The best hunting backpacks for carrying firearms and gear
A dependable hunting backpack must carry a firearm securely while leaving room for water, food, navigation equipment, first-aid supplies and weather protection. For Australian hunters, the right design also needs to suit long walks through scrub, open grazing country, steep alpine tracks or dry bushland.
The strongest choice is rarely the largest pack in the shop. Fit, access, firearm protection and load stability matter more than excessive capacity. A well-organised hunting daypack can reduce noise, prevent equipment from shifting and keep essential items accessible without interfering with safe firearm handling.
| Backpack type | Best use | Main strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact daypack | Short hunts and managed properties | Light, quick to organise | Limited space for water and meat |
| Rifle-carry hunting pack | Bush stalking and longer walks | Stable firearm attachment and supportive harness | Heavier and usually more expensive |
| 30–45 litre pack | Full-day or remote hunts | Good balance of equipment capacity and comfort | Can become bulky when overloaded |
| Expandable meat-hauling pack | Multi-day trips or harvested game | Carries extra clothing and meat | Requires careful weight distribution |
| Bow-style or open-access pack | Quiet movement and fast access | Flexible storage and low-profile design | May offer less firearm protection |
Choose the pack around the hunt
A compact 20–30 litre pack suits a short outing near a vehicle, especially when carrying binoculars, a small first-aid kit, snacks, a rain shell and limited ammunition. For remote country around regional New South Wales, Victoria or Tasmania, a 35–45 litre model provides better space for extra layers, water and emergency equipment.
An internal-frame hunting pack is useful when the route includes hills, fallen timber or long approaches. Its frame transfers weight to the hips and reduces shoulder fatigue. Lightweight daypacks work well for flat farmland, but their straps may allow a rifle or heavy binoculars to swing while walking.
Prioritise fit and quiet movement
Measure the pack against torso length rather than choosing solely by body height. The hip belt should sit firmly around the pelvis, the shoulder straps should follow the body without gaps, and the sternum strap should stabilise the load without restricting breathing. Test the pack while wearing the clothing normally used during an early-morning hunt.
Noise can matter as much as comfort. Avoid stiff, crinkly fabric and loose buckles that rattle through scrub. Covered zips, quiet nylon panels and compression straps help keep movement discreet. A pack that stays close to the back is also safer when climbing through branches or moving across uneven ground.
Protect the firearm during transport
A rifle-carrying backpack should hold the firearm securely, with a padded scabbard or protected attachment system that prevents the barrel and stock from striking trees. The firearm must remain under the user’s control and be carried in a safe condition according to applicable law and range or property rules.
Many Australian hunters transport firearms to a property in a locked case, separate from ammunition, before transferring to a field carry system. The details vary between jurisdictions, so check the current requirements for your state or territory, including rules covering unloading, storage, vehicle transport and access by other people.
When selecting a pack for a particular firearm, check the scabbard length and opening. A full-size centrefire rifle, rimfire rifle and compact sporting firearm can require different dimensions. A design that accommodates a mounted optic without forcing the rifle against the pack frame is especially valuable.
Organise ammunition and essentials
Separate compartments make it easier to locate equipment without emptying the entire pack. Useful features include a secure ammunition pouch, hydration sleeve, binocular harness compatibility, map pocket and external attachment points for trekking poles or a lightweight rain cover.
Ammunition should be carried in a secure, suitable container and handled in accordance with local law and manufacturer guidance. Keep cartridges protected from moisture, grit and impact. For broader information about compatible products and storage options, review the retailer’s selection of ammunition and magazines.
Carry water generously in Australian conditions. A two-litre bladder may be adequate for a short winter outing near Melbourne, while a longer walk in Western Australia or inland Queensland can demand considerably more planning. Add a compact first-aid kit, headlamp, charged phone or satellite communicator, fire-starting equipment where lawful, and high-energy food.
Match materials to Australian weather
Waxed canvas offers a traditional appearance and can be quiet in cool conditions, while synthetic nylon usually provides lower weight and quicker drying. Look for reinforced stitching, durable base panels and water-resistant zips. A built-in rain cover is useful during sudden downpours in the ranges, although it should not replace waterproof dry bags for critical items.
Dust and fine grit are common concerns on unsealed roads and dry tracks. Bright interior linings make small items easier to find, while protected zips reduce contamination. In humid coastal areas such as Brisbane or Darwin, ventilated back panels and quick-drying materials can make a substantial difference during long walks.
The pack should also cope with temperature changes. An early start may require a fleece and beanie, followed by strong afternoon heat. Expandable compartments let the hunter store removed layers without hanging them from the outside, where they can snag on vegetation.
Keep the load stable and compliant
Place dense items close to the spine and above the hip belt, while lighter clothing fills the outer sections. Water should be balanced rather than carried on one side. Avoid attaching heavy accessories to the exterior unless they are tightly secured, since swinging equipment can affect footing and create noise.
Firearm actions, carrying methods and permitted hunting activities are influenced by Australian state and territory legislation. Public-land hunting may require a licence, permit or written permission, and private property access must be authorised by the landholder. Requirements can also differ for firearms used in pest control, sport shooting and hunting.
Hunters should understand their firearm’s operating system and safe handling practices before choosing a carry setup. A useful firearm action guide explains why different action designs affect handling and storage considerations, even though long guns are more common for Australian hunting.
Choose a pack that supports lawful, controlled transport rather than treating the firearm as another piece of luggage. Before travelling from Sydney to a rural property, confirm the relevant state rules, the destination’s requirements and the condition of the firearm. At Guns and Magz, compare packs and compatible shooting equipment alongside the firearms, ammunition and accessories needed for a properly planned field outing.