What is the best bushcraft backpack? The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Backpack is my top choice if you want the best value for your money. It offers phenomenal all-around experience at a relatively low price.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Surviving in the wilderness is all about having the right tools at the right time. And to carry the tools you need, you need to have a decent backpack that can endure the rough conditions of the outside world.
A proper bushcraft backpack or rucksack enables you to pack all your necessary tools and supplies in one small package. Made with premium materials, a good backpack is also able to withstand the wild for much longer than your everyday pack.
Keep reading to discover what are my other top picks and learn how to choose the right one for you.
Reviews of the Best Bushcraft Backpacks
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Backpack
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For a medium budget, the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander backpack is my top pick.
This external frame backpack is made with high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric. The Commander Freighter Frame is made of aluminum for light weight and rigidity.
The included pack has a capacity of 86L, which provides you with ample space to carry all your supplies with the help of separate built-in compartments.
It has a flashlight holder, a front pocket and two accessory side pockets. And as a bonus, the unique lashing system allows you to hang the small game you hunt.
The ALPS OutdoorZ also comes with a hydration port and pocket to make water easily accessible to you.
All in all, this pack gives you a great high-end experience at a much lesser price point.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Very versatile
- Solid metal frame
- Huge capacity (86L)
Cons:
- The shoulder straps could be more comfortable
- It is a large backpack, and thus may not be suitable for people with a small frame
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2. Eberlestock G4 Operator Pack
The Eberlestock G4 Operator Pack has an amazing build quality and is very durable. Although the price is on the higher side, it’s one of the best ergonomically designed bushcraft backpack you can buy.
There is truly not much competition in front of this backpack when it comes to surviving in the wild. The Eberlestock G4 is an insane pack with high capacity
This pack has a capacity of 77L, which is just about the right size for packing up all your supplies. All of your extra gear and tools can go into the various pockets and loops that are distributed on all sides of the backpack. It also has a full sized tube pocket which can be used as a hydration chamber.
The backpack has a newly designed Intex II frame which is made of aluminum. The structure is extremely rigid and robust – made with high-quality and ultra-durable nylon. The fabric itself is water resistant, and the backpack also includes a full-length rain cover to make it fully waterproof during heavy showers.
The G4 is extremely comfortable to use. The padded shoulder straps and waistband are high-quality. But what makes this backpack special is its ergonomics. The frame of the bag is made in such a way that it distributes the load really efficiently, and makes you feel like you’re carrying a much lighter load.
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Pros:
- Outstanding ergonomics
- Excellent build quality
- Extremely versatile
- Included rain cover
- Very lightweight
- Very durable
- Perfect for long trips in the wilderness
Cons:
- The price – it’s not a cheap backpack
3. Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Backpack
The Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Backpack is survivalist Ray Mears’ personal backpack. You can seriously consider this rucksack if you are looking for a well-rounded bag on a medium budget.
The best feature of this pack is the build quality. The Karrimor SF Sabre uses 1000D ballistic nylon, which means that it will last for a very long time.
The buckles and zippers are also good quality, and it contains clips to retain the excess straps.
This backpack has ample amount of space in the main compartment – 45L to be precise. When you need to stay on the road for longer, you can attach various types of pockets to increase its capacity. It also has two side loops to hold different tools.
The Sabre uses a rigid backplate as its frame. This allows you to carry heavier loads than a normal backpack of the same size.
The backside and the shoulder straps are heavily padded for comfort, and it also has a waistband for added stability.
Pros:
- Impressive build quality
- Great versatility
- Very comfortable
- You can attach 2 extra bags for added capacity
Cons:
- The 2 extra bags are not included – you must buy them separately
- The frame is not adjustable
4. OneTigris Outdoor Rover 50L Pack
The OneTigris Outdoor Rover 50L Backpack is a great choice if you’re looking for a medium-sized, budget-friendly option. It has a capacity of 50L and can pack all the essential bushcraft kit items you’ll need for 3-4 days.
The rucksack comes with an extension kit, and has quite a number of pockets and zipped chambers to store your tools. It even has a hydration bladder at the top to keep you hydrated while you’re on the road.
The best thing about this backpack is that it’s made of 1000D nylon, which is extremely sturdy and can last for almost a lifetime of normal use. It’s quite rare to find a backpack in this price range using this material.
