Best hunting packs are essential for transporting your gear in the field. From game bags to holsters, having the right pack can make all the difference. That’s why the experts at Hunt Alaska magazine have handpicked a selection of top-quality options. From durable cases to secure kennels, we’ve got you covered for all your hunting pack needs.
Best Hunting Pack
Mystery Ranch Beartooth 85
Publisher Marcus Weiner hunted with this pack in 2025. He had this to say: “I took this pack on a mountain, backpacking archery elk hunt this year. First I loaded the pack to capacity, including adding the Stick-It-Plus, for a week in the field. It weighed 70 pounds. Our departing location was at 4,200 feet, and we hiked 3 miles and climbed 1,600 vertical feet to elk camp. After setting up camp, and removing the Stick-It-Plus and removable pocketed lid, I hiked for the next 5 days, covering 40+ miles and thousands of vertical feet. I really like this pack. It is comfortable, modular, has a ton of pockets, and interfaces with many of Mystery Ranch’s accessories. It has ample compression straps and is hydration-reservoir compatible. If you are in the market for a multi-day backpacking pack, this one deserves a hard look.”
Badlands Gear MRK 4 Pack, Approach OG
The “middle child” of the lineup, the MRK 4 splits the difference between large- and small meat haulers. Coming in around 4,000 cubic inches of storage, the MRK 4 features a top-loading format and their highly effective “split-pack” design which allows the pack to drop away from the suspension and carry your meat closer to your body. The result is a more-comfortable haul and a less-exhausted hunter. Editor George Krumm can attest to this pack being very comfortable under load as he packed out more than half a mature mule deer in one trip.
Key features include: split-pack design with integrated meat-shelf system; Allite super magnesium frame for lightweight durability; side zipper access to main compartment; hydration compatible (up to 3L); adjustable torso for a fine-tuned fit; adjustable padded waistbelt for improved fit; Strata Comfort Suspension System; Bino Connect Compatible (requires Bino Connect Kit); carries rifle or bow via included rifle/bow boot. It weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces (for the size large frame). It comes in 2 colors (Approach OG and Mud) and 2 frame sizes (medium and large). As with all Badlands Gear products, it comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400, Krux Frame, Large Belt
We’ve used Stone Glacier packs, clothing, and gear for nearly a decade and have been very satisfied with their quality products. This is a big pack with a lot of capacity. The main bag’s volume is 5,900 cubic inches, while the Sky Lid adds 500 cubic inches. If you expand the load shelf, you create an additional 2,500 cubic inches of space. In bivy mode, the pack converts to a 4,200-cubic-inch pack suitable for day hunts. The pack is available with either the Xcurve- or Krux frame, or you can buy the bag only if you already have one of the frames. Publisher Marcus Weiner used the Krux frame with this pack. The frame weighs less than 3 pounds and can be used without the bag to haul meat loads up to 150 pounds on the integrated load shelf.
The pack is hydration compatible and has an internal spotting-scope pocket with external zippered access. Inside, ¾” tri-slide buckles allow you to attach Swing Out Pockets or Camp Pockets for additional organization. The pack weighs 5 pounds, 2.8 ounces with the Krux frame and medium belt. Editor George Krumm used this pack for an August alpine Sitka blacktail hunt. The pack easily carried all the gear George needed for the planned multi-day hunt. The load shelf and Krux frame made easy work of packing out a Sitka blacktail buck. The Krux frame shoulder straps and waist belt are very comfortable and supportive. We like pack systems like this that allow you to go in heavy, set up camp, then downsize the pack for day hunts. This one is a great choice. Made in the USA.
Uncharted Supply Co. Vault 100L Duffel Bag
This large, waterproof duffel bag also has backpack straps—a key feature for the way we use gear in Alaska. The material is 840D TPU. The bag has 2 internal pockets, a waterproof main-bag zipper, 1 external pocket with waterproof zipper, and an air valve. Dimensions of the 100L model are 39.5” x 13.9” x 10”. Vault Duffel Bags come in 2 sizes (100L and 65L) and 3 colors (black, olive, gunmetal). Lots of companies make dry bags. This is a good one.
Mystery Ranch Marshall 105 Pack
The Marshal 105 is a high-capacity expedition pack and is the largest in the MYSTERIUM line. It features the MYSTERIUM frame which uses carbon-fiber vertical stays and horizontal flat bars. The removable lid converts to a daypack—a useful feature if you want to drop the main pack for the final part of a stalk. The list of features is quite long and if you get this pack (or any large, high-end pack) you’ll want to spend considerable time getting to know all its features and figuring out how to best use them to your advantage.
