Finding the best hunting backpack for elk hunt can be very tricky at times. Hunting is a very serious business and maybe one of the most thrilling outdoor activities too. You have to be immensely proficient when it comes to hunting adventures. The way your skill, timing, and knowledge matter, your equipment is the next crucial factor to help you hunt an elk. Binoculars, clothes, shoes, pistols, survival kits, first aid, food, and hunting backpacks all add up to the equipment, hunter ideally requires.
But in this article, I will be specifically talking about the best backpacks for elk hunting. Which pack to buy? What are the essential features? What to pack in a hunting backpack? Which one is the cheap yet best pack for elk hunting? I will be answering all your queries with profound details. By the end of reading this article, you will be crystal clear regarding which backpack will suit you the most. But before you dive into backpack hunt, give a read to Elk Facts Hunters Need to Know, which might help you.
Table of Contents
- 1 Features to Look Into The Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt
- 2 Our 7 Picks For Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt
- 2.1 1. Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack
- 2.2 2. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
- 2.3 3. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Traverse X Backpack
- 2.4 4. ALPS OutdoorZ Big Bear Hunting Day Pack
- 2.5 5. TENZING TX Series Elk Hunting Packs
- 2.6 6. ALPS OutdoorZ Willow Creek Hunting Pack
- 2.7 7. Fieldline Pro Timberhawk Big Basin Daypack
- 3 Conclusion:
Features to Look Into The Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt
A good pack for hunting should have a highly sturdy and ergonomic design that contains good tactical elements. It should have a solid and durable craft and frame which won’t be torn during harsh environmental conditions. Similarly, it must not contain rustling noise while you are hunting.
1. Space
When you go deep into the woods, you have to carry a lot of gear. You would need a sleeping bag, a barbeque kit, a tent, and many such items. Thus always opt for hunting backpacks that have ample space. Likewise, Molle attachments also help you carry extra gear. Similarly, there should be additional pockets and internal compartments. Extra sling pads are attached externally for holding tents, a chair, or cook gear.
2. Material Durability
Best hunting backpacks have strengthened stitching and craft so that they can avoid abrasions and tears. Professional hunters trek into woods for days and carry up to 100 pounds if there is an elk in it too. The weight on an elk and your extra gear add up to a lot of loads. Hence, buying a sturdy and hefty backpack is a must without any doubt.
3.Water-proof
One has to keep in mind that hunting demands a lot. Weather conditions like rain, snow, or excessive heat can affect the material to tear and fade. Therefore, water resistance is a vital factor to look upon. It should be made from high-quality nylon or polyester.
4. Suspension system
The best hunting backpack for elk hunt has a great suspension system, i.e., it distributes the weight evenly all across your back, shoulders, and waist. For that, shoulder and waist straps must be highly padded and breathable. If there arises an issue with load lifters, you might forget about the elk hunt and start getting more concerned about your back or neck pain.
5. Frame
Hunting backpacks tend to have a long (in length) and narrow (in width) frame which helps them stick tightly to your back. They aren’t designed to be bulky. The rigidity and integrity of the frame is a very crucial feature. As you hunt, you quickly have to snug everything into your backpack. The frame plays the role of the skeleton of the bag. It will protect the pack from wearing and tearing.
Our 7 Picks For Best Hunting Backpack For Elk Hunt
1. Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack
No one can deny the worth of Badlands when it comes to outdoor gear and its perfect quality. 2200 Hunting backpack is declared as a legendary combo of daypack as well as a meat hauler. Whatever the weight and height, the Ergonomic Thermo Mold Suspension system offers such a contour that suits every human form. Similarly, the waist belt has a reverse tightening feature, which allows you to pull the belt inwards rather than outwards so that you get the proper leverage to balance your body.
Moving forward, you might have heard that the aluminum framework works the best for such backpacks. But Badlands have gone a little farther in search of the ultra-best. Therefore, they use magnesium alloy as it works twice the efficiency of T6 Aluminium and is more lightweight. Similarly, you might only know polyester and nylon fabric as they are the common ones. But Badlands offers KXO-32 fiber, which is incredibly outstanding in its durability and is 100% water-proof.
