Best Backpack for Hunting – 2025 Reviews

Choosing the right capacity is about understanding your typical hunting scenarios. For quick morning stands or evening hunts close to vehicle access, a 25-35 liter pack is perfect – it carries essentials without bulk. Day-long still hunts or spot-and-stalk adventures usually need 35-50 liters for extra layers, food, and gear.

If you’re planning multi-day backcountry trips or need to pack out meat, look for 50+ liter packs with external frames. Remember that larger isn’t always better – an oversized pack will tempt you to carry unnecessary weight and can hinder movement through thick cover.

A poorly fitting pack will ruin your hunt faster than almost anything else. Look for padded shoulder straps that are wide enough to distribute weight, an adjustable waist belt that transfers load to your hips, and breathable back panels that reduce sweat buildup.

The best hunting packs feature ergonomic designs that contour to your body rather than sitting like a box on your back. Pay attention to how the pack carries when loaded – it should feel balanced and stable, not pulling you backward or causing pressure points.

Hunting packs need to be quiet – period. Look for fabrics specifically designed for noise reduction, like brushed tricot or silent fleece materials. Avoid packs with lots of loose straps or hardware that can clank together.

During testing, I found that quality zippers make a huge difference – cheap zippers are often noisy and can fail when you need them most. The best hunting packs use quiet pull tabs and smooth-operating zipper systems that won’t spook game.

Good organization isn’t about having the most pockets – it’s about having the right pockets in the right places. Look for packs with dedicated spaces for critical items like rangefinders, calls, and first aid kits. Open-top grab pockets are invaluable for items you need instantly without fumbling with zippers.

Consider how you’ll access your gear while wearing the pack. Can you reach water or snacks without taking it off? Are there external attachment points for tripods or climbing sticks? The best organizational systems anticipate your needs in the field.

How you carry your weapon can significantly impact your hunting success. For rifle hunters, look for secure scabbard systems or quick-release holders that keep your firearm accessible but protected. Bow hunters need packs with bow carry systems that won’t interfere with shooting when you need to make quick shots.

Some innovative packs now feature magnetic release systems that let you deploy your weapon in seconds. Whatever system you choose, make sure it’s secure enough for rough terrain but accessible enough for when game appears suddenly.

Hunting packs take abuse – from brush scraping against them to being set down in mud and snow. Look for high-denier fabrics (600D or higher) and reinforced stitching at stress points. Quality zippers and buckles are worth their weight in gold when you’re miles from help.

Weather resistance is crucial – either through water-resistant fabrics or included rain covers. Remember that no hunting pack is completely waterproof, but good ones will keep your gear dry through morning dew or unexpected showers.

Beyond the basics, some features can significantly enhance your hunting experience. Hydration compatibility lets you drink on the move without stopping. MOLLE or daisy chain systems allow customization with additional pouches. Meat hauling capabilities are essential for backcountry success.

Consider packs with removable frames that can be used independently or detachable daypacks for when you want to go light. These features might seem like extras, but they can transform how you hunt and how successful you are in the field.

For most day hunting scenarios, a 25-35 liter pack is ideal. This size provides enough space for essential gear like water, food, first aid kit, calls, and extra layers without being overly bulky. If you typically carry additional equipment like cameras, spotting scopes, or climbing sticks, you might want to size up to 35-50 liters. The key is balancing capacity with mobility – you want enough room for your necessities but not so much that you’re tempted to overpack.

Extremely important – perhaps more than many hunters realize. Noisy packs can spook game long before you ever see them. Look for packs made from quiet materials like brushed tricot, silent fleece, or specially treated fabrics that don’t rustle or crackle when you move. During testing, I found that the difference between getting a shot opportunity and educating animals often came down to how quietly I could move through the woods, and my pack played a huge role in that.

This depends entirely on your hunting style and needs. Internal frame packs are generally better for mobility and balance in rough terrain – they hug your body closely and are less likely to catch on brush. External frame packs excel at carrying heavy, bulky loads like meat or camping gear and typically offer better ventilation. For most day hunting, internal frames are preferable, but if you regularly pack out game or do multi-day trips, an external frame might be worth the trade-off in mobility.

Bow hunters should prioritize packs with secure bow carrying systems that don’t interfere with drawing your bow when needed. Look for packs that allow quick deployment of your bow and have protection for your cams and strings. Quiet operation is crucial since bow hunting often requires getting closer to game. Additionally, organization for small items like releases, broadheads, and rangefinders is important. Some packs even have specific pockets designed for archery accessories.

Proper fitting starts with measuring your torso length rather than your height. Most quality packs are adjustable to fit different torso sizes. When trying on a pack, load it with weight similar to what you’ll carry hunting. The hip belt should sit on your hip bones and carry most of the weight, while the shoulder straps should stabilize the pack without digging in. There should be no gap between the back panel and your body, and the pack shouldn’t pull you backward. Take the time to adjust all straps – a well-fitted pack can carry heavy loads comfortably for miles.

Like most gear, you get what you pay for – to a point. Higher-priced packs typically offer better materials, more sophisticated suspension systems, and more thoughtful organization. They’re often more durable and comfortable under heavy loads. However, there are excellent mid-priced options that deliver 90% of the performance at half the cost. The diminishing returns kick in around the $200-300 range – beyond that, you’re paying for specialized features or brand prestige. For most hunters, a quality pack in the $100-200 range will serve them perfectly for years.