Some of the features of the Marshall 105 include: attachable compression straps; internal mesh pockets; hydration-reservoir compatible; adjustable yoke for custom fit; accessory web for tool attachments; additional loops for securing meat; 2 front torpedo pockets; speed compartment for easy access to sleeping bag; side-zip access to main bag; and dual autolock compression straps on frame for securing meat. It’s important to fit your pack properly. Frame sizes are available from S to XL, and you should take the time to measure your torso length and waist per their instructions to determine the correct frame size. This pack has a huge capacity of 6,285 cubic inches. It weighs 7.5 pounds and is available in 2 colors: Gneiss, and Optifade Subalpine.
Kifaru Rondy Duffel
This large, heavy-duty duffel was designed to protect your hunting pack when sending your pack as checked baggage. Capacity is 7,850 cubic inches and it’s made of 1,000D Cordura with 400D packcloth lining. The bag includes backpack-style carry straps, 3 detachable compressions straps, and an ID pocket on the bottom as well as an AirTag pocket inside the bag. Says Editor George Krumm, “This thing is awesome. It held my huge SG Sky Archer 6400 pack plus the majority of my gear for a remote Sitka blacktail hunt last summer. I am going to get a lot of use out of this bag.”
Mystery Ranch Anchor Point Bow Case
This oversize soft bow case is well padded, helping keep your precious bow safe during transport. It has an exterior zippered pocket designed to accommodate your arrows and quiver. Accessories get stashed in 2 interior mesh pockets. The main compartment measures 39.5” x 18”, which will hold just about any compound bow on the market. The case features a removable shoulder strap and 8 web loops you can use to strap the case down.
Stone Glacier SG Game Bag Large
This reusable game bag is built from 70D nylon ripstop fabric, is breathable, washable and weighs 4.6 ounces. It has a drawstring closure, hanging loop, and a side carry handle. It is 26” wide by 39” tall. The bags are also available in small- and medium sizes. Publisher Marcus Weiner used large bags to bring home moose after deboning quarters back at camp. He’ll reuse them again in 2026.
Caribou Gear Waterproof Duffel Bag by Koyukon, 40L Alpine Green
The Koyukon Extreme Duffel is 100% waterproof and designed for hardcore hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. It comes in 3 sizes: 40L, 70L, and 100L. We tested the 40L bag. These TPU dry bags are way better than the inexpensive, but not very durable, PVC bags that have been around for a long time. The 40L bag has removable backpack-styled shoulder straps and carrying handles. There are tie-down loops for tying the bag to a boat, raft, canoe, bush plane, ATV, or whatever.
There is reflective writing on the bag to help you find it in the dark, and Velcro straps on the sides make it easy to securely attach elongated items. There are 4 fixed grab handles: 1 on each end, and 2 on the top. The zippers are water-tight, but also pretty much airtight, hence the air valve. If the zippers are fully closed and the air valve is closed, these bags will float, though they are not PFDs. This is one of the most overbuilt, feature-rich dry bags we’ve seen.
Mystery Ranch Game Bag, size 40 and 60
Yet another quality game bag! We’re glad to see so many good game bags on the market, because meat care is essential. These bags are made of a breathable, tough, washable, and reusable nylon fabric, but it isn’t the ripstop sort of nylon. Each bag has 2 reflective carry handles rated to 250 pounds, and the reflective 3 mm drawstring is rated to 200 pounds. Frame capture corners are designed to securely attach these game bags to Mystery Ranch pack frames, but you can use the bags with any pack frame that has a load shelf. Mystery Ranch game bags are available as single bags including 20L, 40L, 60L, and 80L, or as a set which includes 2x 60L, 2x 40L, 1x 20L, and 1 Quick Attach Void Bag for storage.
Savior Equipment Urban Warfare Double Rifle Bag
We tested out the 51-inch version of this rifle bag and found it provided us ample room for 2 rifles. It is available in the following sizes: 36”, 42”, 46”, 51” and 55”, and in 4 colors: Obsidian Black, SW Gray, OD Green, and Dark FDE. The bag offers padded rifle slots with hook and loop lockdown straps, a padded divider, and padded muzzle and stock sleeves. The secondary compartment includes 2 padded pistol sleeves and 2 zippered mesh pockets. The rifle bag also includes 2 exterior accessory pockets. The removable backpack straps and adjustable shoulder straps are handy.
SealLine Pro Dry Pack
We tested the 120L version of this pack and it’s the one to go with if you enjoy float trips or travel into the bush where the bag will be exposed to the elements. Cascade Designs states that this is their most supportive and fully adjustable waterproof pack. It comes in 70L or 120L models in 3 different colors: orange, brown, or black. The roll-top bag is completely waterproof, tough, features welded seams, a reinforced bottom, padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, padded lumbar support, and waist belt. The harness is removable when not needed. This bag kept our gear dry and protected during several trips in 2025, including a 5-day float.
