Wondering how to carry all your hunting accessories with you on the next trip? Get a fanny pack. A hunting fanny pack offers many advantages over a backpack. For one thing, it is much lighter. It is also quite a bit easier to manage when you are moving around constantly.
Preparation is critical to have a successful hunt. And with the best hunting fanny packs, you will definitely be prepared. You will be able to bring all your important accessories like ammunition, baits, etc. with you wherever you go. And the best part; it is always accessible.
Do not confuse hunting fanny packs with a traditional fanny pack that holds your wallets or credit cards. It is specially designed to handle any rough use. In addition, it does not move around as much as a normal fanny pack and has quiet zippers that ensure stealth.
In this article, we will cover some of the top-rated fanny packs that are available in the market to help you figure out which one you need for your next trip. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table could not be displayed.Top 7 Best Hunting Fanny Packs Reviews
If you are a beginner and have limited experience with hunting accessories, prepare yourself for a lot of research when you are planning to buy one for yourself. Since these units are quite popular these days, there are many knock-off brands out there trying to make a quick buck.
However, with our help, you should have nothing to worry about. In the following section, we have highlighted seven of the best fanny packs for hunters that promise great value and quality.
1. Auscamotek Camo Hunting Backpack and Fanny Pack
Among hunters, Auscamotek is not an unknown brand. They specialize in producing camouflaged hunting accessories and this fanny pack is one of their most popular options. It is no wonder why thousands upon thousands of hunters go with this option when planning their next hunting trip.
Made using strong and durable polyester, this unit is meant to take a beating. It has a tree and leaf camouflaged print that helps you blend into the surrounding forest. Even if it starts to rain when you are out on your hunting trip, you have nothing to worry about since it comes with PVC waterproof coating.
The unit is soft and lightweight adding no extra burden during your trip. Opening up the compartment, you will find more than enough space to carry all your essential equipment such as binoculars, ammunition, first-aid and spare food. Space is split between two large pockets both of which are quite large.
This unit does not come with any shoulder straps. However, there is an upgraded version that has this feature if you need it. The included strap is made of high-quality nylon. Each of the zippers has extended straps so that you can quickly open it up whenever you need it.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- High level of concealment
- Good quality adjustable nylon strap
- Water-resistant thanks to the PVC coating
Cons
- Nothing worth noting.
2. ALPS OutdoorZ Pathfinder Hunting Pack
Another brand that is equally as popular as the last one when it comes to hunting gears is ALPS OutdoorZ. The Pathfinder line by them is one of the better choices out there if you are looking to buy a new carry pack for yourself. It is a bit on the pricier side though, so if you are on a budget, this might not be it.
It is a larger unit combining both a fanny pack and a backpack in one single package. Don’t worry, you can still use it as only a fanny pack and roll up the backpack section if you need. Despite its larger size, it still manages to be quite lightweight and flexible.
This unit comes with additional shoulder straps to ensure you have the easiest time carrying it on a long hunt. Its camo design blends perfectly in the surroundings and your prey will have no idea where you are coming from. The material is also quite sturdy and durable and will not suffer from wear and tear anytime soon.
It gives you enough space to carry anything and everything you might want to take on a hunting trip. You even get a dedicated pocket to carry water bottles to keep yourself hydrated. It is a great option for regular hunters who like to keep all of their equipment nearby.
Pros
- Massive storage options
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Durable and lightweight material
- Highly adjustable design
Cons
- The zippers are a bit harder to open and close
3. Allen Pathfinder Fanny Pack with Shoulder Straps
Having to buy an extra fanny pack after buying all of your hunting accessories sure feels bad. However, with this option by Allen Company, you will be able to keep your costs low. The Pathfinder by them is an excellent choice for people who do not want to spend too much on storage during a hunting trip.
Despite its lower price tag, the storage option that this unit offers is quite excellent. It has a total of 990 cubic inch capacity and the clever arrangements of pockets let you store everything you need without too much hassle. The unit even comes with an adjustable shoulder harness to make it even easier to carry it.
