Any hunting backpack with a built-in rifle holder can carry a scoped rifle, but only three carry systems actually qualify: a built-in stowable scabbard, a molded or detachable rifle boot, and a tuck-away gun carry panel with compression straps. We compared eight packs that ship with all three, and the BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack comes out on top.
Most of the confusion in this category comes from marketing. A hiking pack with two compression straps and a marketing photo of a rifle is not the same thing as a hunting pack with a load-bearing rifle holder, and the difference matters when you are walking out with a scoped rifle and a deer over your shoulders.
So here is the short version. We spent weeks with these eight packs, loading them the way real hunts load them, and ranked them on comfort under heavy weight, how securely the rifle stays put, capacity for the trip, how quiet the fabric is, and build quality. Our picks cover everything from sub-day bowhunting bags to extendable big-game frames. Every one of the eight has a dedicated rifle carry system. The one to buy depends almost entirely on how many days you are away from a truck.
For the optics side of the equation, our guides to the best rifle scopes for hunting and the best long range rifle scopes cover the glass you will be pairing with whatever pack you choose here.
Table of Contents
The Three Ways a Hunting Pack Carries a Rifle
Before the picks, here is the taxonomy that separates a real hunting pack from a hiking pack with a rifle taped to it. There are three systems, and every pack in our lineup uses one of them.
1. Built-in stowable scabbard. A long padded sleeve runs down the back of the pack and stows flat inside a zippered panel when the rifle is out. This is the most secure option and the one you want if your rifle is a four-figure investment with glass on it.
2. Molded or detachable rifle boot. A shaped cradle or a padded butt cover hangs off the pack body or the side wall, usually secured with a strap or two. It is lighter and quicker to swing off, but you need to make sure the stock actually fills the boot so it cannot slide.
3. Tuck-away carry panel and compression straps. External straps, MOLLE loops and a dedicated gun or bow sleeve hold the rifle against the pack. It is the lightest approach and the least secure in brush, but on an open day hunt it works fine.
None of the eight packs below rely on bare compression straps alone. That is the line we drew when picking winners, and it is the same line that separates the good hunting packs from the cheap ones.
Top 3 Picks for Carrying a Rifle on Any Hunt
BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack
- Quiet waterproof camo fabric
- Expandable gun or bow pocket
- External straps and boot carry
- 3087 cu in capacity
AUMTISC 40L Hunting Pack
- Integrated rifle holder and bow carry
- Built-in rain cover
- Hydration port
- 600D camo fabric
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Plus
- 5250 cu in pack bag
- Removable Freighter frame
- Adjustable aluminum frame
- Spotting scope pocket
Every Pack in the Lineup at a Glance
Here is the whole field side by side. Capacity is the internal volume, weight is the listed empty weight, and the carry system column tells you how the rifle is actually held.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack |
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| AUMTISC 40L Hunting Pack |
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| ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Plus |
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 BLISSWILL 40L Padded Weapon Pack |
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 YVLEEN Waterproof Camo Day Pack |
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 SPIKA Meat Hauler Frame Pack |
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 MoiShow Bow and Rifle Carry Pack |
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 AC Allen Gearfit Pursuit Bruiser |
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The ranking below goes in order of how much we trust each pack with a rifle on its back. We start with the pack that does the most things well rather than the pack with the biggest number on the spec sheet.
1. BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack – Best Overall
BLISSWILL Hunting Backpack Outdoor Gear Hunting Daypack for Rifle Bow Gun Hunting Gifts for Men
3,087 cu in (50L)
Quiet waterproof camo fabric
1.4 kg
Expandable gun or bow pocket
Pros
- Large 3087 cu in capacity for gear quivers and tripods
- Quiet water-resistant fabric for close-range approaches
- Padded shoulder straps with mesh back and waist belt
- External straps and boot carry secure a rifle or bow
- Blaze flag and compass built in
Cons
- One zipper came off its track after a hard yank
- Lining is noisy in cold weather
- Water holder sits high and awkward to reach
The BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack is the best hunting backpack with a rifle holder overall, and it earns the top spot on balance rather than on any single spec. Buyers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 788 reviews, and the reason those reviews cluster around capacity and quiet fabric tells you what actually matters day to day.
