A good hunting backpack is one of the most basic things you need for any hunting trip. Finding the right backpack for you may seem like a daunting task, with all the models that are available on the market.
But with any of these 10 best bow hunting backpacks, you will be one step closer to finding the right one for your hunting needs.
Reviews of the Best Bow Hunting Backpacks
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
Best Overall
Water-resistant
Rain cover included
Hydration bladder and hose included
Great for multi-day hikes
Heavier weight
No back ventilation
With a 2700 cubic inch capacity, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack weighs 4lbs and is the ideal choice for you if you often require a lot of extra gear with you when you hunt. It comes in two great color options, Realtree Edge and Mossy Oak Country.
Built upon a heavy-duty aluminum frame, the pack comes adorned with multiple pockets and great compartmentalization. With a large main compartment, a front pocket, two mesh pockets on both sides, quiver holder straps, or a backpack bow holder on both sides, and a waist belt with two pockets, you can keep all your essential gears close to you at all times.
The Pursuit backpack also conveniently comes with a drop-down shelf, which you can use to keep smaller items that you may need to access while hunting.
This pack, however, is considered to be rather heavy for its size. But note that waist and shoulder straps are fully adjustable and the straps and back are well-padded, making up for the weight with comfort.
2. Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack
Best Material for Durability
Multi-purpose
Great weight distribution
Durable Reinforced stitching
Hydration pack is a separate purchase
No rain cover provided
With multiple pockets and two hip-belt pistol holsters, the 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack from Badlands will allow you more than sufficient space for all your gears whether you are a bow-hunter or a rifle hunter.
Unlike many archery hunting backpacks that are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, this backpack uses magnesium alloy, a material that is twice as strong but weighs less than aluminum.
Coupled with a molded memory foam suspension that conforms to your body over time, Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack is designed for maximum comfort.
The 19” x 17” x 9” bow carry backpack weighs 5 lbs, comes in 2 available sizes, and is made of the KXO-50 Fabric, which is light, durable, and water-proof. Your gears would be well-protected and will be kept dry, longer.
Its bat-wing design will allow you to compress it down to a daypack, or open it up when you need it to fit more accessories for your hunting needs.
Realtree Edge, Approach Fx, and Approach are the three color options that you can choose from. All three options are carefully constructed in a neutral color palette that adapts to your environment and lighting conditions.
So, if staying hidden while hunting is important to you, this backpack may be an ideal option for you. Do note, however, that this pack does not come with a hydration pack or rain cover. You can easily add them on, though!
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Traverse X
Best Value for Money
Heavy-duty Construction
Affordable
Shoulder straps and back are well-padded
Lack of adjustability in torso length
Small meat shelf
ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Traverse X is a multi-use meat-hauling backpack with a bow attachment. The pack weighs 6 lbs and has a capacity of 48L. It falls somewhere between a large daypack to a 1 to 2 night hunting pack.
Featuring Lycra shoulder straps and 1680D nylon ballistic fabric, the pack is designed for maximum strength and durability. The bag also comes with a stowable rain cover at the bottom, to protect your gears from rain and water.
The main compartment offers more than sufficient storage for all your hunting gears while the smaller pocket at the front offers easy access to items that you regularly need on a hunt. At each side of the padded waist belt, you can find a handy pocket.
The Traverse X is well-liked for its weapon sling, which offers safe storage of your rifle or bow for hands-free trekking, and a stowable meat shelf, which connects to the top of the pack.
If you have other hunting needs, you might be glad that this versatile pack accommodates rifle, bow, and clip-style holster.
You may choose between 2 colors: Cervidae, which provides camouflage, and a more stylish and minimalistic option of Coyote Brown.
For those who are smaller in build, you might want to take note that this bag may lack adjustability in torso length, so it might be unsuitable for you.
4. Badlands Sacrifice LS Hunting Pack
Best Comfort
Extremely lightweight
Rain cover included
Great carrying capacity
No hydration bladder
Neither dust-proof nor water-proof
Badland has upgraded its Sacrifice LS Hunting Pack, shedding some pounds off of its older model. Its features, however, have not been compromised.
It is fully loaded with a bow attachment, side pockets for your scope, a bucket lid and roll top for a watertight seal, and an easy to clean interior so you can haul meat.
The bow holding backpack measures 21” x 17” x 10”, has a total volume of 3400 cubic inches, and weighs slightly over 3.8 lbs. Badlands designed this pack to include a fabric that wraps the frame of the backpack, so as to cut down noise. You can remain undetectable while hunting.
Badlands Sacrifice LS Hunting pack is equipped with Hypervent Suspension, which allows ventilation between you and your pack, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable during your hunt.
So if keeping cool while hunting is a priority for you, consider Badlands Sacrifice LS Hunting Pack.
Keep in mind that you need to separately purchase your own hydration bladder as an add-on!
5. In Sights Realtree Xtra Multi Weapon Pack
Best Mobility
Great for use a bow holder
Good for gear organization
Designed to keep you cool
Not water-proof
Considerably small in size
The Realtree Xtra Multi Weapon Pack by In Sights features a single major weapon compartment that promises to carry and protect a wide range of weapons. It weighs 4.5 lbs and has a carrying capacity of 1789 cubic inches.
