Be Prepared: How to Pack a Range Bag

You can’t find success at the range without the right gear – but as long as you have a solid range bag filled with the basics and a few bonus items that matter to you, you’ll be ready for anything the day throws at you.

We asked the tactical operators at 5.11 which essentials they always keep in their range bags and tactical bags. Use the checklist and packing hacks below to stay prepared in any situation.

What to Pack in a Range Bag: The Ultimate Checklist

First thing's first. Before you start packing, make sure you have all the gear and equipment you need to include. Here are the essentials, broken down by category:

Protection

• Trauma kit
• Eye and ear protection
• Sun and bug protection
• Gloves
• Personal emergency information on a laminated notecard

Tools

• Binoculars
• Multi-tool
• Screwdriver sets
• Miniature cleaning kit
• Flashlight
• Stapler and staples to affix targets
• Duct tape
• Masking tape to patch targets or affix them to posts
• Timer for timed drills
• Electronic calipers or a small ruler for measuring shot groups

Range Accessories

• Dummy rounds and ammunition where appropriate
• Chamber flags or empty chamber indicators
• Targets
• Cleaning and maintenance supplies
• Gun mat or towel

Other Essentials

• Water
• High-protein snacks
• Extra batteries for electronic equipment
• Pen or marker for recording results
• Shooting journal if you’re tracking your progress
• Empty bags for separating used or dirty equipment

Range Bag Packing Tips from the Pros

We’ve all been there. You get to the range, sign in and then realise you forgot something important. A consistent packing system can make preparation considerably easier.

A purpose-built option such as the Range Ready™ Bag 43L provides dedicated organisation for range equipment, but the same principles can be applied to other tactical bags.

Range Bag Hack #1: Label Your Bag and Gear

Use a durable luggage tag or another appropriate identification method on your bag, particularly if you're attending events or training alongside other people carrying similar equipment.

Keep a copy of your range checklist inside the bag so you can quickly check which items need to be replaced after each session rather than completely unpacking and repacking every time.

Range Bag Hack #2: Separate Smaller Equipment

Smaller items can easily disappear inside a large compartment. Use smaller internal bags, organisers or dedicated pockets to keep related equipment together.

It can also be useful to carry a lightweight waterproof bag to separate wet or dirty equipment from the rest of your load.

Range Bag Hack #3: Pack for Your Activity

The right setup depends on what you're doing. Competition, training and professional use can all require different equipment, so use a core checklist and adjust it for each session.

Additional items might include:

• Skills and drills books
• Timers
• Range finders
• Wet-weather gear
• An extra hat
• Hand sanitiser
• Personal hygiene items
• Camera
• Folding chair

Your range bag should ultimately be organised around your individual needs, whether you're training indoors, outdoors or attending a competition.

What Makes a Good Range Bag?

Capacity matters, but organisation can be just as important. A large bag with one open compartment can quickly become difficult to use once smaller pieces of equipment start moving around inside.

A well-designed tactical bag lets you separate larger items from smaller accessories while keeping frequently used equipment accessible.

Browse our tactical bags to compare different carrying styles and capacities.

Range Bag vs Duffel Bag: What's the Difference?

Feature	Range Bag	Duffel Bag
Primary purpose	Organised specialist equipment	Flexible higher-capacity storage
Internal organisation	Often extensive	Varies depending on design
Access	Designed around easy equipment access	Large opening often suited to bulky items
Typical uses	Range, training and equipment transport	Travel, training, work and equipment transport
Versatility	More specialised	Generally broader

If specialised organisation is your priority, a dedicated range bag usually makes the most sense. If you need one bag that can move between equipment transport, training, work and travel, a duffel or travel bag may provide greater flexibility.

How Big Should a Range Bag Be?

Approximate Capacity	Best Suited To	Considerations
Under 20L	Compact setups	Good for smaller amounts of essential equipment.
20–40L	General training and organised equipment loads	Provides greater flexibility while remaining relatively manageable.
40L+	Larger equipment loads and multi-purpose use	Useful when clothing or bulky equipment also needs to be carried.

The Range Ready™ Bag 43L provides a current purpose-built option for users who prioritise organised range storage.

Range Bag or Backpack?

