Best Overall		Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow	SEE IT
Best Fixed		TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece	SEE IT
Best Budget		Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4	SEE IT

The arrow quiver is one of those pieces of gear that bowhunters generally don’t think about too much. Until it’s a problem. The job of the quiver is pretty simple: carry arrows. That’s it. That’s all it does.

And often times, bowhunters simply look for the cheapest quiver they can find, or one that best matches their bow to complete a killer look. They don’t always pay attention to the working parts of the quiver that earn its keep when the heat is on.

So what do you want in a quiver? You want one that holds your arrows firmly in place, protects you from your broadheads, stays quiet, doesn’t stick out awkwardly, and, of course, looks cool.

Lancaster Archery Supply carries just about every hunting quiver on the market—certainly all the major players in the game. I get the chance to see, touch, and feel all of these quivers as they arrive in inventory, so I know them all pretty well. But in trying to find the best hunting quivers for this article, I took some extra steps to test nearly two dozen quivers.

I put arrows in the grippers and broadheads in the hoods to see how they hold. For the bow-mounted models, I mounted them on my bows to study their profiles and effect on balance, and I took shots to listen for any noise caused by vibrating parts—the coal-mine canary of bad bow quivers.

Combining that knowledge and testing, I came up with the following picks for best hunting quivers in the following categories:

• Best Overall: Nock On Checkmate
• Best Budget: Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver
• Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow
• Best Detachable: Conquest Talon
• Best Fixed: TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece
• Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4
• Best Traditional: Selway Slide-On
• Best Hip: Vista Knight Hunting Quiver
• Mathews and Hoyt: Mathews LowPro Detachable Quiver, Mathews Arrow Web HD, Hoyt Carbon Superlite Stretch

The Best Bow Quivers: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Nock On Checkmate

SEE IT

Key Features

• 19 inches long, made of high-modulus carbon and aluminum
• Curved hood for wind deflection
• Simple, fast quick disconnect
• Holds five arrows, plus a bonus arrow
• Low-profile design
• Deep, protective hood with durable, dense rubber
• Can be adjusted up and down and left and right for perfect balance
• Holds arrows from micro-diameter up to 23 diameter
• Retractable hanging hook

Pros

• Can be used on the bow or be quickly detached
• Totally silent in all uses
• Rubber arrow gripper has separate notches to hold the skinniest arrows up to 23 diameter
• Curved hood helps cut through the wind
• Includes a one-arrow holder on the bow mount, so if you remove the quiver for hunting, you have a follow-up arrow always at the ready

Cons

• Expensive

The Nock On Checkmate is John Dudley’s latest contribution to the archery world. He sat down and thought about every feature he’d like to see in a quiver, and then he built that quiver.

The Checkmate is 19 inches long, and made of high-modulus carbon and aluminum. The hood is 2.5 inches deep and filled with rubber foam to hold nearly any broadhead on the market securely. Also, the hood is curved to help deflect side winds so they don’t affect the bowhunter as much as if it were flat. And it’s got a retractable ring on the back that can be pulled up for hanging the quiver in a tree stand.

The lower arrow gripper has two notches in each arrow seat to accommodate super skinny or fatter hunting arrows. One of those grippers points directly back at the archer to allow for the fast rear deployment of one of the arrows.

The bow mount features a quick-detach system. Lift a lever, and the quiver slides out. Push the quiver into the receiver and push the lever down, and the quiver is locked in place.

And that bow mount includes two arrow grippers to hold a single arrow. So let’s say you detach your quiver while hunting in a tree stand. You can load one arrow in those grippers, so you’ve always got a follow-up arrow at the ready.

The quiver can be adjusted up and down and in and out to get it to sit exactly where you want it for perfect balance on your bow.

Read Next: Best Trail Cameras

Best Budget: Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver

SEE IT

Key Features

• Detachable, one-piece quiver
• Deep hood with thick foam for seating broadheads
• Dual arrow grippers in addition to the hood
• Quickly detaches
• Holds four arrows

Pros

• Costs less than $35
• Securely locks arrow in place with three connection points
• Adjustable height to get the quiver in the right place on your bow
• Quick-detach is fast and easy to use
• Holds arrows of varying diameters

Cons

• The foam in the hood will break up over time
• Won’t stand up to much abuse

Not everyone wants to—or can afford to—spend $100 or more on a bow quiver. Some bowhunters just want the least expensive option for holding arrows securely. The Octane Furnace does that.

It’s a four-arrow quiver with two carbon rods connecting the hood to two arrow grippers. With three connection points, arrows are going to stay put. And the grippers will securely hold the most popular hunting arrow shaft sizes.

The attachment point on the quiver slides up and down so you can seat the quiver at the height you want on your bow. That connection point pops in and out of the quick-detach base that’s mounted to the bow. A lever holds the two parts together and then releases them from one another when you want to remove the quiver.

The hood is 3 inches deep and filled with foam for seating broadheads. You can remove the foam when using field points or mechanicals that you don’t want to sink into the foam.

This quiver isn’t built to handle serious abuse, which is one of the reasons it is so inexpensive. But just pay a little attention to what you do with it, and it will last for many years – especially for tree stand and ground blind hunters who simply carry their bows from the truck to their hunting sites.

Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow

Redline

SEE IT

Key Features

• 20 inches long, yet only weighs 9.7 ounces
• All carbon rods
• Simple, yet secure, quick disconnect
• Holds six arrows
• Low profile design
• Deep, protective hood with rubber lining and dedicated broadhead seats
• Can be adjusted so quiver top stays below top limb and arrows don’t extend beyond bottom limb

Pros

• You can slide the quiver forward or back to get it balanced on the bow
• No rattling when you carry your bow or when shooting
• Rubber arrow gripper holds shafts securely
• Long design is great for securing arrows to the bow
• Quick disconnect is fast and easy

Cons

• The dedicated seats for broadheads are great for expandables and three-blade fixed broadheads, but they’re not ideal for broadheads with two large blades.

The Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver is a six-arrow quiver measuring 20 inches long, but only weighing 9.7 ounces, thanks to all the carbon in its construction. There’s an identical, 3-arrow version that weighs 6.5 ounces if you want to cut even more weight. Redline is a new player in the compound accessory market, but the people behind the company have tons of experience. This quiver is a great example of the Redline goal, which is to produce quality gear at a fair price. This quiver isn’t cheap, but it’s not over-the-top expensive either.

The long design is a fairly new trend in quivers. I like it. With arrow shafts secured in grippers in the lower third and at the tip, they feel more secure than when you’re using a shorter quiver that grips them in the upper half of the shafts. 

The RL-1 has great rubber broadhead seats inside the hood that work well with any expandables and with three-blade, fixed heads. As I mentioned, big two-blade fixed heads won’t sit as neatly, but they’ll still be secured. 

If you want to take the quiver off when you’re up in the tree stand, there’s a simple, metal lever that you raise about 3 inches and then you slide the quiver straight back. It’s super secure and super quiet.

The features of this quiver are all great, but it vaulted to the top of my list when I put it on my Mathews V3X 33 and shot with it attached. It was whisper quiet, which is important. But what I didn’t expect was how well it allowed me to hold the bow. I was rock steady with the RL-1 on my bow with 4 arrows in the quiver. I held even steadier with it on than I did with it off. I’m sure it’s because I was able to slide the quiver straight back toward me. With a slotted mounting bracket, you can pull this quiver back toward you a good bit farther than you can basically any other quiver. So instead of it sitting parallel to the riser, it can sit parallel to the cables and string.

So the RL-1 is a well-made, lightweight, quiet quiver that holds arrows securely, and can be quickly detached, or balances the bow nicely if you choose to shoot with it on. That’s the quiver grand slam.

Best Detachable: Conquest Talon

Conquest Archery

SEE IT

Key Features

• Unique, spring-loaded claws grip the mounting bracket
• Considered a five-arrow quiver, but it’s got two extra spots on the back side that allow storage of two more for a seven-arrow total capacity
• Rubber lining in the hood
• Grips arrow shafts in two places, and has point seats in the hood
• Comes with two sets of arrow grippers—one for standard hunting arrows and one for micro-diameter
• Rope tree-loop on the top for hanging in the stand

Pros

• The claw that you squeeze to remove the quiver is unique and ridiculously easy to maneuver
• Ridiculously lightweight
• Dual shaft grippers hold arrows still and quiet at the shot
• Adjustable up and down to get your arrows where you want them on the bow
• Holds seven arrows
• Costs under $90

Cons

• The point seats in the hood are round rubber cups, which I’m not a big fan of for holding broadheads

The Conquest Talon is the only quiver made by Conquest Archery, which is known more for its stabilizers. It’s lightweight, at just 9 ounces, and features dual, rubber shaft grippers, which is unusual for a 13-inch quiver. But those 2 grippers—plus the point seats inside the hood—ensure your arrow isn’t going anywhere until you pull one out.

You can adjust the quiver up and down on the twin, carbon support rods, and then lock it in place so it stays put where you want it. But the main feature of this quiver is the quick disconnect. No other quiver on the market has a disconnect like the Talon.

Essentially, it’s a claw that grabs hold of the mounting block on the riser. The claws are held in place by spring-loaded arms. Squeeze those arms and the claws release the mount block. You can easily pluck this quiver off the bow with one hand in a second.

To be perfectly honest, the Conquest Talon wasn’t on my radar as I was doing my initial research for this article. I had done a video on it two years ago when it came out and hadn’t paid much attention to it since. I saw it in the Lancaster Archery Supply Pro Shop and remembered the unique, quick-disconnect.

At first glance, it seems like there’s no way the quiver claw that grabs the mounting block would have enough force to keep the quiver from rattling. But it does. And the quick disconnect operates simpler and faster than any other I tested.

Best Fixed: TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece

TightSpot

SEE IT

Key Features

• Broadhead hood and arrow gripper are two separate pieces that are attached individually to the bow
• Multiple included connectors fit just about any compound bow
• Pivoting rods that allow the quiver to transform so it’s always vertical, regardless of the bow
• Screw-in arrow blocks that allow the individual arrow grippers to adjust for fat or skinny arrows
• Durable, solid foam block in the hood secures fixed or mechanical broadheads
• Holds five arrows

Pros

• Can be adjusted to fit nearly all compound bows
• Once set and fitted with arrows, it’s solid
• No audible extra noise added to the bow at the shot
• Hood foam is deep and locks broadheads in place

Cons

• I couldn’t tighten the bolt enough on the lower half of my test quiver to solidly lock down that piece. Once arrows were in it, however, it didn’t move.

The TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-Piece Quiver is an adjustable quiver that can be permanently attached to just about any compound bow in a variety of configurations. Some bowhunters prefer quivers that are not detachable, because the quivers designed to attach and detach often are the ones prone to rattle when walking and shooting.

The top half—hood—and the bottom half—arrow gripper—of this quiver are bolted onto the riser of a bow independently. TightSpot includes multiple hardware pieces to match the varying connection points across the spectrum of compound bows on the market. Once attached to the riser, the Pivot earns its name from the adjustable rods that can be maneuvered so the quiver stands vertically on any bow. And the rods telescope so you can extend or reduce the distance between the gripper and the hood. You can also push the quiver in toward the riser to produce a slim profile, or pull it out away if you need to work around other accessories.

Screws mounted in rubber wedges between the individual arrow grippers can be driven in, or backed out, which compresses or opens the grippers to accommodate arrows of different diameters. With the wedges screwed all the way in, they’ll firmly hold 4mm shafts. Backed out, you can load 23-diameter shafts without a problem.

The soft foam that fills the hood is my favorite kind of foam for broadheads. No, it isn’t as durable as harder rubber seats in the hoods of other quivers, but it holds broadheads in place better than any other material. And as long as you seat your broadheads in the same holes in the foam every time you load your quiver, the foam will last for many years.

Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4

Kwikee

SEE IT

Key Features

• Detachable, one-piece quiver
• Deep hood with thin, solid rubber padding inside and guide holes for arrow tips
• Strong arrow gripper will hold skinny and normal diameter hunting arrows
• Can be locked in with an included bolt
• Lightweight at 8.4 ounces
• Holds four arrows

Pros

• Costs $30
• With the Ultra-Lock bolt in place, it’s super quiet
• Actic-2 arrow holder remains pliable in freezing weather
• Easily detaches without the Ultra-Lock bolt
• Even large fixed-blade broadheads are totally enclosed in the hood

Cons

• Without the Ultra-Lock bolt, it has a faint rattle
• With the bolt in place, detaching is not as fast as without it
• Arrows extend below the bottom cam

The Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4 was going to make my list somehow because it’s one of the rare pieces of compound bow equipment that has remained virtually unchanged for more than three decades. I can think of no other piece of compound gear that hasn’t morphed over the years to change the way it functions or the way it looks. With that kind of longevity without transformation, you know The Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4 works.

This is a one-piece, detachable quiver that holds four arrows. Arrows are held about a third of the way down the shaft by the rubber Arctic 2 gripper, which doesn’t turn to rock when it’s cold outside.

The hood has a thin, solid-rubber lining with guide holes in the top to receive arrow points. Those holes combined with the gripper hold arrows pretty snugly in place.

The quick-detach bracket employed by the Kwikee Lite-4 is the same as it’s always been. There’s a metal leaf with a red plastic top that you pull back to insert the quiver. When the quiver is seated, the leaf springs back into place and the red top then holds the quiver down.

To get the quiver completely silent, you’ll need the Ultra-Lock bolt, which mounts through the center of the quiver arm and pins it to the bracket. It’s easy enough to unscrew it to detach the quiver, but it takes extra time. Without that bolt, the quiver does rattle a bit at the shot.

Where the Kwikee Lite-4 sits on the riser is both good and bad. The quiver sits kind of in the middle of the bow, while others usually sit higher. This lower position causes arrows 27 inches and longer to extend below the bottom cam on most bows, which means the nocks are constantly digging into the dirt if you rest your bow on the bottom cam. But that low position allows your bow to balance better during a shot. It doesn’t make the bow top heavy, like some other quivers.

Best Traditional: Selway Slide-On Recurve Quiver

Selway

SEE IT

Key Features

• Two-piece design
• Slides over limbs
• Hood is solid leather with thick, trad stitching
• Foam insert inside the hood is deep to receive those big traditional broadheads
• Lower, rubber gripper securely holds five arrows
• Fits recurve bows with limbs 1.5-2 inches wide

Pros

• Can be adjusted up and down on the limbs to hold arrows of any length
• The ends twist to get the orientation of both halves so they hold arrows parallel to the bow
• Easy to install
• Looks super traditional

Cons

• Not the most secure-fitting quiver

The Selway Slide-On Recurve Quiver tells you exactly what it is in the name. It’s a two-piece quiver that slides onto recurve bows. Each half slides onto a limb. 

Assembly is simple. Remove the bowstring and slide the hood over the upper limb tip and down toward the riser. Slide the arrow gripper over the lower limb tip and up toward the riser. Position the two halves anywhere to hold your arrows accordingly. The two pieces fit fairly snugly, so long as the limbs are 1.5-2 inches wide. Of course, they fit the 2-inch limbs more snugly than the 1.5-inch.

The hand-stitched leather hood is what makes this quiver so trad. It looks cool and forms the perfect container for my favorite broadhead-holding foam. Stuff a big, 135-grain Zwickey two-blade into this foam and it’s not going anywhere, nor is it cutting anyone accidentally.

With its all-rubber contact points, the Selway is nice and quiet on the bow at the shot. Even though it might be a bit loose on the limbs as compared to a bolt-on quiver, there’s nothing metal to rattle and make noise.  

Having arrows in the quiver actually makes it more secure on the bow because arrows connect the halves to one another. And it holds those arrows within easy reach in case a follow-up shot is needed fast—a not-so-infrequent issue traditional bowhunters face.

Like I said. The Selway Slide-On functions great. What seals its crown as the best traditional quiver is its looks. It’s trad through and through.

Best Hip Quiver: Vista Knight

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Why It Made the Cut

It’s one of the only hip quivers designed to hold broadheads left on the market. It’s well made, looks good and has my favorite type of broadhead foam.

Key Features

• Stunning leather construction
• Sturdy rubber arrow grippers
• Thick hood foam to secure broadheads
• Belt loop
• Intended for wearing only on the right side
• Leather thigh lashes

Pros

• Stows arrows right on your hip for quick loading into your bow
• Leather construction and foam in the hood protect you from razor-sharp broadheads
• Lashed to your thigh, the quiver moves with your leg as you stalk
• Rubber shaft grippers hold arrows securely

Cons

• Not ideal for tree stand or ground blind hunting
• Arrows are more exposed to brush while stalking and can get pried out of the quiver easier than arrows attached to a bow

The Vista Knight Hunting Quiver is a stylish, leather quiver that holds five arrows. It’s 12 inches long by 8.5 inches across and has a loop that connects to a belt worn around your waist. It’s also got leather lashes so you can tie the bottom of the quiver to your thigh. The arrow shafts are held in place by rubber grippers at the top, while the broadhead-tipped points are buried in thick foam inside the hood. 

That foam inside the hood is what separates the Vista Knight from most other hip quivers on the market. Those are designed primarily for arrows tipped with field points, and therefore intended more so for target archery than hunting. Such quivers are no good for broadheads.

Hip quivers used to be quite popular among bowhunters many years ago, but have fallen out of favor in more recent times. That’s probably why there are very few options for hunting hip quivers today. Now, you’re probably most likely to see traditional archers using such a quiver.

But they’re great for spot and stalk hunts. With the lashes tied to your thigh, this quiver moves with your body, holding arrows ready for action right on your hip, sort of like a Western six-shooter. If you have to crawl on your belly, you undo the lashes and shove the quiver around your belt to your back.

Mathews and Hoyt Quivers

Mathews and Hoyt are two bow manufacturers that have cultivated dedicated fan bases that love to fly the manufacturers’ flags. Die-hard Mathews and Hoyt owners will have as many Mathews and Hoyt accessories on their bows as they can get, including quivers. If you’re part of this crowd and you have a Mathews Phase 4, you’re just not going to put a Redline or TighSpot quiver on your bow, even though they will fit.

Fortunately for Mathews and Hoyt owners, their manufacturers both make quality quivers. We are giving them their own category because these quivers only fit the bows they’re named for. So they’re no good to owners of bows that don’t say “Mathews” or “Hoyt.” But if your bow does bear one of those names, these are the quivers for you.

Mathews LowPro Detachable Quiver

SEE IT

The LowPro is a five-arrow, quick-detach quiver that follows the Mathews’s overall bow design of creating a skinny bow profile. They’ve got the integrate rest mount and the Bridge-Lock cutouts for mounting a sight and stabilizer – all in the name of slimming down the bow. So they need a quiver that keeps that vibe going.

