Best Hunting Backpacks 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Today's best hunting backpacks use durable materials and reliable features to help you make the most of your efforts. While each hunting backpack is personal to the hunter, there are some key commonalities all good packs share—the main one being comfort. If your hunting pack isn’t comfortable enough to seamlessly carry the odds and ends you need for a hunt, then it becomes a problem as opposed to a solution.

After testing and evaluating packs from the industry’s top brands, my top pick overall is the Stone Glacier Avail 2200 for its functionality, durability and performance. For those on a budget, I recommend the Meralian Hunting Backpack that costs less than $50. And for a waterproof hunting pack, the KUIU DeltaStorm 2200 Submersible is designed to block out all manner of moisture.

Our pick for the best multi-day hunting backpack, the Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000, can expand from ... [+] 2,750 to 4,500 cubic inches to provide the capacity for a longer hunt and more meat.

Whether you’re hunting birds or big game, there are a number of different backpacks available these days for specific situations. I tested several packs on this list and reviewed others based on their key features, considering only those designed to carry game and gear lengthy distances. While traditional daypacks are durable and ergonomic, hunting-specific backpacks are built with heavy-duty, camouflaged materials and dedicated space for meat storage. Find eight of the best hunting backpacks below.

Stone Glacier

Capacity: 36 liters | Weight: 3.05 pounds | Sizes: One size | Number of external pockets: 1 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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Bozeman, Montana-based Stone Glacier makes some of the lightest carrying packs around, all of which blend functionality, durability and performance to aid backcountry hunters.

The Avail 2200 is an extremely versatile hunting pack that performs across a range of disciplines. From bird hunting to big game hunting and even the daily commute, the Avail is known as the ultimate “utility” hunting pack. Weighing just a shade over three pounds, it’s designed to be used as either a stand-alone pack, or with an Avail suspension system and internal frame for heavier loads. You can remove the shoulder straps, hip belt and frame to mount the Avail directly to Stone Glacier’s Xcurve or EVO Frame for improved load-hauling capability.

This pack is so versatile that hunters can switch from external frame mode to daypack stand-alone mode in the field. With 36 liters of space and a load rating of 150 pounds, it’s sure to accommodate your gear and game without breaking a sweat.

Amazon

Capacity: 12 x 7.5 x 20 inches | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Sizes: One size | Number of external pockets: 2 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: 30-day

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From base layers to blades to compound bows, hunting can take a toll on your full grain leather wallet. Realistically, you can’t pinch pennies and acquire quality gear at the same time, but certain essentials—like a backpack—don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg if you’d rather spend your money elsewhere. The Meralian Hunting Backpack, for example, can save you a little money and offer a comfortable experience without breaking the bank.

For around $30, this backpack will get you off the couch and on the hunt in no time. The pack features a large main compartment along with two mesh side pockets for water bottles and gear. It caters to bow or rifle hunting and includes an orange rain cover to keep your gear dry, paying mind to visibility. And it’s made with waterproof 600D nylon to ensure it holds strong on the trail.

The Meralian is also compatible with a hydration bladder, and padded shoulder straps help manage the weight. Granted, this pack doesn’t sport a lot of bells and whistles, but if you want a hunting pack that’s ready to get the job done and you don’t mind its simple design, it’s a great option for the price.

Mystery Ranch

Capacity: 30 liters | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Sizes: S-XL | Number of external pockets: 3 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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Carry more weight further afield with the Mystery Ranch Pop Up 30. This pack can carry loads up to 80 pounds with the Overload feature that allows you to load more meat into the pack. Its telescoping frame offers a hefty 80-pound carrying capacity, and while it’s a well-known design in different circles for different reasons, if you’re into the Bozeman brand’s hunting packs, odds are you like them for their sheer durability. With a background in building tactical backpacks used by the military, Mystery Ranch packs stand the test of time.

The Pop Up 30 is a low-profile hunting pack that’s sleek and simple when you’re hunting, but as soon as the time comes to haul meat, it expands and supports heavy loads. In fact, the Overload feature positions the bulk of the pack’s weight closest to your back, which makes it easier to haul game and gear over longer distances. Weighing in at 4.9 pounds, the Pop Up 30 features—you guessed it—30 liters of storage.

KUIU

Capacity: 24.5 liters | Weight: 2.13 pounds | Sizes: One size | Number of external pockets: 3 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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A vast majority o f hunters identify as deer hunters, and while that may make deer hunting sound like a simple pursuit, there’s a lot more to this discipline than meets the eye. Among the many hunting packs on the market designed for deer hunting, the KUIU Venture Divide 1500 stands out as one of the few day packs to contain the specific features you need when hunting deer.

The Venture Divide’s storage system uses zippered pockets to keep essentials within reach, and it supports a hydration bladder should you get thirsty. The expandable pocket about the front sets this pack apart with a V-style quick-release compression strap that’s great for extra gear or clothing as it’s lined with abrasion- and water-resistant fabric.

