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Shooting Essentials Accessories

10 Best Range Bags for the Shooting Range With Pros & Cons

Whether you’re a competitive or a recreational shooter, chances are that you’ve spent a lot of time preparing for your shooting endeavors without considering the right storage for your ammo. So, how do you intend to haul all of your gear to your shooting range? We believe you would want to invest in the best range bag that’ll house your firearms and help you carry all the things you’ll need.

With range bags that are easy to pack and organize, comfortable to wear, and ready for the next round at all times, you can enjoy your days on the range even more. But the market is full of these bags and how would you make an informed buying decision?

This is where we come in. The RangerExpert team reviewed a number of these shooting gear to help you find your perfect match! Go through the whole review and buying guide and save the trouble of making a wrong purchase and destroying the fun.

10 Best Range Bags for Carrying Your Guns and Gear

1 Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag

Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag

Osage River makes lots of bags for both shooting and traveling adventures. This model is available in two sizes that measure at 13.5 x 10.5 x 7.5 inches and 18 x 13 x10 inches.

They’re constructed from 600D ballistic nylon, making them strong, durable, and ready for the challenge of the range. This one comes with both handle and shoulder straps allowing you to choose your ideal carrying option. Besides, the handles are adjustable, which is a massive advantage for us in days we’re not packing many items.

If you’re like us who prefer keeping their mission secret, this mid-range option is the right choice to make. Also, there are no markings on the outside to inform the neighbors what type of bag it is.

The design of the central storage is fantastic, with well-padded dividers that keep your items safe and secure. There are exterior pockets that allow you easy access to your ammo, magazines, and other accessories easily. You’ll also appreciate the detachable pistol pouch by the side, which makes these bags perfect for any mission.

We’ve noticed that the bag wasn’t tall enough to accommodate a standard NRA pistol target. Also, the zippers didn’t slide smoothly. However, these observations weren’t a turn-off for us considering the price and build-quality.

Pros

  • Perfect size
  • High-quality build
  • Reinforced handles
  • Padded dividers
  • Multiple compartments
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Issues with zippers
  • Not tall enough

Our Verdict

Osage River Tactical Range Bag packs pretty much everything that you need during shooting sessions and out in the shooting zone. It’s ruggedly built and carefully designed to offer a good amount of carrying space. It has enough room for your pistols and other items. You can use it for both light-duty and heavy-duty sessions. Though it has its flaws, we’ll not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

2 GunMate 1919687 Range Bag

GunMate 1919687 Range Bag

The GunMate 1919687 features as our runner-up model, doubling as the most affordable on this list. It’s well-constructed with enough rooms for two pistols, ammo, ear protection, wallet, eye protection, and more. It’s only available in one size and measures at 16 x 8 x 7 inches. Fortunately, it’s the lightest we’ve got, weighing 1.92 ounces. So, we didn’t feel any discomfort when carrying it.

There is a detachable hook in the main compartment and loop dividers that allows you to separate your items with ease correctly. It has a lockable zipper compartment at the side for easily accessible tools.

This GunMate model is made of a specially woven material that gives a soft feel but is rather stiff and durable. It’s rectangular and has a rigid base that prevents it from sagging.

From our observation, this one doesn’t have many internal side pockets as our top pick. Besides, there were no Velcro straps on the handles to hold together for quick and easy grasping. However, these weren’t significant issues for us since you can mount the side pockets or the Velcro straps yourself.

It comes in at around $20 – the best budget range bag for the budget-conscious buyer. This is a great option to keep your shooting gear organized while still making a fashion statement.

Pros

  • Lockable zipper side compartment
  • Hook and loop dividers
  • Affordable
  • Immune to sagging

Cons

  • No Velcro straps
  • Not many internal pockets

Our Verdict

This is a sturdy and well-made bag that will stand the test of time. Although it didn’t have as many features as our top pick, it’s the right choice for anyone who needs a quality range bag without breaking the bank.

3 Savior Equipment American Classic Tactical Bag

Savior Equipment American Classic Tactical Bag

This is one of the best long range bags today’s market has to offer. It’s large enough to hold two AR-15 rifles along with other tools only in the main compartment. It’s highly multifunctional when compared with other models on this list. The edges are wholly padded to prevent your firearm from hitting against one another when in transit.

Unlike our second choice, this Savior Equipment features three external pockets by the side for storing additional accessories. It incorporates a Molle design that allows you to customize your storage options. However, since it’s made for rifles, concealing it from neighbors would be difficult.

We liked the fact that its zippers pulled smoothly and could be locked to prevent theft.

