Best Hunting Backpacks [Don't Miss This One!]

If you're in search of the best hunting backpack for your next trip, you've come to the right place. 

I'm going to walk you through the top four hunting backpacks on the market today, based upon a few of the most popular pack categories. Of course, there's many other great options available, but if you're trying to get right to the point I've listed everything you need to know.

Believe me, I know what it's like to purchase a faulty backpack that breaks in the stand, or wears down after a few year. On the other side of things, I also know what it means to be spend too much and overdo what's needed for my own style of hunting. 

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The Quick Summary
Overall, the Best Hunting Backpack is the KUIU Divide 1200!
Below you can check out other top options including the... 
- Best Hunting Backpack With Frame: KUIU Pro Hunting Pack Kit
- Best Bowhunting Backpack: Insights Vision Bow Pack
- Best Deer Hunting Backpack: Badlands 2200
- Best Duck Hunting Backpack: Sitka Timber Pack
And scroll down to find out the most frequently asked questions before picking your pack!

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This blog is going to take all that into consideration while presenting everything in an easy to read format - including our hunting backpack comparison chart. Check out the top options below, and remember to review our most important things to consider section, as well as our FAQs in case you're interested in learning more!

Question: The Army permits carrying up to how much weight for an “emergency approach load”? (Answer at the bottom)

Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

Best Overall Hunting Backpack

Kuiu Divide 1200

Kuiu is without a doubt one of the best hunting backpack brands on the market today, and as a result, it wasn't a surprise to come to the conclusion that they also had the best overall hunting backpack within their selection.

The Kuiu Divide 1200 is the best overall hunting backpack for several reasons, but it's largely a result of its design and versatility. 

Kuiu defines the 1200 as a "mid-sized hunting day pack", but it's really much more than that. The pack is equipped for full day hunt treestand sits, or spot-and-stalk day hunting out west. 

As far as features, it's equipped with main, secondary, and accessory pockets with organized compartments to house your gear in the most efficient manner possible. However, this isn't even the best part - the bag includes a "divided" pocket where you can store tripods or spotting scopes, and even extra clothing if needed.

As you'd expect the Divide 1200 is lined with durable and waterproof CORDURA® and comes with a fully hydration compatible system!

For latest prices, and more information about the KUIU Divide 1200 click below!

Best Hunting Backpack With Frame

KUIU Pro Hunting Pack Kit

The Kuiu Pro Hunting Pack Kit is a high-quality hunting backpack kit that is designed specifically for those multi-day hunters that are looking for a customized/adjustable backpack system. The kit includes a backpack, a frame, and a variety of accessories that can be used to customize the backpack to suit the needs of the individual hunter.

One of the top features of the Kuiu Pro Hunting Pack Kit is its lightweight, durable design. The backpack is made of lightweight Cordura RipStop fabric that's then treated with Kuiu's water-resistant K-DWR treatment. 

This treatment increases the breathability and performance which allows the  waterproof membranes to evaporate your sweat while blocking out moisture.

The core pack is equipped with Kuiu's Pro Suspension and is attached to their Carbon Fiber Frame, which can support up to 100 pounds of gear. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who need to carry a lot of gear on hunting trips.

The backpack features a variety of compartments and pockets for storing hunting gear, including a main compartment, a front compartment, and multiple pockets for storing smaller items. Additionally, the backpack features a built-in rifle or bow holder, which allows hunters to carry their weapon with them on the go.

The kit also includes a variety of accessories such as a meat shelf, a meat hauler, and a hydration system. These accessories can be used to customize the backpack to suit the needs of the individual hunter.

For latest prices, and more information on the Kuiu Pro Hunting Pack Kit take a look below!

Best Hunting Backpack For Bowhunting

Insights Vision Bow Pack

If you're looking for a backpack that safely and comfortably carries your bow, look no further than the Insights Vision Bow Pack - the best hunting backpack for bowhunting.

The bowhunting pack design has been around for several decades; however, it's been quite awhile before a new, innovative design has come along to actually fix these issues us bowhunters have had with this pack style.

Starting with the bow compartment design, Insights has done a phenomenal job of improving this by incorporating somewhat of a soft bow case addition to the rear of the pack. This not only securely holds your bow, but it also protects it while laying the pack on the ground or leaning it up against the tree. And it can even hold a recurve bow!

While the pack has several other great features, the most notable is the Tree Shelf Three (TS3) System. This three pocket system acts as a standard pocket, shelf and basket for all your gear. Lastly, its unique design allows the pack to securely wrap around the tree while hunting.

For latest prices, and more information on the Insights Vision Bow Pack we have that as well!

Best Deer Hunting Backpack

Badlands 2200

The Badlands 2200 hunting backpack is a high-quality hunting backpack designed to provide hunters with a durable, comfortable, and functional backpack to carry their hunting gear on hunting trips. The backpack is made of durable, water-resistant fabric and features multiple compartments and pockets for storing hunting gear. 

One of the top features of the Badlands 2200 hunting backpack is its comfortable, adjustable harness system. This system is designed to provide a comfortable fit for hunters of all sizes, and it can be easily adjusted to suit the needs of the individual hunter. Additionally, the backpack features a built-in hydration system, which allows hunters to stay hydrated on the go. This is especially useful for hunters who are on multi-day hunting trips.

