What’s in My Range Bag?

Though we have amazing resources here at the Ultimate Reloader Ranch, heading to most of our ranges is still an undertaking. Forgetting something means a lot of lost time and frustration. So what do we bring with us and how do we keep it all straight?

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How Do We Pack?

I like to maximize my time on the range and use it as efficiently as possible.

This starts with gear storage and organization. Not all of our equipment fits in a single bag, so we have a hierarchy.

When I transport it all to the mid-mountain or ridgeline range, I place the rifle nearest the cab of the side-by-side so I can more easily remove all the other gear I’ll need first.

Primary – 5.11’s Range Ready Bag

Our primary range bag, 5.11’s Range Ready Bag, has a 43 liter capacity across a number of pockets.

From 5.11:

Constructed from durable, all-weather 600D Polyester, the Range Ready™ Bag features separate padded storage for multiple pistols, a zip-down front organizer that effectively stores 8 magazines, side pockets, a removable ammo tote to keep you topped off, and a removable brass tote for easy cleanup. With a padded should strap, easy-grip handles, and an ID insert, you’ll be home on the range in no time.

Dimensions:

- Main Compartment – 9.5” H x 17.5” L x 10.5” D
- Front Pockets – 8.5” x 7.5” x 2.5”
- Back Pocket – 8.5” x 15.5” x 2.5”
- Side Pockets – 8” x 7.5” x 2.5”
- Water Bottle Pocket – 5.5” x 3” x 2.25”
- Brass Bag – 5” x 6.25”
- Total Capacity – 2639 cubic inch / 43 liter
- Weight – 6.2 lbs

Features:

- Fully padded construction
- Segregated, padded storage for multiple pistols
- Drop-down rear zippered compartment stores 8 magazines
- External accessory zippered pockets for storage of optics and ear protection
- Removable tote bag with zippered pockets, adjustable dividers and metalD rings for optional shoulder strap attachment
- Removable cylindrical brass storage bag with metal snap hook and drawstring closure
- Side water bottle storage
- Top carry handle
- Non-slip padded shoulder strap with metal + D rings
- Reinforced grab & go handles
- Bottom panel support feet
- ID/card slot
- 600D polyester w/ TPE coating

This main bag always carries my shooting folio: a binder filled with checklists, targets, and any other papers I may need. I also keep a supply of manila folders for storing shot targets and an economy set of digital calipers for measuring groups inside.

A few loose items find their homes in side pockets—pens and pencils for notes and labeling targets, Sharpies, TW-25 muzzle thread grease, an assortment of batteries, a Kestrel wind meter, and a chronograph.

Tools are an absolute necessity. I carry along a few different Wheeler sets, all neatly contained for easy transport and organization. I don’t bring all my tools for every range trip, but my go-to’s include Wheeler F.A.T. Stix, a F.A.T. wrench torque wrench, a basic screwdriver set, and a scope leveling kit. Even though the Wheeler kits have a variety of hex bit drivers, I still prefer to have a separate set of Allen keys. To prevent loss and save space, I use a folding Allen wrench set (standard and metric).

Having something to shoot at and knowing the distance is also important. I bring a T-50 staple gun with a healthy supply of staples to hang targets and a rangefinder or rangefinding binoculars to verify the distance.

Currently I keep the Athlon Cronus 10×50 UHD laser rangefinder binos in my bag.

I also bring a spare rear bag, brass bag (comes with the 5.11 range ready bag!), and extra ear and eye protection. I keep both muffs and foam earplugs on hand in case I want to double-plug for shooting something like my .375 CheyTac or .50 BMG.

Optics Bag – Range Ready Trainer Bag 50L

We use a combination of spotting scopes and Longshot target camera systems to see our hits and capture content.

I have a primary Leupold spotting scope and secondary Athlon Ares spotting scope with a ranging reticle. Both sit atop a sturdy tripod with Gearhead for easy adjustments.

The Longshot Hawk spotting scope camera lives with the optics while the LR-3 has its own sturdy hard case.

Both have very different uses. The Hawk picks up trace and mirage while the LR-3 provides an unobstructed view of the target.

The optics fit neatly in 5.11’s Range Ready Trainer Bag, but I’m still looking for a better tripod solution.