Thanks to the wider design of the straps, carrying it for long hours does not lead to any additional stress. It is quite lightweight and features a highly concealed design that goes perfectly with any forest or jungle. The quality of the zippers is also quite good for the price.
For anyone of average height, this is a great choice. However, there are reports that people of shorter height have some trouble getting it to fit perfectly. If that is not an issue for you, then you will hardly find anything worth complaining about with this fantastic, budget-friendly fanny pack for hunting.
Pros
- Offers a great value for the price
- Comes with a wide shoulder harness
- Excellent storage options
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
Cons
- Might not fit below-average height
4. ALPS OutdoorZ Little Bear Hunting Fanny Pack
Sure, the Pathfinder by ALPS OutdoorZ that we reviewed before is hard to build if you are looking for perfection, but the Little Bear comes quite close to it. And the best part about this one is that it costs considerably less than the Pathfinder. Since both of them are from the same brand, you can expect some similar features.
This unit comes with an extra shoulder strap along with the main waist strap to distribute the weight evenly across your body. The straps are all made using high-quality nylon and feature a good closure system. So once you put it on, it will stay on until you take it off yourself.
The main storage compartment in the unit is towards the back. It has enough space to accommodate all of your hunting accessories without complaints. In addition, there are two pouches on either side of the unit to help you keep small items nearby. These compartments are a great addition that lets you keep your ammunition always at the ready.
As with any ALPS OutdoorZ product, you should have nothing to worry about when it comes to the quality of the material. It is extremely durable and lightweight. If you want a budget-friendly camo fanny pack for hunting, this can be a great little investment.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Features a comfortable shoulder harness
- Includes side pouches
- It comes at an affordable price
Cons
- The binocular harness clip is not universal
5. Badlands Monster Waist-Pack Style Hunting Pack
For our next product, we will be looking at a high-end option for seasoned hunters out there. Understandably, the Monster by the brand Badlands costs a lot more than some of the other options out there. But if you want quality, it is hard to beat what this fanny pack has to offer.
It might share the smaller appearance of other fanny packs on the market, but when it comes to storage options, it stands out far above the rest. The unit gives you seven different pockets for all your storage needs. Its clever arrangement ensures that no space in the unit goes to waste.
The ThermoMold suspension shoulder straps in the unit are designed for ultimate comfort when you are wearing them for a long time. It is fully adjustable and matches the contour of your body to give you a comfortable and snug fit. You can even remove the shoulder straps if you want.
This unit is made with their proprietary KXO-32 fabric that is tough, durable, quiet, and extremely lightweight. It is also highly water-resistant which means hunting in the rain should not be an issue. Looking at all the specs, it is no wonder why so many expert hunters choose this as their go-to hunting fanny pack.
Pros
- Highly durable material
- Excellent storage options
- It comes with comfortable shoulder straps
- Highly adjustable design
Cons
- Not very affordable
6. Allen Excursion Waist Pack
When you are looking for the perfect balance of quality and price, Allen Company is hard to beat. We already showcased the quality and performance of the Pathfinder previously. The Excursion fanny pack is equally capable of meeting all of your storage needs when you are on a hunting trip.
This unit features a robust build quality to survive even the roughest of trips. In addition, the backing of the waist comes with mesh padding. As a result, it feels comfortable and keeps your waist cool during the summer. It even features two bottle holders to ensure you remain well-hydrated.
Since it has no shoulder harness, you can use it both as a waist carry or sling carry unit. Furthermore, the comfortable nylon waist strap keeps holds it securely attached without any fear of falling off. The zippers make no noise when you pull it open, which is essential to remaining stealthy when stalking your prey.
It is a unit that is meant to be used for only your essentials. The interior space is a bit tighter than some of the other ones on this list. But since you will be using it strictly for hunting, it can handle all of your important gears without any issues. All in all, for the price, it is a great bargain.