It has many carrying options, which include adjustable backpack straps and a handle. We were more comfortable putting the bag on our back because of the dense paddings on the straps.

Savior Equipment American Classic comes with a lifetime warranty so you can use it with confidence. It’s also available in many sizes and colors to choose from.

It’s hard to fault this bag though you’ll only maximize its use if you have at least two long rifles.

Pros

  • High-quality build
  • Plenty of storage
  • Molle system
  • Available in many sizes
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Too big for some

Our Verdict

At this price point, this is by far one of the coolest best range bags out there. It’s well-built with many interior paddings to keep your items secure. You’ll likely find everything you’ll need from a backpack of this capacity.

4 G.P.S Handgunner Backpack

G.P.S Handgunner Backpack

The G.P.S pack is our favorite model for keeping handguns and other light-duty gadgets. It comes with many outstanding features that you’ll only find in those large and high-end bags. First, you’ll be amazed at the sight of the retractable bottom compartment, which can house four pistols simultaneously.

It’s available in two colors of black and Digital Camo. There is a visual ID storage system for easy identification. We didn’t have issues locating our items since they were correctly labeled on this backpack with gun pockets.

This one measures at 20 x 14.8 x 8.6 inches and weighs 14.4 ounces. So, it’s bigger and heavier than our second choice. It has a built-in waterproof cover to help protect the contents from the rain.

There is a sturdy handle at the top, which is meant to support the extra weight. It’s also a backstrap type, so it felt more straightforward to use without the hands than those with a single shoulder strap.

The G.P.S backpack is well-built and will hold-up for a long time. The quality of the zippers is excellent and we didn’t have any issue of hanging when pulling any of them. However, we noticed that it didn’t fit all types of guns, but we modified it to our taste.

Pros

  • Waterproof pull out cover
  • Multiple side pockets
  • A visual ID storage system
  • Durable and lockable zippers
  • Specialized pistol compartment

Cons

  • Relatively heavy and expensive

Our Verdict

This is an excellent backpack for compacting and organizing your gear in one place. It’s portable and easy to carry and we strongly believe it’s the best you can get for keeping your pistols and gun cleaning kits.

5 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Molle 58602

REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Military Rover Backpack

The Tactical RUSH72 is another best range bag in a backpack form that is made for persons who’re ready for any deployment. It measures at 22.2 x 17.5 x 3.7 inches making it large enough to swallow your clothing and gear. It features lots of pockets so your items won’t be messy, though there is no ID storage system.

There are three separate zippered pockets at the front compartment. So, you can easily save-up essentials like pen, notebook, cards, and keys in the admin pockets.

Drinking water from this bag was natural for us, thanks to its water bottle compartment with a hose port which anyone could access with both hands.

Another separating feature is the expandable shove compartment between the bag’s main body and the back, which you can store a helmet or any heavy outwear.

There is a zippered pocket at the top for storing your sunglasses and other sensitive devices.

This RUSH 72 bag is made of a robust 1000D nylon material. It’s also water-resistant so it can protect your devices when it’s raining. Besides the shoulder straps, it comes with a waist strap for extra security and comfort.

The only drawback is that the part of the shoulder strap, which is close to the neck, is not wide enough and could rub against your skin, making you feel uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Durable
  • Excellent storage capacity
  • Water bottle compartment and hose

Cons

  • Backstrap size is small

Our Verdict

This one is up there in terms of function. It’s an excellent option for those who expect more out of a tactical range bag. The material is of good quality, and the design is versatile enough for everyday outdoor activity.

6 REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Military Rover Backpack

REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Military Rover Backpack

The Reebow gear bag is small, light, and sturdy. It’s also an excellent choice for persons who’re unable to carry a big backpack. With dimensions of 10.5 x 7 x 3 inches, it won’t hold everything that a giant bag would carry.

This best range bag comes in deep black color and we didn’t see it fading over time. An American flag batch is attached to the top pocket at the front, giving it a mark of prestige.

There are rows of molle webbing on the sides of the pockets for secure storage and hooking of additional pouches. The main compartment is big enough to hold a few MREs and other things you can stuff inside.

The snap button on the back of the bag can open to another pocket that contains the water tank. It has an adjustable shoulder strap with excellent padding, which feels more comfortable when it’s loaded. While testing, we saw that this product was durable and didn’t scratch upon dropping with weight on hard surfaces.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Molle design
  • Water reservoir pocket
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy-duty gear

Our Verdict

This is the best small range bag for marksmen and markswomen who desire to carry a small bag when a larger one isn’t an option. We recommend it for its excellent quality, portability, convenience, and price.

