3 best frame pack for hunting

A frame pack for hunting is a specialized backpack designed to assist hunters in carrying their gear, hunting equipment, and harvested game while out in the field. These packs are crucial for hunters as they provide comfort, organization, and the ability to carry heavy loads over rugged terrain. Here are some key features and aspects of frame packs for hunting:

  1. Frame Design: Frame packs typically have a durable, lightweight frame that provides structure and support. This frame can be made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. The frame helps distribute the weight evenly and keeps the load away from the hunter's body for improved comfort and stability.

  2. Storage and Organization: Hunting frame packs come with various compartments, pockets, and attachment points for gear organization. They often have specialized pockets for items like optics, water bottles, and ammunition. Many packs also feature compression straps for securing loads and minimizing shifting during movement.

  3. Carrying Game: A key feature of hunting frame packs is their ability to carry game animals.They usually have a large main compartment with a meat shelf or carrier that allows hunters to pack out the meat from a harvested animal. This is particularly important for hunters who need to transport game over long distances.

  4. Comfort and Adjustability: Frame packs are designed for comfort during extended periods of wear. They typically have padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and chest straps that are adjustable to fit the hunter's body. The adjustable nature of these packs ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

  5. Camouflage and Patterns: Many hunting frame packs are available in camouflage patterns to help hunters blend into their surroundings. These patterns are designed to match the environment and reduce the chances of being spotted by game animals.

  6. Hydration Compatibility: Some frame packs come with hydration reservoir sleeves and ports for easy access to water. Staying hydrated is crucial during hunting trips, and these packs make it convenient to carry water.

  7. Durability: Hunting frame packs are built to withstand rugged conditions. They are often constructed from tough, water-resistant materials to protect the gear inside and endure challenging outdoor environments.

  8. Size and Capacity: Frame packs for hunting come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different types of hunts. Some are designed for day hunts with minimal gear, while others are intended for extended trips where more equipment and supplies are needed.

  9. Brand and Models: There are several well-known brands and models of hunting frame packs, each offering various features and designs. Hunters may choose a pack based on their specific needs and preferences.

Hunting frame packs are essential tools for hunters, helping them transport gear and game efficiently while minimizing the physical strain of carrying heavy loads over long distances in the wilderness.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best frame pack for hunting on the market
  

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag

ALPS OutdoorZ

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Made of durable Ripstop fabric, giving you a long-lasting use in the harshest weather environments
  • Organize your gear in one of the many pockets: two side accessory hinged pockets, main, front and spotting scope pocket
  • Keep your essentials close with accommodation for clip-style holster, drop-down rifle pocket and hydration pocket and port
  • Detach your bag and use the frame to haul out meat with a unique, secure lashing system
  • Total Weight: 7 lbs. 5 oz. , Bag Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. , Size: 5250³

User questions & answers

Question: I switched to the hitch pins now I have two bolts missing after a 5 dauy elk hunt, anyone else same issue and how to correct it
Answer: The Kelty Yukon 48L Backpack frame is aluminum.
Question: could the rifle holder support a mosin
Answer: At 5' 10" your torso length will probably be over 16" this making the Yukon too short of a pack to load weight well to your hips.
Question: Is this pack water-proof
Answer: Thanks for reaching out! I actually believe we may have a mistake on the description for this pack, as some of our packs has that feature, but not this one. I apologize for that!
Question: can it accommodate a sleeping bag and mat
Answer: I think it would work for you, however, there may be better options out there for you, even by Kelty. What killed it for me with this pack, is it did not have load lifter straps. It seemed like too much of the weight was sitting on my shoulders. 1 pack that I absolutely adore, is the Eberlestock Warhammer. It is a heavy pack but carries the weight like no other I've found. It literally makes 50lb feel like 30. Check out some reviews on Google and YouTube.

Product features

Capacity

With a 5250 in³ main compartment, spin-drift collar top, lashing loops and multiple exterior pockets, the Commander Pack has ample room for your essential gear.

Spotting Scope Pocket

Spotting Scopes are essential for long distant hunts, keep yours secure in the 16”x 6”x 2.5” side pocket.

Drop-Down Rifle Holder

Whether packing in or out, keep your hands free and your rifle close using the Drop-Down Rifle Holder.

Lashing System

Designed for hauling meat, the Commander frame offers a unique lashing system. For extra large loads, three extensions straps are included.

Adjustable

The Commander offers torso adjustments from 17” to 23”, providing a custom fit for your body.

Freighter Shelf

Keep your heavy loads secure utilizing the freighter shelf. Simply lash the load to the frame and adjust the straps on either side of the shelf, to maximize the support.

TIDEWE Hunting Backpack 5500cu with Frame and Rain Cover for Bow/Rifle/Pistol

TideWe

Based on 333 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Large Capacity】Specs (Dimensions) are 31.5” x 21.7” x 11.8”, the main compartment with high quality strapping system features a two-in-one carrier for your bow or rifle. The large main compartment with multi small compartments, waist bag and side pockets offers a total 5500 cubic inches (90L) capacity. The extension bag with drawstring on the top increases the main compartment capacity. TideWe hunting backpack can pack everything you need for 3-5 days outdoor hunting journey.
  • 【Ergonomic Design & Comfortable】TideWe Large pack is designed with adjustable shoulder straps and frame, customizing your personal size. The ergonomic design with soft and breathable padding offers pressure reduction makes long walks much easier and comfortable on your body. Curved top frame design is suitable for your head placement, protecting your head from being hit. The lightweight and compact frame, along with the folding freighter shelf, is perfect for your hunting trip.
  • 【Trusted Quality】High performance Realtree fabric, durable buckle and exquisite stitching delivers the TideWe external frame hunting back incredible durability. The reinforced Hypalon is used at the frame connection part to reduce abrasion for the frame.
  • 【User-friendly Design】TideWe is committed to your ultimate hunting experience by unique design. The zippered quick access design helps you take out gears from the big bag conveniently and easily. This framed hunting backpack is compatible with 2 or 3-liter hydration systems, keeping you hydrated for those long walks in the woods. Waterproof rain cover is perfect for keeping all your gears dry in case you get caught in rain. High quality strapping system makes it easy for heavier load.
  • 【Multifunctional】Specs (Dimensions) are 31.5” x 21.7” x 11.8”. It is enough for you to storage your clothing, shoes,trekking poles, sleeping bag and other small items. TideWe frame backpack is well used for hiking, trekking, camping, climbing, travelling.

