Whether you’re a backyard whitetail hunter or you’re on a 10-day Alaskan moose hunt, there’s a pack here that fits your needs—and your gear.
Hunting is a gear-intensive enterprise and almost every hunt requires some kind of bag or pack to carry all those layers, calls, first aid kit, processing tools, and tech in and out of the field. If you’re lucky, it’ll help carry meat out at some point as well.
Almost any backpack will suffice for a hunt, but ideally you’re heading out with a pack that’s tailored to the type of hunt, duration in the field, and style of hunting you pursue. A generic backpack can get the job done, but it’s even better to have dedicated storage designed precisely for the gear you need to have on you and that you that need to access quickly when it matters.
Thankfully for hunters, the design of hunting packs has advanced rapidly over the past couple of decades, with hunting brands taking cues from backpacking brands and building smartly designed, ergonomic packs that fit well over long treks with heavy loads. Modern hunting packs also incorporate ingenious, sport-specific storage for essential equipment such as bows, rifles, optics, sleeping gear, meat, and more.
Still, every hunt is different and an Eastern whitetail backyard tree stand hunter will want a different carry solution than an Alaskan moose hunter heading out for 10 days in the wilderness. For this reason, I’ve organized my favorite hunting backpacks into picks tailored for some of the most common types of hunters from upland bird hunters to backcountry elk hunters.
Best Hunting Backpacks
- Best Overall Hunting Pack: Sitka Mountain 2700 Hunting Pack
- Best Day Hunting Pack: Kuiu Venture Divide 2000
- Best Budget Frame Pack: Slumberjack (SJK) Hone Backpack
- Best Multiday Hunting Pack: Stone Glacier Sky 5900 Pack
- Best for Heavy Loads: Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Frame Pack
The Expert: As a Colorado-based hunter of deer, elk, pronghorn, waterfowl, and moose in the Rocky Mountains, I’ve tested hunting packs in a range of climates and conditions from hot and dry high desert to thick forest in heavy rain and snow. I also hunt back home in Upstate New York’s Eastern hardwood forests and spend more time in a tree stand in wide-ranging weather, so I understand the challenges of several different regions, seasons, and types of hunters.
How to Choose a Hunting Pack
Fit
There’s no way to precisely judge the fit of a pack without actually testing it in person, but it’s the one dimension that can render a pack painful or impossible to use properly. Luckily, many modern packs come sized (with helpful size charts online), so you can at least approximate which size ought to fit you best.
When ordering online, make sure the seller’s return policy gives you a reasonable window to test the product and return if you find the fit won’t work for you. If you want to test several packs and keep the one that fits you best, keep in mind that some sellers may charge you for return shipping.
Volume and Expansion
How you hunt will dictate the size and type of pack you need. For example, a whitetail hunter who walks a few hundred yards into a backyard tree stand for a morning session needs a different pack than someone who is embarking on a 10-day, self-supported Alaskan moose hunt. Some hunters want one backpack to use for day hikes as well as overnights and will prize expansion and adaptability. Other hunters prefer dedicated packs for different types of hunts. Turkey hunters, for instance, will benefit from a turkey vest, which is often a vest, backpack, and integrated padded seat all rolled into one.
Many modern hunting packs offer impressive expansion options that enable a medium-sized bag to be used as a day pack and then expand to carry several nights’ worth of gear or to pack out meat from a successful hunt. These types of packs are good options for hunters who, for budget constraints or simplicity, want one pack that can work for most any situation and duration of hunt.
Judging how much pack volume you need is easiest if you have an existing frame of reference, such as previous hunting or backpacking packs you’ve used. Pack volume is usually measured in liters or cubic inches. A reasonably sized day pack for me is about 30 liters or just under 2,000 cubic inches. I find that packs any smaller than that often force me to strap things to the outside, especially when hunting in colder seasons where more layers are required and I prefer to keep my gear inside the pack as much as possible.
For up to three-day overnights, an 80-liter pack is about right for me, but different hunts and different people will have wide variations in volume requirements. For example, I have hunted areas without any water sources and have had to carry in all my water for three days, which at least doubled my pack weight. In this case, I used a burly external-frame pack where, in a different environment, a larger internal-frame pack might have sufficed.
Materials and Construction
As with hunting outerwear, modern hunters have benefited greatly from advancement in materials and coatings that make packs lighter, tougher, and more waterproof than your father’s hunting pack. That said, I don’t scrutinize materials used in a pack the way I would for a hunting jacket. Having a water-repelling treatment on a pack is handy, but I prefer to just use a rain cover, and many packs come with rain covers built in.
