Whether or not you’re OCD about organizing your gear on range trips, a range bag is great for hauling around shooting gear and provides plenty of storage space in an easily accessible package.
In This Article:
Range Bag Comparison
Below is my list of the best range bags for 2021. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost.
Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of bags.
- Top Pick: OSAGE RIVER Tactical Range Bag
- Budget Pick: Exos Range Bag
- Upgrade Pick: Orca Tactical Gun Range Bag
- Also Great: Tactical Gun Range Bag
- Best Large Bag: Smith & Wesson M&P Officer Tactical Range Bag
- Best Hard Case: Case Club Waterproof Pistol Case
- Best Range Backpack: REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Bag
Range Bag Reviews
1. Best Overall: Osage River
- Constructed with heavy duty zippers and durable 600D ballistic nylon to protect your gear from the...
- Features 9 spacious compartments and two adjustable padded dividers to organize your items in the...
- Equipped with 5 external zippered pockets; the 2 large pockets offer magazine, ammunition, and...
Who it’s for: The Osage River range bag is a quality range bag if you need a full-featured range bag that’s durable and can transition from home to the range and back.
The Osage River is surprisingly roomy and tough, with a sleek appearance that wears comfortably – even when packed full of gear.
Why it’s great: The Osage River won our testers over with its understated style and functional durability.
Osage River Range Bag padded shoulder strap & carry handles
It can be difficult finding a range bag that fits a variety of gear well enough without feeling too bulky when full or flimsy when partially filled. It’s one of the first bags we tested that is practical enough to handle full-sized pistols and still maintain its shape.
It comes in six colors (including PFTL), and the 600D ballistic nylon actually looks nicer with use. Added bonus: The Osage River lacks any kind obnoxious external logo placement like other range bags and is one consistent, uniform color, which screams functional simplicity that is way more attractive than a lot of other bags.
Front mag pockets
Tough, durable, & configurable
The Osage River’s 600D ballistic nylon body is durable yet surprisingly lightweight. While the bag isn’t waterproof, it sheds water readily and remains surprisingly clean, even when dropped in a puddle or splashed heavily.
One of our testers learned this the hard way on a recent range trip, when, after strapping the range bag into the back of his truck, it started to rain on the way to the range – which solidly soaked the bag with rain and truck bed grime.
A little elbow grease was enough to thoroughly clean the Osage River, and it dried without a stain.
Nice removable storage pocket
Keeps its shape so it’s easy to load
The Osage River’s ability to maintain its shape, even when completely empty, makes it easy to pack as it stands upright on its own. Loading and unloading is super easy compared with less rigid bags styles, or bags that rely too heavily on mesh components.
Its oversized primary compartment flap and heavy-duty zipper closure also make it simple to open and close. It’s also as easy to carry as it is to pack. Even when packed to the gills, the bag stays relatively flat against your back and doesn’t twist against your body.
The same can’t be said for some other bags, which can bulge awkwardly when filled.
Top down
Pockets and organization
In terms of organization, the Osage River is surprisingly capable. Its adjustable compartments are padded and flexible enough that they’re easy to divide and adjust to your needs.
With adjustable dividers and removable pouch, it’s designed with flexibility and variety in mind – as it also has smaller organizing pockets that are perfect for cleaning kits, targets, keys, your wallet, and all the other stuff we need when out and about. Hardware is solid and durable as well.
Flaws worth noting
If you’re someone who likes extra strap padding, this will probably disappointed in that department. Our testers found the nylon straps on the Osage River comfortable enough on short carries (going to and from the range, for example), but the straps might be a little too narrow for longer hikes or hunting excursions.
Also – the rubber feet on the bottom aren’t very effective at keeping the bag off the ground.
Pros
- Easy to pack & carry
- Easily adjustable & configurable
- Lots of room
- Durable material
Cons
- Narrow strap
- Rubber feet aren’t very effective
2. Budget Pick: Exos Range Bag
- Constructed of Heavy Duty 600 Denier Polyester Weather Resistant Fabric.
- Exterior MOLLE Webbing and Two Velcro Loops for Attachments or Accessories.
- Dual Zippered Velcro Opening for Full Access to the Main Compartment.
The Exos Range Bag is just as good as the Osage River in a number of ways, as long as you can work with a slightly smaller bag with fewer storage options.
Simple and durable
The Exos matches the sturdiness of the Osage River and even includes a velco addition to the main compartment closure. Our testers found it perfect for range trips with a full-sized or compact pistol, mags, and accessories.
The Exos is also a solid value at $5 to $10 less than the Osage River bag.
