Best Bushcraft Hiking and Camping Backpacks for 2023

BEST BUSH BACKPACKS FOR 2023

If you are military personnel or you love hunting with tactical bags, then the best bushcraft backpack will give you the information you are looking for.

Owning a backpack that can thrive in a natural environment is a must-have for anyone, whether going hiking, skiing, camping or travelling. With plans for an outdoor trip, getting the best backpack for bushcrafting is expected and can be challenging.

A bushcraft backpack is different from the usual backpacks with its design and custom. They are designed with features that give the pack the features to fit the special needs when hiking in the bush.

They type of adventure you are planning determines the type of backback you should invest in. Does this make sense? It is easy to pick out newbies, just check out their backpacks. The kind of adventure or trip determines the type of bushcraft backpack you should invest in.

BEST BUSHCRAFT BACKPACK WITH AXE HOLDER

CVLIFE MILITARY TACTICAL BACKPACK ARMY ASSAULT PACK BUILT-UP MOLLE BAG RUCKSACK

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The best bushcraft backpack with axe holder is a 4-in-1 spacious military backpack with multiple functions. It has well-organized pockets and detachable pouches to fit all essentials.

The bushcraft backpack has a bite valve hole at the top of the pack to support the hydration bladder.

Also, bushcraft backpack with axe holder is made from a 600D water-resistant fabric with rain diverting flaps. Combined with its large capacity, it is perfect as an outdoor backpack.

Pros

  • Detachable front and side pouches
  • Adjustable dual mesh shoulder straps
  • Durable buckle and copious waist belt
  • Double compression straps
  • Superior MOLLE webbing around the pack
  • Heavy-duty zippers

Cons

  • Compression straps are a bit frail

WHAT IS THE BEST BUSHCRAFT BACKPACK?

The best bushcraft backpack is backpacked strong enough to thrive in the woods or outdoors for extended periods.

These backpacks are required to have certain features to be called a bushcraft bag. They include;

  • Hydration compartments
  • Built-in axe sleeve
  • Compression straps
  • Bottom web loops
  • MOLLE webbing to easily attach outdoor gears, sleeping pads etc
  • Durability and resistance to abrasion
  • Padded back for load carry comfort
  • Covered flap opening

TOP 10 BEST BUSHCRAFT BACKPACK

HELIKON-TEX BUSHCRAFT LINE, MATILDA BACKPACK

Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Line, Matilda Backpack

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An ergonomic universal bushcraft backpack with compression straps at the sides to support weight balance and comfort.

It has two compression ribbons fitted on the sides useable to carry camping foam mats and an extra two at the bottom.

Also, the bushcraft bag is made using a Nylon Cordura 500D fabric with a reputation for durability and resistance to abrasion. External pockets are designed with a Centre channel and an adjustable drawbridge sleeve.

Pros

  • Multiple external MOLLE/PALS webbings for add-ons
  • Lightweight
  • Detachable hip belt
  • Hydration compatible system
  • YKK Zippers inclusive
  • Loop panel on the flap for customization
  • Carry handle with comfortable shoulder straps
  • Breathable mesh texture

Cons

  • Not water-resistant

MARDINGTOP 50L/60L/75L MOLLE HIKING INTERNAL FRAME BACKPACKS

Mardingtop 50L/60L/75L Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpacks with Rain Cover

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The Mardingtop backpack is a durable and multifunctional bushcraft daypack perfect for hiking, trekking, camping, travelling, or a survival backpack.

Furthermore, the bushcraft backpack is made from a 600D Polyester water-resistant fabric. The backpack is designed with a Lid MOLLE system, a lightweight load hauler at all parts.

The main compartment is easily accessible with large zipped entry.

