Heading into the backcountry without the right backpack is one of the easiest ways to ruin a hunt. A good pack keeps your gear organized, carries heavy loads comfortably and quietly and holds up to harsh conditions. In contrast, the wrong pack leaves you sore, disorganized and frustrated. This long‑form guide explains what differentiates hunting backpacks from ordinary packs, how to choose the right one for your style of hunting and highlights some of the best models available for the 2025 season.
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Most hunters carry more than a day’s worth of gear. Modern backpack designs allow you to pack sleeping bags, shelters, optics, weapons and meat in a way that keeps weight balanced and your hands free. Hunting packs are also built from tough fabrics like Cordura and Xpac to resist abrasion and weather. Good packs are quiet, with buckles and fabric that won’t squeak when you slip through brush.
They include features like load‑lifters and adjustable frames to move the weight to your hips and away from your shoulders, hydration sleeves, compression straps to secure a rifle or bow and external pockets for quick access to essentials.
Before shopping, decide how long your hunts typically last. Backpacks are sized in cubic inches or liters. Day‑packs for treestand or whitetail hunting often hold 1 200–2 000 cubic inches (20–30 L) and focus on organization and quiet operation. Multi‑day backcountry packs start around 3 500 cubic inches and grow past 7 000 cubic inches for week‑long expeditions. The Outdoor Life editors note that backcountry elk hunters might need space for a tent, sleeping bag, food, optics and a rifle. Meanwhile, a whitetail hunter sitting in a stand may only need room for lunch and a few layers. Always choose a pack big enough to haul meat out as well as your gear.
Hunting backpacks come in two general styles: internal frame packs and external frame systems with detachable bags. Internal frame packs are lighter, quieter and streamlined. They are perfect for day hunts or short trips where meat hauling isn’t the primary concern. External frame systems, like those offered by Stone Glacier and Kifaru, include a rigid frame and a separate bag. The frame provides a shelf between it and the bag where you can strap quarters and game bags. External frames also allow you to switch bags for different tasks and they often carry heavy loads more comfortably. The trade‑off is cost and complexity; external frames are typically more expensive and require more setup.
Regardless of brand, a pack must fit your body. Outdoor Life recommends measuring your torso length by placing your hands on your hip bones (iliac crest) and measuring to the prominent vertebra at the base of your neck. Many manufacturers offer multiple
frame sizes and adjustable suspension systems. Stone Glacier’s packs, for example, allow you to choose belt lengths and adjust shoulder strap height. A pack that fits correctly shifts the weight to your hips via the padded waist belt; it should not feel like it is hanging from your shoulders.
Weight matters, especially on long hikes. Ultralight hunters often choose packs built with fabrics like Xpac and 500D Cordura, which provide strength without excess weight. The Stone Glacier Solo 3600 weighs about 4 pounds 6 ounces yet can haul more than 150 pounds. Heavier expedition‑style packs like the Kifaru Dall weigh over 6 pounds but can handle 10‑day trips and 7 000+ cubic inches of gear. Evaluate your strength, typical loads and the length of your hunts when deciding how much weight you can accept.
Good organization separates a hunting pack from a simple dry bag. Look for dedicated compartments for optics, hydration b
ladders, knives and tags. Large horseshoe or U‑shaped zippers, like those on Stone Glacier and Mystery Ranch packs, provide wide access to the main compartment so you don’t have to dig through from the top. Many packs include detachable pockets or lids that double as small daypacks for scouting trips. Quiet closure systems such as magnets or fleece flaps are beneficial for tree‑stand hunters who need to access gear silently.
When you are successful, your pack must carry meat comfortably and securely. External frames often incorporate a “load shelf” where boned meat or quarters can be lashed between the frame and the bag. The Stone Glacier Solo offers a 2 500‑cubic‑inch expandable load shelf and 150‑pound load rating. The Kifaru Dall features an integral load shelf and can host additional pouches for long expeditions. Even some day packs, like the Mystery Ranch Treehouse, have bottom compression straps and front pockets designed to secure a stand or
The following models represent some of the best packs tested by hunting publications and professional gear reviewers. Each excels in a particular niche.
The Solo has become a favorite among mountain hunters because it balances light weight and load‑hauling ability. The pack’s main bag holds 3 600 cubic inches and features a U‑shaped zipper for easy access. It rides on Stone Glacier’s X Curve frame and weighs about 4 pounds 6 ounces. A load shelf between the bag and frame adds over 2 500 cubic inches for meat or camp gear. Reviewers praise its compression straps, which secure rifles, tripods and trekking poles. The Solo is built with 500D Cordura and Xpac fabric and rated to carry more than 150 pounds. The downside is price and minimal pockets, but for those who want a durable ultralight mountain pack, the Solo is hard to beat.
Designed for long, self‑supported hunts, the Sky Archer offers 6 400 cubic inches of storage on the Krux frame and weighs roughly 5 pounds 2 ounces. It can compress down to a day‑pack or expand to haul meat thanks to its load shelf. Stone Glacier updated the 2025 version with a side‑zip pocket for accessories and a larger spotting scope pocket. Multiple frame and belt sizes allow a custom fit. Although set‑up can take time, once dialed the pack carries heavy loads well and remains lighter than most comparably sized models.
Whitetail hunters who value stealth will appreciate the Sitka Fanatic. Instead of noisy buckles and zippers, it uses berber fleece material and a silent strap/latch system. The pack holds about 2 166 cubic inches and includes dozens of internal pockets for organizing calls, rangefinders and snacks. It is designed to hang open from a tree, giving you access to gear while seated in a stand. The lack of a rigid frame makes
it less suitable for ground hunts or heavy loads, but for treestand hunters who want the quietest pack available, the Fanatic is an excellent choice.
