Saddle Hunting Gear – Omega Outdoors

In the last five years, hunters have witnessed the popularity of saddle hunting explode. They do offer a ton of flexibility to your hunt. You can be much more mobile with a tree saddle and shoot nearly 360 degrees around you. However, just like any kind of hunting, saddle hunting comes with plenty of gear, and a purpose-made saddle hunting backpack would make the hunt a lot more enjoyable. Since their resurgence, hunters have had a chance to figure out which packs are best suited to get their saddle setups in and out of the woods in the most convenient ways. I did my best to listen to what the market, and hunters, are saying about saddle hunting backpacks and comprised a list of the best 10 packs I could find here. I have new and older packs from new and old brands, and prices ranging anywhere from $30 to $500, so there really is something here for everyone. Although, before I dive into the specifics of each bag, here is a quick list of the bags you will see in this article; click their links to go to their respective sections and learn more about them. The Best All-Around Deal: Tidewe Hunting Backpack The Most Storage and Stability: Eberlestock X2 The Best Pack for Staying Silent: Sitka Fanatic The Ideal Small & Durable Pack: Killik K2000 Day Pack The Best Deal Under Two Pounds: Fieldline Ridge Tracker The Best Pack for Organized Hunters: Tenzing Hangtime The Best for Treestand Storage: Allen Bruiser The Best Lumbar Pack: Alps Outdoorz Little Bear The Best Overnighter: Mystery Ranch Pintler Best Light and Mobile Pack: Rustic Ridge Swing Hammer 1 | The Best All-Around Deal: Tidewe Hunting Backpack TIDEWE Hunting Backpack on Amazon Tidewe has come on strong in the last few years with affordable prices on various gear. Their hunting backpack is no exception and comes with all the features you need to manage your saddle equipment. Let’s start with the compression straps. Four run horizontally on the outside of the pack, and two run across the bottom. You can easily store your climbing sticks using the bottom or interior straps of the pack and carry your platform under the outermost two straps. Two large storage compartments leave you with 2200 cubic inches (CI) and more than enough room for an average hunt. If you have a long walk in, or just like carrying your weapon on your pack, there is a gun and bow holder with a quiver loop built in. Some extra features include a hydration port if you carry water and a rain cover that is connected to the bottom of the bag. Channeled back panels and a padded waistband make sure that the pack is both comfortable and secure. At 3.7 pounds, this Tidewe packs a lot of punch with a price tag between $50 - $100. Due to its price and performance, it's no wonder that this pack is often picked as the best for saddle hunters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVkUiHjrOOo NameTidewe Hunting BackpackPrice Range$50 - $100Weight3.7 lbsCapacity 2200 Cubic Inches / 36 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)21 x 12 x 10 See The Tidewe Backpack Here on Amazon 2 | The Most Storage and Stability: Eberlestock X2 Eberlestock X2 Pack - Mirage on Sportsmans Warehouse The Eberlestock X2 is one of the most talked about packs for anything hunting related, but especially saddle hunting. Right away, you notice all of the molle straps and a combination of horizontal and vertical buckle straps. There is no limit to how many ways you can situate your platform, sticks, and other gear on the outside of this bag. With compression straps and quick access pockets for tripods or spotting scopes, you can load this bag down with gear. Keeping the goal of staying light and mobile in mind, this full size pack has an aluminum frame to maintain its shape and keep it under five pounds at 4 lbs 12 oz. The side pouches fold out like wings when they aren’t secured by their straps. This lets you wrap your climbing sticks up on the inside of the pouches and place your platform under the compression straps that run horizontally. When everything is tight, you don’t have any of your metal gear clanking together as you move through the woods. Other specs for this pack include dimensions of 22.5” h, 