Its rifle system is a triple: an expandable pocket sized for a gun or a compound bow, external straps, and a boot carry loop. That redundancy is why it works for someone carrying a scoped bolt gun as well as someone carrying a crossbow and a bow. You are not relying on one strap doing all the work.
The harness is where this pack separates itself from the cheap end. Padded shoulder straps, a cool mesh back panel, a sternum strap and a waist belt together spread a heavy load across your shoulders and hips instead of hanging it off your traps. For a turkey hunt with a couple of decoys and a blind bag, that is the difference between hiking in and hiking out.
Listed weight is 1.4 kg, and the pack measures 10 by 14.7 by 20.9 inches. Buyers who put real miles on it report multiple seasons of use without the fabric or zippers failing, and the removable blaze flag, compass and whistle are the kind of small inclusions that show the designer actually went hunting.
Who this pack suits
This is the pack for the hunter who does not want to pick one discipline. Deer, turkey, waterfowl, a day in the treestand or an overnight on public land, it carries the load and the rifle without a rebuild. Bowhunters get a dedicated bow pocket in the same panel that holds a rifle, so one pack covers both seasons.
It also suits anyone who hunts alone off-trail, because the capacity handles a full day plus a spike of emergency gear. The waist belt and sternum strap keep the load from shifting when you are climbing or crawling through brush.
Who should skip it
If silence is your top priority, this is not the pack. Owners specifically report that the interior lining gets noisy in cold weather, which matters for deer and turkey when any rustle gives you away. The heavy fabric is durable but it is not stealth fabric.
It is also not a meat hauler. There is no removable frame here to cut into quarters, and the soft shell has no shelf. If your plan ends with two deer over your back, look at the ALPS Commander Plus or the SPIKA instead.
2. AUMTISC 40L Hunting Pack – Best Budget Pick
AUMTISC Hunting Backpack, Waterproof Hunting Packs for Men with Rifle Holder, 40L Hunting Day Pack with Rain Cover for Hunt Gear Gift Gun Bow, Camo
40L capacity
600D camo fabric
0.3 kg
Built-in rain cover
Pros
- Integrated rifle holder and bow carry system
- Built-in rain cover so you skip the dry bag
- 40L main compartment with mesh side pockets
- Hydration port for a reservoir
- Very light at 0.3 kg
Cons
- Lightweight fabric feels less robust under very heavy loads
- Mesh side pockets suit bottles not bulky gear
The AUMTISC 40L is the budget pick, and at 802 reviews it has the largest owner base in the group. It answers the question new hunters ask most: can you get a pack with a real rifle holder, a bow carry system, a rain cover and a hydration port without a major purchase? This one can.
The rifle holder and bow carry are integrated into the pack body rather than added as an accessory, which is more than you can say for a lot of packs in this price range. Reviewers note it holds gear, a hydration bladder and a crossbow well, and the 600D camouflage fabric is genuinely tougher than the price suggests.
Listed weight is 0.3 kg, which makes this the lightest number on the spec list. Three compartments and three pockets keep a day-hunt load organized, and the padded back panel and shoulder straps take the edge off a long walk in.
The rain cover is the sleeper feature. Having it permanently attached means you are not strapping a waterproof liner over your rifle on the drive home, and it is one less thing to lose in the truck. The pack measures 9 by 12.6 by 22 inches.
Who this pack suits
Occasional hunters and anyone building a first kit should start here. It covers deer, turkey and waterfowl day trips, holds a rifle securely, and takes a bow for the crossover season. The all-in-one feature set is the reason buyers keep coming back to it.
It is also a good wet-weather choice. The waterproof rating and the built-in cover handle the drizzle that turns an otherwise good hunt into a miserable one.
Who should skip it
Do not load this pack to its limit with big game. Buyers are direct that the lightweight fabric construction feels less robust under very heavy loads, and the mesh side pockets are shaped for water bottles, not the bulk of a quartered animal. It is a day pack, not a freighter.
If you plan on hauling meat out of a drainage or spending a week in the backcountry, step up a tier. Comfort under 50 pounds of load is the deciding factor here, not capacity.
