Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 01:04 pm
When going on a hunting trip, you need to carry a lot of gear and for that, you will require a hunting pack that easily fits your equipment. The pack frames are expensive compared to the standard hunting backpacks. They distribute the weight evenly across your body preventing pressure concentration at a single point. If you have a back problem or need to carry lots of gear, the pack frame is a perfect hunting backpack for you.
For a hunting trip, you will need to carry a camping tent, some clothes, food, and hunting equipment. You have to make sure that you are carrying the right pack frame. This article contains the best pack frames for hunting. You can go through them before you make the purchase. The buying guide is also available discussing all the features required in your pack frame.
Editor's Pick | 4.3/5 | |
 | ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Pack Frame for Hunting ☞ High quality ☞ Weather-resistant ☞ Large capacity |
The Best Pack Frames for Hunting –Buying Guide
The best pack frame for hunting will have enough space to hold your gear. It should be able to withstand harsh weather. You should do your homework before purchasing the pack. The necessary points to consider are mentioned below.
Design
The hunting backpacks have three designs: external frame, internal frame, and no frame. The external frame hunting backpacks are big and can hold all your stuff. They are good for long hunting trips and can carry lots of meat. The internal frame hunting backpacks are stable, comfortable, and smaller in size. They are not considered for meat-hauling. The frameless backpacks are the lightest and the cheapest. You can use them for short day trips.
Material
The backpack material is important to consider. It should be durable, waterproof, and weather-resistant. It should be noise-free too.
Remember that you also need to carry the meat after your hunt down the deer or elk. The leather and canvas were the chosen materials years ago as they are tough. The drawback is that they are heavy. Nylon is lightweight and waterproof but it makes noise. You know that you do not have to scare away your prey.
You have to choose the right backpack material. The camouflage prints mix with the woody environment allowing you to stay away from the sight of your game.
Capacity
What capacity hunting bag you require depends on the gear you are taking with you. If you are carrying things other than the hunting equipment like the camping tent and sleeping bag then you need a hunting backpack of high capacity.
The small backpacks have a capacity up to 2,000 cubic inches and the large backpacks have capacity up to 5,000 cubic inches. For deer and goat, you do not need large backpacks but for a big animal like elk, you will need an external pack frame.
All Hunting Backpack Reviews
The hunting backpack reviews are available for the 7 best-hunting backpacks. Keeping in mind the main features and your budget, you can choose the one you like. Nobody likes to change the backpack every year so you should make sure that you carefully study the features, pros, and cons before making the purchase decision.
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Pack Frame for Hunting
Specifications
- Material: Nylon ripstop
- Frame: External
- Weight: 7 lbs. 5 oz
- Capacity: 5,250 cubic inches
- Pockets: 6
- Accessories: clip-style holster, rifle pocket, and hydration pocket
This pack frame for hunting is made of nylon fabric that is durable and weather-resistant. It is an externally framed elk hunting backpack having extra space for your rifle and a hydration pocket for easy water access. The internal divider allows you to easily access the upper and lower portions of the pack. It saves time searching for things. If you want to attach any external tools, the lashing straps, pin attachments, and webbing tools are also available. This best backcountry backpack can hold up to 5,250 cubic inches of the stuff.
2. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Review
Specifications
- Frame: Internal
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Capacity: 3,400 cubic inches
- Pockets: multiple
- Accessories: sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, water-resistant rainfly
Having quality features, this is the best hunting pack for the money. It has a great space for your gear and meat haul. You can use it for 3-4 days hunting tour. This light backpack weighs 4.5 pounds and has a carrying capacity of 3,400 cubic inches. The long and wide size can easily fit all the body types. For comfort, the open cell foam is available on the back and sides. It has multiple pockets and also a compartment for your sleeping bag. The water-resistant rainfly is also available to keep your gear dry.
3. Horn Hunter Hunting Pack Frame
Specifications
- Material: Polyester
- Frame: Internal
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Capacity: 500-5,000 cubic inches
- Pockets: 9
- Accessories: load shelf, hydration pocket, a compression system
This best pack frame for hauling meat has three versions to choose from frame, combo, and system. The frame consists of nine pockets for carrying the stuff. The load shelf is foldable and can be added to the frame for easy carrying. The combo version makes the backpack lightweight and can be used for short hunting trips. This hunting pack frame has a carrying capacity of 500-5,000 cubic inches. It does not have a rifle holder so you will be carrying your hunting equipment separately.
4. Badlands 2200 Frame Hunting Backpack
Specifications
- Material: waterproof KX0-32
- Frame: Internal
- Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz.