The pack features two main compartments with mesh organization pockets. Each main compartment sees a spot for a hydration bladder and a hose hole.
On both sides of the pack, you can find dual holsters for you to strap in quivers for safe and easy carrying. The pack also has a belt that is adorned with a small zipper compartment for you to keep smaller items that need to be quickly accessible.
A strap system can be found at the bottom of the pack just in case you have to carry additional gear or clothing items.
The weapon enclosure on the Realtree pack keeps your weapon more secure and protects it from any external damage. Furthermore, your hands would be freed up, making it easier for you to climb and move around.
If you are always on the move while you are hunting, this mobile, lightweight, and compact design by In Sights might just be the one for you.
One major flaw of this pack is that it is not waterproof, so your gears may get wet when it rains.
6. Timber Hawk Killshot
Best Noise-reducing Qualities
Versatile pack
Come with an emergency whistle
Specially designed for bow hunters
Slightly heavy for its size
Not much padding on shoulder straps
Made of polyester brushed tricot with PVC backing, the Killshot by Timber Hawk has a storage capacity of 27.5L and weighs 7.6 lbs. It features a bow attachment, and multiple ways to carry a rifle, bow, or tripod, and is roomy, comfortable, and full of storage options.
The Killshot is lined with an ultra-quiet twill lining and other noise-reducing materials, preventing sounds that could come from friction or movements.
While it is not water-resistant, the pack comes with an orange rain cover to protect your gears and provide visibility all at the same time.
The silent Stalk quick-ejection clips are a distinctive feature of this bow carrier backpack. With it, both shoulder straps are instantly released and you can quickly and effortlessly put down the pack.
One con, however, is that this pack is slightly heavy for its size. That said, the pack is small enough to navigate through the woods, while still having enough capacity to carry several nights’ worth of gear.
So if you are looking for a versatile backpack that is ideal for both day hunts and multi-day hunts, Timber Hawk’s Killshot may just be your best bet.
7. Eberlestock M5 RMEF Team Elk Pack
Best Accessibility
Adjustable to fit different body frames
Quiet and reinforced fabric
Built-in hydration pockets
Poor ventilation in the meat compartment
Side pouches are small
Eberlestock’s Team Elk Pack is recommended for big game hunting. Standing at 23″ x 11″ x 9.5″, the bag weighs 6.5 lbs and has a capacity of 2600 cubic inches.
This perfect size could serve well as a day pack but is also great for shorter multi-day trips: many users cited that they were able to use the pack for 14 day elk hunts in Colorado.
One setback of this pack is that the meat compartment could do with better ventilation.
The pack appeals features a fold-away rifle scabbard, a built-in bow carrier, an Intex tubular aluminum frame, grapple-compression straps, and a waist-belt rangefinder pocket. You can also find pouches at the sides of the pack to keep your spotting scopes.
Equipped with both front and top loading access, the pack has two optimal access points and your gears are always accessible at any point in your hunting.
Eberlestocks’s Team Elk Pack is durable yet lightweight, providing stability and comfort all at the same time.
8. Eberlestock X2 Pack
Best Weight
Expandable
Dual hydration compartments
Can be used as a seat
No raincover
Considerably small in size
The Eberlestock X2 pack is designed to carry shotguns, a full-scale hunting rifle, or a compound bow. With a capacity of 1830 cubic inches, the bag only weighs a mere 4.75 lbs.
At 22.5” x 16” x 6”, the bag comes with oversized compression straps for lashing on a heavy load, dual hydration compartments, and quick-access pockets for spotting scopes and tripods.
The compression straps allow you to tightly secure game on the exterior of the pack, keeping your interior gear clean and dry. The bag even folds down and acts as a comfortable seat.
However, this bag does not include a raincover and you would need to purchase it as an add-on.
9. SITKA Gear Ascent 12 Pack
Best Pack for Day Trips
Affordable
Well-designed and lightweight
Great mobility
Too small for overnight hunting trips
No rain cover provided
SITKA’s Gear Ascent 12 pack is a daypack designed for the fast-moving hunter. It has a volume of 1200 cubic inches and weighs a mere 3.9 lbs. The lightweight bag is ideal for day trips.
It comes with three zippered mesh pockets inside the front panel for you to organize your gears and equipment. An external bungie compression is also available for you to get some extra storage if needed.
The backpack has a durable Water Repellent Finish and is made of 100% Double Weave Polyester with Polyurethane Coating
As for weapon management, the day pack features a new lightweight toggle bow suspension system that can quickly secure your weapon. Other features include a hydration bladder sleeve and a suspension hook.
Note that the rain cover is not provided and has to be separately purchased.
SITKA’s daypack comes in two colors Optifade Open Country and Subalpine, both of which are designed to bring superior concealment to those hunting from ground level in the forest.
10. ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS
Best Expandable Backpack
Affordable
Comfortable waist belt
Zippers are heavy duty
Shoulder straps lack padding
Shoulder straps are quite narrow
The ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS is a daypack with an expandable meat hauling system and comes in 2 available colors, Realtree Escape, and Realtree Edge.
