Best Hunting Backpacks (2026): Metcalf, Stone Glacier & More

The best hunting backpacks carry your camp in, carry your meat out and stay comfortable for days at a time. A good pack is the piece of gear you notice most on a backcountry hunt, because a bad one makes every mile feel longer.

Our reviewers at GunsAmerica Digest have put these packs to work on real hunts. One packed hide, horns and meat off a bighorn sheep mountain. Another hauled four loads of moose meat in a day. Another lived out of his pack for a nine day Dall sheep hunt in Alaska.

This guide picks the right pack for each kind of hunt, from multi day elk and sheep trips to rifle carry, budget meat haulers and bino harnesses. Prices are what our reviewers reported at the time of testing, so check current pricing before you buy.

Start with the buyer’s guide, then jump to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Hunting Backpacks In 2026

The right hunting pack depends on how long you stay out, how much weight you plan to carry and whether you need to haul meat.

Pick The Right Capacity

Day hunts need far less room than a week in the mountains. Our Sky Talus reviewer carried about seventy pounds into camp on a nine day hunt, then cinched the same bag down to about thirty pounds for day hunts. Packs in the 4,000 to 7,000 cubic inch range, like the Stone Glacier, Sitka and Badlands bags here, handle multi day trips. The Eberlestock Team Elk V2 has only 2,175 cubic inches in the bag but uses a meat carrying system for bulky items.

Frame And Load Shelf

A frame moves weight to your hips. Look for a load shelf or meat carrying system that lets you strap meat between the frame and bag so you do not have to put bloody game bags inside the main compartment. Our Badlands reviewer called that out as a feature he loves. External frames like the Frontier Gear Freighter and ALPS Commander are built for the heaviest loads.

Fit And Hip Belt

Torso length and hip belt fit matter more than any feature. Many of these packs offer adjustable yokes or belt sizes. Our Sitka reviewer used the medium belt, which adjusts for 28 to 36 inch waists, and said it was comfortable under 50 to 70 pound loads for hours at a time. Try a pack loaded before a big trip.

Rifle And Bow Carry

Some packs carry a rifle or bow for the hike in. The Eberlestock Team Elk V2 has a rifle scabbard, and the Slumberjack Deadfall 65 has an external multi weapon carry system. Pair your pack with a rifle from our best bolt action hunting rifles guide.

Optics Storage

Large side pockets and front pockets matter for optics. Our Team Elk reviewer fit a Vortex Razor 27-60 spotting scope in a side pocket, and our Sky 5900 reviewer used the front pocket for his spotter and rain gear. For glass to carry, see our best hunting binoculars, best spotting scopes and best rangefinders.

Treestand And Predator Packs

If you sit more than you hike, a seat pack can make sense. Our reviewer liked the ALPS OutdoorZ Enforcer Predator Pack for its attached pad and telescopic support legs, which made long sits against trees more comfortable. For meat bags to use with any frame, see our pack out bags test.

Best Hunting Backpacks Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75: Best Hunting Backpack Overall (2026)

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 is the best hunting backpack overall because it handles everything from a day of scouting to a weeklong pack in hunt with comfort and room to spare. For 2024, Mystery Ranch added a new tapered frame, lighter materials and a more customizable design.

Read our full Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 review here.

Our reviewer fit a three person ultralight tent, a sleeping pad and the rest of his gear in the 75 liter main compartment. He said the back and hip padding is thicker than many hunting packs, and the hip belt cinched down tightly to move the weight to his hips. The problems: a shoulder strap buckle snapped on the first day of his hunt when he set the loaded pack down, and the frame squeaked while he was stalking elk. He called both minor annoyances. MSRP was $549 at the time of review in 2024.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 75 liter main compartment
• Weight: 5.3 lb
• Frame: tapered (2024 update)
• Closure: rolling compression buckle lid
• Rain cover: Pack Fly sold separately (4 oz)
• Price: $549 MSRP at the time of review (2024)

Pros

• Very comfortable padding
• Fits a week of gear
• Customizable fit
• Updated tapered frame

Cons

• Shoulder buckle broke in testing
• Frame squeaked
• Expensive

🛒 Check Current Price for Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 on GunsAmerica

Stone Glacier Sky 5900 With Xcurve Frame: Best Hunting Backpack For Mountain Hunts (2026)

The Stone Glacier Sky 5900 on the Xcurve frame is the best hunting backpack for mountain hunts because it is light, tough and built to haul meat. Our reviewer, who has tested piles of packs, called it one of the most efficient, comfortable and durable packs he has ever used.

