Hunters are notorious for forgetting things. Sometimes it’s small, like leaving your gloves in the truck on a frosty morning. Other times, it’s big, like realizing your ammo is still sitting on the ...

Every year, the load of gear I need to carry afield while hunting seems to increase. Hunting knives, elk calls, gloves, binoculars, snacks, camera gear, phone battery banks—all of it needs a place.

Hunting backpacks are a personal choice. They must carry very specific items and, in the case of big-game packs, handle massive loads of meat after a kill. But they must remain light and nimble for ...