Top 5 Best Treestand Backpacks – [Ultimate 2024 Reviews]

Do you often hunt from a climbing stand or ladder stand? If the answer is yes, we’re glad you’re here because we want to hook you up with the best treestand backpack. A good backpack for treestand hunting should be easy-access, light yet supportive, come equipped with a bow/rifle boot, and give you enough room to pack your gear no matter the season. In this guide, we chose the top treestand packs for hunting throughout the country. So, whether you’re mainly hunting in the East or big game hunting out West, this is the place to be.

Compared to choosing a full-size hunting pack for hauling meat, you can typically go smaller and lighter with a treestand pack, especially if you’re deer hunting rather than hunting elk or other big game. However, if you prefer to quarter your deer and haul them in your pack, there are a couple of options in our guide to suit your needs. Moreover, if you hunt from a stand on private land, you might prefer to drag your deer out using your safety harness rather than packing them out in the field.

Beyond those points, you know the drill when choosing a bag. First, get the best pack you can afford to ensure you get one that lasts many seasons. As we all know, sometimes those budget picks look savory until they rip at the seams during their first season. As a result, we filled this guide out with bags that suit just about every budget.

Best Treestand Backpack Reviews

Now, it’s time to get rolling with the reviews. We design our reviews to give you all the information you need without the fluff. Also, we like to compare our top picks to give you a clear idea of the pros & cons of each pack.

#1) Badlands Timber

Coming in at a solid #1 on our list is Badlands’ Timber pack. Currently, this is the best treestand daypack on the market, especially for the money. At the time of this writing, it’s going for well under a couple hundred bucks. First, Badlands built this bag with the treestand hunter in mind, aptly naming Timber’s “treestand-friendly” design. The Timber pack adopted this name mainly because of the drop-down accessory hatch that gives you easy access to your gear while in your stand.

Second, there’s a rifle/bow boot to secure your bow better than using compression straps alone. Next, this bag is super stealthy because of how quiet it is and the unique Approach FX camo that makes the bag nearly invisible in the woods. Durability isn’t a question either since Badlands used its super-tough KXO-32 fabric to construct the Timber with Aramid thread reinforcements.

Finally, the core specs are 1500 CI total capacity and 2 lb 10 oz weight. A couple of final highlights are the C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to keep your gear dry and the comfy AirTrack suspension system that prevents heat from getting trapped behind your back. All in all, if 1500 CI suits your needs, this is the overall best backpack for treestand hunting that comes backed by Badlands’ unconditional lifetime warranty.

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#2) Eberlestock X2 Pack

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of the tactical maestros’ work over at Eberlestock. In fact, we don’t think any list of top hunting packs should exclude an Eberlestock bag. Firstly, the X2 is not specifically built for treestand hunting, but it doesn’t need to be because it’s awesome for treestand hunting nevertheless. Additionally, you’ll probably find that the X2 is a great all-around pack to take with you on any hunting adventure.

Comparatively, the X2 is larger than the Timber pack with an 1830 CI capacity. Also, the biggest knock on this bag – and this is usually the biggest problem with all Eberlestock bags – is its weight of 4 lbs 12 oz. So, if you’re looking for the best lightweight treestand pack, it’s best to consider other options in this guide. However, if you’re a strapping young lad, the weight should be no problem for you.

Regarding features, this bag shines for treestand hunting because of the large side zip pockets for quick access to gear, its ability to compress down to a low-profile pack, straps for securing your stand, enough room for carrying quarters in meat bags, and the ease of securing bows/rifles with the option to upgrade to Eberlestock scabbards. Lastly, the X2 is quiet, rugged, and comes backed by Eberlestock’s lifetime warranty.

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#3) Mystery Ranch Treehouse

Leave it up to Mystery Ranch to design one of the best treestand backpacks on the planet, and you really can’t go wrong. With its plethora of designs, it’s as if Mystery Ranch can do no wrong. Now, this pack falls more in line with the Badlands Timber as a pack specifically designed for treestand hunting. First, what sets this pack apart from the others is the rigid “stay-open” design. Essentially, the front panel has a composite stay to keep it stiff while opened at 45º. Consequently, you have easy access to your gear while the bag is hanging.

