Our Picks for the Best Range Bags

Whether you’re a hunter, a gun enthusiast, or just someone who wants to be prepared for whatever life might throw your way, you know that owning a gun is only half of the challenge. You also need to know how to use it. Which also means knowing how to clean, care for, and protect your firearm. Today –  we’ll be talking about the best storage options for trips to the range. These are the best gun range bags we can find – let’s have a look.

Our  current ratings for the best gun range bags  are:

  1. Osage River Tactical Range Bag
  2. GunMate Range Bag
  3. G.P.S. Handgunner
  4. G.P.S. Tactical Range Bag
  5. Explorer Tactical Range Bag
  6. Orca Tactical Range Duffle

#1 – Osage River Range Bag

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Best Overall

The Osage River is made from 600D ballistic nylon, which means you get a strong bag that should deal with whatever punishment you dish out. It also features heavy-duty zippers, and a lightweight design. It comes with a  lifetime warranty, as well (a full lifetime warranty, not a limited one, so you’re not shortchanged).

The bag also includes nine storage compartments, including pistol pouches designed to protect your guns while in transit. Vertical dividers increase your organizational capabilities, and you can stow up to 14 magazines in the outside pockets. Check out our full review of the Osage River Range Bag.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent storage capacity
  • Highly durable
  • Full lifetime warranty

Cons

  • No included locking system (although a small padlock could be used to connect 2 zippers)
  • Some customers have noted problems with the zippers

#2 – GunMate Range Bag

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Most Affordable

Our second bag is the most affordable on the list, and it’s also very popular with shooters. The GunMate Range Bag features  a shoulder strap, as well as carry handles, and measures a full 16” x 8” x 7”, so it should be just the ticket for a quick trip to the range.

The bag features hook and loop dividers in the interior, as well as lockable zipper side compartments that can each hold two pistols. A pistol rug is included, as well. A rollup flap with dual side zippers gives access to the main compartment.

Check out our full review of the Gunmate Range Bag.

Pros

  • Affordability
  • Holds four pistols, so a good choice for a day at the range
  • Shoulder strap and carry handles

Cons

  • Little stiffness in the bottom, so the bag can sag with heavier loads
  • Some customers have complained that the shoulder strap failed after light use

#3 – G.P.S. Handgunner Backpack

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Best Backpack

Our first backpack-style bag on the list, the G.P.S Handgunner is also one of the most expensive, but it’s also one of the top-rated gun range bags and one of my personal favorites. However, it brings a lot of interesting features to the table. For instance, the bottom front compartment unzips, revealing a pullout section that can  stow four pistols safely between high-density foam sections. 

It also carries up to 12 magazines, and has plenty of room for extras, like shooting glasses and targets, your ear protection and shooting mats, plus your cleaning supplies. It manages to carry all this, and still fit easily on your back.

Read our full review for more on the Handgunner Backpack.

Pros

  • Compact backpack format
  • Carries up to 12 magazines
  • Foam inserts slides in and out easily
  • Plenty of pockets for pretty much anything needed
  • Fits four handguns
  • Shoulder strap and carry handles

Cons

  • Does not fit large handguns without modification to the foam insert, which reduces the number of guns that can be carried
  • Nowhere to store boxed ammo
  • Lots of pockets, but some users report there isn’t that much room for bulkier items

#4 – G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack

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Best Military Style

The next gun range bag on our list, the G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack, is close to the top of the price range, but brings plenty of features to the table that most shooters will love. It features a military-inspired style and comes in either sand or black. It also uses a MOLLE Webbing System with triple stitching for outstanding durability even with heavy loads.

The backpack also features an internal honeycomb frame for rigidity, which prevents “bag sag”  and the padded waist strap is comfortable, but also helps to ensure stability while wearing the pack.

Check out our full review of the GPS Tactical Backpack.

Pros

  • Carries three pistols in dedicated pouches
  • Each pouch carries up to four magazines
  • Lockable zipper on the gun compartment
  • MOLLE straps allow you to attach modular packs to carry extra gear

Cons

  • With thicker pistols, only two will fit in the compartment
  • The waist belt cannot be removed

#5 – Explorer Tactical Range Ready Bag

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Most Organized

The Explorer Tactical Range Ready Bag is a  mid-priced option that offers some nice features, although some may find the limited capacity a problem. The bag features two side pockets for carrying pistols (one per pocket), each with its own protective pouch. However, additional pistols can be carried in the main compartment if needed. It is also capable of  carrying 11 magazines (seven in the front outer compartment and four in the rear compartment).

The center section is also large enough for pretty much any of your gear, ranging from boxed ammo to ear protection and eyewear.

Check out our full review of the Explorer Range Bag for more specs.

Pros

  • Plenty of room for magazines
  • Capable of carrying even larger handguns
  • Hardwood insert in the bottom for strength/sag resistance
  • 600D Nylon
  • 18″ x 14″ x10″ size

Cons

  • Only dedicated space for two pistols (although others can be carried in the main compartment, with room for five total depending on size)
  • Interior dividers run lengthwise, not widthwise

#6 – Orca Tactical Range Duffle

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The last bag on our list comes in with a mid-range price, and good reviews, albeit nowhere near as many as some of the other gun range bags we’ve highlighted thus far. The Orca bag is a duffle-style gun range bag, and it features tons of space inside and out, with pockets for almost anything.

You’ll find 13 compartments and pockets total here, including two designed to hold drink cans. Two side pockets feature pouches for pistols (lockable), and can also hold ammo, and there are elastic loops in the main compartment to hold magazines (double stacked).

