If you are looking for the best saddle hunting backpack, you have come to the right place. Today’s article shines a light on the best backpacks that are worth paying attention to.
Saddle hunting is an art that needs great skills and gear. A backpack is a requisite gear that carries all your equipment and handles your grip. It also gives you comfort so that nothing comes between you and your target.
With many backpacks available on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. Worry not. We have come to your rescue and compiled the best saddle hunting backpacks worthy of consideration. Let’s have a look.
What is Saddle Hunting?
Saddle hunting is a deer hunting method whereby the hunter uses a tree hunting saddle for support. You can use a lineman’s belt or a rock-climbing harness to secure the anchor once you’ve reached proper height.
Best Saddle Hunting Backpack
1)Tidewe Hunting Backpack
Tidewe Hunting Backpack tops our list of the best saddle hunting backpacks. Aside from the backpack having a durable fabric, it is also soundless to aid in moving undetected during hunting.
It has a waterproof raincoat which is a plus, to ensure the gadgets are dry in case it rains when in the field. The pack has great straps that are adjustable on the shoulders, making it easy to adjust the backpack to your size.
The Tidewe backpack is multi-functional and has numerous pockets. It is designed with a two-in-one carrier for the bow or the rifle. The backpack has top front pockets, consisting of three main spaces for your storage and small front pockets for more space with inner compartments.
Tidewe hunting pack has a breathable fabric that keeps the backpack scent-free and quite dry. The shoulder grip design on the backpack is an advantage since it provides cushioned comfort.
Another highlight of the backpack is its ergonomic design and soft and thick padding, which reduces pressure, making long treks in the field much easier.
Features
- Front, side and bottom pockets
- Waist bag
- Water bottle pocket
- Gun holder bag
- Internal flap for water bladder tube
- Breathable and ergonomic design
- Adjustable straps
- Shoulder grip design
Pros
- Plenty of space and pockets.
- An interior frame that keeps it from collapsing
- Tons of inner pockets
- Breathable straps with ergonomic design
- Durable, high-performance fabric
- Comfortable to carry
Cons
- An internal frame which limits the amount of space
- Waist straps are non-adjustable for different heights
2) XOP Striker Evolution Pack
XOP Striker Evolution Pack is a lightweight day pack for your fundamental hunting equipment. It has a polyester material which is reinforced with stitching throughout with numerous zippers which are sturdy.
The backpack is very comfortable to carry and has a chest buckle which is adjustable to your liking. The pack has a package weight of 3 pounds, making it a breeze to carry wherever you want.
In addition, the backpack is great for your field activities due to the ample pockets for storage. This enables you to fit all your equipment in one pack, and the padded shoulder straps and back liner make it easy and very comfortable to carry.
The shoulder straps make it easy to mount the pack in a tree stand, as they are very easy to disconnect.
Features
- Full back compartment
- Internal hydration pocket and ports
- Sturdy zippers
- PVC-lined scent-free pocket
- Four external gear strapping options
- Padded shoulder straps and back liner
- Easy clean-up lining
- Reinforced stitching throughout
Pros
- Comfortable to carry
- Great adjustable chest buckle
- Ample pockets for storage
- Padded shoulder straps and back liner
- Easy clean-up lining
- Four external gear strapping option
Cons
- No outer frame; hence it can get warm on the back for longer hikes
- Noisy on the interior material
3) Mystery Ranch Pop up 28 Hunting Pack
The Mystery Ranch Hunting Pack boasts a telescoping frame using trekking pole technology. The electric mesh dividers in the large zippered back pocket provides organization.
This hunting pack is very efficient and effective as it has auto-lock buckles which prevent slippage. A pop-up frame mechanism on the backpack allows it to be used as a load-hauling system. As a result, the frame can effectively expand and change to support loads up to 80 lbs.
It has a load shelf and expandable pole stays. Trekking poles and tripods fit snugly in the side water bottle compartments and compression.
Additionally, the backpack provides optimal comfort due to its overload feature that offers functional expandability via the load sling that is between the backpack and the frame. This allows you to put the bulk of weight closest to your back.
