Top 13 Bow Hunting Backpacks of 2025: Ultimate Guide for Hunters

Bow hunting requires gear that’s as tough and adaptable as the hunters themselves. A good bow hunting backpack isn’t just a bag¡ªit’s a lifeline in the field, carrying your bow, arrows, optics, and essentials while keeping you comfortable and organized. In 2025, the market is packed with options designed for various hunting styles, from day trips to multi-day backcountry treks. This guide dives into the top 13 bow hunting backpacks, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios to help you choose the perfect pack.

Key Features to Look for in a Bow Hunting Backpack

Choosing the right bowhunting backpack can be quite confusing, given the number of choices, but not as difficult as you might think. However, you should consider things like how much you need to spend, how long the backpack will last and how much it can carry at once, and how comfortable it is. If you know these things, it can be much easier to find the best. Here are the critical features to prioritize:

• Bow Attachment: A bow attachment on your pack is the very first thing you should consider when looking to buy the best bow hunting backpack for you. It’s convenient for you as sometimes you may need free hands and finding a place to put your bow so it’s safe from damage can be a challenge.
• Hydration Compatibility: Plain and simple – Dehydration is deadly. This is why I prioritize this feature highest. When searching for your best bow hunting backpack you should always look at if the pack has a hydration bladder or not. Or at the very least the space to accommodate one that you can buy separately.
• Durability: Bowhunting usually requires you to move through thick brush to get in the right location for the best shot opportunity. Doing this will take a toll on your gear, so the first and most important quality to look for in a solid bowhunting backpack is the level of quality and durability.
• Noise Reduction: As a bow hunter, you understand the importance of remaining undetected while out in the field. Whether it’s the sound of zippers or fabric hitting brush and branches, backpack noise can be enough to alert game animals and cause them to flee. Look for a pack that has noise-reducing features such as quiet zippers, silent fabrics, and minimal straps or buckles that can clang together.
• Comfort and Fit: You’ll know after one hunt if a backpack fits you or not. Comfortable shoulder straps protect against rubbing. Good padding on the back of the pack protects your back. And if you’re carrying a heavy load, a waist belt can help manage it, so the pack feels lighter than it is.

Top 13 Bow Hunting Backpacks for 2025

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 13 bow hunting backpacks for 2025, each excelling in specific areas based on real-world testing and hunter feedback. These packs cater to various hunting styles, from treestand whitetail hunts to backcountry elk pursuits.

1. Badlands Sacrifice LS Hunting Pack

At the top of the list we have the very best, the Badlands Sacrifice LS Hunting Pack. LS standing for lighter and stronger as this backpack is a revamped version of the original Sacrifice hunting pack. And boy is this thing better. This pack strikes the sweet spot and satisfies the needs of any type of hunter. The Badlands does everything you demand it to and more. The Sacrifice LS is sewn with rip-stop, water-resistant nylon to prevent any tears and water damage during your treks.

• Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
• Bow Attachment: Yes. Can also buy a Bow Boot accessory made by Badlands for extra security.
• Hydration Bladder: Compatible but not included. Can accommodate up to a 3L Bladder.
• Warranty: Lifetime, no questions asked, any issue they’ll fix it.

Pros: Lightweight, durable, and versatile with a lifetime warranty.
Cons: Hydration bladder not included, and the bow attachment could be more secure without the optional Bow Boot.
Testing Scenario: Hunters tested this pack in wet, muddy conditions, praising its water-resistant fabric and ability to keep gear dry. It performed well on day hunts but struggled with quick bow access in fast-paced spot-and-stalk scenarios.
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2. Stone Glacier EVO 3300

Stone Glacier has cemented its reputation in the past 5 years as a cult favorite of backcountry hunters in the West and beyond. The brand’s ultralight, minimal philosophy filters into a collection of packs and gear with clean lines, stripped-down efficiency, and substantial aptitude for carrying heavy loads. The EVO 3300 ($614) is a perfect example of this. This isn’t your 10-days-in-the-backcountry pack. What it does do is fit an elk quarter perfectly while maintaining enough space for a day hunt or an ultralight backcountry hunt.

• Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
• Frame: Krux EVO with carbon composite stays
• Fabric: CORDURA 500-denier
• Load Rating: 150 pounds

Pros: Ultralight, durable, and capable of heavy loads.
Cons: Expensive and not ideal for extended multi-day trips.
Testing Scenario: Testers used the EVO 3300 in the Rocky Mountains during archery elk hunts, overloading it with gear and meat. It handled heavy loads comfortably but required practice to disassemble for meat hauling.
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3. Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack

At $400, the Badlands 2200 Hunting Pack gets high marks for durability and hunting-specific design. It starts with a T-5 aircraft-grade aluminum frame and tough fabric. Hunt-specific features include the ability to carry a rifle, bow, or pistol. It also has a spotting scope pocket to protect the glass when traveling over rough terrain. After the kill, the built-in meat shelf supports big loads to haul out elk quarters.