How We Selected These Hunting Backpacks
I’ve hunted in a wide range of conditions, having grown up hunting whitetail and upland game in Upstate New York, then moving West and hunting big game in big mountains.
My selections here, however, are biased somewhat toward Western hunting. In part, that’s because a hunting pack is a much more critical decision for most Western hunting where you’re covering more miles and likely doing some overnight backpacking hunts. Your average whitetail tree stand hunter may not even use a backpack, and if they do, the details are less critical because there’s generally less gear and it gets hauled for shorter distances.
To make these recommendations, I considered both packs I own or have owned, as well as the half-dozen packs I tested specifically for this review. I also spoke with other hunters, brand reps, and store owners to make sure I was considering the best widely available packs for North American hunters.
Sitka Mountain 2700 Hunting Pack
PROS
- Size that works for most situations
- Streamlined shape
CONS
- No expansion for meat carry
No one pack will be perfect for everyone, but the 44-liter size and smart design of Sitka’s core backpack offering—the Mountain 2700—covers most hunting needs from day hunts to shorter multi-day overnights in the backcountry.
If you’re looking for one pack to do it all, you can certainly go bigger and have space to spare, but my problem with this strategy is that larger packs can be cumbersome when actively hiking, bumping the back of your head and catching on every branch. The Mountain 2700 doesn’t expand like some larger do-it-all packs, but it’s big enough to carry your gear for up to about three days in the woods.
The substantially padded and wide waist belt transfers heavier loads to your hips where it belongs and the stiff but light internal frame distributes that weight nicely up your back. The waist belt also uses Velcro straps to give you the ability to attach ammo bags, water bottle holsters, bear spray, and other accessories to keep those close without having to remove the pack.
The outside of the pack features a quick-access top pouch and two vertical pockets long and large enough for jackets and layers or spotting scope and/or tripod so you don’t have to go into the pack’s main compartment for everything.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Subalpine, Open Country |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size fits all |
| Weight | 3.5 lb |
Kuiu Venture Divide 2000
PROS
- Smaller profile for active hunting
- Adjustable height shoulder harness
- Lots of exterior, quick access gear storage
CONS
- A bit heavy for a day pack
If you aren’t doing a lot of backpacking to hunt or if you just want a smaller pack for shorter missions, it’s convenient to have a just-big-enough pack that doesn’t bump the back of your head and catch straps on every tree branch like many backpacking hunting packs do.
Kuiu’s new Venture Divide 2000 hits the sweet spot with its sizing at 33 liters. It feels like a relief when switching from bulkier packs thanks to a 20.5-inch frame height that stays squarely within your back. It’s constructed with a combination of a polycarbonate sheet and aluminum stays that make up the firm and flexible internal frame.
The exterior compression panel can hold a bow or act as quick storage for a jacket or any extra gear, and there’s also a handy space between the main and outer compartments that serves a similar purpose.
Although it’s one-size-fits-all, you can dial in the fit to your body with 2.5 inches of adjustment in the shoulder harness, which ensures a contoured, comfortable fit. Despite being a daypack, the waist belt is substantial, and the back padding is well-ventilated unlike some cheaper daypacks that skimp on those sorts of details.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Kryptek Highlander, Perception DST |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size fits all |
| Weight | 4 lb. 5 oz |
3 – BEST BUDGET DAY HUNTING PACK
SJK Hone Backpack
PROS
- Agile for active hunting
CONS
- Need another pack for multiday hunts
If you don’t do a lot of overnight hunts or just prefer having a slimmer, lighter pack for short missions, consider a true day pack such as the Hone from Slumberjack. I have personally hunted with this pack for years and love the balance of light weight and rigidity from its contoured, metal-reinforced hard plastic internal frame sheet.
The height of the back panel is big enough to distribute weight but compact enough for active hiking and to avoid snagging. An external compression segment offers two smaller storage options but also lets you secure a rifle, bow, or extra gear between it and the main backpack. The pack isn’t as rigid as other higher-volume expandable options, but I’ve successfully packed out entire smaller animals such as bighorn sheep using just this pack.
The design of the pack has (thankfully) remained mostly unchanged since I bought my first one years ago. One welcome update is the ability to extend the bottom of the compression panel. which makes it easier to strap in your bow or other gear.