With an expandable pocket, a pocket designed specifically for carrying and protecting your spotting scope, 2 easy-access pockets on the waist-belt, a large main compartment, a side pocket, an internal pocket, and 2 front wing pockets, the Traverse EPS packs more than enough space for the avid hunter.
If you still require more space, side compression straps are available for you to add on more gear.
With a unique H-frame design made out of a light and durable material, and a fully padded foam waist belt, you would be able to carry your heavy gears safely and comfortably.
The backpack also comes with a blaze orange rain cover to protect your gear from harsh weather conditions.
Standing at 6.9 lbs and 3300 cubic inches, the ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS is one of the most advanced internal-frame packs in the industry. For those who have shoulder pains, note that this pack has straps that are quite narrow and lack padding.
How to Choose the Best Bow Hunting Backpack
We always talk about choosing the best bow hunting backpack, but what do you have to look out for when choosing the best? Put simply, bow hunting bags are deeply personal. It varies between every hunter.
For starters, you would want to focus on features like bow attachment, hydration bladder, carrying capacity, weight, comfort, and durability.
Bow Attachment
When looking to buy a bow hunting backpack for you, you should first look at whether the pack comes with a bow attachment. A bow attachment is important when you go bow hunting because it allows you to free your hands, making it easier for you to move and climb around.
It also ensures that your bow is protected from any damages and is stored safely and securely. All the backpacks that are featured in this round-up features a bow attachment.
Hydration Bladder
Water is your best friend when you are out hunting. That is why you should always look out for a pack that has a hydration bladder when looking for the bow hunting backpack.
If the pack does not provide for one, be sure to check that there is pocket space for you to attach a hydration bladder that you should purchase separately, just like the Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack.
Carrying Capacity
Your bow hunting backpack must have enough room to hold all of your gear. The carrying capacity that you should look out for wholly depends on your needs.
Are you a single day hunter who needs a sturdy daypack? Then consider ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS or SITKA’s Gear Ascent 12 pack. If you are a multi-day hunter who needs to bring around a whole lot of hunting gear, consider ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack or Timber Hawk Killshot.
Weight
Whether you are looking for compound bow backpacks or other bow hunting backpacks, the best bow hunting backpack should allow you the most carrying space while weighing as little as possible.
You do not want to get an unnecessarily heavy backpack, especially one that is heavy even before you equip it with all your weapons and gears.
Comfort
Because you will be stuck to your backpack for most of your hunting adventures, your bow hunting backpack must feel comfortable on the body. Look out for paddings on the shoulder straps, back pad, and waist belt of the backpack.
Some backpacks are equipped with a cooling technology to allow ventilation that keeps you dry and comfortable in all weather conditions.
Durability
When hunting for a good bow hunting backpack, be sure to keep in mind that you should look for one that is durable and long-lasting. Look out for backpacks that are made of more durable materials and features such as rain covers for all-round weather protection.
Tips for Caring For Your Bow Hunting Backpack
With each successful hunt, your bow hunting backpack will surely get dirty. To increase the longevity of your backpack and for hygiene purposes, you would want to make sure that your backpack is properly cared for before your next hunting adventure.
Follow the cleaning tips below to carefully clean your bow hunting backpack.
Read the Labels
Before you begin washing your backpack, be sure to carefully read the labels on the pack for washing instructions. Most bags should be hand-washed, and not machine-washed.
Unassemble your Pack
If your bow hunting pack is made up of several different parts and components, take them apart before washing so that you can thoroughly wash each part. Some backpacks such as the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack comes with an add-on for a cleaning kit for you to clean your hydration bladder.
Shake Away Unwanted “Souvenirs”
Dirt, leaves, mud, and other unwanted “souvenirs” often get stuck on your backpack after any intense hunting trip. Be sure to shake all of them off before wetting your pack. Use a vacuum if necessary.
Soak in Cold Water
Fill a plastic tub with water and soak your bow hunting backpack for at least 30 minutes. Warm and hot water is known to set stains into fabric. So, always opt for ice-cold water to remove stains such as bloodstains.
Hand wash, Rinse & Repeat
To remove any more stubborn stains, give your pack a good hand wash. Then, dump out all the dirty water and add some detergent. Massage your pack gently and wash away the soapy water, giving your pack a good rinse.
Dry
After you rinse out all the soapy water, squeeze out as much excess water from the pack as you can, and then hang it out to dry. Try to hang it at a place with good ventilation to prevent any odors.
For even more reasons and tips relating to caring for your hunting pack, check out this useful guide.
FAQs
Conclusion
The winner for the best bow hunting backpack has to be ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack with easy organization, durability, weight, and comfort.
It ticks all the boxes with a bow attachment, port for hydration bladder, and great capacity.
If you are fine with purchasing a rain cover and hydration bladder, consider Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack and In Sights Realtree Xtra Multi Weapon Pack. Both are lightweight: perfect for the mobile hunter.
In addition to backpacks, you definitely need bow hunting gear. A great crossbow scope is essential. Read our guide to the best crossbow scopes on the market.