Read more specs in our full review of the Orca Range Bag.

Pros

  • Super strong 600D nylon for durability
  • Double-stitched seams
  • Plenty of pockets/compartments
  • All zippers are lockable
  • 18″ x 14″ x10″ size

Cons

  • Large pistols won’t fit
  • Magazine storage system requires mags to be double-stacked

What Makes the “Best” Gun Range Bags?

Each of the bags on our list comes with all the basics you’ll need, but you might find some are a little more basic than what you want. No problem –  we’ve included plenty of options so there should be a perfect solution for every shooter. 

Finding the Best Gun Range Bag for You

 There’s no such thing as a one size fits all gun range bag, it’s sad to say. A quick look at the market will show you big bags and streamlined bags, military-themed bags and those that look closer to sports equipment bags. There are backpack styles, duffel styles, and more. How are you supposed to make up your mind about which bag will be the best bet for your own needs?

It all starts with knowing a few basic characteristics so that you can make an informed decision.

  • Durability – You knew this one was coming. Durability is a crucial consideration here, particularly considering all the sensitive gear your bag will hold on a regular basis.
  • Capacity – Really, this should read “interior space”, but it boils down to how much stuff you can fit into the bag without it bursting at the seams.
  • Organization This one is important, particularly if you’ll be carrying more than one gun to the range. How will you keep them organized and stowed safely while in transit?
  • Security – As a responsible gun owner, it’s your duty to ensure that no one can get to your guns but you, and that includes while you’re on the road to the range, while you’re at the range, and on the way back. What sort of security/locking system does the bag offer?
  • Style – Are you more comfortable with a backpack style bag? Would you prefer a duffel or athletic style bag? It makes a difference.

Understanding Gun Range Bag Differences

Superficially, you’d think that most gun range bags would be pretty similar. After all, each one is designed to help you get your shooting gear to where you need to go and back, right? Well, there are a few differences of note, and these are some of the most important: 

  • Bag design
  • Bag material
  • Locking systems (or lack thereof)
  • Ammunition/magazine storage
  • Ease of access

How Much Do You Want to Carry?

As you can see from the selection of gun range bags above, gun capacity varies greatly, and that’s particularly true if you intend to shoot large handguns, rather than smaller ones.

 You’ll definitely need to know what and how much gear you’ll be carrying with you, as each piece will take up additional room in your gun range bag. Make sure you have space for the essentials, beyond guns and ammo, including eyewear, ear protection, and your cleaning kit. 

Depending on the number of guns, the amount of ammo and the quantity of other gear you’re going to carry, it can get pretty heavy. You’ll want to make sure that your bag can hold up to the abuse, but you also need to make sure that you’re comfortable carrying it all. Heavier loads are often better carried on the back (backpack-style gun range bags), but some people prefer a traditional duffle bag instead.

Most of the gun range bags we’ve highlighted above are designed pretty much for standard-sized guns. If you’re a fan of longer barrels and higher caliber guns, you will need to make sure that you have space for them in the bag, or that you’re willing to modify the bag to carry your weaponry. Note that some modifications will reduce the capacity of the bag, too.

How Much Do You Have to Spend?

This is probably the “make or break” question, as it will largely determine the bag you get. However,  some higher-priced bags come with less space than cheaper bags. With that being said, there’s always a tradeoff. Can you live with less padding overall? Does it matter if the bag sags because it lacks an internal frame? Know what you can do without, and what features you really want to have before you buy.

As always, if you have questions, comments or anything to add concerning the gun range bags we’ve listed, feel free to let us know – we’d love to hear from you. Just add your thoughts to the comment section below.

Recap: Our picks for the best range bags:

  1. Osage River Tactical Range Bag
  2. GunMate Range Bag
  3. G.P.S. Handgunner
  4. G.P.S. Tactical Range Bag
  5. Explorer Tactical Range Bag
  6. Orca Tactical Range Duffle
Trey

About the Author

Trey is a lifelong hunter and avid camper. He lives outside Denver, CO with his wife Kaci and their lab mix Ziggy. They spend as much time as possible outdoors - hunting, fishing, and camping.

13 thoughts on “Our Picks for the Best Range Bags”

  1. Will a 9mm Springfield Armory fit in the GPS Tactical bag? I have a 9mm pistol and need a safe range bag to tote along. I always just throw my pistols around and trying to take better care of them these days. Let me know. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Kelley,

      There are a lot of options for a womens gun range bag. G.P.S. is one of the top leading brands in selling gun range bags and they make a very fine product. I personally would choose the G.P.S Handgunner Backpack for both men & women. With that said, they do not have a pink handgun bag in that style. The Orca Tactical is the only handgun with pink that I have on my list. Hopefully this helps and it’s good to see women out on the range shooting as well!

      Reply
  2. What is the maximum amount of guns the Explorer Tactical can hold? I have 4 pistols all Springfield Armory 9mm or 40. Thanks

    Reply
  3. I decided to purchase #4 G.P.S. Tactical backpack to take to the range. Appreciate the detailed write up and reviews on the gun range bags.

    Reply
  4. I think any of the G.P.S bags are good for taking to the range. They are a exceptional company and produce high quality bags. They are rugged and durable to take anywhere. Made for the outdoors and range. Would recommend any GPS bag for sure.

    Reply
  5. Does the Osage River Tactical (standard size) have a hardwood bottom insert?

    It appears as though the Osage River and Explorer are the exact same bag … is one a knock-off of the other?

    Reply
    • Hey Ernie – similar style for sure, but not the same bag. One may have… borrowed some inspiration from the other, but I can’t comment on that 🙂

      Reply

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