Top 5 Best Hunting Backpacks with Rifle Holder – [2024 Reviews]

A major shortcoming of a lot of hunting packs is the lack of a scabbard, butt cover, or boot. While a lot of popular hunting packs do have the option to add your own, why not choose the best hunting backpack with a rifle holder to avoid having to purchase an add-on? If you’re anything like us, then you prefer to knock out as many birds with one stone as possible. In this guide, we provide helpful tips to help you select your next hunting pack with a built-in rifle holder. Additionally, we’ll share our current top picks and reviews of each model.

While creating this guide, we chose packs for every occasion. You’ll find daypacks, multi-day packs, and modular options that allow you to customize your backpack to suit your needs. Generally, there are three types of hunting packs with rifle holders:

• Built-In Stowable Scabbards – This type of pack is typically used by snipers and military personnel. Yet, it also makes the perfect hunting pack.
• Integrated Butt Covers and Boots – This type of pack usually features a detachable boot that cradles your rifle while you hike. While not as secure as a scabbard, the advantage here is that a boot is a lightweight addition to your pack that gets the job done.
• Compression Straps – The least preferred method is a pack that calls its compressions straps a “rifle holder.” Truth be told, almost any pack with compression straps can hold a rifle. For this reason, we didn’t include this type of hunting pack in this guide.

Now, let’s move along to see the options you have at your disposal.

Reviews: Best Hunting Backpacks with Rifle Holders

Our bite-size reviews give you all the information you need to land on the right pack for your next big hunting adventure. You’ll discover options for deer hunting, big game hunting out West, and multi-day expeditions.

#1) Eberlestock G4 Operator

Let me start off by saying that this pack is awesome on just about every level. Usually, we have to put more thought into our top pick since there are multiple packs fighting for that coveted #1 spot, but not so much here. The G4 Operator is everything a hunter could possibly want from a hunting pack with a rifle holder. Firstly, the Operator is not specifically designed for hunting, which we actually think is a good thing in this case.

To clarify, actual military snipers use this pack. How cool is that? Beyond that bit of awesomeness, this pack functions as a single unit. That means that the scabbard is sewn directly to the pack, and when not in use, it stows neatly into the bottom of the pack. Next, the Operator won’t leave you craving space with its total capacity of 4700 CI, making it a good hunting pack for hauling meat. With this in mind, you have 4100 CI in the main pack with a double-decker compartment to separate your meat from your gear or combine the compartments if you wish.

Plus, there are multiple exterior pockets, webbing, and a removable fanny pack for those times you want to go light. Finally, the pack includes the GSTC Butt Cover and an interchangeable Intex II tubular aluminum frame. One last spec to consider is the overall weight of the pack and frame. At 10 lbs 3 oz, the Operator certainly isn’t your lightest option.

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#2) Badlands Vario 33 Kit

Easily one of our favorite hunting pack brands, Badlands, hit another home run with its Vario 33 Kit. Firstly, the key difference between this pack and our top pick is that the frame separates from the main pack. This gives you the option to use the frame alone or mix & watch Vario components or components by other brands to your liking. In total, the kit includes the Vario frame, 3300 CI Vario 33 pack, and the Vario Deluxe Batwings.

As you can see, the options here are just about limitless, and it’s no secret that Badlands is proud of what it achieved with its Vario system. Regarding the rifle holder, the Vario 33 pack section sports a detachable rifle/bow boot. As mentioned in the introduction, the advantage of a detachable boot is that it’s lighter than a built-in scabbard, and it’s easy to stow away when not in use. Plus, it’s a good choice for people who want a pack that’s built for both bowhunting and rifle hunting in one.

Currently, there are two sizes available to suit hunters with 17″ to 19″ torsos in the medium size and 19″ to 22″ torsos in the large size. Lastly, this bag features the same premium KXO-50 fabric found on the latest iteration of the 2200 model, and the molded memory foam suspension system ensures you can haul just about any load in comfort.

