Swarovski BP 24 Rucksack Review: A Purpose-Built Daypack for Optics
The Swarovski BP 24 Rucksack is a 24-liter daypack designed specifically for carrying optics and essential outdoor gear. Although I normally use an Exo K4 frame pack, the BP 24 has earned a regular place in my gear lineup for scouting, day hiking, wildlife observation, and testing binoculars and spotting scopes.
Swarovski originally sent me this backpack as part of a thank-you package, so I did not purchase it myself. However, after using it extensively in the field, I would seriously consider buying one if I needed a dedicated 24-liter optics pack.
The BP 24 is comfortable, organized, and exceptionally well thought out. It is not intended to replace a full hunting or load-hauling pack, but it works extremely well for shorter trips where quick access to optics matters.
Swarovski BP 24 Specifications
The Swarovski BP 24 has a relatively simple set of specifications:
Capacity: 24 liters
Weight: Approximately 2.6 pounds
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Included rain cover
Dedicated spotting-scope compartment
Top binocular compartment
Hydration-compatible internal sleeve
Removable binocular straps
Removable external compression straps
Adjustable chest and waist straps
Padded shoulder straps and back panel
Retail price: Approximately $200
At roughly 2.6 pounds, this is not an ultralight backpack for its size. Some of that weight comes from its padding, organization, and specialized compartments. The benefit is that your optics remain protected and easy to access throughout the day.
Comfortable Enough for All-Day Use
The BP 24 does not have a traditional load-bearing frame, but it is comfortable for the loads most people will carry in a 24-liter daypack.
The shoulder straps have plenty of padding, and the back panel is comfortable against the body. It also includes a chest strap and a lightweight waist strap, both of which can be tucked away when they are not needed.
I would not use this pack to carry heavy hunting equipment or pack meat. That is where a frame pack such as the Exo K4 makes more sense. For scouting, hiking, birding, filming wildlife, and general nature observation, however, the BP 24 carries extremely well.
External Tripod Carry
Two removable straps can be positioned around the pack to secure additional equipment. I normally use them to carry my Aziak Equipment Backcountry Light Tripod with a Wiser Precision BT-20 Ridge Warden tripod head.
The tripod rides securely on the front of the backpack and remains easy to access.
The removable straps are also one of my primary complaints about the pack. Because they are not permanently attached, they can fall off when left loose. I lost one of mine during use.
I contacted Swarovski to ask where I could purchase a replacement. The company did not normally sell the strap separately, but its customer-service team found one and sent it to me quickly. That was another positive experience with Swarovski’s customer service.
I understand why the straps are removable: they can be repositioned on different parts of the pack or used internally to secure gear. However, I would prefer permanent tripod straps on the front in addition to a second removable set.
If you purchase this pack, make sure the straps are tightened or stored securely.
Dedicated Spotting-Scope Compartment
One of the BP 24’s most useful features is the padded spotting-scope pocket located along the side of the pack.
This compartment allows me to carry a compact Swarovski spotting scope separately from the main storage area. I can unzip the side pocket, remove the spotter, and begin glassing without unloading everything else.
This is a significant advantage over a standard daypack, especially when I am comparing several optics or moving frequently between glassing locations.
Although the compartment was clearly designed around Swarovski’s compact spotters, it may also accommodate similarly sized spotting scopes from other manufacturers.
Top Binocular Compartment
The top of the BP 24 includes a dedicated compartment for binoculars. During scouting trips, I may carry Swarovski NL Pure 14x52 binoculars in my chest harness and place a second pair—such as the EL Range 8x42—in the backpack.
This lets me use the higher-magnification binoculars for extended glassing and the rangefinding binoculars when I need distance information.
The top compartment also allows me to access the binoculars without opening the main section of the backpack. That seemingly small feature makes the pack much more efficient in the field.
There is one limitation: the main compartment needs to be reasonably full for the top section to maintain its shape. If the pack is nearly empty, it can become soft and floppy. Carrying insulated clothing inside helps provide structure and additional protection for the optics.
Optional Integrated Binocular Tethers
If you prefer not to wear a separate binocular harness, the BP 24 includes removable binocular tethers.
These tethers connect to compatible Swarovski binoculars and allow you to carry them directly from the backpack’s shoulder straps. When they are not needed, they can be detached and stored inside the pack.
I generally prefer a dedicated binocular chest pack, but the integrated system provides another useful option for hikers, birders, and wildlife observers who want a more streamlined setup.
Additional External Storage
The backpack includes several smaller compartments that help keep commonly used equipment organized.
I use one side pocket for an additional phone when testing and comparing optics. Carrying more than one phone allows me to record through different binoculars or spotting scopes without constantly changing adapters and setups.
A small pocket on the waist belt works well for items that need to remain readily accessible. I normally keep my headlamp there, sometimes along with a lighter or another small tool.
The number of purpose-built pockets makes it easy to assign a permanent location to important equipment. That reduces the amount of time spent digging through the main compartment, especially in low light.
Main Compartment and Internal Organization
The BP 24 opens widely, providing good visibility and access to the main compartment.
