Zaini da BOG
In one of the previous issues, we brought you a review of an excellent, albeit somewhat specialized, lumbar backpack – the BOG Ultimatum. This time, we’ll focus on the classic backpacks of this renowned brand and thoroughly “field test” the Kinetic model in hunting practice.
Intro image: BOG Kinetic
The current range of BOG backpacks, excluding the aforementioned Ultimatum lumbar pack and the Vigilant chest rig for binoculars (to be reviewed separately in the future), consists of the reviewed Kinetic model and the larger Agility, Helix 3500, and Helix 6000 models.
Agility is essentially a larger Kinetic with a total capacity of 47.5 liters and a weight of 1.6 kg. The structural difference lies in the back panel reinforced with a lightweight aluminum frame made of high-grade aluminum alloy. In essence, if you like the Agility but could use 8.5 liters of extra space, a solid back, and mesh instead of panels, go for the Kinetic with an extra fee of 659 CZK – satisfaction guaranteed.
Helix 3500 offers 57 liters, Helix 6000 up to 98 liters! Requires the separate Inception frame. Final price: 12,141 CZK.
Need something bigger? The Helix 3500 offers up to 57 liters, and the Helix 6000 a massive 98 liters! That’s enough for a serious expedition into the wilderness. Same material and clever features as the Kinetic and Agility, just larger and roomier in every direction… but without a frame.
You’ll need to purchase that separately – it’s called the Inception. Naturally, it’s reinforced with lightweight carbon and includes robust shoulder straps, padding, and a harness system to attach the backpack easily. It comes in two sizes based on body frame and can also be used on its own for hauling game. For this purpose, it includes a flap and compression straps on the back. The frame combined with the Helix 6000 weighs only 2.6 kg, which is virtually unheard of for a nearly 100-liter backpack.
Kinetic in the Spotlight
Kinetic is a lightweight hunting backpack with a 39-liter capacity, and I’ve had it on test for three months while writing this article. During that time, I’ve used it for hunting trips, travel, and plenty of hikes – where it endured rough handling, overloading, mud, and rain. I even took it on a rock-climbing trip – terrain that truly puts gear quality to the test. For context, I’ve also owned the Ultimatum lumbar pack made from the same material for two years now, and it still performs flawlessly – proof of long-term durability.
Like every BOG pack, the Kinetic is made from 420D Micro-Ripstop, combining water resistance, tear resistance, and low weight. This low weight is a signature of BOG – it’s hard to find anything lighter with the same capacity and features. The Kinetic weighs only 1.4 kg – nothing for a 39-liter pack. A nice bonus for hunters: the material is also very quiet. Should it ever get punctured, the ripstop weave will stop further tearing right at the source – though in my experience, that’s unlikely with even moderately normal use.
The fabric is also quite rain-resistant, and for heavy storms, you can pull out the built-in rain cover located in the top flap. This ensures your gear stays protected even in extreme weather. Zippers, buckles, straps, stitching – craftsmanship and quality are evident throughout, despite the pack’s lightweight construction. The subdued green color is perfect for hunters – although it’s a pity there’s no camo or high-vis version for those who might need it.
Comfort is excellent. The pack lacks a full internal frame, but the back panel is lined with anatomically shaped rigid plates that maintain structure, distribute weight, and allow movement. The wide waist belt is padded the same way. In very hot conditions, you may sweat more than with mesh, but anatomically, I prefer plates – they’re also far more resistant to mechanical damage. I’ve walked an estimated 150–200 km with it and had no issues with discomfort, pressure points, or back pain. The minimalist but comfortable shoulder straps are adequately wide and feature an adjustable chest strap. Any loose ends from the straps can be neatly rolled and secured. A reinforced grab handle on the top helps with carrying.
No rigid frame, but back is padded with anatomically shaped plates. Hip belt same – could be a bit shorter.
Hip belt includes rangefinder/binocular pouches on both sides.
Side pockets are long and narrow with folding flaps – fit 1.5L bottles.
“In the lower section of the pack, you’ll find a removable ‘boot’ to rest your rifle stock, secure it with straps, and carry it comfortably and safely on your back!”
Plenty of Features
The main compartment with a two-way zipper opens wide to reveal a mesh divider for a large camelbak with a hose exit to the shoulder and two stacked lid pockets. On the outside are two flat-profile pockets – a smaller one for small gear and a large one below with a vertical zipper. Two compression straps run across them, allowing you to reduce the pack's volume and secure gear or clothing. This brings us to a hunter-favorite feature – a detachable “boot” at the bottom where you can rest the buttstock of your rifle (or a compound bow). Secure it with the compression straps for a safe and comfortable carry option. Naturally, it won’t be readily accessible, but for mountain hunts or hikes back from a successful shot, you’ll appreciate it. Two more straps at the base are perfect for collapsed shooting sticks or a sleeping bag. On the sides are two longer zippered pockets with folding flaps that don’t add bulk but can hold even a 1.5-liter PET bottle. The main compartment measures 57×27×13 cm and all pockets are softly padded.
On each side of the hip belt are pouches for a rangefinder, small binoculars, or other gear you want at hand. A larger bino in its case can hang externally on reinforced loops. On the back panel, two rows allow attachment of additional gear. Though MOLLE-compatible, it's somewhat limited. This is first and foremost a hunting backpack – it doesn’t need MOLLE loops everywhere, but a few extra rows wouldn’t hurt. My second gripe is with the belt width – clearly designed for American builds. Even at full cinch, I had too much slack. If your waist is under 85 cm, you’ll need to modify the hip belt for proper fit.
Conclusion
The Kinetic costs 4,336 CZK, which isn’t cheap. But the price, limited MOLLE integration, and generously sized hip belt are its only real drawbacks. Otherwise, it’s a top-tier pack – extremely light, practical, comfortable, durable, and finely tuned down to the last detail. It can serve as a universal pack, but it was clearly designed with hunters in mind – and you can tell. Some might want a camo print or be bothered by faint jingling from zipper pulls during sudden movements (fixable with paracord loops), but that's nitpicking. Honestly – I haven’t tested a better hunting pack! And if you need more volume, go for the Agility. For 619 CZK more, you get an extra 8.5 liters and a rigid frame.
Pros/ Cons
+ uncompromising quality
+ low weight and comfort
+ refined, functional design
- limited MOLLE compatibility
- higher price
You can buy the Agility backpack and other BOG gear from STROBL.CZ s.r.o. More info at strobl.cz or boghunt.com
Photo Sources: Author's archive, manufacturer materials - boghunt.com
Author: Tomáš Prachař
The article originally appeared in the magazine Lovec by Extra Publishing