As a hunter, a great bow hunting backpack is a necessity for any trip into the woods. Your trip’s success depends on your ability to carry your hunting gear safely and comfortably. With all the models on the market, finding a reliable, quality bow backpack may feel daunting. The following review breaks down the best packs out there, so you can find the right one for your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Bow Hunting Backpacks
- OUR TOP PICK: ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
- BEST COMPOUND BOW BACKPACK: ALPS OutdoorZ Matrix, Realtree Edge
- BEST RECURVE BOW BACKPACK: SAS Archery Recurve Takedown Bow Backpack with Arrow Tube
Comparison of the Best Bow Hunting Backpacks
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How To Choose a Bow Hunting Backpack
There are a few key qualities to look for when choosing a bow hunting backpack. The most popular packs share the following features, which contribute to their overall practicality and effectiveness. Keep in mind:
- Comfort
- Storage Space
- Durability
Comfort
Bow hunting backpacks must feel comfortable on the body for your ease of carrying it. The most popular packs ensure comfort by including padding. Padding can be on the shoulder straps or waist belt. Some packs have adjustable sternum straps for extra support. Additionally, some backpacks have airflow systems so you can stay cool as you carry it.
Storage Space
Your bow hunting backpack must have enough room to hold all of your gear. Most packs have a main compartment, multiple pockets, and a few pouches. Some packs are also equipped with side quiver holders and pockets on the waist belt for clip-style holsters.
Durability
A pack’s durability is essential to the longevity and overall quality of use. Popular models come with rain covers for weather conditions and have good customer reviews for their resilience in the outdoors.
Review of the Best Bow Hunting Backpacks
The following review lays out the best bow hunting backpacks for different purposes. Since not all packs are made the same, it is important to understand the main features and pros and cons of various models.
Best Overall and with Quiver:
ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack
PROS
CONS
If you are looking for a bow hunting backpack with quiver holders, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Hunting Pack is an excellent choice. It ranks best overall for general ease of use. Users report an abundance of storage space and compartments are creatively placed to keep your gear accessible at all times.
Quiver holders are located on the side of the pack and there is a drop-down pocket to hold your bow. It has a front shelf pocket and padded waist belt with pockets for clip-style holsters. This pack weighs four pounds and an orange rain cover is built in. With a D-ring clip, you can hang your ALPS OutdoorZ from a tree as you hunt. Customers also love the pack for its hydration port. It is compatible with bladders so you can carry your water with you as you go.
Bottom Line
This is the best pack for carrying your quivers. With specially designed quiver holders, the ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit is the most reliable pack for a bow hunting trip. Your gear is at your fingertips with many storage compartments. Rain or shine, it’s easy and effective in use. Some customers find that the placement of the hip belt interferes with their arms. Others report unraveling stitching on the pack after use. However, the majority of reviews praise this pack as one of the best.
Product Specs
Weight:
4 lbs 1 oz
Size (cu in)/Carrying Capacity (L):
2700 cu. in/44L
Color/Pattern:
Camo Pattern: Realtree Edge
Convenience Features:
Number of Pockets:
Drop-down rifle/bow holder pocket, quiver holders and hydration bladder
2
Best Compound Bow Backpack:
ALPS OutdoorZ Matrix, Realtree Edge
PROS
CONS
If you are looking for a compound bow backpack, the ALPS OutdoorZ Matrix is the best choice for you. This model is designed to perfectly fit your compound bow and has many pockets and pouches for the rest of your hunting gear. With padded shoulder straps, a padded waist belt, and adjustable sternum strap, this four-pound pack is made for comfort.
Customers praise the diligence of its design. The waist belt has two pockets for clip-style holsters. Additional wing pockets protect your gear and a drop-down pocket carries your compound bow. The pack has a quiver holder on both sides and also has a hydration port.
Bottom Line
With its lightweight, spacious design, the ALPS OutdoorZ Matrix is the best backpack for your compound bow. Multiple pouches and a drop-down bow pocket effectively carry your gear through the woods, while feeling comfortable on the body. Unfortunately, this pack does not come with a blaze orange rain cover. Additional features like quiver holders and a hydration port contribute to the pack’s popularity among customers.
Product Specs
Weight:
4 lbs 8 oz
Size (cu in)/Carrying Capacity (L):
2700 cu. in/44L
Color/Pattern:
Camo Pattern: Realtree Edge
Convenience Features:
Number of Pockets:
Drop-down rifle/bow holder pocket, quiver holders and hydration bladder
2
Best Recurve Bow Backpack:
SAS Archery Recurve Takedown Bow Backpack with Arrow Tube
PROS
CONS
The SAS Archery backpack has been specially designed for your recurve bow. Fully equipped with an arrow tube, it is also fully padded for your bow’s ultimate protection. Customers love the reliability of this pack. Other protective features include soft inside fabric and an extra removable limb riser bag.
