Best Bow Hunting Backpacks: An Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

Hunting is almost always amazing and relaxing. but If you are an experienced hunter, then you understand the hassle of carrying all your hunting gear. I’m by nature a disorganized person so I always forget 10 things I should have brought to the hunt. This is why I learned to pack my backpack the day before going hunting!

It is not practical or even possible to carry all the gear you will need in your hands, and that is why you will need a reliable backpack. Most of the hunting gear you need can be quite heavy, but as you will discover, a backpack makes the load easy to carry. 

One thing I discovered in all my bow hunting expeditions, is that bow hunting backpacks are precisely designed for bow hunters. It implies that the backpack will carry all your hunting gear and have a provision for you to carry the bow and arrows.

Because of this, your hands are free, and you can easily maneuver the woods as you glass for at potential targets. Along the way, I discovered that these are some of the most compelling reasons why you need a backpack for your next bow hunting trip. 

Make sure you check our article on the Best Bow Quivers. 

Why You Need a Bow Hunting Backpack

When I was starting in hunting, I would go with only my bow and arrows with some extra pieces of equipment, and every time it felt like I needed something, and did not have it. It is one of my rookie mistakes that I am sure most novice bow hunters also make. A good bow hunting backpack can be the difference between bagging a mule deer and missing out on one. 

The main advantage is that you get to carry all the necessary gear to make a successful bow hunting experience. The size of your backpack also determines how much gear you can carry. Before you settle for any design, consider the length of time you will hunt and pack only the essential items you will need for the hunt. 

My earlier experience with bow hunting backpacks is how it keeps me organized in the woods. Each time I reached for my bow when I spotted the wild game, I would reach it with ease. It made my hunting experience fun, and I keep looking for ways to improve on this and have convenience each time I go hunting. 

It is easy to get frustrated if you have the wrong backpack on you as well, Imagine looking for a deer then when your chance comes you scramble to pick gear in your backpack. I occasionally fumbled with the wrong kinds of bags until I finally decided to review professional bowhunters backpacks. Below is a list of my findings. 

The Best Bow Hunting Backpacks 2020 Review

Sitka Gear Ascent BowHunting Backpack

So far, it is one of the highest profiled bowhunting bags available in the market. When I first took it out to the woods, I thought like a minimalist and did not want to carry anything I did not need.  The fear was finding out if it is uncomfortable and cumbersome at the same time as this would be a real disaster.

I have gathered much respect for the durability and functionality of the Sitka Ascent Bow Hunting backpack. It is also very comfortable, and the backpack is a well-stitched polyester that enables it to be the most reliable in weatherproofing. 

The industrial polymer allows one to comfortably place down the backpack without fear that it will soak water from the ground. I have used the bag for all seasons in my experience, and it has been perfect all the time. I kept pushing the boundaries with different kinds of loads, and each time it never wavered. 

 The bag is huge and stands at 15 inches high. It has separate compartments, which include an easy access bow and rifle compartment. Other compartments include padded waist straps, a hydration bladder, and a tripod back-strap. 

Pros 

• Weatherproof
• It has many compartments, including the easy access weapon compartment for your bow.
• Comfortable and durable to last you many years
• Spacious with a 1200cubic-inch of the  main compartment

Cons

• I found it to have fewer compartments than I would have liked.

Tenzing Choice Hunting DayPack

It is one of the backpacks you will love for its original and functional design. Another thing is the price range, as I found it to be affordable as well. When testing it out, the durability was out of its range because it has the best material ensuring it serves you for many years without the need to replace it. 

I found the storage capacity to be accommodative, but perhaps I consider myself a minimalist. It has 1500 cubic inches of storage capacity, which you will find useful for carrying most of the hunting gear you need. 

The bag’s lightweight design is impressive as you can use it for various purposes. This makes it suitable for all your short and long hunting trips. It packs well for all my gears without having to forego some items. This particular backpack also fits well with the body, and you can carry it with ease as the straps are easily adjustable. 

It has a fold out compartment that I enjoy most as a hunter. Not only is it suitable for bow carrying, but it can handle a rifle well. The maneuverability is excellent as I could wiggle in tight spaces but still secure my hunting gear. 

Pros

• Built-in Rain Cover
• Smart design, having 1500cu inches of compartmental space.
• They have a durably built and quality frame.
• It has a built-in gun and bow carriage.
• It has a padded waist and shoulder straps.
• Hydration storage space.

Cons

• I really would have liked a few more compartments in this one.

Tenzing TZ 2200 Daypack 

The most astounding part I enjoyed while using the Tenzing TZ 2200 DayPack is the rain cover. It is quite useful to hunters who enjoy the wet season as well. When it comes to hunting, all-season backpacks are a hunter’s best friend. 

If you like to pack heavy like I sometimes find myself doing in most hunts that spread over a week, this backpack is for you. One of the greatest highlights of the Tenzing TZ 2200 Daypack is its unique ability to make simple adjustments to fit your body well.

