In this product review article our hunting editor, Casey Fiedler, walks you through everything you need to know in order to pick the best backpack for hunting to meet your specific needs and hunting situation.

We’ll take a look at what makes a great hunting backpack and what to avoid. Also see How To Choose The Best Hunting Backpack later in the article.

Best Hunting Backpacks

	ALPS OutdoorZ Commander	Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Backpack	Stansport Mountain Hauler Pack Frame
Configuration	Pack Frame + Pack Bag Combined	Pack Frame w/ Optional Pack Bag	Pack Frame Only
Material	Aluminum Frame w/ Aircraft Nylon Pack Bag	Aluminum Frame w/ Canvas Bag	Aluminum Frame w/ Polyester Straps
Waterproof	Yes	Water-resistant	Yes
Special Features	Combo Frame/Pack Rifle and Handgun Holders + Accessories Pockets	Modular : Transformer Pack can be used stand-alone or w/ F1 Mainframe Backpack	Heavy Duty Fold-Away Shelf

Also see: Hunting Backpacks Comparison Table and YouTube Video Review

Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Hunting Backpacks – 2021

1. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander
2. Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Backpack
3. Stansport Mountain Hauler Pack Frame
4. L.I.C.E. BackPack Frame
5. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit

Hunting Backpack Reviews

#1 ALPS OutdoorZ Commander

This seriously tough backpack is designed for rugged and longer hunting expeditions. The pack’s versatile and functional design is made with serious big game hunters in mind.

The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander has all the space you need to accommodate all your hunting gear and a frame for carrying larger kills.

If you need a quality backpack for rifle, the OutdoorZ definitely live up to the task. It is sturdy and comes with 7.5 lbs frame and durable zippers that are incredibly silent when pulled.

The unique fastening system employed is versatile enough to hold and secure a wide range of equipment including your crossbow and rifle to keep your hands free while you are on the trail.

There are plenty of storage pockets, strapping and pouches for hold tons of gears- so if you want a hunting backpack that truly loads up, then this might be the best hunting backpack for you.

For convenience, this backpack comes with a lower opening, but loads from the top so there are many ways in which you can pack and unpack it.

If you are looking for a durable and quality hunting backpack to carry all your hunting gear for your next hunting expedition, the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander is your best bet.

Watch the clip below to get more information about the backpack features.

#2 Eberlestock F1 Mainframe Backpack

The F1 Mainframe from Eberlestock is probably the greatest innovation in modern and minimalist camo hunting backpack.

Over the years, the F1 Mainframe backpack has made a name for itself as one of the most useful and versatile backpack one can ever purchase.

The pack is known for its capability, ultra lightness, versatility, durability and the awesome comfort it offers its wearers.

It is designed to serve in any situation, and carry any man-portable load with great enthusiasm and comfort. If you want a strong, light, and durable backpack for elk hunting, the F1 Mainframe is one of the best options to consider.

It is constructed with high-quality materials like the Intex II aluminum frame, and durable NT7 or 1000 –denier nylon fabric (based on your choice). This gives it its lightweight properties while ensuring maximum strength and durability.

The F1 Mainframe is compatible with Eberlestock Transformer Backpack and many other Eberlestock add-on accessories and can be used as a day or freight pack, or turned into a prey hauler in a few seconds.

The system is equipped with horizontal compression straps to stabilize and secure your gears.

With the multiple attachment points, adjustable ladder harness system and other exciting features on the mainframe, you wouldn’t waste time making this backpack an essential part of your next hunting expenditure.

The Eberlestock F1 Mainframe backpack will not only help you to pack and secure your hunting gear but also offers a great deal of versatility, durability, and comfort.

#3 Stansport Mountain Hauler Pack Frame

Do you want an affordable and ergonomic solution to pack and haul a range of items for your next hunting expedition? If yes, the Stansport Mountain Hauler Pack Frame is one of the best pack to consider.

It offers a lot of versatility and comfort, thanks to its hip belt and padded shoulder straps.  This makes hauling of wild game, firewood and other heavy or bulky items on rugged terrain a lot easier.

The 31.5″ X16″ frame features a welded anodized aluminum construction that offers a lot of durability and stability on rough terrain.

The back band features a large weave mesh that is designed for excellent breathability and comfort.

It also comes with a fold-away shelf that allows you to attach and secure your load to its heavy duty frame to give you a more comfortable and enjoyable hunting experience.

The Stansport Mountain Hauler Pack Frame is a great option for a hunting backpack and probably the best hunting pack frame.

#4 A.L.I.C.E. BackPack Frame

When it comes to selecting a quality but cheap hunting pack frame, the ALICE Backpack frame is probably the best pack to consider.

