Backcountry loader haulers. Whitetail-focused winners. Whatever your favorite hunting style or game animal, these innovative designs are ready to rock.
ALPS OutdoorZ Contender X. Pack specialist ALPS is calling this new feature-packed design the ultimate whitetail day pack, and we find that statement hard to refute. The coolness of the Contender X ($199.99) begins with its innovative self-standing L-shape frame, which allows you to set your pack on any flat surface. The unique U-shaped zipper provides extra-large, flip-down top access to the main compartment—ideal for easy gear access while hanging in your stand or sitting on the ground, without losing precious pack contents. You’ll also find Elimishield Scent Control Technology to help eliminate scent, and a Drop Down pocket to carry gun or bow securely. Among the many smart touches are an included Rain cover and Hydration pocket, complete with two side-outlet hydration ports.
CamelBak Trophy S. Plenty of organized storage. Backcountry-hunt-friendly features. Hands-free hydration. The 4-pound, 35-liter CamelBak Trophy S ($299; 2,000 cu. in.) is designed for all-day hunting comfort, with an ingenious layout that allows you to carry all your gear plus a rifle or bow. You’ll also find an Integrated Meat Shelf/Rain Cover, and included CRUX Mil Spec 100-ounce Reservoir that’s been tested and approved by the military for easy, lumbar-centered hydration. More sweet features include a removable Organizer that keeps your calls and small tools contained for quick/easy access, and an Air Suspension Back Panel that allows you to stay cool under heavy loads with maximized ventilation; it’s also designed to increase stability over uneven terrain.
ALPS OutdoorZ Allure. Leave it to ALPS to deliver a versatile and truly functional day pack made for women, by women. The new Allure ($149.99) is designed to fit a woman’s unique frame with contoured shoulder straps and waist belt; the self-standing L-shape frame allows you to set your pack on any flat surface, and the two-piece adjustable waist belt can be instantly tailored to fit a wide range of body shapes and sizes. Like its Contender X sibling, the Allure offers a U-shaped zipper that provides extra-large, flip-down top access to the main compartment—ideal for easy gear access while hanging in your stand or sitting on the ground, while preventing gear loss. You’ll also find the same ability to tote a rifle or bow, as well as a Hydration pocket with side-outlet hydration ports, and included, blaze orange rain cover.
SITKA Gear Mountain Hauler 4000. This sweet new design begs to go in light and come back heavy. The Mountain Hauler 4000 ($485; 5.75 pounds, 4,500 cu. in. max volume) is ideal for day hunts or overnight stays when you need the ability to carry gear, meat and horns out of the field simultaneously. The pack provides 3,700 cubic inches of non-expanded volume for easy hiking, with the capability to expand 800 cubic inches when needed. The T-6 6061 aluminum frame provides for an adjustable suspension and a strong chassis, enabling you to carry monster loads upwards of 150 pounds. Two vertical exterior pockets hold most spotting scopes, tent poles or a Flash Shelter; side pockets hold tripods, trekking poles or water bottles. The triple-density foam waist belt maximizes comfort while Velcro placed on the waist belt holds most pistol holsters, bear spray, and other SITKA pack accessories. Available in Optifade Subalpine (shown) and Open Country. 
Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45. A prized overnight elk hunting companion. A spacious daypack for chasing high-country mulies, or stay-all-day whitetail treestanding. Unique 270-degree zipper access and low-profile silhouette with plenty of organization make the new Sawtooth 45 ($450; 45L/2,746 cu. in.) one of the most-versatile packs you can own. Built on Mystery Ranch’s new Guide Light MT Frame, this durable-yet-lightweight (5.3 pounds) pack also incorporates MR’s patented OVERLOAD feature with a newly designed, quick-attach frame capture for easier access to the shelf when packing out your next trophy. Available in Coyote and Foliage (shown).
