Range Bags

Range Bags

A range bag is a padded, multi-compartment carrying case designed to transport firearms, ammunition, magazines, ear protection, eye protection, cleaning supplies, and shooting accessories to and from a shooting range. Range bags are available in 6 configurations: duffel-style, backpack, sling, chest carry, messenger, and rolling. Range bags serve 3 functions: organized storage that separates firearms from ammunition and accessories, padded protection that prevents damage during transport, and quick access to gear at the shooting line without unpacking the entire bag. TactaBlue carries range bags from 5.11 Tactical, Vertx, Eberlestock, and Elite Survival Systems in capacities from 3 liters to 90 liters.

TactaBlue stocks range bags alongside tactical backpacks including the 5.11 Tactical Skyweight, RUSH, and AMP series for shooters who need a dedicated pack for training, competition, and daily carry.

Types of Range Bags

Range bags are available in 6 types based on carry method, capacity, and intended use.

• Duffel-style range bags — rectangular bags with a top-opening main compartment, carry handles, and an optional shoulder strap for transporting 2 to 4 pistols with ammunition and accessories. The 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Bag 43L ($140.00) and Vertx COF Heavy Range Bag ($164.99 sale) are duffel-style range bags
• Range backpacks — shoulder-carried packs with padded pistol compartments, magazine pouches, and ammunition storage in a vertical backpack format. The 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Backpack 38L ($175.00) uses a backpack design with dedicated pistol sleeves
• Sling range bags — single-strap bags worn diagonally across the chest for quick access with one hand. The 5.11 RUSH MOAB 8 Sling Pack 13L ($105.00) carries a single pistol with 2 to 3 magazines
• Chest carry range bags — front-worn packs that hold a single pistol against the chest for concealed transport on ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), and outdoor activities
• Compact range bags — small bags that carry 1 to 2 pistols with minimal accessories for quick solo trips to the range. The 5.11 Range Qualifier Bag 18L ($100.00) and Range Ready Pro 19L ($120.00) are compact options
• Rolling range bags — wheeled bags for heavy loads of firearms, ammunition, and accessories. Rolling range bags reduce shoulder strain when transporting 50 or more pounds (22.7 kg) of gear across long parking lots and range facilities

Range Bag Essentials Checklist

A complete range bag setup requires 4 categories of gear: safety equipment, firearms and ammunition, targets and supplies, and maintenance tools.

Safety Equipment

• Ear protection — electronic or passive earmuffs rated to a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 decibels (dB) or higher, or foam earplugs rated to NRR 32 dB
• Eye protection — ANSI Z87.1-rated shooting glasses that meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) impact resistance standard
• First aid kit — tourniquet, chest seals, pressure dressing, hemostatic gauze, and nitrile gloves for range emergencies

Firearms and Ammunition

• Firearms — 1 to 4 pistols or 1 rifle and 1 pistol depending on range bag capacity
• Ammunition — pack 20% to 30% more rounds than planned for the session to avoid running short
• Magazines — minimum 3 loaded magazines per firearm for efficient shooting without constant reloading at the line

Targets and Supplies

• Paper or cardboard targets — standard silhouette, bullseye, or scoring targets for the range session
• Stapler and tape — staple gun for attaching targets to backboards and masking tape for patching shot holes during the session
• Range log notebook — record round count, group sizes, and firearm performance data for tracking over time

Maintenance Tools

• Bore snake or cleaning rod — clear unburned powder and carbon fouling from the barrel during range sessions
• Gun oil and solvent — lubricant for field maintenance and solvent for removing carbon deposits
• Multitool — pliers, screwdriver, and blade for quick repairs and adjustments at the shooting line

Range Bag Features

Padded Compartments and Dividers

Range bags use padded compartment dividers made of closed-cell foam that separate firearms from each other and from hard accessories. Removable dividers allow the interior layout to be reconfigured based on the number and size of firearms being transported. Molded foam inserts provide custom-fit cradles that prevent firearms from shifting during transport. The 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Bag uses removable padded dividers in the main compartment.

Magazine Storage

Range bag magazine storage uses elastic retention straps or dedicated magazine pouches that hold pistol and rifle magazines in organized rows. External magazine pouches on the bag face provide quick access to loaded magazines at the shooting line without opening the main compartment. Internal magazine slots hold 4 to 12 magazines depending on bag size. Zip-close flap covers protect magazines from dirt, moisture, and accidental release during transport.

