Firstly, You WANT TO look out for:
1. Ergonomics
This term basically is the application of psychological and physiological values or principles to the design and engineering of products, systems or even processes. This means that when you look for a bag, this has to be a big factor which is mainly relevant as to how it feels when you wear the bag, is it designed in such a way that wearing it will hurt your back?
A good bag would have to essentially hold on to your back by strapping itself to the shoulders and cost as little burden as possible on the back regardless of the weight it has. If you did not already know this, certain bags can be really weighty but feel relatively and surprisingly lighter when worn and this is the power of engineering which bag producers look into when producing their backpacks.
The bag should also be ergonomic in the sense that regardless of the position you are in, sitting, standing, slouching etc., the weight of the bag is distributed equally or in such a way that it causes very little burden to your back.
If you are a more senior hunter, this is a very important feature as this will ensure that a load on your back is one which will not affect your hunting expedition or altogether jeopardize your health in the long run as heavy weights on the back does cause pressure on the spine and the entire lower body while also making you tired overall.
If you are a younger hunter, this will still be important as a bag which is badly designed will affect you in the long run. The perfect way of looking at this is by looking at a well-designed chair; a well-designed chair would provide your lumbar with the support it needs when sitting for long periods of time while ensuring that you have a good posture which will prevent backaches and slouching.
When looking for a backpack, be sure to look at the design of it, paying particular attention to:
- Wide, padded shoulder straps
- Chest straps
- Padded back
- Waist straps
- Lightweight material
2. Capacity- why liters and how much you need?
The measurement of a bag’s size is in liters which is to connote its SIZE and not the WEIGHT it could carry.
Bags are chosen by the size of items it could transport and not the weight it can transport due to the fact that it could be quite difficult to estimate the amount of weight a bag can take which some manufacturers do actually provide but is a rough estimate ultimately.
What’s the calculation?
Since liters are the metrics used, the volume of the bag can be calculated by multiplying the length, width and height, right? Well, as it turns out, it depends on the person who does the measurement of the bag itself.
Some companies, in determining capacity, fill up the bag with small pellets to fill up every last inch of the bag then use then measure how many liters those pellets can fit. This is basically its maximum capacity; you would have to fill your bag with sand completely to use all the 30 liters of bag you purchased.
In addition to that, there is no actual standard on how bags are actually measured to determine its volume, some companies take into account all the small pockets which are covered while others take into account bottle pockets too in calculating capacity while others do not.
In determining the size you need for your hunting backpack, 35 liters would be the sweet spot and anything higher or lower being completely up to you but do stick with the range of between 30-50 liters or 1500 cubic inches to 4500 cubic inches.
This really does come down to preference and how ‘light’ you want to travel with but below is a rough idea in determining the perfect size for you.
General idea:
- 20 liters- ‘quite small’
- 20-25 liters- a ‘small’ ‘but suitable for office or school for kids
- 25-30 liters- a ‘medium’ and you could probably fit 10 t-shirts
- 30-35 liters- a ‘medium-large’ like the Tidewe Hunting Backpack which will be able to carry weeks’ worth of clothes/food and equipment if you compartmentalize right.
- >35 liters- this is a big one, the type you see hitchhikers carry and travel the world with which Tidewe does also have, the Tidewe Silent Frame Hunting Backpack
You could also look at this article which irons out the details about what I have said above!
How to know what’s best for your body?
First, take a torso length measurement. Put your hands on your hips so that the tops of your palms are in contact with the tops of your iliac crest, or hip bones, and cross your back such that your thumbs are facing one another.
Measure from the fictitious line drawn between your thumbs to the conspicuous bump at the base of your neck on your spine. That distance is the height of your torso. Some packs provide sizing options, while others can be altered to fit your torso.
Adjust the straps once the pack is the right size. Fill the pack with weight to make it sit on your back the way it will when you use it. Adjust all of the straps.
First, fasten the belt. When you tighten the belt around your waist, the padded section should encircle your iliac crest. Make sure there is no space between the shoulder strap and your shoulder by adjusting the straps.
