Best Hunting Backpacks · #6
Team Elk Pack
Eberlestock
Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
Scabbard-equipped hunting pack that carries a rifle hands-free through nasty country.
Pros
- Integrated scabbard protects and secures rifle or bow hands-free
- Exceptional durability and robust construction for backcountry use
- Comfortable load carry system for heavy hauls
- Good organization and accessibility for hunting essentials
- Solid value for a specialized, high-performance hunting pack
Cons
- Higher base weight due to rugged materials and features
- Specialized design may be overkill for casual day trips
- Can feel bulky if not packed thoughtfully
- Limited external attachment points compared to some modular systems
Best uses
- Multi-day backcountry elk hunts
- Hunting dense, brushy terrain
- Packing out heavy game meat
- Any hunt requiring secure rifle transport
Specifications
- Primary Use
- Big game hunting, backcountry
- Weapon Carry
- Integrated rifle/bow scabbard
- Capacity (Approx.)
- 4000 cubic inches
- Frame Type
- Internal
- Construction
- Durable nylon fabrics
- Access
- Top and front panel
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Multi-day backcountry elk hunts, Hunting dense, brushy terrain, Packing out heavy game meat, Any hunt requiring secure rifle transport
Where to buy the Team Elk Pack
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Eberlestock Team Elk Pack earned its spot at number six on our list because it's a specialized tool built for a specific job, and it does that job remarkably well. This isn't a casual daypack; it's designed from the ground up for serious backcountry hunters who routinely cover rough terrain with a rifle or bow. Its defining feature, the integrated scabbard, sets it apart, allowing for hands-free weapon carry that's both secure and surprisingly comfortable. While its niche design means it won't be everyone's first choice for general outdoor use, for those deep woods pursuits where a rifle needs to be protected yet readily accessible, it offers a level of convenience and protection few others can match. Eberlestock has built a reputation on robust, purpose-driven gear, and the Team Elk Pack embodies that philosophy. It's constructed with durable fabrics and heavy-duty hardware that can withstand the abuse of long seasons and unforgiving environments. The internal frame provides good load transfer, crucial when packing out heavy game or a full camp. While its overall weight reflects its rugged build and feature set, the thoughtful organization and carry system mitigate this when loaded properly. This pack is for the hunter who prioritizes weapon security and the ability to move unimpeded through dense scrub or steep climbs.
Materials & Construction
Eberlestock opts for heavy-denier nylon fabrics in the construction of the Team Elk Pack, a choice that contributes significantly to its durability. Seams are reinforced, and high-stress points typically feature extra stitching or tougher panels, indicating it's built to take a beating from abrasive brush and heavy loads. The zippers are robust, designed for smooth operation even when dirty, and the buckles are solid, resisting accidental opening. The internal aluminum frame provides substantial load support, helping to distribute weight efficiently across the hips and shoulders. This pack isn't lightweight, but its build quality suggests it will hold up season after season in challenging conditions.
Real-World Performance
Out in the field, the Team Elk Pack delivers on its promise of hands-free weapon carry. The integrated scabbard holds a rifle or bow securely, preventing snagging on branches and protecting it from impacts, which is invaluable when navigating thick timber or boulder fields. The pack balances well even with a rifle in the scabbard, and the compression straps do a good job of cinching down loads to prevent shifting. While the pack volume is generous for multi-day hunts, the organizational pockets are well-placed for quick access to essentials. Hauling out heavy quarters is manageable thanks to the stout frame and comfortable hip belt.
Weight & Packability
This pack isn't designed with ultralight backpacking in mind. Its robust materials, integrated frame, and dedicated scabbard mean it carries a noticeable base weight before you even add gear. However, for a pack built to carry heavy loads and protect a weapon, its weight is a reasonable trade-off. Packability for its volume is good; it's not overly rigid when empty, but the internal frame ensures it maintains its structure when loaded. The compression straps are key to keeping bulk down when not fully loaded, and the scabbard itself can be collapsed or used for other gear when a weapon isn't carried.
Durability & Longevity
The Team Elk Pack is a workhorse, not a delicate flower. The heavy-duty fabrics and construction stand up well to abrasion, punctures, and general abuse encountered during backcountry hunting. Zippers, often a failure point, are oversized and robust, resisting grit and hard use. We've seen these packs endure years of hard hunting without catastrophic failure, often outliving several lighter alternatives. Expect minor scuffs and dirt, but the core functionality and integrity of the pack are designed for the long haul. It's an investment, but one that typically pays dividends in extended service life.
Comparable Alternatives
When looking at packs with similar integrated weapon carry systems, options like the Kifaru Duplex with various bag attachments or specific mystery ranch hunting models come to mind. These often offer modularity that the Team Elk Pack might not, allowing for greater customization of bag size and frame type. However, the Eberlestock often comes in at a more accessible price point for its feature set, especially the built-in scabbard. While it might not have the extreme load-hauling capacity of some dedicated expedition frames, it offers a well-balanced package for serious hunters who need a rifle or bow secure and at the ready without breaking the bank.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hunting backpacks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Team Elk Pack — frequently asked questions
- Is the Team Elk Pack worth it?
- We rank it #6 in Best Hunting Backpacks. Scabbard-equipped hunting pack that carries a rifle hands-free through nasty country.
- What is the Team Elk Pack best for?
- Best for multi-day backcountry elk hunts, hunting dense, brushy terrain, packing out heavy game meat and any hunt requiring secure rifle transport. Standouts: integrated scabbard protects and secures rifle or bow hands-free and exceptional durability and robust construction for backcountry use.
- What are the downsides of the Team Elk Pack?
- Higher base weight due to rugged materials and features, Specialized design may be overkill for casual day trips and Can feel bulky if not packed thoughtfully.
- What are the key specs of the Team Elk Pack?
- Primary Use: Big game hunting, backcountry · Weapon Carry: Integrated rifle/bow scabbard · Capacity (Approx.): 4000 cubic inches · Frame Type: Internal · Construction: Durable nylon fabrics
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Team Elk Pack?
- Eberlestock opts for heavy-denier nylon fabrics in the construction of the Team Elk Pack, a choice that contributes significantly to its durability. Seams are reinforced, and high-stress points typically feature extra stitching or tougher panels, indicating it's built to take a beating from abrasive brush and heavy…
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Team Elk Pack?
- Out in the field, the Team Elk Pack delivers on its promise of hands-free weapon carry. The integrated scabbard holds a rifle or bow securely, preventing snagging on branches and protecting it from impacts, which is invaluable when navigating thick timber or boulder fields.
Compare side by side
Put the Team Elk Pack against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.