Hunting Backpacks UK – Waterproof, Camo & Lightweight Packs

Hunting Backpacks UK – Waterproof, Camo & Lightweight Packs

Discover top hunting backpacks in the UK - waterproof, camo & lightweight packs with quick access, comfort, and room for all your hunting gear.

Spend a few days out in the field, and you quickly notice how much a decent hunting backpack matters. It’s not just a place to stuff your gear; it’s the bit of kit that keeps you moving, keeps you comfortable, and makes sure you’re ready when things change. And here in the British countryside, they often do – one moment it’s clear, the next you’re walking through a wall of mist or getting caught in a sudden burst of rain, picking your way through wet, quiet woodland.

That’s why hunters here tend to look for something waterproof, with room for the essentials – extra clothing, food, ammunition, and the small bits of kit you always need at hand. A good hunting backpack should sit right on your back, balance the weight, and feel solid without slowing you down. Adjustable shoulder straps and decent waist support make a huge difference after a few miles.

Some prefer a lightweight pack for stalking, others go for a robust camo rucksack with a frame to carry heavier loads. And if you spend long hours in one spot, a model with a built-in chair can be worth its weight in gold. Whatever your style of hunting, choosing a backpack that fits both you and the way you hunt is one of the best investments you can make.

Choosing the Right Hunting Backpack

When you’re out for hours, maybe even the whole day, the wrong backpack will remind you of it with every step. Too heavy, straps that bite into your shoulders, pockets you can’t reach – it all adds up. That’s why most hunters take their time choosing the right one.

Sometimes you only need a small, lightweight pack for a quick stalk. Other times, it’s a larger rucksack with a sturdy frame, built to haul spare clothing, food, and all the gear you can’t do without. The best packs spread the weight evenly. Wide shoulder straps and a good waist belt help keep the strain off your back when the miles start to catch up with you.

Check the main compartment first – is there enough room for the big stuff? Then look at the smaller pockets and any quick-access points. Being able to grab binoculars, gloves, cartridges, or a snack without unpacking everything saves time, especially when the light’s fading.

And don’t ignore the material. In the UK, the weather doesn’t give much warning. A sudden shower can soak your kit in minutes, so a waterproof or at least water-resistant build is worth it. Go for something robust enough to take a knock from rocks or branches, but light enough that you don’t feel weighed down before you’ve even started.

Waterproof and Camo Hunting Backpacks

British weather doesn’t play fair. You can start the day under a clear sky and, an hour later, be walking through steady rain. If your pack isn’t up to it, you’ll know – cold, damp clothes and soggy food aren’t something you forget. A waterproof hunting backpack saves you from that. Some are built with coated fabric and taped seams to block the rain completely. Others are more water-resistant, good enough for a passing shower or morning mist on the edge of the woods.

Camo rucksacks add another layer of advantage. Out in the wild, being seen less often means more chances. In thick forest green cover or along autumn hedgerows, the right pattern blends you in without effort. But it’s not just the look – the material should be quiet too. Loud rustling gives you away faster than bright colours.

A tough pack matters as much as a dry one. Brambles, stone walls, and rough ground all take their toll. Go for something robust, with enough give for easy movement, and light enough that you’re not fighting the weight before you’ve even started the day. A good one will keep you dry, keep you hidden, and still be worth carrying years from now.

Hunting Backpacks with Built-in or Folding Chairs

Long hours in the same spot can be the hardest part of a hunt. Waiting in the cold, shifting your weight from one foot to the other, or trying to perch on a damp log isn’t much fun. That’s where a hunting backpack with a built-in or folding chair earns its place. It’s one less thing to carry and a lot more comfort when the day stretches on.

In the woods or out in the open, being able to sit quietly without fidgeting can make the difference between spotting game and spooking it. These packs usually have a sturdy frame that supports both the seat and the load you’re carrying. Some fold out in seconds; others are fixed in place, ready whenever you are.

Comfort doesn’t mean extra bulk. The better designs spread the weight well, so even with the chair, they don’t feel awkward on your back. You still get the main compartment for your gear, plus pockets for smaller items. For hunters who spend a lot of time in one position – whether it’s watching a trail, covering a clearing, or waiting near a feeding spot – this type of pack can turn long, cold hours into something you can enjoy. The Chairpack XWP40 model withstands 129 kg, and it's a great option for anyone looking for a waterproof option.