Read our full Stone Glacier Sky 5900 field test here.

On a bighorn sheep trip he packed out hide, horns and meat, and he said the load shelf and straps kept the weight centered with no side to side shift on a gnarly descent. The frame with a medium belt weighs 3 pounds and the bag weighs 2.7 pounds. He tested it for two months and the zippers never failed. A 22 inch front pocket held his spotting scope and rain gear. The lid, rain cover and accessory pocket are sold separately. Another reviewer used the bigger Stone Glacier Sky Talus 6900 on a nine day Dall sheep hunt in Alaska with no pack issues, with that setup at $684 MSRP at the time of review in 2021.

Key Specs

• Frame: Xcurve, 3 lb with medium belt
• Bag weight: 2.7 lb
• Fabric: Cordura 500 and Xpac
• Front pocket: 22 in, YKK #10 zipper
• Load shelf: integrated
• Price: not listed in our review

Pros

• Excellent meat hauling
• Light for its size
• Durable fabric and zippers
• Easy access front pocket

Cons

• Lid and rain cover cost extra
• Price not listed in our review

🛒 Check Current Price for Stone Glacier Sky 5900 on GunsAmerica

Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200: Best Hunting Backpack For Spring Bear Hunts (2026)

The Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200 is a strong pick for spring bear and other multi day hunts because its load bearing parts attach directly to an aircraft grade aluminum frame. Our reviewer used it on numerous bear hunts and said it more than held its own through days of serious elevation gain and loss.

Read our full Sitka Mountain Hauler 6200 review here.

It weighs 6.4 pounds. The main compartment is 4,000 cubic inches, with a 750 cubic inch rear pocket and 450 cubic inches in the lid pockets. The fabric is polyurethane coated nylon to resist blood and stains. He said the yoke, shoulder straps and hip belt were comfortable with no chafing under 50 to 70 pound loads. MSRP was $595 at the time of review in 2019, so check that the current version matches.

Key Specs

• Weight: 6.4 lb
• Main compartment: 4,000 cu in
• Rear pocket: 750 cu in
• Lid pockets: 450 cu in
• Frame: aircraft grade aluminum
• Price: $595 MSRP at the time of review (2019)

Pros

• Comfortable under heavy loads
• Blood resistant fabric
• Simple pocket layout
• Load parts attach to frame

Cons

• Older review
• Heavier than ultralight packs

🛒 Check Current Price for Sitka Mountain Hauler on GunsAmerica

Badlands Vario System: Best Modular Hunting Backpack (2026)

The Badlands Vario System is the best modular hunting backpack because one frame takes four different bags, so you can size the pack to the hunt. Badlands offers the Vario 65, 50, 33 and Day bags, plus a Game Bag and Batwing, and each slips over the frame in seconds.

Read our full Badlands Vario System field test here.

Our reviewer ran the 6,500 cubic inch bag and carried four loads of moose meat off a mountain in one day, and he said the pack performed flawlessly. He liked that meat rides in its own compartment against the frame instead of inside the main bag, praised the long straps and thick memory foam shoulder straps, and used the included holster strap on the waist belt to carry an FN 509 Midsize. He also carried an entire boned out pronghorn in the Vario Game Bag in one load. Our review did not list a price.

