When preparing for an elk hunt, the best hunting backpack for elk hunt is essential for ensuring a successful and comfortable adventure. Hunting elk is a lifelong dream for many hunters.
It’s the chance to go after some of the biggest games in North America. It’s also a demanding hunt, as you’ll have to traverse some of the most rugged terrain in the country. There’s no doubt that you’ll need to be in good shape to go elk hunting.
You’ll also need the right gear to make your elk hunt a success. There are a few essential pieces of gear that you’ll need to help you hunt elk. One of the most important pieces of gear you’ll need is the best hunting backpack for elk hunting.
In this article, we’ll review some of the most important things to look for in a hunting backpack and share some of our favorite hunting backpacks.
Explore the top options for the best hunting backpacks for elk hunts. Need advice on packing your backpack for travel instead? Dive into our comprehensive guide on “How to Pack a Backpack for Travel” for expert tips and tricks to maximize space and organization, ensuring you’re prepared for your next adventure, whether it’s in the wilderness or across the globe.
Understanding the Specific Needs of an Elk Hunt
Elk hunters can expect to be in the field for several days. This means they will need to pack all their food, water, and camping gear. This can be quite a task, and a good hunting backpack can make all the difference.
Elk hunters also need to be prepared for various weather conditions. The weather can change quickly in the fall, and it’s not uncommon to experience both hot, dry days and cold, wet days. This means that you need to be prepared to pack in extra layers, and you also need to have a hunting backpack that can keep your gear dry.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hunting Backpack for Elk Hunt
The key to a successful elk hunt is being prepared. You’ll be in the backcountry for several days, so you must pack all your gear and supplies. This is where a good hunting backpack comes in. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a hunting backpack:
Size: The size of your hunting backpack will depend on the length of your trip and how much gear you need to pack. If you’re going on a day hunt, you can get by with a smaller backpack. But if you’re going on a multi-day trip, you’ll need a larger backpack to accommodate all your gear and supplies.
Weight: The weight of your hunting backpack is important, especially if you’ll be carrying it for long distances. Look for a backpack that is lightweight but still durable. You’ll also want to consider the backpack’s weight and how much it can carry.
Comfort: A comfortable hunting backpack is a must. Look for a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel. You’ll also want to ensure the backpack has a waist belt to help distribute the pack’s weight.
Size and Capacity Requirements for an Elk Hunt
The size of your hunting backpack is more important than you may think. You’ll struggle to fit all your gear if you go too small. It will be difficult to manage if you go too big, and you may bring unnecessary gear.
Elk hunts need more gear than a standard whitetail deer hunt. The most important thing to consider is the amount of meat you will need to pack out. You will need to leave room in your pack to carry the meat from the animal you harvest.
You will need to pack out the meat in many trips. The number of trips you make will depend on the animal’s size and how many people are helping you.
You will also need to consider the amount of gear you will need to bring for a multi-day hunt. You will need to pack a tent, sleeping bag, food, and other camping gear.
Material and Construction Options for Durability and Comfort
The best hunting backpacks are constructed of a durable fabric, usually a ripstop nylon or polyester. These materials are lightweight and water-resistant, making them ideal for carrying heavy loads in wet conditions. Look for a backpack with a water-resistant coating and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
Besides the fabric, you’ll also want to consider the construction of the backpack. Look for a backpack that has reinforced seams, as well as heavy-duty zippers and buckles. You’ll also want to ensure the backpack has a supportive frame and a well-padded hip belt, shoulder straps, and back panel.
Features to Look for in a Hunting Backpack for an Elk Hunt
There are many features to consider when looking for a hunting backpack, but here are some of the most important ones to consider when looking for the best elk hunting backpack.
Size
When it comes to elk hunting, you will need a larger backpack than you would for other types of hunting. Elk hunting is a multi-day affair, and you’ll need a pack that can accommodate all of your gear, as well as any elk meat you harvest.
Comfort
Elk hunting requires a lot of hiking, so you will need a comfortable backpack for long periods of time. Look for a pack with a good suspension system, padded shoulder straps, and a padded waist belt.
Durability
You don’t want your hunting backpack to fall apart on you in the middle of a hunt. Look for a pack that is made with high-quality materials and has reinforced stitching in key areas.
Weight
The weight of your hunting backpack is important, especially if you plan on carrying out a lot of meat. Look for a lightweight pack that can still handle the weight of the gear you plan on carrying.
Accessibility
You don’t want to have to dig through your pack to find what you need. Look for a pack with multiple compartments and pockets, as well as easy access to the main compartment.
Waterproofing
Elk hunting can be wet, so you must ensure your pack is waterproof. Look for a pack that is made with waterproof materials and has a built-in rain cover.
Pros and Cons of Popular Backpack Styles Day Pack
Pros
• Lightweight – Most day packs are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. This is perfect for short hunts.
• Comfortable – Day packs are designed to be comfortable and easy to carry. This is perfect for short hunts.
• Easy to organize – Day packs are typically designed with a few large compartments and some smaller pockets. This makes it easy to organize your gear.
Cons
• Limited space – Day packs are designed to be small and lightweight. This means you won’t have as much space for gear as you would with a larger pack.
• Not as durable – Day packs are typically made with thinner materials than larger packs. This means they’re not as durable.
Frame Pack
Frame packs are a classic hunting pack style used for decades. This pack style uses an external frame to carry the load, and the bag is attached. The frame gives the bag a lot of support and keeps the load off your back. This is a great option for a hunter packing out a heavy load.
