10 Best Elk Hunting Backpacks for 2024

Last Updated on April 28, 2024

When it comes to elk hunting, having the right gear can be the difference between a successful expedition and a challenging one. Among the essential gear, a reliable hunting backpack stands as a sentinel, carrying the weight of expectations and provisions alike.

Manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of design & functionality and offer a diverse range of options tailored specifically for elk hunters. For this reason, selecting the best hunting backpack can be challenging due to the wide range of options and designs available.

In this guide, we are going to review the 10 best elk hunting backpacks of 2024. From durable construction to specialized compartments, these backpacks are designed to enhance your overall elk hunting experience.

Top 3 Elk Hunting Backpacks

Three of the backpacks have a very good overall score “much better than the average”

Best Elk Hunting Backpacks Reviews 2024

• 1. Tenzing TZ 2220 Hunting Daypack – Best Overall
• 2. Mossy Oak Pegtooth – Editor’s Choice
• 3. ALPS OutdoorZ Camo Falcon – Good Value for the Money
• 4. Allen Pagosa 1800 – Hydration Ready
• 5. Badlands Superday – Rifle, Bow, & Pistol Compatible
• 6. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Pursuit X – Small & Lightweight
• 7. Mossy Oak Knuckleboom – Ventilated mesh back panel
• 8. INSIGHTS Realtree EDG – High-Quality Elk Hunting Pack
• 9. Badlands Diablo Dos – Versatile Hunting Backpack
• 10. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander – Heavy Load Support

1. Tenzing TZ 2220 Hunting Daypack with Rain Cover

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Specs:

• Material: Textile and Synthetic
• Capacity: 2400 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 5.0 lbs.

The Tenzing TZ 2220 is an amazing pack for elk hunting and the quality and craftsmanship are phenomenal. This hunting backpack earned the top position, also one of my favorites, for so many reasons. For example, it is robust with outstanding finishing. At the same time, it’s extremely durable, light, and comfortable to carry.

The zippers are super smooth, quiet, and easily manipulated. You can access the pockets and compartments easily. Tenzing TZ 2220 hunting daypack has both rifle and bow carrier, making it convenient and simple to use.

It has plenty of small pockets and storage for all hunting needs, especially for big game hunts. You can carry a snack or small equipment such as a pair of binoculars. And with 2,400 cubic inches of usable space, it could be your best ally for your next elk hunting trip.

It has 10″ padded hip extensions on each side. The hip belt adds an additional 14″ to the buckles, again on each side. This will give you 24 total inches of length from the inside back of the pack on each side. There is also a rain cover in the small top compartment. The rain cover is positioned nicely in the bottom pockets.

Tenzing TZ 2220 big hunting backpack has an elastic top pouch in the main pocket that separates it from your gear. It also has a rigid composite inner backing to keep the pack in shape. However, this unit cannot be folded or collapsed. Overall it’s a very sturdy and well-made daypack for the price.

2. Mossy Oak Pegtooth Tactical Hunting Backpack

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Specs:

• Material: 100% Other Fibers
• Capacity: 1850 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 2.2 lbs.

The Mossy Oak Pegtooth is a nice suitcase-style hunting pack. It could be a brilliant choice for someone looking for an affordable hunting pack. It has enough room inside and we love that you can unzip it almost all the way down. Some real innovations you will find here with all the different pockets, mesh and zips.

This tactical hunting backpack is comfortable and lightweight. However, it is very robust and durable. The padded strap and shoulder strap are adjustable for different bodies and sizes. The pocket pulls out in the bottom. It is also super quiet. Although the fabric makes a slight noise, it is thoroughly acceptable.

Mossy Oak tactical hunting pack is well crafted with soft fabric for most of the bag and a nice ripstop material on the rest. It has a big main compartment, nice mole straps on the sides to attach extra pouches, and two more mole sections to attach pouches on the kidney pads are very nice.

The holding area for the hydration pack inside the main compartment is about 9″ wide and 12″ tall. The hole for the hydration tube is over the left shoulder, not the center or right. You can add in a water bladder.

However, the best part of this hunting pack is the price. This is by far a better product for less money than what the big name brands are selling. It will deliver exceptional results without compromising on quality.

3. ALPS OutdoorZ Camo Pattern Falcon Backpack

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Specs:

• Material: 100% Other Fi Textile and Synthetic
• Capacity: 2500 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 4.7 lbs.

The third place in our ranking of the best elk hunting backpacks of 2024 is the ALPS OutdoorZ Falcon. This pack is built with Camo Pattern design to hide from the target. It goes a lot further than its price range. As the name suggests, this is a strong Hunting Pack, made of Brushed Tricot fabric. It offers a vented back design that allows maximum airflow to your back and helps you carry all necessary gear.

