If you’re serious about bushcraft, you already know that an axe is one of the most essential tools you may have in your pack. It’s only one of the many reasons why. However, doing so securely and practically can take time and effort.
This is when having one of the best bushcraft backpacks with an axe holder comes in handy. These backpacks not only have enough room for all of your equipment, but they also have a specialized compartment where you can safely store your trusted axe. We will walk you through the best available choices.
10 Best Backpacks for Bushcraft: Our Favorites
1. TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 is a superb backpack made to satisfy the demands of outdoor lovers, adventurers, and everyone who enjoys being in nature. It is an exceptional option for anyone who needs an axe-throwing bag that can support high loads, including bushcraft carrying necessary equipment like an axe.
Technical Details:
- 55L Capacity
- Internal Frame
- Secure Axe Holder
Features:
- Capacity: 55 liters, ideal for carrying bushcraft gear, including an axe.
- Internal Frame: Offers exceptional support and stability even with heavy loads.
- Axe Holder: Unique axe throwing bag securely straps your axe.
- Organization: Multiple pockets and sections for easy and convenient equipment storage.
- Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and load-distributing waist belt.
- Durability: Made of resilient materials to withstand rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Pros:
- High Capacity: A 55-liter capacity can accommodate a wide range of bushcraft equipment.
- Exceptional Support: The internal frame provides unmatched support and stability, even with heavy loads.
- Secure Axe Holder: The axe throwing bag securely straps your axe.
- Organized Storage: Multiple pockets and sections make it easy to keep your gear organized and accessible.
- Comfortable to Wear: Padded shoulder straps and a load-distributing waist belt.
- Durable Construction: Resistant materials ensure longevity.
Cons:
- Size: While the 55-liter capacity is excellent for carrying gear, it may be too large for some users who prefer a smaller backpack.
- Weight: The internal frame adds weight to the backpack, which may not be suitable for those looking for an ultralight option.
- Price: The high-quality construction and features come at a price, making it relatively expensive compared to essential backpacks.
- Complexity: The abundance of pockets and sections may be overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward, minimalist design.
2. Tactical RUSH 12 2.0 Military Molle BackPack
With its sturdy construction and small size, the Tactical RUSH 12 2.0 is a fantastic backpack designed to provide great adaptability. Regarding bushcraft excursions, this backpack is an excellent option for individuals who want a lightweight and flexible pack.
Technical Details:
- 24L Capacity
- Side Axe Holder
- MOLLE Webbing System
Features:
- Its capacity is 24 liters, making it a compact and lightweight option for bushcraft.
- Axe Holder: Securely fastened to the side of the backpack for easy and safe access to your axe.
- MOLLE Webbing System: Allows extensive customization with pouches and accessories to suit individual needs.
- Adaptability: Suitable for both day hikes and overnight trips.
Pros:
- Compact Size: Ideal for those who prefer a smaller, more agile backpack for bushcraft adventures.
- Secure Axe Holder: The dedicated axe holder ensures your tool is safely secured and readily available.
- Customization: The MOLLE webbing system offers endless possibilities for tailoring the backpack to your specific requirements.
- Versatile: Suited for various outdoor activities, from short day outings to longer wilderness expeditions.
- Robust Construction: Designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: The 24-liter capacity may need to be increased for users with extensive gear or longer trips.
- Not for Heavy Load: Due to its compact size, there may be better choices if you need to carry heavy loads.
- Price: While it offers excellent features, its specialized design and durability may come at a higher cost than essential backpacks.
- Less Storage: The smaller size means less overall storage space, which may be a drawback for some users requiring more gear.
3. Gootium 21101 canvas backpack
The Gootium 21101 canvas backpack is an excellent option for individuals who value a traditional and rustic look in their outdoor equipment. Because it so expertly combines fashion and utility, this bag is a strong contender for discriminating consumers.
Technical Details:
- 25L Capacity
- Adjustable Axe Holder
- Canvas Construction
Features:
- Capacity: 25 liters, offering ample space for day trips or more extended wilderness expeditions.
- Roomy Main Compartment: Provides generous storage space, with multiple compartments for efficient organization.
- Adjustable Axe Holder: Cleverly designed to accommodate various axe widths and lengths, ensuring secure attachment.
- Canvas Construction: Durable canvas material adds a classic and rustic appeal while withstanding rugged outdoor conditions.
- Comfortable Design: Padded shoulder straps and a back support system enhance comfort during outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Classic Style: Ideal for those who appreciate a traditional and rustic look in their outdoor gear.
- Spacious Main Compartment: Offers plenty of room for gear storage, keeping everything organized and accessible.
- Versatile Axe Holder: The adjustable design accommodates different axe sizes securely.