Pros
- A very high value for the price
- It comes with dual water bottle holders
- Mesh backing
- Strong and sturdy construction
Cons
- Limited interior space
7. Mossy Oak Blue Jack Fanny Pack
Mossy Oak Hunting Accessories is a brand dedicated to making the lives of hunters easier. Their Blue Jack fanny pack is a simple tool that can drastically impact your experience on the hunting trip. Although it is somewhat underrated, we find it offers great value if you are on a tight budget.
It features solid construction using high-quality fabric to ensure the highest durability. Regardless of how roughly you use it, it will not tear any time soon. The oak camo pattern perfectly camouflages to the surrounding and makes sure your prey does not become aware of your position.
This unit does not come with any shoulder harness. However, it does feature a nylon carry handle where you can attach a separate strap to distribute weight throughout your body for an easier carry. The quality of both the strap and the carry handle is quite decent.
The best feature of this unit is its thoughtful arrangement of pockets. It is deceptively large giving you enough space to carry every essential item you may need. It also has two ditty compartments, and the zipper to open the pockets is well-made and pretty quiet.
Pros
- It comes at an affordable price
- Excellent storage options
- Quiet and well-made zippers
- Breathable mesh makes it extremely comfortable
Cons
- Does not come with shoulder straps
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Hunting Fanny Pack
Getting the perfect fanny pack for hunting requires more than just knowing about the top dogs on the market. There are many small elements that can affect your experience with a certain product. Understanding these aspects can help you get the most value out of your investment.
In the following section, we will highlight some of the features that you might want to check before you invest in a hunting fanny pack.
- Material Quality
The first thing that you should check in a hunting fanny pack is the quality of the fabric used in its construction. This element dictates both the durability of the unit and how comfortable it will be for you to use. You do not want to end up with a product that gets damaged after a couple of trips.
Thankfully, most hunting fanny packs, even the affordable ones, these days feature excellent construction quality. Still, it is worth it to spend some time checking for any inconsistencies in the material. A good hunting fanny pack will last you through many trips without any complaints.
- Water Resistance
You also want your fanny pack to be water-resistant. Weather can be unpredictable, and even if you check it before you go on your trip, there is always a slight chance that it might rain. With a water-resistant fanny pack, even if it rains, you will be protected.
Getting a unit that cannot protect your items from rain is really not a good idea. Even if it does not rain, you might need to cross the river. The fanny pack can easily get wet in such cases. Any decent fanny pack worth buying will have excellent water-repellent qualities.
- Storage Arrangements
The next thing you want to check is the storage options that come with the fanny pack. Since it is meant to hold your essentials, you can be somewhat lenient with this aspect. If you plan on taking a backpack in addition to your fanny pack, storage might not be as essential of a factor.
However, a lot of hunters choose to go hunting with a single fanny pack. It keeps things light and makes it much easier to manage inventory. If you are one of them, you need to consider getting a fanny pack with larger storage options. You should also see if the fanny pack comes with bottle holders.
- Weight
Nobody likes to carry around extra weight during a hunting trip. That is why getting a lightweight fanny pack is essential for a good experience. You already have to carry around a bunch of stuff inside the bag. If the bag itself is heavy, it is not a very good investment.
One of the major advantages that a fanny pack offers over a backpack is the weight. Although you have smaller space, the lighter weight of the fanny pack makes it a better choice for a hunting trip. So make sure you do not go with an overweight unit as it will only make your life harder.
- Concealment
Stealth is key to a successful hunt. Even if you dress up in camo, if the fanny pack itself comes with bright colors, it will give away your position. Animals are highly sensitive to colors and if the fanny pack is not concealed, there is a good chance that your prey will get away before you spot it.
Thankfully, most fanny packs meant for hunting these days come with camouflage prints. If you want the highest level of concealment, go with a unit that matches the surrounding landscape. There are many different camouflage designs you can find in fanny packs to help you blend better to the environment.
