The Loadout Room has reviewed it’s fair share of Range Bags. All of which have their own merits. But trying to find the one with the best features-to-price ratio can be difficult. 5.11 Tactical has bridged the gap and created a well-built, feature-rich bag that won’t break the bank. Retailing for $99.99, the Range Ready Bag from 5.11 is poised to take on the job of hauling your essential gear to-and-from the range.
Maintaining proficiency with a handgun has been a goal of mine since leaving the 75th Ranger Regiment. Actually, it has been more of a mission than a goal. Complacency is a bad habit that surrounds us in our daily lives which can ultimately kill you. My wife occasionally busts my balls about being on the look-out for trouble but deep down, she knows it’s for our own protection. I highly doubt the level of training that most conceal carriers partake in would be sufficient for an actual SHTF shootout. My experience shooting with some of the best soldiers on the planet exposed me to the number of rounds needed to maintain that level of proficiency.
With that in mind, I spend between 2-4 hours a week at the range with a pistol and carbine in my hands. Having a personal range nearby and 2 eager sons that love shooting, it’s more fun than work. One of many keys to a successful day at the range is having the proper tools on hand. And making that a possibility is always having a dedicated range bag packed and ready to go. 5.11 Tactical has created the Range Ready Bag to be just that, sitting on the war room floor. Packed and ready to deploy at a moments notice.
Easily large enough to support 2-3 handguns as well as the necessary ancillary gear, this range bag has a few unique features of its own. Inside the spacious main compartment lies a removable ammo tote. Once removed, you’ll find a sturdy rectangular bag with customizable dividers for separating ammo, holsters or ear protection. Policing up spent brass at the end of the day is the duty of my diligent younger shooters. And the Range Ready Bag includes one of my favorite features, a removable mesh-bottomed brass bag. Which keeps the sand or snow, stuck to the brass, outside of the range bag where it belongs.
Surrounding the main compartment of the Range Ready Bag are 5 separate zippered pockets. The largest of these once opened fully creates a padded work mat for maintaining or cleaning a pistol. Additionally, 8 magazine pouches are sewn into the wall of this 8.5” x 15.5” x 2.5 pocket along with a pistol sleeve. 3 other outer pockets measuring 8.5” x 7.5” x 2.5” are perfect for ear muffs, gloves, a shot timer, etc. Finally, the small zippered pocket on the end is well suited for protecting your favorite pair of Oakleys alongside a dedicated water bottle pocket.
Range Ready Bag Specifications courtesy of 511tactical.com
- Durable, all-weather 600D polyester
- Main compartment 9.5” H x 17.5” L x 10.5” D
- Front pocket (x2) 8.5” x 7.5” x 2.5”
- Back pocket 8.5” x 15.5” x 2.5”
- Left side pocket 8.5” x 5” x 2.25”
- Right side pocket 8” x 7.5” x 2.5”
- Water bottle pocket 5.5” x 3” x 2.25”
- Brass bag 5” Dia x 6.25”
- Removable ammo tote 7.25” x 15.75” x 5.75”
- 2639 cubic inch / 43 liter total capacity
- Removable padded shoulder strap
- YKK® zipper hardware
- Hook and loop grab handle unifier
- Available in FDE or Black
- MSRP $99.99
In conclusion, the 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Bag has the features I want at a price I’m willing to pay. Range bags from Red Rock Outdoor Gear to Oakley have graced my presence yet this one from 5.11 best suits me. Extensive padding found in all dividers and pockets of the Range Ready Bag are what maintain its cube-like shape. Making organization as well as locating its contents a snap. Additionally, stealthy zippered pockets on the ammo tote are a great place to store my NFA paperwork. Finally, sturdy YKK zippers and a padded shoulder strap are why this durable bag will continue to be my caddy for the upcoming 3-gun season.
Items in photos: Daniel Defense Mk-18, Surefire SOCOM Suppressor, Trijicon MRO, Oakley Fuel Cell Sunglasses, Bravo Concealment Holster, Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs, Glock 19, Magpul G9 Magazines, Taran Tactical Base Plates, Leatherman Wingman Multi-tool, Hydro-Flask, Armscor 9mm Ammunition, Agency Arms Glock 34, Trijicon RMR.
