Updated March 2023
You have a grunt call, binoculars, knife, rangefinder, attractant scent, tags, flashlight and maybe even some rattling antlers. How do you store, transport and keep everything organized? A good backpack or a fanny pack is helpful to have with you while hunting to keep all or your gear together. Some backcountry hunters use large backpacks for hauling multiple days worth of supplies and camping gear for longer excursions. No matter what your situation is, you have probably already used or have considered using some type of pack while hunting. Having a quality and reliable pack can make things a lot easier and more efficient. The packs listed below are some of the most popular and widely used backpacks on the market.
Recommended All-Purpose Backpacks for Bowhunting:
- ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Backpack
- Badlands 2200 Backpack
- Tenzing 2220 Backpack
- ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack
- Cabela’s Bow and Rifle Pack
- SITKA Gear Ascent 12 Pack
- Badlands Superday Backpack
- Tenzing Choice Backpack
- ALPS Outdoorz Dark Timber Backpack
- Fieldline Pro Series Eagle Backpack
How to Choose a Backpack and Things to Consider When Purchasing
- Size – Backpacks come in all different sizes and weights. You should first determine what you intend to use the backpack for, which will help you decide on the size you need. You will want a smaller backpack for day use and a larger pack for backcountry use or overnight trips where you will need to bring more gear.
- Features – You want to choose a backpack that will fit your needs and is suitable for what you will be using it for. Some popular features of hunting backpacks include the ability to carry your bow, multiple storage compartments, hydration bladder, etc.
- Durability – Quality is important when it comes to a backpack. A backpack made with strong material and durable stitching will last longer and hold up in harsher conditions. Heavier fabric will tend to last longer, and waterproof fabric is event better.
- Price – Depending on your budget, cost will be a major factor. Hunting backpacks vary greatly in price depending on size, quality and features. Finding a balance between quality and cost is important in narrowing down the best backpack for you.
10 Best Backpacks for Bowhunting
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Backpack – The Pursuit pack by ALPS OutdoorZ is one of the most popular hunting backpacks on the market. The Pursuit pack features an organizational shelf pocket that keeps gear conveniently at your fingertips and has a drop-down pocket for carrying a bow. The large front and main pockets allow room for plenty of items and can be easily hung from a tree with a D-ring clip. The Pursuit pack has the ability to hold a quiver on each side and the pack has a padded waist belt with two pockets. This backpack also has a built-in rain cover to keep everything dry in adverse conditions.
Features:
- Size: 2,700 cubic inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Holds bow and quiver
- Built-in rain cover
2. Badlands 2200 Backpack – The Badlands 2200 backpack is constructed with KXO-32 fabric which is one of the strongest, quietest and most waterproof materials available. This backpack also has a built-in shelf, multiple storage compartments and a zippered rear entry panel for quick access to gear. The KXO-32 waterproof fabric offers scent suppression and resists moisture and dirt. The Badlands 2200 features a TermoMold suspension system that utilizes molded foam that matches every contour of your body. This backpack also has an aircraft aluminum internal frame and load lifter straps that transfer weight to your hips to reduce fatigue. The Badlands 2200 backpack is an all-around solid backpack that is made to last.
Features:
- Size: 2,250 cubic inches
- Weight: 5 pounds, 15 ounces
- 8 pockets
- Optional 2-liter hydration compartment
3. Tenzing 2220 Backpack – Tenzing makes a variety of very durable hunting backpacks and their 2200 pack is one of their more popular models. This backpack comes with plenty of useable space and can even carry your bow. The 2200 backpack features a premium air mesh suspension system for improved breathability and overall comfort and is constructed of durable rip-stop fabric in high-stress areas. This backpack also has an internal fluted aluminum frame stay and five horizontal compression straps for securing loads. This pack is also compatible with a 2-liter hydration bladder.
Features:
- Size: 2,400 cubic inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Fold out rain cover
- Fold out bow carrying boot
4. ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Pack – The Pathfinder pack by ALPS OutdoorZ is a fanny pack that expands into a day pack with an adjustable shoulder harness and a padded waist belt. This pack can comfortably carry heavy loads and has multiple accessory pockets for organizing all of your gear. This pack is great if you carry a climbing treestand on your back and need a small pack for your other items. The Pathfinder pack is extremely versatile, small and lightweight and can even carry your bow by attaching it to the lash straps. The Pathfinder pack is a great is you are looking for a compact and versatile bag. Other great fanny pack style bags are the ALPS OutdoorZ Big Bear Pack and the ALPS OutdoorZ Little Bear Pack.
Features:
- Weight: 4 pounds, 10 ounces
- Padded waist belt and shoulder harness
- Can be converted from fanny pack to backpack
5. Cabela’s Bow and Rifle Pack – The Cabela’s bow and rifle pack is constructed of 600-denier polyester fabric for increased durability and ruggedness. The secure attachment feature easily holds your bow and includes a unique back panel with easy access to contents inside. This pack also has a hip belt for enhanced comfort and has a built-in hydration reservoir (sold separately). The Cabela’s bow and rifle pack comes with a rain cover for use in inclement weather. Overall, this is a quality pack from a trusted name that delivers on both durability and function.