Key Specs

• Bags: Vario 65, 50, 33 and Day
• Add ons: Game Bag and Deluxe Batwing
• Tested bag: 6,500 cu in, top loading
• Extras: waist belt holster strap, hydration compatible
• Price: not listed in our review

Pros

• Swap bags for each hunt
• Meat rides outside the main bag
• Thick shoulder straps
• Long compression straps

Cons

• Price not listed in our review
• 2020 review

🛒 Check Current Price for Badlands Vario on GunsAmerica

Frontier Gear Of Alaska Freighter: Best Hunting Backpack For Heavy Loads (2026)

The Frontier Gear of Alaska Freighter frame is the best hunting backpack for heavy loads because it is built for the 80 to 110 pound pack outs that come with moose and other big game. Our reviewer compared most of his packs to a half ton pickup and the Freighter to a one ton dually.

Read our full Frontier Gear of Alaska pack review here.

He has used the Freighter with the 6,800 cubic inch Hunter bag for Dall sheep, Alaskan moose and elk, and it weighs about seven pounds all told. The shoulder system uses three layer memory foam on a yoke that the staff customizes to each hunter. Cost started at $775 to $900 depending on accessories at the time of review in 2021, and the line carries a lifetime warranty for material and workmanship defects.

Key Specs

• Frame: Freighter
• Bags: Hunter (6,800 cu in), Pinnacle or Yukon (7,800 cu in)
• Weight: about 7 lb with Hunter bag
• Fit: custom yoke
• Warranty: lifetime for defects
• Price: $775 to $900 at the time of review (2021)

Pros

• Built for 80 to 110 lb loads
• Custom fit
• Huge bag options
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy for day hunts
• Sold through one dealer at the time of review

🛒 Check Current Price for Frontier Gear Freighter on GunsAmerica

Eberlestock Team Elk V2: Best Hunting Backpack With Rifle Scabbard (2026)

The Eberlestock Team Elk V2 is the best hunting backpack with a rifle scabbard because it keeps your rifle protected and easy to reach. Our reviewer carried a Weatherby with a 26 inch barrel and an 8 inch suppressor in it, though he found rifles under 50 inches overall fit best. The scabbard folds up for storage when you are not carrying a rifle.

Read our full Eberlestock Team Elk V2 review here.

He worried about the 2,175 cubic inch bag, but the folding meat carrying system held his tent and sleeping bag. He hiked about 25 miles with up to 65 pounds and lived out of it for five days, and said it was more comfortable than he ever thought it could be. A Vortex Razor 27-60 spotting scope fit in a side pocket. It weighs 6.5 pounds, and MSRP was $399 at the time of review in 2024.

Key Specs

• Bag capacity: 2,175 cu in
• Weight: 6.5 lb
• Frame: internal Intex II
• Rifle scabbard: yes, folds away
• Meat carry: folding system
• Price: $399 MSRP at the time of review (2024)

Pros

• Rifle scabbard
• Meat carrying system
• Huge side pockets
• Comfortable with 65 lb

Cons

• Small main bag
• Long rifles are a tight fit
• Reviewer did not pack out an elk

🛒 Check Current Price for Eberlestock Team Elk V2 on GunsAmerica

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Pack: Best Budget External Frame Hunting Pack (2026)

The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander is the best budget external frame hunting pack because it brings a meat hauling freighter frame and a 5,250 cubic inch bag for an MSRP of $199.99 at the time of review in 2020. Our reviewer called it made to exacting standards, comfortable even when loaded down and durable.

Read our full ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Pack review here.

The aluminum Commander Freighter Frame has three extension lashing straps for big loads, a padded waist belt and shoulder straps, and a holder for shooting sticks. The bag weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces and the full pack weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces empty. Torso range is 17 to 23 inches. She noted it is a big pack that takes getting used to in the trees, and that it is meant for elk or mule deer in the mountains, not a day in the fields.

Key Specs

• Bag: 5,250 cu in
• Weight: 7 lb 5 oz empty with frame
• Frame: aluminum external Freighter
• Torso: 17 to 23 in
• Waist belt: 26 to 40 in (XL available)
• Price: $199.99 MSRP at the time of review (2020)

Pros

• Very affordable
• Big meat hauling frame
• Rifle holder and lower access door
• Good customer service

Cons

• Bulky in timber
• Heavier than internal frame packs

🛒 Check Current Price for ALPS Commander Pack on GunsAmerica

Slumberjack Deadfall 65: Best Budget Hunting Backpack For Carrying A Rifle (2026)

The Slumberjack Deadfall 65 is the best budget hunting backpack for carrying a rifle because its external multi weapon carry system held our reviewer’s 24 inch barrel CMMG Mk3 in 6.5 Creedmoor with a Nikon BLACK FX1000 6-24×50 scope with no problem. MSRP was $229.95 at the time of review in 2022.

