Going hunting is an excellent way to go in nature to enjoy stalking in the woods or trails. When embarking on your next hunting expedition, one of the things you need to consider is where you place your equipment. Getting the right hunting backpack is one of the biggest prerequisites before going on your next adventure. Below you’ll find some of our handpicked best hunting backpacks with gun holder selection to help you select the right one for your needs.
Table of Contents
1. Hunting-Backpack Outdoor Sports
This is a great backpack that’s sold at an affordable price. It has a large compartment that you can use to store all your needed equipment for hunting. There are also mesh-side pockets that are absolutely perfect for your water bottle.
The back panel and shoulder straps are padded to give you additional comfort as you strut through the woods.
This hunting backpack with gunholder is made out of 600D nylon ballistic and robin nylon fabrics. This gives it unmatched strength and durability. You can certainly use it for a long time.
Features:
- Large organization pockets
- Can carry your gun or bow securely
- Includes rain cover so all your belongings remain dry even if it suddenly rains
- Padded back cover and shoulder straps for additional comfort
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- Have lots of space
- Can carry your gun or bow
- Comfortable to carry on your shoulders for long periods of time
- Sturdy and durable
- Includes rain cover
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Short waist strap
2. TIDEWE Hunting Pack 3400cu
This is a tried and tested hunting backpack that comes at a pretty reasonable price. Aside from that, it also doesn’t skimp on quality.
It is absolutely perfect for any hunting trip because it is lightweight and ergonomic. This means you can walk through the woods for hours without feeling too tired. The shoulder straps are also adjustable so that the bag can fit you perfectly. This makes the entire hunting trip much more comfortable for you.
This bag is quite spacious as well. You won’t run out of room for storing your valuables and necessities for the hunting trip. Our favorite thing about this hunting backpack is that it is extremely comfortable and breathable. There’s just nothing worse than having to sweat due to moisture from your backpack. But this one won’t give you that kind of trouble at all.
Features:
- Includes a lifeguard whistle for emergencies
- Side pocket on shoulder straps
- Removable Gun Holder Bag
- Hypalon Reinforcement
- Practical side straps
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- You can for help if needed through the emergency whistle
- Has a large compartment
- There is a side pocket on the shoulder straps
- Affordable
- Highly durable and sturdy
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Some of the compartments are difficult to open
3. TIDEWE Hunting Backpack 5500cu
This product has been proven to be one of the best hunting backpacks with gunholder in the market. The main compartment is large. It also has high-quality strapping that puts your gun or rifle in place.
Apart from your gun, this main compartment is also big enough for you to store your other essentials. On top of that, there are smaller compartments inside the main compartment as well as in the shoulder straps.
This TIDEWE Hunting Backpack is also ergonomic in design. What this means is that the shoulder straps and frame are adjustable so that you can select a setting that your body will be most comfortable with as you strut into the woods for your hunting expedition.
Features:
- Drop-Down Rifle Holder
- Easy Access Waist Bag for Gun
- Side Pockets for Light Gear
- Zippered Pocket on the Back
- Removable Straps on the Top
- Full-length Double Zippers
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- Lots of room for belongings and gun
- Comes with a rain cover
- Completely ergonomic
- Lets you install a hydration system so you don’t go thirsty during the entire trip
- Durable and sturdy
Cons:
- Heavy due to the metal frame
- Only has single design
4. SOG Barrage Tactical Internal Frame Backpack
What we love about this bag is that it is totally water-resistant. Yes, that’s right. So, there is no need for a rain cover for this one.
It is also highly durable. As a matter of fact, it is made out of 1200 Denier Nylon material for added sturdiness. At the same time, it is double-coated with PVC lining. This package comes with a handgun inner bag that you can place inside the main compartment. Aside from that, there are also 11 zippered compartments where you can store all your ammo.
Features:
- MOLLE webbing system
- Handgun bag
- Shooting range bag
- Bag for ammo
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- This bag is extra large compared to other gun backpacks
- Comfortable around the shoulders
- Has lots of rooms for belongings
- Comes with many side pockets
- Includes a front pocket as well as an organizer
Cons:
- The zippers are not easy to run through
- Only has a single design
This our favorite hunting backpacks so far in this list. The reason is due to the elegant design of the bag. On top of that, this bag is also quite heavy-duty. The bag is a 25L capacity which gives you a lot of room to bring your belongings and necessities aside from your gun.