MOLLE Panels

Range bags with MOLLE panels accept standard MOLLE-compatible pouches, first aid kits, magazine carriers, and accessory pouches that attach to the bag exterior through woven nylon webbing loops. MOLLE attachment allows shooters to customize the bag layout by adding or removing pouches based on the specific range session. The 5.11 Tactical 2-Banger Bag 3L ($75.00) and Flex Admin Pouch ($45.00) attach to MOLLE panels on range bags.

Lockable Zippers

Range bags with lockable zipper sliders accept a padlock or cable lock through the zipper pull holes to secure the main compartment during transport and storage. Lockable zippers meet the secure-storage requirements in states that mandate firearms be transported in a locked container separate from ammunition. Verify state and local transport laws before relying on a lockable range bag as the sole secure storage method.

Water-Resistant Materials

Range bags use Cordura nylon, 600D polyester, or 1000D nylon exteriors that resist water splashes, light rain, and ground moisture. Water-resistant range bags protect firearms and ammunition from surface moisture during outdoor range sessions. Range bags are water-resistant, not waterproof — prolonged exposure to heavy rain saturates the bag material. Store firearms dry after range sessions in wet conditions.

Range Bag Sizing Guide

Range bag capacity depends on 3 factors: the number of firearms, the amount of ammunition, and the volume of accessories.

• Compact (10 to 20 liters) — carries 1 to 2 pistols with 3 to 6 magazines and ear/eye protection for a quick solo range session
• Medium (20 to 40 liters) — carries 2 to 4 pistols with 6 to 12 magazines, 200 to 500 rounds of ammunition, ear/eye protection, cleaning kit, and targets for a full range day
• Large (40 to 60 liters) — carries multiple firearms with extensive ammunition, instructor gear, multiple sets of ear/eye protection for students, and a full cleaning and repair kit
• Extra large (60 to 90 liters) — carries rifle cases, pistol cases, ammunition cans, and a complete training kit for multi-day classes and competitive shooting events

Range Bag vs. Range Backpack

A range bag uses a top-opening duffel design that opens wide for full-compartment access at the shooting bench, while a range backpack uses a vertical pack design with shoulder straps for hands-free carry from the parking lot to the firing line. Duffel-style range bags provide faster access to all gear at the bench because the bag opens flat or wide on the surface. Range backpacks distribute weight across both shoulders and free both hands for carrying additional gear, rifle cases, or ammunition cans. Choose a duffel-style range bag for bench-oriented shooting sessions and a range backpack for long walks from the parking lot or outdoor range sessions that require carrying gear across uneven ground.

Range Bags from TactaBlue

5.11 Tactical Range Bags

5.11 Tactical produces 4 dedicated range bag products: the Range Ready Backpack 38L ($175.00), Range Ready Pro 19L ($120.00), Range Qualifier Bag 18L ($100.00), and Range Ready Bag 43L ($140.00). The Range Ready Backpack 38L uses a vertical backpack format with padded pistol compartments and a separate ammunition section. The Range Qualifier Bag 18L is a compact option for 1 to 2 pistol range sessions. The Select Carry Pistol Pouch ($60.00), Single Pistol Case ($40.00), and Double Pistol Case ($40.00) complement the range bag lineup for individual firearm transport.

Vertx Range Bags

Vertx range bags use easy-wipe side and bottom surfaces that resist fouling from spent brass, carbon residue, and gun oil. The Vertx COF Heavy Range Bag ($164.99 sale from $238.99) includes an ammunition drawer, loop-lined interior for hook-and-loop accessories, and extra space for magazines and safety gear. The Vertx COF Light Range Bag ($134.99 sale from $178.99) provides a more compact option with the same easy-wipe construction. Vertx VTAC Rifle Scabbards and Rifle Cases are available in 18-inch ($49.99), 36-inch ($99.99), and 42-inch ($114.99) lengths.

Eberlestock Range Bags

Eberlestock range bags are premium range and rifle bags designed for professional shooters, law enforcement, and competitive 3-gun participants. The Eberlestock ROMAD ($269.00), Bang Bang ($249.00), UpRanger ($349.00), and Gunslinger II ($469.00) are purpose-built range and rifle bags with padded rifle compartments, pistol sleeves, and ammunition organization. The Eberlestock LOADOUT Range Bag ($179.95) from Elite Survival Systems holds a 4.55 out of 5 rating across 51 reviews.