The ALICE Backpack frame is a beautiful innovation from Rothco that is suitable for packing heavy and bulky items or wild game in all kinds of situation.

It features a 12.5 x 3 x 20.5-inch frame that offers a great deal of stability and durability.

The pack is amazingly light in weight. With the  ALICE Backpack frame, Rothco Canvas G.I. Style Soft Pack and USGI Alice Pack Frame Shelf Cargo Support Shelf, you can conveniently carry more gear and supplies for your next hunting expedition.

The backpack frame comes with padded shoulder straps; this allows you to haul your prey and other items with absolute ease and comfort.

For a bargain price, the ALICE Backpack frame is almost certainly the best cheap hunting pack frame on the market.

#5 ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit

If you’re looking for quality and durable hunting day pack, camo backpack and bow hunting backpack, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit might be the best for you.

This is one of the best archery backpacks as it is specially designed for hunters who prefer the use of the bow and arrow as their main weapon.

Hunters love the Pursuit, as it can hold almost any bow and also have the space to allow them to carry other weapons and stalk their prey hands-free to make their hunting expenditure easier and more comfortable.

With the total volume of 2700 cubic inches and array of exterior storage pockets and pouches, you can pack and store those cumbersome gears and everything you need for your hunting trip.

The internal aluminum frame provides stability, especially when you are on rough trails. With a great deal of versatility it offers, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit can prove to be one of the best hunting daypack to carry a lot of supplies for your next hunting trip.

It has a drop-down pocket to fix your bow to the pack or hold the base of your rifle or shotgun safely and comfortably.

The brushed “Raintree” camouflage design and the Blaze orange rain cover allow you to blend easily into the environment while keeping your gear dry. The pack also comes with Hydration pocket and port.

Overall, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit is not only an excellent bow backpack but also one of the best hunting packs on the market.

Hunting Backpacks Comparison Table

How To Choose the Best Hunting Backpack

• Size
• Durability
• Quietness
• Comfort
• Added features
• Internal or External Frame
• FAQs – Frequently Asked Question
• Conclusion

No doubt! Having a backpack for hunting will help you to have a successful hunting trip.  While this convenient item is not a necessity for a hunting trip, owning a quality backpack to store and carry all your hunting gear while pursuing game can have a big impact on the hunting experience.

Since there are many different varieties available, choosing the right hunting backpack that suits your hunting style can be overwhelming. But it does not have to be so much work. When it comes to selecting the best hunting backpack that suits your hunting style, there are some important factors you need to put into consideration. These factors include:

Size

Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for a hunting backpack that is perfect for your hunting style. While it is important to select a big backpack to accommodate all your supplies, selecting the one that does not fit your torso can result in backaches that can send you home before you take any game.

To select the appropriate size, consider the number of days you spend on a hunting trip and select the one that will comfortably accommodate all your supplies. Big game or longer days out in the field require more supplies and a bigger pack.

Small hunting backpacks or hunting day packs are more suitable for small game and shorter days. Another thing is to measure your torso length; this will help to determine the right backpack size that fits your body size. The measurement below might be able to help.

• Large: 20” and up

• Medium: 18 – 19 ½”  tall

• Small: 16 – 17 ½ “ tall

• Miniature: Up to 15-½” tall

Durability

This is also one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pack. Since you do not want your backpack to deteriorate too soon or break open on your first trip- you need to carefully examine the hunting packs and ensure that they are made from quality materials before making your choice. A durable pack will not only be a good value for your money but will also carry your gears no matter how heavy they are, for a longer period of time.

Quietness

Some fabrics featured on the packs produce more sounds when touched or opened, or when they brush against another object. Having a backpack whose materials will produce no sound when you are stealthily moving closer to your target or reaching for your weapon will increase the odds of taking game.

Comfort

Your comfort is very important on your hunting expedition, so you have to select a pack that allows you to carry your gears ergonomically. You also need to consider the shoulder straps, pack with unpadded straps are more likely to hurt your shoulders.

Added features

You may want to consider going for a waterproof hunting backpack if you’ll be hunting in the rain, but this is not the only feature you’ll want to consider. Some other added features like weapon storage pockets, color (camouflage) strategically placed pockets, and water bladder can also be put into consideration when selecting an ideal pack.

Although these features can increase the cost of the pack, going for a backpack with features that are important to your hunting style will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Internal or External Frame

The hunting pack design which includes the frame type is another factor to look into when selecting a backpack for hunting. Backpacks with external frames are bigger and provide added support to haul heavier loads.

However, they might be a little unstable, unlike their internal framed brothers who are smaller but more stable and comfortable. Therefore, selecting your ideal frame type depends on the size, terrain and the number of gears you intend to carry.

