INTRODUCTION
For those of you who are about to embark on your first hunting trip, or for the seasoned veterans out there looking to pick up a new pack, then this is the hunting backpacks guide for you. We’ll cover everything from essential features that make a great backpack through to our top picks and product reviews. You won’t want to miss it! There are many factors to consider when shopping for the best hunting backpack. To make sure you get the most out of your pack, it is important that you know what each factor means and how they can affect your experience on a hunt. If you’re looking for the best hunting backpack, you have come to the right place.
First of all, it is important to know that every hunter has different preferences when choosing a pack. According to experts and experienced hunters in general, quality and durability are vital aspects that need to be considered while searching for a hunting backpack. Hunting can be a challenging sport. Especially when you don’t have the right gear on hand. This is why having a hunting backpack is crucial to your success as an avid hunter. With so many different types of backpacks available, it may be hard to know which one would best suit your needs on a hunt. A hunting backpack should not only hold all of your equipment. But also keep it safe from damage or harm while in transit or even just sitting in storage at home.
Some of the key questions that you need to ask yourself when buying a hunting backpack are as follows:
- What are you looking for?
- How much do you want to spend?
- How to choose the right size and style of hunting backpack for your needs
- Do you want a hunting backpack that has a waist belt and chest strap or not?
- Would you like a pack with water-resistant features, or one without?
- Are you looking for a daypack, or something bigger?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
“What are you looking for?” This is a hard question to answer as there isn’t one thing that everyone looks for. It depends on what your needs are and what you plan to use the hunting backpack for or if it will be your only bag. There are some universal things though that every pack should have such as rain cover, waist belt, padded shoulder straps and large pockets with compression straps.
When you go to buy a hunting backpack, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. The first thing is what type of game do you intend on pursuing? Different animals require different types of backpacks because they have different sizes and weights. If, for example, you’re going after large deer then the bigger the pack the better if you plan on carrying any of the meat out with you. When looking at packs try them all on before buying anything so that any issues with sizing or comfort become apparent immediately.
An important criteria when picking a backpack is to understand how many days away from home will you be on? This will determine how much equipment you will be taking with you which will in turn decide the size of backpack you will need. A two or three day hunting trip in the hills will require a tent, fire, starting kit, food & cooking equipment and so on….
HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND?
When it comes to hunting backpacks, the cost generally ranges from $100-$500. There are many factors that determine how much a backpack costs. You will need to decide which features and functions you want/need in your pack. The next factor is the quality of the materials used. A higher-quality material means less wear and tear over time which could mean having to replace your pack sooner than later. The last factor is whether or not you would like any additional accessories for your bag such as hydration system, rain cover, rifle scabbard etc…
Whether you’re a novice hunter or just looking for something to carry your lunch in, there are plenty of options out there. However, deciding which one is the best fit for you can be difficult. There are several factors as listed above that need to be considered before purchasing any type of hunting backpack if you want it to work well for your needs and preferences.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE & STYLE OF HUNTING BACKPACK FOR YOUR NEEDS?
Again the most important thing that every hunter should do when choosing a backpack is determining what type of game they will hunt, how often they go hiking or camping in general, and their budget. Often serious hunters will have a couple of different sizes of hunting backpacks. For example a larger one for going off up into the hill for a couple of days and a day-pack. I would consider a day-pack to be a smaller hunting backpack that can be used to carry all your essential equipment.
Having even a day-pack will not only carry all your essential items from home. It can also provide you with that extra mobility in the forest. These backpacks come in different shapes and sizes so if you’re looking for something that performs highly against water leakage or has weight distribution systems. Then there is one out there just for everybody. It’s a great feeling hunting comfortable!
Such essential equipment would consist of:
- Knife
- Gun
- Medical kit
- Food & Water
- Fire starting kit
- Portable stove
DO YOU WANT A HUNTING BACKPACKS THAT HAS A WAIST BELT AND CHEST STRAP OR NOT?
The hunting backpack that you choose to use is of the utmost importance. A good backpack will make your hunt easier, and a bad one can ruin it. The first thing you should think about when searching for a new hunting backpack is whether or not you want something with waist belt and chest strap. In my opinion, you are better off going for waist belts because they help distribute weight more evenly around their body without straining themselves too much.
In my opinion the comfort of my “Vorn hunting backpacks” dont get much better! They have extra padded shoulder straps and a super comfortable waist belt. I find it really increases my pleasure when I’m out hunting with a comfortable hunting backpacks. There’s nothing more annoying then having a hunting backpack that digs into your shoulders or neck and starts making things uncomfortable. It’s all you start to think about and starts to take the edge of the day.
WOULD YOU LIKE A PACK WITH WATER-RESISTANT FEATURES, OR ONE WITHOUT?
When you’re going out hunting, it is essential that you have the proper gear to stay safe and healthy. You don’t want to buy something with water-resistant features if they are not necessary. This will open your availability of options up even further. But at the same time if you are going into a wet environment then water-resistant hunting backpacks will be essential. Let’s face it, no one wants to carry a pack with soggy contents. If you aren’t careful and the strap of your backpack touches water, then there is going to be some moisture inside due to your clothes being wet. Moisture can lead to mildew or mold which could ruin your game.
HOW TO PACK IT UP FOR A DAY’S HUNT OR OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE FIELD
If you’re going to be in the field for a day’s hunt or overnight stay, you want to make sure you pack the essentials. A few days before your trip, fill up at least one gallon of water if possible – more if you plan on using it for drinking and cooking too. If not, find a local water source near the area that can provide clean drinking water when needed.
