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Poor Quality
• Can’t Carry Much Weight

9. Slumberjack Bounty 4500 Hunting Backpack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs around 6 lbs. with over ten attachment points.

Feature #1: Military Grade Design

The design of this bag improves its functionality. It is designed similarly to the packs carried by soldiers and other servicemen, so it is designed with a long trip duration and a heavy pack load in mind. It can comfortably carry up to 7,000 cubic inches of equipment including guns, ammo, food, clothing, and sleeping materials.

If it’s good enough for our men on the frontlines, it should be more than adequate for you and your friends on a weekend getaway to the woods!

Feature #2: 420D Poly Material

Many hunters like to field dress their kills and carry them out of the woods within their packs. This is obviously a bloody mess when all is said and done. The material used in this bag is easy to clean, eliminating the risk of stains or a lasting odor after the trip is over. When a bag can remain clean looking and without an offensive odor, it prolongs the life of the product and the joyfulness of the sport.

Feature #3: Advanced Kryptek Camo

This is cool, but don’t get too excited. There’s no magic here- just a really high-quality camo design that helps the hunter stay hidden while he stalks his prey.

Real Users Feedback

While the backpack is overall well-made, it doesn’t carry a rifle well. The gun doesn’t “ride” smoothly and constantly moves around in its place making for an awkward and potentially unsafe situation when navigating slippery or rough ground.

Furthermore, the pack can hold a lot of volumes, but the added volume is added weight. You are still confined to your individual carry limits and the large pack design can be a case of “eyes bigger than your stomach” when it comes to packing. It also is a troublesome option when it comes to waterproofing. There is no rain cover included and it’s hard to find any on the market that fit.

Pros:

• Durable
• Easy to Clean
• Large

Cons:

• Possibly Too Large
• Poor Gun Carry Design
• No Rain Cover

10. ALPS Outdoorz Traverse EPS Hunting Backpack

Buy on Amazon

This backpack weighs 8 lbs. with over eight attachment points.

Feature #1: Adjustable Torso Strap

This backpack is designed to fit over larger builds or extra clothing for cold-weather hunts. This makes it a great backpack to be used year-round by avid hunters who don’t quit when the weather gets bad.

Feature #2: Versatility Straps

Many hunters feel that they need two separate backpacks: One for day trips and one for prolonged stays. This pack eliminates the need for separate bags by implementing versatility straps. The straps can be used to tighten the pack to a day-pack size or expand the pack to carry larger loads with ease.

Feature #3: Expandable Meat Pouch

There is an easy-to-clean meat pouch designed into the side of the bag. It can expand to hold a large quantity of meat or remain tightened to the rest of the pack when not in use. Having a designated area for meat keeps the other parts of the bag fresh.

Real Users Feedback

The main compliment to this backpack is that it offers great rain protection with an efficient, built-in cover. It is comfortable around the waist and back with many adjustability options to fit almost any build. The adjustment points are designed well to fit any weapon including crossbows. It makes for a heavy daypack but is an effective choice, nonetheless.

Pros:

• Great Adjustability
• Comfortable
• Dry

Cons:

• Heavy for a Daypack

Final Verdict for the Best  Hunting Backpack

So, now that we have compared all three of these backpacks separately, do you have any ideas about which is the best quality for the price? Let’s review our comparison factors to see if you are correct.

Factor #1: Frame

All of these backpacks have internal frame systems, which at first glance would mean this category would be a toss-up. However, the Badlands 2200 won by a long shot.

Not only did the Badlands backpack use T6 aircraft aluminum to disperse weight evenly and hold extremely heavy attachments, but it also worked in conjunction with the spine and muscles of the back to save undue strain on the body. The frame can support the weight of at least one whitetail deer while still carrying the weight of all the equipment needed for a hunter to get the most out of their trip.

Factor #2: Capacity

With nearly 7,000 cubic inches of volume available, the Slumberjack Bounty was an easy winner in this category.

Because of the extremely large capacity, many hunters run for this backpack when it comes to packing for long durations- such as an overnight or even a full weekend stay. The more comforts and necessities you can carry comfortably, the longer you are able to stay out in nature enjoying yourself. Why wouldn’t you want to carry as much as you can?

Factor #3: Attachment Points

This is where things can get a little complicated. All of the backpacks claim to feature a variety of attachment points, but it can be hard to gauge which attachment points are better quality and more convenient unless you use them a few times. This is where the reviews come in handy.

The Tenzing has a rifle or crossbow attachment that can also be used as firing support. Aside from this attachment, there are at least six other parts of the bag where attachments can be made as well as a variety of pockets, so this pack wins based on convenience alone.

Factor #4: Rain Cover

The Mossy Oak and Slumberjack packs don’t feature a rain cover at all. In fact, you have to purchase your own and the Slumberjack model is so large that it’s hard to even find a rain cover on the market that will fit it.

The ALPS Outdoorz Traverse had the overall best rain cover with lots of glowing reviews about its quality and functionality.

Final Verdict

In today’s comparison, last comes in first. The ALPS Outdoorz Traverse model takes home the prize with a strong internal frame, above-average rain cover, and excellent comfort.

The expandable straps mean it can fit over any size build or even excess clothing making it possibly the only hunting backpack on our list equipped for cold-weather hunts. Plus, it also features its own built-in rain cover that works wonderfully, according to product reviews.

With an effective rain cover and adjustable sizing, this is the best hunting backpack for a year-round hunter.

In addition, the expandable design makes this backpack functional for either a long trip or a day hike in the woods and at the market price of under $200, you can’t go wrong.