What’s the Perfect Size for a Hunting Backpack?

If you enjoy hunting, you know there are certain items that make your outings more comfortable and effective. One important piece of equipment that helps accomplish this is your backpack. The ability to easily carry all your gear in one convenient place will help you take your hunting trips to the next level. Let’s explore the aspects that determine the perfect size for a hunting backpack.

Length of Trip

One of the biggest factors in deciding on the ideal capacity for a hunting backpack is the duration of your trip. Naturally, the size of your backpack for a day trip will be smaller than the bag needed for a trip lasting a week or more. Also, you want to be able to carry everything you need without your pack feeling unnecessarily large. After all, you don’t want your rucksack to become uncomfortable or weigh you down when you’re trying to focus on a successful hunt.

A general rule of thumb for a hunting backpack is that it should start with a baseline of 1,000 cubic inches. Then, you should add 1,000 cubic inches of space per day you plan to be out. This means if you’re embarking on a three-day trip, the total capacity of your backpack—including the baseline—should be 4,000 cubic inches. Of course, this equation is only a general guideline, so always think about the specific characteristics of your trip to determine the ideal rucksack size.

Weather Conditions

When determining the perfect size for a hunting backpack, you also need to fully consider the weather conditions. If you’re heading to a snowy, icy climate to hunt, you’ll need to carry bulkier gear, such as a down coat and snow pants. As a result, your backpack will need to be larger to accommodate these types of items.

Conversely, if you’re embarking on a hunting trip during the dry, sunny months of summer, the gear you’ll need will look quite different. Since you’ll need fewer layers to feel comfortable in the warmer climate, the ideal backpack will likely be both smaller and lighter. Regardless of the weather conditions, you should look for a pack with a streamlined profile that can carry everything you need.

Type of Hunt

You also need to think about the types of animals you plan to hunt when determining the best backpack size. For example, if you typically hunt sheep, you’ll need to account for roughly one hundred pounds of meat. This means you need to make sure your backpack is designed to carry a significant amount of weight.

If your preferred method of hunting typically occurs in backcountry locations, you’ll also need to factor in the weight of your camping supplies. In remote areas, you don’t have the luxury of walking to a nearby store to grab an item you forgot to pack. The weight and size of your bag will need to align with the terrain and type of game you hunt.

At WOLFpak, we offer high-quality bags ideal for a wide variety of situations. Our tactical gym backpacks are designed with durability and comfort in mind, so you can easily take one on your next hunting trip. If you’re looking for even more space to store larger items, consider pairing your backpack with one of our highly functional tactical duffle bags. Get in touch with our team to find your next favorite pack or bag today!