The LowPro features a single carbon rod and attaches to the bow via connections at the top of the quiver and the bottom. A simple press lever at the bottom locks it in place. Lift the lever, and the quiver easily detaches.

The hood is deep and filled with a pliable foam that holds broadheads firmly. And with the hood and lower arrow gripper 20 inches apart, the quiver holds arrows in place more securely and quietly than shorter quivers. You can set your bow on the ground – quiver side down – and not worry about arrows bending or breaking.

It’s a quiver that’s quiet, very functional, low profile, and which will appeal to the Mathews fans who just gotta have all the Mathews accessories.

Read Next: Mathews Phase 4 Review

Mathews Arrow Web HD Quiver

Mathews

SEE IT

The Arrow Web isn’t Mathews’ latest quiver, but it is the quiver that will fit the most Mathews bows. And it’s been around for many years because it’s well-made. Available in four-arrow or six-arrow versions, the Arrow Web mounts to Mathews bows via a one-of-a-kind connection.

There’s a metal piece shaped like the letter “C” that gets bolted to a unique-shaped recess built into Mathews risers. The quiver then has two metal posts on it. The top one gets seated in a cup on the mounting bracket and the lower one pivots over a raised finger before seating into its own cup.

Now that connection keeps the quiver seated solidly. It, plus harmonic dampeners in the quiver and the mounting bracket keep this quiver ultra-quiet if you choose to shoot with it attached to the bow. But if you press down on that finger on the lower attachment point on the bracket, the quiver can quickly be detached if you like to remove it in the tree stand or ground blind.

The hood space is generous and it’s filled with a rubbery pad that broadheads sink into for nearly total encasement. The arrow grippers easily accommodate standard or micro diameter hunting arrows.

Hoyt Carbon Superlite Stretch

Hoyt

SEE IT

The Carbon Superlite Stretch is another one of those long quivers, measuring 20 inches. Again, I like that length for stability holding the arrows in place. You can shoot your bow with this quiver attached, or it can quickly be detached at its two mounting points.

The unique feature of the Carbon Superlite Stretch is its adjustability. You can adjust the quiver up or down so the arrows sit on your bow the way you want. And you can also adjust it toward or away from the riser to navigate around other accessories. And if you’re using a Hoyt integrate arrow rest and the Hoyt picatinny mount for your sight, you can pull the Carbon Superlite Stretch insanely tight against the riser for an extremely low profile.

What to Consider When Buying a Quiver

Choosing a hunting quiver doesn’t need to be a long, drawn-out process. If you do your homework and know what you want, you should be able to pick one out in short order.

The process starts with deciding if you want the quiver to be detachable or not. Think how you hunt and where you hunt, and that decision should be simple. Of course, if you’re not sure, then go with detachable, because you can always simply leave that quiver attached.

Study how different quivers attach to a bow. If there’s going to be noise, this is where it’s going to start. You want the connection to be snug—immovable if possible. 

If the quiver is detachable, how does the detach system work? You might be detaching and attaching in the dark, so you don’t want a quiver that requires fine motor skills to put it on or take it off your bow.

Like you’d do buying a car, look under the hood. How does a certain quiver hold arrow points? You want your points held firmly in place to keep them from rattling loose. In my opinion, hoods filled with foam/rubber are the most secure.

Check the arrow grippers. You want them to be pliable, so arrows can slip in and out easily, but you don’t want them to be flimsy, or the arrows will vibrate loose. Pliable, sturdy arrow grippers are best. 

Overall, how well does the quiver hold your arrows? If you hold a quiver that locks arrows in place and one that allows them to move around, you will feel the difference. 

Choose the quiver that holds the number of arrows you want to take with you on bowhunts and fits your budget, and you’re all set.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bowhunting quivers aren’t sexy. They aren’t meant to be sexy. You don’t usually hear bowhunters waxing poetic about how much they love their quiver. You want it to do its job and never have to think about it. Pick the right one, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

The post The Best Bow Quivers of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Editor's Choice		TenPoint Flatline 460	SEE IT
Best Value		Wicked Ridge Raider 400	SEE IT
Best Speed Bow		Ravin R500	SEE IT

A good crossbow needs to do a few things well: It must be easy to load and unload. It has to be accurate with field points and broadheads. It should have great ergonomics.

I’ve tested crossbows that check a few of those boxes, but manufacturers have had a hard time building bows that check them all—until this year. The best crossbows of 2023 strike the right balance of speed and accuracy. This is refreshing after the speed race of last year, where two top crossbows surpassed the 500 fps mark, but struggled to shoot tight groups.  

In this review, you’ll find crossbows with speeds from 368 fps to 515 fps and posted prices from $550 to $4,000. They’ve all been thoroughly tested and represent the latest in crossbow technology. So whether you want the flattest shooting crossbow or the most bang for your buck, you’ll be able to find the best crossbow for you.

• Editor’s Choice: TenPoint Flatline 460
• Best Value: Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock
• Best Speed Bow: Ravin R500
• TenPoint Nitro 505
• Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 
• Centerpoint Wrath 430
• Bear Impact
• Barnett Hyper XP 405
• Barnett Whitetail 400 XTR
• Killer Instinct Swat X1

How We Tested Crossbows

Speed

We measured crossbow speed using a Labradar Doppler chronograph. Each crossbow was shot three times, and we averaged the speeds to give you the spec listed for each crossbow. For context, the bolt weight and momentum are also listed for each bow. You’ll also see momentum calculated for each crossbow instead of kinetic energy because momentum provides a more accurate figure of an arrow’s lethality and ability to pass through an animal. 

Accuracy

For every crossbow, each shooter shot three, three-shot groups at 50 yards from a lead sled.

Cocking and Loading

We evaluated each crossbow for how easy and intuitive it was to cock and load. We also took note of safety features, the nosiness of cocking mechanisms, and each crossbow’s manual of arms.

Handling

We tested accuracy from the bench, but that’s probably not how you’ll shoot when hunting, so we also tested crossbows offhand, kneeling, and off a tripod to see how they handled. 

Gear We Used for Testing

Target: Big Shot Extreme 500

We used the Big Shot Extreme 500 because standard targets aren’t up to the task of stopping bolts from the Ravin R500 and the TenPoint Nitro 505. The Extreme 500 reliably stopped arrows throughout our accuracy testing, and we never struggled to pull bolts. For broadheads, we used a Rhinehart RhinoBlock, which worked great at stopping the bolts, and the broadhead-tipped bolts were easy to remove. But I don’t recommend shooting field points into a foam broadhead target—especially from the 500 fps crossbows— unless you’re looking for a workout.

Chronograph: Labradar 

The Labradar uses doppler radar to track a projectile and measure its speed. We chose it over a traditional chronograph because it provides consistent reading no matter the lighting conditions. 

Shooting Rest: Caldwell Lead Sled

The Caldwell Lead Sled provided a steady rest to bring out the best groups from each crossbow. 

Read Next: Best Trail Cameras

Best Crossbows of 2023: Reviews and Recommendations

These are new crossbows released and tested in 2023.

Editor’s Choice: TenPoint Flatline 460

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Length: 26.5 inches
• Width Uncocked: 12 inches
• Width Cocked: 7.5 inches
• Weight With Scope: 9.7 pounds
• Bolt Weight: 410 grains
• Price: $2,650

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 2.75 inches
• Speed: 467 fps
• Momentum: 0.849 slugs

Pros 

• Compact
• Easy to shoot offhand, kneeling, or seated
• Easy to cock and decock 

Cons

• Forend is not ideal for shooting off a tripod or bag

Last year the TenPoint Nitro 505 was scorching fast, but came up short in accuracy. That crossbow shot several 9-inch groups with SEVR broadheads during testing. The new TenPoint Flatline 460 retained the refined build quality of the Nitro but improved the accuracy. It shot a 2.75-inch group average with the smallest five-shot group being 2.1 inches.

I chronographed the Flatline 460 at 467 fps. I think it’s the ideal speed for a hunting crossbow because it’s fast enough to produce a lot of energy and a flat trajectory, yet not so fast that it sprays broadheads all over the target. The drop from 20 to 45 yards is only 5 inches, with a practically flat trajectory from 20 to 40. I shot the SEVR 1.5, Swhacker Levi Morgan, and Rage Hypodermic Crossbow NC broadheds into a 1.75 inch group at 50 yards. They all hit the same spot as field points. 

The speed and accuracy of the Flatline 460 are certainly noteworthy, but there are other fast and accurate crossbows on the market. The thing that makes this bow so special is its size, ergonomics, and ease of use. 

The cocking mechanism is intuitive and smooth to operate. I love the slick way the crank handle stows in the stock and how it extends to provide more leverage. The crank handle is comfortable, and while shooting in the rain, I still had a secure grip. Getting the crossbow crocked and loaded is fast, and I can get it done in about a minute. 

The length of pull measures 13.5 inches, which should be comfortable for most people. The distance from the back of the pistol grip to the trigger is 3.25 inches, and again it should be a comfortable trigger reach for most people. The two-stage trigger has a short take up followed by a defined stopping point, and with just a little pressure, it cleanly breaks. 

Shooting off hand at 45 yards, I was able to keep five-shot groups to 6 inches. The Flatline 460’s balance point is right at the trigger, which makes it easier to hold steady while shooting unsupported. The forend is very comfortable to hold and use for off-hand shooting, but I’d love to see an Arca Swiss rail integrated into it. More and more crossbow shooters are taking cues from the rifle world and are using hunting tripods as a shooting rest. For this application, an Arca Swiss mount is the standard. So the addition of the Arca rail would add a lot of utility. A flat forend—rather than radiused—would also make the crossbow more stable for shooting off a bag. Again, flat forends are a growing trend in the best rifles and it would make sense to utilize their benefits in crossbows too.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line crossbow that’s accurate, well-built, and compact, you cannot go wrong with the Flatline 460. It’s $500 less than the R500, only 40 fps slower, and shoots broadheads without issues. To me, that makes it the best crossbow of 2023. 

Best Value: Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Length: 31.5 inches
• Width Uncocked: 19 inches
• Width Cocked: 15 inches
• Weight With Scope: 6.8 pounds
• Bolt Weight: 409.4
• Price: $750

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.5 inches
• Speed: 378 fps
• Momentum: 0.686 slugs

Pros 

• Light
• Very adjustable length of pull
• Easy to cock and de-cock with a rope cocker

Cons

• Heavy trigger
• A lot of post-shot vibration 

First impressions are worth a lot, and my first impressions of the Wicked Ridge Raider were that it’s very light, easy to cock—and I was surprised when my first shot hit right where I was aiming. I continued to be pleasantly surprised by the Raider throughout testing. 

I’ve tested a lot of crossbows, and there are only a handful that are easy for anyone to cock and decock with a rope cocker while in a treestand. I think the Wicked Ridge Raider is in that rarified air. 

The trigger is a stiff 4.5 pounds but doesn’t have any creep, and it breaks clean. Just keep squeezing the trigger straight back, and you’ll hit the spot. In the 50-yard accuracy testing, the group sizes averaged 3.5 inches. The vertical consistency was excellent, and I saw mostly left or right inconsistency, likely due to the trigger. 

The stock is adjustable for the length of pull from 13.25 inches to 16.25 inches, which is plenty of adjustment range to fit most shooters. In fact, the longest setting was even too long for my 6-foot 6-inch frame. 

The one thing I didn’t like about shooting the Raider was the post-shot vibration. It’s a louder-than-average crossbow, with a stinging vibration after the shot. But I recognize most crossbow owners use their bows for hunting tools rather than recreational shooting. The Raider certainly is a great hunting tool and meets the needs of hunters looking for the best crossbow for the money.

Best Crossbows of 2022: Reviews & Recommendations

These are crossbows tested in 2022 that are still available in 2023 and among the best on the market.

Best Speed Bow: Ravin R500

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features 

• Bolt Weight: 403 grains
• Weight: 8.4 pounds 
• Uncocked Width: 7.7 inches
• String Life: 200 shots or 2 years 
• Price: $3,025 to $3,725

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 2.7 inches
• Speed: 502.5 fps
• Momentum: 0.898 slugs

Pros

• Fast and accurate
• Narrow profile
• Easy to use
• Good trigger

Cons

• Difficult to clip bolts onto the string 
• Quiver and crank are poor quality for the price
• Expensive

A crossbow that shoots 500 fps is impressive. But a crossbow that’s safe, accurate, easy to use, and shoots 500 fps is worthy of the Editor’s Choice award. the new Ravin accomplishes all of that and more.  

The R500 doesn’t achieve 500 fps by utilizing a super-heavy draw weight. It uses the same 300-pound draw weight as the 450-fps R29. It gets its speed from a longer powerstroke and efficient cam design. 

We really liked the R500’s design. Its narrow profile makes it handy, and it balances over the forward grip for steady offhand shooting. It also has a smart solution to prevent mispositioned fingers from getting sliced off by the string: The R500’s string is fully enclosed with a shroud that resembles a vented tube. 

The cocking mechanism is also really well thought out. The trigger group moves on threaded rails to cock the R500. It’s a clean design that has no straps or ropes. It takes effort to crank, but it’s smooth and most adults won’t have an issue cocking this crossbow. The crank handle that comes with the R500 looks surprisingly cheap—like an Allen wrench bent into the shape of a crank. Its design and construction are almost like an afterthought on an otherwise well-designed crossbow. Another thing we didn’t like is that you have to snap the bolts onto the string rather than slide them into place like many other crossbows. This means the user must grip the bolt to snap it on, and with a broadhead, that becomes more difficult.

That said, I suspect that snapping the bolts onto the string contributes to the R500’s accuracy. The Ravin was the most accurate crossbow in the field we tested, with a 2.7-inch average group at 50 yards. The real test was how it performed with broadheads. We wanted to be sure that a 500 fps crossbow could shoot a broadhead accurately. I shot multiple groups with a 100-grain SEVR crossbow broadhead at 50 yards, and it consistently grouped with field points. The broadhead groups were comparable to our field-point-only groups at 2.75 to 3.25 inches. I swapped the broadhead onto different bolts and of the six bolts I shot with the broadhead, I produced only one flyer, which shot 4 inches outside the group.

Using the LabRadar, we clocked the R500 speed at 502 fps—just over the advertised spec. At that speed, your arrows will drop 1.5 inches between 20 and 40 yards. At 50 yards, your bolts will be going 462 fps and deliver .827 slug fps of momentum. For perspective, a compound bow shooting 300 fps with a 600-grain arrow generates .799 slug fps at point-blank range.

The elephant in the room is the R500’s price tag. It’s an absurdly expensive crossbow, and it’s comparable in price to a precision hunting rifle. But the crossbow market is a hot one, and Ravin is betting that hunters will be willing to shell out for one of the fastest, most accurate crossbows available.

TenPoint Nitro 505

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 404 grains
• Weight: 7.9 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 12 inches
• Price: $3,050 to $4,650

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.08 inches
• Speed: 515 fps
• Momentum: 0.924 slugs

Pros

• Fast
• Easy to crank
• Built-in the USA

Cons

• Inconsistent broadhead accuracy 
• Crank failure during testing

At the 2019 Outdoor Life crossbow test, the fastest crossbow was the TenPoint Nitro XRT at 432 fps. Just three years later, we have crossbows shooting at least 70 fps faster. But one thing hasn’t changed: TenPoint still makes the fastest crossbow. 

Like the R500, the Nitro 505 isn’t getting its speed from its 300-pound draw weight alone. The increased speed comes from a longer powerstroke—two inches longer than the Ravin—as well as its limb and cam design. 

At 515 fps, the Nitro 505 delivers a 404-grain payload with .924 slug fps of momentum. That’s 10 fps faster than the Ravin. Does the extra speed really make a difference? From 20 to 40 yards, the Nitro 505 has 1 inch of drop, while the R500 has 1.5 inches. At 50 yards, the Nitro has .026 slug fps more momentum than the R500. So, in real-world hunting situations, the speed difference is negligible. Nitro 505s also ship with six 450-grain Center Punch bolts, which fly at 488.5 fps. 

At 50 yards, we averaged 3.08-inch groups with the Nitro 505. That’s plenty accurate for any hunting scenario, but we’ve seen tighter groups from less expensive bows in previous crossbow tests. Broadhead groups were hit or miss and ranged from about 3 to 9 inches. The difference in group size resulted from bolts that did not shoot well with a broadhead. That means you can’t screw broadheads onto any bolt and go hunting. You’ll need to weed out flyers and find bolts that shoot well with a broadhead. The heavier and slower Center Punch bolts did not improve broadhead accuracy. 

The Nitro 505 has a self-contained cranking system. You do have to unwind the crank with one hand while the other hand guides the latch mechanism down the rail. With a light push, the latch clips onto the string and it’s easy to cock. The crank on the Nitro 505 is very smooth, and its well-designed handle provides comfort and leverage. The first crossbow we received from TenPoint had a crank failure during testing: The strap disconnected from the internal mechanism. We’ve had no issues with the replacement crossbow.

Just like with the Ravin crossbow, you’ll have to pay for all that speed. Prices for the Nitro 505 range from $3,050 to $4,650 depending on the package you go with.

Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 350 grains
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 25.5 inches
• Price: $1,600

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.19 inches
• Speed: 346.6 fps
• Momentum: 0.538 slugs

Pros

• Fast follow-up shots
• User serviceable 

Cons

• Front trigger can be difficult to reach
• Complex cocking process

The TwinStrike TAC 2 is the second generation Twinsitrike, which shares the same signature feature as its predecessor: A quick follow-up shot. It accomplishes that by using two recurves stacked on top of each other. Each bow is cocked independently using a detachable crank. There are two triggers on the Twinstrike. The front trigger fires the top bow, and the rear fires the bottom bow. The new TAC 2 is .3 pounds lighter than the original, has a shorter overall length, and is about 20 fps slower.

We used both the top and bottom bow during accuracy testing and can confirm that both shoot bolts in the same spot. For the sake of science, I also shot both bolts simultaneously. The spread was about 1.5 feet, but that’s simply because it’s difficult to fire both bolts at the exact same time and the recoil from the first shot spoils the second. So, yes you can shoot two bolts at once, and even though that feature doesn’t have a practical purpose, it is fun.

We averaged a 3.19-inch group at 50 yards and clocked the TAC2 at 346.6 fps. The bolts are shorter and lighter than the other crossbows we tested at 350 grains, and they generate .538 slug fps at point-blank. 

There are some cons to this crossbow. The front trigger will be difficult to reach for shooters with smaller hands. The loading process is complicated (you definitely have to read the instructions before using), and testers had safety concerns around loading. You must cock the bottom crossbow with the safety off—the latch will not engage with the safety on. The dryfire mechanism is your safety while cocking the bottom bow, and we confirmed it does work. Also after loading both bolts you must put the safety on manually.