The bottom of the pack features a zipper opening, making it easy to access items such as a spotting scope or tripod in seconds. It also offers convenient access to its main compartment via the horseshoe zipper that’s easy to zip and unzip—you’ll never fumble with it in the field. To keep your equipment protected, the pack relies on 330D cordura fabric for durability, and webbing loops attach a gun or bow along with expandable side stuff pockets that offer additional storage.

KUIU

Capacity: 36 liters | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Sizes: One size | Number of external pockets: 1 | Hydration reservoir compatible: No | Warranty: Lifetime

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Whether you’re hunting from a boat, wading through a marsh or facing the elements on a remote Alaskan expedition, you may need the best waterproof hunting backpack to keep your gear dry. After all, if moisture ruins your equipment, it could spell the difference between a solid haul and going home empty handed.

For the ultimate in waterproof packs, KUIU’s DeltaStorm 2200 boasts submersible and float-ready characteristics that make it perfect for wet adventures. Made with TPU-coated waterproof fabric, a welded construction and watertight zippers, it also includes a removable shell and accessory holder for smaller items that need to remain dry. The DeltaStorm employs external compression straps that multiply carry options, and at 4.4 pounds (with a 36-liter volume), you can float this pack down the river to camp and rest easy knowing your gear won’t get wet. I tried submerging this pack and soaking it with a hose in the hopes of penetrating its seams, but no dice—the construction stands up to torrential downpours.

Amazon

Capacity: 28 liters | Weight: 5 pounds | Sizes: One size | Number of external pockets: 3 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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The best bow-hunting backpack is as unique as bow hunters themselves. They’re a different breed, and as such, they have specific needs when it comes to a hunting pack.

Insights Hunting—a label owned by Frogg Toggs—created the Vision Bow Pack to help organize, transport and store bow hunting gear, which makes the hunt more enjoyable when you aren’t fumbling qith equipment. The bow pack will carry long, parallel limb bows, quivers, arrows, optics and electronics with ease, and it can fit shotguns and rifles to boot. There’s a quiver pouch for arrows on each side and a large front compartment on the pack to store additional gear in a protected zippered pocket. A special feature that sets this pack apart is the TS3 Tree Shelf Stand, which adapts to make a shelf, storage or basket for tree hunting in a pinch.

Mystery Ranch

Capacity: 75 liters | Weight: 5 pounds | Sizes: S-XL | Number of external pockets: 4 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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The Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 is a great day trip backpack that expands in size thanks to its large roll-top closure. It works well for single-day hunts, but can also work for a multi-day trips as well, making it very versatile. The lid detaches to allow for easy access to the pack or pockets on the top. It will hold all your gear, while still having plenty of compression straps to pack out meat.

The entire pack is built around the Mystery Ranch Ultra Light MT frame, which makes it lighter in weight yet strong enough for those long, heavy hauls. This pack is a great mix of everything that you could want for a day hunt. The only drawback is the price tag of more than $500. It will cost you a lot, but it should last you a lifetime.

Sitka

Capacity: 74 liters | Weight: 5.75 pounds | Sizes: ML-LXL | Number of external pockets: 2 | Hydration reservoir compatible: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime

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The Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000 is built with longer hunting trips in mind because it can expand from 2,750 to 4,500 cubic inches to provide the capacity for multi-day hunts. In addition to the loads of space, Sitka also makes this pack lightweight and comfortable using a tubular, aircraft-grade aluminum frame and triple-density foam in the hip belt and shoulder straps. The pack is rated up to 150 pounds when packed with gear and game. And the MOLLE-compatible hip belt means you can easily add more accessories if need be.

The Forbes Vetted gear team has published many expertly researched gear articles that cover a range of fishing and hunting topics. These include guides that delve into binoculars, trail cams and broader topics, like how to fly fish if you’re a beginner.

To find the best hunting backpacks in each of the respective categories, I meticulously looked over each pack with a discerning eye, evaluating features, materials, warranties and so much more. I also asked hunting experts and guides for their pack recommendations to understand what the pros use and why.

While the size of a hunting backpack will be influenced by what you’re hunting, where you’re hunting and how long you’re hunting, a medium-sized backpack—typically in the range of 30 to 40 liters—is ideal for hunting. It provides sufficient space to carry essential gear, including ammunition, water (and a water filter), snacks, first-aid supplies and extra layers, striking a balance between storage capacity and mobility.

The best hunting backpack is personal to you, but any well-equipped pack should include essentials like extra clothing, camping gear and hunting gear along with food and water. This includes equipment you might think of, like extra ammo, binoculars, a spotting scope and a tripod, but it should also include a first aid kit, a hunting knife, a backpacking tent and a sleeping bag if you intend to days or weeks in the field.

We posed this question to hunting expert Aron Snyder, President & CEO of Kifaru, who had this to say about a camo hunting pack.

“A hunting pack absolutely does not need to be camo, as functionality, durability and comfort are far more important factors. Solid colors like brown, green or grey can blend well with almost every environment during a hunt. What truly matters is how well the pack carries your gear and withstands the conditions.”