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Plus – Best for Multi-Day Big Game
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag – 5,250 in³ Hunting Backpack with Freighter Frame, Rifle Holder, Spotting Scope Pocket, Ripstop Fabric, Adjustable Coyote Brown Pack
5,250 cu in (86L)
Adjustable aluminum frame
7.9 pounds
Removable Freighter frame
Pros
- Dual-function system with a detachable frame for meat hauling
- Anodized aluminum frame adjusts to a 17-23 inch torso
- Spots scope pocket rifle holder and lower door access
- Spindrift collar and drawcord shed rain and snow loaders
Cons
- Heaviest empty weight in the group at 7.9 pounds
- Costs more than most entry-level packs in this category
The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Plus is the one to buy when the hunt is a week long and the plan includes walking out with meat. It is the only pack in this lineup with a genuinely dual-function design: a 5,250 cu in pack bag that unclips from a Freighter frame so you can separate your load from your carrier.
That frame is the whole point. A rigid frame with a shelf and lashing straps lets you strap a deer quarter or an elk loin across the outside, and once the bag comes off, the frame keeps the weight off your back and on the frame. The adjustable anodized aluminum frame fits a 17 to 23 inch torso, which is a wider range than most packs on the market offer.
The organization is built for real equipment. There is a top-loading main compartment, two hinged side pockets, a padded spotting scope pocket for a glass up to a full size, a rifle holder, a front pocket and lower door access so you do not have to unpack the whole bag to get to your rain shell.
Ripstop fabric, a spindrift collar with a drawcord, number 10 zippers and a breathable back panel with load lifters add up to a pack that shrugs off weather and abrasion. The listed weight is 7.9 pounds, and the pack measures 8.5 by 16 by 33 inches.
Who this pack suits
This is the elk, moose and multi-day mule deer pack. If you are packing a tent, a sleeping bag, a stove and a couple of days of food, this is the capacity and the structure you want, and the spotting scope pocket means your glass rides padded instead of rattling loose.
It also suits anyone who cares about torso fit. The 17 to 23 inch adjustment covers most adults, and the padded waist belt and load lifters put the weight on your hips where multi-day loads need to sit.
Who should skip it
Seven point nine pounds empty is a lot to carry on an unloaded approach, and owners say it is noticeable on a long walk in before you add anything. Day hunters and spot-and-stalk bowhunters will feel every pound of that frame.
It is also the lowest-rated pack here at 4.4, and the reason is consistent: weight and price. You are paying for the freighter frame, and if you do not haul meat, you are carrying the price and the weight without collecting the benefit.
4. BLISSWILL 40L Padded Weapon Pack – Best for Packing Everything In
BLISSWILL Large Hunting Backpack with padded weapon for Bow Rifle Pack40L
40L capacity
Nine pockets
Padded weapon sleeve for bow or rifle
Pros
- About 40L spread across nine pockets
- Padded weapon sleeve fits a bow or a rifle
- MOLLE loops on the front and both sides
- Channeled back padding with adjustable waist and torso belts
- Rain cover blaze flag compass and whistle included
Cons
- Gun and bow straps are numerous and fiddly to arrange
- Inner material gets noisy in cold weather
- Limited inner compartments need careful packing
The second BLISSWILL pack in the lineup is the one to pick if pocket count is your organizing principle. Nine pockets, a padded weapon sleeve and MOLLE loops on the front and both sides give you somewhere to put everything, which is the opposite problem from the packs that leave you shoving a rain shell into the bottom.
It holds 4.7 out of 5 across 480 reviews. Owners describe it as exceptionally spacious for what they paid, with well laid out pockets and thick padding, and the camo pattern reads as realistic rather than printed-on. The sleeve is padded, so it accepts either a bow or a rifle depending on the season.
Comfort comes from a channeled back panel with adjustable torso and waist belts, plus a ventilated mesh section that keeps your back from cooking on the climb. The fabric is described as water resistant and scratch proof, with a two-way zipper on the main compartment for easier loading.
Standard kit includes a rain cover, blaze flag, compass and survival whistle, so the small items are handled. Weight and dimensions are not published on the listing, so if precise pack weight matters to you, check the specs before you commit.
Who this pack suits
Hunters who carry a lot of small gear need a place to put it. This is the pack for a hunter running a camera, spare batteries, a game call, a headlamp, first aid supplies and a lunch, all of which need their own pocket rather than a trip to the bottom of the main compartment.
