Hunting is a gear-intensive activity, whether you are sitting in a blind for ducks or going into the woods for elk. That said, backpacks are vital for transporting and quickly accessing all of your stuff when you need it.
Choosing a hunting backpack is a highly personal choice. It must carry highly particular supplies and, in the case of big-game packs, transport large amounts of meat after a kill. However, it also must be light and durable enough to be used while in the backcountry.
There is no such thing as an "ideal" hunting pack because there are so many different style frames, bag sizes, organising features, and fit options. In this article, we will go over some of the various alternatives available and what you should look for when selecting the best one for you.
The Different Types of Frames
When exploring the selection of hunting backpacks for outdoor use, you will note that they have two types of frames. Each frame comes with its own set of advantages and limitations.
Internal Frame
Backpacks with internal frames are the most popular choice. They help to transfer the majority of the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders. Furthermore, their design conforms to the curvature of the hunter's body, ensuring a firm hold. As a result, most hunters go for this type of backpack.
External Frame
There are also backpacks with external frames that can carry big and heavy loads such as a tent, or meat after a big kill. They also provide adequate ventilation because the backpack is not entirely touching your bag. However, unless you are carrying a substantial load, this style of backpack will be more of a problem than a benefit.
If you want something lightweight, you can get a frameless backpack or one with a removable frame.
The Storage Capacity
The size and type of pack required depend on how you hunt. For example, a deer hunter who hikes a few kilometres for a morning session will require a different pack than someone starting on a 10-day, self-supported moose hunt.
Some hunters prefer a single backpack that can be used for both day treks and overnight trips, and they value versatility and extension. Other hunters choose specific packs for different types of hunts. Turkey hunters, for example, will benefit from a turkey vest, which is often a vest, backpack, and integrated padded seat all in one.
Many modern hunting packs have outstanding expansion capabilities, allowing a medium-sized bag to be used as a day pack and subsequently expanded to carry several nights' worth of gear or to pack out meat from a successful hunt. These packs are ideal for hunters who, due to budget constraints or a desire for simplicity, prefer a single pack that can be used in almost every situation and for the duration of their hunt.
The Construction
Like hunting clothing, modern hunters have profited immensely from advancements in materials and coatings that make packs lighter, harder, and more waterproof than your father's hunting pack. However, do not evaluate the materials used in a pack in the same manner that I would a hunting jacket. A water-repelling coating on a pack is useful, but it won't offer 100% protection in a down poor. In that case, it's better to use a rain cover, and many packs come with one built in.
This is unique to a hunting backpack and very crucial. When snagged on bushes, the material should produce very little noise. Zippers and buckles should also operate silently.
Another thing to pay attention to is the organisation options the pack offers. You should be able to conveniently carry and organise snacks, water, additional clothing, game bags, knives, and possibly a weapon for lengthy journeys. Multiple pockets are useful for storing gear. Large packs should also include straps to help them compress when not fully loaded.
The Fit
The most critical factor is to find a hunting backpack that fits well. If it does not fit properly, it will not be comfortable. It's essential to choose a pack with adjustable torso length to ensure that your suspension sits properly.
Knowing how to fit a hunting pack is also important. Your waist belt should sit with the centre directly over your hip bones, with the lumbar pad in the lower region of your back, above your tailbone. Your shoulder straps should extend forward enough to fit the load lifter strap between your trap and collarbone, and then come off at a 45-degree angle.
Already Have an Outdoor Backpack?
Don't want to purchase a new pack simply for hunting? Not an issue. If you go hiking, you already have an outdoor backpack that can be used for hunting. Although regular backpacks for outdoor excursions might not be ideal, backstraps, tenderloins, and meat scraps will all fit into the main compartment of most large, internal-frame models intended for trekking. If you are far from the trailhead, deboning the front and back sections will allow you to fit their vast volume into larger packs.
Just make sure to have game bags and a heavy-duty garbage bag or trash compactor bag to line your hiking pack to prevent bloodstains. Most internal-frame packs can support the weight of a bone-in elk quarter. It is unlikely to be comfy, but it will suffice in a hurry.
