How to Choose a Hunting Backpack: The Ultimate Guide to an Adventure-ready Pack

You’re miles deep into the wilderness, the early morning mist clinging to your boots, every sound around you magnified by the silence of the forest. Your gear is packed, your rifle slung over your shoulder, and your eyes scan the surroundings for that elusive game. Suddenly, the weight of your backpack tugs at your shoulders—fatigue sets in. Why? Because you chose the wrong pack.

Choosing the perfect hunting backpack isn’t just about picking a random bag from the store and heading out. It’s about preparing for the unexpected, being comfortable during long treks, and ensuring your gear is organized, accessible, and secure. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, your hunting backpack will make or break your experience. But how do you choose the right one?

Start with the Weight and Volume Here’s where most hunters get it wrong. You need a pack that balances volume with weight. The key question to ask yourself is: How long will your trip be, and how much do you need to carry?

• Day Hunts (25-35 liters): If you’re just going out for the day, a lighter pack that holds essentials like water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, and a knife should suffice. Don’t overpack, because you’ll regret it halfway through your hike.
• Multi-day Hunts (50-80 liters): For overnight or multi-day trips, you’ll need more space for food, shelter, extra clothing, and game bags. This is where a larger backpack comes in handy.
• Extended Expeditions (80+ liters): Planning to stay out for a week? You’ll need a high-capacity backpack that’s still durable and light enough for extended periods. These packs typically come with modular systems for expanding space as needed.

Weight and volume directly affect your mobility, so finding that perfect balance is crucial. Some hunters make the mistake of choosing a bag that’s too small, forcing them to strap gear on the outside, while others go for an oversized pack that weighs them down.

Comfort and Fit Imagine a 20-mile trek with a poorly fitting pack—painful, right? The fit of your backpack is as important as your footwear. When it doesn’t fit correctly, you’re setting yourself up for serious discomfort or even injury. Pay close attention to:

• Torso Length: Most high-quality hunting backpacks are adjustable, but make sure the pack fits the length of your back. The hip belt should sit comfortably on your hips, not your waist.
• Straps and Padding: Look for wide, padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to evenly distribute weight. The last thing you want is thin straps digging into your shoulders.
• Ventilation: Breathability is often overlooked. A good pack will have a back panel designed to let air circulate between your body and the backpack, preventing sweat buildup.

Comfort is subjective, so trying on several options before making a decision is essential. Keep in mind that a hunting pack might feel different when fully loaded, so always test with weight.

Material and Durability Durability is non-negotiable when choosing a hunting backpack. You’ll be in harsh environments, pushing through thick brush, and possibly encountering bad weather. Your pack needs to handle it all. Look for materials like Cordura nylon or KXO-32 fabric. These are durable, water-resistant, and built to withstand the wear and tear of the wilderness.

• Water Resistance: Your pack should have some level of water resistance or at least come with a rain cover. You can’t control the weather, but you can control how your gear is protected from it.
• Silent Material: Many experienced hunters prioritize silent material over anything else. The last thing you want is to rustle every time you move. Fabrics like KXO-32 or canvas are excellent for minimizing sound.
• Reinforced Seams and Zippers: Check that the seams are double-stitched, and the zippers are heavy-duty. Zippers are often the first thing to fail on a hunting backpack, so reinforced models are a must.

Organization and Accessibility No two hunts are the same, and neither are the contents of your pack. That’s why you need a bag that has multiple compartments for organizing your gear. Some essential features include:

• Side Pockets for Water Bottles or Spotting Scopes: Hydration is critical, so easy access to water is a must.
• Compression Straps: These help compress your pack, making it smaller and easier to carry. They also secure bulky gear like tripods or tent poles.
• Internal Frames: For heavier loads, an internal frame will provide much-needed support. It distributes the weight evenly across your back, reducing strain.

Keep in mind that while organization is key, over-compartmentalizing can also lead to problems. You don’t want to waste time searching for essential gear when you’re deep in the woods. Keep the most critical items, like your first aid kit or rangefinder, in easily accessible pockets.

Load-Bearing Systems A hunting backpack isn’t just for holding gear—it’s also for hauling out your game. The load-bearing system should be designed to carry heavy loads efficiently.

• Meat Shelf: Some high-end hunting backpacks come with a meat shelf that sits between the bag and the frame, allowing you to carry the game closer to your body, which helps with balance.
• Load-lifter Straps: These straps are crucial for adjusting the pack's center of gravity, keeping the weight from pulling you backward as you hike. Without them, you’ll find yourself constantly fighting the bag’s pull, which can be exhausting.

If your backpack doesn’t have a proper load-bearing system, it could turn your victory into a nightmare as you struggle to haul your catch back to camp.

Camouflage and Color You might be surprised to know that the color of your backpack can be as important as its functionality. If you’re in a hunting area where blending into the environment is crucial, camo patterns like Mossy Oak or Realtree are ideal. But if you’re more focused on durability than looks, even a solid earth-tone color like green, brown, or gray will do the job.

The main thing to avoid is bright colors that could spook game. Even if you're hunting from a blind or tree stand, your pack should help you blend into your surroundings.

Conclusion: Making the Final Decision Now that you’ve got a clearer picture of what to look for in a hunting backpack, you’re well on your way to making a purchase that could make all the difference in your next hunt. Take your time to test different models, try them out under load, and consider the specific needs of your hunting trips. The perfect pack won’t just carry your gear; it’ll carry you through to success.

Remember, your backpack is more than just storage—it’s a survival tool, a comfort provider, and a game hauler. Choose wisely, and you’ll thank yourself later, deep in the wilderness, as you carry your trophy home in comfort and style.