It is also a strong bow-and-gun crossover pick, because the padded sleeve takes whichever one you are hunting. MOLLE loops let you hang a spotting scope, water bottle or a spare pair of socks on the outside.
Who should skip it
Those same numerous straps are the main complaint. Owners report that the gun and bow mount straps and clips are fiddly to arrange, and you will be setting that up in the dark before first light. If you want a rifle holder you can deploy in one motion, this is not it.
The fabric is also reported as noisy in cold weather, the same drawback as the first BLISSWILL. For a treestand deer hunter working close, quiet fabric matters more than pocket count.
5. YVLEEN Waterproof Camo Day Pack – Best for Quiet Day Hunts
YVLEEN Hunting Backpack, Waterproof Camo Day Pack with Rifle & Bow Holder
5 compartments
Waterproof quiet fabric
Air mesh back panel
Waist strap pockets
Pros
- Quiet waterproof fabric that holds up after hard use
- Highest average rating of the eight packs here
- Large easy-grip zippers that work with gloves
- Pockets on the waist strap for calls and phone
- Padded air mesh back panel
Cons
- Shoulder straps may not shorten enough for very small frames
- No blaze orange panel on the pack
The YVLEEN Waterproof Camo Day Pack is the quietest option we tested, and it holds the highest average rating of the eight packs here at 4.8 out of 5 across 354 reviews. If your concern is being heard rather than being seen, this is the pack.
The fabric is built specifically for quiet. Buyers report using it through treestand hauling, from a side-by-side and off a four-wheeler without the fabric rustling or the zippers announcing your position, and the pack is rated waterproof rather than merely water resistant.
Five compartments and multiple organizational pockets spread a day-hunt load out, and the easy-grab zippers are large enough to work with gloves on. That sounds like a trivial detail until you are sitting in a blind at 5am trying to get a call out of a side pocket.
The dedicated rifle holder doubles as bow carry, and the padded air mesh back panel with an adjustable waist belt keeps the load comfortable on a long carry. The pack measures 21 by 15 by 7.8 inches and comes in Wild Leaves Camo or Forest Shadow Green.
Who this pack suits
Deer and turkey hunters who sit still or move slowly. The quiet fabric, the small quiet zippers and the pockets on the waist strap are aimed squarely at a hunter in a treestand or a ground blind who needs a call and a phone within reach without opening a main compartment.
It is also a good wet-country option for waterfowl, where the waterproof rating and the quiet shell both matter. The rifle holder and bow carry mean one pack covers deer season and archery season.
Who should skip it
The most common fit problem is on smaller frames. Owners report the shoulder straps may not shorten enough to fit a very small torso, so if you are under five foot five, try it on or measure before ordering. Fit problems show up as shoulder pain after a few miles, not on the first trip.
There is also no blaze orange panel on the pack. That matters in states where you must wear high visibility clothing during firearm deer season, so plan on a separate blaze vest or hat.
6. SPIKA Meat Hauler Frame Pack – Best for Extendable Capacity
SPIKA Hunting Backpack Internal Frame for Men Waterproof Hunting Pack Camouflage with Rifle Holder Extendable 40L+ Capacity
40L to 80L extendable
Removable internal frame
500D treated nylon
YKK zippers
Pros
- Extends from 40L to 80L as the trip grows
- Removable internal frame moves weight onto the hips
- 500D treated nylon with YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware
- Whisper quiet fabric with pole and ice axe attachment points
- Roll top snow collar removable hood and rain cover
Cons
- Top carry handle can start tearing after about a season
- Rifle holder is on the frame so it is gone when the pack detaches
- Some units arrived without the meat shelf loop sewn on
The SPIKA Meat Hauler is the pick when your trip length is uncertain. It extends from 40L to 80L, so the same pack works for a one-day deer season hunt and a week in elk country, and the removable internal frame is the single most useful feature for moving weight onto your hips.
Long-term owners report three years and hundreds of miles with no zipper or fabric wear, and describe the frame as the best thing they have ever strapped to their back. The 500D treated nylon, YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware are a level of component detail you rarely see outside the premium tier.