The pack has MOLLE webbings at the side and front, which allow you to add more pockets and extensions. It also comes with wide, padded shoulder straps with quick disconnect mechanism to unload the pack in a hurry. The included hip belt helps to stabilize the backpack and gives you a more comfortable experience.
Pros:
- Extremely well built for the price tag
- Expandable and versatile
- Includes a hydration pocket
- Quick disconnect mechanism for the shoulder straps
Cons:
- Subpar back support and ventilation
- Expanding the backpack for longer trips will cost you extra
5. Gootium 21101 Thick Canvas Backpack
As far as bushcraft backpacks go, the
For a low-cost pack, the Gottium 21101 is pretty robust. It’s made of 100% pure solid cotton fiber, which will surely last quite long. Although the material isn’t waterproof, the backpack has a cover for its top opening to resist water from entering.
The
It has padded and adjustable shoulder straps so that you can carry it comfortably. It also has full grain leather on the trim and metal clasps to provide extra longevity. It is a very good option if you are looking for a low
Pros:
- Low cost
Good amount of space for the price- Sturdy material
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No frame for added rigidity
- Not suitable for long trips or heavy loads
What Is a Bushcraft Backpack?
A bushcraft backpack is a compact pack made to endure the harsh conditions of the wild. They are great for a casual day trip into the wilderness, and ex
What separates them from the ordinary backpacks is mainly the materials they are made of.
Most of the better quality bushcraft backpacks come with a metal frame, which can be internal or external. This frame allows the backpack to maintain its rigidity for a long time, and protect your precious tools while you are wandering in the wilderness.
The top quality bushcraft backpacks also come with premium quality nylon fabric which ensures their longevity. While being made with such premium materials, they still manage to keep their weight at the lighter side to allow you to move quickly without tiring you down.
Bushcraft backpacks are all about compactness. Their size may vary depending on how long you are planning to stay out in the wild. But all of the best bushcraft backpacks have some creative storage solutions to efficiently pack all your needed tools.
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Do You Need a Bushcraft Backpack?
A bushcraft backpack is designed to take your prepping and adventurous wilderness hikes to the next level. Having one means that you can pack all your tools and supplies beforehand in a compact package, such as:
- An emergency tent
- Long-lasting food
- A fire starter
- A water filter
- A flashlight
- A good knife
And if and when the need occurs, you can just grab the rucksack and take off.
Moreover, a proper survival backpack will last much longer than a regular backpack in the wild. So, no matter what you have to do – run through forests or hike on a mountainous trail, get wet in the rains or while crossing a river – you can trust that your supplies will remain safely stored.
Also, proper bushcraft backpacks are quite lightweight. This allows you to pack all the necessary things and yet be fast and agile on your feet. They are ergonomically designed not to tire you down.
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What to Look for in a Bushcraft Backpack
As bushcraft backpacks are such an essential tool for your prepping and outdoor day trips, you need to know which qualities to look for while choosing one. According to our experience, these are the main qualities that your survival backpack should have.
Lightweight
Having an unnecessary bulky bag will add to the total weight you have to carry, which will eventually slow you down. A light, yet sturdy backpack, will ensure that you have the energy to freely roam around for a longer period of time.
Covered top opening
This will prevent water to get in and ruin your supplies. The backpack should also be made of waterproof material to prevent water damage.
Metal frame
It’s great if you can find a backpack with a metal frame within your budget. While some of the packs do not use any frames in order to make them more versatile, having a metal frame will make your backpack much sturdier. You can also tie up some of your tools around the frame to carry more stuff (in the case of an external frame backpack).
Padded shoulders
You should always choose a bushcraft backpack with nicely padded shoulder straps. Remember, you need to carry this thing around in the wild for a long time. Padded shoulder straps will ensure that this doesn’t result in a severe backache.
Related Article: Best Bushcraft Tarp
My Choice for the Best Bushcraft Backpack
Once again, my top pick for the best bushcraft backpack is the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Backpack. If you’re looking for a backpack that offers the most value for your money, without breaking the bank, then this one is a safe bet.
However, if you have a bigger budget, you should consider the Eberlestock G4 Operator Pack. It is extremely robust, capable of withstanding the harsh outdoor conditions for a long time. It has an ample amount of storage space and pockets to pack all your gear and supplies. The brilliantly designed aluminum internal frame and the padded straps make carrying this backpack a breeze.
Top Rated Bushcraft Backpacks
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API