Insights Outdoors: The Right Gear for Any Hunting Situation

By: Brad Fenson

Tested by hunters and built for the field, Insights Outdoors delivers practical, purpose-built packs and accessories that keep you ready for anything.

Insights Outdoors was created in 2016 with one goal: to make gear that works as hard as the people who use it. It started by building packs that solved the problems they saw as hunters in the field, which meant gear that could withstand a beating, carry everything you need, and still keep things simple and smart.

Insights listened to other hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen and women, taking their input to the drawing board. After extensive testing, tweaking, and time in the field, the company built a lineup that’s as versatile and reliable as the individuals who carry it.

After spending time in the field with the full lineup of Insights Outdoors daypacks and gear, I can say each one fills a unique role. Whether it was climbing into a tree stand before daylight, hiking deep into the backcountry, or setting up for an evening sit, these packs proved themselves in comfort, function, and durability. The Duffels are rugged and reinforced to handle the rough conditions that come with active hunters.

Here is a rundown of some of my favorites.

Drifter V2 Lightweight Day Pack

The Drifter V2 is built for hunters who want to stay light and mobile. I carried it during warm early-season hunts when I needed to cover ground quickly. It is surprisingly roomy for its size and holds water, optics, and the day’s essentials without feeling bulky.

The breathable straps and padded back panel make long hikes comfortable, and the fabric resists thorns and moisture. The simple pocket layout keeps gear organized and accessible, which is especially useful when moving through tight cover. The Drifter V2 is ideal for spot-and-stalk hunts or short trips where traveling light pays off.

• Perfect for quick, mobile hunts
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Quiet fabric and compact profile
• Comfortable even on long hikes
• Capacity: 1,200 cu. in.
• Weight: 2.1 lb.
• Material: Water-resistant fabric
• MSRP: $79.99

Element V2 Day Pack

The Element V2 is the workhorse of the group. I used it for all-day sits, long scouting sessions, and late-season hunts where extra clothing and gear were needed. The main compartment opens wide, allowing you to find what you need, even in low light, easily.

The suspension system distributes weight evenly, and the quiet exterior material makes it ideal for treestand hunting. The internal dividers help keep everything organized, from optics to rangefinders to snacks. The Element V2 is a pack that fits nearly any hunting style and performs well in every season.

• Great all-around pack for all-day hunts
• Silent and durable material
• Organized layout for quick access
• Excellent balance and comfort
• Capacity: 1,870 cu. in.
• Weight: 3.1 lb.
• Material: Quiet brushed tricot
• MSRP: $130

Shift V2 Pack

The Shift V2 is designed for hunters who use a crossbow and rifle throughout the year. I carried it on mixed-season hunts, and the integrated weapon system kept my gear securely in place while hiking through rough terrain. The frame keeps the pack balanced, even with heavy loads.

Once I reached my stand or blind, the pack unfolded into a clean gear station, making it easy to stay organized. After days in the field, the Shift V2 still looked new. It is rugged, reliable, and built for serious hunters who expect their gear to last.

• Ideal for crossbow or rifle setups
• Converts into a gear station
• Rugged materials and stitching
• Evenly balanced when fully loaded
• Capacity: 2,500 cu. in.
• Weight: 3.8 lb.
• Material: Reinforced ripstop nylon
• MSRP: $230

V2 Bow Pack

The V2 Bow Pack is purpose-built for bowhunters who need to protect and carry their bow safely into the field. I used it during archery season when long hikes through thick brush were the norm, and having both hands free was a game-changer. The bow compartment is fully enclosed and padded, keeping cams, strings, and accessories safe from branches and weather.

What I appreciated most was the ease of access. The pack opens quickly and quietly, allowing you to remove your bow without fumbling. Multiple interior compartments hold rangefinders, releases, and other accessories in logical places. The shoulder harness is comfortable and breathable, and the load-carrying system keeps the bow stable while hiking. The V2 Bow Pack is a must-have for archery hunters who want protection and convenience in one package.