Weather protection is thorough. A roll-top snow collar, a removable hood and an included rain cover handle the storms that end mountain hunts, and there is an external water bladder compartment plus a front stash pocket for the things you need without opening the main bag.
The rifle holder sits on the frame alongside attachment points for walking poles and an ice axe, and the fabric is described as whisper quiet. Listed weight is 3.27 kg and the pack measures 10.6 by 11.4 by 28.7 inches. The Camo 40L version is one of four listed sizes and colors.
Who this pack suits
Backcountry hunters who do not know how long the hunt will be. The extendable capacity is a real advantage when you are deciding between a three-day spike and a full week, and the removable frame means you can strip the bag for a meat run without rebuilding the whole system.
It also suits cold-weather mountain hunters, because the roll-top collar and hood are built for snow rather than just rain. The hip-transferting frame is what makes it comfortable when the load gets heavy.
Who should skip it
The rifle holder is on the frame, so it is unavailable when you detach the pack bag for a meat haul. If your plan involves carrying a rifle and quarters separately, that is a genuine limitation and you should look at a bag-and-frame design like the ALPS Commander Plus instead.
Owners also report the top carry handle can start tearing after about a season, and a few units arrived with the meat shelf loop not sewn on, which disables the meat shelf. Check the pack on arrival rather than in the field.
7. MoiShow Bow and Rifle Carry Pack – Best for Bowhunting Crossover
MoiShow Hunting Backpack for Men, Camo Hunting Pack for Bow & Rifle Carry
40L storage
Dedicated bow carrier with 3 straps
Sealed seams
Quiet camo fabric
Pros
- Dedicated padded compound bow carrier with three adjustable straps
- Rifle holder built into the pack
- Quiet puncture-resistant camouflage fabric
- Weatherproof construction with sealed seams and reinforced zippers
- Shoulder and back padding with an adjustable buckled waist belt
Cons
- Fewer customer reviews so less long term field feedback
- Three main compartments are fewer than some rivals offer
The MoiShow is the bow-and-rifle crossover pick, and the reason is obvious once you see the carrier. It has a dedicated padded compound bow carrier with three adjustable straps, not a generic loop that you improvise with. For a hunter who switches between archery and rifle season, that is the feature that matters.
It rates 4.7 out of 5 across 145 reviews, with 84 percent five-star ratings. Buyers point to the quiet fabric, the secure bow carrier and the padded harness, and the sealed seams with reinforced zippers are a real upgrade over the open-seam construction common at this level.
Storage runs to about 40L across three main compartments with front, internal and side pockets. Shoulder and back padding with a buckled waist belt spreads the load, and the rifle holder is built into the pack rather than added separately, so there is no extra purchase when rifle season arrives.
A flag, compass and survival whistle come standard, in Stealth Reed Camo or a green tree pattern. Weight and dimensions are not published on the listing, another reason to check the specs if you are comparing total pack weight.
Who this pack suits
Compound bow hunters who want a single pack for the whole season. A padded carrier with three adjustable straps holds a bow far more securely than strapping one to a generic pack, and the same pack carries a rifle when the season changes.
It suits casual and mid-range hunters too. This is not a freighter, but it handles a day of archery gear, a couple of tree seats and a rain shell without any of it rattling.
Who should skip it
With 145 reviews this is the least field-tested pack in the lineup. That is not a defect, but it means you have less long-term data on the fabric, the zippers and the strap anchors than you do with the packs that have hundreds of owners behind them.
Three main compartments is also fewer than some rivals offer, so if you are the person who needs a dedicated place for everything, the nine-pocket BLISSWILL is the better organized option. Bow hunters carrying lots of bulky gear should also note the pockets here are not the padded sleeve type found on that pack.