Durable & water-resistant
Like the Osage River, the Exos is adjustable and is made of 600 Denier polyester, which is plenty durable and water-resistant. Our testers also like the Molle webbing, which was easy to drop different items into and pin to the bag with the two exterior velcro loops.
Pros
- Large main compartment
- Solidly durable
- External storage & Molle webbing
Cons
- Best with smaller handguns
- Holster pockets are better with a velcro holster
3. Upgrade Pick: Orca Tactical
- THE SPACE YOU NEED - Massive storage in a small package is what this authentic elite carrier system...
- BUILT TOUGH FOR AMERICANS - Our heavy duty military grade Gun Range Bag is made from 600D polyester...
- SECURE AND SAFE - The ORCA tactical gun range bag is built with safety and security in mind. The Gun...
The Orca Tactical Gun Range Bag offers some serious style points among the range bags we tested. The 600D polyester material is as tough as the Osage River & Exos options, but the Orca is reinforced and double stitched at stress points and throughout the sides.
This makes the bag as durable as it is badass looking.
Every tester who tried it liked it
The Orca is one of the only bags out of those we tested that every tester liked. Some bags were too bulky, others were too flimsy, but the Orca was the Goldilocks of the bunch – just right in all kinds of ways.
The Orca is sized for 3 handguns, at 16″L x 11″W x 9″H, and it has room for loads for all kinds of stuff – we got 500 rounds, 2 full-sized pistols, 3 compacts, 2 sets of eye protection, 2 sets of over-ear protection, and at least 10 magazines in the bag along with a sling, tool kit, and some protein bars.
In terms of organization, the Orca has a mid-sized pocket on the front and back for mags and accessories, as well as 4 small exterior pockets – two on the front, and one on each end.
Lockable & secure
The bag is certainly built with safety and security in mind. The Orca has high-quality lockable, YKK zippers on both side pouches.
While any determined thief could get into the bag with enough time, adding a luggage lock or other cable locking mechanism will certainly act as a deterrent.
Pros
- High-quality stitching
- Durable
- Locking zippers
- Lots of storage
Cons
- Price
4. EDC Option: Tactical Gun Bag
- Range bag Exterior Dimensions: 16"x11"x10" (WxDxH).Interior main compartment Dimensions 13.5" x 5.5"...
- Gun range bag Lock style zippers for both side compartments (zippers didn't include lock), range bag...
- Shooting range bag has padded multiple compartments to keep your handguns,earmuff, goggles,...
Who it’s for: If you want to bring your gear to the gun range, want to pack a ton of ammo with you to the range, or you just want a small tactical bag without the extra bulk of larger range bags, the Tactical Gun Range Bag is a compact, organized, and durable range bag.
What makes it great
It’s small, light, and easy to carry with or without all your range gear.
It measures 6″x11″x10″, and weighs about a pound empty. It’s not the bag you’ll want to use for long weekend hikes or business trips, but it will fit your range essentials: a full-sized pistol, copious magazines, 500+ rounds of ammo, eye protection, ear protection, as well as your wallet, phone, keys, and sunglasses.
Useful even when fully loaded
Even when you overload it, this bag is still pretty comfortable to carry around—it was a favorite of a number of our testers for quick range trips.
The nylon strap is basic but has a nice pad – and it’s adjustable. The adjustable strap made it easy to tighten and pull the bag close for hiking or longer treks or add slack to carry longer and looser for walking or short trips.
We appreciated the large velcro strap on the carry handles, which made it comfortable to carry like a briefcase regardless of how full it was.
Heavy nylon & lockable zippers
Made of high-quality 600D nylon, with lockable side compartment zippers, the Tactical Gun Range Bag is understated & utilitarian.
It comes in 2 colors (black and tan) – both are available in a single size, and the price is fairly reasonable: For well under $50, you get a great bag with lots of departments that’ll take a beating.
Pockets and organization
The Tactical Gun Range Bag offers a surprising amount of storage for a bag with such a small footprint.
If you plan to hit the range with this bag, it’s a good time to pick up some fresh eye protection – like the Genesis Sharp-Shooter Shooting Glasses, as well as ear protection, such as the Walker’s Game Razor – which makes for a nice bundle.
These fit into the bag easily and ensure your ear and eye protection are performing optimally.
Pros
- Lots of storage space
- Lightweight
- Durable, easy to clean nylon
Cons
- Limited colors and sizes
5. Best Large Range Bag: S&W M&P Office Bag
- DIMENSIONS: Internal dimensions at 18” W x 10” H x 10” D and external dimensions at 22” W x...
- BE PREPARED: 8 pockets, 8 pistol mag pouches & 2 13.5” x 9.5” padded, single handgun cases; 2...