- Zipper Quality
As with any luggage or backpack, the quality of the zipper is a critical element to consider when buying a hunting fanny pack. With a cheap, low-quality unit, the zipper is usually the first element that breaks down. So, you need to look at the zippers of the unit you are buying carefully.
However, the durability of the zipper is not the only thing you need to worry about. On top of being durable, the zippers also need to be quiet. Otherwise, opening or closing the zipper can alert the target of your location.
- Shoulder Straps
Shoulder straps might not be the most critical element that you need to consider, but it is still worth mentioning as they can impact the quality of the unit. Some fanny packs in the market come with shoulder straps that can help distribute the weight across your body for an easier carry experience.
Even if your fanny pack is quite lightweight, the plethora of items you keep inside it can make it a lot heavier. If your unit comes with shoulder straps, the additional weight will not feel too much. People with back problems can have a much more comfortable time carrying a fanny pack with shoulder straps.
- Price
It is important to not get carried away when you are buying a fanny pack for hunting. You do not always need the most expensive option in the market to have a good experience with it. So, picking out a fanny pack based on its price is not the smartest move.
Since fanny packs come in such a wide range of prices, you can always find something within your budget. It is important to compose yourself and resist the urge to go with a more expensive option. The best value you can get is by buying a unit that meets your requirement at your pre-determined budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a fanny pack better than a backpack for hunting?
Ans: When you are going on a hunting trip, it is essential to bring something that can carry your hunting accessories. Some people choose to go with backpacks whereas others prefer using a fanny pack. A lot of people even use both a backpack and a fanny pack.
Both a fanny pack and a backpack have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. So, it is not fair to say one unit is better than the other. If you prefer to carry light and only take your essentials, a fanny pack might be better for you. However, if you need to carry a lot of items, a good hunting backpack is hard to beat.
Q: What is the best way to wear a fanny pack while hunting?
Ans: Depending on the design of the fanny pack, you might be able to wear it in multiple ways. The most common and popular way to carry a fanny pack is around the waist. That way, you will be able to access your items easily whenever you need them.
Some even choose to wear it around the back of the waist. If your fanny pack does not come with shoulder straps, or if the straps are removable, you can even wear it across the front chest. This position keeps the bag quite secure and also gives you quick access to your items in times of need.
Q: How many types of fanny packs are there?
Ans: There are basically four different types of fanny packs that you can find on the market these days, travel, hunting, lumbar, and hydration fanny packs. If you are planning to go hunting, hunting funny packs is the obvious choice. However, for common use, the other types of fanny packs are better.
Travel funny packs are the most common of the bunch, and they are meant to hold all your basic items such as wallet, credit cards, or cash. For camping or hiking, lumbar fanny packs are usually better. Hydration fanny packs are basically bottle holders to keep yourself hydrated.
Q: Should I keep a rain cover in my fanny pack?
Ans: A rain cover inside your fanny pack might be a lifesaver in certain situations. Even if the weather forecast shows no chance of rain, weather can often be unpredictable. With a rain cover in your bag, you can quickly protect yourself if it suddenly starts raining.
However, a rain cover can eat up a lot of space inside your limited storage hunting fanny pack. That is why most people prefer to go out without it. It ultimately comes down to your personal choice.
Q: What should I put in my fanny pack when going hunting?
Ans: A hunting trip requires careful planning. You need to think long and hard about the items you want to keep inside your fanny pack. The most common items to bring are a flashlight, basic first aid, a compass, binoculars, a guide map, a lighter, and a multi-purpose knife.
Final Thoughts
Even if you have a backpack for hunting, getting a hunting fanny pack is a good idea. It gives you a quicker way to access essential items in case of an emergency.
And since you can find some models at an affordable price, there really is not a good enough reason not to get one for yourself.
We hope our extensive article on the best hunting fanny packs could help you figure out which unit you want to buy before your next hunting trip.
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