Killik Mountain 2800 Cu in Hunting Pack Reviews

If you hunt big game, you demand a backpack. We carried many over mountains and beyond fields to discover the all-time hunting haversack on the market.

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

We've spoken with hunters and field-tested several packs to suss out the summit hunting backpacks on the market. This commodity focuses on larger packs meant to haul meat and gear in the backcountry. Those who but need a daypack should await elsewhere.

Needless to say, in that location are a lot of options, and the attributes of a good pack can exist establish in many brands. At the bottom of this review, I've noted a few things to look for.

Feel free to scan through all of our recommendations, or if you're looking for anything specific, use this list to jump to it.

Best Lightweight
Best Generalist
Best Backcountry
Multiday Pack
All-time Ultralight
Best Budget Deer pack
All-time Midprice Modular Pack
Best Upkeep Backpack
All-time Versatile

Editor's note: This article has been updated for fall 2021 .

The Best Hunting Backpacks

Best Lightweight Elk Hunting Haversack: KUIU PRO Pack System

Kuiu PRO3600 Backpack Set

The KUIU PRO line is a wonder of haversack 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 make, then it works as a big daypack all the way up to an expedition-level organisation. All components are sized for the cease-users.

With the game on the basis, the pack cloth moves dorsum to create a shelf for carrying meat. KUIU designed the ten-ounce frame organisation to conduct more than 150 pounds.

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

The discontinued 3000 model fits my style of hunting perfectly, although changing it dorsum and along between meat-hauler and simple backpack can exist a piffling confusing at first.

Personally, I've found this pack comfy conveying loads up to the fourscore-pound range. I've besides had no issues with immovability in four seasons of use. Given the fact that I use this generally 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 nearly 80 pounds. One other negative is the zippers. Information technology'due south the biggest fault I can discover on this pack. They are loud to open and shut, and loud in big-game hunting is bad. So this is worth noting.

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

Check Price at Kuiu

Best Generalist Hunting Backpack: Mystery Ranch Metcalf

Mystery Ranch Metcalf

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf ($499) is a actually sweetness pack, too, but it loses a few points for its sheer weight (6.ane pounds consummate) 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 just would like to run into the pattern simplified to remove some webbing straps.

The Metcalf is a actually versatile pack and ideally suited to multiday remote hunts. It sells every bit an all-in-1 package, with both a big 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 conveying large-game quarters (or other large, bad-mannered items). And it carries large weight well.

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

And for 2020, Mystery Ranch has updated most of its hunting packs. From the multiday Beartooth 80 to the streamlined Sawtooth 45, the line is worth checking out. And for now, we're still huge fans of the Metcalf and its big, comfy capabilities.

Cheque Price at ScheelsCheck Cost at Mystery Ranch

Best Backcountry Pack: Stone Glacier EVO 3300

Stone Glacier EVO 3300 hunting backpack

Just down the road from Mystery Ranch in Bozeman, Montana, sits a modest shop with a large post-obit. Stone Glacier has cemented its reputation in the by 5 years every bit 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-downwards efficiency, and substantial aptitude for carrying heavy loads.

The EVO 3300 ($604) is a perfect case of this. This isn't your ten-days-in-the-backcountry pack (only the make has that, too). What it does do is fit an elk quarter perfectly while maintaining plenty space for a solar day hunt or an ultralight backcountry hunt.

This bag sits on the lauded Krux EVO frame, which tin be stripped downwardly to basics and still do the chore. With carbon blended stays, high-end war machine-grade buckles, CORDURA 500-denier fabric, and a 150-pound rating, it'due south high-tech conduct at its best.

And the whole system — handbag and frame — clocks in at 3 pounds 13 ounces. The frame itself weighs 2 pounds seven ounces.