But to add more to the water resistance, this backpack has Badlands’ C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment which will not even allow a drop to soak in. Moreover, there is a detachable rifle/bow boot and batwing strong to carry your ammunition at the back easily. Additionally, this pack has a built-in meat shelf, hip belt pistol holster and fits a 2L hydration reservoir. It is available in four more Camo patterns and colors, which will help you stay hidden more effectively.
Suggestions: Honestly speaking, this product is truly the number#1 pick for the best hunting backpack for elk hunt due to its impressive features. But the drawback is its price. That is why, despite its fantastic quality, reviews are less. But whoever has purchased it claims that this backpack is worth their investment.
2. ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
APLS OutdoorZ is a very renowned and promising brand when it comes to hunting gear. They are backed by very high customer service on Amazon. Therefore, most of our hunting backpacks are from this brand.
My very first pick, in search of the best hunting backpack for elk hunt, is this ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack. It has an organizational front pocket that keeps your gear at your fingertips. Similarly, keep your ammunition close to you with the help of a drop-down rifle/bow holder pocket and quiver holders on each side of the pack. A hydration bladder is also present for quenching your thirst while you hunt.
Moreover, the waist belt has two pockets to accommodate clip-style holsters. You can cover your gear with an orange rain cover in case of rain, which will protect it from wetting.
Suggestions: If you are looking for the best pack for elk hunting and do not want to spend more, then put your eyes on this product.
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Traverse X Backpack
ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme transverse X Hunting Backpack comes with some outstanding features and that too at a very affordable price. Starting with the details, firstly, we must appreciate the plentiful pockets it contains. According to feedback, the space is large enough to hold your gear, bows, pistols, and elk meat. Wing pockets are present, which serve as fleece-lined storage for a spotting scope and as part of the lashing system for hauling out meat. Similarly, there is a shooting stick and a tripod holder inside the backpack. For storing the meat, a built-in-stow-away meat shelf is also located.
The most impressive part is its 1680D Nylon ballistic fiber which proves its durability and maximum strength. Likewise, the lycra padded shoulder straps, waist belt, back foam panel along with load lifters, and anti-sway straps make this backpack a must-have gear for elk hunting. Additional features include a hydration bladder, aluminum center stay, rain cover, and Hypalon to reinforce stress points.
Suggestions; Shoulder strap padding is less, which makes holding the backpack a little difficult. But other than that, it is a decent pick if you want the best hunting backpack for an elk hunt, especially if you are NOT on a budget.
4. ALPS OutdoorZ Big Bear Hunting Day Pack
Our next choice in our hunt for the best hunting backpack for elk hunt is ALPS OutdoorZ. It’s their Big Bear Hunting Day Pack that has shone through because of its unique design. It offers two packs (waist and back) within a single body. The fanny pack expands to a daypack. You can either use the shoulder harness for a backpack design or remove it for a waist pack look. It’s all up to your convenience and choice.
The waist belt is decently padded with two side pockets to allow you easy access to your essentials while focusing on the elk hunt. This monstrous pack weighs up to 3lbs and has 44 liters of weight holding capacity. Like a fanny pack, it gives 800 cubic inches of space. And when you change it into a daypack, it adds up an extra 1900 cubic inches, making 2700 cubic inches storage.
Moreover, there are plenty of compatible pockets for your gear, as the call pocket and binoculars pocket. The pattern and color are Realtree edges designed explicitly for forest camouflage so that the elk doesn’t recognize your presence.
Suggestions: A tremendous must-have gear for elk hunting. Whether you are hunting in Arizona or the white mountains, this backpack will make your adventure more thrilling. But let me tell you that the day pack is quite heavy. If you aren’t used to carrying heavy loads, you can practice with the fanny pack first. Precaution is better than curing back and neck pains.