The waist belt pockets are the perfect size for frequently accessed items like phone, ammo, and rangefinder, and I’ve found there’s enough compartmentalization in the pack volume without being over the top.
Because the pack isn’t sized, it might not be perfect for every build, and there’s limited adjustment options for the height and positioning of shoulder and waist straps. Since the cost of the pack is reasonable, it’s not as painful to add this to your collection if you keep specific packs for different situations.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Kryptek Highlander |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size fits all |
| Weight | 3 lb 4 oz |
4 – BEST MULTIDAY HUNTING PACK
Stone Glacier Sky 5900 Pack
PROS
- Broad volume range possible through expansion modes
- Highly customizable fit
- Lots of optional add-on accessories
CONS
- A bit heavy/bulky when used as a day pack
The Sky 5900 pack stands out for its expansion and contraction options that can be summed up in one stat: The pack can pare down as small as 4,300 cubic inches in bivvy mode and can expand to 7,900 when using the load shelf option. In its normal configuration, it’s 5,900 cubic inches (about 97 liters), as the name would suggest.
Many packs tout expansion capabilities, and I’ve always been able to overload pretty much any pack with enough bungees and rope, but few pare down as effectively as the Sky 5900, whose bivvy mode is a welcome option when you’re simply day hunting from a vehicle or camp.
You also have the option of breaking out ultralight with the sold-separately Hydro Lid ($59) which doubles as a fanny pack on its own or as a small pack by detaching the shoulder straps from the pack and affixing them to the Lid.
Even in bivvy mode, this pack will be bigger than most day packs (the 26-inch X-Curve frame sits up above the base of my skull when properly fitted and I’m 6-feet tall). But, pared down, it’s a reasonably sized daypack that you can still expand enough to accommodate a pack-in for a weeklong hunt, meaning you don’t need to carry separate packs.
I also like the modularity and customization that’s possible with the Sky 5900. The pack is hydration bladder-compatible, but if you just use a water bottle, there is a Hydration Holster add-on ($29). Likewise, rangefinder and utility pockets, rifle slings, spotting scope sleeves, and more hunting-specific options can be added to turn the base pack into your own.
There are also several interchangeable frame options that let you choose the combination of materials and design that fits your priorities. One thing I love about the Stone Glacier frames and their harnesses is that the position and orientation of the shoulder and chest straps are easily adjusted for height and width, so you can really dial in the fit to your body. Likewise the hip belts are sized so you can get a more precise fit where it matters most.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Foliage |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S–L belt |
| Weight | 5.55 lb (paired with medium X-Curve frame) |
Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Frame Pack
PROS
- Built to handle heavy loads
- Highly customizable
CONS
- Bulky as a day pack
While you can buy the F1 Mainframe as a standalone simple external frame pack, it makes the most sense to talk about it as the base of Eberlestock’s extremely customizable, modular EMOD system that allows you to add and remove packs and accessories as needed.
Using different pouches and packs, such as the 10-liter Batwings, the Vapor 2500 bag, or the expedition-ready 7500-cubic-inch Vapor pack, the F1 Mainframe can function on its own for meat-hauling or as a 10-day expedition pack that can pare down for trips from base camp. The engineering of this system is smart, but it’s intuitive enough that you don’t need to carry an instruction manual with you just to add and remove pieces.
The Vapor bags have been modestly redesigned for Fall 2023, adding a hydration bladder sleeve, lighter weight fabrics in low-wear zones, and a higher riding point on the frame designed to keep weight on your upper back rather than pulling at your hips.
External frame packs aren’t as popular with hunters as they once were since backpacking-style packs have become more expandable and better engineered to distribute heavy loads. But for my money, the F1 Mainframe is what I want when I’m packing a heavy camp, heavy animal, or both.
Rated to 700 pounds of load (not realistic for most mortals), the F1 is basically built to carry as much weight as you’re physically able to bear. I still prefer a slimmer day pack when I have the option, but it’s hard to beat the modularity of this system for overnights. Pack in with your camp on your back and then pare down to just a couple Batwings or one of the Vapor packs for day hunting.
If you need to pack out an animal, use just the Mainframe, or adjust the setup to hold the game meat against the frame and your camp on the outside.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Military Green, Coyote, Skye, Mountain, Mirage, Dry Earth |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Regular, tall |
| Weight | 4 lb 5 oz (regular size) |
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6 – BEST FOR WATERFOWL HUNTING
Sitka Timber Waterfowl Hunting Pack
PROS
- Waterproof rubberized bottom
- Multifunctional tree/bird strap with hook
CONS
- Need straps/bungees to expand capacity
Because waterfowl hunting often involves a lot time on and in water, the pack needs of a duck or goose hunter are much different than, say, an elk hunter in the mountain West.