This crossbow has a cool factor and a feature that others can’t touch. Like all recurve crossbows, it’s field serviceable, and no bow press is required to replace a string.

Centerpoint Wrath 430

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 400 grains
• Weight: 8.3 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 13 inches
• Price: $800

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.27 inches
• Speed: 408 fps
• Momentum: 0.725 slugs

Pros

• Compact
• Balances well for offhand shooting
• Fast

Cons

• Cocking mechanism gets stuck on stock

Centerpoint and Ravin are sister companies, and you’ll see a lot of Ravin technology in Centerpoints. The Wrath 430 is at the upper end of what I’d call a budget bow at an $800 MSRP—retail prices are lower. 

This bullpup-style crossbow is the most compact in the Centerpoint lineup. The stock is polymer, and it gives the crossbow a cheap feel, but it doesn’t affect performance. The trigger pull felt heavy, but it was still the fourth-most accurate crossbow we tested. We shot a 3.27-inch group average, and it produced speeds of 408 fps with a 400-grain bolt. The Wrath 430 has an advertised speed of up to 430 fps, but Centerpoint doesn’t provide a bolt weight to achieve that speed. So we won’t say it can’t hit its spec because a lighter bolt could reach that 430 fps mark, but we weren’t able to achieve those speeds in our test.

We liked that the forward grip keeps your support hand low and safely away from the string. The crank is quiet, but the crank handle inserts into a hole in the back of the stock and can get wedged in place. For hunting, we would prefer to use a cocking rope but found that because of the long powerstroke, it was difficult to use with the rope cocker. 

Bear Impact

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Speed: 420 fps (advertised)
• Bolt Weight: 382 grains
• Weight: 8.9 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 12 inches 
• Price: $1,099

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.77 inches*
• Speed: 420 fps (advertised)
• Momentum: 0.712 slugs 

Pros

• Good speed and accuracy
• Comes with four bolts

Cons

• Needs more premium features for the price

Bear Archery makes crossbows? Yes and, like their compound bows, they are building crossbows to fit any budget from the $300 Trek 380 to the Impact at $1,100. We evaluate bows in the $1,000-plus category with a more critical eye than the budget-friendly options. The competition in that higher price bracket is tough, because consumers expect peak performance from a crossbow that costs a grand. 

Let’s start with what we liked about the Impact. It’s a compact bow at 12-inches wide, uncocked. The adjustable length of pull is a nice feature for fitting the Impact to multiple shooters. It also has a built-in bipod that would work well for resting on a limb or the window of a box blind. It shot an average of 3.77-inch* groups at 50 yards. 

There’s an asterisk attached to that group size because we only got through three of the six groups with the Bear Impact. The tab that depresses to release the string hook broke during testing. We also could not chronograph the Impact before we had the failure. This crossbow simply didn’t bring the performance to match its price tag. 

Barnett Hyper XP 405

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 400 grains
• Weight: 7.9 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 13.75 inches 
• Price: $600

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.5 inches
• Speed: 407 fps
• Momentum: 0.723 slugs

Pros

• Good trigger
• Shoots unique, micro-diameter bolts

Cons

• Only comes with two arrows
• Can’t be decocked without firing

The Barnett Hyper XP 405 gives crossbow hunters a lot of value for the price. It has some cool features, like that it shoots micro-diameter bolts, and it has a TriggerTech trigger. The collapsable stock is excellent for fitting the crossbow to the shooter and reducing its size for transportation. The stock is also ergonomic and features rubber over-molding around the grip for additional comfort. The trigger is insanely good for a crossbow in this price range. It also shoots a respectable 407 fps. It printed 3.5-inch groups at 50 yards. 

The downside is that the Hyper XP 405 only comes with two bolts, and it doesn’t include a crank. But, you can buy a crank for an extra $150. We recommend that upgrade because using the included rope cocker is difficult due to the Hyper XP 405’s long powerstroke. The last few inches of cocking the crossbow are especially difficult. It also can’t be decocked without firing. Another con is that the bolts are expensive; they’ll run you $90 for five. 

If you’re looking for a crossbow for around $600, it’s going to be hard to beat the features you get from the Hyper XP 405. 

Barnett Whitetail 400 XTR

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 404 grains
• Weight: 7.2 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 16 inches
• Price: $600

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.58 inches
• Speed: 401 fps
• Momentum: 0.71 slugs

Pros

• Nice features for the price
• Good trigger
• Comfortable stock

Cons

• Comes with two bolts

The Whitetail 400 XTR has many of the same features we like about the Hyper XP 405, like the TriggerTech trigger. The big difference between the two is the Whitetail Hunter shoots standard-diameter bolts. That feature will appeal to many crossbow hunters because the standard bolts are about half the price of the small-diameter ones.

The stock is ergonomic and well-balanced. The balance makes for steady shooting from field positions, and it feels much lighter than its 7.2 pounds. Barnett added nice touches like rubber over-molding on the cheek rest, grip, and stirrup. That coating adds comfort, and deadens any noise caused by knocking the stirrup into stands or bow hangers. 

It is a long crossbow at 36 inches, including the stirrup. It’s a beast to cock without a crank. You can buy a crank for the crossbow ($150), though, and it would be a wise investment.

It has a very nice TriggerTech trigger and shot a respectable average of 3.58-inch groups at 50 yards. We clocked it at its specified 400 fps, giving it 0.71 slug fps of momentum. That’s really good performance for a crossbow in this price range. 

Killer Instinct Swat X1

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Bolt Weight: 390 grains 
• Weight: 7.25 pounds
• Uncocked Width: 9.75 inches
• Price: $1,200

Test Results

• 50-Yard Group Average: 3.7 inches
• Speed: 382.6 fps
• Momentum: 0.661 slugs 

Pros

• Compact
• Good trigger
• Smooth cocking crank

Cons

• Quirky cocking and loading procedure

There’s a lot to like about the Killer Instinct Swat X1. This is a compact crossbow—25 inches long—that’s very easy to shoot offhand and kneeling, thanks to its size and balance. It also has one of the nicest triggers we tested, and it shot a respectable 382 fps with a 390-grain bolt. 

The accuracy was just average, with 3.7-inch groups at 50 yards. In terms of effort, it was an easy crossbow to cock, but we didn’t like its quirks in the cocking and loading process. As you cock the crossbow, you have to lift the cheek rest out of the way and then close it again before shooting. This added step is a compromise for the SWAT X1’s smaller size. 

The Upshot

Last year’s crossbow test was all about speed, and it was a shootout between the fastest crossbows ever made. That was exciting, but I learned that broadhead accuracy suffers when speeds hit 500 fps. This year’s best crossbow found the right balance between speed, accuracy, and handling, making it an ideal hunting crossbow. I think that will be the trend for crossbows going forward as manufacturers put more emphasis on features rather than speed alone.

Best Crossbows of 2023

• Editor’s Choice: TenPoint Flatline 460
• Best Value: Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock

Best Crossbows of 2022

• Best Speed Bow: Ravin R500
• TenPoint Nitro 505
• Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur TwinStrike TAC2 
• Centerpoint Wrath 430
• Bear Impact
• Barnett Hyper XP 405
• Barnett Whitetail 400 XTR
• Killer Instinct Swat X1

The post Best Crossbows of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

CenterPoint Archery is the sister company to Ravin crossbows, and they make some of the best crossbows for the money. During prime day you can get the CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 package for 24 percent off, which drops the price to $250. The package comes with a scope, bolts, and a quiver.

The CenterPoint Archery CP400 is 22 percent off, which drops its price to below $800.

The post Prime Day 2023: CenterPoint Crossbow is Under $300 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Cabela’s The ZonZ Specialist XL Ground Blind	SEE IT
Best for Bowhunting		Primos Full Frontal One-Way See-Through Blind	SEE IT
Best Budget		Ameristep Doghouse Blind	SEE IT

If it weren’t for hunting blinds, I might not have killed my first deer as a kid. I was barely a teen, and had just started hunting on my own. I was anything but stealthy. My dad made the wise decision to station me in a blind, and I made a lucky offhand shot on a basket rack eight. Since then, hunting blinds haven’t been my first choice when it comes to setups, but I have used them strategically when cover and tree stand options were slim. I’ve also used them to  introduce younger siblings or new hunters to the sport. 

Today, there’s a wide variety of hunting blind styles that are useful to veteran hunters and new hunters alike. I reviewed the best hunting blinds for a bunch of different strategies and budgets.

• Best Overall: Cabela’s The ZonZ Specialist XL 
• Best Turkey Hunting Blind: Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide Ground Blind
• Best Bale Blind: Redneck Outfitter HD Bale Blind
• Best Semi Permanent Blind: Redneck Soft Side 360 Ghillie Deluxe 6×6
• Best for Bowhunting: Primos Full Frontal One-Way See-Through Blind
• Best Permanent: Redneck Buck Palace Platinum
• Best Budget: Ameristep Doghouse Blind
• Best for Run and Gun Hunts: NUKEM Grab & Go
• Best Sustainable Pick: Natural Ground Blind

How We Chose the Best Hunting Blinds

Like treestands, hunting blinds are only effective if they keep you concealed and give you an ethical shot opportunity. Aside from that, there are a few factors that separate quality hunting blinds from the cheap ones. Here’s a list of criteria I considered while conducting this review:

Window Openings

Whether you’re using shoot-through material or not, loud zippers or Velcro can put critters on high alert. If you need to make an adjustment to your window while you’ve got a buck in bow range, you could be one zip away from blowing it. The cheaper the blind, the louder the zipper. Of the blinds I tested, I tried opening the windows with one hand to see how much noise each one made. I also drew my bow in each blind I tested to see if the windows were positioned properly. 

Outer Fabric

Cheap blinds mean cheap fabrics. If you’re leaving a blind up for the season, it’s worth investing in one that can withstand the elements.

Space

Measurements can be deceiving. Some advertised dimensions are flat out wrong. Sure a blind might be 72 inches at its highest point, but what about on the left side where you’ll be making shot? I evaluated each blind for the space it provides given its specific style. Some blinds are designed to be more spacious, while others are designed to be more compact. 

Read Next: Best Ghillie Suits

Best Hunting Blinds Reviews and Recommendations

Best for Overall: Cabela’s The ZonZ Specialist XL

Adam Moore

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 67 inches x 76 inches
• Weight: 25 pounds
• 7 shooting windows
• 300 degree visibility
• Material: 300D brushed-polyester

Pros

• Spacious
• Easy setup/takedown
• Multiple window configurations

Cons

• Heavy

Though a bit heavy, the Cabela’s ZonZ Specialist XL should appeal to both gun and bowhunters. Seven windows provide ample shot opportunities, and the silent window adjustments are easy to operate with one hand. Of the blinds I tested, the ZonZ Specialist XL was the quickest to setup and breakdown. Once you start pushing the outer walls in, it basically folds itself, which is ideal for setup/breakdown in the dark.

Two sides of the blind feature triangle shaped windows that you can leave closed or pull back and clasp shut with hooks and tabs on each of the covers. Even though this blind is labeled XL, it shouldn’t feel like overkill for a single hunter, especially if you’re packing a day’s worth of gear. Two hunters won’t feel cramped either. This blind would make a great option for patient hunters who pull dark-to-dark sits. 

Its height and weight exclude it from hunts that require a long hike in, but for easy access spots, the ZonZ Specialist XL makes an excellent option.   

Read Next: Best Tree Stands

Best Turkey Hunting Blind: Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide Ground Blind

Primos

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 70 inches x 70 inches hub-to-hub
• Weight: 26 pounds with tote bag
• Limited lifetime warranty

Pros

• Sun visor
• Zipperless double wide door 
• 180-degree full front windows
• Silent window closure
• Four one-way see-through walls

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy

I’ve been a Primos Double Bull fan for years, and the SurroundView Double Wide is loaded with features I love in a turkey hunting blind. The 300-degree one-way see-through mesh allows you to cover almost every angle. Whether you’re bowhunting alone or shotgunning with the kids, this roomy blind is a great choice. The hub system makes it easy to set up and break down, and you’ll be blown away by how well the see-through fabric works. The first time a gobbler comes in on a string, you’ll duck and try to conceal yourself. Don’t worry. You can see them, but they can’t see you. The window system is silent, and I appreciate the built-in sun visor, which comes in handy during sunrise and sunset. Those premium features come with a premium price, but if you want a blind that can weather the conditions and provide ample room, the SurroundView is one of the best hunting blinds out there.  —Jace Bauserman

Best Bale Blind: Redneck Outfitter HD Bale Blind

Rednek Blinds

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 72″ Long x 72″ Deep x 72″ High
• Weight: 146 pounds 
• Six windows

Pros

• Big and roomy
• Critters get used to it 
• Ideal for wide-open fields
• Great for taking kids hunting

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy

Want to hide in plain sight? You need a bale blind, and the Redneck Outfitter HD is tough to beat. This blind looks just like a farmer’s hay bale. Simply set it up a few months before the season in that go-to spot and let the deer or turkeys get used to it (they will). The only downside of this blind is that it takes some work to construct and set. I set mine myself on a farm I lease, but it’s easier if you have a buddy with you. Because of its size and weight, this style of blind is best suited for private land hunting (you can’t exactly pack it into a public land spot).

But for private-land hunters who want a dual purpose blind for hunting deer and turkeys, this is an ideal option. I’ve had the blind sit out for a couple winters now and it’s held up nicely to the elements. It has six sliding windows that are quiet to open and close. It comes with a stout metal stake, but if you set it in open terrain, I’d recommend augmenting it with extra heavy-duty garden stakes. The powder-coated steel frame is sturdy and the pullover material helps quiet any noise you might make in the blind. Because it’s so roomy it’s a perfect blind for taking kids hunting or taking a buddy along with you to film (or shoot a second gobbler). –Alex Robinson

Read Next: Best Trail Cameras

Best Semi Permanent Blind: Redneck Soft Side 360 Ghillie Deluxe 6×6

Adam Moore

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 72 inches x 79 inches (exterior)
• Weight: 133 pounds
• Powder-coated steel frame
• See-thru, silent slide mesh curtains
• Bow hanger
• Gun holder
• Two 24-inch rebar anchoring stakes

Pros

• 77 inches standing room
• Durable outer cover
• Minimal brush-in required
• 360-degree shot opportunities

Cons

• Heavy
• Jute chords catch in zippers

For a semi-permanent and reasonably affordable hunting blind, the Redneck Soft Side 360 Ghillie Deluxe hits the sweet spot. The robust design makes it more durable and weather tolerant than most pop-up or hub-style blinds, but at $700 it’s more affordable than other permanent blinds. 

The blind’s two-way zippers on each window aren’t silent, but they’re close enough. They’re easy to operate with one hand. It also offers 360 degrees of shooting with four large horizontal windows and four (one in each corner) vertical windows that are perfect for standing shots with a bow. This spacious interior (70 inches wide x 70 inches deep x 77 inches high), means you can stand up and stretch your legs for those all-day rut hunts. This blind is roomy enough with two hunters and plenty of gear. Hunters over six feet tall should plan for seated bow shots. I’m 5’9” and had plenty of standing shot opportunities within typical bow range. 

Its size and semi-permanency makes the Ghillie Deluxe an ideal candidate for large food plots or in any open country where treestand options are limited. The outer cover does a great job of breaking up the blind’s shape, and it should require significantly less brushing-in than other blinds.

The Ghillie Deluxe only requires a socket wrench for assembly, and you’ll definitely want to put it together at your desired stand location or have a plan to transport it with a trailer and some buddies.   

Best for Bowhunting: Primos Full Frontal One-Way See-Through Blind

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 75 inches x 67 inches
• Weight: 17 pounds with bag and stakes
• One-way see-through mesh
• Assist door system
• Silent slide windows
• Veil camo pattern

Pros

• Brush Deception straps
• Windows actually quiet
• Budget friendly

Cons

• Feels smaller than the dimensions

The Primos Full Frontal came in a close second to the ZonZ Specialist XL, only because the setup/breakdown was slightly slower. However, the one-way see-through material is wicked cool, and it gives you a larger sight picture than most blinds offer. This allows you to stay concealed until you need to crack the window and take a shot. Thanks to the silent slide openings, you can do this without spooking game. 

At 17 pounds, the Full Frontal isn’t heavy, but it’s not the lightest blind out there either. Its packed size is smaller than the ZonZ Specialist XL. It wouldn’t be too cumbersome for a single hunter packing a minimal amount of other gear. While the size feels a bit smaller than its given dimensions, I do think it hits the sweet spot for a single hunter to maneuver as needed for any bow shot opportunity.

Best Permanent: Redneck Buck Palace Platinum

Rednek Blinds

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 74 inches x 82 inches
• Weight: 375 pounds
• Material: fiberglass
• Vertical and horizontal windows
• EZ-Pull silent window openings
• Multiple stand configuration options

Pros

• Insulated
• Super quiet windows
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive

For ag country or large field setups, permanent blinds offer better stand locations and shelter from late-season elements. Insulated walls and ceilings make the Redneck Buck Palace Platinum ideal for such conditions. This platinum blind includes a platinum price tag. The blind itself runs $3,400, while adding a stand or stair system could cost you up to a couple grand more. 

Its generous inner dimensions (70 inches x 70 inches x 80 inches) leave plenty of room for two hunters plus gear. With windows on every side and in every corner, this blind offers a variety of shot options for bow or gun hunters. 

Best Budget: Ameristep Doghouse Blind

Ameristep

SEE IT

Key Features

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Dimensions: 55 inches x 61 inches
• Zippered window system
• Fabric: Durashell Plus
• Hub blind
• Carry bag and ground stakes

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Quick setup/breakdown
• Lightweight

Cons

• Durability
• Not a friend of wind

From your local co-op to Amazon, the Ameristep Doghouse blind is widely available. These blinds are light and super affordable. The setup and breakdown are a matter of folding this blind into itself and only takes a matter of minutes. These features make it a great option for last minute turkey hunts, especially if you’re taking a new or young hunter. 

The sub $70 price tag includes obvious drawbacks. Ameristep’s Doghouse Blind lacks the durability of other options just out of its price range. If you plan to brush this in well before the season—which you should—and leave it up for the duration, don’t expect more than a few seasons from it. 

While this blind offers adequate stability in calm conditions, high winds make it feel like the house that one pig built out of straw. Two hunters make a crowd in the Doghouse, but for a single hunter, you shouldn’t have an issue when it’s time to make a shot from one of the three zippered windows. 

