Hunting Backpacks: Justifying the Cost

You’ve spent thousands of dollars on your hunting equipment, but what use of any of it if you can’t conveniently carry it on your hunting trips? A hunting backpack is one of the most valuable yet underrated hunting supplies that many hunters neglect, and as a result, end up with a sore back when they’re done with the hunt. Quality hunting backpacks will ensure things like that don’t happen, and you feel refreshed after you’re done with your hunting trip.

Quality backpacks, however, can be expensive, but they can be well worth their cost. There are thousands of hunting backpacks Australia hunters can choose from, each of the models being equipped with useful features and properties, which can make choosing anything but easy. For most people, the budget is what will determine which one they go for.

Justifying the Cost

Anything you can do to make your life easier in the backcountry is well worth it, especially if it has anything to do with load-carrying. How much you want to spend to make that happen depends on you, but most hunters would agree that carrying meat as comfortably as possible is well worth the investment.

Of course, people have done it without an expensive hunting backpack for thousands of years, and you don’t need one by any means. At the end of the day, it’s not necessarily about what you need, but what you want, and how much you’re willing to spend for what you want. It’s the kind of gear accessory that can be a game-changer, and make your entire packing and hauling experiences much more enjoyable.

Why are They Expensive?

As you can already tell, you may end up spending at least a few hundred dollars for a pack, or more. That’s a lot of money, but why so? Well, the biggest factor in the cost is probably that the hunting backpacks are Australia made. Our country is one of the leaders in backcountry hunting backpacks, and since the manufacturers are domestic, they’re not going to ship their product unless they have to.

The Made in Australia label can be a big deal, as it plays a huge role in the reputation and sales of brands. Hunters want only the best equipment available, and most of them want to spend their hard-earned money on domestic products. As a result, national manufacturers create higher quality products, made of quality materials that are tried and tested for the harsh conditions.

That being said, quality backpacks are made of sturdy materials that are capable of surviving the Australian rigours. The pack frame can be made of carbon fibre, titanium, or another load-stable material. These materials aren’t cheap, and just add to the final price tag. Last but not least, the reason hunting backpacks are expensive is that the demand is high and people pay for them. While they might be slightly overpriced, people are still willing to pay for them. It’s as simple as that.

Key Factors to Consider

Pack Volume

This plays a huge role in your decision. Most brands of hunting backpacks in Australia offer a modular system where you can replace the main bag with differently sized bags and designs while keeping the same frame. Avoid buying the largest bag possible. Most people think that always is always better, which can’t be further from the truth. Having a large bag will mean you always bring more stuff, which would weigh more. However, going too small can also be problematic. Think about your particular needs and wants before making a choice, and consider all the pieces of equipment you’ll bring along for the trip.

Functionality

It doesn’t matter how quality the backpack is, what colour it is or how much it can pack. If it’s not functional and is a hassle to operate, you’re better off with another model. Always opt for function and operation before other factors. This will also come down to personal preference, and how you want to pack things. Keep things simple. Having too many zippers, pockets and weird features can make things complicated. Efficiency is the name of the game.

Warranty

Most Australian manufacturers offer a solid warranty on their products. This can be an insurance policy when you’re spending a few hundred dollars. This is even more so important when you’re buying from a less-known brand. Do yourself a favour and look for the warranty information, as well as reviews on how they’ve handled it.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you’ll have to make a decision and make a call. While they can be an expensive investment, they can be worth it. For backcountry hunters, the pack is just as important as the footwear as it houses your gear, protecting it from damage, and bringing home your prize. You might get it right on the first try, or you may not. It can be a process that takes some time to figure out. Be patient, do your due diligence, and enjoy the process.