- Durability: Canvas construction is known for its toughness and resilience, ensuring the backpack can withstand harsh conditions.
- Comfortable to Wear: Padded shoulder straps and back support system reduce strain during extended hikes and treks.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: While suitable for day trips and short excursions, more than the 25-liter capacity may be required for extended wilderness journeys with extensive gear.
- Traditional Look: The classic aesthetic may appeal to something other than those seeking a more modern or technical design.
- Price: Style and durability may result in a higher price point than essential backpacks.
- Weight: Canvas material can add weight to the backpack, which may not be suitable for users looking for an ultralight option.
4. ALPS outdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag
A genuine beast of a backpack, the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag is designed to withstand the severe conditions of lengthy bushcraft expeditions into the heart of the forest. If you are an adventurer who plans to bring a lot of goods on your trips, this backpack is the best option for long travels where you must carry many supplies, including your reliable axe.
Technical Details:
- 86L Capacity
- Exterior Frame
- Secure Axe Holder
Features:
- Capacity: Impressive 86-liter capacity for lengthy bushcraft expeditions and carrying ample supplies.
- Exterior Frame: Designed with an external frame construction to withstand severe conditions.
- Secure Axe Holder: A unique axe holder ensures your axe stays firmly in place, even in rugged terrain.
- Accessory Compatibility: Works with ALPS OutdoorZ accessory compartments, offering additional storage options.
- Durable Construction: Made from durable materials capable of handling rough environments.
Pros:
- High Capacity: Ideal for adventurers who need to carry gear and supplies.
- Secure Axe Holder: Ensures your axe is always accessible and securely attached. This means you won’t have to fumble around in your pack or worry about your axe coming loose during outdoor adventures.
- Accessory Compatibility: Can increase storage capacity with accessory compartments for added versatility.
- Durability: It is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a reliable choice for long expeditions.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: The large 86-liter capacity and exterior frame construction can make the backpack heavy and less suitable for those seeking a lightweight option.
- Price: The added features and durability may result in a higher price than essential backpacks.
- Overkill for Short Trips: This backpack may be excessive for short day trips or outings where a more petite bag would suffice.
5. MountainTop hiking backpack
The MountainTop Hiking Backpack is ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities because it balances capacity and mobility. With its roomy 40-litre capacity, this backpack is an excellent option for day outings and multi-day excursions. Its many practical features that improve your outdoor experience balance its simple style.
Technical Details:
- 40L Capacity
- Convenient Axe Holder
- Adjustable Straps
Features:
- Capacity: 40-liter capacity, suitable for day outings and multi-day excursions.
- Axe Holder: Conveniently located axe holder for easy access without hindering movement.
- Adjustable Straps: Straps can be adjusted to fit axes of different sizes, enhancing versatility.
- Durable Construction: Sturdy construction capable of withstanding rugged outdoor conditions.
- Organization: Multiple pockets and compartments for efficient gear organization.
Pros:
- Ample Capacity: This backpack is perfectly balanced to accommodate a variety of outdoor activities, from quick day hikes to extensive trekking adventures.
- Easy-Access Axe Holder: Thoughtfully designed with a convenient axe holder that ensures your axe is always within reach while maintaining the backpack’s overall versatility.
- Strong Durability: Crafted to endure even the harshest outdoor conditions, promising you a product that will withstand the test of time and nature.
- Strategic Storage: The backpack boasts an abundance of pockets and compartments, allowing you to keep your gear stored safely and arranged in an accessible and organized manner.
Cons:
- Capacity Limitation: The 40-liter capacity may need to be increased for users with extensive gear on extended expeditions.
- Style: While functional, its simple style may appeal to something other than those looking for more fashionable or technical designs.
- Price: The balance of capacity and durability may result in a slightly higher price than essential backpacks.
6. Ruku monkey daypack
The Ruku Monkey Daypack is ideal for those seeking a versatile, lightweight backpack that excels in agility. Despite its smaller carrying capacity, it stands out with its remarkable versatility and ease of movement. Suitable for various outdoor activities, this backpack has a thoughtful design, including an accessible axe holder and a durable build for long-lasting use. It combines style, function, and comfort.
Technical Details:
- 50L Capacity
- Built-in Axe Holder
- Comfortable Design
Features:
- Capacity: 50 liters, providing practical carrying space for outdoor activities.
- Axe Holder: A built-in axe holder securely cradles your essential tool for bushcraft and outdoor tasks.
- Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and breathable fabrics ensure comfort during physically demanding activities.
- Agility: The lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for shorter trips and quick movement across rugged terrain.
Pros:
- Versatile: Suitable for various outdoor activities, including day hikes and bushcraft excursions.