Read our full Slumberjack Deadfall 65 review here.

The 65 liter capacity is split between a main compartment and three external pockets, and an adjustable trophy carry system handles meat. Two aluminum stays and an HDPE frame sheet provide support. He carried loads up to 75 pounds in comfort and said it will carry a lot more.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 65 liters
• Frame: two aluminum stays, HDPE frame sheet
• Weapon carry: external, rifle or bow
• Meat: adjustable trophy carry system
• Price: $229.95 MSRP at the time of review (2022)

Pros

• Carries a full size scoped rifle
• Affordable
• Comfortable to 75 lb
• Meat carry system

Cons

• Not a full frame pack for huge loads
• Check current availability

🛒 Check Current Price for Slumberjack Deadfall 65 on GunsAmerica

CrossFire DG3 55L: Best Tactical Crossover Pack (2026)

The CrossFire DG3 55L is the best tactical crossover pack for hunters who also want a ruck for training or duty. Our reviewer, a veteran, said that over months of testing it proved to be the best ruck he has ever owned. CrossFire supplies the Australian military, including the SAS.

Read our full CrossFire DG3 55L review here.

He said the polymer frame flexes with your back and is unbelievably comfy, and he liked the well placed pockets, MOLLE loops, rubberized zipper pulls and quiet buckles. It comes in MultiCam or Coyote, and MSRP was $299 at the time of review in 2023. It is a military style ruck, not a dedicated meat hauler.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 55 liters
• Frame: flexible polymer
• Attachment: MOLLE
• Colors: MultiCam, Coyote
• Price: $299 MSRP at the time of review (2023)

Pros

• Very comfortable frame
• Quiet buckles
• Well placed pockets
• Military proven

Cons

• No dedicated meat shelf
• Not tested on a hunt in our review

🛒 Check Current Price for CrossFire DG3 on GunsAmerica

Eberlestock Recon Modular Bino Pack: Best Bino Pack (2026)

The Eberlestock Recon is the best bino pack in our testing because it is light, modular and stays put. Our reviewer said it just might be the best bino pack he has ever tested. He hunted with it on horseback, where he could get it high and tight enough that it did not hit the saddle horn or bounce off his chin, and he wore it with a backpack and could hardly tell it was there.

Read our full Eberlestock Recon bino pack review here.

It comes in two sizes and three colors. The Small he tested fits most binoculars up to 42 mm objectives. Accessories include a zippered pouch that attaches underneath and a MOLLE accessory that can mount a pistol. It weighs 13.6 ounces and MSRP was $119 at the time of review in 2022.

Key Specs

• Sizes: two (Small fits up to 42 mm binos)
• Colors: three
• Weight: 13.6 oz
• Add ons: under pouch, MOLLE accessory
• Price: $119 MSRP at the time of review (2022)

Pros

• Light
• Modular
• Stable on horseback
• Works with a backpack

Cons

• Small size limits bino choice
• Accessories add cost

🛒 Check Current Price for Eberlestock Recon on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best Hunting Backpacks Of 2026

The best hunting backpack for most hunters is the Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75, with room for a week and comfortable padding. Mountain hunters should look at the Stone Glacier Sky 5900, heavy haulers at the Frontier Gear Freighter, and hunters who want one frame for every trip at the Badlands Vario. The Eberlestock Team Elk V2 and Slumberjack Deadfall 65 carry a rifle, and the ALPS Commander is the budget meat hauler.

Load your pack and hike with it before the season, and fit the hip belt carefully. Every pick here comes from a GunsAmerica Digest review, problems included. For a rifle support to strap on the side, see our best hunting bipods. Shop hunting gear on GunsAmerica.com.