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#3) Eberlestock G2 Gunslinger II

Well, we usually try to provide equal opportunity to all of our favorite brands, but it’s impossible not to include the Gunslinger in this guide. If the Operator pack was too big for you, the Gunslinger is the best hunting daypack with a rifle holder. Essentially, the Gunslinger is a smaller version of the Operator, yet it’s not too small for multi-day hunts depending on how you pack it out. Considering the amount of MOLLE and 2700 CI total capacity – including the 600 CI scabbard – the Gunslinger gives you the opportunity to think outside the box.

Next, it’s important to note the large drop in weight compared to the Operator. At 6 lbs 8 oz, this pack is about 3.75 lbs lighter than its bigger brother. Regarding the scabbard, you get the same type of scabbard with the included GSTC Butt Cover. So, if you’re hunting with rifles that are worth thousands, again, Eberlestock is bringing the highest level of security for your rifles.

Lastly, you know you’re getting a super durable bag here with high-quality fabrics, reliable zippers, and straps that won’t tear even when you overload the bag with your gear. All in all, you might find that the Gunslinger II is the better choice for you as a hunter than the larger Operator.

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#4) TideWe Hunting Pack 3400cu Silent Frame Hunting Backpack

Now, let’s jump down into the budget realm. For the occasional hunter and folks on a tighter budget, this hunting back by the lesser-known TideWe is a surprisingly good deal. Once you accept that it’s not made in the USA – even top brands outsource their manufacturing – you’ll come to realize that this pack isn’t that much different than mid-range brands. Just don’t expect it to deliver the quality offered by the Eberlestock packs in the guide, and you’ll be A-OK.

So, with that thought out of the way, let’s go over a couple of reasons to choose this pack besides its low price. First, it’s fairly lightweight at 6 lbs with 3300 CI of space. Second, the pocket system is actually well thought out and provides easy access to your gear. Plus, you’ll find that there’s enough room for a 2-3 day hunting trip. Third, there’s a detachable butt cover, and we like how our rifles slip behind the front compartment before landing safely in the boot.

Additionally, the same system comes in handy if you plan to attach a compound bow to this bag as well. At the top of the bag, there’s a compression strap to further secure longer rifles. Lastly, for the price, the suspension system is well-padded and provides enough adjustability to balance the weight on your back when you pack it out.

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#5) ALPS OutdoorZ Matrix

If your inner-Rambo is ready to burst into action, you need to check out this pack. Let’s just say that this pack gives you the tactical advantage with the amount of firearm storage it offers in a small package. Not only do you have a rifle holder with a butt cover, but you also have the option to use the rifle holder as a specialized crossbow holder. Then, if that’s not enough for you, there’s the option to attach your clip-style handgun holster to the reinforced webbing on the hip belt.

When you don’t have your rifle attached, the wings turn into zippered wing pockets for quick-access external storage. In total, the pack is 2700 CI and weighs just 4.1 lbs. This gives you more than enough room to use it as a daypack for hunting or stretch it for a 2-3 day trip. Next, we like the nice big zipper hip pockets for easy access to our accessories and the solid suspension system for a pack in this price range.

Speaking of price, this pack is currently going for under 100 bucks, making this pack one of the better deals going at the moment. A handful of final highlights are the included blaze orange rain cover, integrated quiver holder, hydration pocket & port, and ALPS does offer a competitive warranty for the life of the product.

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Final Thoughts

As far as the best hunting backpacks with rifle holders go, Eberlestock is currently holding a big lead over the competition. Its stow-able scabbard & high-quality butt holder combination is the best available for securing high-dollar rifles on short and long hunts. Plus, the fact that Eberlestock offers the Gunslinger and Operator models ensures you choose the right size for your needs. All Eberlestock needs to do now is offer the same packs in camo.

After Eberlestock, Badlands brings value to the table with its Vario series. Also, you’ll find that other Badlands packs offer the same style of butt cover to secure your rifle. Finally, if you decide to take the budget route, just know that you’re more likely to run into quality control issues, and you certainly won’t get the same long life from a budget pack as an Eberlestock pack. However, for the occasional hunter and folks on a shoestring budget, the budget route can be the better choice to avoid buying more bag than you need.