The Futura yoke makes it easy to adjust to the torso length; hence the proper amount of stands off between the back and frame is achieved.
All these features cement the Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28 Hunting Pack as a decent candidate in our review of the best saddle hunting backpacks.
Features
- Zippered top and front pockets
- Sidearm pockets
- Hydration reservoir compatible
- Pop Up frame with telescoping frame
- Large zippered back pocket
- Mesh electric dividers
- Front, side and bottom side compression straps
- Rip zip main compartment access
- Auto lock buckles
Pros
- Adjustable frame
- Dual zip-top for easy access
- Lightweight pack
Cons
- The lower compression buckle on the side is in an odd spot
4)Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack
Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack features a frame made of Allite Super Magnesium Frame that enhances durability. It has molded foam suspensions that make the pack very comfortable.
The backpack has reverse tightening waist belts that, when pulled, the belt ends inwards instead of outward to give more carrying comfort.
This backpack also lets you connect your bino case directly to your pack harness, further boosting its comfort levels.
The detachable rifle or bow boot and the batwing straps on the back of the pack securely carry your rifle or bow.
It is hard to notice the insanely tough fabric. It is a KXO-50 fabric with C6 DWR. This material is super light for easy carrying and use. It is treated in C6 durable water repellent to keep moisture off. The fabric is quiet and absolutely waterproof.
Features
- Detachable rifle or bow boot
- KXO-50 TM fabric
- Adjustable waist belt with reverse tightening
- Up to 2L hydration compatible
- Reinforced carrying straps and hanging straps
- Zippered back panel
- Super magnesium frame
- Hip belt pouches
Pros
- Waterproof fabric
- Lightweight
- Reinforced triple-stitched stress points
- Molded foam suspensions enhance comfort
- C6 durable water repellent keeps moisture from seeping in
Cons
- No rain cover
5)Trophy line CAYS 2.0 Pack
Trophy line CAYS 2.0 Pack is another unit designed specifically with saddle hunters in mind. This means it is carefully engineered to meet your needs. The pack has two narrow but long pockets on the sides for holding most camera arms and drop pockets to carry a gun or bow with side compression straps.
Additionally, it comes with an extra nylon webbing strap, which is great for hanging your pack from the tree. It also has adjustable sternum straps which are very efficient.
There are ample accessory pockets, a top-loading main compartment, and hydration bladder compatibility. It also has drop-down pockets and compression straps to carry your set of bows, guns or sticks.
The front platform pocket has a snap closure when it is not being used. It has a back panel and die-cut Eva foam air mesh padded straps to keep you cool and comfortable while on the move.
In addition, the pack has updated deluxe quick detach buckles, and Hi-Vis Trophyline zipper pulls. The pack is fleece lined to ensure silence while in the field.
Features
- Drop pockets with compression straps to carry guns or bows
- Extra nylon webbing strap
- Two long narrow pockets down the sides
- Updated Deluxe quick-detach buckles.
- Adjustable sternum straps
- Hydration bladder compatible
- Mossy oak original
- Waist belt with mollie
- Die-cut Eva foam air mesh padded shoulder straps
- Back panel
Pros
- It comes with an extra nylon webbing strap
- Comfortable
- Fleece lining ensures silent movement while hunting
- Greet carrying capacity
- Ample usable pockets
- Highly efficient
Cons
- None
6)Blics Will Hunting Backpack
Blics Will Hunting backpack is very conducive for hunting since it is made up of waterproof premium soundless fabric, which gives hunters quiet access to gear.
The backpack has an adjustable torso system and expandable pockets to carry your compound bow or gun securely. It also has a Camo pattern that maximizes camouflage during hunting.
Blics Will backpack is very comfortable as it has high-quality padded shoulder straps, a padded cool mesh back, an adjustable sternum strap and a waist belt. The strapping systems make it easy to carry heavy loads.
The bottom pocket is built in a removable orange strap to make it easy for you to see your location at a glance outdoors.
