Hunting Backpack Guide: Rifle Packs and UK Picks
Hunting backpack: what to look for before you buy
The right hunting backpack depends on what you need to carry: a rifle, day-hunt equipment, camping kit or game after a successful stalk. Start by choosing between a purpose-built hunting pack and a conventional trekking rucksack. A hunting-specific design can add an integrated rifle holder, specialised access and equipment storage, while a trekking pack is intended for general walking and wild camping.
For rifle carry, the Vorn LT12, EV30 and EV45 are the clearest UK-market options in this guide. They use an integrated rifle-carry system intended to protect the rifle while keeping it accessible, according to the Vorn equipment range at Scott Country International. The LT12 has 12 litres of capacity, the EV30 has 30 litres and the EV45 has 45 litres for longer days or additional equipment.
Capacity, back support, rifle access and rain protection are the main points to compare. The correct combination matters more than choosing the largest pack available: a small bag may leave no room for additional equipment, while a larger bag is not automatically better for a compact day hunt.
Best hunting backpack options compared
Outdoor Life names the Stone Glacier Solo 3600 its Best Overall, the Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400 its Best for Backcountry Hunts and the Kifaru Shape Charge its Best Day Pack in its 2026 editor-tested guide. Those awards cover different hunting styles and provide a useful external comparison to the UK-market Vorn options.
Prices below are listed retailer prices, and availability differs between retailers.
| Backpack | Listed price |
|---|---|
| Vorn LT12 | £239.99–£269.99 |
| Vorn EV30 | £325.00 |
| Vorn EV45 | £339.00–£355.00 |
| Vorn DX30 | £169.99, including a sale listing |
| Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L | £150.00 |
| Vorn C50 rain cover | £35.00 |
The LT12 is listed at £260.00 by BushWear, £269.99 by Scott Country International and £239.99 by TacticalScope. The EV30 is listed at £325.00 by BushWear and Optics Warehouse, while the EV45 is listed at £355.00 by BushWear and £339.00 by Scott Country International. The DX30 is listed at £169.99 by Scott Country International, while R. Macleod lists it at £169.99 on sale against an original price of £199.00.
The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L is a conventional trekking pack rather than a rifle backpack. It has a 40-litre volume, a listed weight of 1.774 kg, an adjustable back length, hip belt, water-bladder compatibility and a detachable rain cover. This makes it a useful comparison for walking or camping, but it is not a substitute for a pack with an integrated rifle-carry system.
Hunting backpack with rifle holder
A hunting backpack with rifle holder is worth considering when you need to cover serious ground with both hands free. A rifle-carry system can keep the rifle close to the pack while carrying supplies, giving the pack a different purpose from an ordinary walking rucksack. This is particularly relevant when the hunt involves uneven ground or a substantial amount of equipment. Optics Warehouse describes rifle backpacks as useful for carrying a rifle and supplies while keeping both hands free.
The Vorn LT12 is the most compact of the three Vorn models covered here. Its Quick Rifle Release system, removable hip belt and integrated barrel cover suit a hunter who wants a relatively small pack for essential equipment. Its 12-litre capacity is more appropriate for a focused day load than for camping equipment or a large amount of clothing.
The EV30 gives you 30 litres, making it a more flexible choice for a longer day, additional layers and food. The EV45 increases the available space to 45 litres and uses the same Quick Rifle Release concept as the LT12. Choose the LT12 for a compact load, the EV30 for a fuller day pack or the EV45 when carrying more equipment is the priority.
Fit still matters. Load heavier equipment close to your back, adjust the shoulder straps so the pack does not pull away from your body, and use the hip belt when carrying a substantial load. The removable hip belt on the LT12 allows a lighter, less structured setup for some outings.
Waterproof hunting backpack: rain covers and fabric
A waterproof hunting backpack needs more than a water-resistant outer fabric. Most rucksack fabrics are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, and seams and zips can allow water in during sustained rain. A rain cover is therefore a practical part of the system. Sensitive equipment can also be placed inside dry bags or waterproof pouches. This distinction is important in the UK, where prolonged rain can expose weaknesses that a short shower will not.
Vorn’s C50 rain cover is listed at £35.00 by BushWear and is described as 100% waterproof for packs from 12 to 50 litres. That range covers the LT12, EV30 and EV45 capacities in this guide. A cover also helps keep mud and wet vegetation off the pack during a stalk.
The Vorn LT12 uses V-Tex fabric, has a frameless construction, hydration compatibility and an integrated barrel cover, according to Optics Warehouse. These are useful features, but they do not make every backpack fully waterproof: protection depends on the fabric, construction and cover used.
Choosing the right hunting backpack capacity
Use capacity as a planning tool rather than a measure of quality. The Vorn LT12’s 12 litres suit a compact day load, while 30 litres gives more space for layers, food and additional field items. A 45-litre pack is better suited to bulky clothing, longer outings or a larger load.
- 12 litres: choose this for a compact day load when you want rifle carry and essential equipment.
- 30 litres: choose this for a fuller day hunt with extra clothing, food and field accessories.
- 45 litres: choose this for longer days, bulkier equipment or a load that overlaps with camping requirements.
Outdoor Life advises matching the pack to whether you are carrying day gear, camping equipment or meat. Game can change the load after a successful hunt, so a pack intended for that use needs appropriate structure and carrying support. A large hiking bag is not automatically suitable for meat or a rifle; the actual design and load-carrying features matter.
