5 Best Elk Hunting Backpacks

A good hunting backpack is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for an elk hunt. Not only do you need it to hold all your gear, you'll often need it to haul meat out if you have a successful hunt. You'll also want to keep an eye on weight, as with most hunting equipment the more expensive it is the lighter it is and hunting backpacks are no exception. You'll also want to consider if it's hydration compatible and if it has the ability to easily attach your rifle or bow. We've put together the list of our best elk hunting backpacks, You can shop all hunting backpacks here.
1

ALPS Outdoorz Commander + Pack Backpack

When you get the ALPS Outdoorz Commander + Pack Backpack, you're getting the Commander Freighter Frame PLUS a 5250 cubic inch Pack Bag. The Pack Bag is great for getting all your gear to your base camp. The Pack Bag includes a front pocket, spotting scope pocket, rifle holder, and 2 side accessory hinged pockets, in addition to the main compartment. Once you empty out your Pack Bag, it can be easily detached so the Commander can be used as a Freighter Frame also. The Commander Freighter Frame allows you to haul your meat from one place to the next. The Commander comes equipped with a unique lashing system to secure your meat. With as much weight as you'll be carrying, padded waist belt and shoulder straps are a must. There are pockets for your flashlight and knife, as well as a holder for your shooting stick on the lashing straps.

Features

  • Durable Ripstop fabric
  • Rifle holder
  • Top loading
  • Spindrift collar with drawcord
  • Hydration pocket and port
  • Frame and lashing straps included with pack bag
  • Hold-open frame supports the structure of the pack
  • Lower door access
  • #10 zippers
  • Internal horizontal divider
  • Webbing loops for lashing

 

What Customers Are Saying

My daughter has several seasons on hers

My daughter, 5' 4", used hers for several seasons and likes it a lot. Shares it with other hiker, 5' 11" and the adjustment range covers both. I tried hers, and found it fit me and was easy to adjust. Midway had them at a great price, so now I have my own.
- vfsi, 4/3/2022

About ALPS Outdoorz

Starting a business out of your one-car garage isn’t exactly glamourous, but it is exactly how ALPS began in 1993. Outdoor-industry veteran, Dennis Brune started ALPS with the vision of providing more gear to more people. What started as a small company dedicated to encouraging active lifestyles, accompanied by quality gear, has turned into a family of innovative and collaborative brands. In 2007, ALPS Brands established ALPS OutdoorZ, with the mission of developing affordable, performance-driven hunting gear. ALPS OutdoorZ is a leading manufacturer of backpacks, blinds, hunting vests, and more. The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander backpack is one of the best hunting backpacks on the market today. Wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and safeguarding the hunting heritage for future generations are integral parts of the foundation of ALPS OutdoorZ.

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2

Mystery Ranch Beartooth 80 Backpack

The Mystery Ranch Beartooth 80 Backpack is built for the hunter who values organization and varied access to the essentials. Built on the new Guide Light MT Frame. This pack offers major load-hauling capability and features a quick-attach frame capture for easier Overload feature usage. The unique 270° duffel-style zipper opening offers easy access no matter how it’s packed. The main compartment is accessible from the top, side, or bottom. Multiple pockets both outside and on the main opening’s inside flap keep all the essentials close at hand.

Features

  • 270° duffel-style zipper
  • Patented Futura Yoke easily micro adjusts to the torso length
  • Five-point waist belt incorporates the highly functional Redirect system
  • Redirect system delivers solid weight distribution and eliminates slippage over your hips

About Mystery Ranch

Mystery Ranch is a backpack manufacturer with a rich history and a wide range of high-quality products. Since its inception in 2000 the company has become synonymous with durability, functionality, and innovation. Mystery Ranch offers a diverse array of Hunting Backpacks, Military Backpacks, Tactical Backpacks, Hiking Backpacks, and Everyday Carry Backpacks. We carry many popular models including the G2 Gunslinger, Switchblade, F1 Mainframe, Bandit, Renegade, and Vapor Backpacks. Mystery Ranch also offers an exciting line of binocular harnesses, duffel bags, and Zoid accessory pouches. Whether you're a hunter, military professional, hiker, urban commuter, or traveler, Mystery Ranch offers a wide selection of backpacks tailored to meet your specific needs, blending durability, functionality, and style to enhance your outdoor and everyday adventures.

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3

Badlands 2200 Backpack

A lot can change in 25 years, but the versatility of the Badlands 2200 Backpack hasn’t. Every year, Badlands makes improvements, to reduce weight, enhance balance and mobility, and just plain make the 2200 a better bag. This year alone, Badlands made more than 25 enhancements, including a lighter, stronger magnesium frame, a weight-loss program that cut nearly a pound off and a tighter, slightly lower center of gravity for increased mobility.

Features

  • Allite Super Magnesium Frame
  • Carries Rifle or Bow
  • Zippered Back-Panel Access
  • Built-In Blaze-Orange Meat Shelf
  • Hip-Belt Pistol Holster
  • Easy-Access Hip-Belt Pouches
  • Integrated Spotting Scope Pocket
  • Molded Foam Suspension
  • Reinforced Carrying Strap/Hanging Strap
  • Aramid Bartacking on Stress Points
  • Hydration Compatible (Up to 2L)
  • Adjustable Waist Belt with Reverse Tightening
  • Bino Connect Compatible (requires optional Bino Connect Kit)
  • Badlands' KXO-50 Fabric
  • Detachable Rifle/Bow Boot
  • C6 DWR

 

What Customers Are Saying

Good pack, holds a lot, quiet, comfortable.