Features:
- Size: 2,500 cubic inches
- Weight: 4 pounds, 10 ounces
- Channeled padding on back panel for enhanced comfort
- Ability to attach bow
6. SITKA Gear Ascent 12 Pack – The Ascent 12 Pack from SITKA is a durable pack that is built to last. SITKA makes a variety of high-end hunting clothing and accessories so you know this backpack is quality. The Ascent 12 is a great panel loader day pack that opens into a 1,200 cubic inch main compartment, complete with a hydration bladder sleeve and suspension hook. This pack has three zippered mesh pockets inside the font panel to help organize your gear and also has an external bungie compression that doubles as additional storage. This backpack from SITKA is an awesome pack that has a lot of features and is from a trusted brand.
Features:
- Size: 1,200 cubic inches
- 100% durable weave polyester fabric
- Hydration bladder sleeve
- Bow suspension system quickly and easily secures your bow
7. Badlands Superday Backpack – The Badlands Superday pack is designed to perform like a frame pack with its contoured waist belt that hugs your hips to carry weight more effectively. This pack also features a comfortable molded memory foam back suspension system with next-level venting to keep your body cool. This durable backpack uses Badlands’ XKO-50 fabric for added strength and toughness in the harshest conditions. The Superday pack is completely waterproof, incredibly quiet and lightweight. This pack also has a detachable bow boot for securely carrying your bow hands free.
Features:
- Size: 1,950 cubic inches
- Weight: 3 pounds, 15 ounces
- Carries bow
- Hydration and binocular compatible
- Molded foam suspension
8. Tenzing Choice Backpack – The Tenzing Choice TZ 1500 day pack features a lightweight design that integrates a non-deteriorating comfort-stretch waist band for the perfect fit. This backpack is made with soft, silent tricot fabric with rip-stop strength panels that deaden any noise from movement. The Choice TZ 1500 also has a side-mount quiver attachment which allows you to keep your arrows within arm’s reach at all times. This pack in constructed with an internal fluted aluminum frame for added support and also is equipped with a fold-out bow carrying boot and a fold-out rain cover.
Features:
- Size: 1,500 cubic inches
- Weight: 3 pounds, 4 ounces
- Breathable mesh back pad
- Waterproof rain cover
- Hydration bladder compatible
9. ALPS Outdoorz Dark Timber Backpack – The Dark Timber backpack is designed for comfort and durability. This backpack comes equipped with a padded waist belt and shoulder straps and has three separate pockets to keep your gear organized. The large front accessory and main pockets keep everything accessible at all times. This backpack is also compatible with a hydration bladder. The Dark Timber backpack is a great option that comes fully loaded with many features at an affordable price.
Features:
- Size: 2,285 cubic inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Large front accessory and main pocket
- Hydration pocket and port
- Padded waist belt and shoulder straps
10. Fieldline Pro Series Eagle Backpack – The Fieldline Pro Series Eagle backpack is a very affordable and versatile pack that is constructed with 100% polyester with four external storage pockets. This backpack also has padded shoulder straps and a hip belt and is compatible with a hydration bladder. The contoured shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap make this backpack very comfortable for carrying all day. The large zippers on the Pro Series Eagle make getting to your gear fast and easy. This backpack also has a built-in organizer and cell phone holder in the bottom pocket.
Features:
- Size: 1,995 cubic inches
- 18.7 x 12.7 x 7.1 inches
- Padded straps and hip belt
- Adjustable closure
Most Popular Brands
- Tenzing – Tenzing is a well-known company that specializes solely in hunting packs. Tenzing is one of the most-popular hunting backpack brands out there because of their durability and strength. You cannot go wrong with any Tenzing pack.
- ALPS OutdoorZ – ALPS OutdoorZ is owned by the parent company ALPS Brands which owns a few other outdoor companies including Browning Camping and Browning Hunting Blinds. ALPS OutdoorZ sells a variety of outdoor products but are most known for their backpacks.
- Badlands – Badlands is another popular brand that sells hunting clothing, camping equipment and other accessories. Badlands makes all high-quality products that are built to last. They make a variety of backpacks that have innovative features and durable designs.
- Cabela’s – Cabela’s makes a multitude of self-branded products from hunting clothing to camping equipment. The quality of their products are very high and are noticeably durable. Cabela’s makes a variety of different hunting backpacks that are all great options.
Summary
Hunting backpacks come in many different varieties, each with their own purpose. The products listed above are some of the most popular and trusted hunting backpacks on the market. When choosing a backpack for hunting, you should always keep your specific needs in mind and compare different options. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!