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

Check Price at BlackOvisCheck Price at Rock Glacier

Stone Glacier'southward Multiday Hunting Pack: Sky 5900

stone glacier sky 5900 review — The writer elk hunting back at the trailhead with a fully laden pack; (photo/Sean McCoy)

While we dear Stone Glacier'southward smaller line, we expanded this review in 2021 to include the larger Stone Glacier Sky 5900 ($659). I used it for elk hunting in the autumn of 2020 and institute it fantabulous for multiday hunts, including hauling huge weight for miles.

I hauled out 2 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 institute the Sky 5900 to exist a perfect pack for 5 days of backcountry hunting. I hauled in my gear for the Colorado start rifle flavour, loaded out two elk, and packed upwardly camp.

During my hunting days, I carried minimal gear and food while climbing up and down ridges and mountains. The big lid and organizational pockets keep things in place. And when hauling meat, the very robust shelf system kept the heavy quarters in place.

Read the full Rock Glacier Sky 5900 review.

Check Price at ScheelsCheck Cost at Amazon

Best Ultralight Frame: Exo Mountain Gear K3 Spyder Frame

Exo Mountain Gear K3 Spyder Frame

Exo takes a unique approach to its frame packs using a standardized frame system from strong, superlight titanium. And the brand nails it with this organisation. Its K2 serial was the absolute favorite pack of GearJunkie contributor Will Jenkins, a serious hunter with pregnant gear experience.

"This pack strikes a perfect balance, rigidly carrying a heavy load but still allowing you lot to movement around comfortably," Jenkins said. "It keeps the load close to your body and situated comfortably on your hips."

Last year, the K2 was upgraded and phased out. The new K3 series starts with the foundation of theK3 Spyder frame ($375). The K794-alloy frame, the straps, and the belt counterbalance only ii pounds 14 ounces full, and it carries very heavy loads thanks to the rigid vertical support.

This new frame is rated at a whopping 250-pound carry weight. And the frame moves with yous laterally for comfort on the trail.

Apply this frame alone, or couple it with 2000, 3500, or 5500 fabric sack attachments for a complete gear- and game-hauling organization.

This is a loftier-end pack. The frame lone costs $375, and a complete organization ranges from $500 to $575 depending on the size of the frame and packs selected.

Bank check Toll at Exo Mtn Gear

All-time Deer Pack on a Budget: Badlands 2200

Best Deer Pack on a Budget: Badlands 2200

At $280, the Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack gets loftier marks for durability and hunting-specific design at a reasonable price. With hundreds of user reviews, most are five stars.

It starts with a T-5 aircraft-grade aluminum frame and tough fabric. Chase-specific features include the ability to comport a rifle, bow, or pistol. Information technology 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 booty out elk quarters. It'south besides bonfire orange, a pocket-size fleck 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 actually 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 gratuitous forever. We could care less if yous bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, every bit long every bit 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 brand our products even better.

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Sportsman's

Best Midprice Modular Hunting Frame Pack: Eberlestock Mainframe

Eberlestock Mainframe

The Eberlestock Mainframe ($249) is a modular frame pack meant to carry big loads. As with other modular packs on this list, information technology has a meat shelf and sells every bit a uncomplicated frame or with additional sacks that tin deport gear.

Users dearest the quality of this frame. While not exactly lite (the frame and belts weigh 4 pounds 5 ounces), information technology manages big loads with aplomb. The aluminum frame alone comes with several straps to hold quarters or other big items.

Add any of several bachelor pack bodies to the frame for a complete organisation for $300 to $400 total.

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Best Frame Backpack on a Budget: ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Purse

ALPS Outdoorz Commander Pack

The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag ($159) is a great pack at a great price. This combination has made it a favorite amongst hunters who don't mind trading carbon fiber for aluminum to save significant coin.

The pack is designed with firearm hunting in listen and has a dedicated rifle-holder forth one side. The brand designed a lashing system specifically to behave meat after the impale.

With a book of 5,250 cubic inches, it has plenty of space for overnight backcountry hunts. And at $160 on Amazon, it leaves enough coin in the bank for game processing fees when you lot become home successfully.

