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A good range bag is the foundation of a successful trip to the gun range. Having your shooting range bag packed with the essentials means that you are always ready to go and prepared for almost any issue. At the minimum, your gun range bag should be large enough to accomodate your firearm, magazines, eye protection, and ear protection.
This guide will discuss some other important gear you should have on your range bag checklist, and we'll cover what features you should look for to buy the best range bag for your needs.
What to Look for in a Range Bag
The best range bags will provide you with enough space and organization to hold all of the gear you'll need to go shooting. It should also be durable and comfortable to carry. There are several factors to consider when shopping for a range bag to suit your needs.
Initially, you should decide how much room you are going to need based on what you are going to take with you. If you only carry the bare essentials, then a smaller range bag is ideal.
If you plan to store:
Then a larger bag with multiple compartments or dividers is the perfect way to keep your gear secure, organized, and easy to access. Regardless of size, range bags should utilize heavy-duty materials (any type of Denier Nylon bag is a strong choice) for enhanced durability and longevity. If you want even more protection for your shooting gear and weapon, opt for a pack with a high-density foam shell-like one of these TRYBE Tactical range bags.
Ammo Box & Extra Ammunition
The next range bag essential you should have is a quality container to hold your ammo. Ammo boxes have a plethora of uses and are a great way to keep your ammo dry and free of outside contaminants.
The most important thing to consider when choosing an ammo box is the amount of ammo you would like to bring with you. There are ammunition boxes that hold 10 rounds, and there are boxes that hold 100 rounds or more. Which is best will depend on your personal preferences, how long you plan on shooting, and what fits your budget.
The next thing to consider when choosing an ammo box is the material. Most options are made using either a metallic or plastic material. Metal ammo cans tend to be heavier but longer-lasting. Plastic ammo containers are lightweight and easier to transport but may not last as long. Ammo bags are another great option. They tend to be more durable and have greater capacity than plastic boxes but are not as heavy or bulky as metal ammo cans. The last thing to consider is color. For hunters, an OD green or camouflage box is a great call. For shooters that don't need to blend in, there is more than a rainbow's share of colors out there to choose from.
Speed Loader
A speed loader makes loading your magazines a significantly quicker and easier process. A high-quality speed loader will be easy to use and will eliminate any manual reloading you may have to do. Simply load your ammo into the speed loader, then the speed loader into your magazine.
This will also allow you to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. The only stipulations for buying a speed loader are that it fits the bullets you plan to use and it is comfortable for you to operate.
Shooting Glasses & Eye Protection
A high-quality pair of shooting glasses is a range bag essential that every shooter should pack. Choosing a good pair of shooting glasses depends on a few factors:
- Lens style
- Lens type
- Ballistic rating
A pair of shooting glasses with an ANSI Z87.1 ballistic rating will certainly do the trick. An ANSI safety rating will keep your eyes safe from non-ionizing radiation, impact, and exposure to chemicals. These types of lenses will provide you with a reliable approach for keeping your eyes safeguarded from accidental impact.
For outdoor gun ranges, a pair of ballistic sunglasses with darker lens tints are a great option. You may also want to consider sunglasses with a full wrap and 8 to 9 base curve to keep the sun out of your eyes and provide a more comfortable, curved fit. If you are an indoor shooter, a pair of clear lenses are a surefire way to keep your eyes safe on the range. You can learn more about eye protection with our Shooting Glasses and Goggles Guide
Hearing & Ear Protection
Just like proper eye protection, ear protection is an essential piece to add to any range bag. Eardrums are fragile, and adequate hearing protection will keep your ears safe from the damage that can result from high decibel noises, such as gunshots.
The first thing to think about when choosing hearing protection is deciding what style of ear muff you would like. There are models made to go over helmets, models that go over your head, and models that go behind your head. The choice will depend on your personal preferences and what you find comfortable.
A simple pair of protective earmuffs or ear plugs will make a great addition to your bag. But for those looking towards high-tech alternatives, there is a multitude of electronic hearing protection that will reduce noises above certain decibel levels, allowing you to have normal conversations in between shots without taking them off. At the same time, electronic ear muffs can also heighten noises that you'll want to hear, making them a great choice for hunters and outdoor shooters. Check out our Hearing Protection Guides to learn more.
Pouches
There is no limit to what can be done with modern pouch technology. An ammo cart or mag pouch can be an effective way to make sure you have quick and easy access to your ammunition. You can purchase a pouch that will attach to a belt, vest or backpack, which you can then place wherever you feel most comfortable. For instance, a handgun or rifle shooter may want to purchase a double or triple magazine pouch that can be affixed to their belts. A belt pouch for your magazine will provide you with additional convenience, as your ammo will be within arm's reach.
A speed loader pouch is another convenient way to be certain you have quick access to your gear. A leather or nylon pouch are great-looking choices that will last for a long time. There are a vast array of styles and types of speed loader pouches to choose from, so your personal preference will come into play again.