Size chart for reference:
3. Material
Generally, you should look for a material which is lightweight, durable and waterproof in any hunting apparel as you would be outdoors most of the time and under bad weather conditions.
The materials that you should generally be looking out for are Polyester, Nylon or materials such as Cordura 500, Xpac etc, it is quite subjective as backpack materials are usually a mixture of materials and some patented.
4. Design/Type
Hunting backpacks come in many forms and shapes just like any other backpacks in the market. Some hunting backpacks may have features which are not necessary for all users such as ones with frames or ones which holds bows and rifles or also ones which are foldable.
These backpacks all essentially carry out one true purpose of storage, but some are more than necessary and some less than wanted and as such, you would have to make a self-assessment on the type of hunter you are and the needs that your bag needs to cater to.
Below is a list of examples of the types of bags in the market which can give you a rough idea of what is available to choose from (only for reference and not necessarily on the top 8 list)
- Framed – TideWe Hunting Backpack External Frame,
- Foldable – Mystery Ranch in and out Backpack
- Extendable – Outdoor Plus Backpack
- Waterproof – Nevo Rhino
- Ultra-big – Mardingtop
- Super-cheap – WolfWarriorX Men Backpack
Top 8 Best Hunting Backpacks 2023
How did we come up with this list?
The selection of the bags we see above made the Top 8 cut as they were all:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- High in market demand
- Functional
- All are made out of material that is quiet and appropriate for hunting
- All come with a fairly comfortable back support
- They all are multi-compartmented
- All come with great value for the money based on statistics and reviews
1. TIDEWE Hunting Backpack G2
Price: $69.99
This one by TideWe comes with a multitude of storage including multiple in-bag separated compartments, bottle holders and side pouches.
It comes with padded straps which also has pockets on them which you can use to store small items such as a Swiss pocketknife or your mini hunting tools.
It also comes with a bladder tube and a pull-over waterproof rain cover which will come in handy when you’re experiencing bad weather out there.
Key Features:
- Quite, durable high performance polyester
- 3.7lbs
- Channeled back paneling, padded waist belt
- 35 liters
- Dimensions: 21″ x 12″ x 10″
Pros:
Cheap and multi-pocketed
Cons:
Not machine-washable and not water
Variations available:
- Next Camo G2
2. ALPS Outdoorz Dark Timber(Mossy Oak)
Price: $66.79
Key Features:
- 2.3lbs
- Comes with shoulder straps with adjustable sternum straps
- 37 liters
- Dimensions: 19″ x 11″ x 9″
Pros:
- Comes with a slot for a drink hose from a hydration pack
- Lighter than most hunting backpacks
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Comes with attachment points
- Mesh Side Pockets
- Comes in three different colors/patterns (different prices too)
Cons:
- Not waterproof and does not come with a rain cover but still does resist water in harsh weathers
- No space to strap a rifle or bow
Variations available:
- Mossy Oak Country DNA
- Realtree
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Pack
Price: $109.99
Key Features:
- 4.4 lbs
- Padded waist belt with two pockets
- 44 liters
- Dimensions: 19″ x 11″ x 7″
Pros:
- Comes with a drop-down pocket to carry your bow and quiver holder on each side or gun
- Comes with a blaze orange rain cover
- Comes also with a front lashing system
- Big compartments and dividing pockets inside main zipper
- Has a lifetime warranty from manufacturer
- Extremely versatile
Cons:
- Slightly pricy but definitely worth the money
- Made in China
Variations available:
- Coyote Brown
- Mossy Oak Country DNA
- Realtree Edge
4. Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack(Realtree Ap-Xtra)
Price: Starting from 299.00
Key Features:
- Comes with Badland’s KXO-50 which is claimed to be the “most waterproof” material in the hunting world while also being the strongest and quietest
- Comes with hip belt pistol holsters and rifle boot
- 6 lbs
- 36 liters or as its name suggests 2200 cubic inches of size
- Dimensions: 8″ x 17″ x 25″
- Uses a proprietary magnesium alloy in their frame which is twice as strong as T6 aluminum, and even lighter in weight which is the material used for frames for years now.