• Weight: Not specified
• Frame: T-5 aircraft-grade aluminum
• Features: Bow/rifle/pistol carry, spotting scope pocket, meat shelf
• Warranty: Lifetime

Pros: Durable, versatile, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Cons: Heavier than some competitors, and bow access isn’t as quick.
Testing Scenario: GearJunkie contributor Jace Bauserman tested the pack’s Vario system, praising its modularity for day and multi-day hunts. It excelled in rugged terrain but was less ideal for quick-draw situations.
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4. Akek Alpha 3200

But its first product, the Alpha 3200, has proven itself a reliable, complete system for big game hunters. We tested the model for 2 solid years before giving it a slot in this guide due to its newness. But dang, if the Akek Alpha 3200 hasn’t proven itself to be a durable, versatile, and comfortable backpack. Multiple testers used the pack over two seasons and during some pretty tough conditions.

• Weight: Not specified
• Frame: Carbon fiber
• Features: Quick-release bow carry, meat shelf, rain cover
• Capacity: 3200 cubic inches

Pros: All-in-one system with quick-release bow strap.
Cons: Slightly bulky for minimalist hunters.
Testing Scenario: Testers, ranging from 5’8” to over 6′ tall, used it in thick brush during elk hunts. The quick-release bow system allowed fast shots without removing the pack.
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5. Insights Hunting Vision Bow Pack

We recently had the chance to take the Insights Hunting by frogg toggs – The Vision Bow Pack out for a test run, and we were impressed with its performance. The backpack’s all-weather design held up well in wet and muddy conditions, and we appreciated the extra-large main compartment that allowed us to carry all of our gear without feeling cramped.

• Weight: Heavier than some competitors
• Features: TS3 front panel system, quiver pouches
• Capacity: Not specified

Pros: Versatile TS3 system and durable in harsh conditions.
Cons: Heavier and has stiff zippers.
Testing Scenario: Performed well in wet, muddy conditions, with the TS3 system allowing quick gear access in the field.
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6. ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Traverse X

Lastly, there is a drop down pocket to hook your bow to. This bow compatibility is a plus of course because we’re looking at the best bow hunting backpacks. The only issue I’d say with the drop down pocket is that you can’t remove the bow yourself unless you take off the backpack.

• Weight: 4 lbs 8 oz
• Capacity: 1789 cubic inches
• Bow Attachment: Yes

Pros: Organized storage for treestand hunters.
Cons: No quick-ditch system for bow access.
Testing Scenario: Ideal for hunters who set their bag down at the stand, but less suitable for mobile spot-and-stalk hunts.
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7. Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400

Stone Glacier has a ton of different packs in their lineup but founder Kurt Racicot’s favorite is the Sky Archer 6400. Don’t be fooled by the name, this pack is also ideal for rifle hunters. It can be expanded out so that it will hold all of your gear, plus critter quarters, or it can be compressed down into a more streamlined daypack size.

• Weight: Not specified
• Capacity: 6400 cubic inches
• Features: Side-zip pocket, spotting scope pocket

Pros: Versatile for day and multi-day hunts.
Cons: Expensive and complex for beginners.
Testing Scenario: Used in backcountry hunts, it compressed well for day trips and expanded for heavy loads.
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8. Sitka Fanatic Pack

For deer hunters who care about staying quiet in the stand, ripping open a noisy zipper (or worse, velcro) on a backpack feels like a sin. Sitka designed its Fanatic Pack for hunters like us. The backpack is made of berber fleece and it utilizes a clever strap/latch system instead of noisy buckles or zippers.

• Weight: Not specified
• Material: Berber fleece
• Features: Silent closures, handle loop

Pros: Ultra-quiet for treestand hunting.
Cons: Flimsy without a frame, not ideal for ground hunting.
Testing Scenario: Perfect for treestand hunters needing silence, but less effective for mobile hunts due to its collapsible design.
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9. KUIU Venture Divide 1500

The Venture Divide’s storage system uses zippered pockets to keep essentials within reach, and it supports a hydration bladder should you get thirsty. The expandable pocket about the front sets this pack apart with a V-style quick-release compression strap that’s great for extra gear or clothing as it’s lined with abrasion- and water-resistant fabric.

• Weight: 2.13 pounds
• Capacity: 24.5 liters
• Features: Hydration compatible, quick-release strap

Pros: Lightweight and organized for deer hunters.
Cons: Limited capacity for multi-day hunts.
Testing Scenario: Excelled in day hunts for deer, with easy access to essentials and comfortable fit.
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10. Mystery Ranch Scapegoat 25

Mystery Ranch knows what they are doing when it comes to building bullet proof packs. They make packs for the military, forest fire fighters, and more. They are some of the toughest packs on the planet. And the new Scapegoat 25 is no exception.

• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Capacity: 1526 cubic inches
• Features: U-shaped zipper, stretch pockets

Pros: Extremely durable and flexible.
Cons: Limited capacity for heavy loads.
Testing Scenario: Performed well in day hunts, with easy access to gear via the U-shaped zipper.
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11. Badlands SuperDay Pack

The Badlands SuperDay pack is a well-built pack that provides plenty of interior room for the day hunter. Though the pack has no internal frame, it feels as if it does, thanks to the shoulder strap adjustments that allow weight to be distributed to a contoured waist belt that wraps tightly around the hips.

