6 Best Deer Hunting Backpacks of 2025

By Bryan ListorLast update: 2023-07-23

One common question that serious deer hunters keep debating for years is “what is the best deer hunting backpack?”. As one of the essential hunting gears, it has a huge impact on your hunt.

This complete guide is particularly helpful for people who haven’t found out the desired hunting pack yet. Here, you’ve got the best tips and tricks from our experts, along with some of their suggestions, to find out an appropriate deer hunting pack with ease.

Here are the best deer hunting backpacks (2025 Update):

  • Best Overall: Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack
  • Largest Capacity: ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
  • Most Durable: ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100
  • Best For Low-light Conditions: Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack
  • Best For Long Day Hunts: SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box
  • Best For Bow Hunting: Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack
Top 6 Best Deer Hunting Backpacks
Best Overall
Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack
    Read Our Review
    Largest Capacity
    ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
      Read Our Review
      Most Durable
      ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100
        Read Our Review
        Best For Low-light Conditions
        Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack
          Read Our Review
          Best For Long Day Hunts
          SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box
            Read Our Review
            Best For Bow Hunting
            Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack

              Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack
              Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack
              Pros
              • Easy and secure to attach hunting gear – feature 5 compression straps, two side pistol holders, and a built-in rifle boot
              • Ideal for Eastern or Midwest hunters – feature groundbreaking concealment technology with a darker color palette
              • Keep you stay focus on the hunt – provide spacious storage room with good organizing
              • Supportive and comfortable - have ergonomically advanced molded foam to match human’s body form
              Cons
              • The handle secure points are too close together
              • The pocket located on the waist strap is too far to see

              The Badlands Superday has risen to the top as we’ve tested it for nearly 8 months.

              It has just enough pockets to max out your essentials with a good arrangement to let you focus on the hunt without distraction and just enough comfort with ergonomically advanced molded foam to keep your back from feeling pain.

              It’s also easily adaptable to the current lighting and surrounding.

              Based on its darker color palette and the usage of groundbreaking concealment technology, we highly recommend this hunting pack for Eastern or Midwest hunters.

              Badlands Superday Hunting Backpack Specifications

              Weight

              3 lbs. 15 oz.

              Dimension

              21 x 16 x 11 inches

              Capacity

              1950 cubic inches (32 L)

              Number of Pockets

              7

              Highlight features

              1950 cubic inches

              Groundbreaking concealment technology with a darker color palette

              ThermoMold Suspension

              RIFLE & PISTOL COMPATIBLE

              If you’re looking for the best deer hunting backpack at under $140, this is it!

              Largest Capacity: ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag

              ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
              ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
              Pros
              • Spacious, well-organized, and durable – have 5250³ in capacity, made of rip-stop nylon, and multiple straps, pockets, and compartments
              • Haul meat securely – feature Secure Lashing System, frame, and 3 extension straps to haul meat
              • Supportive – adjustable freighter shelf
              Cons
              • Expensive
              • Chest straps keep riding up

              For multiple days’ hunting, you’ll need a backpack that is as spacious as possible. This OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag from ALPS is a shining contender for you because it comes with the largest capacity - 5250³ of total storage space.

              In addition, it is particularly made of nylon rip-stop fabric to enhance the pack’s durability, meaning that with the increased loading weight, it’s still endurable enough to last long.

              We really love the frame and uniquely secure lashing system to haul your meat from the hunting field to the truck/SUV. There also comes with 3 extension straps in case you’ve got larger loads to carry.

              To make sure you can carry such heavyweight behind the back with maximum support and comfort, ALPS added it with an adjustable freighter shelf, which is another big bonus.sp

              ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag Specifications

              Weight

              7 lbs. 5 oz.

              Dimension

              41 x 16 x 13 inches

              Capacity

              5250³

              Number of Pockets

              4

              Highlight features

              5250³

              Durable nylon ripstop fabric

              Secure lashing System & frame to haul meat

              Designed with 5250³ in capacity, OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag is a wonderful choice for hunters who are going to hunt days in the field or remote areas.

              Most Durable: ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100

              ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100
              ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100
              Pros
              • Carry a bow with ease – feature an expandable pocket
              • Offer many attachment points to handle more gears - Bartacked webbing
              • Perfect for warm-weather layering – have plenty of straps
              Cons
              • Waist belts aren’t really the most supportive

              We’re completely satisfied with this ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100 after pushing it to the limits on both volume and weight in the worst weather conditions.

