This article is perfect for hunters looking for the best small hunting packs to help load all their gear without the extra weight and discomfort. You can choose from the best of the best hunting packs in the market!
A hunter’s main instinct is to go after the target and get the game. In a highly stimulating environment filled with adrenaline, you wouldn’t want to think about how you can’t fit that one bipod you wanted. We are here to put your mind to ease with a collection of backpacks capable of carrying just about anything.
We are a group of seasoned hunters and have come up with this list for our fellow enthusiasts who just can’t seem to find the perfect backpack for them.
We provide you with information on the capacity of the small hunting packs, their weight, pockets, and space, and other special features that make them worthy of becoming your next backpack!
Below is the list of our top small hunting backpack picks:
- Eberlestock X2 Hunting backpack
- Badlands Eastern Day Hunting Pack
- Eberlestock H31 Bandit Pack
- Mystery Ranch Pop-Up 28
Now that we’ve mentioned our selections, let’s go into the details of why they are the best in their game and why you should buy these small hunting packs.
1. Eberlestock X2 Hunting backpack
The Eberlestock X2 backpack is a sturdy little backpack that comes with oversized straps at the back to help carry a heavy load without any fear of damage.
The small hunting backpack has a unique aluminum Intex Frame which makes it strong and spacious. We have tested all of the backpacks on the list, and the X2 is a backpack we use ourselves.
The Eberlestock X2 hunting backpack comes in 3 finish options: Dry Earth Microsuede, Multicam, and Loden Microsuede.
Eberlestock is a veteran-owned company and has spared no detail in making this backpack. The Ample FlexChassis can be flipped forward and modified into a seat or performed as a cradle for your load.
The Eberlestock X2 Hunting Backpack is surely a hunting backpack with A1SS or A2SS Scabbers capable of holding anything from a shotgun to a full-length Rifle.
The padlock webbing is available all around the backpack to help you hold all accessories and gear. In addition, the Eberlestock X2 backpack is waterproof with microsuede fabric and has dual hydration compartments.
You can take this backpack anywhere, and it will hold amazing on its own and even help make your journey easy and fruitful. Learn more about the Eberlestock X2 backpack by clicking here.
Features:
- Oversized Compression Straps to hold heavy loads
- Capacity:1830 cubic inches
- Comes with three finish options
- Ample FlexChassis which can modify the backpack into a seat or a cradle
- Can accept A1SS or A2SS side Scabbers
- Microsuede Waterproof Fabric
- Dual Hydration Compartments
- Quick-access pockets for scopes and bipods
- Padlock webbing keeps accessories and gear intact.
Things We Like
- Can fit anything from shotguns to proper rifles
- Spacious
- Has quick access pockets for bipods
- Durable and High Quality
- Compression straps hold heavy loads easily
- Modifies into a seat or a cradle for your load
Things We Don't Like
- Short torso length
- Needs to have a better waterproof system
Bottom Line:
The Eberlestock X2 is a durable, high-quality small hunting pack with waterproof Microsuede fabric and dual hydration compartments.
2. Badlands Eastern Day Hunting Pack
Badlands Eastern Day backpack is manufactured with Badlands KXO-32 fabric.
The fabric of this backpack was finally perfected after 32 tries; that alone tells you the efforts put into making the entire backpack.
Badlands KXO-32 fabric makes for a strong, quiet, lightweight, and waterproof backpack. The additional Badland’s C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) prevents moisture from entering the pockets on the bag, leaving your equipment damage-free.
The finish of the Badlands Eastern Day backpack is designed for the Midwest or Eastern hunters with a darker palette and exceptional concealing features.
This particular Badlands backpack is exceptionally lightweight, making it the best backpack to carry around while traveling. The weight ventilated Airmesh suspension system is positively compatible for fast hunting or scouting trips.
The Badlands Eastern Day hunting backpack can be suspended from a tree while you are resting. It offers up to 1,040 cubic inches of space to load all your gear. There are expandable side pockets and various compression straps for you to pack even more of your belongings.
Get more information about the Badlands Eastern Day backpack on their main website.
Features:
- Zippered Front Pocket
- Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 8 inches
- Weight: 1 lb 10 ounces
- Capacity: 1040 cubic inches
- Dark palette finish
- Badlands KXO-32 fabric
- Badland’s C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
- Rare compression straps
- 5 pockets in total
- Expandable side pockets
- Airmesh Suspension System
Things We Like
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Badlands DWR feature
- Spacious
- 5 pockets and sleeping bag straps
- Expandable side pockets
Things We Don't Like
- Does not have a rain fly
- Expensive
Bottom Line:
The Badlands Eastern Day backpack is a lightweight and waterproof backpack perfect for short hunting or scouting trips.