• Weight: 3.15 pounds
• Capacity: 1440 cubic inches
• Features: C6 DWR coating, bow boot holder

Pros: Comfortable and water-repellent.
Cons: No internal frame limits heavy load capacity.
Testing Scenario: Used in multiple environments, it kept contents dry and was comfortable for day trips.
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12. Tenzing TZW-2100 Whitetail Pack

Hunters who need something larger than a daypack but not as much carrying capacity of the Tenzing TZW-2300 Whitetail Pack can utilize the Tenzing TZW-2100 Whitetail Pack. This is a scaled down version of the TZW-2300 Whitetail Pack (above) that offers the same solid construction and high-performance 300D rip-stop Honeycomb Poly Oxford shell as the larger model but in a slightly smaller 2100 sized capacity.

• Weight: Not specified
• Capacity: 2100 cubic inches
• Material: 300D rip-stop

Pros: Durable and well-organized.
Cons: Less capacity than larger models.
Testing Scenario: Suitable for day hunts with ample storage for essentials, though not tested for heavy loads.
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13. Eberlestock X2

The Eberlestock X2 is designed with the mobile hunter in mind. Sure, there are other packs out there, but the X2 is the total package in terms of functionality and simplicity. There is some overlap between daypacks and multi-day packs, but they are not one and the same.

• Weight: Not specified
• Capacity: 5000-6400 cubic inches
• Features: Designed for mobility

Pros: Simple and functional for mobile hunters.
Cons: May be too large for minimalist day hunts.
Testing Scenario: Performed well in multi-day hunts, balancing functionality and simplicity.
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Comparison Table of Top Bow Hunting Backpacks

Backpack	Weight	Capacity	Bow Attachment	Hydration Compatible	Price Range
Badlands Sacrifice LS	3 lbs 13 oz	Not specified	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Stone Glacier EVO 3300	3 lbs 13 oz	3300 cu in	Yes	Yes	High
Badlands 2200	Not specified	2200 cu in	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Akek Alpha 3200	Not specified	3200 cu in	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Insights Vision	Heavier	Not specified	Yes	Yes	Moderate
ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse X	4 lbs 8 oz	1789 cu in	Yes	Yes	Low
Stone Glacier Sky Archer	Not specified	6400 cu in	Yes	Yes	High
Sitka Fanatic	Not specified	Not specified	Yes	No	High
KUIU Venture Divide	2.13 lbs	24.5 liters	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Mystery Ranch Scapegoat	3.7 lbs	1526 cu in	Yes	Yes	High
Badlands SuperDay	3.15 lbs	1440 cu in	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Tenzing TZW-2100	Not specified	2100 cu in	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Eberlestock X2	Not specified	5000-6400 cu in	Yes	Yes	High

Buying Guide for Bow Hunting Backpacks

The main idea is that most hunters consider a backpack a necessity when they’re out. But it can’t be just any backpack, you need one specifically made for hunting. And in particular for this post¡­bow hunting! Here’s how to choose the best one:

• Determine Your Hunting Style: If you’re a hunt and hang hunter, you’ll want a pack that’s easy to hang in the stand and stores your gear at your fingertips. For backcountry elk hunters, prioritize a frame pack with a meat shelf.
• Check Capacity: Manufacturers list the carrying capacity of the backpacks in cubic inches. For this article, I’m talking about backpacks used for one-day bowhunts. Most bowhunters will do well with packs that fall in the 1,500-3,000 cubic-inch range.
• Ensure Proper Fit: After you choose a hunting backpack that will fit all of your gear, be sure it fits you. First, measure your torso length. Put your hands on your hips with the top of your hands touching the top of your iliac crest¡ªyour hip bones¡ªwith your thumbs pointing toward one another across your back.
• Prioritize Durability: The best bowhunting backpacks should feel like they’re part of you; like they’re fused to your spine and shoulders, and you’d be hard pressed not to find one on this list that won’t work for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size backpack is best for bow hunting?

For day hunts, a backpack with 1,500-3,000 cubic inches is ideal. For multi-day trips, consider packs with 3,000-6,400 cubic inches to accommodate gear and meat.

Do I need a frame pack for bow hunting?

Frame packs are essential for backcountry hunters hauling heavy loads, like elk quarters. For treestand or day hunts, a frameless pack may suffice if comfort and mobility are prioritized.

How important is a hydration bladder?

A hydration bladder is critical for long hunts to prevent dehydration. Most top packs are compatible, but check if one is included or if you need to purchase separately.

Can I use a regular backpack for bow hunting?

Regular backpacks lack bow attachments, hunting-specific organization, and durability for rugged terrain. A hunting-specific pack is recommended for safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

The best bow hunting backpack depends on your hunting style, whether you’re a treestand whitetail hunter or a backcountry elk stalker. From the ultralight Stone Glacier EVO 3300 to the versatile Akek Alpha 3200, these top 13 packs for 2025 offer something for every hunter. Use this guide to match your needs with the right pack, ensuring comfort, durability, and functionality in the field. For more hunting gear insights, check out Outdoor Life or GearJunkie.