Best for Run and Gun Hunts: NUKEM Grab & Go

Nukem

SEE IT

Key Features

• Dimensions: 84 inches x 45-53 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Material: 150 Denier Nylon
• Also available in XL option

Pros

• Setup takes seconds
• Lightweight
• Adjustable height

Cons

• No stakes for windy days

Hauling a blind through the woods isn’t exactly feasible for the run and gun hunter, but NUKEM’s Grab & Go blind makes it possible. If you’re hunting open timber or country with sparse cover, this blind might be worth the tote. It folds down to just 32 inches, which makes it a real option to carry in your turkey vest or hunting pack.

Deployment is simple and requires only a matter of seconds. Taking down the blind is just as simple, especially since it doesn’t require stakes. However, this is also a drawback, making it less than ideal for windy conditions. 

Best Sustainable Pick: Natural Hunting Blind

Key Features

• Biodegradable
• Numerous sizes
• Scent free

Pros

• Free
• Lightweight
• Natural blend
• No breakdown required

Cons

• Varying material supply

Natural blinds are an excellent way to get to close to critters on the ground. If you’re deer hunting, small patches of brush or blowdowns make ideal setups with minimal adjustments. But if these aren’t readily available, a few dead limbs or carefully snipped branches are all you’ll need to break up your shape. If you can, look for a tree that’s large enough to cover your back. Then, locate a few limbs or deadfall that range from a few to several inches in diameter. Forked limbs are a plus and make it easier to brush the smaller ones in. The temptation here is to brush yourself in tight, but that can be problematic when it’s time to draw your bow or make a shot. You don’t need a ton of cover, just enough to break up your shape or draw your bow without being seen. Make sure you check your local rules and regulations if you decide to clip new branches for your ground blind.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hunting Blind

Depending on how frequently you hunt out of a blind and if you’ll plan to bow and gun hunt from it, here are a few things worth considering: 

Budget

Cheaper hunting blinds don’t last as long, but if you’re only using your blind once or twice per year, a budget option might be all you need. If you need a hunting blind for one of your go-to spots, a more robust option, like the Ghillie Deluxe 6×6, might be worth investing in.    

Weapon of Choice

If you strictly gun hunt, you don’t have to stress over window height and placement. For bowhunters,, large vertical and horizontal windows are ideal.

Hunting Setup

For large ag fields, food plots, and open country that gets a lot of deer action historically, a permanent blind might be worth the cash. For public land, run and gun hunts, or dark to dark turkey stake-outs, a pop-up or hub style hunting blind works best. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Hunting Blinds

Whether you’re bowhunting turkeys or deer hunting, there are plenty of blinds to keep you hid and help you get a shot. Consider your budget and how often you plan to hunt before sifting through the best hunting blinds for your needs. 

• Best Overall: Cabela’s The ZonZ Specialist XL 
• Best Turkey Hunting Blind: Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide Ground Blind
• Best Bale Blind: Redneck Outfitter HD Bale Blind
• Best Semi Permanent Blind: Redneck Soft Side 360 Ghillie Deluxe 6×6
• Best for Bowhunting: Primos Full Frontal One-Way See-Through Blind
• Best Permanent: Redneck Buck Palace Platinum
• Best Budget: Ameristep Doghouse Blind
• Best for Run and Gun Hunts: NUKEM Grab & Go
• Best Sustainable Pick: Natural Ground Blind

The post The Best Hunting Blinds of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The performance gap between compound bows and new crossbows seems to be widening exponentially. In last year’s Crossbow Test, for example, we reviewed two bows—the Ravin R500 and TenPoint Nitro 505—that shot speeds faster than 500 fps, which was impossible to imagine just a few years ago. For reference, the fastest compound bow in the 2022 Bow Test—the Bowtech SR350—generated a speed of 288 fps with a 67-pound draw weight, 29-inch draw length, firing a 450-grain arrow. That difference of 200 fps is so substantial that many bowhunters still argue that crossbows don’t belong in regular archery seasons. Many of us also wonder when crossbow advancements might begin to plateau or when game agencies might crack down on crossbow performance.

But there’s one critical metric where crossbows and compound bows are much closer than most bowhunters realize: accuracy. We shot the field of new crossbows and compound bows at Lancaster Archery and Supply’s 50-yard range. Crossbows were scoped up, dialed in, and shot from a lead sled. Compound bows were paper tuned and shot without any stabilizers. Our test team included four shooters with varying degrees of experience. The results? The average three-shot crossbow group for the field was 3.45 inches. The average three-shot compound bow group for the field was 3.20 inches. Yep, at 50 yards, the compound bows were more accurate, on average.

Digging Into Crossbow vs. Compound Bow Accuracy Data

What we were really testing here was field accuracy: how accurately a regular archer can actually shoot the bow or crossbow in the real world. If we’d have shot the bows out of a mechanical shooting device, like a Hooter Shooter, we’d likely get different results. But for bowhunters, the thing that matters most is the question: “How well can I shoot the bow?” So that’s what we measured.

We didn’t stack the deck in favor of compound bows with professional shooters, either. The compound bow testers were myself and P.J. Reilly of Lancaster Archery. Reilly is an expert shooter and veteran bowhunter. In other words, if you put him on a random public archery range he’d likely be the best shooter on the line, but he’s not winning national 3D tournaments. As for me, I’m a workaday archer. I’ve been bowhunting since I was 14, and I shoot diligently every summer so that I’m ready to be a lethal hunter in the fall. I don’t compete, I hang my bow up for the winter, and I’ve never had formal coaching. In other words, I’m probably just like you. Here’s how we shot.

P.J. averaged a 2.80-inch group for the 11 bows we tested. I averaged a 3.61-inch group. It’s interesting to note that there was some variation on which bows each of us shot well. For example, Reilly was lights-out with the Hoyt RX7, shooting a 1.62 average, while I averaged a more modest 3.08-inch group. But Reilly struggled with the Prime Inline 3, shooting 4.5-inch average—his worst overall. I beat him by an inch with that bow, one of my wins of the week. Reilly, the more experienced archer, was able to shoot the more challenging bows better. You can see how my groups deteriorated with the Bear Refine EKO and Bowtech SR350. We both shot the PSE Carbon Levitate, the Editor’s Choice winner, extremely well. (Read the full review of the best compound bows of 2023 here).

We also both shot the underrated Darton Spectra E exceptionally well (2.17 inches for Reilly and 2.5 inches for me). This was our best-shooting bow at 50 yards, and it was as or more accurate, than the most accurate crossbow in the test.

Senior deputy editor Natalie Krebs and gear editor Scott Einsmann tested the crossbows under ideal conditions: from a lead sled resting on a heavy picnic table, in minimal wind. The most accurate crossbow from the field of nine was the Ravin R500 with an average group size of 2.48 inches. (Read the full review of the best crossbows of 2023 here).

If we parse out the data, and look at each shooter with each bow individually, some more interesting points arise:

• Best overall compound group: Mathews V3X, .75 inches
• Best overall crossbow group: Ravin R500, 1.06 inches
• Best overall 3-group average, compound: Hoyt RX7, 1.62 inches
• Best overall 3-group average, crossbow: Ravin R500, 2.06 inches
• Worst overall compound group: Bear Refine Eko, 6 inches
• Worst overall crossbow group: Killer Instinct Swat X1, 5.7 inches
• Worst overall 3-group average, compound: Bear Refine Eko, 5.67
• Worst overall 3-group average, crossbow: Excalibur Twin Strike X1, 4.27 inches

The takeaway? The most accurate compound bows beat the most accurate crossbows. But the least accurate crossbows beat the least accurate compound bows. Below, you can see our average three-shot groups with each bow and crossbow. —A.R.

Why Modern Compound Bows Are So Accurate

One of the biggest innovators in compound bows is Rex Darlington, who helped shaped compound bows into the tack drivers we know today. He also designed the most accurate bow we shot at the Outdoor Life Bow Test, the Darton Spectra E. You’ll find Darlington’s patents used in just about every flagship bow, especially his synchronized cam system.

“That cam system takes away a lot of the issues the shooter creates,” Darlington says. “It contributes a lot to the consistency and accuracy of the bow.” 

One way it makes bows accurate is by eliminating nock-travel issues. Anyone who shot an early cam ½ system can appreciate the headaches the synchronized cam alleviates. 

You might think that an arrow shooting from full draw travels in a straight line, but in some bow designs the nock end would move at an angle. In the worst designs, it would travel at an inconsistent angle. To solve the inconsistency issue, many archers timed their cams for a little downward nock travel to give the arrow a consistent direction. Another issue was that with each draw length adjustment, the nock travel changed, which made tuning bows a headache. Basically the synchronized cam system makes bows really easy to tune.

According to Darlington, one thing contributing to Darton’s accuracy is that their manufacturing process and specifications make each bow very consistent and easy to tune. 

“That bow should shoot a bullet hole just by lining things up, and there shouldn’t be any more tuning than that to the bow,” he says.

Beyond the synchronized cam system found in almost every bow, many of the top bows had a wide limb stance. 

“The limbs have gotten wider because it helps distribute stress and makes them less prone to fatigue. They hold up better,” Darlington says. “It also takes more effort to twist them, which makes the bow more stable.”

Bows used to have comfortable, but torque-prone, grips. These days more bows have a square, flat grip that promotes even and consistent grip pressure. There’s a reason target archers prefer a grip of that style, and bowhunters reap the same benefits. Another X factor is that there’s more archery information available. You can go to YouTube right now and get shooting advice from great coaches like John Dudley or George Rylas IV, and many bowhunters have. So you have fewer trigger slappers out there and more people shooting solid form. —S.E.

Why Modern Crossbows Aren’t More Accurate

While Darlington is known for his compound bow designs, Darton makes crossbows, too. Darlington provided insight into what’s holding back crossbow accuracy.

“The thing about crossbows is, if you take the arrow weight and you figure the amount of stored energy, it’s like shooting an under-spined arrow out of a compound bow,” he said. “So, you’ll encounter arrow flight issues you wouldn’t accept out of a compound bow.”  

The issue isn’t the crossbow. It’s that the bolts they shoot aren’t optimized for their 300-pound draw weights. The result is the same as shooting a poorly-tuned compound bow. Another pitfall is some crossbow package bolts lack straightness and spine consistency. So, how do you get the most out of your crossbow? Tamp down the speed by shooting a heavier bolt or a crossbow with a lower draw weight. 

“Mathews [Mission Crossbows] has pretty much dominated crossbow tournaments, but they’re not shooting very fast speeds out of their crossbows,” Darlington said. “Their weights are under 200 pounds and that’s one of the things that contributes to their accuracy.” —S.E.

Long-Range Accuracy

If we had stretched the range of our test to 70 yards or 100 yards, you’d see crossbow accuracy start to pull ahead of compound bow accuracy. Most average compound shooters would have a hard time turning in 6-inch or even 8-inch groups at 100 yards. Shooting from a supported position, with a scope, is too great of an advantage for all but the best compound shooters to overcome. But even with today’s, ultra-fast crossbows, 100 yards should not be considered a reasonable archery range. The bolt would be in flight for about three quarters of a second (more than enough time for the animal to move). Plus, at that range, wind can severely change a bolt’s point of impact. (I don’t know any average-joe crossbow hunters who have practiced enough with their setup to acquire accurate windage adjustments for 100-yard shots).

So while it’s true that crossbows are speeding ahead with innovations and incredible performance, when it comes to reasonable archery ranges, compound bows are just as accurate—and in the right hands, even more accurate. —A.R.

Crossbow Accuracy vs Compound Bow Accuracy Q&A

Are compound bows more accurate?

Yes, compound bows are more accurate than traditional bows and crossbows at moderate hunting ranges. That’s not to say that every compound bow is more accurate than every other type of bow. Only that the top-end compound bows are still more accurate on average (or at least easier to shoot accurately). And remember, the archer (not the bow) is always the most important factor in the accuracy equation.

What are the disadvantages of a crossbow?

Crossbows are loud and a bit unwieldily compared to compound bows. Plus, they can be difficult to cock while in a tree stand. However crossbows do have plenty of advantages over compound bows (see below).

Are crossbows easier to aim than bows?

Yes, crossbows are easier to aim because they have scopes and hold themselves at full draw. However shooting a crossbow offhand can be challenging. The best crossbow accuracy comes by placing the bow on a shooting rest, sticks, or the rail of a stand.

What are the advantages of a crossbow?

Modern crossbows are ultra-fast and relatively easy to use. Anyone familiar with shooting a gun can pick up a crossbow and shoot effectively at moderate ranges. Plus, crossbows remain cocked, so the archer doesn’t have to draw while the critter is in range.

The post Crossbows Are Not More Accurate Than Compound Bows. We’ve Got the Groups to Prove It appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Stone Glacier Evo 3300	SEE IT
Best for Backpack Hunts		Kifaru Dall	SEE IT
Best Day Pack		Kifaru Shape Charge	SEE IT

There’s a special kind of misery that comes from using the wrong pack for the job. But if you have a pack that fits you and matches the task, you’ll hardly notice it’s on your back. The Outdoor Life editors have been on both sides of that and we’ve used packs for hunting elk, sheep, moose, grizzlies, mule deer, whitetails, and mountain goats in the past year. With all that hunting we’ve been able to test a wide range of packs and come up with our favorites for each application. Here are picks for the best hunting backpacks from editors and their reviews. 

• Best Overall: Stone Glacier Evo 3300
• Quietest: Sitka Fanatic Pack
• Best for Backpack Hunts: Kifaru Dall
• Best Ultralight for Backpack Hunts: Stone Glacier Solo 3600
• Best for Crossbows: Insights Shift
• Best Day Pack: Kifaru Shape Charge
• Best Day Pack for Women: Stone Glacier Avail 2200
• Best Waterproof: ExPed Serac 35

How to Fit a Hunting Backpack

The first step in choosing the best hunting pack is to think about how much gear you need to carry. For a backcountry elk hunter, that can mean a tent, food, sleeping bag, a bow or rifle, and a frame that can haul 100 pounds of meat. For a whitetail hunter, the best hunting pack might be a daypack that carries lunch, scents, and a few extra layers for the long sit. Many packs feature specialized holders for a rifle or a bow.

After you choose a pack that will fit all of your gear, be sure it fits you. First, measure your torso length. Put your hands on your hips with the top of your hands touching the top of your iliac crest—your hip bones—with your thumbs pointing toward one another across your back. Measure from that imaginary line between your thumbs to the prominent bump in your spine at the base of your neck. That distance is your torso height. Some packs come in sizes, others can be adjusted to your torso size.

Once the pack fits, adjust the straps. Put some weight into the pack so it sits on your back as it will when you use it. Loosen all the straps. Fasten the belt first. The padded portion of the belt should hug your iliac crest when you snug the belt around your waist. Adjust the shoulder straps so there is no gapping between the strap and your shoulder. 

Best Hunting Backpacks: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Stone Glacier Evo 3300

Stone Glacier

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 3,300 cubic inch main bag
• Weight: 3 pounds 13 ounces on Krux Evo Frame
• 150+ pound load rating
• 2,500+ cubic inch expandable load shelf
• Cordura 500D and Xpac fabric
• Made in the USA
• Price: $614
  

Pros

• Versatile for day hunts or short overnight hunts
• Load shelf design allows you to pack out big critters comfortably
  

Cons

• Not fit for extended hunts in the backcountry

If Goldilocks was a diehard big game hunter, the Evo 3300 would be her backpack. It’s not too big when used as a daypack. It’s not too small to haul out hefty elk quarters. In other words, it’s just right. The key to the versatility of this hunting pack is its load shelf design. When it’s time to pack out quarters, you simply loosen the straps that hold the bag to the frame. Then, in the gap between the bag and frame you can slide your gamebag full of all the meat that your legs can carry. There are a variety of additional straps to secure the load. This design keeps the weight close to your frame and body, which is key for comfortably packing out heavy loads. It will also keep your camp (sleeping bag, clothes, etc.) from getting bloody on the hike out.

I used the Evo 3300 during a dall sheep hunt in the Yukon last fall and it worked perfectly as a daypack. When I killed a ram, I had no problem packing out my third of the sheep (my guide and wrangler had the rest). I also used the pack for a two night hunt for mountain goats in Utah. This was a solo hunt, so I had to carry everything I would need on my back. I had no problem fitting the following items in the Evo 3300:

• Stone glacier tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Rain gear
• Hydration bladder and filter
• Spotting scope
• Food for three days
• Garmin InReach

I figured any other gear would just slow me down. When I killed a billy, I used the load shelf to pack him down the mountain in two trips. I estimate that the max weight I had in the pack was about 70 pounds and it rode comfortably even in rugged terrain. If you’re tougher than I am and are set on loading your pack well north of 100 pounds, or if you plan on hunting for a week or longer out of your pack, then this model is probably a bit small for your needs. But for everyone else, this is the best hunting backpack. –Alex Robinson

Quietest: Sitka Fanatic Pack

Sitka

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 2,166 total cubic inches
• Berber fleece material
• Silent closure system
• Designed to hang while open 
• Price: $209

Pros

• Ultra quiet
• Lots of pockets for hunting accessories
• Big enough for all-day sits

Cons

• Flimsy body
• Spendy

For deer hunters who care about staying quiet in the stand, ripping open a noisy zipper (or worse, velcro) on a backpack feels like a sin. Sitka designed its Fanatic Pack for hunters like us. The backpack is made of berber fleece and it utilizes a clever strap/latch system instead of noisy buckles or zippers. There are three zippers on the pack, but they’re for optional secondary pockets, not the main ones. The backpack is also designed so that there’s a handle loop inside the pack, meaning that you can hang it with the top open. So when you need to reach for a rangefinder (or sandwich) there’s no fussing with straps or lids. There are a ton of little pockets on the inside and within the lid so that each of your gear items has its own spot (no rattling against other items while you’re hiking in). It is, by far, the quietest hunting backpack I’ve ever used.

The only downside to the pack is that its body is a little flimsy. There is no frame and the berber fleece material easily collapses on itself. Because of this, the lid doesn’t completely secure (there are little gaps in the side). This isn’t a problem for treestand hunters, because we’re not typically laying the pack on the ground in the field. However, I wouldn’t use the Fanatic as a daypack for hunting from the ground. –Alex Robinson

Best for Backpack Hunts: Kifaru Dall

Kifaru

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 7,080 cubic inches
• Weight: 6 pounds, 2 ounces on Duplex Lite Frame
• Can host three additional external pouches
• Built-in load shelf
• Cordura 500 and Xpac fabric
• Made in the USA
• Price: $800 with Duplex Lite frame

Pros

• Light and durable material
• Versatile and can host additional pouches and lids
• Large enough for 10- to 14-day trips
• Comfortable with heavy loads

Cons

• Bag and frame sold separately
• Takes some time and use to fine-tune fit

For mountain hunters who spend a week or two at a time in pursuit of sheep, goats, or high-country deer, the backpack is a central piece of gear. It needs to be reasonably light, very durable, and big enough to haul hunting and camping gear and food for extended trips. Equally important, the pack needs to carry standard loads and heavy loads of meat comfortably. You get all of that with the Kifaru Dall.

