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Nov 02, 2024

The Best Backpacks for Big-Game Hunting of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Hunting backpacks are a personal choice. They must carry very specific items and, in the case of big-game packs, handle massive loads of meat after a kill. But they must remain light and nimble for

Hunting backpacks are a personal choice. They must carry very specific items and, in the case of big-game packs, handle massive loads of meat after a kill. But they must remain light and nimble for use while hunting.

We’ve field-tested more than 20 and spoken with dozens of hunters to suss out the top hunting backpacks on the market. To choose the best backpacks for hunting, I and other editors used them in the field, primarily in Colorado and Montana for elk and mule deer hunting. We also tested packs whitetail hunting in the midwest and have used several models for long-distance overnight hikes in the off-season. Most of the packs on this list have been through more than one season.

This article focuses on larger packs meant to haul meat and gear in the backcountry, although we do have a few smaller models listed here for whitetail hunting. For those who just need a daypack, check out this link. For the rest of you, there are a lot of options, and the attributes of a good pack can be found in many brands. At the bottom of this review, I’ve noted a few things to look for in our buyer’s guide for frequently asked questions, and I’ve also added a comparison chart to help you steer your decision-making.

Editor’s Note: For our November 1, 2024, update, I’ve expanded the lineup to include the Kifaru Absaroka. This expedition-worthy pack carries massive volume and weight comfortably. I also added the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 20, an ideal backpack for whitetail tree stand hunting.

The Stone Glacier Sky 5900 ($659) is a formidable tool in the big-game hunter’s arsenal. And while there are many good packs on this list, the Sky 5900 has floated to the top after 3 years of rigorous testing.

This is my personal go-to backpack whenever I need to carry a lot of gear. I’ve used it through multiple elk hunting seasons. I’ve also used it on several multiday hiking trips in the Rocky Mountains. And I’ve grown to love this backpack for its comfort and simplicity.

The Sky 5900 is very durable and excellent for multi-day hunts when you have to haul big loads for long miles. Coupled with the XCurve frame, the majority of the bag is a large, open cavity that eats up huge amounts of gear. It expands with a very useful meat shelf that can haul quarters or extra equipment. And by adding a lid (which I highly recommend), plus using the meat shelf, you can expand this pack to carry a whopping 8,000 cubic inches.

I hauled out two cow elk quarters in one trip, pressing my body to the limits with more than 100 pounds in the load. While I struggled with the weight, the pack was totally fine.

I found the Sky 5900 to be a perfect pack for 5 days of backcountry hunting. I hauled in my gear for the Colorado first rifle season, loaded out two elk, and packed up camp.

During my hunting days, I carried minimal gear and food while climbing up and down ridges and mountains. The large lid and organizational pockets keep things in place. And the pack can compress nicely to be used as a (admittedly heavy) daypack. And when hauling meat, the very robust shelf system locked in the heavy quarters.

Read Review: The Stone Glacier Sky 5900

The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag ($249) is a great pack at a great price. This combination has made it a favorite among hunters who don’t mind trading carbon fiber for aluminum to save significant money.

The pack is designed with firearm hunting in mind and has a dedicated rifle holder along one side. The brand designed a lashing system specifically to carry meat after the kill. With a volume of 5,250 cubic inches, it has plenty of space for overnight backcountry hunts.

There’s a new kid in town and, OH is the hype big. The EXO MTN Gear K3 has been a favorite for frame/pack hunters for years. The new EXO MTN Gear K4 started as a rumor that grew into reality. We had a soft-hearted argument over whether or not the K4 was going to dethrone the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 — and we settled on this: The new K4 frame is rad. We just haven’t had enough time in the field with it to give it the top spot.

Our Hunt & Fish Editor, Rachelle Schrute, is currently testing the hell out of the pack. We’ll see if it lives up to the current internet mumblings.

Like many of the backpacks on this list, the frame and pack are separate units, allowing for customization on size and configuration. We’re currently running the K4 3600 pack system, which can be compressed down tight enough to use as a day pack if you so choose — or expanded out to pack in a one-person overnight camp, with room for some pack-out action.

The excitement is built entirely around the frame upgrade. It’s all about lateral movement. The frame shifts and moves with you. The carbon stays actually flex with you just a bit when you bend forward. With all the flex and movement, the vertical flex is almost nonexistent. This equates to comfort that supports massive weight.