3. Eberlestock H31 Bandit Pack
The Eberlestock Bandit Backpack is one of the crowd favorites among all hunters, whether experienced or novice, men or women.
The backpack can fit any hunter’s torso perfectly!
The Bandit Backpack is the lightest in Eberlestock’s everyday category. The backpack comes in various finishes, including Coyote Brown, Dry Earth, Mountain, etc.
The small hunting pack weighs just about 2 pounds and has an adjustable shoulder harness and hip belt to help you carry added loads. The front of the backpack has a laser-cut MOLLE attachment so you can fit all your exterior gear easily without fear of anything falling out.
The capacity of this Eberlestock Backpack is 935 cubic inches, enough to carry all your belongings and more. There is an interior clip attached to the backpack for carrying around the 2 Litre or 3 Litre source hydration bladders securely.
The main compartment of the Bandit Backpack can unzip vertically to provide full access to the user. This small hunting pack also comes with a top organizational lid for holding all of your accessories in a pouch.
Learn more about the Eberlestock Bandit Backpack and other bags on the official Eberlestock website.
Features:
- Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 7 inches
- Product Weight: 2 pounds 5 ounces
- Capacity: 935 cubic inches
- Main Compartment unzips vertically for full access
- Laser-cut MOLLE attachment
- 10 finish options including Coyote Brown, Dry Earth, Mountain, etc
- Interior clip to help keep 2 Litre or 3 Litre Source hydration bladders intact
- Adjustable shoulder harness and hip belt
- Mesh Pouch to hold all your accessories
Things We Like
- Spacious
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Plenty of compartments to hold accessories
- Can hold 2L or 3L Source hydration bladders with Interior clip
- Adjustable shoulder harness and hip belt
Things We Don't Like
- Not as much capacity as others
- May not adjust well with some backs.
Bottom Line:
The Eberlestock Bandit Backpack is perfect for hunting or hiking all day. It has a Laser-cut MOLLE panel and multiple compartments to hold all your belongings easily.
4. Mystery Ranch Pop-Up 28
The Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28 is an exceptional small hunting pack. You can load almost anything on this backpack, and it will pick it up effortlessly.
The Mystery Ranch Pop has three finishes: Coyote, Foliage, and Optifade Subalpine.
The Mystery Ranch backpack has a special POP FRAME feature extending the backpack and turning it into a load-hauling mechanism. As a result, it can hold loads up to a whopping 80 pounds.
The Pop Up 28 has zipper pockets, and the main compartment can be accessed through a Rip-Zip feature. You also get zipper-attached pockets for your accessories on the front and lid of your backpack.
You can fit extra gear on your backpack in the water bottle compartments on the side, trekking poles, bipods, tripods, etc.
The Mystery Ranch Pop 28 has an OVERLOAD function, allowing the backpack to expand with a load sling situated between the frame and the pack. This feature is mainly for your comfort. The majority of the load is shifted to your back for maximum comfort.
Another notable feature of the Mystery Ranch Pop 28 is the patented Futura Yoke. The function of this feature is to micro-adjust the stand-off between the frame and back.
You can learn more about all the Mystery Ranch Pop-Up backpacks on their main website.
Features:
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Capacity: 1710 cubic inches
- Dimensions: 21 x 11 x 10.5 inches
- POP FRAME modifies the backpack into a load-hauling machine
- Zippered lid pocket
- OVERLOAD feature with expandability to shift most of the weight on the center of your back for maximum comfort.
- Future Yoke to micro-adjust torso length
- Hydration Reservoir Compatible
- Front, bottom, and side compression straps
- Auto-lock buckles to prevent slipping
- Accessory compartments for bipods, rifles, and water bottles, etc.
Things We Like
- Best used for Day hunting and mountain climbing
- Comfortable
- Can load up to 80 pounds
- POP UP frame feature
- Rip-Zip feature for easy usage
- Expandable due to OVERLOAD function
- Spacious
- Can fit all accessories and hunting gear
Things We Don't Like
- Some adjustments needed for big frame folks
- Not lightweight
Bottom Line:
The Mystery Ranch Pop Up 28 is a fantastic day hunting backpack, with POP FRAME and OVERLOAD features for comfort and maximum load-hauling capability.
Small Hunting Packs: Conclusion
We hope the article helped you look into the depths of the best backpacks in the market. They are compact in size to assist you when you’re off on a day-long adventure with fast-paced movements. The lightweight design and back frame features comfort for all hunters.
Despite them being small hunting packs, they can fit all your necessities, like spare clothes, first aid kits, flashlights, fire equipment, knives, etc. As you saw above they have enough capacity to hold your hunting equipment as well. From bipods, tripods, sights to rifles and hunting bows, you have the luxury to fit it all in these backpacks!
Choose a small hunting backpack from our user-friendly, precise list and get to hunting now!