Paired with the Duplex Lite frame, the Dall is an excellent and versatile bag that can be packed with 14 days-worth of gear and food, but can be cinched down for use as a day pack in the field. The Dall’s design is simple, with a fold-over lid. It’s compatible with Kifaru’s guide lids and additional pouches on the back and belt—something I highly recommend. There are two open-top pouches on either side, and side compression straps for holding a rifle. It’s got an integral load shelf for hauling extra meat or gear between the bag and the frame, too. I’ve been using the predecessor to this pack on the duplex frame for years in the mountains of Alaska, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pack that’s as durable and comfortable under heavy loads. –Tyler Freel

Best Ultralight for Backpack Hunts: Stone Glacier Solo 3600

Stone Glacier

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 3,600 cubic inch main bag
• Weight: 4 pounds, 6 ounces on X Curve Frame
• 150+ pound load rating
• 2,500+ cubic inch expandable load shelf
• Cordura 500 and Xpac fabric
• Made in the USA
• Price: $655

Pros

• Lightweight yet able to handle heavy packouts
• Comfortable to wear on multi-day hunts

Cons

• A little pricey
• In an effort to keep weight down it doesn’t have many pockets and pouches

I’ve been hunting with Stone Glacier packs for years and haven’t found a system that does a better job balancing light weight with load-hauling capability. A few seasons back I upgraded my old Stone Glacier pack, which was actually a prototype made by Stone Glacier founder Kurt Racicot, to the Solo. I’ve used it to haul deer, elk, and moose out of the mountains and it has been with me everywhere from Africa to Mongolia. (It fits in overhead bins as a carry-on, which is a nice bonus.) 

As with all Stone Glacier packs built on either the XFrame or Krux Evo—you can read about the differences here—it includes an integral load shelf that allows you to strap meat between the frame and 3,600-cubic-inch bag. There are plenty of compression straps on the pack so that you can get a tight fit that snugs the load against you back—where you want it—and prevents it from moving around. The frame is easy to fit to different body sizes and you can purchase the Solo with a variety of belt lengths. 

One of the smart design features on the Solo is how the zipper to the main compartment makes an upside down U-shape. This gives good access to the main bag, but in case the zipper fails the bag can still be used by cinching the compression straps across the bag. The way the straps are configured allows the user to easily secure a rifle, tripod, or trekking poles to the outside (I’ve done all three) where they are secure and easy to access.

The Solo has a decent sized pocket on the top of the bag that you can stuff your lunch and an extra layer of clothing in for easy access. The interior of the main compartment has a sleeve where you can stow a spotting scope or water bottle. Stone Glacier also sell lightweight pockets and sleeves that can be hung on the inside of the main compartment to help keep gear organized. 

I’m sure that someday someone might invent a better ultralight pack for mountain hunting, but right now the Stone Glacier Solo is the best hunting backpack for mountain hunts. —John B. Snow

Best for Crossbows: Insights Shift

Insights Outdoors

SEE IT

Key Features 

• Carries rifles, crossbows, or climbing sticks
• Hydration bladder compatible
• MOLLE attachment locations
• Tree stand shelf and basket system
• Price: $220

Pros

• Great storage
• Features for treestand hunters

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy loads (hang and hunt)

This is my go-to pack for a preset stand. I can carry my food, water, bow hanger, camera gear, layers, and archery equipment in this pack. That load rides comfortably on the padded shoulder straps and waist belt. You could also use this pack for saddle hunting if you wore your saddle in and used the passthrough slot to carry your sticks. But, that passthrough is meant for carrying a rifle or crossbow. It works really well for compact crossbows, but large and heavy crossbows you’re better off carrying in your hand. 

My favorite thing about this Shift is the gear organization. The front of the pack has a lid that flips out, for you to keep all the stuff you need in the stand. I use it for binos, an extra release aid, snacks, wind checker, and a grunt tube. The fold out panel makes it easy to have those items quick at hand so you don’t have to dig through the pack to find them. –Scott Einsmann

Best Daypack: Kifaru Shape Charge

Kifaru

SEE IT

Key Features

• Weight: 3 pounds, 15 ounces
• Volume: 1,960 cubic inches
• 500d DWR coated fabric
• Made in the USA
• Large main compartment with mesh internal pockets.
• Two water bottle pockets
• Lid with two quick access pockets
• Molle panel for adding accessories and pouches
• Price: $360

Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Versatile
• The perfect amount of pockets

Cons

• Price

Most of my hunting requires a daypack for carrying layers, water, food, and gear. Within the daypack category you’ll find everything from tiny hip packs to backs around 2,500 cubic inches. I find myself reaching for packs around the 2,000 cubic inch range most often because they allow me to carry a day’s worth of gear. In my embarrassingly large collection of daypacks the Shape Charge is the clear winner and I use it almost excessively for nearly everything. Here are the roles it fills for me:

• Treestand pack
• Carry-on
• Camera bag
• Fishing backpack
• Range bag

The pack is easy to organize with just the right amount of pockets for quick access items and mesh internal pockets that make it easy for you to find what you need in the large main chamber. I’ve added exterior pouches to the molle for more storage when necessary as well as Kifaru’s Grab-IT for strapping down treestands and saddle platforms. The Grab-IT also works well as a meat shelf. As you can see, it’s easy to configure the Shape Charge from streamlined to a fully-kitted gear hauler.

The ultralight crowd will say 500d is overkill for a daypack, but I say this is daypack that will last a lifetime of hard use. Ultimately, it’s up to you decide if a 4-pound daypack is too heavy or if the heavy-duty construction is what you’re looking for. The main con is the price. It’s not a cheap pack, but if you are investing in it as a tool you’ll have for many seasons, rather than buying a cheaper bag every other year, the price becomes a little more reasonable. It’s also made in the USA from US-made materials, which adds to the price and the value. –Scott Einsmann

Best Day Pack for Women: Stone Glacier Avail 2200

Stone Glacier

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 2,200 cubic-inch main bag
• Weight: 3 pounds, 0.8 ounces
• Cordura 500 and Xpac fabric
• Compatible with all Stone Glacier frames
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Made in the USA
• Price: $299

Pros

• Adjustment capacity
• Wide, cushioned straps and hip belt
• Feather-light but sturdy 

Cons

• Stuffed interior pockets can take up lots of space
• Lower interior pocket is tough to access 

I tested the Avail 2200 on a Wyoming deer hunt where I stayed in a cabin and took a truck to my hunting spot, so all I needed was enough supplies for the day. I wasn’t carrying any camping gear or concerned about a long-distance packout, but extreme climate variations demanded a lot of extra layers. Pre-dawn temperatures started in the teens but by lunch it was 60 degrees. On the way out I carried a full 3-liter hydration bladder and I hiked back with most of my morning layers in my backpack.

Sometimes daypacks can be overwhelming with pockets and features that crowd the small carrying capacity. The Avail 2200 is not guilty of this. The internal pockets are simple and useful, if a little easy to overstuff. I loved the external compression panel for a jacket. The straps seem excessive at first, especially for a smaller pack, but once I was dialed with the pack, I found myself grateful for the ability to quietly lash down gear without having to open a zipper.

What stood out to me the most about the Avail 2200 is how easy it was to get a perfect fit. With other unisex packs, I end up with a little room between my shoulders and the straps, even after tightening them as much as possible. With the Avail, you can adjust the straps’ attachment points, so it properly accommodated for my short torso. This goes a long way once the bag is loaded up. Usually daypacks are built with a more standardized fit that lacks customization. After all, if you’re only carrying a single day’s worth of gear, does fit really matter? My answer is a resounding yes, and the Avail 2200 is the best hunting backpack for day trips that I’ve tried. –Katie Hill

Best Value: Mystery Ranch Mule

Mystery Ranch

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 1,405 cubic inches
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• 500D Lite Plus Cordura
• Top-zip access to main compartment
• Small zippered pocket on face of bag
• Hydration reservoir compatible
• Bow and rifle carry via bottom or side compression straps
• Side pockets
• Price: $149

Pros

• Versatile for day hunts or overnights
• Easily attaches to frame for pack-outs
• Works well as a tree-stand pack

Cons

• Not fit for extended hunts in the backcountry
• Requires purchase of a pack that has a frame like the Beartooth 80 or the Metcalf

As a northeasterner, most of my days afield are spent sitting in a treestand for hours on end. I’ve had plenty of packs that were fine, but when I began hunting deep into public-land and had to pack out my first deer, I realized just how important a quality frame pack can be. Putting on miles hunting mule deer out west finally convinced me to invest in the Beartooth 80, built on the Guide Light MT Frame. For day trips, I switch out the massive 80-liter Beartooth for the 23-liter Mule.

The Mule easily attaches to the Guide Light MT Frame and is perfect for packing everything I need for the treestand or hunting from the ground. I can put knives, game bags, tags, and a butchering kit in the main pocket while reserving the smaller front pocket for grunt tubes, doe bleats, dude wipes, bow hangers, and snacks. The side or bottom compression straps allow you to carry a bow or rifle on your back. The side pockets are also great for a water bottle or tripod. 

When I took this pack to South Dakota last fall on a mule deer hunt, I had everything I needed to fill my tag. Thanks to the load-hauling Overload sling, packing out the meat was a breeze compared to years past. You’re able to wedge your stand, game bags full of meat, or overnight kit in between the frame and the pack thanks to generous straps and the ability to add length if necessary. The 500D Lite Plus Cordura fabric and heavy-duty hardware is durable and water resistant to increase this bag’s reliability and lifespan. —Derek Horner

Best Waterproof: ExPed Serac 35

ExPed

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 35 liters or 2,136 cubic inches
• Materials: PFC-free waterproof rip-stop Nylon with a water column of 10,000 mm, taped seams, and weatherproof zippers ward off moisture and snow
• Weight: 1 pound, 13 ounces
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Side zipper for easy access
• Water column of 10,000 mm
• Price: $250

Pros

• Weatherproof main compartment with roll-top closure
• White interior for quick overview of contents

Cons

• No hipbelt pockets
• Not hydration system compatible

The main draw of this backpack is that it is almost a dry bag. The side zippered access into the spacious main compartment is the only reason it isn’t technically waterproof when submerged. But aside from a prolonged full dip, your gear is going to stay dry in this bag. The Serac has a weatherproof front zippered pocket for quick access to essential gear and. Its minimalist design features two daisy chains on the back for any equipment you might need. I took this bag duck hunting where it sat in wet, muddy, and freezing conditions with no consequences.

The material is durable and I thoroughly abused it scouting for deer and traveling. This bag can also accommodate technical gear for mountaineering, climbing, or skiing thanks to its weatherproofing, slim profile, and lightly padded back. There is a removable hip belt with no padding or pockets that connects via two sleek metal “buckles” that don’t actually engage but simply slip through each other. This decreases the risk of snow or ice freezing into a plastic buckle and causing issues. –Ashley Thess

FAQs

Methodology

Outdoor Life editors hunt throughout the country each fall for a variety of species. We used that collective experience to choose packs that work well for specific types of hunting. Each pack was evaluated for its comfort, features, build quality and capabilities. 

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on Hunting Backpacks

A backpack that doesn’t fit you, or is too small or too large, can ruin your hunt. A pack is a tool. It has to carry your hunting gear in a way that keeps it organized and lets you access it when you need it. Size is the next main consideration. Be sure to get a pack that holds all your gear with a weight to durability and features ratio that works for you. If you’re packing in a long way, and opt for useful features like gun or bow holders in the best hunting backpack for you.

• Best for Short Overnights: Stone Glacier Evo 3300
• Quietest: Sitka Fanatic Pack
• Best for Backpack Hunts: Kifaru Dall
• Best Ultralight for Backpack Hunts: Stone Glacier Solo 3600
• Best Day Pack: Kifaru Shape Charge
• Best Day Pack for Women: Stone Glacier Avail 2200
• Best Waterproof: ExPed Serac 35

The post The Best Hunting Backpacks of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Budget		Allen Terrain Cape Daypack 1350	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Plenty of storage space on a budget.
Best for Bow Hauling		Insights The Vision	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Stores your bow for hands free treks.
Best Overall		ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Excellent storage, comfort, and price.

Bowhunting whitetails is a game that involves a lot of moving pieces, and bowhunting backpacks keep all those pieces together. A bow, arrows, tree stand, climbing sticks, binoculars, rangefinder, release aid, pruning saw, scents, calls, the list goes on, and you’ve got a lot of gear to carry, which means you need a pack to carry it all.

A good bowhunting pack should carry all the gear you need for your specific hunting style. They should also keep your gear organized so you can access what you want, when you want it. Long, slow sits on stand or in the blind can turn into a frenzy of action at the blink of an eye. And sometimes you need to quickly access your call, a rangefinder, or a release so you don’t fumble the encounter. But you also don’t want a pack that feels like there’s a sack of corn slung on your back via strands of bailing twine. The best bowhunting backpacks should feel like they’re part of you; like they’re fused to your spine and shoulders, and you’d be hard pressed not to find one on this list that won’t work for your specific needs.

• Best Overall: ALPS Outdoorz Pursuit Backpack
• Best for Tree Stand Hunters: Sitka Cargo Box
• Best for Quick Hunts: Tenzing Hangtime Lumbar Pack
• Best Budget: Allen Terrain Cape Daypack 1350
• Best Bino Pack: Badlands Bino XR
• Best for Bow-Hauling: Insights The Vision Bow Pack
• Best Frame Pack: Mystery Ranch Metcalf

Things to Consider When Buying a Bowhunting Pack

Carrying Capacity

Depending on how much gear you plan to take to the woods, you need a pack that can adequately hold your stuff. If you take a lot of gear, you want a big pack. If you take just a few essentials, then you want something smaller or even a minimalist option.

Manufacturers list the carrying capacity of the backpacks in cubic inches. For this article, I’m talking about backpacks used for one-day bowhunts. I’m not looking at packs that can carry tents, cooking supplies, food for a couple days, plus all your bowhunting gear. Most bowhunters will do well with packs that fall in the 1,500-3,000 cubic-inch range.

Fit

You’ll know after one hunt if a backpack fits you or not. Comfortable shoulder straps protect against rubbing. Good padding on the back of the pack protects your back. And if you’re carrying a heavy load, a waist belt can help manage it, so the pack feels lighter than it is. A good pack will have plenty of adjustability in the shoulder and waist straps so you can make it fit as snug or as loose as you want. If you come out of the field after a hunt and your shoulders and/or back hurt, your pack doesn’t fit you properly or it needs to be adjusted.

Access

Organizing your gear is as important as hauling it. Does your pack have intuitive pockets? Nothing is more frustrating than having to dig deep into the main space for every little piece of gear you need, especially when you’re trying to remain hidden. The best bowhunting backpacks will have separate pockets perfectly placed for calls, scents, your release aid, and other important gadgets. When you’re buying a pack, imagine you’re in your stand and the pack is attached to your tree. What do you need to access and is there a pocket positioned that allows you to quickly access that gear?

Best Bowhunting Backpacks: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: ALPS OutdoorZ Pursuit Backpack

ALPS OutdoorZ

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 2,700 cubic inches
• Weight: 4 pounds, 1 ounce
• Main pocket storage
• Sturdy handle
• Comfortable shoulder straps and waist belt
• Organizational shelf pocket
• Blaze orange rain cover

Why It Made the Cut

This pack has plenty of room to haul everything you need to sit on the stand all day without the bulk and rigidity of a frame pack and runs just under $100.

Pros

• Large main pocket area
• Tons of pockets for organizing gear
• Comfortable when hauling heavy loads
• Waist belt with pockets
• Great price

Cons

• Not a fan of the aluminum spine (but the bar is removable, so this con is fixable)

Product Description

I’m someone who hauls a lot of gear into the woods when I bowhunt, and this pack has plenty of room, without the bulk and weight. And it costs under $100. So the pursuit pack hits the trifecta for me and is one of the best hunting backpacks available. The Pursuit has the capacity to carry anything and everything I want. The storage capacity is listed as 2,700 cubic inches, but its hauling capacity is even greater when you start strapping things to the outside. The deep main compartment has the capability to hold even the heaviest of layers. And on long walks to a stand where I want to avoid sweating, I stuff in both a pair of bibs and a heavy coat on top of all my food, drink, and hunting gear I need to spend the day in the stand.

Having said that, I like using one pack all season long. Once I get my basic gear organized – tree hooks, calls, knife, flashlight, etc. I don’t want to transfer it and reorganize it in another pack. That’s a recipe for me to leave something behind. In the early season, obviously, I don’t need all the space in the Pursuit’s cavernous main pocket, where I typically carry extra layers once the mercury dips. But I’d rather use one pack all season than switch halfway. And since this pack is lightweight, I don’t mind carrying it in the early season, even though it’s not filled.

Another great feature of the Pursuit pack is the organization shelf that’s part of a large front pocket on the pack. Unzip the pocket face all the way, and the rigid face falls forward to serve as a shelf held in place by straps. There are mesh pockets on the shelf and there are several other small pockets on the vertical face that’s now exposed for stowing gear like a rangefinder, grunt tube flashlight and other things you might want to grab quickly while in the stand. With the shelf exposed, these things are right at your fingertips.

The pack also has mesh-bottom pockets on the bottom of each side of the pack, and corresponding straps at the top. The mesh pocket and strap on one side of the pack is the perfect place to store my tree stand umbrella when I’m expecting rain. It’s a much better spot for the umbrella than putting it inside the pack, especially for the walk out when it’s all wet. The mesh pocket and strap on the other side would be great for a camera arm if you film your hunts.

On top of all these features, there’s a drop-down pouch stowed in the bottom of the pack that you can lower, set one cam of your bow in, and then strap the upper part of your bow to the top of the pack when you need both hands to drag that big buck out of the woods by yourself.

Read Next: Best Hunting Backpacks

Best for Tree Stand Hunters: SITKA Cargo Box

SITKA

SEE IT

Key Features

• Specialized stowing areas for a tree stand and climbing sticks
• Carrying capacity: 2,200 cubic inches
• 23 storage compartments
• Mesh gear viewing windows
• Padded shoulder straps and waist belt
• Weight: 7.5 pounds

Why It Made the Cut

Simply put, if you are a hang-and-hunt bowhunter, this pack will hold everything you want to take to the woods securely and quietly.

