The Best Hunting Backpacks

Steve chases just about every critter out there, so a hunting backpack that can transition from the tundra to the high country is a critical part of his toolset.

"For the majority of my outings, I’m running the Exo Mtn Gear 3600," he said. "Whether I’m chasing spring gobblers on a quick morning hunt before work or I’m on a 10-day Alaskan Yukon moose hunt, this pack’s minimalist yet expandable option allows for a wide variety of uses."

This versatile backpack is built for ultralight hunting, but the ultra-strong titanium K4 frame can still accommodate loads exceeding 250 pounds when the mission is a success.

"The lightweight and sturdy titanium frame, pinpoint adjustability, and perfected pocket configuration makes this pack my go-to," Steve said. "It’ll be a while before I find a pack better than this one."

Pros

• Versatile
• Plenty of storage
• Easy to dump for day/scouting trips
• Comfortable even with heavier loads

Cons

• Pricey
• Some might prefer a tad more room for a frame pack

When you’re toting a variety of optics, calls, and other gear, it’s important to keep the essentials secure yet close at hand. That’s why Janis opts for the Exo Mtn Gear K4 5000 Pack System.

"I'm enamored with the Exo Mtn Gear 5000," he said. "I run it without the lid unless I'm backpacking deep, and it still has enough pockets to keep my gear organized and accessible."

A wet storage compartment, roll-top design, horseshoe-shaped zip access, and a variety of convenient pockets perfectly balance security and accessibility.

"I particularly like the long sleeve pockets on the sides for holding my tripod and spotting scope," he said. "The same goes for the water bottle pockets. Their stretch makes them easy to get stuff in and out of, and their height keeps it secure. I use them for my bugle tube."

But even with all the compartments and storage capacity, this pack can fold down to a streamlined footprint.

"It also compresses super small when I just have my day-hunting gear in it, making it feel much smaller than it actually is," Janis said. "It also hauls meat like a champ."

Pros

• Ample storage
• Side pockets great for tripods or spotters
• Packs down for day hunts/scouting trips

Cons

• Size might be overkill for some hunters

Backcountry hunting always presents the dilemma of needing plenty of gear while keeping weight to a minimum. This conundrum has created an arms race to make larger capacity bags at a lighter weight. Stone Glacier’s Sky 5900 balances this dichotomy with poise. Both Jordan Budd and Tony Peterson have dubbed this bag their go-to option for a variety of hunts.

“I’m a gear junkie, so I’m always changing things up when it comes to hunting packs, but last season I kept coming back to the Krux frame paired with a Sky 5900 bag from Stone Glacier,” Budd said.

“I used it to chase mule deer in August, archery elk in September, and October mule deer in Idaho. Nearly expanded, it was great for 2-3 night trips, and it compressed down great for a functional day pack.”

At just over five pounds, the Sky 5900 has plenty of storage (5,400 cu. in. main bag) but also compresses down to a handy day pack when you’re hunting out of a tent. The main front zipper and Sky Lid make gear access easy, so there’s no dumping your pack to find one item. Its storage capacity and access also appeal to Tony Peterson, who uses this hunting backpack for travel hunts or all-day sits for whitetails.

"A typical daypack is fine for an afternoon sit, but if I'm hunting somewhere where I might need to pack out a whole deer, I need something like the Sky 5900 from Stone Glacier,” Peterson said.

“I originally got this pack for elk hunting, but realized that it's perfect for my traveling whitetail hunts where getting a deer back to the truck involves a butcher kit and a real hike. The 5900 has tons of room, rides super comfortably, and is ideal for carrying the makings of an all-day sit, or an entire boned-out whitetail. Plus, it's super durable and lightweight."

The Sky 5900 might seem like overkill for whitetails, but if you dabble in western hunting and travel hunt for whitetails, you’ll find this bag pulls double duty. For these reasons, the $695 price offers plenty of value.

Pros

• Lightweight combination at 5lbs 2oz.
• Intuitive strap placement
• Front panel entrance, along with the top load provides easy access
• User-friendly load shelf and comfortable even with a full load
• Snug lid fit
• Super durable

Cons

• No lumbar strap to the bag (delta strap) to prevent extra sway with heavy loads
• No option to add extra straps
• Overkill for most whitetail hunts
• Only available in solids

Not all hunts require a week’s worth of gear or even a day’s worth, for that matter. For evening sits, quick hunts after work, or the general minimalist, the Mystery Ranch Gravelly 18 makes one of the best hunting backpacks for mobile hunters. The external compression straps, lightweight, and adequate storage make it ideal for hang-and-hunts and saddle hunters specifically. It has just enough room for climbing sticks, a platform, and even a few extra layers. I’d love to see more zippered pockets, even on a pack this small, but the smaller front pocket still has enough room for a few essentials or snacks.

Deep water bottle pockets on either side of the pack also provide plenty of storage. These pockets are deep enough that you don’t have to worry about your water bottle or other gear falling out when you lean over, cross a fence, etc. In the tree, this pack’s loops and straps make it easy to stash gear within reach.

Should you decide on longer-duration hunts or pack out your kill, the Gravelly 18 pairs with Mystery Ranch’s ULTRA LIGHT MT frame as a meat hauler. Still, I think this minimalist pack best serves whitetail hunters who need to slip in and minimize their presence.