When fully loaded, the backpack has 2200 cubic of storage and weighs only 4 pounds. Being a lightweight design is also a strength you will enjoy as I found it comfortable on my back for many hours of trekking. The material is also weather friendly and does not stick to your body when you carry for many hours. 

The frame makes it durable, and the straps are comfortable on the waist and shoulder. The gun and bow compartment is the most essential for a hunter. The compartment is well fitted to ensure easy access and easy carriage as well. When hunting using a bow, you need it to be protected when traversing rough terrains. 

Pros

• Durable and lightweight.
• It is a multipurpose backpack with a versatile design.
• Has an excellent rain cover for protection against the heavy downpour.
• This is among the best backpacks that distribute weight well-easing load on your shoulders.
• Comfortable to wear and you can make simple adjustments as well

Cons

• The price is somewhat premium and high.

Insights Hunting the Shift Backpack for Crossbow/Rifle

If you have not yet tried this backpack, then you might just fall in love with it. It packs as one of the best versatile bags you can find for the best price in the market. It is no surprise as the insights Hunting Shift Backpacks all have a wider compartment and the best security for your bow. 

For the hunters like me that prefer the extra pod to add to the already large 1789 cu- base compartment, you are in luck. You can easily attach and detach, making your bag big or small, depending on the need and weight needed. 

The extra pod’s function will allow you to fit your bow and quivers ready for a week’s adventure in the woods.  It is comfortable on the back and will not sweat because of the dry and soft material. 

I enjoyed this bag because the straps felt comfortable, and the padded hip and shoulder straps also felt nice on the body. You can carry the bag for many hours without feeling discomfort. It has a sturdy frame that makes it suitable for rough terrains as well. 

Pros

• It has enough space and wider  bow and quiver compartments
• It has an excellent design that wraps around your body comfortably.
• You will enjoy the lifetime warranty it comes with, but I am sure there will be no reason for it. 

Cons

• Some will find it cumbersome. 

Badlands Superday Backpack

Badlands Superday Backpack deserves a higher spot in this review. It is one of the bags that concentrate on ergonomics, knowledge of biomechanics, and physics. It can survive the roughest paths or wear and tear a hunter can imagine. As a result, it features in most reviews as well.

Among its impressive features, I found useful is the thermos mold suspensions, which makes it breathable at the back panel. It provides comfort to the hunter by molding to the back. The backpack is also odor-free regardless of how much sweat your body produces. 

The Badlands Superday BackPack for hunters also comes with two hydration bladders. These hoses feed down your shoulder and give you access easily. I found it quite rejuvenating and helpful on the field. 

The wings are helpful too. They will transfer the load to the hips from the back, which made me carry heavy cargo for some distance. 

An essential thing for me as a hunter is to blend with the environment. With the Badlands Superday Backpack for hunters, I could do this well. The camouflage makes you able to get close to prey and shoot from a vantage point. 

It is also versatile and has a durable construction. It will serve you for many years and is comfortable as well. 

Pros

• The Neutral color blends in any environment 
• Extremely comfortable for any hunter to carry
• Easy to access pockets
• It comes with an ergonomic design
• The design supports hydration bladders
• The builds are a sturdy construction

Cons

• You may find the size to be limited 

Slumberjack Hone BackPack

It is a versatile backpack that is ideally the best suited for today’s multi-day remote hunt. It uses padded hip support that is channeled with an air-cooled back. Because of this, the wide padded shoulder straps also help distribute the weight evenly, giving you added comfort when carrying a heavy load. 

It uses a stowable multi-weapon system that integrates, and that assists you in transporting your bow or rifle. The inbuilt system for the rifle rest is a welcome feature that adds on stabilization and accuracy when you need it. 

The Construction is of high quality as it uses a sturdy fabric that can withstand wear and tear. Despite its being lightweight, it can pack heavy loads without giving up on the seams. I found the bag to be durable and can serve for a long time without the need for replacement.

It is also a multipurpose backpack that you can take for all your outdoor activities besides hunting and will still prove reliable. I can vouch for the bag as the best for camping, hiking, or glassing the ridgelines. It is also weatherproof, and you can take it on almost all season hunting as it can withstand different environments. 

Pros

• Blends well with your environment
• It is a multipurpose backpack
• A safe transport and carriage system for all your weapons
• Durable and stable to last you a lifetime
• Lightweight 

Cons

• It is not the most ideal for trips lasting more than two days. 

Badlands Dash Camouflage Day Hunting Backpack

Sometimes I find that I do not need to carry lots of hunting gears. Therefore no need for too much space. For most of my day hunting experience, I do not need lots of equipment, and I will pack light but comfortable. For this option, I prefer the Badlands Dash Camouflage for its lightweight design and hyper vent suspension. 