The side compression straps help pull the weight of the pack towards your own body, which means heavy loads are easier to carry. This can also be paired with padded and waist straps.

ALPS OutdoorZ Falcon hunting backpack is designed with two main compartments: one pocket keeps everything right where you want it and the other is a large main compartment that has a sleeve and port for a hydration bladder. The package also includes a Blaze orange rain cover and webbing straps.

It has 2500 cubic inches of storage and a dual directional frame to help support heavy loads, which means long trip elk hunters should prefer this model.

The large front pocket for accessories is intended to allow quick access to essential equipment. The padded waist belt has two zippered pockets, so you can easily access your range finder, finder, GPS, or extra digital devices. This unit also has a weapon pocket that helps you to carry your bow or rifle securely.

Although the price is around 50 dollars, the ALPS OutdoorZ hunting pack nonetheless provides a host of cool features, designed to simplify your search experience. However, the pack isn’t completely waterproof or rain-resistant, so you need to add a cover for hunting in the rain. 

4. Allen Pagosa 1800 Hunting Daypack

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Specs:

• Material: 240g Tricot
• Capacity: 1800 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 3.0 lbs.

Compared to the biggest game hunting day packs we have reviewed above, the Allen Pagosa 1800  has all the same features with a little higher price tag. It is very comfortable to carry on back. For example, the back support panels are designed to keep you comfortable even when your bag is filled to the max gear. And the padded panels are lined with cool mesh to keep you moderate on those long treks.

The size, material, and craftsmanship are also great. It’s made of good heavyweight material and well-stitched. It will accommodate your water bladder, and other items while out on a hunt.

It has lots of zipper storage and all zips have an easy-to-see red pull. The zippers feel strong and the padding on the pack feels really comfortable on your back. All the adjustable straps make it easy to adjust at any time; weight is added or removed. So, the Allen Pagosa is an undoubtedly nice day pack for elk hunting.

The main compartment is large enough to hold a few nights of gear. The compression straps mean you can cut the amount of the diet until you are ready to haul meat. Allen Pagosa 1800 hunting pack is specially designed for multi-day backcountry research. Thanks to its vibrant lining and zipper pull, locating your gear in this bag is a breeze, even in low-light settings.

However, this unit is not as soft and quiet as a regular backpack, which is the main use intended. The material is quiet while walking in the woods or hunting. Also, the hip belt isn’t removable but has pockets on each side. And there is no option to carry a rifle or bow.

• If you’re eager to discover the best bow hunting backpack on the market, you are in luck.

5. Badlands Superday Elk Hunting Backpack

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Specs:

• Material: Waterproof KXO-50
• Capacity: 1950 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 4.0 lbs.

Badlands Superday backpack has all the features you need for a day hunt. The number one characteristic that makes Badlands’s pack a great buy is the comfortable design. It has convenient pocket placement; you can focus without distraction. It has a maximum weight level, so you can determine how much you can carry on.

Badlands Superday hunting backpack comes with a 1950 cubic inch capacity, & internal and external pockets and organizers, which enable you to bring everything you need to carry and stay organized. Loops on the front allow you to attach other accessories to the outside of the pack as well.

It is a superb choice for big game hunters. It is built with rifle boots, two side pistol holders, and 5 compression straps that give you loads of options for gear attachment. Also, this hunting pack is compatible with 2-liter hydration systems. The included load lifter straps transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips.

Badlands Superday hunting bag is designed for the Midwest or Eastern hunter, as well as late-season Western hunters. Because its dark woods camo adapts to your surroundings and the current lighting. This model comes with a lifetime warranty. Any damage, they will replace it for free.

6. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Pursuit X Hunting Pack

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Specs:

• Material: 1680D Nylon Ballistic fabric
• Capacity: 2700 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 4.0 lbs.

You already know that ALPS OutdoorZ is always famous for its innovative hunting backpack, and the Extreme Pursuit X is part of their extreme line. This model is built with stronger fabric materials, Lycra-covered suspension, and molded foam panels for superior durability and comfort. It is the perfect solution for the elk hunter looking for a single pack for multiple uses. There are many features to keep you interested, as well.

It was designed by a team of Midwestern deer hunters who understand what is needed for big hunting, and more importantly, what doesn’t. It carries all the features that make it different from the rest of the market. This hunting pack meets the most demanding hunters who have no budget issues.

Extreme Pursuit X hunting backpack comes with D-ring at the top of the pack to hang from while in a stand, and a front organizational pocket so that users can keep the gear that is needed most readily available. You can attach the quiver on either side using a quiet bungee and cord lock.

It is made of 1680D Nylon Ballistic fabric “used for unmatched strength”. It is also large enough to carry more gear than it takes, including over a week’s worth of food while still being light enough.