Pros

  • Zippered pocket at the bottom of the pack with rain cover inclusive
  • Two compression straps and Bottom loops for extra carry
  • Padded back area for comfort
  • YKK buckles and YKK Zippers
  • Elastic and Adjustable Sternum straps
  • Hydration Pocket with a tube controlling system
  • Elastic Compartment to fit a 16-inch laptop
  • Front pockets and dual side pockets to hold essentials

Cons

  • Hip belt padding is too light
  • Loose shoulder straps

GOOTIUM 21101 SPECIALLY HIGH-DENSITY THICK CANVAS BACKPACK RUCKSACK

Gootium 21101 Specially High-density Thick Canvas Backpack Rucksack

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Rugged and stylish backpack designed with full cotton fabric, perfect for travelling with comfort. It has a front stash pocket and two side pockets to complement the main compartment.

The vintage style bushcraft rucksack is designed with genuine leather trim and a drawstring closure type.

Pros

  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
  • Cover flap and drawstring closure
  • The main compartment allows a 16-inch laptop
  • Lightweight
  • Water-resistant
  • Heavy-duty Canvas fabric
  • Interior zippered pocket

Cons

  • Flimsy buckles
  • No hydration compartment
  • No padded Laptop Pocket

BACKFERRY Large Military Backpack for Men Army Rucksack with Internal Frame Hydration and MOLLE Compatible. Top and Front Load For Wild Camping Backpacking Hiking Bushcraft Adventure 60L

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The best bushcraft backpack made from the USA from a 500D double-walled Fabric. With its lightweight and water-resistant structure, it is perfect for survivalist, woodchoppers and bushcrafters. It has a 60-inch adjustable strap to be worn over the shoulder.

Pros

  • Reinforced structure
  • Adjustable Shoulder strap
  • MOLLE webbings on both sides
  • Grab handle for easy carry
  • Velcro straps keeper
  • Water-resistant
  • Internal and front zippered pockets
  • Molding stealth buckles
  • Inner side sleeves

Cons

  • Lacks hydration compartment
  • No axe holder sleeve
  • No water bottle pockets

ISLE ROYALE BUSHCRAFT PACKS BY FROST RIVER

Isle Royale Bushcraft Packs by Frost River

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A handmade bushcraft pack with built-in Axe sleeve for wood crafting tools. The pack has its details organized in the form of straps, attachments and pockets, given that there’s space to keep a gear when needed.

It is designed with buckskin padded shoulders and well-made sternum strap for comfort making it one of the best bushcraft backpack with axe holder.

Pros

  • Leather strap and buckle
  • Integrated Ax sleeve
  • Internal map pocket
  • Built-in waist belt holder
  • Two external pockets and two slip pockets at the sides
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Lacks hydration compartment

ARROWHEAD TRAIL ROLL-TOP PACK

 Arrowhead Trail Rolltop Pack

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A bushcraft daypack best designed as a roll-top bike traveler pack, with long leather straps and extended top that allows adaptive load capacity.

More so, the roll-top design has two snaps to keep the top closed and weight balanced. It has a single main compartment with a hanging internal zip pocket.

Pros

  • Adjustable cotton web shoulder strap for comfort
  • Internal sleeve for either a laptop or hydration bladder
  • Water-resistant roll-top
  • Bridle leather flap straps
  • Leather and web attachment points
  • Dual side pockets with snap closure
  • Solid brass roller buckle
  • Cotton web grab handle

Cons

  • No axe holder sleeve
  • Lacks hydration compartment

BRASS TACKS LEATHERCRAFT MEN’S HEAVY DUTY CANVAS GENUINE LEATHER BUCKLE CARGO POCKET UTILITY CINCHED BACKPACK

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A canvas bushcraft backpack specially designed for men and made of top quality leather trim to ensure long-lasting resilience.

It is best suitable for travel, hiking, school, climbing or work. The main compartment has a zipped pocket and two open pouches with pockets on the exterior for organized packing.

Pros

  • Metal buckle and snaps closure for quick access
  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
  • Waterproof
  • Padded laptop sleeve to fit a 16-inch laptop
  • Three exterior pockets
  • Internal zip pocket and two open pouches

Cons

  • Lacks sternum straps and waist belt

KARRIMOR SF PREDATOR 30 BACKPACK

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One of a kind daypack with MOLLE webbings that allows multiple pouch add-ons with compression straps to support longer items.

