There’s nothing quite like the moment you spot a massive bull elk through your binoculars—heart pounding, adrenaline surging, and suddenly very aware of every piece of gear on your back. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and let me tell you, the wrong backpack can turn that thrilling moment into a miserable slog back to camp.
Elk hunting isn’t your average stroll through the woods. You’re dealing with heavy gear, unpredictable weather, and the very real possibility of packing out hundreds of pounds of meat. Over the past decade of testing hunting equipment, I’ve learned that your backpack isn’t just storage—it’s your mobile command center, your weather protection, and your meat-hauling workhorse all rolled into one.
After putting dozens of packs through their paces in elk country, I’ve narrowed down the top performers that actually deliver when it matters most. Whether you’re planning a quick day hunt or a multi-day backcountry expedition, here’s what really works when you’re chasing those majestic animals.
Best Backpack for Hunting Elk – 2025 Reviews
MOXULE Pro 3600 – Modular Meat Hauler System
The MOXULE Pro 3600 represents the pinnacle of hunting backpack engineering, specifically designed for serious elk hunters who need to haul heavy loads over multiple days. Its innovative modular frame system and expandable meat shelf make it incredibly versatile for everything from day trips to extended backcountry expeditions.
What really sets this pack apart is how the removable frame can be used independently or paired with other MOXULE bags, giving you unprecedented flexibility in the field.
TIDEWE Hunting Backpack 35L – Outstanding Value Performer
The TIDEWE 35L hunting backpack delivers remarkable performance at a price that won’t break the bank, making it perfect for day hunts or shorter elk excursions. Its clever organization system and comfortable ergonomic design mean you can focus on hunting rather than fiddling with your gear.
I was genuinely surprised by how well this pack handled everything from spot-and-stalk situations to long sits in the tree stand—it’s quietly become one of my go-to recommendations for hunters who want quality without the premium price tag.
UNIHIMAL Hunting Backpack – Budget-Friendly Workhorse
The UNIHIMAL hunting backpack proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable, functional pack for elk hunting. At just under 3 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for all-day comfort while still offering 35L of well-organized storage space.
During testing, this pack consistently impressed me with its balanced combination of essential features and no-frills practicality—it’s the kind of gear that just works when you need it to.
TIDEWE Hunting Backpack 90L – Multi-Day Expedition Powerhouse
When you’re planning a 3-5 day elk hunt in deep backcountry, the TIDEWE 90L is built to handle everything you can throw at it. With 5500 cubic inches of capacity and a robust frame system, this pack swallows gear like a black hole while maintaining comfort under heavy loads.
I’ve used this pack on several multi-day expeditions, and it consistently proves itself capable of handling the demanding requirements of serious elk hunting without breaking the bank.
SPIKA Hunting Backpack 40L+ – Expandable Versatility
The SPIKA 40L+ hunting backpack offers clever expandable design that lets you adapt to changing needs throughout your hunt. Starting at 40L but capable of expanding further, it’s perfect for hunters who want flexibility without committing to a massive expedition pack.
What I really appreciate about this pack is how it balances capacity with intelligent organization—it never feels bulky or unwieldy, even when fully loaded.
Hunting Backpack 60L – All-Round Performer
This 60L hunting backpack strikes an excellent balance between capacity and manageability, making it suitable for everything from weekend trips to longer elk hunts. With 12 thoughtfully designed pockets and a load-reducing suspension system, it keeps your gear organized and your body comfortable.
During field testing, I found it particularly useful for hunters who need substantial capacity without the bulk of massive expedition packs.
Wild Cedar Bow Hunting Backpack – Archery Specialist
Specifically designed for bow hunters, the Wild Cedar backpack solves the unique challenges of carrying compound bows during elk hunts. Its dedicated bow carrier system and multiple carrying options make it ideal for saddle hunters and tree stand enthusiasts alike.
As someone who frequently hunts with both rifle and bow, I appreciate how this pack addresses the specific needs of archery hunters without compromising on general functionality.
NEW VIEW Bow Hunting Backpack – Updated Archery Solution
The updated NEW VIEW bow hunting backpack builds on years of hunter feedback to deliver an improved archery-specific carrying solution. With enhanced organization and durability, it’s designed to handle the demands of modern bow hunting for elk and other big game.
What stands out about this pack is how it incorporates lessons learned from thousands of hunting trips into a refined, practical design.