We won’t get too deep into the specifics of this pack or our thoughts on it until we try to wreck the dang thing, but at this stage — this pack/frame combo is epic. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it rise to the top of the list by fall.

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf ($525) is a really sweet pack but it loses a few points for its sheer weight (6.1 pounds complete) and complexity. I’ve carried it some in testing, but mostly my buddy has carried it for elk and deer hunting in the Rocky Mountains. He likes it but would like to see the design simplified to remove some webbing straps.

The Metcalf is a versatile pack and ideally suited to multiday remote hunts. It sells as an all-in-one package, with both a large main packsack and a detachable, smaller day lid for quick stalks.

The pack easily slides away from the frame to create big shelf space for carrying big-game quarters (or other large, awkward items). And it carries heavy weight well.

We’ve tested this one over about 20 days, including thousands of feet of vertical gain and dozens of miles. The tough CORDURA fabric shows barely any wear (beyond a few bloodstains).

At $400, the Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack gets high marks for durability and hunting-specific design. It starts with a T-5 aircraft-grade aluminum frame and tough fabric. Hunt-specific features include the ability to carry a rifle, bow, or pistol. It also has a spotting scope pocket to protect the glass when traveling over rough terrain.

After the kill, the built-in meat shelf supports big loads to haul out elk quarters. It’s also available in blaze orange, a small bit of added safety but the kind of detail hunters appreciate.

Badlands also released its Vario system last year, another modular approach to developing a series of packs for one frame. GearJunkie contributor Jace Bauserman tested the Vario system and really liked it. From base frame to daypack to big ol’ multiday, Badlands has it all.

And if something goes amiss? Well, this warranty spells it out well: We don’t care what happened, or whose fault it was, we will fix it for free forever. We could care less if you bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, as long as it says Badlands, it’s covered. All we ask is that you use and abuse your pack as much as possible so we can learn how to make our products even better.

The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 20 ($229) is the perfect little whitetail pack that has more room than you might need in a quiet, compact package. If you have a bit of a haul to get into your tree stand or you want to bring extra layers (and extra snacks) for those longer sits, it holds everything you need.

The easy-open, full-access lid means no noisy fiddling with zippers or clips. With attachment points that allow you to easily hang it next to you in the tree or straps that allow it to hang itself, it does become a little base station in the canopy.

The fuzzy polyester outer build is dead silent (unless you’re dealing with loose-bark pine species), and the cinch pockets operate without a sound. With more than enough attachment points, I’ve now strapped my bow to the outside, a little white tail rattle rack, a grunt tube, and still had straps and pockets to spare.

It’s probably more pack than I need in my neck of the whitetail woods more of the year, but I also have the Treehouse 9, which can hold everything you need minus your actual bow. For late-season, though, I’ll likely stick with the Treehouse 20 for the extra layer space and pockets for my hand-warmer addiction. It’s the perfect all-around tree stand pack that fits the bill of everything you need without having to compromise.

The Kifaru Absaraoka ($277) is the best hunting pack I’ve tested for hauling huge loads while still maintaining a meat shelf. It’s a very simple pack, yet has refined details that make it a fantastic choice for hunts that require a lot of gear. And for such a large, heavy pack it’s wildly light — right around six pounds for the entire pack, frame, and harness.

The pack has three compartments: a large main compartment offers huge space for most gear, while two smaller compartments on the back organize key gear into smaller spaces. The top-loading, roll-down design does not come with a lid but is available as an add-on. I personally don’t think it’s needed as the pack itself is huge.

The Absarkoa attaches to the excellent ARK Frame, which forms a foundation for several Kifaru packs.

I tested the pack elk hunting and found it great on a five-day backpack hunt. In warm weather, it may be overkill. But it has plenty of extra space for more clothing or gear for colder weather. And it carries like a dream. I tested it with about 50 pounds (I did not harvest an animal) and it was very comfortable. I loved the firm padding and thick lumbar pad. For hunters going far afield pursuing big game or long objectives, the Kifaru Absaroka is a winner.

The Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 ($649) is a huge, very light pack (3 pounds, 15 ounces) with an excellent frame. The brand built it specifically with the needs of goat and sheep hunting in mind, although we believe it could flex into a lot of other situations well.