5. TENZING TX Series Elk Hunting Packs
TENZING is a popular brand for providing outdoor equipment to hunters, hikers, mountaineers, and trekkers. It believes in the power of nature and hence produces innovative yet comfortable gears. TENZING TX Series Hunting Packs are premium quality waist and backpacks that are highly compatible with a rifle, bow, and clip-style holsters. The brand claims that their products have undergone torture tests for the most brutal hunts.
This cinch waist-hunting backpack will prove to be your tree-stand companion. The ergonomic and adjustable waist belt is padded and has a shoulder harness also. It is lightweight, comfortable, and flexible. The main compartment is wide, along with two side pockets with bungee closures. You can carry in from the hand-grab handle too. Moreover, the back foam is ventilated to allow air channels to flow to keep you a little less dried while you hunt. Overall, this backpack has 500 cubic inches of storage spaces and has mossy-oak breakup country camo.
Suggestions: You have to remember that this bag is one among the TENZING TX Series of backpacks. There are four more choices with different styles and patterns, which shone through as the best hunting backpack for elk hunt. If you are looking for the best small hunting backpack, you should go for this waist pack.
6. ALPS OutdoorZ Willow Creek Hunting Pack
Jumping to another best hunting backpack for elk hunt, we have this ALPS OutdoorZ Willow Creek Hunting Pack. Reviews say that this one is a super-solid hunting pack that provides quality comfort and durability.
The best part is that it is very lightweight. You can easily haul the heavy load of the elk. Moreover, a 3.0 Litres Hydration reservoir is present. There is one large main pocket which is the main compartment, and two front pockets. As compared to some other backpacks, this one has fewer interior pockets. Everything might mix up in the large pockets, making it difficult to access them.
The front pocket is the kangaroo pocket which is attached by the side-compression straps. They have two attachment points and one clip key. Likewise, the shoulder straps are padded and come with an attached sternum slider. This elk hunting backpack can handle almost 17 liters of weight and weighs up to 1lb.
Suggestions: I would suggest the beginner hunter go for this one. It is not for professional folks as it lacks attachment points, clip keys, and inside pockets. It is perfectly lightweight, which will give you less burden on your shoulders. Similarly, it is cheap too.
7. Fieldline Pro Timberhawk Big Basin Daypack
Last but not least, I bring you this Fieldline Pro Hunting Daypack, It comes in Realtree camouflage and is super-affordable. Fieldline has always been famous for providing operational and functional gear to professional hikers, soldiers, hunters, and climbers.
This best hunting backpack for elk hunting has a large main compartment with four internal accessory pockets. The unique feature this bag offers is that it is made from noise-reducing quiet fabric. So you can rest assured that there will be no noise and disturbance while you hunt.
Moreover, there are multiple webbed loops for attaching extra gear. The hydration reservoir is not included, but it is hydration compatible. You can keep it in your water bottle. The shoulder straps and back are well-padded with breathable foam.
Suggestions: This product is also well-suited for those in their initial hunting stages and only have pinch pennies to invest in.
Also Read: Best Tactical Backpack under $50– Our Top Picks
What to pack in a hunting pack?
There are various essentials to pack in a hunting backpack. But primarily, you first require a good hunting pack that is large and durable enough to make your hunting experience ever-lasting. Following is a list of many items hunters usually use. If you are a beginner, you may skip some things which professionals preferably use.
- Jacket
- Rain gear
- Binoculars
- Pair of gloves
- Face mask
- Food
- Emergency kit
- First aid
- Parachute cord
- Water bottle
- Cook gear
- Skinning knife
- Rifle/pistol
- Bows
- Portable saw
- Flashlight
- A hat
- Boots
- Matchbox
Conclusion:
Conclusively, elk hunting is more challenging than deer hunting. It requires you to go to mountain terrains where handling gear is much more demanding. Therefore, Buying the best hunting backpack for elk hunt is a necessity.
Hunting backpacks differ from hiking and tactical backpacks as they have to carry meat and ammunition. They should be immensely sturdy and consist of a rigid frame. You will get many options in the market, but you have to pick the ideal as per your requirement.
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