Pros

• Super light
• Plenty of adjustability
• Pairs with ULTRA LIGHT MT frame
• Modularity great for saddle hunting

Cons

• Lack of zippered pockets
• OVERLOAD feature is great, but not super breathable
• Short main zipper

Kifaru’s Shape Charge wears a lot of hats. At around 2000 cu. in., it offers versatility for hunters who need a multi-season pack. Treestand hunters should appreciate the ample storage and Molle loops. The pack’s top handle makes it easy to hang from a carabiner while in the tree, and the top zippered pocket gives you plenty of storage and easy access to gear.

This pack might be overkill for quick hang-and-hunts, but it’s perfect for all-day rut sits. The main zippered pockets offer liberal storage for extra layers, camera gear, and the compression straps on the outside of the pack will hold a lightweight hang-on treestand and climbing sticks. I’ve attached both the Beast Gear and Lone Wolf Custom Gear hang-on stands with a combination of climbing sticks, and it makes hauling either of them a breeze.

You’ll fork out at least $400 for this pack alone (the belt will run you another $75), but you’re paying for an ultra durable, U.S. made hunting backpack that should provide years of hard use.

Pros

• Easy top access and storage
• Super durable 500d DWR
• Made in U.S.
• Tons of Molle loops for storage and customization/p>
• Top access pockets make it a great treestand pack

Cons

• Pricey for a glorified daypack
• Tad heavy

If you hunt whitetails from a tree, this is the backpack for you. The First Lite Transfer Pack can haul everything a deer hunter needs, whether you’re run-and-gun hunting during the rut or packing extra layers during late season.

“This is a whitetailer’s workhorse,” Mark said. “If you’re a mobile hunter, you’ll love the specially designed treestand packing system and the multitude of outer straps for attaching your climbing sticks or saddle platform.”

There’s also tons of well-thought storage in the Transfer Pack. Its bucket-style design and multiple hanging configurations allow hunters to have quiet access to stowed gear. And with 2900 cubic inches of space, that leaves a lot of room for whatever you’re hauling—whether it be grunt tubes, base layers, optics, or even snacks.

“Once you’re in the tree, the Transfer has one of the best organizational systems I’ve seen to date,” Mark said. “There are easily accessible pockets throughout the pack, as well as a bow attachment system on the outside that works like a charm.”

Pros

• Practical in-tree placement design
• Easy access to gear
• Comfortable even with a full load
• Built in tow-rope and bow-carrying system
• Plenty of storage

Cons

• Not a minimalist pack
• Straps on bottom of the pack would be helpful

Packing out any animal can be tough on your body, but a workhorse that conforms to your curvature can keep you comfortable and stable under the heaviest of loads.

The lightweight Stone Glacier Xcurve Frame matches the contours of the lumbar and upper back to improve weight distribution, eliminate lateral shifts, and prevent slipping.

"I’ve been running the Stone Glacier Xcurve Frame for at least four seasons now," Cal said. "Lots of pack-outs which means lots of stress on the frame and stress on materials. It’s still holding up great, and it’s definitely the most comfortable for carrying weight that I’ve ever owned."

The waterproof Xcurve Frame, built with military-grade materials, is compatible with all Stone Glacier bags or can simply be used as a pack frame for load-hauling.

Pros

• Super comfortable
• Xcurve design helps balance loads
• Lightweight
• Compatible with all Stone Glacier bags

Cons

• Pricey
• Still need a pack

The Mystery Ranch Pintler is ideal for minimalist overnight hunts or day hunts where extra gear or layers are required. Known for pioneering tri-zip access, Mystery Ranch makes it easy to reach any part of your pack without unloading everything.

Inside, the Pintler offers four zippered pockets for organizing gear and two internal sleeves that keep essentials quickly accessible. “I use one sleeve for my rope and kill-kit, and the other for toilet paper and a trowel. The lid also features two additional pockets, perfect for stashing a beanie, headlamp, or snacks,” Logan said.

While the internal storage is a nice touch, this pack really shines when it comes to carrying heavy loads. The Guide Light MT frame, rated for up to 150 pounds, is more than capable of hauling meat back to camp.

“The load shelf allows you to separate the pack from the frame, keeping your gear blood-free and your meat cool,” Logan said. “I’ve personally used it to carry two elk quarters, a whole mule deer, and two smaller whitetails on separate trips...I love it.”

Another highlight of the Guide Light MT frame is its modularity. You can add pockets or holsters to the MOLLE webbing on the hip belt, or swap out the bag for a different size; Mystery Ranch currently offers 18L and 80L options.

This pack excels on hunts where you need to haul meat back to your truck. However, if you plan on dragging your game, the Pintler might be overkill.

One last note: the top of the Guide Light MT frame makes an excellent rifle rest. When there's no time to set up a tripod, you can quickly drop your pack, rest your rifle, and build a stable shooting position.

Pros

• Tri-zip access allows for quick and easy access to your pack’s contents
• Guide Light MT frame supports heavy loads and doubles as a rifle rest
• Durable with a solid warranty
• Versatile enough for minimalist overnight trips and sleek enough for day hunts and stalks
• Adjustable yoke and strap height for a perfect fit and weight distribution
• Solid warranty

Cons

• The pack is on the heavier side, but the weight distribution is so good you hardly notice
• Lots of straps—useful but can become unwieldy when taking layers in and out of your pack
• Incorrect yoke height can lead to poor weight distribution and unnecessary wear. Be sure to watch Mystery Ranch’s sizing video before use