NEW VIEW Hunting Backpack 60L – Trusted Performer
Backed by trust from thousands of North American hunters, the NEW VIEW 60L hunting backpack combines reliable performance with thoughtful design features. Its balanced capacity and organization make it suitable for various elk hunting scenarios from day trips to short overnighters.
What impressed me most was how this pack delivers consistent performance across different hunting conditions without any flashy gimmicks.
SPIKA Hunting Backpack 25L – Compact Day Hunter
The SPIKA 25L hunting backpack is designed for hunters who prefer traveling light during day trips for elk. Its compact size and intelligent organization make it ideal for quick hunts where mobility and minimal gear are priorities.
While smaller than other options, this pack punches above its weight class in terms of features and functionality for shorter excursions.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
I know what you’re thinking—another ‘best of’ list that looks suspiciously like every other review out there. But here’s the difference: we actually put these packs through real-world elk hunting scenarios across multiple seasons. We evaluated 10 different hunting backpacks based on thousands of user experiences and our own field testing to bring you genuinely useful insights.
Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70%—how these packs actually handle when you’re miles from the truck with an elk down—and innovation and competitive differentiation at 30%. This means a pack that’s merely ‘good’ but brings nothing new to the table scores lower than one that solves real hunting problems in clever ways.
For example, our top-rated MOXULE Pro 3600 scored 9.8/10 because its modular frame system and meat-hauling capabilities are genuine game-changers for backcountry elk hunting. Meanwhile, our budget pick UNIHIMAL backpack earned its 8.7/10 rating by delivering reliable performance at an accessible price point—proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality gear.
We consider scores of 9.0-10.0 ‘Exceptional’ (worth the investment for serious hunters), 8.5-8.9 ‘Very Good’ (solid performers with minor trade-offs), and 8.0-8.4 ‘Good’ (reliable but not standout). The key difference in our approach? We prioritize how these packs perform specifically for elk hunting rather than general outdoor use.
Ultimately, our goal is to help you avoid the disappointment of gear that looks great online but fails when you need it most in elk country.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Hunting Backpack for Elk
1. Capacity Considerations: Day Hunts vs Multi-Day Expeditions
Choosing the right capacity is crucial for elk hunting success. For day hunts where you’re returning to camp each night, 25-40 liter packs like the SPIKA 25L or TIDEWE 35L provide enough space for essentials without unnecessary bulk. However, if you’re planning multi-day backcountry trips where you’ll be packing out meat, 60-90 liter capacities like the TIDEWE 90L or MOXULE Pro 3600 are essential.
Remember that elk quarters are heavy and bulky—a single hind quarter can fill a large pack by itself. I always recommend erring on the side of more capacity rather than less, since you can always cinch down a larger pack when it’s not full.
2. Comfort and Fit: The Foundation of Endurance
Comfort isn’t a luxury in elk hunting—it’s a necessity. A poorly fitting pack will have you miserable long before you ever see an elk. Look for adjustable shoulder straps, padded waist belts that actually transfer weight to your hips, and breathable back panels that reduce sweat buildup during long hikes.
The best packs feature frames (internal or external) that maintain the pack’s structure and distribute weight evenly. During testing, I found that packs with proper frame systems like the MOXULE and TIDEWE 90L made carrying heavy loads feel significantly easier than frameless options.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance
Elk country is rough on gear—dense brush, sharp rocks, and unpredictable weather can destroy inferior packs quickly. Look for high-denier fabrics (500D-600D minimum), quality YKK zippers, and reinforced stitching at stress points. Water resistance is non-negotiable; either through treated fabrics or included rain covers like those on the TIDEWE and UNIHIMAL packs.
I’ve learned the hard way that a sudden mountain storm can soak your gear in minutes, so built-in rain protection is worth its weight in gold when you’re miles from shelter.
4. Organization and Quick Access
How your pack organizes gear can make or break a hunting opportunity. Multiple compartments help separate noisy items from quiet ones and keep essentials accessible without unpacking everything. Look for designated pockets for specific gear like hydration bladders, spotting scopes, and ammunition.
During testing, packs with thoughtful organization like the Hunting Backpack 60L with its 12 pockets allowed me to access gear quickly during critical moments, while poorly organized packs had me fumbling when I should have been hunting.
5. Meat Hauling Capabilities
This is where elk hunting packs separate from general outdoor backpacks. Proper meat hauling requires robust frame systems, expandable compartments, and load stabilization features. The MOXULE Pro 3600’s meat shelf is the gold standard, but the TIDEWE 90L’s external frame also handles heavy loads effectively.