This pack is made out of nylon and has two large front pouches, three zipper pockets and an extra three pouches inside. Customers say that the SAS is the perfect size and they also praise its adaptability. Removable side quiver holders add to the pack’s ease of use. Additionally, this model is made for comfort with an airflow system covering the back and shoulder straps.
Bottom Line
When hunting with your recurve bow, this is the ideal pack to carry your gear. With protective features like thorough padding, the SAS is a reliable and durable backpack. There is an abundance of storage space within the pack and it feels comfortable on the body.
Product Specs
Weight:
5 lbs
Color/Pattern:
Black
Convenience Features:
With Extra Removable Limb Riser Bag and Arrow Tube Holder
Number of Pockets:
8
Best for the Money:
ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer Hunting Pack
PROS
CONS
This pack ranks “best for the money.” The ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer comes with nearly all the qualities of other popular models, at nearly half the price of its top-selling competitors. It has an expandable pocket to fit your compound bow.
The pack has a main compartment, a front zipper pocket, and side mesh pockets to hold all your gear. If that space is not enough, this backpack has bartacked webbing so that you can easily attach remaining gear to the outside of the pack.
Customers appreciate the pack’s additional side hooks and loops. This pack weighs three pounds, making it lightweight. Reviews say the pack feels easy to carry, especially with adjustable sternum and waist straps to support the body. It comes with a hydration port and rain cover.
Bottom Line
The ALPS OutdoorZ Trail Blazer Hunting Pack ranks “best for the money” because it is both high quality and affordable. With many of the same features as more expensive packs, this backpack is a steal. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, comfortable, and durable pack, this may be the one for you.
Product Specs
Weight:
2 lbs. 9 oz
Size (cu in)/Carrying Capacity (L):
2500 cu. in/41L
Color/Pattern:
Convenience Features:
Camo Pattern: Realtree APS
Drop-down rifle/bow holder pocket, quiver holders and hydration bladder
Number of Pockets:
3
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Bow Hunting Backpack
With an abundance of backpack models on the market, they vary in both price and quality. Oftentimes, the two have a positive correlation; the higher the quality, the higher the price. It may seem easier to settle for the cheapest pack, but it is important to consider the benefits of investing in a quality bow hunting backpack. The models from our list have essential features that others may lack. These features ensure a backpack’s overall:
- Durability
- Practicality
- Comfort
Durability
The quality of materials used to construct a pack can determine its longevity. Cheaper fabrics may rip after little use, while higher quality pack materials will endure through wear and tear. Other features like zippers and hooks must be durable for the effectiveness of your pack. Customer reports of zippers jamming or hooks breaking are more common with cheaper models.
Practicality
Oftentimes, higher quality packs are easier to use. They come with more pockets, pouches, and storage space for your gear. They may also include quiver holders, bartacked webbing, hooks, and additional features like a hydration port and/or a rain cover.
Comfort
Nicely made packs are designed to feel comfortable against the body. Features like thorough padding and adjustable straps are essential to your comfort when carrying a hunting backpack. Cheaply made models may not include these elements.
Conclusion
When choosing a bow hunting backpack, it is important to look for a pack that is comfortable, has enough storage space, and is durable. Different packs are designed to be compatible with different bows, so keep your specific weapon in mind. Deciding to invest in a high-quality hunting backpack is a big step toward easier, more successful hunting trips.
People Also Ask
It is common to have more questions when looking to buy a bow hunting backpack. The following FAQs may clarify and address any remaining questions you may have.
What Size of Bow Hunting Backpack Should I Get?
You need a bow hunting backpack that is compatible with the size of your weapon. Oftentimes, manufacturers advertise what weapons a pack is designed to carry. This is important to pay attention to. Additionally, consider what other gear you intend to take with you on your hunting trips. Most packs come with many compartments, pockets, and pouches to fit everything you may need. The weight of a pack can also indicate its size.
Are All Hunting Backpacks Waterproof?
No, not all hunting backpacks are waterproof. Many packs come with blaze orange rain covers. These rain covers are included when the backpacks are not waterproof without them. Some packs that are not waterproof do not include rain covers. If you plan to hunt rain or shine, make sure the model you purchase is specifically advertised as waterproof or comes with a rain cover.