Plano Diverge Rifle Accessory Case
This handy accessory case straps onto the daisy-chain loops of the Diverge Rifle Case (or anything that has a MOLLE system). It can easily hold 2 boxes of .300 Win Mag ammo, with room for some other small items. It also has a zippered mesh pocket in the lid to store additional small items. Paired with the Diverge Rifle Case, it makes it easy to transport most of what you need for a range visit.
Stone Glacier Compression Sack, XS
Stone Glacier makes 3 sizes of compression sacks to help compress gear so you can carry more in your pack. Our tester used the XS version to compress a Chilkoot 32° Quilt and another to pack his Grumman Down Jacket and Pants. These are effective, light, strong compression sacks.
Plano Diverge 49” Rifle Case
If you want a little more protection than a soft rifle case can provide, without the bulk of the heavy-duty cases designed for air travel, this hybrid case is perfect. For typical hunts and range days, this is all you need. It features a TOUGHSHELL exterior, snug compression-fit foam, and daisy-chain straps on the outside for attaching accessories like the Diverge Rifle Accessory Case.
Caribou Gear Bags Magnum Pack Large
We used these synthetic game bags to cover our field-butchered moose in 2025. It includes: 4 – 28” x 60” Quarter Bags, 1 – 28” x 60” Rib Bag, 1 – 28” x 48” Cape Bag, 1 – 23” x 30” Meat Parts Bag, 1 – 12” x 21” Camp Meat Bag, 1 – 10” x 24” 2 mil Plastic Bag, 7 – Waterproof Tearproof Big Game ID Tags, and 1 – Vented Storage Bag with rubber coated mesh lower and labeled nylon upper. They worked well and are reusable. Publisher Marcus Weiner uses the vented storage bag for a razor-clamming bag, too.
Badlands Gear Game Bags Kit, Medium
This kit contains 1, 18” x 18” bag and 4, 17” x 29” bags. The medium kit we tested weighs 15 ounces. The large kit has bigger bags and weighs 24 ounces. The fabric is surprisingly breathable and quite strong with reinforced, double-sewn seams. They have gear loops on the sides. Made of a durable nylon Taslan fabric, they are machine washable. This is a nice set of game bags. This size will work for deer, sheep, and mountain goats. We used the set for a Sitka blacktail buck taken in August and they breathed well enough to help the pellicle form, and were strong enough to hoist way up in a tree, out of brown bear reach. These come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
Mystery Ranch Mission Packing Cube Set
Publisher Marcus Weiner commented, “This set makes it so much easier to find items in the large dry bags and duffel bags I routinely use to transport gear into the field. I didn’t know what I was missing until I put these packing cubes into play.” The set includes a small-, medium-, and large cube with the following dimensions: small (3L): 5.5” x 7” x 6”; medium (7L): 5.5” x 12” x 7”; large (14L): 5.5” x 14” x 12”. They feature zippers on top, are very lightweight, nylon mesh provides visibility into the bag, and they include web handles on the top and sides of the bag.
Mystery Ranch Stick-It Plus
If you need some extra room in your Mystery Ranch pack, consider adding this accessory. We used it on a mountain backpacking hunt, where we needed some extra room to carry all the items needed for a week-long remote hunt. When your pack is jammed full, this accessory allows you to place items that you might want fast access to right on the outside of the pack. The Stick-It Plus weighs 1/2 pound and adds 425 cubic inches of space. It comes in 3 color options; we chose the blaze-orange model because it adds extra visibility.
Caribou Gear Muley – M.O.B. (Meat On Bone) Reusable Game Bags
The Muley set of game bags is designed for mule deer-sized game animals, specifically quarters on the bone. What we especially like about these game bags is the breathability. Some game bags are made of ripstop nylon, and those tend to not breathe well, and can prevent the pellicle from forming on the outside of your meat. The synthetic fabric used combines breathability with strength, ensuring your meat is protected. Reflective attachments make it easy to locate the bags in the dark, but the bags themselves don’t have any silkscreened logos as this inhibits breathability.
The kit contains 5 bags. They are washing machine- and bleach safe, and reusable. The kit contains 4, 18” x 34” quarter bags; 1, 16” x 21” meat parts bag; and 1 storage bag to store clean or transport dirty game bags. Total weight is 14 ounces with a package size of 5.5” x 5.25”.
Stone Glacier Rain Cover, Large
This pack rain cover is designed to fit the larger Stone Glacier expedition packs (Sky Archer 6400 to the Terminus 8700). A cool, helpful feature is the shock-cord attachments that secure the cover to the frame, allowing access to the pack without risk of the wind blowing the cover away in bad weather. In really wet environments, the rain cover can help keep your pack and the gear inside it dry.
Stone Glacier Sentinel Bottom Pocket
This handy pocket attaches to the Sentinel Bino Harness and gives you another place to store small items like a magazine, a few rounds of ammo (has elastic loops), keys, etc. George Krumm used it to store a spare magazine both while hunting and in NRL Hunter matches.