- Secure Axe Holder: The integrated axe holder keeps your tool in place, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks.
- Comfortable Wear: Padded shoulder straps and breathable materials enhance comfort during outdoor adventures.
- Agile: Lightweight and compact, perfect for swift movement and navigating obstacles.
- Practical Design: Well-thought-out design with a focus on simplicity and functionality.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: While suitable for shorter trips, more than the 50-liter capacity may be required for extended expeditions with extensive gear.
- Simplistic Appearance: The primary design may not appeal to users seeking more fashionable or feature-rich backpacks.
- Not for Heavy Loads: Not suitable for carrying heavy loads, as it’s designed for agility and quick outdoor excursions.
7. Noola Military backpack
The Noola Military Backpack is a bag with a tactical design that was made for use in harsh outdoor environments. This bushcraft backpack with axe holder on the side, so you can get to your axe quickly and easily anytime you need it.
This backpack is a good compromise between size and usefulness, with a capacity of 35 liters for carrying your belongings. It is constructed out of high-quality materials so that it can survive rough conditions, and it has a large number of compartments so that your goods may be kept organized.
Technical Details:
- 35L Capacity
- Tactical Design
- Side Axe Holder
Features:
- Capacity: 35 liters, balancing size and usefulness for outdoor activities.
- Tactical Design: Designed for use in harsh outdoor environments with a focus on durability.
- Axe Holder: Sturdy axe holder on the side for quick and easy access to your axe.
- Organization: Multiple compartments for organizing belongings during hikes, camping, or outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials to withstand rugged conditions.
- Tactical Design: Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tactical and robust backpack.
- Axe Holder: Secure and easily accessible axe holder for outdoor tasks.
- Balanced Size: Offers a reasonable 35-litre capacity for carrying essentials on various outdoor adventures.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: This may not be suitable for users needing a larger capacity for extended expeditions.
- Tactical Aesthetic: The tactical design may not appeal to those seeking a more casual or fashionable backpack.
- Limited Features: While durable, it may lack some features in more specialized outdoor packs.
8. WintMing 70L backpack
The WintMing 70L Backpack with axe holder caters to the needs of individuals who require the maximum amount of space for carrying their belongings. This backpack was explicitly made for extended bushcraft journeys, during which you will need to take a significant number of equipment. Because of this, it comes equipped with a specialized axe holder that can keep your most reliable tool.
Technical Details:
- 70L Capacity
- Specialized Axe Holder
- Multiple Compartments
Features:
- Capacity: 70 liters, providing ample space for extended bushcraft journeys and carrying significant equipment.
- Axe Holder: Specialised axe holder for securely carrying your essential tool.
- Storage: Boasts numerous pockets and compartments, offering an efficient gear organization system. This helps to keep your equipment well-arranged and easily accessible.
- Comfort: Prioritizing user comfort, the daypack has adjustable shoulder straps. These straps ensure a comfortable fit and ease of carrying.
Pros:
- High Capacity: Ideal for users who need to carry a substantial amount of gear on extended outdoor trips.
- Secure Axe Holder: Easily accessible and secure axe holder for outdoor tasks.
- Organized Storage: Multiple pockets and compartments for keeping equipment well-organized.
- Comfortable Fit: Adjustable shoulder straps ensure comfort, even with heavy loads.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: The large 70-liter capacity may make the backpack heavy and less suitable for users seeking a lightweight option.
- Overkill for Short Trips: This may be excessive for day hikes or shorter outings where a smaller backpack would suffice.
- Price: The combination of size and features may result in a higher price than essential backpacks.
How to Carry an Axe on Your Back
Now that you’ve found the best bushcraft backpacks with axe holders, it’s essential to know how to carry an axe on your back in a way that is both safe and effective:
- Securely Strap Your Axe
To keep the axe from falling out of the backpack you’ve picked, you need to use the holder designed just for it. Check that it fits you well during your travels and won’t slide off.
- Balance the Weight
Maintaining balance and avoiding pressure on your back can be accomplished by distributing the weight of your equipment and axe over the compartments of your backpack.
- Practice Safety
When the axe is unused, you should always ensure it is sheathed or otherwise covered to prevent accidents and injury by understanding how to carry it on your back.
- Accessibility
Put the axe in a location that will make it easy to get to whenever required. Before walking around the bush, you should familiarise yourself with the site.
- The Bottom Line
Conclusion
The best bushcraft backpack with axe holders provides a functional and convenient method for transporting your axe while you are out adventuring in the great outdoors. Each recommended load has features and carrying capacities, making it possible to satisfy various preferences and requirements. Pick the one that most complements your sense of style, and then head out into the great outdoors, confident that your tried and true axe is always close to your side!