              It holds up exceptionally well with no issues after many days of hike although all zippers enclosures and seams are stressed to the max from overloading.

              From our personal testing, it is really low-profile, lightweight, yet durable, and can handle a bow with ease. There are also some extra MOLLE webbing to handle extra gears as well as straps on the outside for warm-weather layering.

              With a capacity of 41 liters, the backpack is perfect for an over-nighter or little day trips in the early season up until late-season.

              ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100 Specifications

              Weight

              2 lbs. 9 oz.

              Dimension

              21 x 14 x 4 inches

              Capacity

              41L/2,500 cu. In.

              Number of Pockets

              4

              Highlight features

              Capacity: 41L/2,500 cu. in.

              Front lashing system

              Bartacked webbing

              Expandable pocket

              The ALPS OutdoorZ 9463100 is specifically created to handle abuses of use in most weather conditions all-year-round, making it the most durable hunting pack in this list.

              Best For Low-light Conditions: Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack

              Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack
              Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack
              Pros
              • Allow you to easily find gears in darkness – feature high-vis zipper pulls and lining
              • Extremely comfortable and supportive – have many adjustable straps and belts
              • Zippered pockets are easy to open – big, bright pull zippers
              Cons
              • Not ideal for multiple-day trips
              • The pocket configuration could be better

              The Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack continues to be the winner of our Editor Choice’s award for low-light conditions. The high-vis zipper pulls and lining allows you to easily find your gear in darkness, whether dusk, dawn or when the sun already disappears.

              Regardless, we do appreciate the comfort level of this backpack.

              It features lots of side compression straps to keep loads close to your body, along with the supportive waist belt, stable sternum strap, and padding foam in the back and shoulder straps.

              While sweated hands or blood might make you fumble when trying to opening a zippered pocket, this avoids such a frustrating moment by featuring brighter, larger zipper pulls. Besides, the fabric is made to be quiet in the rain or during movements.

              Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack Specifications

              Weight

              2.21 pounds

              Dimension

              23 inches x 15 inches x 6 inches

              Capacity

              1800 cubic inch

              Number of Pockets

              5

              Highlight features

              High-vis lining and zipper pulls

              Numerous side compression straps

              Supportive waist belt

              Stable sternum strap and padded shoulder straps

              Brighter

              Larger zipper pulls

              Quiet fabric

              Based on the effective high-vis zipper pulls and lining, we highly recommend the Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack for low-light conditions.

              Best For Long Day Hunts: SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box

              SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box
              SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box
              Pros
              • Keep you odor-free after a long day hunt – feature Brushed Woven Polyester & breathable padded back and straps
              • Easy access to any pocket - the tree-step hanging ring
              Cons
              • Some zippers are a bit difficult to pull

              SITKA maintains the top spot on our podium for deer hunting pack used in long day trips for the 2nd year in a row with their Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box.

              The secret lies in its brushed woven polyester fabric and padded back. They ensure the maximum breathability to allow you to carry in comfort while blocking efficiently any perspiration that causes odor. In addition, it is neat and well-organized to keep everything you need aside without distracting you from the hunt.

              While offering numerous compartments and pockets, we love that it comes with a tree-step hanging ring so that you can hang the open backpack to access any pocket with ease.

              SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box Specifications

              Weight

              1.26 pounds

              Dimension

              22 x 10 x 8 inches

              Capacity

              1800 Cubic Inches

              Number of Pockets

              12

              Highlight features

              Brushed Woven Polyester

              The tree-step hanging ring

              Breathable padded back and straps

              SITKA Gear Hunting Camo Tool Box is an ideal daypack for hanging, hauling, and organizing everything needed for long day hunts.

              Best For Bow Hunting: Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack

              Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack
              Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack
              Pros
              • Easily and securely hook a bow and arrows on the walks in/out in the dark – feature fold-out bow carrying boot and side-mount quiver attachment
              • Extremely silent – have soft, quiet tricot fabric-covered robic rip-stop panels
              Cons
              • Expensive
              • Wish there were more small pockets on the outside

              We recently discovered a new Best Buy Award-winning bow hunting backpack in this Tenzing.

              It costs a huge amount more than other options here but the price already includes padded hip panels with a cool mesh back padding, some vertical and horizontal compression straps, and 6 pockets.