Pros

• Roomy
• Sturdy
• Comfortable
• Intuitive pockets

Cons

• Expensive

Product Description

From the first time you hold the Sitka Cargo Box, it’s clear the Sitka engineers went bowhunting with a tree stand and then thought about all the features needed to carry and organize all their gear. The pack initially looks like any other backpack, but it breaks into two sections so you can sandwich a tree stand in between them, rather than simply strapping it to the outside. It also has storage areas on each side that evenly distributes the weight and stows them quietly. The padded shoulder straps and waist belt are sturdy and adjustable, so they can keep a snug fit as you add and remove layers and shift your load to navigate different terrain.

The genius of the Cargo Box’s stand-carrying capabilities is that it’s a snap—unsnap really—to remove the stand and sticks once you reach your favorite tree and it’s time to hang. Simply undo a couple of buckles and pull back some straps to free your equipment. Lash the two halves of the pack back together and now it’s just the pack you’ll hang behind you in the tree. But even with its stand carrying capabilities, the Cargo Box doesn’t eat up the real estate you need to carry the usual gear you need for an all-day sit in the stand.

The deliberate thought about this pack becomes even more evident once you’ve hung your stand. A front flap folds up to hang the pack from the tree so a row of zippered, mesh-faced pockets is exposed. And you can quickly access the gear with a slide of a zipper. Also, the front of the main compartment folds partially down with the pull of two zippers so you don’t have to reach up and over a top lip and then dig to grab your coat or binos. While this pack has all the bells and whistles you need for a comfortable and convenient all-day sit in the stand, the price tag might deter many. But if you want a pack that eliminates all the hassle of carrying bowhunting gear to the stand so you can focus on shooting when it matters, the Cargo Box is hard to beat.

Best for Quick Hunts: Tenzing Hangtime Lumbar Pack

Tenzing

SEE IT

Key Features

• Compact, lumbar-style
• 5 storage compartments
• 5 organization pockets
• Capacity: 750 cubic inches
• Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces

Why It Made the Cut

The Hangtime lumbar pack is perfect size and design for those quick hunts when you don’t want to lug a big pack into the woods. Just toss in the essentials, huck it onto your back, and go.

Pros

• Rigid shell allows pack to hang or sit open in the stand or blind
• Lightweight
• Compact, yet has a fair amount of storage space
• Easy on shoulders and back
• Intuitive pockets

Cons

• Only available in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Product Description

It’s late October and you have a couple hours after work to spend on stand, hoping to catch that shooter that’s been showing up on your trail cams regularly the last few days. You won’t be out long and don’t need a ton of gear. That’s where the Tenzing Hangtime Lumbar Pack comes in handy. It’s built for speed and comfort. The Lumbar pack slings over your shoulders, but the storage compartment sits just above your hips, rather than your whole back. Think of a big fanny pack with shoulder straps and a waist belt.

This pack has adjustable shoulder straps. waist belt, and chest strap, so you can get it to ride your torso the way you want. I’m a big fan of chest straps on backpacks because when you’re ducking under branches and jumping over streams, simple shoulder straps can slip off or hang up. With the chest strap, you can do somersaults on your way to a stand and your pack will stay on your back.

While it weighs less than 2 pounds, the Hangtime has a generous amount of space–750 cubic inches–for an extra layer of clothes, binos, a rangefinder, Ozonics, all your calls, and more. Once you get into your stand or blind, you can open the lid and hang the pack. Or you can set it on the ground, and the lid stays open for easy access to your gear. The main compartment stands upright and open, thanks to the rigid, molded shell. That means no fighting with the pack to access your gear. Inside that main compartment, mesh pockets organize your vital gear in handy locations, and you can see what’s in each pocket. It might not have the same appeal as traditional packs, but the Hangtime works great for those sporadic or quick hunts. 

Best Budget: Allen Terrain Cape Daypack 1350

Terrain

SEE IT

Key Features

• Capacity: 1,350 cubic inches
• Two large zipper compartments
• Dual, exterior side pockets
• Adjustable, padded shoulder straps
• Top carry handle

Why It Made the Cut

This pack has 1,350 cubic inches of storage space and costs less than $35. Enough said.

Pros

• Decent storage
• Will get your gear into the woods
• Won’t break the bank

Cons

• It doesn’t have the same build quality as higher-end packs

Product Description

Not everyone wants or needs to spend $200 on the best bowhunting backpack. For some bowhunters, the backpack is solely utilitarian. It’s for hauling gear. The Terrain Cape Daypack will do that at a budget-friendly price. This pack has two, large zippered pockets; a deep, full-pack pocket and a smaller one that has three individual pockets inside for basic organization. Two, elastic-top mesh pockets sit low on each side of the pack. Allen says they’re for water bottles, but you could use them for other gear as well.

Weaved onto the front of the pack is an elastic band that you can expand to strap gear to the outside, like a jacket or umbrella. The shoulder straps are padded, though thinly. And if you have to carry a heavy load for a lengthy period, get ready for sore shoulders. Again, this is a simple backpack. There are no frills. It’s for putting stuff in and getting to the woods. But if that’s what you’re in the market for, look no further.

Best Bino Pack: Badlands Bino XR

Badlands

SEE IT

Key Features

• Separate compartments for up to 10×42 binoculars and a rangefinder
• Two zippered side pockets
• Magnetic closure
• Comes with rain cover
• Adjustable mesh shoulder harness

Why It Made the Cut

For its small size, this pack holds a decent amount of gear, and if you use a bino harness anyway, this one will store other essentials, too. 

Pros

• Large compartments in a compact pack
• Keeps binos and rangefinder tethered in easy-to-access pockets
• Side pockets ideal for a release, wind indicator, compass, and other small gear
• Magnetic closures open and close quietly
• Lightweight

Cons

• Front flap is a bit large

Product Description

Yes, I know this isn’t a backpack. I mean, you wear it on your chest. But more and more bowhunters are turning to these chest packs for their binoculars and other essential gear. The Badlands Bino XR pack is about as elaborate and voluminous as I’ve seen.

Secure your hunting binoculars—up to 10×42—in the large main compartment via tethers connected to the pack, which opens via magnetic closures. Inside the main compartment, Badlands provides a tethered lens cloth for cleaning your binos and rangefinder glass. At the bottom of the pack, another magnetic pocket holds your rangefinder. Small pockets on either side of the pack can easily store your release, a wind indicator, pocket knife, compass, or other small gear. And they’re conveniently placed at your chest. And on the back of the pack, there’s a large pocket best suited for flat objects, such as hunting licenses, maps, a knife, or an energy bar or two. Inside that pocket is a zippered pocket that holds a tethered, nylon cover you can pull out and stretch over the pack to protect it from rain.

The pack is held on your chest by a typical shoulder harness with straps that connect to the top of the pack, go over each shoulder, and then buckle to the bottom of each side of the pack. Although it holds a lot of gear, this pack will not interfere with your bowstring when it comes time to draw and shoot. It might not be your typical pack, but this supped up bino harness makes a great minimalist option.

Best for Bow-Hauling: Insights The Vision Bow Pack

Insights

SEE IT

Key Features

• Padded bow case built into the pack
• Dual holsters for quiver and umbrella, camera arm, tripod
• Roomy standard backpack for normal gear
• Outer containment wings ideal for bulky jacket
• Organization pocket includes hanging basket

Why It Made the Cut

Sometimes you need both hands free for the hike in or out of a bowhunt, and this pack offers the most secure, comfortable way of hauling your bow and arrows on your back.

Pros

• Holds your bow and arrows securely
• Plenty of storage for all your other gear
• Quiet
• Many organization pockets

Cons

• A bit bulky

Product Description

Many backpacks provide systems for strapping your compound bow to them. Typically, those systems don’t hold securely, and the bow flops around or gets caught on brush. In a nutshell, The Vision Bow Pack is a soft bow case with a full backpack sewn to the outside. I securely stowed my Mathews V3X 33 with a 12-inch front stabilizer and a 10-inch siderod, plus an Axcel Landslyde sight that sticks out six inches from the riser. I didn’t have to remove or alter any of my accessories to get my bow to fit, and it’s a big rig by bowhunting standards.

Attached to the bowcase, a full-sized backpack holds plenty of storage for your other gear. On the main compartment is another zippered pocket that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it for storage. Or you can open it halfway, and it becomes a shelf with mesh-faced pockets exposed. Unzip it completely, and a mesh basket sits upright that you can toss a release, call and/or rangefinder into for quick access.

This is a strategically designed, functional backpack that actually holds your bow securely. Yes, the bow-case portion of the pack creates added bulk, but that part is against your back, so you don’t notice it as much as you might think.

Best Frame Pack: Mystery Ranch Metcalf

Mystery Ranch

SEE IT

Key Features

• Patented Overload system keeps meat separate from gear
• Removable lid
• Side access with special storage bag
• Five-section segmented waist belt
• Storage capacity: 4,333 cubic inches
• Weight: 5.7 pounds

Why It Made the Cut

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf has room to carry all the camping and hunting gear you need to spend several days in the backcountry, and the Overload System allows you to separate that gear from meat if you’re lucky enough.

Pros

• Overload system puts the meat close to your back to minimize weight shifting
• Comfortable belt and shoulder straps
• Massive storage and hauling capacity

Cons

• While there’s plenty of room for your gear, there’s not as much for meat

Product Description

The Mystery Ranch Metcalf is a huge backpack connected by straps and buckles to the Guide Light MT Frame. This is a lightweight, rigid frame built to haul your gear and meat comfortably. In the backpack, you’ve got ample room for your tent, cooking, and hunting gear. On the outside, you can lash a sleeping bag and pad, if you want.

A removable top portion gives you extra space for more gear. With that in place, the Metcalf has a nice, long side zipper, so you can get to gear inside the pack without having to remove the top. And that side zipper also exposes a self-contained, attached storage bag to further organize your gear (like keeping dirty laundry separate from clean clothes).

The genius of the Metcalf is the patented Overload System. Disconnect the pack from the frame, set a loaded meat bag on top of it, and then strap your pack back on over the meat. With that setup, the meat sits close to your back, so it won’t shift as easily as it would if the positions were reversed. Comfortable shoulder and waist straps are critical to a bowhunter’s backpack. To haul heavy loads, you need nicely padded weight support points. The Metcalf provides that comfort – especially in the five-section segmented belt that conforms to your shape.

FAQS

How to Choose a Bowhunting Backpack

Think of what you like to take with you on a hunt. Now think about where you hunt. The perfect bowhunting backpack for you should hold all your stuff and allow you to get where you need to go with relative comfort. If you don’t pack much gear and don’t have far to go, probably anything with a pocket will work. But if you tend to carry a lot of stuff and need to cover multiple miles over harsh terrain, a high end pack will make life easier for you, at least hunting wise. And if that’s the case, be sure to get a pack that has thick padding on the shoulder straps and even a waist strap to help it ride nicely and load your pack in a comfortable way.

Before you buy a pack, test the zippers. A good zipper should feel solid and move freely in both directions quietly. Cheap zippers feel, well, cheap. They don’t zip freely in either direction and tend to make a lot of noise. 

If you’re a hunt and hang hunter, you’ll want a pack that’s easy to hang in the stand and stores your gear at your fingertips. You don’t want to have to worry about which pocket your grunt tube is in when a big buck pops into view.

Final Thoughts

The best bowhunting backpacks are the ones that you really don’t have to think much about. From the storage compartment to the fit, accessing your pack should feel second nature. And when you’re not having to think about your backpack, you can think more about what matter, like your next shot. 

The post The Best Bowhunting Backpacks of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for Mountain Archers		Vortex Diamondback 2000	SEE IT
Best for Whitetail Hunters		Bushnell Broadhead	SEE IT
Best Budget		Hawke LRF800	SEE IT

Bow hunting is a close-quarters game, a description that might suggest that knowing the specific yardage to your target is less important than precision-rifle competitions where shooters often engage targets out to 1,200 yards. But, rangefinders are critical for both disciplines.

The reason is that arrows travel much slower than a bullet. First, most bowhunters zero their sights for around 20 yards and the 50 inches of arrow drop out to 50 yards is the equivalent of a bullet zeroed at 200 yards dropping a whopping 15 feet by the time it gets to 500 yards. Given that slope, any bowhunter—or long-distance rifle shooter—needs to know the precise yardage to their target.

Rangefinder manufacturers have been engaged in a sort of distance race, boasting increasingly astonishing ranges. Sig’s KILO10K rangefinding binocular advertises a range of 10,000 meters on reflective targets. Most rangefinders calibrated for rifle hunters have the capability to detect deer-sized targets out to 1,000 yards, much farther than any hunter can ethically make a kill shot on game.

However, manufacturers are dialing back this reach, recognizing bowhunters’ need for close-range precision, delivering distance readings in fractions of yards. Thankfully, the best rangefinders for bow hunting incorporate these features and allow bowhunters to know the arc of their arrow’s flight, so they can detect deflecting limbs and even the energy of their arrow at various distances. 

• Best Overall: Leupold RX-FullDraw 5
• Best for Mountain Archers: Vortex Diamondback 2000
• Best for Whitetail Hunters: Bushnell Broadhead
• Best Budget: Hawke LRF800
• Best for Elk Hunters: Nikon CoolShot ProII Stabilized
• Best for Binocular Rangefinding: Leica Geovid Pro 32
• Best for Crossbow Hunters: Sig Sauer KILO 1600 BDX

Evaluating Laser Rangefinders

I tested each of these units in the manner that I hunt. I took each to my elevated treestand and ranged a variety of targets at various distances and angles and used each of their target modes (most have a combination of first, last, and best target modes) and both their angle-adjusted and line-of-sight modes. Then I tested their display in full sunlight, in mixed shadows, and at twilight. I measured their scan and return rates, or the speed at which they deliver ranging results. And lastly, I considered their attributes, ergonomics, versatility, price, and warranty. The best of the bunch deliver a ton of versatility—delivering fast, precise ranges at the farthest and the closest targets, while also giving users readings in fractions of yards for close targets.

Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Leupold RX-FullDraw 5

Leupold

SEE IT

Key Features

• 6x22mm monocular
• Customizable arrow ballistics
• Flightpath technology
• Archer’s Advantage

Why It Made the Cut

Leupold has adapted the ballistic inputs that long-range rifle shooters use to guide bullets to archers and their arrows. Both the company’s “Flightpath” technology and two modes that define arrow dynamics help archers make shots in just about any conditions or angle. This unit can be used for just about any other ranging requirement but is configured for precision archery.

Pros

• Selectable reticles
• Customizable arrow dynamic inputs
• Compatible with low-velocity arrows
• 6- to 1,200-yard range

Cons

• No tripod mount
• Ballistics input process is tedious

Product Description 

The most precise archery-specific rangefinder on the market, the new RX-FullDraw 5 builds on the attributes of the FullDraw 4, which introduced integrated Archer’s Advantage software that allows bowhunters to shoot a range and then compensate for limbs and other obstacles that might impede their arrow. It also removes the need for a cut chart when shooting extreme angles. The angle compensation makes this a must-have rangefinder for anyone hunting sheep, mule deer, or aoudad in the cliffs.

The FullDraw 5 has a 20-yard pin solution that improves the Flightpath technology, a rain/fog mode that enables close shots, Leupold’s excellent DNA ranging engine, and new ranging software that accounts for lower arrow velocities, a feature that will appeal to traditional archers or compounders trying heavy arrows.

Read our full review of the FullDraw 5 to learn more.

Best for Mountain Archers: Vortex Diamondback 2000

Vortex

SEE IT

Key Features

• 5-yard minimum range
• Angle-compensating, line-of-sight, and scan modes
• Tripod mount

Why It Made the Cut

With capability to range deer-sized targets out to 1,400 yards, but with enough close-in precision to range 5-yard targets, the Diamondback 2000 makes the case for a one-and-done hunting rangefinder.

Pros

• Excellent high-definition glass
• Red OLED display easy to see in all light conditions
• Premium carry case
• Wide ranging latitude

Cons

• Single circular reticle
• Blocky in-hand feel

Product Description 

A great all-around laser rangefinder, the Diamondback 2000 is at home in a wide variety of conditions, from steep-angle mountain hunting to low-light whitetail hunting. Key features are its portability, thanks to a premium carry case, lanyard, and pocket clip, along with its powerful laser and ranging engine. The unit ranges targets as close as 5 yards and all the way out to 2,000 yards. Good glass, fast scanning rate, excellent angle-adjusted software called HCD (Horizontal Component Distance), and lifetime warranty make this rangefinder a versatile powerhouse.

Best for Whitetail Hunters: Bushnell Broadhead

Bushnell

SEE IT

Key Features

• ActivSynch display automatically adjusts to ambient light
• Tripod mount
• 0.3-yard accuracy

Why It Made the Cut

A laser rangefinder configured for bowhunters, the Broadhead combines many of Bushnell’s proprietary features, including the angle-compensating ARC technology for both bow and rifle hunters, close-in precision of .3-yard accuracy, and a ActivSynch reticle that adjusts for ambient light.

Pros

• Angle-compensating ARC technology
• Fast and precise scanning mode
• Palm-swell ergonomics

Cons

• No connectivity to ballistics app
• Deer-target range limited to 500 yards

Product Description 

An archery-configured laser rangefinder, this Bushnell unit has three features that make it an essential tool for archery deer hunters. The first and most important is the Angle Range Compensation (ARC) technology that is dialed down for hunters who post up in the best tree stands. The Broadhead’s precision (it measured with 0.3-yard sensitivity out to 150 yards) is the best in this class. Add the scanning mode, which allows hunters to track targets through veiling limbs, and the light-sensitive reticle, and you have a rangefinder that will serve mid-distance hunters through a wide range of environmental conditions. Lastly, the 8-power magnification makes this one of the most powerful monoculars in the field.

Best Budget: Hawke LRF800

Hawke Sport Optics

SEE IT

Key Features

• 6x magnification
• Multi-Coated lenses
• Three target modes

Why It Made the Cut

Given that you can spend up to $1,000 on a rangefinder, it’s refreshing to find one for a fraction of that price. The Hawke LRF800 sells for closer to $150 but contains most of the modes and features you want in an archery rangefinder.

Pros

• Lanyard and carry case
• Black LCD display
• Minimum range of about 7 yards

Cons

• Glass is pretty dark
• Flimsy feel

Product Description 

For hunters looking for a basic rangefinder that won’t break the bank, the LRF800 will give you plenty of utility. With ranging capability from six to 800 yards (I actually got far readings closer to 900 yards), the 6×25 monocular covers most hunting situations. Its 4.6-ounce weight makes it ideal for backcountry hunts, though its lack of angle-compensating ranging will hold it back from many steep-country uses.

Best for Elk Hunters: Nikon CoolShot ProII Stabilized

Nikon

SEE IT

Key Features

• Stabilization mode reduces hand shake
• Fast scanning mode
• Two-tone LED display

Why It Made the Cut

While this particular unit is configured for golfers, the Nikon CoolShot Pro II Stabilized has plenty of attributes for bowhunters. If you’ve ever tried to trigger a rangefinder when a bugling bull is closing the distance, then you know how your trembling hand can sour the deal. The CoolShot’s stabilization feature makes sure you get an accurate range reading even when you’re delaminating with the pressure of the shot.