- Capacity: 2,250 cubic inches
- Pockets: 8
- Accessories: meat shelf, hydration pocket, compression system, rifle boot, and in-built hip belt pistol holders
This frame hunting backpack is made of KXO-32 waterproof material. Badlands delivers the best hunting backpack fabric. It is lightweight having a carrying capacity of 2,250 cubic inches. You can carry a rifle, tripod any many other things as it has 8 pockets to adjust your stuff. The compression system distributes the weight evenly protecting you from fatigue. It is durable, waterproof, stable, and noise-free. This meat hauler backpack is the best for small game. The camouflage pattern keeps you undetectable in the woods.
5. Timber Hawk –Best Hunting Backpack for Rifle Holding
Specifications
- Material: Polyester-brushed tricot
- Frame: No
- Weight: 7.6 lbs.
- Capacity: 3,429 cubic inches
- Pockets: multiple
- Accessories: water bladder, rain cover
This hunting backpack is made of polyester-brushed tricot. The internal twill lining and the outer fabric, both are quiet. The PVC backing keeps the bag stiff. It does not have an external or internal frame. It has a carrying capacity of 3,429 cubic inches.
You can use if for a single-day hunting tour or multiple days tour. Multiple pockets are available to hold your stuff from rifle to GPS. The lashing points are available if you need more storage. It comes with a neon-orange rain cover as it is not waterproof. You can customize the shoulder straps and hip belt according to your size.
6. Slumberjack Hunting Backpack with Frame
This versatile backpack can be used for a day or an overnight hunt. You can attach the pack to the frame or carry it alone. It has a multi-weapon carrying system so you can easily pack your bow or rifle. The large compartment can hold all your gear. There are three front pockets and 2 side pockets to keep your optics, bipod, and other stuff. The PALS webbing feature allows you to attach more tools. The in-built compression system stabilizes your load providing comfort.
Specifications
- Frame: External
- Weight: 3 lbs.
- Capacity: 2,500 cubic inches
- Pockets: 5
- Accessories: multi-weapon carry system, hydration system
7. Seibertron Falcon Frame Pack for Hunting
Specifications
- Material: 900D waterproof nylon
- Frame: External
- Capacity: 2,258 cubic inches
- Pockets: 4
This is one of the best hunting frame packs having a capacity of 2,258 cubic inches. It is made of durable and waterproof 900D nylon material. You can load the meat in the main compartment that is customizable and expandable and the internal mesh pockets can be used for your other hunting gear. The MOLLE webbing helps you attach extra tools and accessories. It is hydration compatible so you can add a hydration bladder. You can use it for 1-3 days hunting period.
Conclusion
The best hunting backpacks will be durable, able to hold lots of gear, and have customizable compartments. The hunting pack reviews are available. You have to invest wisely to improve your hunting experience. The buying guide and your personal preferences will help you decide your purchase.
FAQs
1. What size backpack do I need for hiking?
The hiking backpacks have a carrying capacity range of 2,000-5,000 cubic inches. The small backpacks are of 2,000 cubic inches, you need them for a single-day hunting use while the large ones are of 5,000 cubic inches and are used for multiple-day tours.
2. Where should the backpack hip belt sit?
When the backpack hip belt is properly adjusted on the top of hip bones, it cuts 80-90% weight off your shoulders. In this way, the weight gets distributed evenly and you can have a comfortable time during hunting.
3. What is the difference between a hiking and hunting pack?
The hiking backpacks are designed to carry less weight and are inexpensive compared to the hunting backpacks. The hunting backpacks require space for the meat other than the hunting gear.
4. How to fit a backpack torso length?
The backpack size should be chosen according to your torso length and not overall height. To get the right fit, you should stand straight with your hands on the top of the hip bones and ask someone to measure the length from your neck bottom to your back bottom. The distance between your thumbs should also be measured.
5. What is a daypack for hiking?
A daypack is used for single-day hiking. You carry the stuff that you just need for a day. The day packs are smaller and lighter than the multiple-day hiking packs as they only contain the hunting gear, food, and water. You do not need a sleeping bag and camping day as there is no night stay.
6. What to bring on a short hike?
For a short hike, you need to carry your hunting equipment, snacks, water bottle, GPS, torch, first-aid kit, comfortable clothes, and your rain protective gear. You should make sure to have all the necessary stuff.
7. How can I guarantee that my backpack will fit me?
The harness, shoulder straps, waist belt, and hip belt are needed to be adjusted to guarantee that your backpack fits you well. Even though backpacks come in different sizes you still need to make these adjustments.
8. How can I clean my backpack hunting frame?
After your hunting trip, you need to separate the pack from your frame. The pack zippers should be opened so that no compartment is left uncleaned. You should soak your pack in warm or cold water and use a detergent and brush to scrub off all the residue and dirt. Then you should leave it in the air for drying.
9. How can I maintain my hiking or hunting pack?
Maintenance is important for your pack to last longer. You can line the interior to protect from stains. You should clean it carefully. You can buy a rain cover to protect against harsh weather conditions if your pack does not have it.
10. Can I modify my hiking or hunting backpack?
Some manufacturers have the modifying option. You can choose the way you want your backpack to be.
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