There’s no better feeling than setting off into the great outdoors on a bushcraft trip to practice your survival skills. Before you head off into the wilderness, you must make sure that you have everything you need. There’s no way of nipping back to get something you’ve forgotten when you’re miles away from home.
That’s where the best bushcraft backpack comes in, which should be large enough to carry everything. It should also have lots of compartments for all your essentials.
If bushcraft is your thing, we can help you choose the best bushcraft backpack to make your trip easier and more comfortable. Our top pick would be the REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack. We review the best bushcraft backpacks and also share with you what to look for when buying yours.
These are the best bushcraft backpacks available right now:
- REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack—Best Overall.
- Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack—Most Durable.
- TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack—Best for Comfort.
- Marmot Tactical Backpack MOLLE Military Bag—Most Versatile.
- Gootium 21101 High Density Canvas Backpack—Best for Day Trips.
- ALPS OutdoorZ Commander—Best for Hunting.
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Reviews of the Best Bushcraft Backpacks
We’ve listed the six best bushcraft backpack models available right now.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack—Best Overall
Specs
The Reebow Gear Military Tactical Assault Backpack is an excellent bushcraft backpack for all activities. It is made from a high-density, water-resistant fabric that’s durable and built to last.
The pack dimensions are 2 x 45.5 x 30 centimeters, so it’s not an enormous size. However, it’s versatile and can be used as a three-day assault pack, bug bag, range bag, and a hunting or survival backpack. The capacity of the backpack is 34 liters, and it’s suitable for a 2.5-liter hydration bladder.
It has heavy-duty zippers that are double-stitched, and utility-style cord pulls for easy access as well as security. There are so many compartments to this bushcraft pack that you won’t be short of storage space.
The MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system allows you to customize your pack to suit your needs.
The Verdict
What customers like about this bushcraft backpack is the number of available compartments. This allows them to be able to have their gear close to hand in its own separate areas for quick access.
The backpack is great value for money and is durable, so customers know that it will last. It’s made from a durable, water-resistant fabric with heavy-duty seams and accessories.
The expansion and compression straps is great when using it for different activities. There is plenty of space for a larger pack, which can be deceiving when first looking at it. The external straps are suitable for mounting larger items on the outside of the pack.
Users found it comfortable, even when hiking for hours at a time. It has padded, breathable shoulder straps and a padded back area for comfort when carrying it for long periods.
In Summary
The REEBOW Gear Military Tactical Assault Backpack is a great overall bushcraft backpack that has something for everyone. There’s plenty of space in the backpack’s main compartment and many pockets to keep your tools handy.
This bushcraft backpack is a low-cost, excellent value backpack that gives you everything you need when out in the great outdoors. It’s an overall winner in even the toughest of conditions.
Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack—Most Durable
Specs
The Direct Action Dragon Egg tactical backpack has a 25-liter capacity and is a fantastic choice for shorter trips. It has lots of great features that make this smaller backpack very versatile.
It’s made from 500D Cordura, a durable material that can withstand pretty much everything thrown at it. The exterior has a water-resistant coating to keep your gear dry.
The bushcraft backpack measures 48 x 27 x 17.8 centimeters and weighs just 3.5 pounds when empty. It has a patented combat vent system that gives you extra comfort when hiking for long periods over rugged terrain.
The bushcraft pack includes laser-cut MOLLE/PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) to allow you to customize it to suit your needs. It also has heavy-duty YKK zippers for added durability.
The Verdict
Customers like the durability of this tactical bag. It can be used daily for years with no issues. It also has many innovative features, giving you space for everything within the separate compartments.
It’s not the largest bushcraft pack out there, but the compartments and pockets help to keep everything in its place. The MOLLE webbing system adds that little extra to the front and sides of the pack. The breathable mesh vent system allows air to flow so your back is kept cool when carrying it.
It’s a comfortable backpack to carry; the padding helps with this on the shoulder straps and back, along with the removable waist belt. The straps on the backpack are all adjustable and have velcro to secure them.
It’s not as cheap as some bushcraft packs around, but you get what you pay for.
In Summary
The Direct Action Dragon Egg tactical backpack is a durable, water-resistant backpack that looks great. It can be used for all outdoor activities or even on a daily basis when traveling.
This style comes in four different colors, so you can choose the one to suit you.
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack—Best for Comfort
Specs
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 is a high-capacity backpack, holding 55 liters of gear inside. You can take everything you might need with you for your trip inside this backpack without worrying about comfort. All the straps are fully adjustable in the torso, waist, chest, and shoulders. It also has padded shoulder straps and lumbar support.
The backpack is ample at 76.2 x 43 x 30.5 centimeters and weighs 4.5 pounds when empty. It has a 600D ripstop and Oxford canvas shell, and an internal frame for sturdiness.