Overall, the Extreme Pursuit X hunting bag could be a good choice for elk hunting because of the combination of an internal frame meat hauling pack with a detachable 4000 cubic inches capacity. You are able to pack gear and haul out meat when the task is complete.

7. Mossy Oak Knuckleboom Technical Hunting Pack

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Specs:

• Material: 100% Other Fibers
• Capacity: 2450 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 3.0 lbs.

We go up a little in range and price with the Mossy Oak Knuckleboom bag. It is a versatile outdoor bag, that offers absolute comfort during carrying. It is profoundly functional and reasonably well-made pack for the elk hunter on a budget. And if you do 15-20 outings a season, this will serve you well.

The pocket locations are convenient with panel opening as well as have top and side pockets so that you can operate remarkably easily. The side pockets are large enough and the hip harness is strong.

The main compartment of 40 liters is enough to carry a tripod, folding stool, multiple bottles of water, etc. Other extra pockets allow you to organize small essential things like a range finder, gloves and other equipment to be carried separately. It also looks beautiful and provides you with a long time of service.

The material is water-resistant and sturdy. The interior fabric is noiseless, and the construction is high-end. It has 30″ length, allowing you to secure your firearms quickly and easily with an internal strap system. The Sling Retention System ensures that slung firearms stay securely positioned on the shoulder and prevent any unwanted sliding off.

The Mossy Oak Knuckleboom is a good pack in the forest when going off the trails to observe animals. Unfortunately, there is no separate pocket for a bladder and MOLLE webbing for attachments.

8. INSIGHTS Realtree EDGE Hunting Pack

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Specs:

• Material: Tricot Fabric
• Capacity: Weapon Carrying Capacity
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 5.0 lbs.

INSIGHTS Realtree EDGE hunting backpack has a carrier that carries your hunting crossbow or rifle very easily. Although it looks pretty small, the total capacity is 2000 cubic inches. This volume is enough to keep a big game like an elk or large deer. There are also two long vertical zipper pockets on each side, which makes it more convenient than regular hunting packs.

INSIGHTS Realtree hunting pack was made of quality material and the Fastex clips are heavy duty. The inner frame can help disperse the load besides reducing shoulder fatigue. It is designed very nicely, which makes it extremely comfortable to carry.

It is also one of the best bow-compatible backpacks on the market. The pocket that holds the crossbow stock is just barely big enough for different-sized crossbows. The channel crossbow fits in the inner shell very well, while somewhat shallowly, and is kept by 3 straps, the bottom one cradles the pistol grip. These straps keep the crossbow surprisingly well. The top straps through the crossbow’s limbs.

INSIGHTS Realtree hunting pack features the best strength-to-weight ratio of almost any research setting. It can be paired with a specially designed fabric, making it resistant to blood, dirt and moisture.

9. Badlands Diablo Dos Seven-Pocket Elk Hunting Bag

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Specs:

• Material: KXO-32 Fabric
• Capacity: 2100 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 4.0 lbs.

If you’re having trouble locating the ideal soft big game daypack with multiple additional pockets, we highly recommend considering the Badlands Diablo Dos. It has Rifle/Bow, Boot, and batwing straps on the back; you can securely carry your rifle or bow. We highly appreciate Badlands’s customer service as well.

It comes with Hypervent suspension which pulls your pack away from your back for a constant flow of cooling air. When your backside comes in contact with the pack, its ventilated foam and mesh fabric help to continue the airflow and keep you cool and dry.

This unit is built with Badlands’ KXO-32 fabric which is tough, waterproof, incredibly quiet, and at the same time lightweight. This pack allows you to stay cool and dry in even the most extreme environments and stay at those peak performance levels longer.

Badlands Diablo Dos hunting pack comes with easy-access hip-belt pouches and multiple rear compression straps. The seamless shoulder straps provide long-haul comfort and fit a 3L hydration reservoir. The neutral color palette also allows the Approach pattern to adapt to your surroundings and the current lighting conditions.

However, it is a big/bulky pack, but it could be great for carrying a lot but oversized. Also, the price is a little high because of the outstanding construction.

10. ALPS OutdoorZ Nylon Ripstop Commander Backpack

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Specs:

• Material: Nylon ripstop fabric
• Capacity: 5250 cubic inches
• Hydration compatible: Yes
• Weight: 2.3 lbs.

We now bring our roundup to a close: the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander is an excellent big game hunting pack for the price with commendable quality from the ALPS OutdoorZ brand. The color pattern has been designed to blend in with a wide assortment of natural habitats. However, the material of the fabric is nylon ripstop fabric.

The meat haul perfectly fits any ALPS OutdoorZ backpack because the entire meat hauler is made to be customized easily. You can customize the entire pack as you wish. For example, you can easily take it off the shelf and attach it to the upper half or lower half of the frame.