16” w, and 6” d. A common review of this bag is that even though it weighs more than competing day packs, its stability from the aluminum frame more than makes up for it. You can expect the Eberlestock X2 to run between $150 - $250. https://youtu.be/nn9u0f-YQ1I NameEberlestock X2 PackPrice Range$150 - $250Weight4.75 lbsCapacity 1830 Cubic Inches / 30 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)22.5 x 16 x 6 See The Eberlestock X2 Here on Sportsman's Warehouse 3 | The Best Pack for Staying Silent: Sitka Fanatic Sitka Fanatic 35.5 Liter Day Pack from Sportsmans Warehouse When being silent and mobile are your main goals, you can’t ignore the technology that goes into the Sitka Fanatic pack. It is made out of Berber fleece, includes quiet Vislon zippers, and a silent hook and loop system for all compartments to eliminate buckle noise. This is a bucket style pack so it has one main compartment with small pockets on the inside. On the outside wings of the pack, you’ll find one large side pocket on the left and two small pockets stacked vertically on the right. The bucket design is ideal for hunting from a saddle because as the pack hangs in the tree with the top lid open, all of your gear is easily accessible. Molle loops are found on the side pockets and down the middle of the pack. This pack comes in ultra-light at just 2 pounds and 3 ounces. 2166 CI makes up the storage of the pack that Sitka says is “cutting the audible engagement distance in half”. The technology that goes into quieting this pack lands it on our list in the $175 - $225 price range. https://youtu.be/hwT7pA51RAI NameSitka Fanatic Day PackPrice Range$175 - $225Weight2.2 lbsCapacity 2166 Cubic Inches / 35.5 Liters See The Sitka Fanatic Day Pack Here on Sportsman's Warehouse 4 | The Ideal Small & Durable Pack: Killik K2000 Day Pack Killik K2000 36 Liter Day Pack on Sportsmans Warehouse The Killik K2000 Day Pack is one of the most weather resistant packs we have come across. Between its polyester material, YKK zippers, and Duraflex hardware, this Killik pack is ready to battle mother nature. When hanging in the tree, leave the horseshoe lid open for easy access to the main compartment. When you do this, the inside mesh pockets are exposed with zippers on the top and bottom. Your spotting scope and quiver both have designated spots on the outside of the pack. As for your saddle gear, there’s no shortage of places to store them. Compression straps cover the top, sides, and bottom of the K2000 pack. The weight of your gear won’t shift the pack around because it has an internal frame and dual panel back supports. There are over 21 pockets in this pack to help you stay organized, and you can expect it to run you between $150 - $200. https://youtu.be/3Dmqg6BuauI NameKillik K2000 Day PackPrice Range$150 - $200Weight4.5 lbsCapacity 2000 Cubic Inches / 36 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)22 x 12 x 8 See The Killik K2000 Day Pack Here on Sportsman's Warehouse 5 | The Best Deal Under Two Pounds: Fieldline Ridge Tracker Fieldline Ridge Tracker 29.5 Liter Hunting Day Pack on Sportsmans Warehouse Fieldline has a strong sub $100 offering here with the Ridge Tracker that has just over 1800 CI of storage. This doesn't make it a huge pack, but it has more than enough space for saddle hunting gear. Side compression straps give you a place to store climbing sticks. Your platform can be kept in the bag or secured to one of the four rows of molle loops on the outside of the bag. There is a soft top pocket that is meant to be used for electronics or a rangefinder. A holder designated for a trekking pole or shooting sticks is also built-in. A front stash pocket is a great place to store licenses, truck keys, or other small gear. If you carry water bladders, this will hold up to three liters. The Ridge Tracker is incredibly lightweight at 1 lb 12 oz for a full-size pack. This makes it ideal for saddle hunters who want their gear to be as light as possible while maximizing function. https://youtu.be/bi9wALbwoyQ?t=46 NameFieldline Ridge TrackerPrice Range$50 - $75Weight1.75 lbsCapacity 1800 Cubic Inches / 29.5 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)19.2 x 12.3 x 7.7 See The