7 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack 58601

5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack 58601

The last shooting range bag on our list is the RUSH24, which we’ll always recommend for training, hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities. It’s made of high-quality fabrics for better functionality and durability, making it ideal for light and heavy-duty applications.

Its storage capacity is unbeatable, with the main compartment measuring at 20 x 12.5 x 8 inches. Another crucial selling point of this bag is the 37-liter capacity water bottle storage with tubing for easy water access. Of course, you’ll need this when drinking to replenish your energy for the task.

It features three main admin compartments that can take a camera, sunglasses, repair tools, flashlight, and much more. We enjoyed every bit of our time with this product, and we were satisfied with its durability. It weighs about 3 pounds, making it one of the heaviest on this list.

It’s made of heavy-duty nylon with plenty of molle webbings. It doesn’t have a waist belt, but you’ll feel safe and comfortable with the padded backstrap. All the lockable side pockets have double zippers that flow smoothly.

Pros

  • Excellent size and organization
  • Rigid and durable build
  • Superb molle webbing
  • YKK zippers
  • Water bottle pocket

Cons

  • Relatively heavy

Our Verdict

A highly commendable backpack, perfect for tactical shooting and recreational use. You can always rely on it for your daily outings and adventures.

8 Nexpak Tactical Duffle Military Molle Gear Range Bag

Nexpak Tactical Duffle Military Molle Gear Range Bag

The Nexpak Tactical Range Bag is the perfect mid-range option for your shooting activities. It’s available in more color options and sizes than any other bag on this list.

The manufacturers are aware of our diverse needs when it comes to range shooting adventure, so they’ve introduced various rooms for easy customization. These include four front buckle strap pockets, two large zippered front pockets, two zippered pockets on each side, two zippered pockets on top of the main compartment, and a U-shape main compartment.

Like other options we’ve listed here, it also features a high-quality padded shoulder strap and handles for carrying your loads quickly and conveniently.

This Nexpak model is made from 600HD polyester, which makes it feel skinny and light though it passed our durability test with flying colors. We weren’t totally satisfied with the quality of the zippers, but this was not a deal-breaker for us considering its price.

Pros

  • Thin and light
  • PVC water-resistant lining
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Many attachment points

Cons

  • A bit thin

Our Verdict

This is a superb mid-range bag for the money that comes in handy for carrying a few pistols and other shooting equipment. The main compartment can accommodate a full-size standard target. The appearance and color are excellent, while the numerous compartments help in better organizing the items. Aside from its few issues of sturdiness and zipper quality, you won’t have any reason to regret it after you get this model.

9 Explorer Tactical 12 Pistol Padded Gun and Gear Bag

Explorer Tactical 12 Pistol Padded Gun and Gear Bag

This one boasts of many storage spaces to convey all your items in a single trip. It’s small, no doubt, making it ideal for use in various on-field and off-field missions.

The many pockets ensure that your equipment is always in the right place. It can take a maximum of 12 pistols. The quality of the padding is also high, ensuring that your guns are safe in their positions.

The Explorer Tactical comes with a well-padded shoulder strap, which you can also detach with ease. It’s built from a 1000D heavy-duty nylon making it sturdy and durable. We didn’t experience any difficulty when pulling the zippers, and we found them to be easier to lock than those on our top pick.

Though the bottom wasn’t stiff enough, we appreciated the excellent stitching. So we had no fear of stuffing the bag. From our observation, it would be nice if the pockets were labeled for easy identification like the case with the GPS bag. But that’s only our opinion so; it can’t reduce our rating for it.

  • Well-padded and-protected compartments
  • Durable fabric and stitching
  • Detachable shoulder strap
  • Compact and adequate

Cons

  • No labeling

Our Verdict

Besides the inexpensive price, it has everything you need to help you make a successful shooting session. One of the best range bags out there, give it a try and see how it serves you.

10 BlackHawk 74RB02BK Pistol Range Bag SPORTSTER Bag

BlackHawk 74RB02BK Pistol Range Bag SPORTSTER Bag

BlackHawk bags are trendy among tactical shooters since they’re cheap, sturdy, and dependable. This model measures 16 x 8 x 9 inches and can comfortably carry two standard revolvers and other equipment in the main storage area. It weighs 5 ounces, making it one of the lightest available.

This bag’s size is significant to us in the sense that it’s not bulky and you can keep it in your closet along with the items.

The whole  build quality is fantastic, with enough paddings for the safety of your firearms. It’s made of a sturdy nylon fabric with beefy zippers that pulls smoothly. Like our 8th pick, there is a molle system on the side of the bag for attaching your magazine holder.