Sitka’s waterfowl-specific Timber pack features a rubberized bag bottom that can be set in muck or the bottom of a boat without fear of soaking your gear inside. It also has a wide webbing strap that lets you mount it to a tree above the waterline. When hung, the bag folds open, giving you access to the various interior storage areas for easy access while sitting in your blind.
The backpack carry with waist and shoulder harness keeps your hands free to manage decoy bags and shotgun. If you have more gear than what fits in the pack’s 20-liter capacity, there are external compression straps. There’s also a removable noose system for carrying up to eight birds externally if you have a good day in the field.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Optifade Waterfowl Timber |
|---|---|
| Sizes | One size fits all |
| Weight | 3.13 lb |
7 – BEST WHITETAIL DEER HUNTING PACK
Treehouse Treehouse 9 Hip Pack
PROS
- Fabric engineered to be quiet
- Lots of individual pockets for organization
CONS
- Limited capacity for bulkier items
The pack needs of a tree stand whitetail hunter are far different than those of an active Western elk hunter, so it makes sense to buy a bag designed for the purpose.
Staying quiet is critical with any big game hunting, but whitetail hunting from a tree stand requires near silence This is precisely why Mystery Ranch uses a fleece-like polyester on the exterior to minimize noise generated by moving or opening the pack.
The 9-liter size is small—plenty for the style of tree stand hunting I normally do back home in Upstate New York—but this pack accommodates a couple of water bottles, phone, keys, and other small essentials.
It’s also easy to hang from a tree or stand once you’ve settled in for your sit. More active hunters who may want more capacity can consider one of the larger Treehouse options like the backpack-style Treehouse 20 which can easily hold additional bulky items such as a heavy jacket that gets shed when the day heats up.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | West River, Open Canopy, Wood |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XL |
| Weight | 3.5 lb |
Filson Upland Guide Strap Vest
PROS
- Breathable fabric
- Weight-distributing waist belt
- Lots of front-accessible storage
CONS
- Warmer on hot days than a lightweight vest
This “pack” straddles the line between vest and pack. It keeps everything you need in front while providing extra storage for your quarry on your back when you need it.
The Upland Guide Strap Vest isn’t cheap, but it’s a purpose-built piece of gear with large dual ammunition pockets at your waist, a hydration bladder sleeve (bladder not included), and lots of pockets of different sizes for calls, personal items, and layers.
Upland bird hunting for me usually involves lots of hiking at elevation, so it’s nice to leave the parking lot with a streamlined vest pack instead of a bulkier daypack shoehorned into the job. And while there are lighter vests that have similar features, I like the integration of the hydration system and the substantial hip belt that distributes load far better than any traditional vest can.
The blaze orange on the back also eliminates the need for a separate orange vest and keeps you legal in the field (always check your state regulations for blaze orange requirements though!)
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Blaze Orange/Dark Tan |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Regular or Super |
| Weight | Not listed |
Kuiu Waypoint 10400 Extra Large Duffel
PROS
- Waterproof
- Durable fabric
- Extra-large capacity
CONS
- Limited internal organization
There are lots of great travel-ready, water-resistant gear duffels out there for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. Patagonia’s Black Hole duffels are likely the most popular, and Sitka’s Drifter Duffles are perfect for hunters as well.
What I love most about Kuiu’s Waypoint entry into the category is they make a truly enormous 10400 size (about 170 liters). If you’re going to be over the airline’s luggage weight limit, you might as well go BIG, and I’ve found that the largest size from most other brands just isn’t enough.
I use duffels to fly with spearfishing gear, but most aren’t long enough to accommodate my 42-inch speargun. They’re usually just big enough to put you over the weight limit when filled anyway.
All three sizes of the Waypoint have a backpack carry option. If you’ve ever hauled a 65-pound duffel through an airport, your shoulder will understand why that matters. Like any good travel duffel, it’s made with durable, TPU-coated fabric to withstand the beatings it will receive from you and the handlers in the baggage room.
