As any seasoned hunter knows, the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to a successful hunting trip. And one piece of gear that’s often overlooked but crucial for saddle hunters is the pack.
A good hunting pack not only carries all your necessary equipment and supplies but also stays secure and comfortable on your back while climbing and descending steep terrain.
In this guide, we will be exploring some of the best packs for saddle hunting and compare their features to help you make an informed decision for your next hunting expedition.
Best saddle hunting packs
TIDEWE Hunting Backpack
| Brand | TIDEWE |
| Material | Polyester |
| Color | Next Camo G2 |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12 x 10 x 21 inches |
| Package Weight | 2.22 Kilograms |
| Package Dimensions | 15.94 x 12.01 x 7.36 inches |
| Capacity | 2200 cubic inches (35 L) |
| Gender | Unisex-adult |
| Features | Lightweight, Durable, Multi-pocket design, Channeled back paneling, Padded waist belt, Built-in rain cover, Carrying pocket and quiver hook and loop, Hydration port |
The TIDEWE Hunting Backpack is a top contender for saddle hunting packs, offering waterproof capabilities and a durable design.
With an extendable capacity of 40–66 liters, it provides ample space for your hunting gear and essentials. Its camo design and rain cover make it an ideal choice for outdoor hunting trips, while the adjustable shoulder straps and padding provide comfort during long hikes.
The pack also features multiple compartments and pockets for organization and accessibility.
Its lightweight construction, weighing in at only 3.7 lbs, makes it easy to carry throughout your hunting excursion.
Overall, the TIDEWE Hunting Backpack offers exceptional value for its affordable price point.
Pros
- The rifle holder is convenient for carrying the rifle without having to hold it in hand.
- The backpack has good space and plenty of pockets to put things in.
- The material is great and the backpack is ergonomically engineered.
- The straps are comfortable and durable for hiking the hills.
- It is weatherproof and comes with a weatherproof bag to protect it.
- It is comfortable to wear with good weight distribution.
Cons
- The backpack has no frame inside and may cause creases that rub against the back when it is not full.
- It lacks side straps to stick a tripod and hiking sticks into the side pouches and strap them in.
ALPS OutdoorZ Unisex Adult Pursuit Pack
| Pocket for Gun/Bow | Yes, with drop-down design to securely carry firearms |
| Quiver Holder | Yes, on each side of the pack for easy access |
| Main Compartment Size | 19″ H x 11″ W x 7″ D |
| Front Pocket | Organizational shelf pocket for easy gear accessibility |
| D-Ring Clip | Yes, to hang the pack from trees while hunting |
| Waist Belt | Padded with two pockets and center aluminum stay |
| Hydration System | Yes, with pocket and port for easy drinking access |
| Side Mesh Pockets | Yes, for additional storage |
| Front Lashing System | Yes, for attaching additional gear to the pack |
| Rain Cover | Yes, included in blaze orange color |
| Capacity | 2700 in³ / 44 L |
| Weight | 4 lbs. 7 oz. (4.4 pounds) |
| Camo Pattern | Realtree Edge |
| Department | Unisex-adult |
| Package Dimensions | 21.5 x 15 x 4.8 inches |
The ALPS OutdoorZ Unisex Adult Pursuit Pack is a great option for saddle hunters who need a secure pack to keep their bow stowed away during long treks through rugged terrain.
With a spacious 2700 cubic inch capacity, this backpack offers plenty of room to pack all the necessary gear for your hunt. It also has comfortable straps and a strong design that can stand up to even the hardest conditions.
This hunting setup has many pockets and compartments that make it easy to get to your gear.
Overall, this pack offers a great balance between cost and quality, making it a popular choice among hunting enthusiasts.
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear even during long hunting trips
- Capable of storing everything needed for a day hunt
- Able to hold 4 climbing sticks and platform, as well as a rifle or bow
- Flawless adjustable bow/rifle holder
- Hydration compatible for easy access to water
- High-quality, durable backpack with a lifetime warranty
- Keeps gear dry even in extreme weather conditions
- Multiple pockets for storing small items like knives, gloves, beanies, and other gear
Cons
- Seams rip each season, requiring resewing of external carry straps
- Hydration clip on the right side can make shouldering a rifle more difficult
- Hip belt pouches are difficult to close with one hand and set back from buckles, making it necessary to take off the backpack to close them
AUSCAMOTEK Camo Hunting Backpack
| Dimensions | 19x12x8 inches |
| Fabric | 100% brushed polyester with PVC water-repellent coating |
| Pattern | Natural tree and leaf woodland camouflage |
| Front Pocket | Large with 2 side water bottle pockets |
| Straps | Adjustable padded shoulder straps for total comfort |
| Chest Belt | Included for better fit |
| Random Printing | Different parts of trunk and leaves for maximum camouflage |
| Outdoor Activities | Great for any outdoor activities |
| Package Dimensions | 15 x 12.7 x 2.8 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.5 Kilograms |
| Item Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Brand | AUSCAMOTEK |
| Color | Brown |
| Material | Polyester |
The AUSCAMOTEK Camo Hunting Backpack is one of the top choices for saddle hunting enthusiasts. With its waterproof and durable design, it can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrain.