Though it didn’t have any magazine pockets, every other thing in the bag seems to have worked well for us.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Well-padded

Cons

  • No magazine pocket

Our Verdict

This is probably the best pistol range bag out there that’s full of great features with a neat and rugged build. No doubt this will be your best companion whenever you go to the range.

Range Bags for Women – Is There Any Difference?

Gun range bag

Any female competitive or recreational shooter can have stylish range bags today to transport their guns and gun accessories easily while keeping everything organized. For women shooters, we prefer the top-shelf type because of their size and comfort level.

Those range bags especially designed for women usually have a low profile design and are less bulky when compared to those for men. They often come with quality padding and straps to be lightweight and compact. This means you won’t have to struggle with an uncomfortable, awkward or oversize bag.

This means as a female shooting enthusiast, you are spoilt with a number of choices especially designed for women that will make your shooting sessions much more fun.

What Should Your Range Bag Contain?

Below are our recommendations for the few essentials you can’t do without.

S/n Essentials Usefulness
1 Ear plugs & Glasses Shuts the higher decibels out while keeping you aware of your environment. It’s crucial to cover the eye from sun’s glare or flying objects.
2 Flashlight Seeing the firearm when making minor repairs.
3 Extra magazines Reach out for one anytime you’re out.
4 Targets It’s useless shooting aimlessly into the air.
5 Jacket & Gloves You’ll need warmth in cold weather while protecting your hands from any abrasion.
6 Staple gun For hanging the targets
7 Injury kit Provides first aid if an accident occurs.
8 Batteries For your flashlight, ear plugs, camera, or lasers.
9 Firearm repair tools Something could call for your DIY skills
10 Auto loaders Got to refill quickly
11 Water Of course, you could be thirsty or desire to clean your face.
12 Mounts Dots, bipods, camera, lasers, etc.
13 Towel Need to wipe the face if you’re sweating.
14 Food Hunger could make you weak, spoiling the fun.
15 Cleaning rag You might desire to lube the firearm and also wipe off dirt after use.
16 GoPros Action cameras, mounts, memory cards, accessories to record your most excellent shots!
17 Extra batteries Your camera, flashlights, optical devices, lasers, ear protection, etc. will need them

Best Range Bag Reviews [Buying Guide]

Range Bag Buying Guide

1. Size

Your contents and the dimensions of the firearm should determine the gun bags for range to buy. You wouldn’t want the seams bursting after loading it up. Besides, if you’ll not take much gear to the range, you won’t need a huge or a multi-gun bag.

2. Functionality

With your focus on the equipment, think about how the bag’s features could help you solve other problems at hand. Many packs feature ID pockets, which allow you to identify it quickly even if there are other similar models around.

3. Padding

Make sure the bag is well-padded to protect your firearms and other items from bumps on the road. If it’s a backpack, the padded sections will make you feel more comfortable.

4. Adjustable dividers

Firearms come in different sizes and shapes, so these dividers will prevent them from rolling against one another in the bag.

5. Multiple storage areas

The number of partitions available can assist you in organizing your items as well as finding them quickly.

6. Integrated water storage

While a water bottle will keep you hydrated, you’ll need a bag that can hold it for you.

7. Water protection

A surprising occurrence during your expedition is a sudden outpour, but your stored items will be safe if they’re inside a water-resistant bag. Most of them are made of water-repellant materials or would have special coatings to keep the inside dry when it’s raining.

8. A solid YKK Zipper

The last thing you’ll want to face while stuffing your gear is a malfunctioning zipper. Make sure you’re getting a bag with good quality and reliable zippers like the YKK.

9. Adjustable Straps

Adjusting the straps will help to balance the bag’s weight, giving you greater comfort.

10. Lock Enabled

Since your weapon could be a target to thieves or other trouble-makers, it’s your responsibility to protect it with a lock mechanism. You’ll find combination locks or lockable zippers.

11. Molle

It stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment. This technology in backpack design provides it with a better load-bearing capacity. This helps improve the bag’s durability and allows you to attach things like pouches to it.

12. Types

There are many types of range bags on the market to choose from depending on your activity, content, and environment. You can opt for any of these:

(a) Range Bag Backpacks – They keep your hands free to handle the rifle, but they’re mostly small in size and may not accommodate long firearms. You’ll need them for carrying small guns, magazines, lunch, etc. They usually have water bottles with a hose that lets you drink from it with ease.

(b) Shoulder straps – They’re perfect for conveying large firearms along with other shooting equipment. The zippers are long, giving you easier access to your items than when using a backpack. As the name implies, you’ll strap them across your shoulder. These are suitable for clay or trap shooting..