Bank check Cost at AmazonCheck Price at Sportsman's Guide

All-time Versatile Meat Hauler: Seek Outside Revolution Suspension Pack Frame

Seek Outside Revolution Suspension Pack Frame

A pocket-sized but growing company, Seek Outside builds backpacks (and shelters) in the USA, many in its abode state of Colorado. And among its most versatile hunting packs is theRevolution Interruption Pack Frame ($329).

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

Due to its ability to adhere several textile sacks externally, it'southward a very versatile frame. Apply it for packrafting, hunting, search and rescue, and fifty-fifty expeditions.

A popular configuration (as pictured above) is to put a Merlin Daypack Talon($130) on the frame to carry pocket-sized 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 afterwards a successful chase.

Check Price at Seek Outside

Non a Pack: Kifaru Gun Bearer

OK, this isn't a haversack, merely it's such a good accompaniment I have to include information technology because it will make your hunt then much better. The Kifaru Gun Bearer ($33-lx) is a simple system of straps and a plastic buckle that make information technology simple to behave your rifle, accessibly, on your backpack.

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

If your haversack doesn't have this kind of system built in, get one. Just be sure to unload your rifle when around other people when using it, as the system does require a frontward-facing gun carry that could bespeak the cage in a unsafe direction if you were to autumn.

Check Price at KifaruCheck Price at BlackOvis

Hunting Backpacks: What to Wait For

Manifestly, these aren't all the packs on the market. Only these are amidst the all-time we've found. What should you look for in a backpack for hunting? Let's suspension it down.

i. Haul heavy loads. A hunting backpack should be capable of carrying a very heavy load. For big-game hunters who trek into the wilds, that ways upwardly to 100 pounds. Why? Because that'south 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 similar a glove. Many packs come in various sizes or take adaptable torso lengths. Make sure yours fits properly.

3. Conduct gear too. For many, it should comport gear while hunting. This means things similar 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 downwardly when not fully loaded.

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

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

5. Information technology should be quiet. This is unique to a backpack for hunting — and is really important. The textile 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 modest daypack works for those who hunt deer or smaller animals where they tin be dragged out. Those with admission to ATVs or horses also tin likely become by with a simple daypack too, equally those handle the heavy hauling.

k3 frame only — (Photo/**EXO MTN GEAR**)

Hiking Pack for Hunting: The Backpack You Already Ain

Don't want to buy a new pack simply for hunting? No problem. If yous haversack, you already own a pack that'south entirely capable of serving you every bit a hunting pack. It but 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 forepart and rear quarters will allow fifty-fifty their massive book to fit in larger packs.

Just exist certain 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 tin even carry the heavy load of a os-in elk quarter. Information technology probably won't exist comfortable, but it'll practice in a pinch. Just bring some paracord, lay the quarter on the pack, and get strapping. The task won't be pretty or fun, merely it volition get the meat out of the field.

FAQ

What Is the Best Deer Hunting Haversack?

The best backpack for deer hunting is the one that fits you well. As well, packs that can haul heavy loads comfortably are essential. Wait for a pack that tin handle upward to 100 pounds, so you lot can pack out your game plus all your equipment.

Make sure that the pack yous're because also operates quietly. Discover a pack whose buckles and zippers operate quietly to prevent scaring off your quarry.

What Should I Go along in My Hunting Backpack?

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

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

How Big of a Pack Practice I Need for Elk Hunting?

For big game hunting, you'll want a pack that can haul up to 100 pounds. This will likely require a purpose-built backpack meant for 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 iv,000 to vii,000 cubic inches.

How Do I Clean My Hunting Backpack?

If it's soaked in claret, you may need to spray information technology downwardly with a power sprayer. Use a pressure washer to hose it off in the driveway. Then soak information technology in a tub of water ice-cold h2o for about thirty minutes. Then paw or brush wash it, and and so dump out the water and repeat with soapy water.

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

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Source: https://gearjunkie.com/outdoor/hunt-fish/best-hunting-backpack