In testing, we found that the Terminus 7000 carries heavy loads extremely well. It has an excellent hip belt and shoulder straps, allowing you to hoist 150+ pounds without too much discomfort (at least caused by the pack — your legs will burn).

The Terminus 7000 pack is essentially a large tube with zipper access and an internal pouch to separate gear from meat. Designed for mid-size game animals, it would also work to pack out a deboned mule deer or similar critters. Because it does not have a meat shelf, I would hesitate to use it for larger animals like elk or moose, but it certainly has the internal space needed to haul all the gear for almost any kind of hunting.

If you need a huge, strong, ultralight pack, this one stands apart from the crowd, but at a hefty price. Check out our full review here.

The KUIU PRO line ($539-639) is a wonder of backpack engineering. While we spent years testing the ULTRA line of KUIU packs, the PRO line has now become the brand’s lightweight go-to. We’ve used the previous iteration for big game and even turkey hunting. But the PRO line is even lighter.

The foundation of this modular design is a carbon fiber frame that fits a wide range of packs from the brand, so it works as a big daypack all the way up to an expedition-level system. All components are sized for the end users.

With the game on the ground, the pack fabric moves back to create a shelf for carrying meat. KUIU designed the 10-ounce frame system to carry more than 150 pounds.

And let’s not forget: The entire pack weighs under 4 pounds! Testing the previous iteration of the pack, I carried everything from gear to elk quarters to a whole wild turkey.

Personally, I’ve found this pack comfortable carrying loads up to the 80-pound range. I’ve also had no problems with durability in four seasons of use. Given the fact that I use this mostly as a from-the-road hunting pack, I’ve never had more weight than an elk quarter and some backstraps in it.

Some testers have reported discomfort from the hip belt beyond about 80 pounds. One other negative is the zippers. It’s the biggest fault I can find in this pack. They are loud to open and close, and being loud in big-game hunting is bad. So this is worth noting.

Also available is the Women’s PRO Suspension, allowing this pack to be a better fit for smaller-built humans.

The full kit clocks in at just under $500, which is comparable to many of the packs to follow.

Akek is a relatively new brand. But its first product, the Alpha 3200, has proven itself a reliable, complete system for big game hunters. We tested the model for 2 solid years before giving it a slot in this guide due to its newness. But dang if the Akek Alpha 3200 hasn’t proven itself to be a durable, versatile, and comfortable backpack.

Multiple testers used the pack over two seasons and during some pretty tough conditions. And while one is over 6 feet tall, and the other is 5’8″, the pack easily adjusted between the two. It took a serious beating in thick brush. Our testers also overloaded the pack’s volume and carried significant weight in the Rocky Mountains during archery elk hunting.

This pack really stands out as an all-in-one system. While many brands offer modular packs with lots of possible add-ons, Akek gives you everything you need — pockets, a gun or bow carry system, a rain cover, a carbon fiber frame, a meat shelf, and even a removable small pack — in one buy. Pockets, zippers, and tools were all highly logical and efficient for hunt load-outs and heavy hauling. Its only downside is that this pack is slightly heavy compared to the competition. But for a mid-size pack most suited for day hunts and shorter overnights in temperate weather, the Akek 3200 has won us over.

OK, this isn’t a backpack, but it’s such a good accessory I have to include it because it will make your hunt so much better. The Kifaru Gun Bearer ($51-69) is a simple system of straps and a plastic buckle that make it simple to carry your rifle, accessibly, on your backpack.

The rifle hangs under your arm, allowing quick access. But the weight hangs from your pack. It eliminates the need for a rifle strap, which can be incredibly annoying to use when also carrying a backpack.

If your backpack doesn’t have this kind of system built in, get one. Just be certain to unload your rifle when around other people when using it, as the system does require a forward-facing gun carry that could point the muzzle in a dangerous direction if you were to fall.

Listen, with a name like Gnargali, how can we not acknowledge this pack? Paired with the Duplex Lite Frame, the combo is a pretty solid choice for the hardcore backcountry hunter.