This setup for whitetail has enough room to carry all the hunting gear you need. It also has a fanny pack that can be taken off and used on its own.
The backpack’s accessibility and organization features make it easy to reach items such as ammunition, knives, and other hunting necessities.
The comfortable shoulder straps and waist belt of the backpack make sure it fits snugly, which makes long hunting trips less tiring and uncomfortable.
Durability, weight, size, and space are all important things to think about when choosing a saddle hunting pack. The AUSCAMOTEK Camo Hunting Backpack ticks all the right boxes for a great hunting experience.
Pros
- Lightweight and roomy backpack
- Perfect size for carrying hunting gear such as binoculars, range finder, and multi-tool
- Has a chest strap for a better fit
- Good quality for the price
Cons
- One customer received a backpack without the included fanny pack, despite the product description saying “backpack and fanny pack.”
Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack
| Brand | Badlands |
| Item Dimensions | 9 x 17 x 19 inches |
| Color | Realtree Edge |
| Closure Type | Zipper |
| Pattern | Camouflage |
| Weight | 5.84 pounds |
| Department | Unisex-adult |
| Main Compartment Vol | 1980 CI (32.4 L) |
| Total Volume | 2250 CI (36.9 L) |
| Material | DWR-treated, waterproof fabric with scent suppression |
| Rifle/Bow/Pistol | Compatible |
| Hydration System | Compatible with 2-liter hydration systems |
| Suspension | ThermoMold Suspension with T-6 Aircraft Aluminum frame |
The Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack is a classic in the hunting backpack world, and for good reason. It boasts an innovative design with a new magnesium frame that reduces its weight and adds to its load-carrying capabilities.
This saddle hunting gear comes with 2200 cubic inches of storage and dimensions of 21″x12″x10.” Its built-in meat hauler is a great bonus for hunters who need to transport their game without any hassle.
Along with being a bow hunting backpack, it can also carry a rifle. Its durability and comfort make it one of the best hunting backpacks available.
The Badlands 2200 is worth the investment for serious hunters looking for a reliable and well-built backpack.
Pros
- The pack is well thought-out and made by a reliable brand, with every detail designed for hunting enthusiasts.
- The meat shelf is built into the pack, which can carry up to 150lbs, eliminating the need for old backpack frames to pack meat out.
- Very sturdy and has excellent storage capacity, with a hidden zipper underneath for the blaze orange meat hauler cover and rifle stock support.
- The pack is versatile, with many features such as a pistol holster, hidden rifle holder, optics holder, and the ability to strap down stuff to the outside.
- Fairly waterproof by itself, with internal bladder pouch absorbing condensation so gear does not get moist.
Cons
- The pack is expensive, according to one customer who said they never would shell out this kind of money for a pack.
- One customer received a product with a different material than advertised, which can be considered false advertising.
- The pack does not have an external radio pocket, and the bladder and rain cover must be purchased separately.
Eberlestock X2 Pack
| Lining | Nylon |
| Closure | Zipper |
| FlexChassis | Ample FlexChassis that can flip forward for use as a seat or cradle loads you strap to the pack |
| Side Scabbards | Designed to accept either A1SS or A2SS Side Scabbards to carry shotguns or full-scale hunting rifle |
| Padlock webbing | Tie-points in key locations for accessory attachment and lashing on gear |
| Material | Microsuede waterproof fabric / Water-resistant construction |
| Color | Loden Microsuede |
| Compression straps | Oversized compression straps for lashing on a heavy load |
| Hydration compartments | Dual hydration compartments |
| Quick-access pockets | Quick-access pockets for spotting scopes and tripods |
| Intex frame | Unique tubular aluminum Intex frame |
| ARCG ButtBucket | Perfect platform for carrying a compound bow |
| Shooter Harness | Thinner for shooting and more comfortable for heavier loads |
The Eberlestock X2 Pack has proven to be a popular choice among saddle hunters.
With its tough built and oversized compression straps, this little pack boasts big pack features that make it perfect for hauling heavy loads. It also comes with dual hydration compartments and quick-access pockets, adding to its convenience factor.
Hunters rave about the pockets and storage on this backpack, making it a great all-around day pack for hunting. Its durability and quality are top-notch, making it a wise investment that will last hunters for years to come.
With a comfortable fit, the X2 is preferred by many for late-season saddle sits, and its popularity among mobile hunters looking to haul plenty of gear speaks for itself.
Overall, this minimalist frame pack is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and sturdy saddle hunting backpack.