Fieldline Ridge Tracker Here on Sportsman's Warehouse 6 | The Best Pack for Organized Hunters: Tenzing Hangtime TENZING Hangtime Packs on Amazon The Tenzing Hangtime has a lot going for it. It has a lot of storage but weighs just 1 lb 14 oz. It's EVA mold keeps its shape without an interior frame, and it was built specifically to be used in a tree. Specialized features are all over this backpack with seven compartments and 15 pockets. Your game calls, optics, quiver, SD cards, and electronics all have storage designed just for them. While it is nice these pockets are labeled, those labels are obviously guidelines rather than requirements. A single horizontal strap runs across vertical molle loops, and three compression straps cross the top of the pack. This gives you plenty of options for how to secure a platform and sticks. The way the Hangtime keeps its bucket shape makes it easy to access gear in the tree. No more shuffling through a pack that is folded up on itself while it hangs from a hook. The quiet fabric and ridged body cuts down on noise significantly. The 1600 cubic inches of storage is more than enough for most day hunts. The fact that this pack has waist straps is also a plus; they help redistribute the weight of your platform and other gear to your hips instead of your shoulders. All and all, the Tenzing Hangtime makes for a great saddle pack in the $150 - $220 range. https://youtu.be/L3xWVUP7rjM NameTenzing Hangtime PackPrice Range$150 - $220Weight1.875 lbsCapacity 1600 Cubic Inches / 26.22 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)19 x 16 x 8 See The Tenzing Hangtime Pack Here on Amazon 7 | The Best for Treestand Storage: Allen Bruiser Allen Company Saddle Hunting Backpack on Amazon One of the most unique features of the Allen Bruiser is that the outside panel drops down and forms a shelf with its self-supporting straps. You can have your pack hanging in the tree and store binoculars, calls, or whatever gear you choose in a spot that is easy to reach. The straps on the outside of the pack that are meant for securing a gun or bow are likely what you will use to secure your platform. Compression straps across the bottom give you a convenient spot to carry your climbing sticks. Between Allen’s special shoulder grip design and the waistband, it is easy to make this pack feel secure on your back. If you aren’t a fan of the padded waistband, you can remove it and use just the shoulder straps. This will help to take weight off the pack that weighs 4.3 pounds and has nearly 2300 cubic inches of storage inside. This is a great all around deer hunting pack, and it definitely has everything a saddle hunter is looking for. You can expect to find the Bruiser between $100 - $150. https://youtu.be/wdQu87bJmIY NameAllen Bruiser BackpackPrice Range$100 - $150Weight4.3 lbsCapacity 2300 Cubic Inches / 37.7 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)21 x 14 x 8 See The Allen Bruiser Backpack Here on Amazon 8 | The Best Lumbar Pack: Alps Outdoorz Little Bear ALPS OutdoorZ Little Bear Hunting Pack on Amazon In the spirit of being as light as possible, don’t overlook fanny-style (lumbar) packs like the Little Bear from Alps Outdoorz. Whether you are scouting or hunting, you’ll love the lightweight of a lumbar pack. Without a back panel to heat you up, it will cut down on sweat and unwanted scent in the summertime and early season. Your platform and sticks can be strapped using the two outer buckles. I strap my three climbing sticks on the bottom and then run the straps through holes in my platform. Depending on the gear you run, you may want to consider putting a piece of rubber where your platform and sticks meet to cut down on sound. The pack has four pockets, and the waist belt gives an extra two. Alps gives you the option of adding extra pockets and a bino attachment. These pockets are a great place to keep a rangefinder, wind detector, or other equipment you need quick access to on the way to your tree. The Little Bear weighs 2 lbs. 2 oz. out of the box, but you can get the total weight under two pounds if you take off the removable shoulder harness. If you are a run-and-gun style hunter that does a lot of in-season scouting, I