User questions & answers

Question: How does the pack attach to the frame? Pictures or video would be really helpful
Answer: Straps, can take it off in about 2 minutes
Question: What is the waiste size limitations? Belt size
Answer: I'm 5'10" 250 pounds with 44" waist and it still has lots of room to grow. Everyone's body is different but it should work for bigger guys. If your in hiking shape, this pack should fit.
Question: Will this fit a woman that is 5’5” at 138 lbs
Answer: Yes. Its adjustable and can be made to be shorter or longer for height. The straps can be tightened to fit a smaller person or loosened for a bigger person. Should be just fine for a woman, just don't over pack it.
Question: Got my pack today , no sign of my rain cover
Answer: Its in the bottom pocket. unzip it, And I'm sure its there. Its sewn in, so if its not there, contact them. they will replace or return the backpack. But I'm sure its in the bottom zipped up pocket. Look at pics on a main for a visual.

Product features

Drop-Down Rifle Holder
Easy Access Waist Bag for Gun
Side Pockets for Light Gear
Zippered Pocket on the Back
Removable Straps on the Top
Full-length Double Zippers

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite Briar, 80" x 16" x 7"

ALPS OutdoorZ

Based on 132 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Commander Lite is based on the design of our best-selling Commander pack and features a smaller profile which allows for easier movement. The unique lashing system secures meat for long hauls, and includes three extension lashing straps for extra capacity. The lightweight aluminum frame makes the pack light yet strong, and the Hypalon lashing points provide additional external storage. The lashing panels all feature full length zippered pockets with interior mesh pockets, perfect for additional gear. The shoulder harness is fully adjustable to a torso range of 17” – 23”. A padded waist belt as well as padded shoulder straps make this a very comfortable pack to wear. The waist belt can accommodate clip style holsters so you can securely carry a hand gun. The back of the back is constructed using mesh for maximum ventilation. In 2007 ALPS Mountaineering introduced ALPS OutdoorZ to offer high quality gear for the hunting market. ALPS OutdoorZ creates products that are practical and durable with refined user-friendly features. This gear has been thoroughly tested by hunters in various extreme environments ensuring it is ready to make your hunt more enjoyable. In addition, since every hunting scenario differs, ALPS Outdoorz has designed unmatched versatility into their products.

  • Unique lashing system secures meat for long haul
  • Smaller profile, lightweight aluminum frame and padded shoulder straps allows for comfortable movement
  • Padded waist belt can accommodate clip-style holsters so you can securely carry a hand gun
  • Fully equipped with 3 extension lashing straps, mesh back band, adjustable shoulder harness and organizational wing pockets
  • Weight: 4 lbs. 11 oz. , Torso Range: 17" - 23"

User questions & answers

Question: travel on horse wearing it
Answer: Depends on your height and torso length but I doubt you’d be very comfy especially if it was loaded. Your cantle and the pack would be fighting each other for room. I’m 5’6” and if I sit down this pack is over my head. Add in if you went over some rough terrain might be quite the sore ride out and getting caught on limbs could be pretty dangerous. I’d suggest just bringing a pack horse with a pack saddle equipped if that’s the terrain you’re going to be in and can get them in there, if you’re just using it for trips to and from horses to load back onto a pack horse and have this empty you’d probably be okay but I’d still be there’s a better option that isn’t so cumbersome.
Question: Is this frame compatible with the commander pack
Answer: Not sure? The frame is a little shorter than the commander and does not have the top horizontal bar or shelf on bottom. IMO I think it is possible to use the commander pack since the mounting pin hole locations are almost identical in location
Question: How large of a dry bag will this hold
Answer: I used and extra large dry bag and had plenty of room. I also used this to pack out Elk quarters.
Question: How much weight can it hold? (To prepare for hunts, I hike with sand bags in my pack
Answer: Hi JT! We train our packs to carry anywhere from 60-80 lbs of gear. That is not saying it doesn't/couldn't carry more. This is just what we feel comfortable with weight suggestion. Let us know if you have any other questions we can answer for you Thanks!

Product features

ALPS OutdoorZ

Commander Lite.

Backcountry Meat Hauling Pack

The Commander Lite is based on the design of our best-selling Commander pack and features a smaller profile which allows for easier movement. The lightweight aluminum frame makes the pack light yet strong, and the Hypalon lashing points provide additional external storage.

Mesh Back Band

Mesh back band helps with ventilation.

Wing Pockets

Wing pockets help organize and protect your gear, perfect for spotting scope.

Adjustable Harness

Adjustability is key for long hauls, the shoulder harness is fully adjustable.

Padded Waist Belt

Padded belt has two pockets and includes 2 inch reinforced webbing to accommodate clip style holsters.

Unique Lashing System

The lashing system secures meat for long hauls, and includes three extension lashing straps for extra capacity. The lightweight aluminum frame makes the pack light yet strong, and the Hypalon lashing points provide additional external storage.

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