• Designed specifically for bowhunters
• Fully enclosed, padded bow compartment
• Comfortable and stable to carry
• Quick, quiet access to your bow and gear
• Capacity: 2,400 cu. in.
• Weight: 4.0 lb.
• Material: Heavy-duty nylon and padding
• MSRP: $230

Insights Saddle Stalker Backpack

With the growing popularity of saddle hunting, the Saddle Stalker Backpack will be a must-have item for the mobile hunter. I tested it on several adventures where climbing efficiency and stealth were most crucial. Every compartment serves a purpose, keeping ropes, lineman’s belts, and platforms neatly arranged.

The compact design keeps everything close to your body, and the materials are both quiet and durable. The backpack attaches easily to your saddle setup and stays out of the way when climbing or sitting. It is a specialized piece of gear that makes a real difference for mobile hunters.

• Compact and efficient design
• Quiet, low-profile materials
• Perfect for saddle systems
• Keeps essential gear accessible and secure
• Capacity: 1,000 cu. in.
• Weight: 1.8 lb.
• Material: Soft-touch silent fabric
• MSRP: $130

Final Thoughts

After spending time in the field with these packs, it is clear that Insights Outdoors builds gear with purpose. The company listens to hunters, tests its designs, and refines them until they work perfectly in real hunting conditions.

Each pack fills a different role:

• Drifter V2: light and fast for mobile hunts
• Element V2: balanced and versatile for all-day sits
• Shift V2: rugged and adaptable for bow or rifle hunts
• V2 Bow Pack: protective and practical for archery hunters
• Saddle Stalker: compact and quiet for the mobile saddle hunter

No matter what or where you hunt, there is an Insights Outdoors pack built to fit your style. The company continues to make reliable, field-tested gear that performs as hard as the people who use it.

Insights Carry All Tree Strap

The Carry All Tree Strap is one of those simple pieces of gear that quickly becomes essential once you use it. I first took it into the woods during archery season, and after a single hunt, I wondered how I ever managed without it. Designed to keep your pack, bow, rangefinder, and other accessories organized and within easy reach, this strap helps keep your setup clean and quiet in the stand.

Installation is quick and straightforward. The strap wraps securely around the tree, and the heavy-duty buckle locks it in place. Once set, the metal hooks and reinforced loops give you multiple hanging options. I used it to hang my daypack, binocular harness, and quiver, all within arm’s reach. The setup kept my gear out of sight, off the ground, and completely silent.

What I liked most was how compact and lightweight it is. The Carry All Tree Strap rolls up small enough to fit in a pocket or side pouch of a daypack, making it easy to bring on every hunt. The strap’s construction is solid, with strong webbing and hardware that holds steady even under full weight. It is quiet, dependable, and built to last through years of use.

Whether you hunt from a tree stand, saddle, or ground blind, the Carry All Tree Strap helps you stay organized and efficient. It eliminates the clutter that can cause unwanted movement and noise, keeping your gear where you need it, when you need it.

• Quick and secure setup on any tree
• Multiple loops and hooks for hanging gear
• Keeps equipment organized and off the ground
• Compact, lightweight, and easy to pack
• Ideal for stand or saddle hunters
• Material: Heavy-duty webbing with metal hardware
• Length: Adjustable up to 6 ft.
• Weight: 0.6 lb.
• Finish: Non-reflective matte black
• MSRP: $29.99

The Insights Carry All Tree Strap might not be the flashiest piece of gear, but it is one of the most practical. Like everything Insights Outdoors makes, it is designed by hunters who understand the value of organization, silence, and simplicity in the field. Once you try it, it becomes a permanent addition to your hunting setup.

Insights Deluxe Bow Case

I recently used the Deluxe Bow Case, and the weather-resistant outer shell and multi-layer construction held up well even after being tossed in the back of a pickup, dragged over rough ground, and carried on an ATV. Inside, the adjustable retention straps securely held my compound bow in place, preventing shifting during transport. The hideaway backpack carry system made hauling easier on the trail, and the several exterior pockets offered convenient storage for arrows, broadheads, release aids, and gloves.

What impressed me most was how the case strikes a balance between protection and mobility. Your bow is well-shielded, yet the case doesn’t feel bulky when loaded. The zippers and stitching held firm throughout heavy use. If you’re transporting your bow frequently, whether to remote hunts or across rough terrain, this case gives you confidence it will protect your gear without getting in the way.