Another key feature of the Badlands 2200 hunting backpack is its multiple compartments and pockets. The backpack has a main compartment, a front compartment, and multiple pockets for storing hunting gear. This allows hunters to organize their gear in a way that makes it easy to access when they need it. Additionally, the backpack features a built-in rifle or bow holder, which allows hunters to carry their weapon with them on the go.

The backpack is suitable for most types of hunting including deer hunting, elk hunting, turkey hunting, etc. it's especially useful for the hunters who have to carry a lot of gear and need to have it well organized.

In conclusion, the Badlands 2200 hunting backpack is a high-quality hunting backpack that provides hunters with a durable, comfortable, and functional backpack to carry their hunting gear on hunting trips. The backpack's comfortable, adjustable harness system, built-in hydration system, multiple compartments and pockets, and built-in rifle or bow holder, make it an excellent choice for hunters who require a backpack that is both functional and comfortable. It is suitable for most types of hunting and especially useful for hunters who have to carry a lot of gear and need to have it well organized.

For latest prices, and more information on the Badlands 2200 we have that as well!

Best Duck Hunting Backpack

Sitka Timber Pack

This is the true "built for waterfowl hunters" pack solution! Available in the versatile Timber color, this pack offers convenience and functionality.

Equipped with a durable Burly Tree Strap, you can easily carry the pack or suspend it above water for quick access. The Aluminum Gun Hook, featuring custom metal tooling hardware, allows effortless shotgun removal, adding to your hunting ease.

With the Fowl Noose System, featuring eight removable nooses, bagging your limit becomes a breeze. Whether you're navigating challenging terrains or adverse weather conditions, SITKA Gear is your reliable companion. Proudly made in the USA or available as an imported option, our commitment to top-notch quality ensures you're well-prepared to overcome any obstacle. Discover the full range of our industry-leading products by visiting our storefront.

For latest prices, and more information about the Sikta Timber Pack click below!

What To Consider When Choosing Your Hunting Backpack

Capacity

Capacity is going to really depend on the type of hunting you're doing, and how long you're going to be out in the woods. 

Hunting backpacks' capacity can range from 500 cubic inches to over 6,000 plus, depending on the brand and type.

In our blog, about the different types of hunting backpacks, we examine the standard volume / capacity limits associated with each. And while many hunters don't usually measure the cubic inches required to house all their gear, it is a nice visual to have if you're in the market.

Pro Tip: Remember to securely pack any scents, toothpaste, soap in a separate, enclosed compartments to avoid any disasters.

Weight

Weight is a key factor to consider when purchasing a hunting pack, but the variance in weight is really going to be somewhat minimal until you get to multi-day packs. 

If you're in the market for any specialized turkey or duck hunting pack, or even a general all-purpose deer hunting backpack, the available options are going to be very similar. Of course, the top brands and manufacturers are going to use high-quality, lighter materials, but that really won't make a huge difference until you start evaluating frame packs.

Materials

Hunting backpack materials is somewhat similar to the importance of hunting boot materials - it has to be at the top of your list when deciding what to purchase next. 

When searching for a good material, many of the top hunting backpack companies utilize Cordura ,an advanced synthetic fabric, for the ultimate durability. 

Aside from this, you'll have companies like Badlands and Stone Glacier which either use their own proprietary fabric or a mix of both propriety fabric and Cordura to enhance their packs construction.

Overall, I would avoid standard cotton backpacks unless you're really trying to save money. You may ultimately find yourself in the market for another backpack sooner than you think.

Price

There's no doubt that high-quality backpacks command a higher-than-average price, and honestly, sometimes it's worth it. 

Today's backpack prices range from $50 to nearly $1,000 as you start to improve the quality and features. Ultimately, many of these popular pack manufacturers are going to produce a high quality backpack at a reasonable price.

However, if you're looking for the name and an unbeatable set of features and characteristics you might have to pay a pretty penny to keep up with the Jones.

Popular Hunting Backpack FAQs

1. What Should I Keep In My Hunting Backpack?

Putting together a packing list of what to bring in your hunting backpack is going to depend on a few factors listed below:

1. What you're hunting.

2. What weapon you're using to hunt with.

3. How long you're hunting.

4. The conditions and environment you're hunting in.

5. Whether or not you're hunting alone.

Overall, it's best to go with the key essentials for a hunting pack, and then expand upon that depending on the questions above. From there, it's about organizing and properly packing your hunting backpack to ensure you're ready for whatever is ahead of you.

2. What Kind Of Backpack Does Steven Rinella Use?

If you've ever turned on MeatEater, you might have noticed a few common backpacks that Steve Rinella uses more times than not.

The main two kinds of backpacks Steve Rinella uses is the Stone Glacier system and the Optics Hunter, made in the USA by Outdoorsmans.

3. Where Should A Hunting Backpack Hip Belt Sit?

When purchasing a framed hunting backpack, you'll want to make sure the hip belt is properly positioned to support the weight of the bag. 

As a general recommendation, the center horizontal line of the hip belt should be 1" below the top of the iliac crest

4. Are Hunting Backpacks Waterproof?

Not all hunting backpacks are waterproof, so you need to do your research if this is one of your requirements when choosing a hunting backpack.

Brands like Alps OutdoorZ and Kuiu are most well-known for producing waterproof hunting packs, with Kuiu applying a unique coating for added durability and waterproof protection.

Best Hunting Backpack Review Video

Answer: 120 lbs. - Have you ever carried this much while hunting? Let us know in the comments below.

For a blog about the Best Hunting Boots take a look today!