It has many additional features, including a sleeping bag compartment and lots of pockets to make your packing easier.
The Verdict
What customers like about this bushcraft pack is the comfort factor. Even though it’s relatively large, the padded shoulder straps are contoured and adjustable for comfort.
The padded panel at the back is channeled for airflow to keep you cooler. The padded waist belt on the pack has a wide locking hip belt that’s adjustable to fit all sizes.
Users say the backpack is solid and can handle a lot of strain, even when it’s packed to the brim. The external storage with side pockets and bungee storage means you can bring along even more things and keep your essentials close to hand.
The bushcraft backpack also comes with a sleeping bag compartment, multi-directional compression straps, and an integrated rain cover to keep your gear dry.
In Summary
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 backpack is a great option for those going on longer trips into the wilderness. Its larger size gives you options if you need to carry more, and the pockets and compression straps keep everything separate.
The big win for this backpack is how comfortable it’s to carry. There is lots of padding on the adjustable waist strap and shoulder straps and also on the back panel. You can hike for miles with it on your back with no issues.
Marmot Tactical Backpack MOLLE Military Bag—Most Versatile
Specs
The Marmot Tactical Backpack is a lightweight, multi-functional bushcraft backpack, giving you all that you need for the great outdoors.
It has the capacity to carry 40 liters of gear, and the dimensions of the backpack are 33 x 50.5 x 30 centimeters. It’s made from durable, high-density nylon fabric that’s water-resistant and weighs just 2.73 pounds when empty.
It has lots of compartments and pockets for storage and the MOLLE webbing system on the front and sides. There is a compartment at the back for a hydration bladder, which can be bought separately. There are external Y-straps and buckles to carry a jacket or sleeping bag.
The backpack straps are padded for additional comfort, and the material on the panel at the back is breathable to keep you cool. The backpack can be used for many purposes, from hunting to trekking; it’s suitable for all expeditions.
The Verdict
Customers like the fact that this bushcraft pack is durable with lots of storage. They also like that it has a multi-purpose use, so they don’t need to buy different backpacks for different activities.
It’s excellent value for money and has lots of storage available both inside the compartments and externally, with the Y-straps and pockets. Customers say it’s tough, and even when full of heavy items like tools, it holds up well.
The exterior material is thick, water-resistant, and durable, and the shoulder straps are secure and comfortable even over a long period.
In Summary
The Marmot Tactical Backpack is a versatile, durable backpack that gives you what you need when out in the wilderness. It’s a medium-sized backpack and would easily store enough gear for a three-day expedition.
It has lots of compartments and pockets for you to store your gear. It also has external straps, two D-rings included, and quick release buckle straps at the sides and bottom. This bushcraft backpack can be used for whatever you need it for.
Gootium 21101 High Density Canvas Backpack—Best for Day Trips
Specs
The Gootium Canvas Backpack is one of the best for day trips out into the wild and is made from 100 percent cotton. The backpack has a main compartment and one inside pocket. It also has two side pockets and a front pocket.
The backpack comes in two sizes; small is 30.5 x 20 x 38 centimeters and holds 23 liters. Large is 34 x 20 x 45 centimeters and holds 30 liters. The backpack has adjustable, padded shoulder straps to make carrying more comfortable.
The metal fasteners on the pack are strong, and the genuine leather trim also adds to the durability.
The Verdict
What customers like about this backpack is the simple and practical design. It looks good but can also do the job needed when out exploring for the day. The thick canvas is top quality and durable; however, it’s not water-resistant, so you’ll need a rain cover when going out in bad weather.
The pockets are a good size, and the side pockets can be easily used for water bottles, but there are no compression straps. The high-quality stitching on the backpack is top quality, along with the heavy-duty fasteners and zips.
In Summary
The Gootium Canvas Backpack is great for shorter trips and is one of the best for a day out, exploring the great outdoors. It has large pockets and a good-sized main compartment for your gear. The backpack is available in five colors, so you can choose the right one to suit you.
It has an iconic design with a practical edge and gives off an Indiana Jones vibe when hiking through the wilderness. Just make sure to use a rain cover if you’re unsure of the weather.
ALPS OutdoorZ Commander—Best for Hunting
Specs
The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander backpack is perfect for hunting trips. The backpack is made from a durable ripstop fabric that works well even in the worst weather conditions. It has an external metal frame with a freighter shelf for additional storage.
The backpack dimensions are 102 x 43 x 15 centimeters, and it holds up to 86 liters of gear. The frame adds to the stability of the pack, and the straps are padded for extra comfort. There is a waist belt and chest straps to secure the backpack when fully loaded.
There are many compartments and pockets on this backpack, including a drop-down rifle pocket and hydration pocket.