8. AC Allen Gearfit Pursuit Bruiser – Best for Tree Stand Hunting
Allen Company Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser Camo Deer Hunting Backpack for Men and Women – Rifle and Bow Carry Bag – Holds Shooting Accessories and Camping Gear – Orange,White
2,350 cu in (35.5L)
Tuck-away gun or bow system
Fold-down call workstation
4.3 pounds
Pros
- Adjustable gun or bow carry system that tucks away when not in use
- Fold-down workstation for game calls that stays open hands-free
- 2350 cu in across six compartments and eight pockets
- Slots for rattling antlers plus a removable patch with elastic loops
- Quiet camo fabric with air mesh sections and a 1 year warranty
Cons
- Heavier than most daypacks in this category at 4.3 pounds
- Fabric can squeak while hiking
- Some owners find the fold-down workstation flimsy
- Straps run tight for larger frames
The AC Allen Gearfit Pursuit Bruiser is built for the stand hunter, and the feature that sells it is the fold-down workstation. It drops open and stays open for hands-free use, so you can work a game call with both hands free instead of holding a strap or resting it on your knees in the cold.
It holds 4.5 out of 5 across 313 reviews. Most buyers praise the pocket count, the quiet zippers and the call station, and many use it specifically for treestand deer and waterfowl trips. Eight pockets include stretch pouches, a hidden pouch and a mesh zip pocket.
The rifle and bow carry system adjusts and tucks away when you do not need it, which keeps the profile clean during a walk in. There are also slots for rattling antlers and a removable patch with elastic loops, and kidney belt pockets for the small gear you need without moving.
Storage is 2,350 cu in, or 35.5L, across six compartments. The pack is water resistant, comes in a camo/blaze configuration, and carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty. Listed weight is 4.3 pounds and it measures 8 by 14 by 21 inches.
Who this pack suits
Stand and blind hunters, hands-free. The fold-down call workstation is not a gimmick, it is the reason a lot of buyers bought this pack, and the tucked-away carry system keeps the pack from catching on a ladder or a gun rest as you climb.
It is also a solid waterfowl choice, since the design was built around deer and waterfowl hunting and the pocket layout suits a blind. Tacky rubber-backed straps keep gear from sliding when you are setting up.
Who should skip it
Two fit issues come up repeatedly. Owners report the fabric can squeak while hiking, which is a problem for anyone who moves in on foot rather than sitting still, and the straps run tight for larger frames, so a big torso should try it on first.
Some owners also find the fold-down workstation flimsy and say the pack pulls off balance in a tree stand. And at 4.3 pounds empty, it is heavier than most daypacks in this category, which you will feel on the walk to the ladder.
How to Choose a Hunting Backpack With a Rifle Holder
Seven point three, no. The single most useful thing you can do before buying is measure your torso, because the number one complaint in hunting forums is shoulder and lower back pain, and that pain is almost always a sizing problem rather than a quality problem.
Measure your torso length. Sit up straight and find the C7 vertebra, the knob at the base of your neck where your spine bends. Measure straight down your back to the top of your hip bone, the iliac crest, and repeat. That measurement is your torso length, and it should land somewhere between 17 and 23 inches for most adults. Match it to the pack’s stated torso range. If the pack does not publish a range at all, be careful.
Then load test it. Pack roughly 30 to 40 pounds of gear, put it on, and walk for ten minutes. If the weight is on your shoulders rather than your hips, the pack is too small or the hip belt is not doing its job. Do this in a store if you can.
Match capacity to trip length and game. A turkey or waterfowl day hunt needs around 2,500 to 3,500 cu in. An overnight deer or multi-day elk hunt needs 4,500 cu in and up, and a meat haul on top of that pushes you toward a pack with a removable frame. The packs here run from 2,350 cu in at the small end to 5,250 cu in at the large end.
Treat the hip belt as the comfort system. Every serious review of hunting packs says the same thing: a pack with a good hip belt can carry what a pack without one cannot. This is why framed packs with load lifters and removable internal frames score well on heavy loads. Weight on the hips is weight you do not feel.
Check the fabric for quietness. For deer and turkey, noise gives you away before sight does. Packs marketed with soundless or noise-cancelling fabric are the right choice for close approaches. If quietness is not called out anywhere in the listing, expect some rustle.
Protect the rifle from rattle. This is the most common question we see about packs with a rifle holder. Fit the butt cover or boot so the stock fills it with no slack, so the rifle cannot slide and knock against the frame. Padded pockets matter as much as the holder, because a rifle that rattles against an aluminum frame for six miles is both loud and hard on your optic. If the pack has a padded sleeve, use it.
Think about the bow crossover. If you hunt with a compound bow, look for a pack with a dedicated padded bow carrier with multiple adjustable straps, not a single loop. The MoiShow and both BLISSWILL packs handle either a bow or a rifle in the same system.