• Excellent protection for compound bows in tough environments
• Backpack carry option improves trail mobility
• Organized exterior pockets keep accessories accessible
• Durable build with minimal bulk
• Fits most modern compound bows
• Weather-resistant multi-layer material
• Hideaway backpack strap system
• Adjustable interior bow retention straps
• Multiple exterior gear pockets

In short, if you’re looking for a case that combines protection, organization, and portability for your bow, the Deluxe Bow Case from Insights Outdoors is worthy of consideration.

Traveler Gear Duffel XL and XXL Gear Duffels

Every hunter, angler, or traveler knows that good organization begins before the hunt even starts. The Traveler Gear Duffel XL and XXL Gear Duffel from Insights Outdoors were designed to make packing, hauling, and storing gear efficient and straightforward. After putting both sizes through a few road trips and long hunting weeks, I can say these duffels are made for people who live out of their bags during the season.

The Traveler XL is the ideal size for weekend trips or shorter hunts where space and mobility are essential. It easily fits clothing, boots, and essential gear without feeling oversized. The top-loading design and full-zip opening make packing straightforward, and the heavy-duty zippers feel solid even when the bag is stuffed full. I used the XL during a three-day waterfowl trip and was impressed with how easily it kept my gear separated and dry.

The Traveler XXL steps up in both size and capacity, built for long hunts or extended travel. I used it for a ten-day trip that included everything from hunting gear to extra clothing and camera equipment. The large main compartment swallowed everything I needed, while the multiple exterior pockets kept smaller items organized. The reinforced base and weather-resistant material handled rough travel, including being tossed into the back of a pickup and dragged through campgrounds.

Both duffels use rugged construction that resists tears and moisture. The wide carry handles are comfortable when loaded, and the adjustable shoulder strap makes hauling easier. Heavy-duty zippers, reinforced seams, and a structured bottom keep these bags in shape even when fully loaded. They are designed to take the kind of abuse that comes with serious hunting and travel.

If you spend a lot of time on the road chasing seasons, these duffels are worth a look. They are practical, dependable, and made for the hunter who values simplicity and strength.

• Built for heavy use and rough travel
• Weather-resistant material keeps gear dry
• XL is perfect for weekend hunts and travel
• XXL carries full hunting loads and extended trip gear
• Durable handles and reinforced zippers
• Traveler XL Capacity: 4,200 cu. in.
• Traveler XL Weight: 3.2 lb.
• Traveler XL Material: Heavy-duty water-resistant fabric
• Traveler XL Dimensions: 26" x 13" x 11"
• Traveler XL MSRP: $130
• Traveler XXL Capacity: 6,800 cu. in.
• Traveler XXL Weight: 3.8 lb.
• Traveler XXL Material: Heavy-duty water-resistant fabric with reinforced base
• Traveler XXL Dimensions: 32" x 15" x 13"
• Traveler XXL MSRP: $160

The Traveler Gear Duffel XL and XXL Gear Duffel continue the Insights Outdoors tradition of making practical, field-ready gear. They are tough enough for long road trips, organized enough for daily use, and built for hunters who demand function over flash.

Why Hunters Should Trust Insights Outdoors

After spending time in the field with Insights Outdoors gear, one thing is clear. This company builds products that are designed by hunters, for hunters. Every pack, strap, and duffel shows real-world experience and attention to detail. The materials are tough, the layouts are practical, and each design is built around how gear is actually used in the field.

What stands out most is consistency. Whether it is a large pack meant to haul heavy loads or a compact accessory designed for convenience, every piece of Insights gear serves a clear purpose. The company focuses on durability, comfort, and innovative organization rather than unnecessary features. The result is dependable, field-tested equipment that performs season after season.

For hunters who want gear that works as hard as they do, Insights Outdoors is worth a closer look. The lineup includes everything from lightweight daypacks to specialized saddle packs and heavy-duty travel duffels. Each product is made to make your hunts easier, more comfortable, and more successful.

For more information, check out insightsoutdoors.com.