Pros

• Gyroscopic stabilization
• Crisp OLED display
• Fast return rate
• 8-1,200-yard range

Cons

• Game-spooking white finish
• Configured more for golf than hunting

Product Description 

A previous iteration of this stabilized unit configured for hunters had a low-glare black finish. That unit is no longer manufactured, but that vibration-dampening feature is the CoolShot ProII’s best asset. The guts of this 6×21 monocular are fairly standard, with 8- to 1,200-yard ranging, a variety of target modes, and either line-of-sight or angle-compensated ranging. And its stabilization, which locks onto targets that might be hard to acquire in a strafing wind or when an approaching bull jangles your nerves, makes it one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting.

Best Rangefinding Binocular Rangefinding: Leica Geovid Pro 32

Leica

SEE IT

Key Features

• Connects to Leica Hunting App
• Custom ballistic compatibility
• Weight: 1.9 pounds

Why It Made the Cut

While the Geovid Pro 32 is really configured for long-distance rifle shooters, it has a ton of attributes that make it an ideal bow hunting optic. They include an open-bridge design that is easy to use with a single hand, a 10-yard minimum range, and a very precise reticle.

Pros

• On-board environmental sensors
• GPS tracking feature
• Wide field of view
• Compact size for a ranging binocular

Cons

• No built-in tripod mount
• Expensive

Product Description 

While bowhunters won’t tap the vast reservoir of attributes the Geovid Pro 32 provides to rifle hunters and shooters, it has so many capabilities for archers that it belongs in this conversation. Apart from its ranging talents, it has a GPS-enabled tracking feature—it’s called Leica ProTrack—that provides the precise GPS coordinates from your previously measured distance. Combine that with a digital mapping service, and you can begin your recovery of game from the very spot you sent your arrow. Besides its best-in-class optics and wide field of view, the Geovid has 10-yard minimum ranging, a very precise reticle, and on-board environmental sensors that provide temperature, air pressure, cardinal direction, and altitude, making them some of the best binoculars for hunting.

Best for Crossbow Hunters: Sig Sauer KILO 1600 BDX

Sig Sauer

SEE IT

Key Features

• Connects to BDX-compatible optics
• 6-yard close ranging
• Ranges up to a mile

Why It Made the Cut

Back in 2019, when Sig partnered with Mission to bring an integrated crossbow and distance-compensating scope to the market, it also reconfigured the KILO 1600 with BDX (Ballistics Data Xchange) technology so that the rangefinder could talk to the scope through a Bluetooth connection. It remains the most elegant (and deadly) integrated optics platform in crossbow hunting.

Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Clear red OLED display
• Premium carry case

Cons

• Tripod mount must be purchased separately
• Fairly complicated mode menu

Product Description 

Crossbow hunters face the same dilemma as vertical bow hunters: they must know the precise yardage to their target since the ballistics of crossbow projectiles are every bit as affected by gravity and wind as compound-bow projectiles. While crossbow bolts shoot flatter in the first part of their trajectory, beyond about 40 yards, they drop at an alarming rate, which simply means that crossbow hunters need to know the drop at every yardage. That’s where Sig’s BDX system comes into its own.

Integrated with a BDX-enabled crossbow scope, a hunter can range a target, and the holdover appears as a lighted dot inside the scope, showing precisely where to hold to make a bullseye at any distance. Add the regular attributes—angle compensation along with line-of-sight modes, three different target modes—with ballistics information that tells users how many MOA and mils to dial their scope, and you have a unit that can pull double duty for crossbow hunters and rifle shooters.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bow Hunting Rangefinder

First, do you really need a rangefinder that’s engineered for bow hunting? Many models that you might use for rifle hunting or shooting are fully compatible with bow hunting. Just make sure that the minimum distance ranges around 10 yards and that they have angle-compensating modes as well as line-of-sight ranging. Beyond those basics, here’s what you need to consider before buying a rangefinder for bow hunting:

One-Hand Operation

How easy is it to deploy the rangefinder with a single hand, assuming your other hand will be occupied with holding your bow?

Arrow Flightpath Technology

Does the unit have software that calculates your arrow’s trajectory? This feature can help you shoot over or under limbs or other obstructions.

Precision

The best archery-specific rangefinders range in fractions of yards.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting

Serious bowhunters know that in order to make an ethical shot with archery gear, they need to know the precise distance to their target. And they also realize that they must know exactly where their arrow will go at each distance. Those two considerations make a laser rangefinder an essential piece of a bowhunter’s kit, to the degree that most wouldn’t consider hunting without one.

But not all rangefinders are configured for bowhunters. In this roundup, I gathered the best rangefinders for bow hunting on the market. Some, like Bushnell’s Broadhead and Leupold’s FullDraw-5, are archery-first units. Others, like the Coolshot Pro from Nikon and Leica’s remarkable Geovid Pro 32 binocular, aren’t really intended for bow hunting, but they have so many relevant features that I included them here. In the final analysis, any rangefinder is better than none, but if you want to increase your lethality and success, make sure you have one in your bowhunting backpack.

The post The Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Summit Dual Axis	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A quiet, rock-solid hang-on stand.
Best Climber		Summit Viper Level PRO SD	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A refined climber that’s quiet and comfortable to hunt with.
Best Ladder Stand		Hawk BigHorn	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A stable, comfortable stand that is easy to assemble.

We’ve come a long way from plywood and 2X4 tree stands that creaked like old wood floors and started to rot after several seasons in the elements. Today’s stands are much more sturdy, they’re also lighter, more comfortable, and quieter than stands many of us learned to hunt from.

There are a lot of options, too. From innovative small manufacturers to large established companies, there’s never been more brands making better tree stands than there are today. So, to help you find the best tree stand for your hunting style, a team of three testers spent a weekend comparing seven of the best tree stands and putting them through a series of tests. 

• Best Overall: Summit Dual Axis
• Most Comfortable: Millennium M150 Monster
• Best Lightweight: Hawk Helium Pro
• Best Climber for Packing: Ol’ Man Alumalite CTS
• Best Ladder Stand: Hawk BigHorn 

How We Tested Tree Stands

We tested tree stands over two days in northern Virginia, using hardwood trees of varying diameters. On the first day we tested hang ons and climbers, in spitting rain, which helped us evaluate platforms for their grip and seats for how much water they held. The second day was all about building and testing the ladder stand. The climbers and hang-ons followed the same test protocol of packability, speed, noise, comfort, stability, and shooting. We tested the ladder stand on how easy it was to assemble, comfort, and stability. Here’s the full breakdown of the test team and our protocols and scoring system. 

The Test Team

Billy Philips: Is an urban bowhunter who has the opportunity to hunt 365 days a year and takes full advantage of those opportunities with 150 days spent in a stand or saddle. 

Josh Philips: Like his brother Billy, Josh is a four-season bowhunter with over 100 days spent in stands and saddles each year. 

Scott Einsmann: Outdoor Life‘s gear editor and experienced mobile hunter. 

Using our combined experience, we tested each stand with the following protocols: 

Packability 

To test how well a stand carried through the woods, we set up each stand in its pack configuration. Then, a tester carried the stand down a trail. The two testers who weren’t carrying stands stood along the trail, listening for any noise. We also carried the stands through thick woods to see if any part of the stand caught on brush. Each tester gave a score for packability from one to five, with five being the best. The packability score was determined by a stand’s carrying comfort, maneuverability, and perceived noise. 

Speed

We timed how long it took to set up the stands on a straight tree with a 14-inch diameter. For the climbers, the testers started at the base of the tree with the stand on their back and then climbed to ten feet (base of the platform). For the hang ons, we pre-set two climbing sticks. Then started the clock once they began climbing and stopped the clock when they were standing on the platform. You’ll see these times in the key features section for each stand. 

Noise

While we were hanging each stand, two testers stood on opposite sides of the tree and scored the perceived noise level on a one to five scale (five is the quietest).

Comfort, Stability, and Shooting  

We tested all the stands for comfort and stability and shot our bows from the stands. We gave each stand a comfort score on our one-to-five scale, with five being the most comfortable. We judged comfort sitting in the seat but also factored the stand’s comfort while standing. 

We defined stability as movement felt while on the stand. So, any wiggle or bounce was noted as we moved around on the platform. We also shot seated and standing to gather notes on the shooting experience. You’ll see notes on stability and shooting experience in the product description of each stand. 

Tree Selection

We tested each stand on trees of different diameters as well as straight and leaning trees. 

The Best Tree Stands: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Summit Dual Axis

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Weight: 16 pounds
• Tree Diameter: 8 to 20 inches
• Uses two ratchet straps  
• Comfort Score: 5
• Noise Score: 4.5
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Pros

• Bites the tree exceptionally well
• Easy to go from seated to standing
• Silent once attached 

Cons

• Not ideal for mobile hunting 

We were impressed with the entire field of tree stands, but the one that stood out as being the best tree stand of the bunch was the Summit Dual Axis. 

We found the stand easy to hang with the two included ratchet straps. It was fairly quiet during setup, with the only real noise coming from the ratchets. It was silent once on the tree thanks to a few smart features. Each connection point has Teflon washers, so you’ll never have to worry about an ill-timed squeak blowing your hunt. Also, Summit’s Dead Metal Sound Deadening Technology fills portions of the stand with expanding foam. We tested that tech by tapping our metal wedding bands against the stand and were impressed with the dull, muted sound rather than a high-pitched “ting.” 

The Dual Axis’ teeth bit the tree better than any of the stands we tested, and it was the most stable. In the stand, we didn’t notice any movement. It bit the tree so well that when we removed the straps, it stayed connected to the tree, and we had to pull it off. 

The Dual Axis’ seat was our favorite feature and one of the main things that made it one of the best hang-on tree stands. It isn’t a seat that’s built to rock you to sleep. But it does keep you comfortable while you’re waiting for a shot. We especially liked how easily we could transition from sitting to standing. We’ve all sat in stands with seats that are like comfy recliners, but getting out of them is just like getting out of your favorite chair—you can’t get out without effort and a groan. That doesn’t work for bowhunting. You need a chair that is easy to stand from and puts you in a good posture for seated shots. That’s what the Dual Axis seat offers. If you need to stand for a shot, it’s very easy to pop up.

Also when you flip up the seat, it turns into a comfortable backrest. The seat locks in the upright position so it won’t unexpectedly drop on you. To unlock the seat, lift up and ease it down. It is important to mention that we all found the seat very comfortable and thought it was good to go for an all-day sit. An interesting thing we discovered during testing is that the seat makes for an excellent knee rest for saddle hunting, and if you scaled the stand down just a little, it would make for a great saddle platform. 

At 16 pounds, the Dual Axis is a little heavy for a hang and hunt. But it could fill that role if you’re running lightweight sticks. We think it shines for presets and as a semi-permanent stand. 

Most Comfortable: Millennium M150 Monster 

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features 

• Weight: 19.5 pounds
• Adjusts to leaning trees up to 15 degrees
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches wide and 37 inches deep
• Comfort Score: 5
• Noise Score: 4
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Pros

• Comfortable
• Giant Platform 
• Easy to hang

Cons

• Some movement to the stand

Millennium is known for their great seats, so it shouldn’t be surprising that we unanimously picked the M150 Monster as the most comfortable. It’s the type of stand you can nap in and actually get quality sleep. The seat is mesh and has just the right give for comfort. It has a slight recline, and the straps act as nice armrests. The M150 has a footrest for added comfort. One drawback of the seat is that it isn’t the easiest to stand up from. Getting up takes effort because your butt sits lower than your knees in the stand, but that’s also why it’s so comfortable. 

If you like lots of space, this is your stand. Its giant platform allows you to leave the seat down and still have plenty of standing room. The large platform isn’t just about comfort. The extra real estate made it easy to shoot nearly 360 degrees in the stand with a bow because you can stand away from the tree for shots behind the stand. The downside of the long platform is that it has more bounce than a shorter stand. From the ground, the movement was obvious, but it’s barely noticeable when you’re in the stand. 

To hang the stand, you first strap the receiver to the tree and then slide the stand onto the receiver. The receiver is a genius method for hanging a large stand, and it eliminates the need to hold a nearly 20-pound stand with one arm while you secure the strap with the other. Instead, you just drop it into the receiver and finish securing the stand. 

This is the ultimate stand for comfort, and it’s also a great stand for introducing new hunters to treestands because of its large platform. 

Best Lightweight: Hawk Helium Pro

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features 

• Weight: 12 pounds
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches wide and 30 inches deep
• Comfort Score: 3.5
• Noise Score: 3
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 

Pros

• Easy to level
• Fast to hang 

Cons

• Needs upgraded backpack straps

The Hawk Helium Pro is a 12-pound stand and a good option for mobile hunting with a few modifications. First, we’d remove the adjustable footrest because we found the seat can get caught in it during setup, and it’ll cut some weight. We’d also suggest upgrading the backpack straps—they’re pretty Spartan. You can buy padded aftermarket straps for under $50 from several providers.

The Helium was fast to hang, although a little noisy, and only uses one cam-buckle strap to connect to the tree. The strap connects to the stand with plastic-coated metal hooks, which help cut noise. We found the platform and seat leveler very easy to use and took just seconds to adjust. We had some difficulty getting the Helium Pro tight to the tree because it wouldn’t bite the tree well and cam-locking didn’t help much either. That’s likely why we noticed more movement while standing and shooting from the helium than other stands. It does have a nice roomy platform with good grip. 

The seat cushion is thick and comfortable for half-day hunts, but it is foam so you probably don’t want to leave it out for an entire season. 

Best Climber for Packing: Ol’ Man Alumalite CTS

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Weight: 21 pounds
• Platform Dimensions: 18 inches wide and 32 inches long 
• Packability: 4
• Comfort: 4
• Noise: 2.5
• Set up and climbing time: 11 minutes, 9 seconds

Pros

• Packs great
• Super comfortable seat
• Feels lighter than its actual weight

Cons

• Noisy setup

If your hunt starts with a one mile hike, then the Ol’ Man Alumalite CTS is the best climbing tree stand for you. We were impressed with how well this stand packed. It folds down flat and has a narrow profile, so it won’t be wider than most hunter’s shoulders. And because the stand sits close to your body it feels lighter and maneuvers well. You can improve the packability by adding padded straps and an additional bungee to secure the cables. 

While we loved carrying the stand, getting it on the tree and ready to climb wasn’t a walk in the park. There’s a few design flaws that slow down the process and make it a lot noisier. One of the main ones is that the cables slide into a tube and are secured with a pin. Matching the hole in the stand to the hole in the cable takes a little trial and error. But once you get it all adjusted, it climbs quickly. In fact it was twice as fast as the Summit for climbing. 

At hunting height, we liked the stand’s seat and considered it to be plenty comfortable for an all-day sit. But, the handrails tighten down when you sit, so it might not be comfortable for a larger hunter. Also, if you have anything on your belt like a knife or fanny pack, it will get caught in the handrails when you stand. 

Best Ladder Stand: Hawk BigHorn 

Scott Einsmann

SEE IT

Key Features

• Height: 20 Feet
• Weight: 82 Pounds
• Platform Size: 23.5 inches wide X 30 inches deep
• Assembly Time: 2 hours 

Pros

• Fast assembly
• Comfortable 

Cons

• Pricey

All of us in the test group are mobile hunters, but we never pass up an opportunity to hunt from a ladder stand. The nice seats and easy climb make them a luxury. But, we’ve also all climbed rickety ladder stands with metal seats and no padding. The Hawk Bighorn is definitely not rickety or uncomfortable, and after testing, we think it’s one of the best options in ladder stands. 

We started the test by laying out all the pieces and building the stand. Putting together any ladder stand is a project, and the best tree stands go together easily. We found the directions to be OK. The stand pieces are not labeled so you’ll have to study the photos carefully as you go through each step. Another area of confusion is that some of the bolts are very similar with just a ¼ inch difference in length, so be sure to organize them before you start tightening bolts. Our total time of assembly was two hours and that included a few mistakes that needed to be undone and fixed. We recommend driving the stand as close as you can to its final location and then assembling the stand. Building it in one location, and then carrying it in pieces is possible but harder than building it at the site. Also, one person can set up the stand, but two people make the job much easier.  

We found the stand to be solid once on the tree and very comfortable. Hawk has some nice features like two accessory hooks for hanging rattling antlers, a bowhunting backpack, or extra layers. We decided to leave off the arm rests and gun rest because we placed the stand on a bowhunting-only property, but they’re a great features for gun hunters. Another feature we liked was the wide ladder steps which were very easy to climb.

How to Choose a Tree Stand

The first and most important step in choosing a stand is deciding between a hang-on, climbing, or ladder tree stand. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the type of tree stand that’s right for you.

Hang-On Tree Stands

The main advantage of a hang-on is their versatility. They can be used in just about any tree and are easily moved if you need to adjust stand location. You can also pack them in, hang them, and take them down each time you hunt. That’s important for public land hunters and private land hunters that only want to buy one stand. Unlike climbers and ladder stands, a hang on needs climbing sticks or steps in addition to the stand. So you have added cost and complexity to the system. 

Climbing Tree Stands 

A climbing stand is both your hunting platform and climbing aid. These self-sufficient systems are ideal for public land hunters. They do have two main drawbacks: they’re heavy and can only climb straight, limbless trees. 

Ladder Stands

You can’t beat the convenience of a ladder stand. They’re the easiest to climb and very comfortable to hunt from, which is why they’re great for putting in a honey hole and for introducing new hunters to the sport. The downside to ladder stands is that they aren’t easy to move and are a chore to assemble. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Tree Stands

Tree stands keep hunters hidden while waiting for a shot opportunity. But, the best tree stands are quiet, comfortable, and easy to use. Each of the stands we tested fulfill the requirements to be considered one the best.

The post The Best Tree Stands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Axcel Antler Ridge 10-inch	SEE IT
Best Combo Pack		Dead Center Dead Level Hunter Verge Lite Stabilizer Kit 12/9	SEE IT
Best Budget		Redline Rl-1 8-Inch	SEE IT

Stabilizers are arguably the most misunderstood pieces of archery gear that bowhunters put on compound bows.

Target archers know how to use them to balance and stabilize their rigs. But bowhunters just seem to want something short and stubby, which results in almost none of the stabilizing benefits stabilizers are designed to produce.

Well, I’m here to tell you not only which stabilizers I’ve picked as my “best in class,” but I’m going to tell you what to look for in a stabilizer and how to use them properly. 