You’ll definitely love how this backpack is water-resistant. This is due to the 500D treated nylon body. This means if water is splashed into the bag, it is just going to bounce off it. It also comes with multiple compartments as well as pockets inside and on the sides of the bag.
This bag has a rifle holder and a rain cover so that your gun won’t get wet. We love this bag because the design is well thought out. With that, you will be able to secure a lot of your belongings more quickly.
Features:
- 25L storage capacity.
- External tie points.
- Multiple compartments.
- Load stabilizing frame.
- Rifle holder.
- Rain cover
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- You have easy access to all of your belongings
- Has lots of pockets
- Has an elegant design
- Excellent backpack for high-stress areas
- Comes with a 2L bladder water container
- Made with ultra-quiet material
Cons:
- Some people find it too small for their trips
- Only has a single design
One thing that’s worth commending about this bag is the memory foam material that gives you maximum comfort as you go off on a hunting spree. It also comes with a harness belt keeping the bag in place as you move around the woods.
Another material worth mentioning is the KXO-50 FABRIC. It’s durable, quiet, and is water-resistant. You can definitely expect to use this backpack for a long time due to its sturdiness.
Most importantly, it has a detachable rifle or bow container. This means you don’t have to worry about your firearms getting damaged throughout the trip.
This bag is also equipped with a lot of pockets including a hip-belt pouch that gives you easier access to your belongings. It even has a hydration reservoir so that you are in your best shape as you go hunting. On top of that, it is equipped with concealment technology so that you are rendered almost invisible while hunting your prey.
Features:
- Molded Foam Suspension & Adjustable Waist Belt
- Detachable Rifle/Bow Boot
- KXO-50 Fabric with C6 DWR
- Aramid Bartacking
- 2L Hydration Reservoir
- Made with molded memory foam suspension for added comfort
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- The bag is comfortable to carry around
- Quite spacious
- Comes in a camo design rendering you almost invisible
- The bag is lightweight
- water-resistant
- Made with ultra-quiet material
Cons:
- Lack of airflow in the bag material
- The water bottle is not easy to reach
As a hunter, you need a backpack that can carry your rifle or bow. The Badlands 2200 is designed specifically for that purpose. It’s quite budget-friendly as well.
The bag does not use aluminum as its material. The reason is to prevent making the bag too heavy for hunters who are always on the go. Instead, the manufacturers used proprietary magnesium alloy which stays twice as strong as the regular aluminum. Hence, you are able to get away with a highly durable bag yet one that is lightweight.
The KXO-50 FABRIC is a bonus. This is what keeps the bag quiet and water-resistant. You definitely do not want to have your things getting wet if the weather suddenly goes south.
Features:
- Detachable Rifle/Bow Boot
- Aramid Bartacking
- Molded Foam Suspension & Adjustable Waist Belt
- 2L Hydration Reservoir
- KXO-50 Fabric with C6 DWR
- Made with molded memory foam suspension for added comfort
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9 x 22 inches
Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
Usage: Unisex-adult
Pros:
- The bag is comfortable to carry around
- Quite spacious
- Comes in a casual design that you can use for fashion
- The bag is lightweight
- water-resistant
- Made with ultra-quiet material
Cons:
- The bag is not easy to open due to the straps
- The water bottle is not easy to reach
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Hunting Backpacks With Gunholder
Once you go on your search for the best hunting backpacks with gunholder, you will notice that almost all of them have the same features. But that doesn’t mean that just any of them will do. When looking for the best hunting backpacks with gunholder, it is essential to think about what could satisfy your purpose for having the bag in the first place.
Why Do You Need The BackPack For?
Most likely, if you are in search of a backpack with a gunholder, you are a hunter. You are about to go to another hunting exhibition. And for this wild adventure, you need the kind of backpack that can keep your things and rifle in the right place.
Aside from that, it is also important to determine how long your hunt is going to be. Is it going to be just a few hours? Or maybe you plan to stay in the woods for a few days for the hunt. What are do you plan to use in your hunt? These are the types of questions you need to answer before you can find the right backpack for you.