- DURABLE: Constructed with weather resistant, durable, ballistic fabric this pack is built to...
Who it’s for: If you carry a lot of stuff to the range for extended shoots, then the Smith & Wesson M&P Officer Tactical Range Bag is for you. If you need more room for multiple handguns or want to lug a ton of ammo with you, a large range bag is a great choice. Smith & Wesson offers a couple of range bag sizes- the smaller Recruit Tactical Range Bag and the Officer Range Bag – which is our preference. It’s a great take on a large range bag.
What makes it great
Smith & Wesson range bags are well-thought-out, and the Officer bag has 8 pockets, 8 pistol mag pouches & 2 integrated, padded, handgun cases.
Many manufacturers offer side pockets, mag pouches, and the like, but what sets Officer bag apart is the thoughtful touches like the 2 accessory pockets that run the full 22” length of the bag, a removable padded ammo bag, & 2 adjustable internal hook & loop dividers that really allow for a lot of customization.
This bag runs about $80 which is a little more than other options, but you’re getting a lot of bag for that extra cheddar.
Fits more than most
The Officer bag is a big bag at 22 inches wide, and it can hold up to 2 handguns in opposing zippered pockets and fits at least 8 magazines with ease in the pistol pouches, and the straps keep them from bouncing around when hauling your gear around.
Carrying a lot of shooting is a challenge, but doing it with the Officer bag always felt stable, easy to carry, and secure.
Quality construction you’d expect from S&W
The construction of the Officer bag is truly stand-out. Given the range bag form factor is fairly standard and there isn’t a ton of variation from company to company, what sets the Officer bag apart is the mix of quality construction & customizability.
It’s a bag that will work for a huge number of needs and take the best you can throw at it.
Our testers have put a lot of range bags out to pasture over the years, but the details & quality of the Officer bag won them over.
The extra-beefy nylon, additional stitching, easily adjustable hook & loop dividers, and functional rubber foot skids show that care and attention went into creating a bag for die-hard range shooters.
Pros
- Plenty of room
- Very well designed
- Tough & durable
- Customizable
- Nice extra touches
Cons
- No lockable hardware
6. Best Pistol Hard Case: Case Club
- Holds 4 pistols and (up to) 29 magazines with magazine modules or 12 magazines with accessory pocket...
- Case has a lifetime warranty, is 100% Waterproof (IP67) & Dustproof with a built-in pressure release...
- Accommodates full size, compact & subcompact pistols with under-barrel attachments and small reflex...
Why it’s great: The Case Club Waterproof Pistol Case fully encloses your pistols, mags, ear and eye protection in a waterproof, shock-proof case, which gives you serious protection from scuffs, dings, and dust – plus it provides drop and crush protection. (Which nylon bags – regardless of how sturdy – can’t offer.)
The Case Club Case is designed to work with any compact handgun, and most full-sized handguns, just don’t try to haul your Desert Eagle around in it.
Plus it’s relatively light and looks cool, almost like a more technical version of the “nuclear football” that follows the President around.
Customizable foam interior
The case is filled with a customizable foam base, which allows you to shape each of the pistol slots to fit the shape of your handgun.
Putting in a couple of sub-compacts? Use a more shallow setup.
Taking four 1911s as your loadout? Remove the fills and slide them all deep into the case.
In addition, there are 16 magazine slots which have their own spacers, so you can get the fit 100% right for each mag shape & length – double stack or single stack.
A surprisingly effective system
It’s a fantastically effective system that gives you a flexible storage platform – much more than options from Plano or Pelican.
Plus the orientation gives you a place to work from when at the range because once you open the lid everything is right there.
The design also offers both easy integrated locks and holes which pass through the lid and body, making it pad-lockable. It’s also airline approved for checked luggage.
Big but durable as can be
It’s not small at 21″ x 15″ x 8″ – and it’s not cheap at near $100 – but there’s really no wasted space internally, and we found it had the right mix of durability, room, and customizability to top our list of hard range cases.
Pros
- Fits all sizes of handguns
- Customizable
- Accommodates 4 handguns
- Slots for 16 magazines
- Waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof
Cons
- Price
- Gun slots tight if you have attachments
7. Best Range Backpack: Tactical Sling
- Small tactical rover sling pack with molle as sling day pack or EDC bag, it's made of durable 600D...
- Sling pack size: 12 * 9.5 * 6 inch (H*W*D), enough for carrying 9.7 iPad, small notepad, keys,...
- Tactical sling bag with large Velcro pad in the concealed main compartment and the back compartment....
Why it’s great: The Reebow Tactical Sling bag is on the smaller side – it’s not a full-size Jansport kind of handgunner backpack – but it holds and organizes a lot of gear without bulging or becoming cluttered.