The minimalist, roll-top design has everything you need and nothing you don’t, making it an excellent choice for a backcountry pack. When you start counting ounces, a bunch of extra straps, zippers, and buckles get infuriating quick. This isn’t the lightest pack on our list or the largest, but it falls in the sweet spot of just the right amount of storage, the right amount of support, and the right amount of durability.

Stretchy side pockets are capable of toting your Nalgene or helping secure trekking poles or a spotter. If you’re a hydro-bladder hunter, there is an internal bladder pouch with ports for your water lines. There are just enough straps to securely attach your bow to your back for the long hike in, and unnecessary straps are removable and reconfigurable. Waist belt webbing allows for any number of accessory attachments, like a pouch for your dang phone or a bow spider to have your bow in reach.

It’s a minimalist pack, for sure. But what more could you really ask for?

Just down the road from Mystery Ranch in Bozeman, Montana, sits a small shop with a big following. Stone Glacier has cemented its reputation in the past 5 years as a cult favorite of backcountry hunters in the West and beyond.

The brand’s ultralight, minimal philosophy filters into a collection of packs and gear with clean lines, stripped-down efficiency, and substantial aptitude for carrying heavy loads.

The EVO 3300 ($614) is a perfect example of this. This isn’t your 10-days-in-the-backcountry pack. What it does do is fit an elk quarter perfectly while maintaining enough space for a day hunt or an ultralight backcountry hunt.

This bag sits on the lauded Krux EVO frame, which can be stripped down to basics and still do the job. With carbon composite stays, high-end military-grade buckles, CORDURA 500-denier fabric, and a 150-pound rating, it’s high-tech carry at its best.

And the whole system — bag and frame — clocks in at 3 pounds, 13 ounces. The frame itself weighs 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

For all this tech, you’re definitely throwing some money down. The frame itself retails for $335, and the combo together costs $574.

A small but growing company, Seek Outside builds backpacks (and shelters) in the USA, many in its home state of Colorado. And among its most versatile hunting packs is the Revolution Suspension Pack Frame ($329).

Sold individually for $329, the pack frame weighs just 2 pounds, 9 ounces. But Seek Outside designed it to carry the heaviest loads.

Due to its ability to attach several fabric sacks externally, it’s a very versatile frame. It can be used for packrafting, hunting, search and rescue, and even expeditions.

A popular configuration (as pictured above) is to put a Merlin Daypack Talon ($130) on the frame to carry small items during a day of hunting. Attach a dry bag for bulkier gear, and you’ve got a waterproof system for longer backcountry trips.

The frame has a load shelf that adds 2,000 cubic inches of overhaul capacity, so you should be able to load in elk quarters for the haul out after a successful hunt

Our team of testers are avid hunters with decades of experience in hunting, as well as other outdoor pursuits. Lead writer Sean McCoy has been hunting since he was 12. That’s … a lot more years than he’d care to admit. But he still covers big ground chasing Colorado elk and mule deer each fall and he also travels for hunts in the Midwest several times each year. As a runner and a skier, he understands the benefits of lightweight and minimal designs in a backpack but knows that a hunting pack must be a capable, durable load hauler.

Rachelle Schrute and Nicole Qualtieri both contributed knowledge to this guide. Both are avid hunters living in Montana. Schrute, GearJunkie’s Hunt and Fish editor, pursues elk, deer, mountain lion, and bear, as well as small game, every year.

We first published this guide in the summer of 2020 with an inaugural lineup of eight packs, and while our selection has grown to 12, we don’t see a lot of turnover in these pack designs. They’re generally tough, durable, and as light as possible while still being able to carry heavy loads. And while they can be expensive, we’ve spent the time to know that they last for many seasons.

Each year, we reevaluate the field and try to select models to address the needs of various hunters, from modular systems to all-in-one packs. While we identify our absolute favorite model, every pack highlighted here is quality and we encourage you to purchase the pack most in line with your needs.

Our testers put each of these packs through their paces with a range of applications. We know hunters will be using these load haulers to carry supplies far into the backcountry, or maybe to retrieve a kill a mile from the truck. To give a fair and thorough evaluation, we’ve had some packs in testing for over 2 years, providing plenty of opportunity for big miles and heavy loads.

Our goal is to provide you with the best intel to make an informed purchase. We test this gear, and this is our honest opinion about our favorite products. These are the packs we’d recommend to our friends, and in fact, we do, usually sending along this guide when family or friends ask us which pack to buy.

