What Kind of Hunting Pack/Backpack Do I Need?

So, which hunting pack/back pack do you need for a successful hunt? Here are our thoughts on what to consider for packing your gear for a day in the field.

How to Choose a Pack

The first step in choosing a pack is deciding how long you will be in the field and how much equipment your hunt will require. Each hunt is different, and duck hunters walking a few hundred yards to their blind for a morning hunt will need a completely different carry setup than a Colorado elk hunter on a self-sustained two-week bow hunt.

The Right Size

Depending on what you need with you in the field, you might consider either a daypack or a multi-day pack.

Daypacks are a great option for being outside for only a day or two when packing only the essentials is needed.

These packs typically have a capacity of 1,000 to 2,500 cubic inches of interior space. This bag fits the needs for most whitetail hunters who need to carry calls, snacks, and a field dress kit for the day and still be easy enough to hide alongside you in a tree stand or won't get in the way in a blind.

I even carry this type of bag on mule-supported hunts in the backcountry as they can easily be stowed in panniers or hung from a saddle horn and still hold everything I need for a day when I expect to be back at camp every night.

Multi-day packs usually range from 3,000 to 5,000 cubic inches and are a better option for hunts longer than one night up to a week.

These packs are a great choice for backcountry hunts for bigger game like mule deer or elk. They have enough space for a few more creature comforts.

Should You Go Bigger?

Expedition Packs are only suited for hunts lasting over a week and when resupply is not an option. These packs have a capacity of over 5,000 cubic inches to carry the additional food and kit required to stay afield for such lengthy amounts of time. 
 

Internal or External Frame

How much weight can you carry all day on a hunt? The type of pack frame you choose can make it easier to carry what you need.

External frame packs typically weigh more due to their burlier frame components. Still, the tradeoff makes them more modular and better suited for securing bulky gear, such as spotting scope tripods lashed to the exterior.

Internal frame packs keep the load snug against the body for increased stability on uneven or rocky terrain. Their streamlined profile aids in your ability to move quietly without the pack snagging on brush as you move through the woods.

Additional Options to Consider

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

Quality hunting pack/back pack materials and build don't come cheap, and you want a bag that will last season after season. Luckily, innovation in the industry has helped even lower and mid-range price point bags to come loaded with more features or options to customize than ever before.

Hydration

One thing I always look for in a pack is hydration system compatibility. Internal bladder pockets hold Camelbak-style systems securely in place, while hose ports allow you to always have water at the ready while hiking.

Adequate tube routing also keeps hoses out of the way but easily accessible when needed. As a personal preference, I can take sips as I go rather than having to take off my pack to retrieve a Nalgene-style bottle, though many modern packs either come with or can be retrofitted with side water bottle pockets.

Hip Belts and Harnesses

Packs with hip belts transfer most of the pack weight from your shoulders to your hips. This lets your larger and stronger leg muscles carry the burden, making your load feel lighter overall.

Padded shoulder harnesses and adjustable straps help distribute the load on your body properly, ensuring that you get the perfect fit to reduce fatigue and keep you comfortable to hike further. Suspension systems can also help ease the shock of the pack on your back and shoulders with each step.

Water Protection

Though most packs will have some sort of water-repellent finish, stowable rain covers are great in case of sudden downpours and can keep your gear dry no matter how inclement the weather becomes.

Packs with mesh backs or vented back panels can aid in ventilation, allowing air to move between your body and the pack. This really comes in handy during those long-distance hikes or early-season scouting missions when you are more likely to break a good sweat. 

How to Organize Your Hunting Pack/Back Pack

Throwing your gear into your pack without thinking about organization can make the pack bulkier than it needs to be and uncomfortable to carry. It can also mean the thing you need now is at the bottom of the bag.

Opt for placing lightweight and bulky items like extra clothes or your sleeping bag at the bottom of the bag. This safeguards and cushions any delicate items.

Then, arrange heavier items, like spotting scopes and water in the middle and closer to the frame so it rides in between your shoulder blades. Keeping your bag weight symmetrical from side to side will help keep you balanced and prevent shoulder fatigue.

Small or frequently used items, like your headlamp and snacks, should be placed on top so they can be easily accessed. 

HuntWise Doesn't Go In Your Pack (But Should Go With You in the Field)

Just like a good backpack is full of options and accessories to make your hunt more enjoyable, HuntWise is full of tools to help you be successful in the field. However, it's one tool you don't have to worry about fitting into your hunting pack/back pack!

Offering various maps for e-scouting and navigation, tracking capabilities, and landowner contact information, HuntWise has everything you need to be prepared for your next adventure. So, before your next hunt, collect the gear you need, grab your favorite pack, and make sure you've downloaded HuntWise onto your phone. Try every feature free for a week!