Do any of you have a recommendation for a backpack that will also hold an AR with a scope? I am looking at the Eberlestock backpacks but am hoping to find a really good option for a few less dollars. I have been using a backpack and carrying my AR in one hand while carrying another couple of sacks of corn in the other hand. I'm having to walk about 3/4 of a mile across a plowed field so consolidating AR, blind gear, and corn sacks in one backpack seems desirable. thanks fellas.

Do you already have a pack? It's an AR, just use some of those bendy, foam twist ties and tie it to your pack. Or scout Sniper's Hide, 24Hour, for a used Eberlestock.

Is a sling not a viable option?

right now I have a backpack over both shoulders and when using a sling there doesn't seem to be a way to keep the gun up too on a shoulder that already hosts a backpack strap (and I prefer my Guns Up!).

Eberlestock is hard to beat, the packs are fairly heavy, but they are tough, and have straps and are set up to haul heavy loads easily. I have an old blue widow, and it is no problem to use the built-in straps and clip a 50 pound bag of corn on it while still having all my usual stuff in the usual places.

Definitely not a cheap pack, but I have used the heck out of mine for about ten years now without complaint.

Why don't you just sling the rifle on your front?

Get yourself one of these for your backpack. Perhaps the best $15 I’ve ever spent on hunting equipment.

Sling Saddle Shoulder Clip by... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075QBNSYH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So buy a barrel with a good lid and stash a couple bags of corn in it next to your blind.