- Comes in 4 different variations/colors
Pros:
- Renowned brand and been in the industry for yearsq
- Comes with a built-in meat shelf which leverages the T-6 aircraft aluminum frame to transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips, something which is definitely one of its kind from our list here.
- Resists molds, mildew and waterproof
- Comes with Hypalon reinforcements and Aramid bartacking in areas which are prone to stresses
- Super durable and strong, unparalleled quality
Cons:
- Expensive
Variations available:
- Realtree Ap-Xtra
- Mud
- Realtree Edge
- Approach
5. Insights Vision Compound Bow Pack(Frogg Togg)
Price: $175.00
Key Features:
- Hydration pack compatible
- Fits all compound bows
- 5 lbs
- Comes with built-in quiver holders and bow holder, an entire compartment dedicated to it
Pros:
- 100% cotton
- Weatherproof
- Cool mesh, a padded back support which causes the least amount of strain on body
- Will accommodate a hydration pouch and tube
Cons:
- Does not come with rain cover
- Does not have a frame
Variations available:
- Realtree Edge
- Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Realtree Excape
- Solid Elements Brown
- Mossy Oak DNA
6. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander(Coyote Brown)
Price: $179.99
Key Features:
- Made with Ripstop fabric
- 7.3 lbs
- 86.3 liters
- Anodized cotter and clevis pin design
- Dimensions: 17″ x 40″ x 6″
- Comes with a main pocket, side pocket, two hinged side pockets, front pockets and waist belt pouches
- Comes with freighter shelf which you latch your back onto
- Comes with torso adjustments from 17″- 23″
Pros:
- Hydration compatible
- Comes with drop-down rifle holder pocket
- Comes also with webbing loops for lashing
- Comes with three extension straps
Cons:
- Does not come with rain cover
- The bar from the frame may be in contact or hit your head while wearing the bag if you are more to the taller side. Complaints from those 5’9″ and above thus far.
Variations available:
- Coyote Brown
- Coyote Brown (Latest)
- Realtree Escape
- Realtree Escape(Latest)
7. Allen Gearfit Pursuit Bruiser
Price: $119.90
Key Features:
- Removable waist belt
- 4.3 lbs
- Comes with rifle/bow carry system
- 35 liters
- Dimensions: 14″ x 8″ x 21″
- Padded mesh back and straps
- Comes with a reversible rain cover
Pros:
- Comes with warranty
- Quiet back material which makes it suitable for hunting
- Comes with nifty pockets all over the bag which allows for easy and abundant storage space
- Has a hard bottom
Cons:
- Not water resistant or waterproof
Variations available:
- Deer Daypack
- Treestand Daypack
- Waterfowl Daypack
8. Auscamotek Camo Hunting Backpack
Price: $29.99
Key Features:
- Quite zipper and material
- 1.1 lbs
- Comes with attachments
- Dimensions: 18″ x 8″ x 12″
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
Pros:
- Lightest of them all
- Cheapest of them all
Cons:
- Front chest straps are not long enough for average sized men
- Not waterproof
- Some bags may come with a chemical scent on the backpack
Variations available:
- Backpack
- Backpack- dry Grass
How did we come up with this list?
The selection of the bags we see above made the Top 8 cut as they were all:
- aesthetic
- high in market demand
- highly functional
- made out of material that is quiet and appropriate for hunting.
- with comfortable back support
- multi-compartmented
- a great value for the money based on statistics and reviews.
Conclusion- Which to buy?
What are your hunting needs?
Are they:
- To haul meat?
- To be used for long trips?
- To carry your crossbow/rifle?
If they are mainly to be heavy duty bags, focus on the bags which come with the rifle holder and are framed.
Are they:
- For short trips?
- To travel light?
- To be used as a novice or beginner hunter, testing out the hobby?
Then you would want to go with the bags which are lighter and cheaper.
It also comes down to your preference, body type and fitness level.
You need to choose a bag which is suitable for your body type, not too big that it just burdens you but not too small that it does not serve its purpose.
Till next time.