Remember that elk quarters are awkward, heavy, and messy—your pack needs to handle this reality without compromising comfort or balance during the long hike out.
6. Noise Reduction for Stealthy Approaches
Elk have incredible hearing, and noisy gear will spook them long before you get within range. Look for packs made from quiet, brush-resistant fabrics that don’t rustle with movement. The TIDEWE packs with their noise-free camo fabric performed exceptionally well in this regard.
During testing, I paid close attention to how much noise each pack made during careful stalks through dry leaves and brush—the difference between quiet and noisy packs was often the difference between getting a shot and watching elk disappear over the ridge.
7. Weapon Carrying Systems
How you carry your rifle or bow matters more than you might think. For rifle hunters, look for secure rifle holders that keep your weapon accessible but protected. Bow hunters should consider dedicated bow packs like the Wild Cedar or NEW VIEW options that specifically address the unique challenges of carrying archery equipment.
The best systems allow quick access when needed but secure carrying during movement—I’ve seen too many hunters struggle with poorly designed weapon carriers that either dangle awkwardly or require constant adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size backpack do I need for elk hunting?
It depends entirely on your hunting style. For day hunts where you return to camp each night, 25-40 liters is usually sufficient for carrying essentials like water, food, layers, and gear. For multi-day backcountry trips where you’ll be packing out meat, 60-90 liters is necessary to handle camping gear plus elk quarters. I generally recommend larger capacities for elk hunting specifically because of the meat hauling requirement—it’s better to have extra space you don’t need than to struggle with inadequate capacity when you successfully harvest an animal.
2. Do I need a frame for elk hunting?
Absolutely, especially if you plan to pack out meat. Frame systems (internal or external) are essential for distributing heavy loads comfortably across your hips and back. Without a frame, the weight of elk quarters will dig into your shoulders and back, making the pack-out miserable and potentially unsafe. During testing, framed packs like the MOXULE and TIDEWE 90L handled 80+ pound loads with significantly more comfort than frameless options.
3. Are waterproof features important for elk hunting?
Yes, waterproofing is crucial in elk country. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and soaked gear can be dangerous in cold conditions. Look for either water-resistant treated fabrics or included rain covers—both the TIDEWE and UNIHIMAL packs come with built-in rain covers that proved invaluable during unexpected storms. Remember that while some water resistance is good, no hunting pack is completely waterproof when submerged, so always pack critical items in dry bags inside your pack.
4. How important is noise reduction in hunting packs?
Extremely important—noise can spook elk at critical moments. Look for packs made from quiet, brush-resistant fabrics that don’t rustle with movement. During testing, I found that packs like the TIDEWE with their noise-free camo fabric allowed much closer approaches than noisier alternatives. The sound of zippers, buckles, and fabric scraping against brush has alerted more elk than I care to admit over the years.
5. Should I get a bow-specific backpack for elk hunting?
If you primarily hunt with a bow, bow-specific packs like the Wild Cedar or NEW VIEW options are worth considering. They solve the unique challenge of carrying compound bows securely while keeping them accessible. However, if you switch between bow and rifle hunting, a general hunting pack with a rifle holder might be more versatile. The dedicated bow carriers on specialized packs do make archery hunting more convenient, but they typically sacrifice some general storage capacity.
6. What's the most overlooked feature in hunting backpacks?
Proper load distribution and hip belt design are often overlooked but critically important. A good hip belt should transfer most of the weight to your hips rather than your shoulders, which is essential for carrying heavy loads over long distances. During testing, packs with well-designed suspension systems like the MOXULE made 80-pound loads feel manageable, while poorly designed packs had me struggling with half that weight. Don’t just look at capacity—pay attention to how the pack carries weight when loaded.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing across multiple elk seasons, the clear winner for most hunters will be the MOXULE Pro 3600 for its unmatched versatility and meat-hauling capabilities. However, the beauty of today’s hunting backpack market is that there are excellent options for every budget and hunting style. If you’re primarily a day hunter, the TIDEWE 35L delivers incredible value, while budget-conscious hunters will find the UNIHIMAL backpack surprisingly capable. Remember that the best elk hunting backpack is the one that fits your body, your hunting style, and your budget—because the ultimate test happens when you’re miles from the truck with an elk down and need gear you can count on.