There are a few downsides to frame packs. They are generally heavier than other packs, and they are not as comfortable as a pack with a suspension system. They also do not have the same organization and pockets as other packs.
Organization and Accessibility of Gear in a Hunting Backpack
The organization of gear is a big factor in a hunting backpack. The best hunting backpack for elk hunts will have various compartments, pockets, and zippers that allow you to organize your gear in a way that makes sense to you.
You should also be able to access your gear quickly and easily. This is especially important when you’re out in the field, and you need to get to your gear in a hurry.
The best hunting backpack for elk hunts will have a top-loading design that allows you to access the main compartment quickly and easily.
Weight Considerations for Long Hikes and Packing Out Game
When considering how much weight you want to carry on your back, it is important to remember that a hunting backpack is not a backpacking backpack. While you may want to carry a 50-60 pound pack on a backpacking trip, that is not recommended when hunting.
The average weight of a hunting backpack is 20-30 pounds. The weight of your pack will depend on how far you are hiking and how much gear you need to carry.
Most hunting backpacks are designed to carry a lot of weight, but it is still important to consider how much weight you want to carry.
If you are going on a long hike, you may want to carry a lighter pack. If you are going on a hike that is less than a mile, you may want to carry a heavier pack.
Balancing Price and Quality in Your Backpack Choice
We’ve all heard the saying, “You get what you pay for,” which is certainly the case with hunting backpacks. You can find a backpack for as little as $50, but it won’t be big enough, it won’t be comfortable, and it won’t last. You can also find a backpack for $500, but you certainly don’t need to spend that much to get a quality hunting backpack.
The sweet spot for a good hunting backpack is between $150 and $300. This is where you’ll find many options with different features that suit your needs. I’ve used many hunting backpacks over the years, and my favorite is the Mystery Ranch Metcalf, which is $499. But I’ve also used the ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse and the Eberlestock Team Elk Pack, which are both under $300 and are great options.
Reviews and Recommendations From Experienced Elk Hunters
We’ve taken the liberty of gathering some of the best hunting backpacks for elk hunting. We’ve reviewed them and included our thoughts and recommendations on each one.
But we also think getting more insights and reviews from experienced elk hunters is important. We’ve also included their feedback and reviews on some of the best elk-hunting backpacks.
Importance of Testing and Practicing With Your Hunting Backpack
Once you have your hunting backpack, it’s time to test it out! Load it with the gear you plan to take and go for a hike. Make sure you take the same gear you plan to take on your elk hunt. This will give you a good idea of how the pack will feel when you are hunting.
It’s also a good idea to practice with your hunting backpack before you go on your elk hunt. This will help you get used to the weight and make sure you are comfortable with how it feels.
Tips for Packing and Organizing Your Gear for an Elk Hunt
Packing for an elk hunt can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to packing for an elk hunt is to be organized. With some planning and the right gear, you can easily pack everything you need for a successful elk hunt.
Here are some tips for packing and organizing your gear for an elk hunt:
• Make a list of everything you need to pack and check it off. This will help you make sure you don’t forget anything and will also help you stay organized.
• Pack your gear in layers. This will help you stay comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add an insulating layer, and finally, add a waterproof and windproof layer.
• Use a high-quality hunting backpack with plenty of storage and organization features. This will make it easy to pack and organize all your gear.
• Pack your hunting gear in your hunting backpack, such as your rifle or bow, calls, and scents. This will help you keep everything organized and easy to access.
• Use stuff sacks or compression sacks to pack your clothes. This will help you save space and keep your clothes organized.
• Pack your food and cooking gear in a separate bag or container. This will help you keep your food and cooking gear organized and will also help keep food smells away from your hunting gear.
• Pack your sleeping bag and sleeping pad outside your hunting backpack. This will help you save space in your hunting backpack and make it easy to access your sleeping gear when you get to camp.
• Use a high-quality rain cover to keep your gear dry. This is especially important if you’ll be hiking in wet or snowy conditions.
Maintenance and Care Instructions for Your Hunting Backpack
To keep your hunting backpack in great condition, you must clean it properly after each use. You also need to make sure you store it properly and give it a deep clean every once in a while.
After each use, make sure you empty your bag and shake out any dirt, debris, or food crumbs. If your bag is waterproof, you can use a hose to spray it down and then hang it to dry. If your bag is not waterproof, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it down. Make sure you leave all the zippers and pockets open to allow it to dry completely.
Every few months, you should give your bag a deep clean. If your bag is machine washable, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean it properly. If your bag is not machine washable, you can use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to clean it. Make sure you rinse the bag thoroughly and then hang it to dry.
Alternative Options for Carrying Hunting Gear in the Field
If you’re not a fan of the backpack, or you’re simply looking for a different way to carry your gear, there are a variety of options on the market. Below are some of the most popular.
• Fanny packs are a great option for those who like to keep things simple. They’re small and lightweight, allowing you to carry the essentials. Many fanny packs also come with a built-in hydration system.
• If you prefer to have your hands free, a hunting vest is a great option. Many hunting vests come with various pockets, so you can carry all your gear with you. Some even come with a built-in backpack.
• If you’re going to be hiking long distances, a hunting frame pack is your best bet. Frame packs are designed to distribute the weight of your gear so that you can carry more weight for longer periods. They’re also great for carrying a heavy load, like an elk.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great hunting backpacks on the market. We hope this article has helped you narrow your search for the best hunting backpack for your elk hunt.
We’d love to hear from you! What hunting backpack do you use? What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.