I prefer the 10400 size, but if that seems like too much duffel, the 2800 meets most carry-on requirements. The 5500 is great for vehicle storage or more modest gear hauling for shorter trips. All bags have three internal pockets so you can keep things like small personal items and dirty undies separate from the rest of your gear.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Vias Storm camo, Black, Bourbon, Stone |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 550, 2,800, and 10400 cubic in |
| Weight | Varies |
Whiteduck Filios Canvas Duffel
PROS
- High-volume sizes available
CONS
- Not fully waterproof
The longer you hunt, the more gear you collect, and I like to have large bags for storing bulky items such as jackets, pants, and layers. The shockingly affordable Filios duffels from Whiteduck deliver volume for less than $50, and the rugged canvas fabric means you can count on the bags for years to come.
The duffels come in three sizes ranging from 79 liters up to a massive 247 liters, which is great for big, awkward items like waterfowl decoy sets.
While not as waterproof as rubberized fabrics, the cotton-based canvas does have a water-repellent coating to keep contents from getting soaked if exposed to the elements.
KEY SPECS
| Colors/Patterns | Black, Black/Tan, Brown/Olive, Black/Olive, Black/Brown, Brown/Tan |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Standard, large, extra-large |
| Weight | 2.9 lb (standard), 3.2 lb (L), 4.6 lb (XL) |
More Tips From Our Expert on Finding the Perfect Hunting Pack for You.
Any advice for finding the right fit?
When testing the fit of a pack, I find it helpful to add weight and walk around in it as much as you can. Most packs feel fine when empty, but you’ll get a more realistic experience by putting in the weight. It puts stress on the points where the pack distributes the weight on your body.
Most hunting packs, even burly external frame packs, weigh in at less than 10 pounds. I like a pack that’s about 6 pounds or less since modern materials and design mean even high-capacity packs need not weigh much more than that.
If you struggle with finding a pack that fits you properly, look for a brand and model that offers more adjustment. For example, the Stone Glacier pack in my recommendations uses hook and loop (Velcro) attachment to the frame which allows you to move the shoulder straps and hip belt both up and down on the frame but also side to side.
Any advice for someone shopping for their first hunting backpack?
If you’re shopping for a hunting-specific backpack for the first time and don’t have previous experience to guide you, see if you own a suitable backpack already (or can borrow one) that you can load up with your hunting gear to get a feel for the size and style that makes sense for you. You can even spend a season testing a pack and noting its shortcomings or features you like before buying a hunting-specific one.
Is one pack enough?
At this point in my hunting career, I have more hunting packs than I care to admit. Though it is nice to have a dedicated pack for every type of hunting, most hunters can get away with a single backpack they use throughout hunting season and likely beyond as well. The biggest compromise when choosing a single pack for all seasons will be in the pack’s size.
If you only participate in one kind of hunting, say, a backpacking elk rifle hunt each year, then pack selection is pretty straightforward.
If you get into a range of hunting styles, such as long overnight missions as well as quick morning upland bird hunts, things get trickier. A high-volume backpacking pack will be cumbersome in day hunting situations and, conversely, a small day hunting pack just won’t have the capacity when you want to head out for a long weekend camping in the backcountry.
One solution is to buy a bigger pack that sizes down well, such as the Stone Glacier Sky 5900—recommended above—and deal with more pack than you need on some days. The other, more expensive solution, is to pony up the cash and buy multiple packs to fit your diverse needs.
Is choosing a backpack by weight and comfort the same thing?
No! Pack comfort comes down to design and fit more than anything. A lighter weight pack is always optimal—however, a lightweight pack that’s ill-fitting isn’t going to be comfortable when you load it up with all your stuff.
Even sized and highly adjustable packs don’t fit everyone equally, so as with boots, fit is highly individual to your build and size. If you can try a pack before you buy it, that’s great, but even the fit of an empty pack in a store can be deceiving. When I get a new pack, I like to load it up with weight such as full water bladders and adjust it as-needed to gauge if it’s going to work for me.
Whether shopping in-person or online, confirm that you have a return grace period so you can spend some time with the pack loaded up before you commit to going out hunting with it.
What is the biggest mistake folks make when buying a hunting backpack?
Hunters are no more immune to aesthetics than your average teenager shopping for back-to-school clothes, so the biggest mistake I see people make with packs is buying on looks.
It’s easy to do so when you’re shopping online, especially when browsing through images and you see a cool high-tech pack with camo that matches your clothes. Steer yourself away from that temptation and find a pack that’s the right size with the right features. It will be much more important to your satisfaction in the long run.