At Lancaster Archery Supply, I get to see, feel and test most of the stabilizers on the market, so I have a pretty good idea of which ones lead the way. But just to confirm my picks for this piece, I tested nearly two dozen stabilizers by attaching them to my Mathews V3X 33 and shooting several arrows to feel for the stability, balance, and vibration reduction each bar produced. Here are my picks for the best bow stabilizers: 

• Best Overall: Axcel Antler Ridge 10-inch
• Best Siderod Mount: Shrewd Atlas
• Best Combo Pack: Dead Center Dead Level Hunter Verge Lite Stabilizer Kit 12/9
• Best Single-Bar, Dual Purpose: Bee Stinger Microhex Counter Slide 15-Inch
• Best Budget: Redline Rl-1 8-Inch
• Best Short Bar: Shrewd Vantage 9-Inch
• Best Micro Diameter Hunting Rod: Conquest Control Freak With SMAC .500
• Best Stabilizer for a New Mathews Bow: 12-inch Mathews Bridge-Lock Stabilizer

Best Bow Stabilizers: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Axcel Antler Ridge 10-inch

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Key Features

• Made from high-modulus carbon and flax
• Kryptos Arc Dampener, which is designed to kill vibration on the X, Y, and Z axes
• Comes with two, 2-ounce weights
• Solid, aluminum end caps

Pros

• Is actually a tick under 12 inches when the dampener and both weights are included in the length
• Crushes vibration from every angle
• Promotes a steady hold at full draw

Cons

• Expensive

A lot is going on in this 10-inch bar. It’s thin, it comes with 4 ounces of weight, the included dampener is one of the best on the market, and the bar is made from a unique mix of materials that do a great job of killing vibration while promoting rigid stabilization.

The Axcel Antler Ridge 10-inch hunting stabilizer is nearly 12 inches when both weights and the Kryptos Arc Dampener are added to the 10-inch bar. The bar is a combination of high-modulus carbon, which is super stiff, and flax, which is a natural fiber that acts like a vibration sponge. Its vibration-soaking properties are so well known that flax is used in all kinds of sporting gear, where reducing vibration is important, such as Formula 1. Axcel is the only company using flax in its stabilizers.

The Kryptos Arc Dampener would be an add-on for other stabilizers, but it comes with the Antler Ridge. Bow vibration at the shot is generated on the X, Y, and Z axes—horizontal, vertical, and depth. The Kryptos Arc is specially engineered to absorb vibration on each axis. Of all the stabilizers I tested, I felt the least amount of vibration in my hand with the Antler Ridge.

This is one of only a few bowhunting stabilizers that comes with 4 ounces of weights in the pack, which is a good amount for a 10-inch bar. Most hunting stabilizers come with 2 or 3 ounces of weights. You can usually add weights to any bar, but it’s nice when you don’t have to buy extra parts to make something work.

I picked a 10-inch bar as my best overall stabilizer because I believe it’s a length most bowhunters can work with. It’s definitely long enough to provide stabilization for any compound bow—especially since the total length of the Antler Ridge is basically 12 inches. (I discuss stabilizer length at the end of this article.) While I personally prefer a 15-inch front bar, I believe that’s a length a lot of bowhunters just won’t accept. And when I run a 15-inch front bar, I always have a side rod as part of my setup. The 10-inch Antler Ridge is perfect for having just the front rod and no side rod. 

Best Siderod Mount: Shrewd Atlas

Shrewd Archery

SEE IT

Key Features

• Aluminum with stainless steel, anodized hardware to prevent rust
• Independent adjustments for horizontal and vertical positioning of the bar
• Tapered connection points so parts get tighter as the bolts are tightened
• Quick disconnect barrel included
• Laser-engraved connections allow user to get the bar in the same position time and again
• Weighs 3.8 ounces

Pros

• Fits tight to the riser to minimize side bulk
• Doesn’t add much weight to an overall bow setup
• When the bolts are all tightened, everything is locked in place
• Weather resistant

Cons

• Sometimes the horizontal and vertical adjustments fit so snugly, you have to tap them with something to separate them so you can change the bar position.

The Shrewd Atlas is the perfect combination of what bowhunters look for in a siderod mount: strength, lightweight, and security. Made in the USA, the Atlas is CNC-machined aluminum with anodized stainless steel hardware. That means it’s not going to rust like other mounts do.

What’s missing from the Atlas is the bulk that seems to come with most siderod mounts. It weighs almost nothing—just 3.8 ounces—and fits tight to the riser. That means it won’t catch on branches and brush while you’re stalking or clang off the stand when you’re in the tree.

The Atlas employs tapered parts that essentially wedge together by bolts to lock them in place. The more you tighten a bolt, the more you drive a wedge into its seat, which makes it fit tighter. You want to position your siderod how you want it horizontally and vertically, lock it in place, and never think about it again. The Atlas does that.

Laser etching on the horizontal and vertical adjustments enables you to mark where the rod is positioned on each axis, so you can get it right back where you want it if you have to remove it from your bow, or move it from one bow to another. Once you find perfection with siderod position, you don’t want to have to hunt for it again.

Best Combo Pack: Dead Center Dead Level Hunter Verge Lite Stabilizer Kit 12/9

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Key Features

• Includes a 12-inch bar, 9-inch siderod, connection mount, and 6 ounces of weights
• Verge dampener end caps 
• Dampeners can be adjusted to sit perfectly vertical or horizontal, depending on preference for cutting wind
• The connection mount allows you to adjust the side rod up and down and left and right to position the weight where you want it

Pros

• Bars are super stiff
• Dampening qualities are good
• You get everything you need for a full setup in one pack
• The kit is less expensive than if you built a stabilizer/side rod setup by buying individual pieces

Cons

• A couple more weights for the side rod would have helped
• Even though it’s cost-effective, the sticker price will bulge some eyes

The Dead Center Dead Level Hunter Verge Lite Stabilizer Kit 12/9 is a one-stop package that has everything you need for a front-bar, side rod setup. It’s got a 12-inch bar for the front, a 9-inch bar for the side, and it’s got the mount you need to connect both bars to the bow, or just the side rod.

The bars are Dead Center’s best high-modulus carbon, so they are super stiff. The end caps are machined aluminum, which adds to the stability and rigidity of these bars. And each bar is topped with the Verge Dampener. It’s a ring of rubber surrounding a weighted centerpiece. At the shot, vibration hits the dampener, causing the weight to move around inside the rubber ring. That action soaks up the vibration, preventing most of it from getting to your hand. Set screws on the end of each rod allow you to position the dampeners perfectly vertical or horizontal once your bars are locked in place in the mount.

The mount can be used to attach both bars from the front, or you mount the front stabilizer by itself and then bolt the mount for the side rod to the back of the riser. If you mount both from the front, run the bolt on the long bar through the mounting bracket into the riser and then swivel the side rod connector to face backward.

The side rod connector pivots left and right and up and down so you can get the bar positioned precisely where you need it for the best balance. Once you lock it in place, it won’t budge. The two pieces you’re forcing together with the locking bolt are cone-shaped, so the more you drive in the bolt, the more you wedge those cones together. It’s super solid.

Six, 1-ounce weights are included in the kit for weighting and balancing the bars. I’d go 2 ounces out front and 4 ounces off the back, but you might find you need more to get the bow stable and balanced.

Best Single-Bar, Dual Purpose: Bee Stinger Microhex Counter Slide 15-Inch

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Key Features

• Single bar that can be adjusted forward and back to imitate having both a front stabilizer and a side rod
• Bar is 15 inches long, which allows for a decent amount of adjustment forward and back
• Proprietary Countervail material inside stabilizer helps kill vibration
• Dovetail mount makes bar removal and installation simple for travel
• Five 1-ounce weights included

Pros

• It’s one bar that does the job of two
• Can be adjusted multiple ways to get it to sit where you want it
• Countervail is one of the industry’s best materials for killing vibration

Cons

• It does a fair job of imitating having two bars, but it’s not the same
• Having five 1-ounce weights in the pack is nice, but you’ll most likely need to buy more to get the balance right between front and back

The Bee Stinger Microhex Counter Slide is a thin, 15-inch bar that sits off the riser’s side, opposite your sight and quiver. Sitting there, the bar can offset the weight of those accessories.

From there, the unique mount allows you to slide the bar forward or back to adjust the distribution of weight. But it sort of mimics having a front stabilizer and a side rod. Given the length, you could adjust it so 8 inches stick out front and 7 inches extend backward. Then you add weights to each end to achieve the leverage you want. If the bow wants to tip forward, add more weight to the back, or slide the bar back. If it wants to tip up, add more weight to the front, or slide the bar forward.

The bar comes with the mount that connects it to the bow. It features a dovetail bar with a line of divots, which allows you to adjust how close to or far from the side of the riser the stabilizer sits. You can also pivot the riser mount up or down to pull the mount even closer to the riser if you want.

Bee Stinger’s Microhex bars are its narrowest, which makes them ideal for cutting through wind. And the Countervail material used inside the bars is very efficient at killing vibration. These bars transmit very little vibration back to the archer’s hand at the shot.

To be honest, I view dual-purpose bars like the Bee Stinger Microhex Counter Slide as a gateway stabilizer to a true front-rod/side rod setup. The Counter Slide does a fair job imitating the balancing effect of having two bars, but I believe it will convince you of the benefits of having both, and you’ll eventually pull the trigger on a two-bar rig.

Best Budget: Redline Rl-1 8-Inch

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Key Features

• 8 inches
• Three, 1 ounce weights 
• Rubber dampener 
• Woven carbon bar

Pros

• Stiff carbon bar
• Quality dampener attacks vibration
• Three ounces of weights included
• Weight feels like it’s correctly placed for balance and vibration back to the shooter is minimal
• Costs under $60

Cons

• Vibrates a bit more than higher-end stabilizers

The Redline RL-1 8-inch stabilizer features a stiff carbon bar, a rubber dampener at the end of that bar, and three, 1-ounce weights. With the weights attached, the stabilizer is properly end-heavy. That is, the vast majority of the stabilizer’s overall weight is concentrated at the end. That’s especially critical when using a bar as short as 8 inches.

I chose an 8-inch bar for the “best budget stabilizer” because that’s the minimum length I believe stabilizers should be for most of today’s compound bows. (More on that at the end.) And the Redline RL-1 8-inch is the least expensive, 8-inch bar Lancaster Archery Supply carries. 

But it’s not just a cheap stabilizer. It does its job. It helps the archer hold the bow steadier at full draw than without it, and it kills some vibration at the shot. 

The Redline stabilizers do their job well, so much so, that we used the Redline RL Trio Back Bar and Stabilizer Kit to outfit bows during the 2023 compound bow test.

Best Short Bar: Shrewd Vantage 9-Inch

P.J. Reilly

SEE IT

Key Features

• 7, 9, or 12-inch lengths
• Includes two 1 ounce weights
• Two dampeners 

Pros

• Short, thin and light
• Special tapered interior promotes rigidity without adding weight
• Two Hi-Lo dampers helps squash vibration 
• Long bolt allows many weights to be stacked to get the correct balance

Cons

• Only comes with two 1-ounce weights

Thin, light, lots of vibration dampening. For bowhunters concerned about having accessories stick out in front of their bows, the 9-inch Vantage is so slender and unassuming, it’s hard to argue that it’s “in the way.” Without any weights on it, the Vantage is incredibly light. Shrewd says that’s because of a unique tapered interior, which allows for a rigid, high-modulus carbon bar without any extra weight.

There are two Hi-Lo dampers on the Vantage. (Damper is a term often used to describe a rubber device designed to suppress vibration. It’s often used interchangeably with “dampener.”) The Hi-Lo dampers are designed to attack high-frequency and low-frequency vibration. Think of the difference as big, heavy vibration—low frequency—and smaller, lighter vibration—high frequency. A bow produces both, so Shrewd designed dampers to attack both. There’s no doubt the Vantage does a good job killing vibration with just 9 inches to its length.

The Vantage 9-inch comes with two, 1-ounce weights that are added to the stabilizer between the bar and the end Hi-Lo damper. This allows the end damper to serve as a rubber protection for the end of the stabilizer. The long bolt that connects the damper to the bar allows for many weights to be stacked, if you need them to get the right feel for your stabilizer.

But even with just the two ounces of included weight, the 9-inch Vantage does a good job helping stabilize the bow at full draw. The bar is so thin and so light it’s hard to imagine bowhunters fearful of stabilizers “getting in the way” thinking the Vantage is a cumbersome accessory. 

Best Micro Diameter Hunting Rod: Conquest Control Freak With SMAC .500

P.J. Riley

SEE IT

Key Features

• Carbon bar with aluminum end caps
• 1/2-inch diameter cuts through the wind
• Utilizes SMACWRAP, which is a proprietary material for vibration dampening
• Ultralight bar
• Includes three 1-ounce weights

Pros

• SMACWRAP is one of the best vibration-dampening materials on the market
• When a stabilizer is super light, you can use less weight on the ends for balance because you don’t have to offset the weight of a heavier bar
• The microdiameter rod cuts through the wind better than fatter rods

Cons

• If you care about such things, the graphics are a little odd

The Conquest Control Freak With SMAC .500 is a half-inch wide stabilizer that’s built for performing in the wind. You won’t find a stabilizer thinner than a 1/2 inch on the market, so this hunting rod cuts through the wind the best. However, other 1/2-inch stabilizers employ weights significantly larger in diameter than the rod—especially if you use a big stack of weights. The Control Freak’s weights are only slightly larger than the rod, which minimizes wind drag.

Another benefit of skinny bars is they weigh less than fat ones. When a stabilizer bar weighs less, the effect of adding weights to the end is more noticeable. When you can feel the weights more, you can use less to achieve balance. And what bowhunter doesn’t prefer a light rig over a heavy one?

SMACWRAP is a proprietary material used in a variety of products for vibration dampening, including golf clubs. Conquest decided to put it inside some of its stabilizers, and it does a great job of killing vibration. Vibration in a bow does two things. It creates hand shock and noise. Noise, of course, is bad for bowhunting. And hand shock can make a bow unpleasant to shoot. Certainly, when you kill vibration, a bow is nicer to shoot, which will help you focus more on where the arrow should hit, rather than the hump your hand will feel.

The Control Freak With SMAC .500 comes in lengths of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches, and they can be used as front rods and as siderods.

Best Stabilizer for a New Mathews Bow: 12-inch Mathews Bridge-Lock Stabilizer

Mathews

SEE IT

Key Features

• Mounts directly into Bridge-Lock risers, so the connection is more rigid
• Length is adjustable in half-inch increments
• Threadless, stackable weights
• Super skinny bar with holes throughout its length
• Harmonic dampener in the end cap

Pros

• The connection point is much more rigid than traditional stabilizers
• Adjustable length allows you to customize its fit
• Kills vibration and is super quiet
• InterLink Weight system eliminates the need for threaded rods

Cons

• Currently can only be used on Mathews Phase 4 bows
• Expensive

Mathews introduced the 12-inch Bridge-Lock Stabilizer in 2022 as a new stabilizer system for the Mathews Phase 4 bows. Presumably, this stabilizer will be usable in Mathews hunting bows in the future, as Bridge-Lock technology is incorporated into new offerings from Mathews. Despite the fact that it’s only good for two bows at present, it’s a solid, well-built stabilizer.

The bar is designed to slide into a Bridge-Lock receiver cut into the risers of the Mathews Phase 4 bows. It’s locked in place with a wing knob. Sliding the bar into the riser makes the connection point much more rigid than when a stabilizer gets screwed into a bushing under the grip.

Also, with this design, the 12-inch bar can be made shorter in 1/2-inch increments simply by pushing the bar deeper into the riser. So you can extend it to 12 inches for those long shots on the open prairie, or pull it in to 8 inches when it’s time to stalk through the thick stuff.

The bar is super skinny and has holes cut through its length. It imitates the geogrid design of the Mathews risers. So not only does the stabilizer match the bow, but those holes will allow wind to blow through it, making this stabilizer a great choice if you hunt in the wind.

For this stabilizer, Mathews developed a new weight system where weights can be linked together to create a weight stack held in place by an end cap secured with a single set screw. No threaded rods needed. And that end cap has a harmonic dampener built into it to soak up any vibration from the bow.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Bow Stabilizer

Why You Need a Stabilizer 

A stabilizer is intended for two purposes—to help you hold a bow steady and to help kill vibration at the shot. A stabilizer helps you hold a bow steady by adding weight to the bow below your hand, and by resisting hand torque. A great, albeit exaggerated, example of how it resists torque is to think about holding a dust brush and a full-length broom out in front of you with your arm extended. It’s easy to move the dust brush side to side because it’s short and it’s light. But the broom is going to resist that sideways motion because of its length and the heft at the very end.

Stabilizer Length

Again, that’s an exaggerated example of what a stabilizer does, but it paints a general picture of the principle. And it demonstrates why target archers typically use 28 to 36-inch front stabilizers that can carry more than 25 ounces at the very end. Bowhunters don’t need to go that far. Such a stabilizer would be cumbersome in the woods.

But what bowhunters need to know is that a “stabilizer” offers no stabilization at all until it extends beyond the limb pockets. And with the way many of the best compound bow risers today are reflexed back toward the archer, the stabilizer bushing might sit 4 or 5 inches behind those pockets. That means you don’t get any stabilization at all from a stabilizer 6 inches or less. 

On most bows, an 8-inch stabilizer would be the minimum length needed for a stabilizer to be fully functional. Ten- and 12-inch bars would be even better. Whenever I encounter a bowhunter who balks at the thought of a 12-inch stabilizer because it “sticks out too far,” I have them nock an arrow. No 12-inch stabilizer sticks out as far as a 27-30-inch arrow. The point being, if you think a 10-inch stabilizer is going to get in the way at some point during a hunt, your arrow will be an even bigger problem.

Weights

The good news is that the longer the bar, the less weight you need on that bar. On my setup, I only have 3 ounces on the end of my 15-inch stabilizer. If I went to an 8-inch bar, I’d have to bump that weight up to about 10-12 ounces in search of comparable stability. 

Side Rods

However, as the front stabilizer gets longer, the need for a sideroad increases to balance the bow. A long front bar with even just a little weight at the end will cause a bow to want to tip forward. A side rod adds weight behind the bow to counteract that forward tipping. Twelve inches with just a couple ounces of weight at the end is about as long and heavy as I’d go with a front bar before adding a side rod. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When used correctly, the best bow stabilizers can make a decent archer a decent and consistent archer. They’ll help you hold steady and feel comfortable at the shot. When you’re comfortable, you’re relaxed. When you’re relaxed, you can drive tacks. Don’t just think of stabilizers as something to put in the bushing under the grip. They’re designed for a purpose. Take the time to figure out how they can make you a better archer.

The post The Best Bow Stabilizers of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.