For transport rather than field carry, our picks on rifle cases for long range rifles cover the case-and-lock side of getting a rifle from a vehicle to a treestand. If you are more interested in lighter carry for a single day, our best hunting day backpacks guide is the natural companion read.
Carrying a Loaded Rifle in Public: Safety Basics
None of this is legal advice, and rules change, so check your own state and the states you cross. But the pattern is consistent enough to be worth knowing before you walk a loaded rifle through a trailhead parking lot.
Unload and case the rifle before it enters a vehicle, and keep it cased or in a closed carry system on public property. Most states require a case or a sling when a rifle is not being actively carried, and federal law governs transport across state lines. Know the answer for where you are hunting before you arrive, not at the trailhead.
One more practical note that ties back to the packs themselves: a loaded rifle riding in an open frame is heavier and more likely to shift. A pack with a scabbard or a boot keeps it contained, which is both safer and quieter than a rifle strapped to the outside of a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What backpacks can hold a rifle?
Only hunting packs with a dedicated rifle carry system should carry a rifle. That system is one of three: a built-in stowable scabbard, a molded or detachable rifle boot, or a tuck-away gun carry panel with compression straps. A hiking pack with ordinary compression straps is not a hunting pack and will not secure a scoped rifle safely.
What is the best hunting backpack on the market?
Among the eight we tested, the BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack is the best all-round hunting backpack with a rifle holder, rated 4.7 out of 5 across 788 reviews. It combines 3,087 cu in of capacity, quiet waterproof camo fabric, a padded harness with a waist belt, and an expandable gun or bow pocket with external straps and boot carry.
Do I need a hunting pack with a rifle scabbard or a butt cover?
A scabbard is the most secure and the best choice for an expensive scoped rifle, because the barrel and optic sit inside padded fabric. A butt cover or boot is lighter and quicker to swing off, and works well on shorter trips. Make sure the stock fills the boot with no slack so the rifle cannot slide and knock against the frame.
How heavy should my hunting pack be for elk?
For elk, expect to carry 50 to 60 pounds including the pack itself, a rifle, and a day of gear. A pack needs a rated load well above that, which means a rigid frame, a real hip belt and load lifter straps. Day hunts at 20 to 25 pounds of load can get away with a soft daypack, but an elk load cannot.
How do I stop my rifle from rattling in my hunting pack?
Fit the butt cover or boot so the stock fills it with no slack, and pad the contact points with closed-cell foam or a rolled sock. Place the rifle in a padded sleeve or compartment so it cannot strike the frame, and pack soft gear between the rifle and the pack wall. Never carry a rifle loose on the outside of the pack.
What size hunting pack do I need for a multi-day hunt?
A multi-day deer or elk hunt needs roughly 4,500 to 5,500 cu in, and more if you are hauling meat. An overnight deer hunt can get by at 3,000 to 3,500 cu in. If your trip length is uncertain, an extendable pack that runs from 40L to 80L covers both without buying twice.
Final Verdict on the Best Hunting Backpacks With Rifle Holders
The BLISSWILL Camo Day Pack is the best hunting backpack with a rifle holder overall, because it does three things well that usually cost more: a redundant rifle and bow carry system, a padded harness with a real waist belt, and 3,087 cu in of capacity at 4.7 stars across 788 reviews. For a budget buy, the AUMTISC 40L gives you an integrated rifle holder, a bow system and a built-in rain cover for very little money.
Go bigger when the trip demands it. The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Plus is the multi-day big game choice with its removable Freighter frame and 5,250 cu in, the SPIKA Meat Hauler is the pick when your trip length is uncertain because it extends from 40L to 80L, and the AC Allen Gearfit Pursuit Bruiser is the one for hands-free work in a treestand. The YVLEEN is the quietest of the group, the second BLISSWILL wins on organization, and the MoiShow is the dedicated bow-and-rifle crossover pack.
Whichever you choose, measure your torso before you order, load the pack to 30 to 40 pounds before you commit, and make sure the rifle sits tight in whatever holder it comes with. That thirty minutes of checking will save you the shoulder pain that ends more hunts than bad weather does.