Features
- Adjustable torso system
- High-quality padded straps and cool mesh back
- Camo patterns to camouflage
- Expandable pockets
- Soundless and waterproof fabric
- Adjustable sternum strap and waist belt
- Waterproof premium fabric
Pros
- Comfortable as it has a cool mesh back
- Easy to carry a heavy load
- Camo patterns enable camouflaging
- Expandable pockets to secure your bow or gun
- Adjustable sternum strap and waist belt
- The fabric is waterproof
- Soundless fabric for easy hunting
Cons
- It needs more D rings to attach other item
7)Eberlestock X2 Pack
The final product on our list of the best saddle hunting backpacks is the Eberlestock X2 Pack. It is suitable for carrying sizeable hauls with ease due to the Intex II aluminum frame. Eberlestock X2 pack has two side hydration pouches for hydration systems and has padded wing pockets for spotting tripods and scopes.
The exterior of the pack is outfitted with pals and mole webbing, this makes it possible to add more eberlestock pouches to the pack.
The backpack is extremely useful and very comfortable. It has a mesh back panel which ventilates your back with the help of a large air gap.
The compression straps are tough enough and hence can support a good amount of weight and the extra thick waistbands are great for managing the heavy game or equipment carried.
It is ideal for saddle hunters as the FlexChassis, which supports the bottom of your pack, acts as a comfortable seat when you fold it down. It has oversized compression straps, which enable you to secure game on the out part of the pack.
The Eberlestock pack is great to use with the Eberlestock ButtBucket for bow hunters and is compatible with the A1SS and A2SS side scabbards for mounting a shotgun or rifle.
Features
- Oversized compression straps
- Fold out butterfly pockets
- Built-in Intex II aluminum frame
- FlexChassis to be used as a seat or to fix bulky loads
- Dual hydration compartment
- Quick access pockets
Pros
- Oversize compression straps
- Very comfortable
- Tough compression and extra thick waistbands
Cons
- The main pocket is a little noisy
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Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Saddle Hunting Backpack
Quality
The first thing to consider before buying a backpack is its fabric quality. The fabric should constitute tough quality for tear resistance and longevity. Check whether the backpack’s sewing is single, double, or properly webbed. This will prevent falling off during the hunting period.
Compartments
To accommodate everything perfectly, you need a backpack with various compartments. You need to keep all of your essentials with the hunting gear. More pockets are beneficial for you, so check this out when shopping for a backpack. It helps you become more organized.
Pack Volume
If you value greater comfort or have bulkier gear, you will need more pack volume for your intended trip. It is safer to have a pack that provides enough space for all your equipment than to hang them outside the backpack.
Comfort
For a backpack to be considered comfortable even when carrying heavy loads, it has to have a stiff and string vertical frame, be tall enough to raise the shoulder harness of the shoulders and transfer the weight to a belt. How you adjust a pack to fit your body can determine whether it has passed or failed the comfort test.
Weight
The weight of the saddle hunting backpack is instrumental since carrying it on your shoulders, and tree climbing is no easy task. You should therefore consider a backpack with minimal weight since you already have to carry essentials that already have weight. A backpack weighing between 1 and 2.5 pounds is ideal for saddle hunters.
Best Saddle Hunting Backpack FAQs
Q: What is the best size for a hunting backpack?
This will depend on the intended purpose of the backpack. When choosing a bag, estimate 1,000 cubic inches per day. If the trip lasts 3 to 5 days, then go with something between 3,000 to 5,000 cubic inches. If it is a day hunt, you do not need a big pack unless you go for something bigger that can be compressed down super small.
Q: What is the safest way to saddle hunt?
The only way to hunt safely from any elevated position, regardless of your technique, is to remain connected from the moment you leave the ground until you return. You can maintain connection during the pursuit by using a lineman’s rope and tether rope.
Q: What features should a good backpack have?
For a backpack to be considered good and effective, it needs to have some features that qualify it to be classified as good for carrying heavy load comfortably. The backpack must have padded shoulder straps which are wide on the top and narrow under the arms. It should possess a good number of pockets for weight distribution of the objects. The pack also needs to be equipped with chest, waist and side straps to distribute weight and stabilize objects.
Conclusion
Choosing the best saddle hunting backpack should no longer be daunting. We hope this review has been insightful and you are now in a better position to make a wise buying decision. Choose the one that best suits your specific needs.