Consider your hunting style and make a list of the features you need. When you select a hunting pack, make sure you go for the one that does not only suits your needs but also falls within your financial constraint.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are all hunting backpacks external frames?

Answer: Nope. Some are modern, sleek, sexy internal frame packs. That way you’ll look super cool when you’re out there on your own with the elk.

Seriously though. External frame packs are legendary for their ability to carry heavy, bulky, and odd shaped loads. They’re also super customizable. Why would you want anything but that for a hunting backpack?

One way or the other, though, if you feel that an external frame is not what you want there are other options.

If you don’t need to carry huge loads, an internal frame or daypack style bag might be right for you. Let’s say you just need to carry some snacks, a thermos, and a magazine to read in the stand. An internal frame daypack is great!

If you need to carry a climbing stand, rifle, bipod, camera gear, or other bulky stuff you might be better off sticking with that external frame.

Question: My hunting backpack is killing my shoulders – why!?

Answer: You’re carrying your backpack wrong if this is happening to you. Or, in rare cases, you’re simply carrying too much weight.

A good rule of thumb is that loads over 25-30% of your body weight can be damaging to your physical health. Loads of this weight or more will never be comfortable and can even be dangerous.

To make sure that your backpack is properly fitted, just follow these steps:

1. Loosen all straps
2. Put your pack on
3. Fasten the hip belt above your iliac crest (bottom of waist)
4. Tighten shoulder straps until the pack rests against your back (not tight!)
5. Slide two fingers between the top of your shoulders and the shoulder strap they should fit through the gap easily
6. Tighten the load stabilizer straps on the hip belt
7. Tighten the load lifter straps on the shoulder straps
8. You’re done!

The takeaway is that when properly fitted your shoulder straps shouldn’t rest on your shoulder at all. Even with a loaded pack, the shoulder straps should barely touch your shoulders, if at all.

Remember, the hip belt is built to take the weight of your pack. The shoulder straps simply stop the pack from falling away from you as you walk.

Question: How can I stop my pack from flopping around while I hike?

Answer: The problem that comes with strapping bulky or oddly shaped objects to your backpack is a loss of ergonomics.

Hunting backpacks are designed to hold your hunting gear securely and near your center of mass. This is so that the gear you carry affects your walking posture and function as little as possible.

The further from your center of balance, the heavier the object, and the more it moves the more likely it is to throw you off balance. That’s why these tips are imperative to keeping your hunting backpack from becoming a burden.

• Pack heavy objects as close to your body as you can
• Anything on the outside of the pack should be securely strapped
• Never let gear swing freely on the pack
• Keep the pack balanced by evening out heavy objects from side to side and top to bottom
• Use the external compression straps to prevent items from shifting around inside the pack as you walk

For hiking, in general, I tell people, as a rule, to never store anything on the outside of the pack. If it can’t go inside the pack, get a bigger pack. In the case of hunting, however, that’s not always possible with bulky gear.

Question: Should I use a hydration bladder or a water bottle?

Answer: Normally I’d say use a water bottle with a backpack. However, things are different for hunters.

Because your pack is likely to be quite heavy, bulky, and strapped with gear it’s going to be hard to take it on and off. Plus, having a water bottle on the side of the pack may get in the way of a crossbow or rifle being strapped on.

For that reason, I think a hydration bladder makes sense. It keeps the water (which is heavy) near your back and centered. It also frees up room outside the pack.

An added benefit is that you can sip from a shoulder mounted drinking tube much more stealthily than you can from a water bottle. Taking a bottle out, unscrewing it, sloshing water around, and putting it away are all very noisy to the potential game animals while sipping from a straw requires minimal movement or noise.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has helped you in finding the best hunting backpack that suits your hunting styles. If you have any questions or comments for us just use this Contact Form.

Thanks for reading The 5 Best Hunting Backpacks. We hope this article has helped you to discover the best choice for a backpack to take while for your needs and preferences.  You might also be interested in our related and informative deer hunting article entitled, Deer Hunting Regions of the United States.

You might also be interested in these related review articles:

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HUNTING GEAR  HUNTING BOWS | CROSSBOWS | HUNTING ARROWS | TREE STANDS | HUNTING BOOTS | HUNTING BACKPACKS | HUNTING RIFLE SCOPES | HUNTING BINOCULARS | LASER RANGEFINDERS | HUNTING HEADLAMPS | TRAIL CAMERAS | HUNTING GPS | BOW SIGHTS | SPOTTING SCOPES | HUNTING BLINDS

YouTube Video Review – Backpacks For Hunting

How We Researched

To come up with the top hunting backpacks, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He has successfully guided hunting parties across remote wilderness areas. 

To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow hunters and hunting outfitters.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources