5 Best Multi-Day Backcountry Hunting Packs for Hauling Meat

When you’re big-game hunting and want to stay light on your feet, selecting the best backcountry hunting pack is a critical choice. A good hunting pack gives you more than enough room to haul meat, organize your optics, pack your clothes, and other essentials without weighing you down. Yes, you could use your old backpacking pack from that college trip to Europe, but why not go epic? In this guide, we went epic for you and gathered a collection of the top backcountry hunting packs.

The packs in this guide also happen to be the best multi-day hunting packs for packing out meat. In other words, you won’t find any daypacks or smaller packs here. However, we do have an excellent guide for that as well. After all, we specialize in the optimization of space and efficiency in the field. As avid hunters and minimalists, we know how important it is to make every cubic inch count. Plus, our aging backs tend to thank us when we choose a premium pack with premium back support.

So, now that we’re on the same page, it’s time to get you a pack…

Best Backcountry Hunting Pack Reviews

Our reviews provide you with all the goodies you need to find the perfect backpack for your next backcountry hunt. Also, these bags are built to last for years and years to come.

#1) ALPS OutdoorZ Commander X + Pack

For big game hunting out West, it don’t get much better than the Commander X pack. First, this is a top hunting pack for hauling meat on multi-day backcountry hunts. Since it’s a combination of an internal frame meat hauler with a detachable 4000 CI pack, you not only have more than enough room, but you have the convenience of keeping the bag compressed until it’s time to pack out your meat. Then, once you load it, you’ll be astonished by how well-balanced it is at full capacity.

Next, regarding value for the money, this pack competes with some of the big names that go for hundreds more, including Kifaru, Kuiu, and Mystery Ranch. Since we’re not all made of money, the Commander X pack is a great mid-range alternative. Beyond value, you’ll find handy features including torso length adjustments, easy-access pockets with loads of organization options, a rifle/bow holder, padded optics compartment, included rain cover, and a spot for a hydration bladder.

Finally, the biggest drawback to this bag is the weight when empty. The frame weight of 5 lbs 3 oz beefs up the total weight to 9 lbs 10 oz. Though, in our experience, a few lbs difference once the bag is loaded up with meat isn’t something we notice. As long as the balance is good – and it is – our backs will thank us. Overall, we enjoy using this bag for elk hunts, and it’s held up well with a lifetime warranty to fall back on.

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#2) Mystery Ranch Marshall

Number two on our list is our top premium hunting pack for hauling meat. Comparatively, it does go a couple more rungs up the price ladder than Commander X, yet it does come with its advantages. A couple of reasons we like this bag more are the well-thought-out access methods and Mystery’s top-notch Guide Light MT Frame. With this frame, you’ll have no trouble packing out a massive amount of meat without affecting the integrity of the bag.

Regarding weight, the Marshall is a couple of pounds lighter than the Commander X pack at 7.1 lbs, and with a 6405 CI capacity, you get more than enough room for backcountry hunts lasting 5 to 7 days. Next, the Overload feature is where this bag truly shines as a meat hauler. The compression system makes it easier than ever to load your meat between the frame and the main pack. Then, Mystery Ranch’s Futura Yoke allows you to match the bag to your torso length. In the end, you get even weight distribution for the most comfortable carry.

Lastly, this bag is built with extra tough Cordura fabrics, and washing out bloodstains isn’t a chore with a bit of detergent and ice-cold water. Also, we really like the premium zippers on this bag that never catch, and they even sport a coating to provide water protection. All things considered, the Marshall is made for hauling meat and the avid backcountry hunter who needs a dependable pack

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#3) Badlands 2200 Hunting Backpack

Now, if you’re on the hunt for something more compact than our first two picks, Badlands’ 2200 pack fits the bill. Despite its smaller size, the 2200 does feature a built-in meat hauler. Clearly, the first advantage of choosing this pack outside of its smaller size is its lower weight. Currently, the latest iteration weighs 5 lbs 15 oz total with the built-in meat shelf included.

As far as capacity and materials, this pack has a total volume of 2,750 CI and a 1,980 CI main compartment. Then, Badlands uses its own in-house KXO-50 fabric that’s truly impressive. To clarify, the KXO-50 fabric is a lighter version of Badlands’ KXO-32 fabric that’s just as quiet, durable, and waterproof. In other words, you get a pack that can handle anything you throw at it in the backcountry when you choose the 2200.

Additional highlights are the upgraded lightweight magnesium frame, Badlands lowered the center of gravity a smidgeon, a rifle/bow holder, and we really like the hip-belt handgun holster. At the end of the day, this is a proven backcountry hunting pack that’s undergone decades’ worth of upgrades, and it comes backed by the best warranty since it’s fully transferrable.

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#4) Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000

Currently, our favorite tactical hunting backpack that can handle loads up to 150lbs – yup, that’s not a typo – is Sitka’s Mountain Hauler. As the name suggests, this pack is built to haul just about anything, including your little brother. First, the expandable nature of this bag allows you to easily switch from 3700 CI to a max of 45000 CI. Next, it’s important to note that this pack operates differently from our top two picks.

Instead of an external load shelf combined with a pack, the Mountain Hauler features an internal load-hauling meat shelf to separate your meat from your gear. Some of us prefer this type of pack because all it takes is some good meat bags to cut down on bloodstains, and there are fewer straps hanging off the pack. Second, we’re big fans of the two big external zip pockets in lieu of packs that have a confusing number of pockets. Again, this comes down to your preference.

Regarding comfort and durability, the Mountain Hauler 4000 is definitely no laggard. This bag sports heavy-duty 450-denier coated polyester top & bottom panels along with 220-denier nylon to PU-coated front & back panels. Additionally, the lightweight T6 aircraft-grade aluminum frame is no slouch. Finally, you’ll definitely enjoy the fact that this bag is built for hauling out meat & horns with integrated antler straps, and it weighs just 5.75 lbs.

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#5) Eberlestock F1 Mainframe

And last but certainly not least is our top comfort-food pick. Eberlestock’s F1 Mainframe pack epitomizes versatility. With this pack, your options are limitless since you choose your own pack/duffel to connect to it. On the other hand, if all you want is a meat hauler, the F1 functions as a designated meat hauler. Additionally, the combination of MOLLE webbing, buckles, and zipper connection options is another reason the F1 is one of our favorite tools in the shed.

Next, where this bag excels the most is the strap system. Unlike inferior bags, the F1 straps are wider and comfier, plus the webbing on the hip belt is really convenient. Currently, there are two sizes available to suit all heights, and tall hunters with extra-long torsos will appreciate the tall version that only weighs 3 more ounces than the Regular size. And speaking of weight, the Eberlestock Intex ll aluminum frame brings the total weight down to just 4 lbs 5 oz without sacrificing strength.

Lastly, we prefer to pair the F1 with the Eberlestock Transformer pack for backcountry elk hunts with the option to add on the J2 or J3 zip-on dry bag. With this combo, you have plenty of room to pack all of your gear for a week or more with the option to pack out a full rear quarter or more. Keep in mind, there’s no weight limit listed for the F1 frame, so the limit of what you can carry is based on your strength and endurance.

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Final Thoughts

Before selecting the best backcountry hunting pack, it’s critical to match your needs & preferences to the pack. Because the last thing you want to do is buy an expensive pack that someone bragged about online only to find out that it doesn’t match your needs. Believe me, I’m not a fan of Osprey bags, yet people all around the world love them. The point is that everyone has different tastes, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the best hunting pack for hauling meat.

However, as you probably already know, hunting isn’t a cheap hobby, and with almost all hunting accessories, you get what you pay for. We’re confident that the packs in this guide deliver the most value for the money and match everyone’s needs. For versatility, it doesn’t get much better than these packs. No matter how long your hunt is, where it is, and when it is, there’s a pack(s) here to meet your needs.