highly recommend checking out this $50 - $100 pack from Alps Outdoorz. https://youtu.be/LBtytGR2drw?t=17 NameAlps Outdoorz Little BearPrice Range$50 - $100Weight2.125 lbsCapacity 500 Cubic Inches / 8 Liters See The Alps Outdoorz Little Bear Here on Amazon 9 | The Best Overnighter: Mystery Ranch Pintler Mystery Ranch Pintler 38.6 Liter Hunting Pack on Sportsmans Warehouse The Mystery Ranch Pintler is a top-end hunting pack that caters to those who take their saddle on overnight trips, and those who love to pack a lot of gear. Buckle straps and molle loops cover the outside of the pack which is over two feet tall and one foot wide. Mystery Ranch’s Guide Light MT Frame gives it a streamlined shape that still stores 2355 CI. The way the storage is set up is really unique. The main compartment can be accessed through the top lid or through the zipper that runs down the entire front of the bag. There is enough room to store your climbing sticks inside or use the space for a tripod, tent, or extra clothes. If you are gear head that likes to be prepared for every possible situation, attach the OVERLOAD conversion frame for more stability. Although with all this room and ability, you might expect that this pack weighs 5.4 pounds. The YKK coated zippers help keep the pack quiet and the water out. The 500D Light Plus fabric is tear resistant, and with all of the other quality components you can expect to pay from $450-$525 for this top of the line pack. https://youtu.be/l0n9sDNvrQ0 NameMystery Ranch Pintler PackPrice Range$450 - $525Weight5.4 lbsCapacity 2355 Cubic Inches / 38.6 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)24.5 x 12 x 10 See The Mystery Ranch Pintler Here on Sportsman's Warehouse 10 | Best Light and Mobile Pack: Rustic Ridge Swing Hammer Rustic Ridge Swing Hammer Lumbar RealTree Edge Pack on Sportsmans Warehouse The Rustic Ridge Swing Hammer pack is a great entry level lumbar style pack. It has enough straps to hold all of your saddle equipment without breaking the bank. A pocket on each side of the waistband makes it easy to access your rangefinder, cell phone, or extra rounds. The chest strap and waistband cinch tight to give you a compact feeling pack even with all of your saddle equipment secured to it. Even if this doesn’t serve as your day pack 365 days a year, it makes a great affordable summer and early-season alternative. At 12.5” long and just 9” tall this small bag still stores over 850 CI in two compartments and a couple of side pouches. You can try out this affordable, sub 2 lb lumber pack from $30 - $50. NameRustic Ridge Swing Hammer Price Range$30 - $50Capacity 850 Cubic Inches / 14 LitersDimensions HxWXD (inches)9 x 12.5 x 4 See The Rustic Ridge Swing Hammer Here on Sportsman's Warehouse As saddle hunting has spread throughout the outdoor community, I have started seeing an increase in gear being tailored to the saddle hunter. While all 10 of these packs are not specifically made for saddle hunting, I'm betting the designers considered saddler hunters. More emphasis is being placed on being light, mobile, and efficient, and I expect this trend to continue in the coming years. Who knows, maybe next year, there will be a pack that blows all of these out of the water! I'll be sure to make a hands-on review of it ;) Sister Post | Can You Saddle Hunt With a Rifle? [A Simple Guide] A sister post is another post that I have written that follows along with the same topic as the one you just read. After reading this article, you will probably like this next one even more! Here is a little teaser… Saddle hunting is an awesome way to hunt whitetail deer, and any serious whitetail hunter definitely needs to give it a try. Although if you are a rifle hunter, saddle hunting can come with a number of challenges...Keep Reading Holding Your Rifle in the Tree To hold your rifle on the tree, you need to use a...Keep Reading Making an Accurate Rifle Shot From a Saddle The bridge of the saddle is also a useful support for those shots that have to be nearly free-handed. If there is a deer approaching from your rear, it can be hard to swing all the way around the tree without being busted. Instead...Keep Reading Click Here to Keep on Reading!