The Right Fit
When we say the right fit, we say it in a physical sense. Think about it. If you had a backpack that was either too loose or too tight, you probably won’t have a good time carrying it around in the woods.
As a hunter, concentration is important. If the bag that you were using during the hunt does not fit you right, the bad will become a distraction.
But then, when it comes to backpacks, there is no such thing as the right fit. This is because the more you use your bag, the looser it tends to become. The solution to this would be to look for a backpack that is adjustable.
With that, regardless if you feel it is too tight or too loose, you can easily readjust it so that it will fit you right.
Other Issues With Backpacks That Are Too Tight Or Too Loose
It’s not just a distraction. But at the same time, it will also lead to a lot of body aches. Take note that you will be spending long hours in the woods. In some cases, you could even spend days there as you push through with the hunt. And you will be carrying your backpack at all times. If the backpack is not the right fit, you could experience a lot of body aches. You will be miserable the whole time.
It is because of this reason that it is a good idea to try on the bag before making a final decision. Try to get a feel for how it will fit on your shoulders. If you experience any kind of awkwardness or discomfort, don’t give it a second thought and immediately opt for a different backpack.
Aside from adjustability, you might want to consider getting a backpack that has a waist belt. That way, the bag doesn’t have to move around left and right as you are running or walking through the woods.
Poor bag selection is a mistake that many beginner hunters make. Due to the excitement of going on the trip, they forget that they will be traveling on foot for many miles. Hence, they are not able to make the most of their time on the trip due to poor bag selection.
Functionality
Of course, regardless of how comfortable you are with your backpack, it would be of no use if it cannot serve the purpose you intended it for.
You have to identify your needs for your hunting trip. Ask yourself what you need to bring along. Maybe you plan to bring some clothes, a few hygienic products, and some food and water. Perhaps, you need a bag that can keep your bow or rifle in place, not to mention some pouches that can store all your ammo safely.
Functionality does not end here. Aside from proper allocation of your things, you need to consider your agility as well. Maybe a certain bag could store all of the items you plan to bring but perhaps it will lead you to move a bit slower due to bad design.
These are things that you need to think about prior to making a decision with your backpack. The reason is that not all bags are created equally. So, it would be a good idea to list down the functions that you need from the backpack. And then you can crosscheck if the backpack that you are eyeing fits the bill.
Weight
In this part, we need to go back to our need for comfort. Your backpack could be the right fit but if it is too heavy, the entire hunting trip could feel like a nightmare to you.
It is important to take note of the fact that when you go hunting, you are bound to travel miles on foot. Hence, it is vital to have a backpack that can support all of your belongings without putting too much weight on your body.
Aside from the discomfort of carrying a heavy backpack, it also keeps you from being agile. As a hunter, you have a need to move quickly in the forest.
When you go to look for the perfect hunting backpack, try to get a feel of the product. Does it feel light while empty. If it does, it is more likely that you will feel comfortable with it once you fill it with your things. On the other hand, if the backpack is already a bit heavy while it is empty, it might make you feel uncomfortable by the time the bag is packed with your stuff.
Material
The durability and material used in creating the backpack is yet one more factor one must consider when looking for the best hunting backpacks.
It would be unfortunate to go on a hunting trip only to find your backpack unfunctional or damaged during the trip. Your bag is where you store all of your personal and hunting-related belongings. Hence, one should equip himself with a backpack that is highly durable and made out of high-quality materials.
Aside from that, if hunting is something you frequently do, you need a backpack that will last for more than a year.
But how do you determine if a certain backpack quality is sufficient for your trip? After all, some bags are perfect for school, for work, or for casual trips. However, that does not guarantee that the quality of these bags will do the trick for a hunting trip.
We want to give some clues. The first thing you need to ask yourself is where you plan to go. Where will the hunting take place? In terms of hunting backpack, taking a look at the environment is crucial.
Will the material be able to withstand the branch scratches and dirt? Perhaps, you want a backpack that is water-resistant.
Frame Packs
As a hunter, you will be carrying more than just personal belongings in your backpack. You will be carrying items like rifles, bows, and ammo. We can both expect that these items are most likely to add more weight into your bag. This is the reason why getting a frame pack is essential for hunters.
