What's a good inexpensive backpack for hunting?

WtxShooter

Gun loving dad!
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Feb 17, 2017
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I'm kind of in the market for a backpack for hunting, and ideally want one that has a spot for my rifle to attach into if possible. This is my first gander into this segment, so forgive me for being ridiculously ignorant on the subject. Any help is much appreciated.
 
There is a Kifaru FS in the denver craigslist for $250 right now.

Its an Omni pack (no frame for heavy freight work) but depending on what you need it might be great. You could add a frame sheet to stiffen it up a tad if needed. Would cost >$500 new for that set up.
 
Keep an eye out on all the various forums and get something used. I have bought various high end tactical and hunting backpacks used for right in your price range.
 
Big fan of Mystery Ranch.

Being able to filet your bag open makes using it so much easier.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/front-pack

They have many options though.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/Packs/Hunting

I just did a bunch of backpack research and it seems that the real players in backpacks are Kelty, Osprey, and the up and comer, Mystery Ranch. I'm sure there's a bunch of great stuff out there but it's going to be pricey due to scale of production. $200 is on the low end for just about any hard use backpack.
 
I'm running a Tenzing 2220 pack. It's pretty decent for what I use it for. I pack some extra clothes, spotting scope, small tripod, water and small pieces of gear (knives, saw, etc.). It has a back brace and good support. Also has a pouch that you can slide a rifle or bow into and a built in rain cover. I think I paid right around $200.

It's nice for a few hour hike but if you ever need to carry more gear I'd recommend going bigger.
 
I suggest you continue your research by threads like this, reading ad's, reviews, etc. Then list your requirements. What you are actually going to do with it. Make a list of choices. Then run WTB ads and search E-bay. You will get a top end pack for mid level price. Few packs are used much and many are brand new.
Good Luck!
 
A weapons carry pack is not something you want to go cheap on unless your built like a brick shithouse. The weapon and load moving around and not being as close as possible to your body and lack of anything short of excellent support on your back will leave you very sore at the end of the day.

After having several eberlestocks and other “cheap” packs and finally coughing up the cash for Mystery Ranch, I’ll never go back. They’re worth the money in the long run and you can get very good deals on used ones. I sold one of my crew cabs here after I got an overload and I think it went for less than $300 and was still in excellent condition. The crew cab and overload are probably the best packs out there if you need to pack out meat. Both do weapons carry well but the overload does it a little better IMO and you can access the stuff in the main compartment a little faster than you can the crew cab.

The pack linked above is a very good deal too and will work great as well. For $50 over your budget you aren’t going to find a better pack.
 
The pop up 28 is mine. It would be a great choice for a light weight day hunting pack, not too bulky but has the load shelf so you can carry bigger stuff if you need to. The rifle could go there no problem.