The Verdict
What customers like about this bushcraft backpack is the solid frame and shelf that can be used for carrying meat or wood. The pockets are good for storing essentials close by when out hunting.
It’s a large bag with lots of room inside. This could be a good thing; however, it becomes heavy and difficult to carry when filled.
It’s a durable, sturdy backpack, but one thing to note is that some customers mention a squeaky frame when trying to creep up on your hunt. This could be distracting.
In Summary
The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander is an excellent backpack for hunting and has an impressive capacity for more extended expeditions. It’s a great design and has compartments and pockets just where you need them.
It has a drop-down rifle carrier so that you can be hands-free when trekking through rough terrain. It’s also comfortable to carry with the padded straps; the chest and waist straps help to keep it in place.
If you’re a lover of hunting, this may just be the backpack for you.
What to Look for in a Bushcraft Backpack
Bushcraft is a thrilling activity for both your body and your mind as you put your survival skills to the test. Learning how to live in the wild is a great thing to do and will test your strength and skills.
There are many things to look at when choosing the best bushcraft backpack for you. It’s essential to get the right bushcraft backpack to hold all of your gear and still be comfortable to carry.
Below are the main things that you should be looking at before you buy.
Purpose
Before you buy your bushcraft backpack, you need to decide what you will be using it for. What type of trip will you be doing? Will you be hunting, fishing, or trekking for miles and camping?
If you’re going hunting, you’ll need space for your gun as well as your haul. If you’re camping overnight, look out for a sleeping bag compartment to store your sleeping bag. Also, check for external straps or loops to hold your mat in place.
On long treks, you’ll need a hydration supply. Look for a compartment for a hydration bladder, so you don’t have to stop for every sip of water.
Material and Durability
There are many different quality materials that are used to make a bushcraft backpack. These are all fit for purpose and useful in their own way, but some materials are more durable than others. The two main materials used for the best bushcraft backpack models would be canvas and ripstop nylon.
Canvas
Bushcraft backpacks were traditionally made from canvas, which is a strong, robust material. This material can be waterproofed to keep your gear dry. One downside of canvas is the weight, as it’s a heavy material which isn’t ideal if traveling long distances. Canvas backpacks can also be more expensive than other materials.
Ripstop Nylon
This is a lightweight, breathable material that’s ideal for use in a bushcraft backpack. Ripstop nylon is waterproof and durable, with a resistance to tears, and is often used to make the best value hiking backpacks.
Frame
Bushcraft backpacks can have an internal or external frame, and some don’t have a frame at all. So what’s the difference?
An external frame is a more traditional style, and it adds stability to your backpack. It also gives you more storage as you can strap your gear, weapon, or catch to your backpack. However, these styles of backpack can be difficult to carry due to the size.
An internal frame has a lightweight suspension system to give your backpack stability without affecting your mobility. An internal frame backpack can be used in smaller spaces and over rough terrain without any issues. This style keeps your load closer to your body, giving you more security when trekking for long periods.
Size and Capacity
Bushcraft backpacks come in many sizes, and the one that you choose will depend on how you will use it. The size and capacity should be suitable for your use and the duration of your trip.
A smaller bushcraft backpack will be easier to carry and won’t hinder you when squeezing through small spaces. However, if you’re hiking or hunting for long periods, you’ll need a larger bag. You just need to keep in mind that this may affect how agile you will be.
The ideal backpack for you will have enough room for everything that you need for your trip. It will not be too big that you want to fill it with all kinds of things you don’t need. It will also not be too small that you have to leave things behind.
Compartments
The best bushcraft backpack will have lots of compartments and pockets to keep your essentials separate. This is useful when needing to keep things close to hand and is a great way of organizing your gear. Most backpacks have a main compartment inside and smaller compartments at the front, back, or side.
An external strap is a handy piece of kit that can be used to strap larger items to your backpack. These items, such as an ax or a roll mat, could be awkward to pack inside.
Weight
You’ll be carrying heavy loads inside your bushcraft backpack while hiking, so you don’t want the bag itself to be heavy. Choose a lightweight backpack, especially if you are going to be carrying it for long distances. Look at the materials, as these can affect the weight of your backpack.
Canvas is a heavier material, so while it’s durable and looks great, this could be a dealbreaker where weight is concerned.
Our Favorite
Our top pick for the best bushcraft backpack is the REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack. It’s a great all-around backpack that gives you the space and pockets needed for a successful expedition into the wild.
It’s low cost but offers great value for money and is a durable, water-resistant backpack. The shoulder straps and back panel are padded for extra comfort. Why not give it a go on your next trip to see what all the fuss is about!
Our runner-up would be the Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack. This is a durable backpack that will last for years and is worth every dollar spent.