Next, if you were let down by the adjustability of the Eberlestock X2, the Treehouse pack is better for hunters of all heights because of the Futura Yoke that allows for micro-adjustments according to your torso length. Second, the 1890 CI pushes the limit as a daypack, so you’ll find that this makes a great daypack and even a 2 to 3-day hunting pack depending on the weather and your needs.

Several more features you’ll enjoy for treestand hunting are the sturdy top loop, two-zipper access to the main compartment, bow & lightweight stand carry via the compression straps, and the internal HDPE frame for added support. Finally, we like that this bag features the durable Cordura fabric and reliable YKK zippers Mystery Ranch is known for. All things considered, the Treehouse pack is a premium option for avid treestand hunters.

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#4) Sitka Cargo Box

Our top treestand pack for deer hunting is Sitka’s Cargo Box. Firstly, this bag is built for optimizing organization, and it fits neatly over a collapsed treestand with dedicated winged pockets for climbing stick storage. Plus, don’t worry, it’s available in camo colors, unlike the Mystery Ranch Treehouse pack. Furthermore, we like this bag a lot more than the Sitka Tool Bucket that comes with more shortcomings than advantages.

Regarding size, it’s very important to note that the Cargo Box is bigger than it looks. While it is small enough to bring up to your stand, it’s on the larger side at 2200 CI if you plan to use it as a daypack. Also, it weighs a hefty 7.5 lbs. Having said that, the Cargo Box is still one of the best treestand packs available based on utility, durability, and the sheer amount of organization with 23 total compartments.

Beyond those factors, we like the top-loading design with a rugged top handle combined with the Optifade mesh interior pockets. Second, the front panel conveniently drops down with a quick zipper pull to access your gear without digging around. Third, the wind indicator on the hip belt to avoid getting winded as you approach your stand. Ultimately, this list could go and on because Sitka thought of just about every convenience for treestand hunting. The bottom line is we recommend checking it out.

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#5) Horn Hunter G3 Treestand Pack

Our last choice is our top budget pick that won’t break the bank but certainly still get the job done. Essentially, this is a budget version of the Sitka Cargo Box since both packs have the same capacity, and the Horn Hunter just about matches the number of pockets of the Cargo Box at 20 rather than 23. Also, the Horn Hunter pack is about 3 lbs lighter at just under 4 lbs, which is one of the clear advantages of choosing this pack over Sitka’s.

As far as treestand-friendly features, the Horn Hunter sports a convenient flip-top opening, secure top handle, a pull-out bow/rifle pouch, antler straps, and 25 feet of pull-out rope included. Additionally, the pack includes a treestand hook and hip belt pockets for optics & other accessories. Outside of those handy features, it’s important to note that the materials shouldn’t be expected to match the durability of the other packs in this guide.

Final considerations are the included rain cover, iffy hydration compatibility, and there’s no internal frame like other packs featured here. Overall, the Horn Hunter G3 is a great budget alternative to the preceding packs, and it’s best suited for hunters who aren’t going far to reach their stands rather than hunters who need to haul game & more gear.

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Final Thoughts

We chose Badlands’ Timber as the best treestand backpack because it delivers on just about all fronts. For the money, the Timber pack is a premium bag built with durable materials that’ll stand the test of time without breaking the bank. Beyond the Timber pack, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with Eberlestock and Mystery Ranch packs, though, we would like to see Mystery Ranch offer its Treehouse pack in camo.

As for functionality, it’s borderline ridiculous how far Sitka went with its Cargo Box design to think about every advantage for treestand hunting. If the pack wasn’t so dang expensive, it could easily be #1 on this list. Plus, if Sitka beefed up the water resistance to match what Badlands has going on. Finally, if you take the budget route, the Horn Hunter G3 is the way to go.