The 14 Best Hunting Backpacks for Marksmen-1
Eberlestock Operator Pack
This hunting backpack is intended for use during several days in the countryside. It is lightweight at less than 10 pounds. It distributes weight evenly and this makes it comfortable to use and carry for camping and hunting trips.
There are a couple of front-loading compartments in this pack. Both can be used for holding bulky items. Multiple exterior pockets are available for storing different essentials. It also features a removable Fanny top bag and a tubular aluminum frame.
This backpack has a rain cover that can be pulled out and keep your things dry. Moreover, the manufacturer backs it up with a lifetime warranty.
Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200
The Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200 is lightweight but surprisingly strong and comfortable. It weighs less than 7 pounds yet is strong enough to carry up to 150 pounds of load. The primary compartment is expandable to 5000 cubic inches.
It is designed to provide carrying comfort to its users with all its load-bearing components secured directly to the frame. This results in efficient energy transfer. Comfort is also ensured with multiple foam pads in the shoulder and hip areas for superior cushioning.
The backpack should fit well due to the adjustable suspension. The hip belt is also adjustable for max comfort and fit.
Mystery Ranch Metcalf
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf is designed to be a workhorse. With 4333 cubic inches of space, it is an ideal travel companion for a multi-day hunting trip. It is also relatively lightweight at 6.1 pounds.
This backpack features a dynamic frame system designed to move with the user. The lightweight carbon fiber doesn't add up to the load, too. There are also sturdy compression straps and load lifters for stabilizing the load.
Meanwhile, a special waist belt system secures it in a natural and forward pull direction. It also incorporates the brand's patented Future Yoke for ease in adjusting the torso length for a more comfortable fit.
K2 2000 Daypack
The K2 2000 daypack is a lightweight and compact hunting backpack that's best suited for a day-long hunting sojourn. It weighs 4.5 pounds and offers up to 2900 cubic inches of space. There is enough storage in this backpack, including a hidden lid pocket, a stretch pocket at its back for storing a spotting scope, and angled side pockets for quick and easy access of items.
Accessing the contents inside the main bag area is easy with its U-shaped zip access. There are also numerous built-in mesh pockets for securing and organizing small items. It also features numerous compression straps for securing various items and loads, too.
Mystery Ranch Marshall
This lightweight hunting backpack is surprisingly lightweight and spacious. With more than 6000 cubic inches of space, it can be a good backpack to bring during a multiple day hunting trip. It is made with a resilient and TPU-coated nylon and YKK zippers that can last for many years.
Like the other Mystery Ranch backpack, it features the brand's patented Guide Light Frame system that moves with the user and enables comfortable lifting of load. Then, there's the familiar Overload feature for expandability and versatility.
Buck Commander Black Gorge Pack
This hunting backpack features a spacious main bag with its center zipping apart to reveal an open top space. It offers enough room for bulky equipment and loads of meat. It also has external pockets for storage of smaller items.
It has an internal frame sheet that gives it superior stability, while the padded shoulder straps provide enough cushion and comfort. Adjustable straps are also found in the sternum area.
Browning Buck 2000 Hunting Daypack
Rounding out our list is this 2000 cubic inch hunting backpack from Browning Buck. It weighs less than 3 pounds, but is made of BaumShell fabric, which is both water-resistant and ultra-durable. The main compartment is large, and the front storage pocket offers enough space for storing and organizing hunting essentials. The shoulder straps are well padded, while the waist belt is comfortable and comes with storage pockets.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hunting Backpack
Consider the following factors:
Size
Perhaps the most important factor in buying a hunting backpack is the size. You’ll need to figure out how large you need your backpack to be. Consider the gear you’ll need on most trips as well as the length of your normal hunting trip.
Backpack capacity is rated either in liters or in cubic liters. A 30 to 40 liter backpack (which measures around 1800 to 2400 cubic inches) offers enough room for storing essentials for a day or overnight trip. A larger backpack with a capacity of 50 liters or 3000 cubic inches has enough room for a weekend trip. If you are to hunt for 2-3 days, you’d need a backpack with at least 60 liters or 3600 cubic inches capacity or even more. However, as you may realize, a bigger backpack is harder to carry and maneuver with.
Backpack Design
This doesn’t just pertain to the look of the backpack but particularly the frame and loading of the unit. For the frame, there are three choices: external, internal, or frameless. External frames offer flexibility to the set up as you can attach other items to the backpack. Frameless packs are for light loads and short hunting trips.
The more noticeable aspect of backpack design is the loading design. Top-load backpacks look like the traditional hiking pack with an opening that’s either zippered or covered with a flap. On the other hand, a panel-loading backpack is one that has its entire front open and with smaller pouches for convenient and easy access. This type of backpack is more appropriate for longer hunting expeditions.
Fit and Comfort
Fit is crucial in shopping for a hunting backpack. Simply put, a poorly fitting backpack won’t only be a nuisance when in the outdoors; it can also potentially cause a disabling injury.
Padding is crucial in ensuring comfort. Ideally, the best hunting backpack has padding in the shoulder and back area. Moreover, there should be a waist belt to accompany the shoulder straps for equal distribution of the weight load. The straps must also be adjustable.