It is also reliable in even weight distribution, which makes the best for long-distance trekking. Despite its comfort, it is also agile, which is an admirable feature as I found it useful in rough terrains. It can last for many years without the need for repair and has excellent maneuverability as it patches well to the body. 

The Badlands Dash Camouflage uses the Ripstop Nylon to make it durable and has a waist belt that you can reverse tighten. There is welcome ventilation from the hyper vent system, which leaves you dry as there is a constant flow of air between your back and the backpack. 

The main idea behind the bag is to make you blend into any environment. The camo feature is undetectable and comes with a bow and rifle compartment. Besides, you will find the compression straps useful as I use it to attach extra gear. For a day backpack, it is spacious with a 1260 cubic inches capacity. 

Pros

• Stealthy and will provide unnoticed movement
• It uses a hyper vent suspension to give it a higher ventilation
• Being lightweight, it allows you to move faster
• Very versatile
• It uses the Ripstop nylon to make it durable
• Features a reverse-tighten waist belt for extra comfort

Cons

• A small storage capacity.
• It is not waterproof 

Sitka Gear Mountain 2700

The Sitka Gear Mountain 2700 has an internal frame that allows you to pack up to 2,700 cubic inches of the main compartment. Although it is not that big, I found it spacious enough for my bowhunting experience in the woods.  It is a daypack that can last you up to three days with minimalist needs. 

When you wear it in your body, you will immediately feel its sense of comfort from the stylish design it bears. It has a frame that distributes weight evenly and has padded shoulder and hip straps. The hunter who likes their weapons close and accessible gives you an edge when on a hunt.  It uses the drop-down sling-style as pocket support for your bow or rifle. 

It has an excellent rain cover that makes it suitable for all weather conditions, a bonus for the avid hunter who likes to hunt throughout the year. The straps are easily adjustable and durable as the entire backpack is. It creates reliability and can serve you for many years without needing to replace it. 

This backpack is also the best for maneuverability as it sticks to the body, and you will feel it become part of you. It allows you to carry it for hours without straining too much. 

Pros

• It is both comfortable and lightweight
• This is the ideal day backpack for bowhunting
• It is durable and comes with a sturdy design

Cons

• It has limited adjustment options

Horn Hunter Main Beam Hunting Backpack

The best thing I enjoyed while using the Horn Hunter backpack is the rain cover. It is useful to hunters who enjoy the wet season as well. Hunting for outdoors lovers like me is an all-year event, and this makes all-season backpacks a hunter’s best friend. 

If you like to pack heavy like I sometimes find myself doing in most hunts that spread over a week, then this backpack is for you. One of the highlights of the Horn Hunter Daypack is its unique ability to make simple adjustments to fit your body well.

When fully loaded, the backpack has enough storage and weighs only 4 pounds. Being a lightweight design is also a strength you will enjoy as I found it comfortable on my back for many hours of walking in the woods. The material is also hyperventilated and does not stick to your body when you carry it for many hours. 

The frame makes it durable, and the straps are comfortable on the waist and shoulder. The gun and bow compartment is the most essential for a hunter. The compartment is well fitted to ensure easy access and easy carriage as well. When hunting using a bow, you need it to be protected when traversing rough terrains. 

Pros

• Durable and lightweight.
• It is a multipurpose backpack with a versatile design.
• Among the best backpacks that distribute weight well-easing load on your shoulders.
• Comfortable to wear and you can make simple adjustments as well
• It has an excellent rain cover for protection against the heavy downpour.

Cons

• There are other spacious backpacks available in the market 

Alps OutdoorZ Extreme Commander  X pack

It is one of the backpacks you will love for its functional design. Another thing is the price is affordable.  When testing it out, the durability was out of its range because it has the best material ensuring it serves you for many years without the need to replace it. 

If you want to be looking for more storage, this backpack is modest for the day hunter. I consider myself a minimalist hunter; therefore, I only carry essential hunting gear.  

It has a lightweight design that is impressive when you like a bag for multi-tasking. This makes it suitable for all my short and long hunting trips. It packs well for all my gears without having to forego some items. You will find that it fits well to the body, and you can carry it with ease as the straps are easily adjustable. 

It has a fold out compartment suitable for bow carrying, but it can handle a rifle well. The maneuverability is excellent as I could wiggle in tight spaces but still secure my hunting gear. 

Pros

• Built-in Rain Cover
• They have a durably built and quality frame.
• It has a built-in gun and bow carriage.
• It has a padded waist and shoulder straps.
• Hydration storage space.

Cons

• The high price is the only con on this one, it’s a fantastic pack.

Conclusion

If I had to pick one favorite that I use all the time it’s the Alps OutdoorZ Extreme Commander  X pack. It fits me perfectly and i’m a bigger guy. I hope this list helped you and that you find a backpack that suits your needs. Feel free to browse the other articles on the site and have a fantastic day. Happy hunting my friend!