Original Article: Best Elk Hunting Backpacks – Top 5 of 2020
With hunting season opening in the fall the rut begins for many game animals including elk.
When the rut begins it is common to see the elk head for higher altitude meaning you have a rigorous hike ahead of you. Weight is the most crucial factor to consider in this situation, but you also must get your gear up there as well.
In this article we are going to look at the different elk hunting backpacks and what features they must better suit the needs of your hunt. Whether you opt for a soft pack or framed, they all have considerable differences.
When I was a child hunting here in Montana, we hunted in backcountry that was drastically changing in elevation and weight was something we considered in every backpack we bought. This may not be the case in other regions, however, creating a necessity to consider all variations of backpacks.
One key factor to consider is weatherproofing as the fall can cause heavier precipitation than other seasons.
The more weight in gear you would like the carry, the more you may want to consider a framed backpack as the frame offers greater stability and they also typically are mor comfortable for your back.
There are quite a few different features that elk hunting backpacks offer and there is a good pack out there for your hunting style and environment.
Top 5 Elk Hunting Backpacks
#1 ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse EPS
The good thing about the Traverse EPS is the collapsible compartment that can create a lower profile when it’s not carrying as much gear but at the same time can open to 1,200 cubic inches of storage. The special design of this pack also allows you to mount your weapon to the pack itself which will free up your hands during your hunt. The only downside to this is the need to remove your backpack to get to your firearm. This pack weighs in at 6 lbs. 14oz. making it fairly light before packing, which as we have discussed above, can be crucial. Though this backpack offers a hydration pocket for water there are not very many connections for clipping gear on the outside of the pack. If you like to clip your canteen to your pack this may not be a good fit, but overall this is definitely one of the best elk hunting backpacks around.
FEATURES
- Collapsible pocket
- 1,200 cubic inches of storage
- Clip style holster compatible waistbelt
- Real tree MAX-1 XT pattern
- Weapons attach easily
- Can collapse for a slimmer profile
- Rain cover meets orange color requirements
- Lack of areas to clip to exterior of backpack
- Removal of pack to access firearm necessary
- H20 pocket is small
#2 ALPS OutdoorZ Commander
The ALPS Commander offers greater capacity than soft backpacks and greater stability due to its frame design. Some prefer a soft backpack over a frame, and this is a matter of preference. The material that this pack is made of is a durable nylon fabric that resists moisture and resists tearing. This strong material is great for hunting in thick brush and vegetation where your backpack can take a beating. As with many packs, this one offers a hydration pocket for easy hydration while hunting, however, this is limited in size depending on the dimensions of the pocket. One of the greatest and useful features of frame hunting backpacks is the ability to detach the bag from the frame and haul meat out from your hunt. This pack comes with a secure lash system that makes it easy to haul out meat or anything else you would like.
FEATURES
- Clip style holster compatible
- Drop-down rifle holster
- Detachable bag for washing
- Secure lashing system for frame
- Durable nylon build
- Low weight at 7 lbs.
- Multiple bags of various sizes
- Larger gap between tray and pack
- Pockets do not collapse
- Little suspension when carrying heavier weights
- Rain cover is necessary for wet conditions
#3 King’s Camo Mountain Top 2200 Backpack
The King’s Camo 2200 is a great soft backpack with great functionality with its abundant connections to attach gear to the exterior of your pack. This backpack has an average amount of capacity compared to other brands of a similar style as well. The main compartment of the pack closes in a roll-up fashion which offers greater weatherproofing than brands that simply clip or zip. A hydration pack is included and is easily accessible while hiking as well however packs typically come with a limited sized water bladder. This backpack also offers great lumbar support in the form of contour pads that are attached to the back of the backpack. The drawback to this backpack is that some reviewers indicate that the material at the bottom of the bag is of poor quality and wears down easily.
FEATURES
- Roll-up closure
- Front zip access to main compartment
- Additional front compartment
- Lumbar padding
- Comfortable design for long treks
- Multi-access to main compartment
- Elastic materials
- Durability issues
- Elastic materials wear faster
#4 King’s Camo Core Hunter 1800 Day Pack
The King’s Camo 1800 is a great all-round backpack for elk hunting and can carry quite a bit for its size. This backpack also comes in two camouflage patterns that can match your existing gear well. This product is made in America and its price is very reasonable. One feature that is great about this product is the fleece-lined pocket for electronics such as a GPS unit which prevents scratching and abrasion to your device. The waistband for this backpack offers stowage for easy access however the space in these compartments is limited. This pack also offers 2 elastic pockets that are great for quick access, but the elastic will always wear faster than zippers, clips, or straps.
FEATURES
- Padded lumbar support
- Internal frame rails
- Elastic quick access pockets
- Large main compartment
- 2 different camouflage patterns
- Front quick stash
- Fleece-lined electronic pocket
- Elastic features will wear quickly
- Limited waistband storage
#5 Teton Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
Teton makes a great well-rounded product and the Sports Explorer 4000 is no exception. The pack is great for a multiple-day excursion and can carry everything that you may need for the trip. This pack weighs in at 5 lbs. empty and has 3400 cubic inches of storage. One feature that we love about this pack is the airflow technology that will keep you cool and dry longer than other brands. The downsides to this backpack are that the bulk of the bag itself can be difficult in heavy vegetation and that a hydration bladder is sold separately. This pack also has a great variety of areas to attach items to the exterior of the bag as well for carrying water or anything else you might want to bring. From a hunting standpoint, the pack may also create more noise than competitors because of the material it is made from.
FEATURES
- Multi-position torso straps
- Lumbar pad
- Large capacity
- Sleeping bag compartment
- Large Capacity
- Unisex design for men, woman, and youth
- Airflow technology
- Bulky size can be difficult to maneuver
- Material may make noise when traveling
Conclusion
When choosing a hunting backpack there are some key factors you need to consider before buying.
Environment
Always tailor your purchase to meet the environmental demands of where you are hunting. Consider things like humidity, precipitation, and temperature. Some backpacks can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, and this is typical of most backpacks that have a large capacity of storage. The vegetation of your hunting environment should always be considered as well.
Material
Elk hunting and any hunting for that matter requires stealth to be successful so look for elk hunting backpacks that have silent material that resists friction with other materials that you typically wear such as your coat or sweater.
Color
Some states have a standard for wearing fluorescent orange patterns while hunting. You can find rain covers for your pack in orange and meet your requirements in that way.
The best elk hunting backpacks are going to be the ones that tailor to certain situations and criteria that match your location and hunting technique. Consider customer reviews of the product carefully and weigh the pros and cons as we have for a few here and you should have an easier time finding a great elk hunting backpack.