When packing your belongings, make sure to include clothes appropriate for weather conditions and any hunting equipment that is necessary (i.e., binoculars). You’ll also need enough food supplies like protein bars or even canned meats & veggies as well as sealed containers of fresh vegetables and fruit such as apples to last all day/several days.
It’s always best to have a checklist handy before heading out into the field. In situations where you will be spending an entire day or days away, it is important to bring along more than enough water and food for yourself. The following list should be helpful in deciding what items are necessary:
- Water
- Food
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Extra clothes
- Hat/gloves/scarf (depending on time of year)
- First aid kit with essentials such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes or spray
- Knife
- Cooking equipment (I.e jetboil stove)
Pack a packable lunch: sandwiches, fruit, and water. A thermos of coffee or tea is also an excellent addition to your day. Make sure you have a map or GPS device with you in the case that you get lost. Bring along insect repellent and sunscreen, especially if it’s sunny out! You don’t want bugs biting your skin or sunburns on top of everything else icky from being out in the field all day long.
WHY ARE HUNTING BACKPACKS BETTER THAN NORMAL BACKPACKS?
Hunting backpacks are much more flexible than regular backpacks. The difference between a hunting backpack and regular backpack is the hunting backpack has more room for gear and can take a lot more weight. It also features rifle compartments and additional straps for carrying extra items like ammunition, water, or food. Hunting backpacks are ideal for people who go on extended hunts in the wilderness.
Your hunting backpack is lightweight and comfortable with extra padded straps. Think about how much weight gets thrown on one’s shoulders when they carry their rifle or bow over long distances. They need to be as light as possible without losing quality of materials or construction so that the hunter can have maximum mobility while still being safe.
Most hunting packs are made from high-quality nylon fabric that will last for years of rugged use. Even if there is blood spilled onto them!
It’s also easier to access the gear and weapons you need in hunting backpacks, as opposed to a normal backpack where it may be hidden at the bottom of your bag. Hunting backpacks come with lots of pockets and compartments for storing all your items, such as knives, game bags, binoculars etc. The Vorn rucksack which I will show you shortly has a patented quick release system for accessing your gun as quickly as possible, a superb piece of kit. And lastly, some hunting backpacks usually come with an internal frame which makes them much lighter on your shoulders!
VORN HUNTING BACKPACKS RECOMMENDATION
My top suggestion for a hunting backpack would be “Vorn rucksacks”. For me these are fantastic! I am not affiliated with them I simply have them myself and can say how good they are. The Vorn rucksacks have two stand out features for me, 1 – comfort and 2 – there patented quick release system. The comfort of these hunting backpacks is second to none. And their quick release patented system is better than any other system available. It allows you to get to your rifle effortlessly, quietly and quickly without straining muscle in your arms, shoulders and neck trying to reach around to get to your rifle.
I have written an article dedicated to the Vorn rucksacks so please do click the following link and take a look at what I have said about them. I go into depth but not too much about all their best features. Links are provided within the article to buy the backpacks. They have three different sizes which should suit most of your needs! Take a look by clicking HERE.
OTHER HUNTING BACKPACKS TO PURCHASE
There are so many brands of hunting backpacks that are out there to purchase, many of which are good! For my American viewers you are better off looking at “Cabelas” online backpack store. They offer a variety of top quality backpacks that will suffice any needs you have. For UK viewers you would be better looking at Bushwear or alternatively buying the vorn rucksack off the link I provide in my article about the vorn rcuksacks.
THANK YOU FOR READING MY REVIEW ON HUNTING BACKPACKS
Thank you very much for reading this article. And I hope it helps you with your adventures. Here at Jake’s Outdoors we are very passionate about our hunting, fishing and all things to do with outdoors. I believe our hunting and fishing community really is special and we experience things that others do not. I think its a very good thing if we can all share out experiences and connect with each other all over the world. This way our community is much stronger. And we can better protect each other in this modern society where so many people have lost touch with the outdoors.
It’s our job to educate people on why we do what we do and try to keep our passions alive. Therefore, here at Jake’s Outdoors I wont just be reviewing equipment. But I will also be creating/promoting ways as to how we can do this. So if you are wanting to join this journey with me then please do enter your email in the footer on my homepage. And I will keep you up to date with all things to do with our passions.
Short & Long term goals:
My short term aim here is too help you fish and hunt better. I will do this by helping you choose the best equipment for you. Whether it be clothing, hunting equipment or general advice. My long term goal is to start inspiring more people to take up hunting and fishing because both are in decline. It’s very important that we start educating this modern society and making them understand why hunting needs to take place. With your support I hope to be able to carry on doing this.
If you would like to learn even more about me and Jake’s outdoors then please read my about page here… Also if you would like to read on about more relatable topics then you can take a look at more of my articles here… And please continue reading to see some of my frequently asked questions on similar topics below.
FAQ’s
Question 1: What coats/jackets would you recommend?
Answer 1: I have an article here which reviews and recommends my favorite coats/jackets.
Question 2: What hunting boots would you recommend?
Answer 2: I have an article here which reviews and recommends my favorite hunting boots.
Question 3: What pair of binoculars would you recommend?
Answer 3: I have an article here which reviews and recommends my recommended pair of binoculars.
