The Best Backpacks for Big-Game Hunting of 2024

Like many of the backpacks on this list, the frame and pack are separate units, allowing for customization on size and configuration. We’re currently running the K4 3600 pack system, which can be compressed down tight enough to use as a day pack if you so choose — or expanded out to pack in a one-person overnight camp, with room for some pack-out action.

The excitement is built entirely around the frame upgrade. It’s all about lateral movement. The frame shifts and moves with you. The carbon stays actually flex with you just a bit when you bend forward. With all the flex and movement, the vertical flex is almost nonexistent. This equates to comfort that supports massive weight.

We won’t get too deep into the specifics of this pack or our thoughts on it until we try to wreck the dang thing, but at this stage — this pack/frame combo is epic. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it rise to the top of the list by fall.

The pack easily slides away from the frame to create big shelf space for carrying big-game quarters (or other large, awkward items). And it carries heavy weight well.

We’ve tested this one over about 20 days, including thousands of feet of vertical gain and dozens of miles. The tough CORDURA fabric shows barely any wear (beyond a few bloodstains).

Badlands also released its Vario system last year, another modular approach to developing a series of packs for one frame. GearJunkie contributor Jace Bauserman tested the Vario system and really liked it. From base frame to daypack to big ol’ multiday, Badlands has it all.

And if something goes amiss? Well, this warranty spells it out well: We don’t care what happened, or whose fault it was, we will fix it for free forever. We could care less if you bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, as long as it says Badlands, it’s covered. All we ask is that you use and abuse your pack as much as possible so we can learn how to make our products even better.

The fuzzy polyester outer build is dead silent (unless you’re dealing with loose-bark pine species), and the cinch pockets operate without a sound. With more than enough attachment points, I’ve now strapped my bow to the outside, a little white tail rattle rack, a grunt tube, and still had straps and pockets to spare.

It’s probably more pack than I need in my neck of the whitetail woods more of the year, but I also have the Treehouse 9, which can hold everything you need minus your actual bow. For late-season, though, I’ll likely stick with the Treehouse 20 for the extra layer space and pockets for my hand-warmer addiction. It’s the perfect all-around tree stand pack that fits the bill of everything you need without having to compromise.

The Absarkoa attaches to the excellent ARK Frame, which forms a foundation for several Kifaru packs.

I tested the pack elk hunting and found it great on a 5-day backpack hunt. In warm weather, it may be overkill. But it has plenty of extra space for more clothing or gear for colder weather. And it carries like a dream. I tested it with about 50 pounds (I did not harvest an animal) and it was very comfortable. I loved the firm padding and thick lumbar pad. For hunters going far afield pursuing big game or long objectives, the Kifaru Absaroka is a winner.

The Terminus 7000 pack is essentially a large tube with zipper access and an internal pouch to separate gear from meat. Designed for mid-size game animals, it would also work to pack out a deboned mule deer or similar critters. Because it does not have a meat shelf, I would hesitate to use it for larger animals like elk or moose, but it certainly has the internal space needed to haul all the gear for almost any kind of hunting.

If you need a huge, strong, ultralight pack, this one stands apart from the crowd, but at a hefty price. Check out our full review here.

With the game on the ground, the pack fabric moves back to create a shelf for carrying meat. KUIU designed the 10-ounce frame system to carry more than 150 pounds.

And let’s not forget: The entire pack weighs under 4 pounds! Testing the previous iteration of the pack, I carried everything from gear to elk quarters to a whole wild turkey.

Personally, I’ve found this pack comfortable carrying loads up to the 80-pound range. I’ve also had no problems with durability in four seasons of use. Given the fact that I use this mostly as a from-the-road hunting pack, I’ve never had more weight than an elk quarter and some backstraps in it.

Some testers have reported discomfort from the hip belt beyond about 80 pounds. One other negative is the zippers. It’s the biggest fault I can find in this pack. They are loud to open and close, and being loud in big-game hunting is bad. So this is worth noting.

Also available is the Women’s PRO Suspension, allowing this pack to be a better fit for smaller-built humans.

The full kit clocks in at just under $500, which is comparable to many of the packs to follow.

This pack really stands out as an all-in-one system. While many brands offer modular packs with lots of possible add-ons, Akek gives you everything you need — pockets, a gun or bow carry system, a rain cover, a carbon fiber frame, a meat shelf, and even a removable small pack — in one buy. 

Pockets, zippers, and tools were all highly logical and efficient for hunt load-outs and heavy hauling. Its only downside is that this pack is slightly heavy compared to the competition. But for a mid-size pack most suited for day hunts and shorter overnights in temperate weather, the Akek 3200 has won us over.

If your backpack doesn’t have this kind of system built in, get one. Just be certain to unload your rifle when around other people when using it, as the system does require a forward-facing gun carry that could point the muzzle in a dangerous direction if you were to fall.

Stretchy side pockets are capable of toting your Nalgene or helping secure trekking poles or a spotter. If you’re a hydro-bladder hunter, there is an internal bladder pouch with ports for your water lines. There are just enough straps to securely attach your bow to your back for the long hike in, and unnecessary straps are removable and reconfigurable. Waist belt webbing allows for any number of accessory attachments, like a pouch for your dang phone or a bow spider to have your bow in reach.

It’s a minimalist pack, for sure. But what more could you really ask for?

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.

This bag sits on the lauded Krux EVO frame, which can be stripped down to basics and still do the job. With carbon composite stays, high-end military-grade buckles, CORDURA 500-denier fabric, and a 150-pound rating, it’s high-tech carry at its best.

And the whole system — bag and frame — clocks in at 3 pounds, 13 ounces. The frame itself weighs 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

For all this tech, you’re definitely throwing some money down. The frame itself retails for $335, and the combo together costs $574.

Due to its ability to attach several fabric sacks externally, it’s a very versatile frame. It can be used for packrafting, hunting, search and rescue, and even expeditions.

A popular configuration (as pictured above) is to put a Merlin Daypack Talon ($130) on the frame to carry small items during a day of hunting. Attach a dry bag for bulkier gear, and you’ve got a waterproof system for longer backcountry trips.

The frame has a load shelf that adds 2,000 cubic inches of overhaul capacity, so you should be able to load in elk quarters for the haul out after a successful hunt