And although some people don’t like its overly tactical aesthetic, its layered approach to organization is great if you want to use a backpack to carry your gear to the range.
Holds quite a bit for a little backpack
During our testing, we packed a full size 1911 in the rear concealed compartment, stuffed it full of 500 rounds, 10 paper targets, iPhone X, cleaning products, keys, travel coffee mug, wallets, and odds and ends with ease.
Comfortable even when fully packed
Loaded down with gear, the Tactical Sling was comfortable, even when we packed 2 pistols into it and hiked an hour and a half up to one of our local spots outside of Mt. Hood in Oregon.
The thick shoulder straps and back padding distributed the weight nicely, and the two side strap helped us lock the Sling close to our body to eliminate sway & jostling while on the move.
The back pad kept the pistols from rubbing uncomfortably and it did a solid job of preventing back sweat and discomfort.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fits all sizes of handguns
- Price
Cons
- Limited space
- Not technically a range bag
Why a range bag?
Lots of variety, shapes, and sizes
Range bags come in a ton of shapes and sizes of sizes, offer multiple organization schemes, have different numbers of interior and exterior pockets, and many styles – so to help narrow the field, we asked a number of competitive and casual shooters to recommend their favorites.
Our expert’s picks cover most shooters’ needs, from carrying a small pistol and mag setup, packing all the necessary accessories, or hauling every piece of gear and a case of beer.
Roomy and customizable
A range bag traditionally has one main, roomy compartment with a flap closure secured by a zipper, buckles, Velcro, or some kind of snap system. Single strap versions can be worn across the body or hang from one shoulder.
Usually, this type of bag is highly customizable, so the compartments or components of most of our picks can be moved around or reconfigured to your personal setup and helps accommodate everything from extra mags, cleaning supplies, and maybe even a spotting scope.
You’ll see a pretty wide price range (things like the level of customization or materials can drive up the price quite a bit), though we’ve tried to keep our recommendations below $100.
We’d recommend these to our shooting buddies.
To come up with the best bags on the market, we considered pocket space, comfort, construction, standard sizes, materials, and overall value. We also know style is pretty subjective and personal, so we thought it best to provide a range of options & styles that would work for a competition range bag or just something you toss in the truck.
If there’s a range bag you love that we haven’t mentioned, drop us a line and we’ll do our best to review it when we update this guide.
What to Look for in a Quality Range Bag
Range bags aren’t fashion statements – they’re performance-oriented. These bags will be subject to more stresses and hard items, bumps and bruises, than a typical backpack or messenger bag.
We found it helpful to establish some hone in on some foundational rules for narrowing down the field of range bag contenders:
Firearm access:
The most important thing for any tactical range-ready bag is access to the firearm.
We focused on contenders that offer fast, easy access to the firearm. A bag that’s too fussy or has too many closures or obnoxious straps buries your gun and makes the packing/unpacking process clumsy and slow.
Organization:
Firearm-specific pockets and organization for magazines, cleaning kits and accessories, dividers for open areas, and thick padding are critical. Without these, you’re just dealing with any ol’ bag.
Configurability:
Flexible internal dividers are essential for accommodating a variety of gun sizes, ear and eye protection, and all the oddly shaped items that make for a complete range kit. The room necessary to fit a full-sized 1911 and its accessories, for example, is very different from what you’d need for a couple of sub-compacts revolvers.
Any shooting range bag worth its salt bag should be able to accommodate both loads.
Weather resistance:
Guns are expensive, so protecting your gear with even a little water resistance is the right idea – but waterproof bags are even better. Pistol range bags should – at a minimum – resist water.
The right capacity:
We looked for bags that fit specific scenarios and budget ranges but would generally hold everything you need without encouraging overpacking.
It’s easy to cram way too much into a monster duffle bag – but a good bag should give you room for everything you need – not everything in your gun safe.
You should keep the bag as light as possible – especially if heading out into the woods. With this in mind, we looked for range bags designed to accommodate handguns of various sizes (not rifle cases), ammo, magazines, and ear/eye protection, as well as some personal items like keys, a wallet, snacks, a water bottle, and maybe even a small jacket or knit cap.
Conclusion
Each of these range bage offers firearms enthusiasts variety of different features but our top pick is the Osage River range bag. We really like how it’s designed, organized, and priced.
It also met the criteria for any range bag we’d recommend:
- Good capacity
- Easy to get at the firearm
- Well organized
- Flexible & configurable
There are quite a few options out in this category, but we hope this article steers you in the right direction. If you have any questions or feedback please drop us a line.
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