Kifaru’s packs are legendary among sheep and goat hunters for their durability and comfort under heavy loads. The Dall combines a simple roll‑top bag with the Duplex Lite frame and can haul 7 080 cubic inches of gear. It weighs around 6 pounds 2 ounces on the Duplex Lite frame and includes a built‑in load shelf for meat. The bag can attach three additional external pouches and Kifaru’s guide lids, allowing you to customize storage. Because the frame and bag are sold separately, the system is pricey, and fine‑tuning the fit takes time. However, hunters undertaking 10‑ to 14‑day expeditions will appreciate its capacity and comfort.
The Treehouse 20 was designed specifically for saddle and treestand hunters. The semi‑rigid 1 275‑cubic‑inch bag holds your camera, extra layers and other essentials while allowing you to strap climbing sticks or a lightweight stand to the exterior. Internal cinch pockets with silent closures organize gear, and a fuzzy polyester exterior reduces noise. A bottom compression strap and front stretch pocket secure larger items. This pack is not meant for hauling quarters, but it excels at keeping treestand gear quiet and accessible.
For hunters on a budget, the ALPS Elite Frame system provides excellent features at a lower price point. It pairs a six‑position adjustable torso frame with a 3 800‑cubic‑inch bag. Gear reviewers praise its comfortable air‑mesh suspension, load lifters and anti‑slip lumbar pad. The pack detaches from the frame quickly, and ALPS offers smaller day‑pack bags that clip on for shorter hunts. Features include waist‑belt pockets, an adjustable lashing system and a rifle/bow drop‑down pocket. The PU‑coated 500D Cordura fabric and included rain cover protect your gear.
If durability is your priority, consider the Stone Glacier Sky 5900. Built on the XCurve frame, it uses carbon fiber composite stays and a Powerlock hip belt to distribute weight effectively. The bag itself weighs only 2.4 pounds yet handles over 100 pounds of meat and gear. It features a full‑panel zipper for easy access and attaches to the frame via tab‑style hooks and loops. The Sky 5900 is expensive but can handle anything from an overnight deer hunt to a multi‑week sheep hunt.
The Metcalf is a favorite among western hunters for its versatility. At roughly 4.5 pounds with the Guide Light MT frame, it offers 4 335 cubic inches of space plus an overload shelf for meat.
The split‑lid design and multiple compression straps adapt to loads of various shapes and sizes. Sturdy 500D LP Cordura fabric and quality buckles ensure durability. The Metcalf is pricey but can serve as your one‑pack solution for day hunts through week‑long backcountry trips.
Badlands developed the Vario system to offer custom comfort. The frame uses an aluminum structure with a thick molded foam back panel and adjustable shoulder yoke. Hunters can pair the frame with different bag sizes ranging from 1 800 to 6 500 cubic inches. Reviewers highlight its excellent ventilation and supportive hip belt. The modular design lets you choose the right bag for each hunt.
While looks may be subjective, Kuiu’s Pro LT 5500 stands out for its sleek design and color options. Built from 330D HT nylon with a protective PE sheet, it weighs only about 3.5 pounds yet holds 5 500 cubic inches. An adjustable fr
ame fits a wide range of torso lengths. The pack includes numerous organization pockets, load lifters and side compression straps for securing weapons. Kuiu offers accessories like hydration reservoirs and hip‑belt pouches to customize your loadout.
Hunting pack innovation continues. Bowhunting.com highlighted several new packs releasing in 2025. The Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45 is a day pack built from durable Robic Kodra Ripstop and Cordura fabric with a 270‑degree horseshoe zipper, external accessory pockets and customizable compression straps. At 45 liters it is ideal for overnight trips and weighs about 5 pounds. The Mystery Ranch Beartooth 85 offers 85 liters of space for 3‑5 day adventures, with a dual split‑lid design, stretch‑woven side pockets and a removable lid that doubles as a day pack. For longer expeditions, the Mystery Ranch Marshall 105 provides 105 liters of capacity with dual torpedo pockets and an adjustable overload shelf. Saddle hunters may appreciate the Grit Pack from Tethrd; it offers about 1 700 cubic inches in the main compartment with another 340 cubic inches in a compression pocket and MOLLE straps for attaching sticks, platforms and accessories. It also features a waterproof bottom pocket for your kill kit.
potting scopes or hydration bladders. If yours doesn’t, pack optics in padded cases and place them near the top of the bag where they are protected.
Hunting backpacks are more than just bags – they are essential tools for carrying gear safely and comfortably. When selecting a pack, consider the length of your hunts, the weight you expect to carry, the materials and frame design and whether you need specialized features like a quiet closure system or modular components. The models highlighted here have earned high marks from professional testers. The Stone Glacier Solo 3600 and Sky Archer 6400 lead the field for mountain and backcountry hunters, while packs like the Sitka Fanatic and Mystery Ranch Treehouse serve treestand and saddle hunters exceptionally well. Budget‑minded hunters can trust the ALPS OutdoorZ Elite Frame, and those undertaking long expeditions might invest in the Kifaru Dall or Stone Glacier Sky 5900. New offerings like the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45 and Grit Pack ensure that innovation continues. By investing in a quality pack that fits your body and matches your hunting style, you’ll be better prepared for the adventures that 2025 has in store.
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