Obviously, these aren’t all the packs on the market. But these are among the best we’ve found. What should you look for in a backpack for hunting? Let’s break it down.

1. Haul heavy loads. If you intend to carry meat and/or camp gear, a hunting backpack should be capable of carrying a very heavy load. For big-game hunters who trek into the wilds, that means up to 100 pounds. Why? Because that’s what a big elk quarter plus some gear will weigh.

Historically, this has meant hunters needed external frame packs. But pack makers have developed incredible internal frames and modular systems in the past decade, giving hunters exceptional tools for carrying both meat and gear.

2. It should fit like a glove. Many packs come in various sizes or have adjustable torso lengths. Make sure yours fits properly.

3. Carry gear too. For many, it should carry gear while hunting. This means things like snacks, water, extra clothing, game bags, knives, and possibly your weapon for long walks. Multiple pockets are nice for organizing gear. And large packs should have straps to compress down when not fully loaded. For deer hunters who can drag game out of the woods, a smaller pack can be just fine.

4. Ample space. For those who pack deep into the woods, it should be able to carry enough gear to sleep out overnight — or longer. This means a sleeping bag, tent, and cook gear, plus the items noted above.

For this reason, modular systems that allow larger or smaller packs on a single frame perform admirably. These also offer the versatility to use a single frame on various styles of hunts.

5. It should be quiet. This is unique to a backpack for hunting — and is really important. The material should not make much noise when snagged on bushes. The zippers and buckles should operate quietly.

6. Don’t forget daypacks. For many hunters, these packs are more than needed. A small daypack works for those who hunt deer or smaller animals where they can be dragged out. Those with access to ATVs or horses also can likely get by with a simple daypack too, as your ride will handle the heavy hauling.

Don’t want to buy a new pack just for hunting? No problem. If you backpack, you already own a pack that’s entirely capable of serving you as a hunting pack. It just won’t be ideal.

Backstraps, tenderloins, and meat scraps will fit into the main compartment of most large, internal-frame backpacks designed for hiking. If far from the trailhead, deboning front and rear quarters will allow even their massive volume to fit in larger packs.

Just be sure to bring game bags and a heavy-duty garbage bag or trash compactor bag to line your hiking pack to minimize bloodstains.

Most internal-frame packs can even carry the heavy load of a bone-in elk quarter. It probably won’t be comfortable, but it’ll do in a pinch. Just bring some paracord, lay the quarter on the pack, and get strapping. The job won’t be pretty or fun, but it will get the meat out of the field.

The best backpack for deer hunting varies depending on your style of hunting. Will you drag the deer out of the woods, or do you need to quarter it for a long pack out? If you will quarter and carry your deer, it needs to be able to haul a heavy load comfortably. In that case, look for a pack that can handle 100 pounds or more, so you can pack out your game plus all your equipment.

Make sure that the pack you’re considering also operates quietly. Find a pack whose buckles and zippers operate quietly to prevent scaring off your quarry.

If you hunt close to the truck and can drag your deer out of the woods or haul it with an ATV or horse, a simple daypack will likely do the job.

It depends on how much time you plan on spending out in the field. For day trips, plan on carrying food, water, extra layers, your calls, a first aid kit, kill kit, and anything else you might need.

For multiday trips, add a tent, sleeping bag, and pad, plus extra food and a camp stove to cook your gear. Just make sure you have enough room to pack out a heavy load of meat.

Most importantly, prepare for your specific hunt. Every location and weather condition requires different equipment, so do your homework well in advance.

For elk hunting, you’ll want a pack that can haul at least 100 pounds. This will likely require a purpose-built backpack meant for big-game hunting.

The pack volume itself will depend on how long you plan on spending out in the wild. For multiday trips, you may be looking at 4,000 to 7,000 cubic inches, with additional space available in a meat shelf.

If it’s soaked in blood, you may need to spray it down with a power sprayer. Use a pressure washer to hose it off in the driveway. Then soak it in a tub of ice-cold water for about 30 minutes. Then hand or brush wash it, and then dump out the water and repeat with soapy water.

If you can, use a detergent made specifically for cleaning hunting gear. Give it a good rinse, and then hang it to dry.

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