A zippered pocket inside the lid works well for small items. I use it to carry:
A spare headlamp battery
A fire starter
A pen
A small multitool
Allen wrenches and screwdrivers for optics equipment
An additional open pocket holds clothing and accessories such as a beanie, lightweight merino gloves, and extra socks.
The main compartment has enough room for a full day’s worth of equipment, including insulated clothing, water, food, emergency gear, and a sitting pad.
What I Carry in the BP 24
My exact loadout changes with the weather and the type of trip, but a typical setup includes:
Compact spotting scope
Second pair of binoculars
Lightweight tripod and head
Headlamp and spare battery
Water and filtration system
Food for the day
Puffy jacket and pants
Gloves, beanie, and extra socks
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
Observation journal and pen
Small multitool
Fire starter
Sun hoodie
Spare phone or filming equipment
Emergency bivy
I frequently carry Stone Glacier Grumman insulated pants along with a lightweight puffy jacket. In addition to providing warmth, the insulated clothing fills the pack and helps support the top binocular compartment.
The 24-liter capacity is enough for my complete scouting setup and can even accommodate a minimal emergency overnight kit.
Hydration and Top Access
The BP 24 includes a hydration sleeve, although I often use that compartment to organize clothing or store my observation journal.
The pack can also be accessed through a zipper at the top. From there, I can reach the water-bottle sleeve or access the spotting scope without opening the entire front panel.
Having more than one way to reach the main compartment makes the pack much easier to use in the field. If I know where a particular item is located, I can often retrieve it without disturbing the rest of my gear.
Included Rain Cover
A rain cover is included with the BP 24. This is important for a backpack designed to carry expensive optics and electronics.
The pack’s polyester construction should handle light moisture, but the rain cover offers additional protection during sustained rain or wet weather. I would still protect sensitive electronics and other vulnerable equipment in waterproof bags, especially during extended trips.
What the Swarovski BP 24 Does Well
The greatest strength of the BP 24 is its organization. It feels like the pack was designed by people who understand how binoculars, spotting scopes, and tripods are actually used in the field.
The main benefits include:
Excellent organization for optics
Dedicated spotting-scope storage
Quick access to binoculars
Convenient external tripod carry
Comfortable shoulder straps and back padding
Multiple access points
Integrated binocular-tether option
Included rain cover
Enough capacity for a complete day setup
Instead of placing everything in one large compartment, the BP 24 gives each major piece of equipment its own location. That makes setting up and packing away much faster.
What I Would Change
No backpack is perfect, and there are a few things I would change about the Swarovski BP 24.
The Removable Straps Can Be Lost
My biggest complaint is the removable external straps. Their versatility is useful, but they can come off when they are not under tension.
I would prefer permanent tripod straps on the front of the backpack, with a separate removable set included for attaching gear elsewhere.
The Pack Needs to Be Filled to Hold Its Shape
The frameless construction means the backpack can become floppy when it is lightly loaded. This is most noticeable when carrying binoculars in the top compartment.
Packing a puffy jacket or other soft equipment in the main compartment helps the backpack maintain its shape.
It Is Not a Heavy-Load Hunting Pack
The BP 24 works well as an optics and scouting pack, but it is not designed to haul heavy loads. It lacks the frame and suspension system needed for packing meat or carrying larger amounts of equipment.
Hunters who need one pack for both scouting and hauling will probably be better served by a dedicated frame pack.
The Price May Be Too High for Some Users
At approximately $200, the BP 24 costs more than many general-purpose daypacks.
Whether the price is justified depends on how much value you place on its optics-specific organization. Someone who simply needs a basic hiking backpack can find less expensive alternatives. Someone who regularly carries binoculars, a compact spotter, and a tripod may find its specialized design worth the cost.
Who Is the Swarovski BP 24 For?
The BP 24 is best suited for:
Wildlife observers
Birders
Optics reviewers and photographers
Hunters conducting preseason scouting
Day hikers who carry binoculars and a spotting scope
Swarovski users who want a pack designed around their equipment
You do not need to own Swarovski optics to use the backpack. Other compact spotters and binoculars may fit its compartments as well. However, the people most likely to appreciate the design are those who already use Swarovski equipment or routinely carry multiple optics.
This is not the best option for backpack hunting, heavy load hauling, or multi-day trips requiring substantial food and camping equipment.
Final Verdict
The Swarovski BP 24 has become my preferred backpack for scouting, wildlife observation, and day hikes when I do not need a full frame pack.
Its greatest advantage is not its weight or capacity—it is how efficiently it carries optics. The dedicated spotting-scope pocket, top binocular compartment, tripod straps, and smaller organizational pockets make it easy to reach important equipment without unloading the entire backpack.
The removable straps could be improved, and the frameless pack works best when it is reasonably full. It is also relatively expensive for a 24-liter daypack. Still, its thoughtful design and field functionality make it an excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time behind binoculars and spotting scopes.
I received this backpack from Swarovski, but that does not change my opinion of it. If I needed a dedicated 24-liter optics pack, I would be willing to spend my own money on the BP 24.
For scouting, day hiking, birding, and general nature observation, this pack is money.
Stay connected to the wild.