It is made with 600D polyester fabric with a PU elastomer with abrasive and lightweight benefits.

Pros

  • Water repellant coating
  • Elastic side compartment
  • Zipped lid pockets
  • YKK zippers
  • Sternum strap for weight support
  • S-shaped shoulder harness
  • Matching ice axe holder
  • Shock cord carry system.

Cons

Lacks hydration compartment

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BUSHCRAFT PACKS – BUYING GUIDE

A bushcraft backpack, with its use as an outdoor backpack, must be of good quality. Bushcraft backpacks differ from other types of backpacks.

As the packs are needed for numerous kinds of outdoor activities, certain features are of great importance to consider when buying a bushcraft backpack.

DESIGN

Top bushcrafters go hiking, climbing, walking or camping, and they require some essentials like a sleeping mat, axe, skis, hiking pole etc.

Bushcraft packs are designed with MOLLE webbing and loop accessory for extra add-ons. A bushcraft Backpack also features side pockets that can hold longer gears with support from the compression straps.

LOAD CAPACITY

Bushcraft backpacks are classified into three basic categories depending on its storage capacity. The daypacks are lightweight, intended for light carry. The internal frame packs are used for heavier load carry with a frame to support the shifting weight to the hip area.

The external frame packs are intended for much heavyweight carry. The kind of adventure and length of trips determines the size of bushcraft bag needed for your essentials.

ACCESSIBILITY AND COMPARTMENTS

Generally, bushcraft pack has a main compartment accessible by either a twin zipper closure or a drawstring closure with overhead flaps.

They are designed with exterior pockets to complement the main compartment and allowing quick access of essentials.

LIGHTWEIGHT FOR COMFORT

As much as we want the best bushcraft rucksack with great storage capacity, the pack must be lightweight. Heavy tools attached to the MOLLE webbing could add extra weight to the pack. You wouldn’t want all your energy drained before the adventure commences.

Additionally, the soft cotton and lightweight mesh material of the bushcraft backpack guarantees ventilation during hot weather.

COVERED TOP OPENING

The water-resistant or waterproof flap is essential to protect against the rain. The backpack should be made of water resilient material or come with rain covers to avert damage in unpredictable weather conditions.

HYDRATION COMPARTMENT

Bushcrafting entails lots of climbing and long-distance walks; it is necessary to stay hydrated during these trips.

You have an option of getting a hydration compatible backpack to serve as a reservoir or one with a water bottle pocket.

STYLE

Apart from the rugged bushcraft packs, there is the fancy leather made types with soft cotton materials perfect for short camping, cycling trips etc.

They are comfortable and convenient to carry. The kind of adventure trip determines the type of bushcraft backpack to purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THE BUSHCRAFT BACKPACK DURABLE?

Most bushcraft backpacks are made from sturdy fabrics to ensure its durability as an outdoor backpack.

They are made of strong denier fabrics or top quality leather for abrasive resistance to withstand all conditions.

DO BUSHCRAFT BACKPACKS HAVE AN AXE SLEEVE/POCKET?

A greater percentage of the bushcraft backpacks are designed with a built-in axe sleeve to perfectly accommodate the axe, while others have accessory loops for attachments.

DOES BUSHCRAFT BACKPACK SHAVE A METAL FRAME?

Good bushcraft bags come designed with a metal frame. This metal frame is of benefit to the pack as it maintains its structure and protects heavy tools from sliding out.

CONCLUSION

As challenging as getting the best bushcraft backpack is, it should be a lot easier with the features already explained.

Visualize going for an outdoor trip, with a comfortable backpack to contain your valuables and spaces for add-ons. How lovely would it be??

Bushcrafters enjoy the many benefits the backpack brings. I’ll suggest you make plans for a little outdoor trip, purchase a bushcraft backpack and experience fun in comfort and style.