As we talk about frame packs, we have two options: (1) internal frame packs (2) external frame packs.
From the term itself, an internal frame pack is the kind of frame pack that is stored inside the bag. It is one that is popular these days. It makes your get up look cleaner. No one would suspect that you are using a frame pack.
On the other hand, we also have the external frame pack wherein the frames are attached from the outside of the backpacks. Even though this option is less popular, it is most suited for people who need to give their backpacks additional support due to carrying heavy items.
Can Carry a Rifle Or Bow
In selecting a hunting backpack, it is essential to look for one that has a separate compartment for your guns and bows.
Your weapon is a sensitive item. If it is mixed with the rest of your belongings it could lead to these problems:
- You will have a difficult time accessing it at time of need
- It could get damaged
- You could hurt yourself or somebody else
Hunting game require you to be organized with your things most especially your weapon. Hence, it is essential to have a hunting backpack that has rifle or bow carrying functionality.
Aside from that, it would also be a good idea to have a rifle pouch that is sturdy enough to keep your gun safe. Since most of the fun in hunting revolves on your weapon, you have to be careful that it does not get damaged or wet if the weather suddenly goes south.
Hydration
Let us not get too caught up in the hunting aspect of your trip that we forget about hydration. Hunting is an aggressive activity. You will find yourself famished from time to time. Hence, it would add convenience on your end if your backpack had a water bladder that you can easily access to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.
Some backpacks even have a hydration or internal mesh hydro sleeve to support you in making sure that you do not run out of water throughout your hunting game.
Hunting BackPacks Frequently Asked Questions
In this section of this article, we are going to talk about some of the most frequently asked questions newbie hunters have about backpacks.
Why Do You Need A Hunting Backpack?
If you are new to this kind of sport, you might be wondering why you’d need to look for a hunting backpack when you can just use one of the regular backpacks that you have at home.
Regular backpacks are fantastic if you are only moving around in school or from place to place. This is because you will only be carrying low-weight items such as your notebooks, clothes, wallets, or whatnot.
On the other hand, when you go on a trip for the purpose of hunting, you will be carrying basic items that are supposed to last for days. On top of that, you need your rifle or bow as well as ammo on the trip as well. Hence, you need a backpack that can support it.
Aside from the weight of the bag, it is also important to have a hunting backpack that will be comfortable for you to carry around as you walk for miles. And in addition to that, the backpack needs to have the kind of quality that will help it withstand the environment of where you plan to have the hunting exhibition.
When you go to the woods to hunt, you can never be too prepared. The reason for this is that there is nowhere to go to refill your needs. With that, you need to carry everything on your backpack.
What Size Of Hunting Backpack Should You Get?
There is no one-size-fits-all for this question. The size of the backpack that you should get will depend on multiple factors such as where you plan to go, how long you plan to stay there, and how many items you intend to bring.
If you only plan to have a short trek into the woods, perhaps a bag of the size between 30 and 40 liters would suffice if it is just for three days. This backpack size is enough for your food and water, hunting gear, change of clothes, as well as some allowance of space.
Since we are travellers as well, we can vouch for the fact that bags often don’t have enough space. You could come to a vacation home thinking that your bag is just right for the trip but the moment you are about to get back home, your bag is suddenly lacking space. Due to this reason, we highly recommend that you choose a hunting backpack that has some allowance of space.
If the hunting trip is going to be more than three days, a much bigger backpack would be needed. This is because you need more space for clothing and food storage including your hunting gear.
On the other hand, if you plan to go hunting with a group, only one of you has to bring a big backpack. This is because you will most likely share gears. The rest of the group will have the luxury of not only bringing a smaller backpack.
You also need to consider the type of animal that you want to hunt. If you are going to gun down deers or an elk, aside from having a hunting backpack, you also need a meat shelf where you can store the meat of the animal you will hunt. After all, it would be pretty inconvenient to carry the entire deer as you go through the rest of the trip.
And with your meat shelf, your bag needs to be robust enough to carry it along with the meat. You will definitely need a much bigger backpack for this.
Even though the size of your backpack is important, you still would want a backpack that will make you feel comfortable throughout the hunting quest.