It is big enough, and definitely, one of the lightest elk hunting packs out there for the size. This model has several straps and a capacity of 5250 cubic inches. It also has two small flaps that run down both sides. The load-balancing system allows for comfortable transport, whether you want to use this bag for hunting, hiking, or just as an everyday backpack.

However, it is the pack only, with no frame, making it difficult to carry for bad back guys. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander hunting backpack is designed to be attached to an external frame (sold separately). The frame has its own weight but they are very light. When assembled with the frame, it will be more than 2 lbs.

It has Drop-Down Rifle Holder and spotting scope pocket for long distance hunts. Bear in mind, you need to remove the load-carrying straps from the frame to attach the bag and then carry the straps in a pocket.

Buyer’s Guide: Best Elk Hunting Backpack

No matter the brand or manufacturer, there are certain features you should figure out. You must evaluate the following factors carefully.

Materials: silent and washable

When selecting an elk hunting backpack, it’s essential to consider the material it’s crafted from. The material should be water-repellent, durable against tears and weather conditions, and notably silent. Nothing’s more frustrating than investing in a hunting pack that creates unwanted noise.

The rigidity of the frame is another crucial factor. Ensure that your chosen backpack is waterproof or compatible with hydration systems. Also, consider how easy it is to clean. Hunting backpacks are bound to get dirty, especially with frequent use and carrying raw items. Therefore, it’s preferable to opt for backpacks with a removable inner bag that dries quickly!

Color is also important

Elk hunting backpack must be chosen in a “hunting” approach”. The color should blend with the surroundings to minimize visibility. Opting for orange or other bright colors typical of trekking backpacks would defeat the purpose. Each activity has its own suitable color scheme.

Space: the pockets

Many pockets mean you can better organize the space and have everything quickly at hand when needed. For example, some small pockets help you to carry hunting knife, sharpener, rangefinder, or other accessories. We expect that hunting can make the difference between catching the prey or seeing it escape for a short time.

Remember that as volume increases, so does size and weight. A practical solution is to choose backpacks with adjustable volumes that enable you to expand space when needed.

Comfort and extras

Another aspect not to be underestimated is comfort. The shoulder straps must have good padding so that you can avoid shoulder pain when fully loaded. It must be widely adjustable to suit your body shape. Lumbar support is also useful, which allows for better weight distribution and reduces fatigue over long distances.

Many elk hunting backpacks have additional gadgets, such as seats, rests, and rifle pockets, which characterize them specifically. These must be evaluated and chosen according to your needs.

FAQs:

How much to spend on a good elk hunting backpack?

A quality elk hunting backpack doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank. You can find excellent options in the range of $100 to $200. With a higher budget, you can certainly invest in superior quality backpacks with specific features. However, always consider your actual needs and budget when making a choice.

We strongly advise against opting for low-cost hunting backpacks, as they offer poor quality and short lifespans. Choosing a subpar backpack may result in frequent replacements, ultimately costing you more in the long run.

What size pack should I prefer for elk hunting?

The duration and intensity of your hunting trips will determine the size of the backpack you need. Keep in mind the space required for storing the meat. Most backpacks allow you to secure the meat between the back and the frame. As a rule of thumb, budget approximately 1,000 cubic inches of space per day of hunting.

What is the importance of a meat shelf in an elk hunting backpack?

A meat shelf allows hunters to separate and carry harvested game without compromising the integrity of the backpack’s contents. This feature is valuable when hauling out large, heavy loads.

Can I require a waist strap on a hunting backpack?

Selecting an elk hunting pack with a waist strap is highly recommended. The weight of the pack should primarily be distributed over your hips, not your shoulders. Opt for a backpack with a waist strap if you plan to comfortably carry the meat. Ensure that the waist strap fits snugly around your waist, allowing for easy adjustment to tighten or loosen as needed.

Do I need a backpack with a hydration system for elk hunting?

While not essential, a hydration system can be convenient during long hunts. It will allow you to stay hydrated without having to stop and retrieve a water bottle. Look for backpacks with hydration bladder compatibility and easy-access hydration ports.

Are elk hunting backpacks suitable for rifles and bows?

Yes, even some hunting backpacks are specially designed for use in both rifles and bows. It is a fantastic idea to choose a backpack that is designed to store the weapon of your choice, as storage systems may differ.

Conclusion

A substantial big game hunting backpack is crucial for effectively organizing hunting gear. In this review, we’ve highlighted a selection of popular elk hunting backpacks available on the market. Hunters often overlook the value of a quality pack, particularly if they haven’t used one before. However, in certain hunting scenarios, it can prove to be an indispensable component.

As mentioned earlier, an elk hunting backpack should possess several essential characteristics. For bowhunters, it’s also important to ensure that the pack is compatible with carrying a bow.

Good hunting – and good luck!