Pros
- The quality of the pack is impressive and well-made, according to the customer’s first impression.
- The pack is comfortable even for a big person, with padded waist belts and adjustable straps that distribute the weight evenly on the hips.
- The pack is suitable for ultralight survival/hiking and can carry enough gear for a 48-hour trip in mild weather, including food, water, and a change of clothes.
- The frame of the pack is lightweight and provides structure, allowing it to stay rigid when strapped to the body.
- The pack is great for hunting, especially for stalking and moving through terrain. It is also suitable for carrying a quartered deer with other gear.
Cons
- The pack is not spacious enough to pack the usual gear that the customer has in a similar-sized Snugpack ruck.
- The pack is not ideal for carrying loads over 30 pounds or for hiking more than 5 miles out after hunting.
- The shoulder harness is not adjustable, and the waist belt is a bit small, according to one customer’s review.
Saddle hunting pack buying guide
If you’re in the market for a new saddle hunting pack, it is important to consider a few key factors before making your purchase.
First and foremost, consider the size and space of the pack. Do you need a larger pack for longer hunts or a smaller pack for short-duration hunts?
Next, think about the comfort and fit of the pack. Will it stay in place while you’re moving or will it constantly shift and rub?
Accessibility and organization are also important factors. Make sure the pack has easy-to-reach pockets and compartments for all of your hunting essentials.
Durability and quality are crucial to ensure your pack can withstand the wear and tear of the hunting season.
And lastly, consider the weight of the pack, as it can affect your mobility and endurance during long hunts.
Size and Space
When it comes to choosing the best pack for saddle hunting, the size and space of the main compartment are the key factors.
You want a pack that is large enough to comfortably carry all your gear, but not so bulky that it becomes cumbersome or throws off your center of balance.
The TIDEWE Hunting Backpack and the Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Pack both offer ample space for hauling lone wolf sticks, a predator platform, and extra layers, while also incorporating features like MOLLE loops and bucket-style designs to keep your gear organized and easily accessible.
However, it is important to also consider the comfort and fit of the pack, as well as its durability and weight, to ensure that it meets all your needs for a successful hunting trip.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort and fit, it’s important to choose a saddle-hunting pack that feels comfortable and snugs against your body. It should fit well and not feel too tight or constricting, as this can cause discomfort and make it difficult to move around in.
Look for packs with adjustable straps and harnesses, as these will allow you to customize the fit to your body type. Additionally, consider the padding on the straps and waistband, as this can greatly impact how comfortable the pack feels.
A good saddle hunting pack should distribute weight evenly and not cause any pressure points or pain.
By prioritizing comfort and fit, you’ll be able to stay focused on your hunt instead of being distracted by discomfort.
Accessibility and Organization
When it comes to saddle hunting, accessibility, and organization are two essential factors to consider when choosing the right pack for your needs.
With your gear stored in a backpack, you want to be able to quickly and easily access the items you need without fuss.
Remember, staying organized is key to a successful hunting trip, so make sure to choose the right pack with accessibility and organization in mind.
Durability and Quality
A high-quality saddle hunting pack should be able to withstand the wear and tear of prolonged use in rough terrain, harsh weather conditions, and intense hunting activities.
A good quality pack will also come with sturdy zippers, heavy-duty fabrics, and weather-resistant coatings that can keep your gear safe and dry.
When shopping for a saddle hunting pack, it is essential to invest in a high-quality product that can withstand the rigors of hunting and outdoor sports.
Weight
A heavy pack can be a burden on the hunt, leading to fatigue and decreased mobility. However, a lightweight pack can make all the difference, allowing for easier movement and greater agility. A hunting backpack should also have a buckle so that it is easy to carry while climbing sticks.
FAQs
What do you need to saddle hunt?
A saddle: A well-made saddle that fits both you and your horse appropriately is essential.
Bridle and reins: A bridle and reins are necessary to control and guide the horse.
Hunting boots: Hunting boots are necessary to provide proper support and grip while hunting.
Riding clothes: Riding pants, a shirt, and a riding helmet are necessary.
Knee pads: These will save you from bruises and provide warmth.
Hunting knife: A hunting knife is essential for skinning and preparing the game.
Ammo & hunting licenses: Ensure you have the necessary ammunition and hunting licenses before the hunt.
Hunting binoculars: Binoculars are necessary to spot the game from a distance.
Hunting License: Ensure you have the necessary hunting licenses and permits.
Water and snacks: Stay hydrated and carry snacks to keep your energy levels up.
A hunting partner: Hunting with a partner is always a great idea for safety reasons.
I am Sam Billings, an entrepreneur who runs a printing business. In my free time, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and often spend hours pursuing game. I am passionate about hunting gear and equipment, and I take great pleasure in helping fellow hunters find the right gear for their needs. From rifles and scopes to clothing and accessories, I am always happy to share my knowledge and expertise.