So, even if you need a big backpack, just make sure that the material is lightweight. If the bag is lightweight, you don’t have to get too tired carrying the backpack around as you go hunting.
What Frames Should You Use?
As a beginner, it might appear that both external and internal frames have very little differences. However, studies suggest that these two frames have separate purposes.
We discussed earlier that external frames are perfect if you are hunting big game. It provides better support for your bag so that you are able to easily carry the animal that you hunted down.
But this does not mean that internal frames do not hold great value. Over the years, internal frames have evolved making its way as one of the most preferred backpack frames. If you are not hunting big game but will be going on a long trip, internal frames have pre-bent aluminium poles that provide good support. This means you will be able to walk long miles without having to feel the weight of the bag.
Aside from that, since internal frames are form fitting, you do not have to worry about getting caught in branches or other debris in the woods. Your trip will be much more convenient.
But just like many other things, internal frames do have its limitations. One is that the support is insufficient if you were to hunt an elk or a deer. It is a much better option for smaller hunts.
Do You Need A Waist Belt?
You will notice that some backpacks have waist belts while some don’t. This begs the question if it is a necessary item at all for hunters.
While you can certainly go on a hunting trip without it, using a backpack with a waist belt will help you carry your items better.
If a certain backpack has a lot of things inside, it tends to move left and right as the owner walks around. This can be uncomfortable the moment the hunt has begun or when you are trying to move faster in the woods.
With a waist belt, your bag will be set in place and you will be free to move and be agile.
Why Are Hunting Backpacks Expensive?
If you were to go to some place that is not hunting-related, using any type of backpack would suffice. Since most backpacks are made out of almost the same material, the price tends to be quite affordable.
On the other hand, when you go hunting, lots of functionalities are required. The bag has to be big enough so that you will not run out of space for personal belongings and hunting gear. At the same time, the bag needs to have a certain kind of thickness so that the bag can withstand the environment you will be in.
In some cases, hunters prefer their bags to be water-resistant as well. This adds to the price of good hunting backpacks.
In addition to what we have mentioned, hunting backpacks also need to have a specific technology and design so that despite the built of the backpack, the hunter would feel comfortable carrying the bag for miles.
For instance, the bag needs to be lightweight because hunters are already carrying large items in their bag. There also needs to be some space between the hunter’s back and the mainframe. This way, your skin can still breathe as you carry the bag.
But ultimately, the main reason hunting backpacks needs to be expensive is due to the needed quality. Going hunting makes you vulnerable to a lot of things. Hence, you need a bag that is sturdy enough to carry all your things without getting damaged so you can move freely. Damaged backpacks can prevent you from moving in an agile and versatile manner.
There are still a selection of cheap hunting backpacks in the market. However, they tend to lack functionalities and quality.
What If Your Backpack Does Not Work Out?
If you haven’t bought a backpack yet, we highly recommend that you check out our best hunting backpacks with gun holder selection at the beginning of this article.
But if you found this article too late and realized that you are not content with the current hunting backpack that you have, you can still sell it online and then purchase a new one. In some cases, you will not be able to get back the full price. But at the very least, you will still get back a portion of your money that you can use to purchase a better hunting backpack.
If you are going to sell your current pack, make sure to do it immediately. Do not wait for something in your backpack to break. When this happens, the selling price of the backpack will be lower.
It might seem inconvenient to sell your current pack for a new one. However, if you settle for a not-so-good hunting backpack, you may come to regret it later.
Final Thoughts
To sum up our discussion on the best hunting backpacks, you have to get one that is sturdy enough as to not give you any trouble throughout the hunting trip. Sturdiness and bag quality is not the end of the assessment. You also need to identify the functionalities that you will need in your back so that you can crosscheck if the backpacks you are eyeing fits your needs. For additional comfort, you can select a backpack that is quiet and water-resistant.
Most importantly, do not let the price tag get in the way of purchasing a high-quality item. Your hunting trip is not going to be one time. Hence, investing a bit of cash on your hunting backpack is worth it if it is going to last for years.
To aid you in your bag selection, we’ve come up with a top hunting backpack review at the beginning of this article. Make sure to check it out before making your purchase. It will save you time.
Which backpack did you like best in this article? We would love to know in the comment section
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