              Importantly, it highlights fold-out bow carrying boot and side-mount quiver attachment to conveniently hook your bow and arrows on the walks in/out in the dark.

              An improvement on the soft, quiet tricot fabric-covered robic rip-stop panels, TENZING has come up with an innovative solution to deaden the noise from movement or accessing gear. It’s a great companion in the field to not scare your deer out and cause them to run away. Not to say that this fabric is extremely durable.

              Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack Specifications

              Weight

              3Lbs 4Oz

              Dimension

              20 inches x 13 inches x 4 inches

              Capacity

              1500 cubic inches

              Number of Pockets

              6

              Highlight features

              Fold-out bow and gun carrying boot

              Side-mount quiver attachment

              Soft

              Silent tricot fabric-covered robic rip-stop strength panels

              Ready to bring your bow to hunt with the best protection and hands-free capability with this Tenzing Choice Hunting Daypack.

              How To Choose The Best Deer Hunting Backpacks?

              Capacity And Purpose Of Use

              • Yes, to determine the right capacity of an deer hunting pack for you, ask yourself “What is the backpack’s purpose?” or “How much stuff you want to carry?”. Not to mention the meat once you’ve shot a target.
              • The general size ranges of hunting packs are within 2000 cubic inches to 6000 cubic inches, equivalent to 25 to 95 liters.
              • An appropriate hunting backpack for deer must fit snugly all of your essentials but not weighs too heavily or looks bulkily. To do that, list out everything you intend to carry on the next adventures (remember, only bring the most important gears).
              • Our suggestion is 1000 cubic inches/day out hunting.
              • That means if you plan for a 3-day trip, choose a backpack featuring 3000-cu.ft. of capacity as a minimum. For beginners, here are some simpler ideas for you:
                • Under 2000 cubic feet of hunting pack if you’re about to do day trips
                • At least 2000 cubic feet for an overnight deer hunt, depending on how many days of your adventure

              Meat Storage

              • One of the most vital aspects of hunting backpacks, meat storage puts a significant impact on the pack’s ability to haul an deer from the hunting field to your SUV or truck.
              • And from our experience, the distance is commonly miles away, meaning that your hunting backpack must be strong, durable, and sturdy to carry such a huge amount of meat.
              • When considering this feature, look for those packs that have reasonable space for meat as well as have adequate straps to secure them in place.

              Weapon Holders

              • It’s dangerous and struggling to hold a riffle (or a bow) while hiking through rugged terrain. That is why we highly recommend choosing a backpack that can keep your hunting weapon securely and neatly in place so that you can carry them with hands-free capability.
              • There are many ways to hold your weapon: rifle holders, scabbards, or holsters, depending on your preference, the weapon’s weight, and dimensions, and the budget.

              Which Brands Make The Best Deer Hunting Backpacks?

              Badlands

              • Founded in 1992, Badlands is one of the most reputable companies in hunting gears. Their products are appreciated by lots of worldwide experts for unparalleled quality and performance. That’s no exception to the deer hunting backpack lines.

              ALPS

              • Quite a young brand, ALPS was established in 2007 as an outdoor gear brand at an affordable price range. Not just hunting backpack, they provide a wide range of product lines and have received plenty of positive feedbacks from customers.

              Allen

              • The OG in this industry, Allen has started their journey in designing and producing outdoor hunting gear since 1970. After 50 years’ expertise, they have gained numerous achievements and records in terms of headquarters, number of product lines, and sales.

              FAQs

              What should I put in my hunting pack?

              Although it’s varied from hunter to hunter depending on specific needs, here are some essentials that anyone must carry along in their hunting pack:

              • Hunting license
              • Firelighter
              • Baby wipes
              • First aid kit
              • Trash bags
              • Hunting gear
              • Food and water
              • EDC knives

              If you’re going to pack for days’ trip, remember to bring some clothes, headlight, flashlight, survival blanket, etc.

              How long should deer hunting backpacks last?

              1-4 years, depending on how often you use it, for what, and the maintenance.

              How do you hunt deer on public land?

              To give you practical experience of hunting deer on public land, this video is quite helpful:


              Conclusion

              This is the end of this article.

              Hopefully, with the 6 provided selections above, you will get a better clue on how to choose the best deer hunting backpack.

              Thanks for reading!


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