From 5.11:

The Range Ready Trainer Bag has space to hold everything you need for a day at the range. Fully padded with a PE board base to keep your gear safe while the removable dividers let you customize the bag. Internal quick access elastic mag and accessory panel as well as elastic loops under the lid give you the ability to carry loaded anywhere you go and that’s just the main compartment. Three side compartments and MOLLE webbing let you take even more. Imported.

- Large loop front panel for patches/ID
- Fully padded construction with PE board base
- Left side pull down pouch with internal org, name tape
- Right side external web MOLLE
- Dual rear zippered pouches
- Top carry handle, removable shoulder strap
- Quick access front internal elastic mag/accessory panel
- Internal removable dividers and elastic bands
- Underside lid elastic bands
- YKK® lockable zippers
- 600D Polyester
- 10”H x 21”L x 14.5”D
- 3051 cubic inch / 50-liter total capacity
- Weight 1.95 kg

Medical Supplies – 5.11 AllHaula Duffel 45L

Being remote also means we need to be prepared.

We keep a medical bag filled with various first-aid supplies around at all times.

From 5.11:

When you need to carry everything and then some, you’ll want our AllHaula Duffel 45L. It’s designed for unbeatable comfort, featuring stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE and padding at the bottom If the haul’s a long one, the AllHaula is fully compatible with our Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately). The wide-mouth opening, which features a storm flap, makes packing a breeze. Compression straps keep the load balanced and critical items can stow in the zippered mesh pocket. Built from tough weather-resistant TPU coated 840D Nylon, the AllHaula Duffel 45L handles the load.

Dimensions:

- Measurements – 10.5″H x 22″L x 11.5″D
- Weight – 2.7 lbs / 1.22kg
- Capacity – 2,746 cubic inch / 45-liter

Features:

- Weather-resistant TPU Coated durable 840D Nylon
- Wide mouth opening for easy access
- Storm flap on main compartment zipper
- Stowable shoulder straps with laser-cut laminate MOLLE for pouches and accessories
- Adjustable internal compression panel with zippered mesh pocket; Vertical and horizontal orientation
- Padded bottom
- External zippered side pocket
- Side and end grab handles
- External gear loops
- Compatible with Skyweight Hip Belt (sold separately)

Rifle Storage – 5.11 42” Double Rifle Case

I prefer double rifle cases so I have the option to bring more if I choose.

This time I just have the Stag Arms SPCTRM rifle packed in 5.11’s 42” double rifle case. It fit neatly with a bipod attached. I stowed the corresponding magazine in one of the pockets.

From 5.11:

Protect your favorite firearms with our 42″ Double Rifle Case. This professional-grade case provides fully padded protection for two full-size rifles up to 42-inches in length. It comes with an adjustable padded divider that can be quickly removed. Four internal rifle-retention straps prevent unwanted shifting during transport. Removable backpack straps and a carry handle combined with the 5.11® signature CenterLine™ design make transporting rifles a breeze. Internal and external MOLLE panels, and an external pocket with interior elastic bands to secure gear, maximize your carrying capacity. Lockable YKK® zippers and an ID loop add a layer of protection at the range. The 5.11® Double Rifle Case is the carrying system your firearms deserve.

- Holds two full size rifles up to 42?
- Fully padded construction
- ID / Name Tape
- Removable and adjustable padded divider
- Internal rifle retention capability with Internal MOLLE
- Removable retention straps (4 straps included)
- Backpack straps and top carry handle
- External pockets with a padded pistol sleeve, space for mags, eye pro, ear pro, etc
- External MOLLE panel for pouch attachment capability
- YKK® lockable zippers
- 5.11 signature Center Line™ design
- 12.5″ H x 44″ L x 4″ D
- 600D Polyester
- Weight: 2.5 kg

Extra Gear

Some gear doesn’t fit in a bag or simply doesn’t need one. My dusty, roll-up shooting mat is one of those items.

I prefer a mat with very minimal padding, just enough to keep me off the dirt. This helps keep the rear bag as solidly in place as possible. Lately, I’ve been using an extra-thin cloth mat with an Armageddon Gear Game Changer bag.

Besides my optics tripod, I always bring at least one other. They are handy for shooting off of, spotting, and for camera gear since we use ARCA plates for everything.

To keep ammunition organized and secure, I transport it into a .50 caliber ammo can.

This time I have bulk .223 from our Mojo Precision project loaded on the Dillon XL-750.

Conclusion

How you organize makes a big difference in your efficiency and process. I need to make a few adjustments, but I’ve been very happy with the near gear from 5.11 and how I’ve set it all up.