Capacity also affects how easy it is to organise equipment. A smaller pack can make essential items easier to reach and discourage carrying unnecessary weight. A larger pack gives more flexibility for spare clothing, food and other field equipment, but it needs a suitable support system when the load becomes substantial.
Hunting backpack UK buying guide
For a UK buyer, the strongest choice depends on whether rifle transport is central to the trip. The Vorn LT12, EV30 and EV45 provide documented integrated rifle-carry systems and UK-listed prices. For general walking or wild camping without a rifle, a conventional trekking pack may offer a better balance of features and cost.
A dedicated rifle pack costs more because its design includes hunting-specific carrying hardware and access. A general trekking pack may be the more practical choice for someone who walks, camps and carries outdoor equipment but does not need a rifle holder. The distinction is not simply between a cheaper and a more expensive bag: it is between different carrying purposes.
Fjällräven presents its hunting range around storage and handling features for hunting and shooting bags, while Härkila describes its hunting backpacks as weather-resistant and designed for rain, mud and harsh weather. Härkila’s range includes a Forest Hunter 12L Backpack listed at €149.95 and a 30-litre weekend bag. These are alternatives to Vorn, although the UK price comparison here focuses on the models with verified UK listings.
Hunter backpack at TK Maxx: is it a hunting pack?
Searches for “hunter backpack TK Maxx” can refer to the Hunter brand rather than a backpack designed for hunting. TK Maxx UK listed a Hunter Black Tain Backpack at £44.99 against an RRP of £80.00, and a Hunter Black Islay Backpack at £39.99 against an RRP of £75.00. These are general Hunter-branded fashion backpacks, not purpose-built rifle or hunting packs.
That makes them a different purchase from a Vorn or another rifle backpack. They may be relevant as everyday bags, but the listed Hunter models do not belong in a comparison of rifle holders, hunting capacity or game-carry systems. For hunting, select a pack according to its documented carrying function rather than the word “Hunter” in the brand name.
Best backpack for wild camping in the UK
For most UK wild-camping trips, a 40–55-litre backpack is a useful starting range. A guide to UK wild camping suggests 35–45 litres for overnighters and 45–55 litres for multi-day trips. The best size depends on how compact the sleeping system, shelter, clothing and cooking equipment are.
The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L is a current UK option at £150.00, with an adjustable back system, hip belt, hydration compatibility and a detachable rain cover. A 40-litre pack is more suitable for a compact overnight or lightweight trip than for bulky winter equipment. It is also a better match for wild camping than a 12-litre hunting pack when shelter and sleeping equipment must be carried.
A hunting backpack with rifle carry can work for an outing that combines hunting and camping, but rifle hardware may add weight and cost when those features are not needed. For ordinary UK wild camping, a trekking pack with a supportive hip belt, adjustable back length and rain protection is the more direct choice.
What should every hunter carry?
A basic load should include water, an emergency first-aid kit and navigation equipment such as a map. A hunter-education manual also lists a survival kit, torch or flashlight, matches or another fire starter, knife, cordage and food among useful equipment. Extra clothing is sensible where conditions can change, particularly on longer or more exposed outings.
The exact load should be adapted to the terrain, weather, duration and legal requirements of the hunt. Keep frequently used items accessible, protect sensitive equipment from rain and distribute heavier items close to the back. A pack is useful only when its contents remain manageable and the equipment needed in an emergency can be reached without unpacking everything.
Which Vorn backpack should you choose?
For a compact rifle-carrying day pack, choose the Vorn LT12. Its 12-litre capacity, Quick Rifle Release system, hydration compatibility, integrated barrel cover and removable hip belt make it the most focused option of the three.
For a fuller day load, the Vorn EV30 is the balanced choice. Its 30 litres provide more room for clothing, food and field equipment without moving to the largest model.
For a larger load or longer outing, choose the Vorn EV45. Its 45-litre capacity gives more space for bulky equipment while retaining the Quick Rifle Release system. The Vorn DX30 is the lower-priced Vorn listing in the comparison, making it relevant to shoppers looking for a hunting backpack sale, but the documented price alone does not establish the same feature profile as the LT12, EV30 or EV45.
For walking or camping without a rifle, choose the Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L instead. Its trekking features are better aligned with a conventional outdoor load, while the Vorn models are designed around rifle carry.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hunting backpack worth it?
Usually, yes, if you carry a rifle, equipment over uneven ground or game after a successful stalk. Purpose-built packs can provide rifle carry, load distribution, hydration compatibility and specialised storage. A general hiking pack may be sufficient for a short hunt with light equipment, but it will not provide the same documented rifle-carry features as a dedicated model.
What is the best hunting backpack?
The most suitable model depends on the load. Choose the Vorn LT12 for a compact 12-litre day load, the EV30 for a fuller 30-litre load or the EV45 for a larger 45-litre load. For a separate editorial comparison, Outdoor Life names the Stone Glacier Solo 3600 Best Overall, the Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400 Best for Backcountry Hunts and the Kifaru Shape Charge Best Day Pack.
What is the best backpack for wild camping in the UK?
A 40–55-litre trekking backpack is a practical starting point for most UK wild-camping trips, with smaller overnight loads and larger multi-day loads within that range. The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 40L is the direct UK option covered here, with an adjustable back system, hip belt, hydration compatibility and rain cover.
What should every hunter carry?
Carry water, a first-aid kit, a map, a light, fire-starting equipment, a knife, cordage, food and a survival kit. Add clothing and other equipment according to the weather, terrain, length of the trip and the requirements of the hunt.