I finally got a good backpack! After lugging around cheap surplus store packs, I broke down and spent some money. This is a very quiet pack, very comfortable. I tried it on at a local shop, it fit well. I also tried a different brand, MR, on the same day. The Badlands was way more comfortable. the only downside so far is that with the surplus store packs I got really used to using those Molle attachments. I wish this pack had a few of them. When hiking in and getting hot, I had a carabiner on the side I could just clip my hat off to. Also I feel that it could use a few more pockets to store various gear in. Ilik dedicated pockets for first aide, toilet paper, ect.
- Rayzor, 1/12/2023

About Badlands

Founded in 1992, Badlands is located at the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range in Sandy, Utah, and is a leader in the design and manufacturing of backpacks and hunting gear. Badlands is, and always will be based on the pursuit of unconditional dedication to quality and performance. Known for innovation and well-respected for its quality and integrity, Badlands specializes in hunting backpacks and day packs, hunting clothing, binocular harnesses, and hunting accessories, available in proprietary Badlands Camo patterns and solids. Badlands Superday backpack is carried by more hunters than any other hunting pack in the world. Anything with the Badlands name or the famous red bull skull on it will be the absolute finest garment or piece of gear you have ever owned, period, and will be covered by the Badlands legendary Unconditional Lifetime Warranty.

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4

Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000 Backpack

The Sitka Gear Mountain Hauler 4000 is the perfect pack for day hunts or overnight stays when you need the ability to carry meat and horns out of the field simultaneously. The pack provides 3700 cubic inches of non-expanded volume for easy hiking with the capability to expand 800 cubic inches when needed. The internal load-hauling shelf and antler straps beg for the workload when it’s time to get your harvest out of the field. The T-6 6061 aluminum frame provides for an adjustable suspension and a strong chassis enabling you to carry loads upwards of 150 lbs. The two vertical exterior pockets hold most spotting scopes, tent poles or a Flash Shelter. The side pockets will hold tri-pods, trekking poles or water bottles. The triple-density foam waist belt maximizes comfort while Velcro placed on the waist belt holds most pistol holsters, bear spray, and other SITKA pack accessories.

Features

  •  Velcro Hip Belt: Holds bear spray and most pistol holsters with ease.
  • Molded and Reinforced Waist Belt: Comfortably and quietly trek in out of your spots with a heavy pack.
  • T-6 6061 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Frame: Enables you to carry loads upwards of 150 lbs.
  • 3700 Cubic Inches of Non-Expanded Volume: Capable of expanding another 800 cubic when needed.
  • Internal Hydration Sleeve: Accommodates bladders in excess of 3 liters.
  • Two Vertical Exterior Pockets: Holds most spotting scopes, tent poles, or a Flash Shelter.
  • 450-Denier Coated Polyester on Underside and Back Panels: 220-Denier Nylon to PU-Coated face and back.
  • Stash Pockets: Quickly store layers while on the move.
  • Main Pack Volume Expands from 2750 to 3700 Cubic Inches: Total max volume 4500 cubic inches, 5.75 lbs.

 

About Sitka Gear

Founded in 2005 by Jonathan Hart and David Brinker, Sitka was established with the goal of creating high-performance hunting clothing that would revolutionize the industry. Sitka introduced a scientific approach to design, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials into their products. The brand's focus on advanced layering systems, specialized fabrics, and functional designs quickly gained attention among hunters. Sitka's clothing offered exceptional comfort, durability, and weather protection. Sitka provides a full line of hunting and everyday clothing, including waders, pants, jackets, hats, gloves, and beanies in Optifade patterns like Subalpine, Marsh, Timber, Open Country, and Elevated II. Today, Sitka continues to push the boundaries of performance gear, providing hunters with superior products designed to withstand the harshest environments.

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5

Eberlestock M5 Team Elk Backpack

Not only are you supporting a great cause, the conservation of wildlife and habitat, but you’re also getting one of the most versatile all-in-one packs on the market. The ability to carry either a rifle or a bow, or both makes the Eberlestock M5 Team Elk Backpack the perfect pack for any hunting season. Featuring deep side pockets for hydration or spotting scopes, grapple straps for packing out meat and our highly water-resistant NT7 fabric, which keeps your gear dry while being quiet when stalking your prey.

Features

  • Volume: 2,587.50 c.i.
  • Weight: 6.95 lbs
  • Dimensions main bag: 25H x 13.5W x 9.5D
  • Scabbard Dimensions: 34"L x 10"W x 2"D, with a 24" circumference opening
  • Front and top-loading access
  • Spotting scope / hydration pockets
  • Bow bucket and foldaway rifle scabbard
  • Grapple compression straps
  • Bow carry
  • Rifle carry
  • Quiet NT7 fabric
  • Intex II Frame


What Customers Are Saying

Excellent hunting pack

This is my second Team Elk M5. Just got the second one in a different camo pattern. I have used mine to pack in and out of wilderness areas in Wyoming, it works well for carrying out elk quarters. A Comfortable and very well thought out pack!
- NSW Armorer, 8/25/2022

About Eberlestock

Founded by Glen Eberle in 1985 in Boise, Idaho, Eberlestock is known for producing durable, functional, and innovative backpacks that incorporate innovative features such as a scabbard system. Other notable features include modular systems, expandable storage, and adjustable suspension to meet the unique needs of users who often carry heavy loads and require quick access to their gear. Eberlestock is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality hunting backpacks, tactical backpacks, gun cases, and range bags for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and military personnel. The Bang Bang Range Bag, G2 Gunslinger Backpack, Switchblade Backpack, M5 Team Elk Backpack, Recon Modular Bino Pack, Renegade Backpack, F1 Backpack and Bandit can all be found at MidwayUSA. Eberlestock also manufactures a complete line of accessories and pouches to complement their packs, as well as sleeping bags and range gear.

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