Lightweight & Versatile Hunting Packs

Not every hunt needs a big, heavy rucksack. Some days you just want to move quickly keep quiet, and carry only what you need. That’s when a lightweight hunting pack earns its place. It’s easier on your back, lets you cover more ground, and doesn’t slow you down when you’re weaving through the woods or climbing over a fence.

A good light backpack sits close and doesn’t swing about. The shoulder straps should adjust so the weight stays steady when you duck under branches or crawl into position. Even the smaller models have room in the main compartment for the basics – jacket, food, binoculars – plus a few pockets for the bits you want right at hand.

The real bonus is versatility. Many of these packs work just as well for a quick hiking trip as they do for a day’s hunt. Some can be stripped down to the bare essentials, and others can take extra pouches when you need more space. Light on your back, steady in movement, and ready for anything – that’s what makes them worth having.

Essential Features & Storage

A hunting pack is only as good as the way it’s set up inside. You can have the strongest material and the most comfortable straps, but if there’s nowhere sensible to put your kit, it’s just an awkward bag on your back. The main compartment is the starting point. It should be big enough for your core gear – spare clothing, food, maybe a compact stove – without being so deep you’re digging around for ten minutes to find one thing.

Pockets make all the difference. Side pockets for a water bottle or small tools. A front pouch for gloves, calls, or a map. And then there’s quick access storage – that little zip or flap you can open in seconds without taking the pack off. In the middle of a hunt, reaching for binoculars or extra ammo quickly can matter more than you think.

Some hunters need more. A dedicated rifle or bow sleeve. A game compartment for carrying what you’ve taken. Straps underneath for a rolled-up jacket or ground mat. If you want all that plus somewhere to sit, the Chairpack XWP40 offers a waterproof build and a built-in chair for long hours in the field. For hunters who prefer a traditional design, the Hunting Backpack ARGO® balances robust storage with comfort, while the Hunting Backpack ARGO® Camouflage adds stealth with its camo finish – perfect for blending into woodland or open fields. The best packs combine all of this into a simple system you can learn by feel, so you can grab what you need even in low light.

Caring for Your Hunting Backpack

A solid hunting backpack can stay with you for years, but only if you treat it right. After a day out, especially in mud or rain, take a few minutes to clean it. Tip out any leaves or grit from the main compartment. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth, just enough to lift the dirt. If it’s soaked, let it air dry somewhere warm but out of direct heat – hot radiators and waterproof coatings don’t mix well.

Before you head out again, give it a quick check. Pull the zips back and forth, look over the buckles, run your hand along the stitching. A loose strap or broken clip is easier to fix at home than halfway through a hunt.

The Chairpack XWP40, the Hunting Backpack ARGO®, and the ARGO® Camouflage are all built tough, with robust fabrics and strong seams, but nothing lasts forever without a bit of care. Some hunters keep a needle and thread, or even a spare buckle, in a side pocket – a small thing that can save the day if something gives way in the field.

Shop the Best Hunting Backpacks UK

The right pack can make a good day in the field even better. It’s the bit of gear that carries everything else – and it has to do it without slowing you down or letting you down. Whether you need something light for stalking, a waterproof model for wet days, or a pack that lets you sit in comfort for hours, it’s worth choosing carefully.

At Hillman, you’ll find options built for the way hunters move and work. The Chairpack XWP40 keeps you dry and gives you a seat wherever you stop. The Hunting Backpack ARGO® offers solid, all-around performance for different hunting styles. And the ARGO® Camouflage blends storage and stealth for those who want to stay unseen in the woods.

Take a look through our hunting range, check the details, and pick the one that fits your style of hunt. The right backpack isn’t just another item on your list – it’s what helps you bring the rest of your gear, and your day, together.

Extra Tips for Hunters and Their Gear

Your backpack is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. The bags you take, the equipment you trust, and how you pack them can change how the day goes. Chasing elk in open country? You’ll want a sturdy box for ammo, plus somewhere dry for a snack and a spare layer.

If you spend good money on gear, check the warranty. A promise from the maker says a lot about how long it’s meant to last.

We keep our best packs ready to go, fresh from the production line, so there’s always stock when you need it. Found the right one? Don’t hesitate. Good gear sells fast. And if you’re just starting, be ready to accept advice from those who’ve been in the world of hunting a lot longer – it can save you mistakes you don’t want to make twice.