(c) Pistol range bags – These are small but perfect for carrying by hand. They protect your handguns and have many side pockets for extra magazines. You can even get the best multi pistol range bag without breaking the bank.

13. Budget

These bags come at different styles, designs, and prices, but it’s better to get one that has the same value as your gadgets. If you can afford an expensive firearm, be ready to get the best range bag too.

The quality of the fabric (e.g. canvas, nylon, sling, waxed canvas) and the color (e.g. black, charcoal, pink, brown, olive, camouflage, purple) may also have an impact on your budget.

Range Bag Packing Tips

“Where my rifle goes, my pack follows,” said Ryan Cleckner, a former sniper team leader of special operations in the US Army.

Your success at the range depends on the quality of the gear you have. So, you can only deal with the challenges of a mission if you have packed the necessary items. While you’re aware of the things to carry to the field, the following tips will help you to know how to store them in your bag.

Step 1 – Make a list of the items you’re carrying and label your gear with a marker. This will help you to easily spot the items you might miss or the ones you’ll not need. Note that the purpose of the mission will determine the main things to carry.

Step 2 – Sensitive equipment like ID cards, cameras, and phones are best kept in plastic bags. This is to prevent them from getting wet or dusty. Keep a plastic cover somewhere in the bag so you can safeguard the contents from sudden raindrops.

Step 3 – Make sure that you adjust the straps only after completing the loading of the bag. This will prevent you from wasting time trying to get a comfortable fit.

Wrapping It Up

Your mission to hunt out the best range bag all depends on your own needs. A good pack should contain your firearms and necessary gear and protect them from harm. Your storage system plays a role in the durability of your armory. So, while thinking of a bag to buy, always reflect on the cost of replacing damaged or lost equipment.

Once you’ve come to terms with what you’re looking for, picking the ideal model will be easy. We hope this guide will provide you with the help you need in choosing your best gun range bagpack.

Other shooting essentials like bipods, scopes, and sights reviewed by the RangerExpert team might also interest you. Happy shopping!

FAQs

1. How do I know when a range bag is really needed?

Ans: Once you have the right amount of ammo and weapons to carry to the shooting ground, hunting spot, workplace, or battlefield, be assured, you need a range bag. You should carry a good bag to keep such sensitive equipment organized. That’s the whole point of it.

2. What should you keep in a range bag?

Ans: You can keep all your ammo, magazines, scopes, and all other small and medium weapon accessories in a range bag. You can carry a revolver or pistol in your range bag too. It has enough space to carry other necessities during a hunting or shooting campaign.

3. What is the right size range bag?

Ans: That totally depends on your purpose and collection of equipment and ammo. If you want to get one for hunting purposes, you might need a medium to large-size bag. If the bag is too large, it might get difficult to carry it around.

4. How do I organize my range bag?

Ans: You can organize your range bag by creating two parts in the bag. In one part keep the things that you’ll need more often, for example, first aid kits, painkillers, electrolyte tablets, hearing protection, and eye protection, etc. Keep your gun accessories, ammo, and tools in the other part of the bag. Don’t forget to keep a water bottle right in place.

5. Can I use a backpack as a range bag?

Ans: Yes, you can use a regular backpack or a duffel bag as a range bag as long as there is enough space and compartments to carry your range essentials. But it should be made from durable materials with reinforced stitching to withstand the weight of your gear. Also make sure there are multiple compartments or pockets to keep your range gear organized and easily accessible.

6. How should I organize my range bag?

Ans: Organize your range bag by grouping similar items together and using compartments or pockets to keep everything easily accessible. Do not forget to separate your firearms and ammunition from your cleaning supplies, and keep your ear and eye protection in a separate pocket for easy access. Also, make sure to pack your bag in a way that distributes the weight evenly for comfortable transport.

About the author

Marc Niad

It’s been several years that Marc, a retired teacher and a proud dad, has silently been piling up mature bucks down the South. This humble hunter began his hunting journey at quite an early age and since then, he spent countless hours in the woods and learned good lessons in terms of woodsmanship. Along the way, he also made money sharing his skill with his followers and well-wishers.

The Ranger Expert is the brainchild of this veteran hunter who loves hunting the swamps and the hills around the Mississippi and Homochitto rivers. His most favorite hunting technique is taking his climbing gear and going to the top of pines with a 25.06 – the old-fashioned way!

He gets most of his games during late December through mid-January – his favorite hunting time. Marc strongly believes that hard work, passion, and a bit of luck can bring you success in the wild.

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