A backpack distributes weight across both shoulders and can make sense when equipment needs to be carried over longer distances.

A traditional range bag can provide easier access to its contents after you put the bag down.

Consideration	Range Bag	Backpack
Access while stationary	Excellent	Depends on backpack layout
Longer-distance carrying	Depends on load and strap	Generally better load distribution
Specialised organisation	Often extensive	Varies considerably
Everyday crossover	More specialised	Usually greater

You can compare different carrying formats across the wider 5.11 Bags & Packs range.

How to Organise a Range Bag

A consistent packing system makes equipment easier to find and can reduce the chances of arriving without something you need.

Keep Similar Equipment Together

Give related equipment a consistent location. This makes it easier to check the bag before leaving and easier to find items when you need them.

Use Smaller Compartments for Smaller Items

Batteries, pens, compact tools and other small equipment can quickly disappear inside a large main compartment.

Use dedicated organiser pockets or smaller internal bags where appropriate.

Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible

Items you expect to use regularly shouldn't sit underneath larger or less frequently used equipment.

Separate Clean and Dirty Equipment

Separate dirty or damp equipment from clean clothing, electronics and personal items where practical.

Avoid Overpacking

An overloaded bag becomes harder to organise and carry. If your normal equipment load has outgrown your existing bag, moving to a larger bag may be more practical than forcing everything into the available space.

Can You Use a Duffel Bag as a Range Bag?

Our current Australian Tactical Bags range includes dedicated range bags alongside duffels, patrol bags and other specialist carrying options.

If your requirements are moving toward larger loads or travel, browse our tactical luggage and duffel bags.

When Should You Choose Rolling Luggage?

As equipment loads become larger or heavier, carrying everything by hand or over one shoulder becomes less practical.

Rolling luggage can make more sense when:

• You regularly carry substantial equipment loads.
• You need significantly more capacity than a standard range bag provides.
• You travel with clothing and equipment together.
• You regularly move through airports, hotels or paved environments.
• You want one bag capable of handling both equipment transport and travel.

Explore our 5.11 tactical luggage range to compare wheeled and non-wheeled options.

Range Bag vs Duffel Bag vs Rolling Luggage

Bag Type	Best For	Main Advantage
Range Bag	Organised specialist equipment	Dedicated organisation and quick access
Duffel Bag	Training, travel and larger mixed loads	Flexible high-capacity storage
Rolling Luggage	Large or heavier loads and travel	High capacity without carrying the entire load

Can a Range Bag Be Used for Travel?

A range bag can work for specialised equipment transport or some shorter trips, but its organisation is generally designed around equipment rather than clothing.

If the bag will frequently be used for travel, a dedicated tactical luggage or duffel bag can provide more flexible storage.

What Should You Look for in Tactical Luggage?

If your carrying needs extend beyond a dedicated range bag, consider:

• Capacity: Enough space for the equipment and clothing you actually need.
• Durability: Construction capable of handling repeated loading and travel.
• Organisation: Compartments that keep smaller items controlled.
• Strong handles: Particularly important as loads become heavier.
• Compression: Useful for stabilising partially filled bags.
• Wheels: Valuable for larger luggage and heavier loads.
• Secure closures: Reliable zippers and compartments.

Compare current options in our 5.11 tactical luggage and duffel range.

Frequently Asked Questions About Range Bags

What size range bag should I buy?

Choose the size around what you normally carry. Smaller bags work for compact setups, while larger bags provide additional room for protective equipment, tools, clothing and other gear.

Is a range bag the same as a duffel bag?

No. A range bag generally prioritises specialised organisation and equipment access. A duffel typically provides more flexible storage for larger or mixed loads.

Can you use a tactical duffel as a range bag?

Yes. A tactical duffel can be useful when you need greater capacity or want one bag for equipment transport, training and travel.

Can you use a backpack as a range bag?

Yes. A backpack can be particularly useful when your equipment needs to be carried over longer distances because the load is distributed across both shoulders.

What is the best way to organise a range bag?

Keep similar equipment together, give smaller items dedicated storage and keep frequently accessed gear somewhere you can reach without unpacking the entire bag.

Is a 40L range bag too big?

Not necessarily. A bag around 40L can make sense when you carry a larger organised equipment load, additional clothing or other bulky items.

When should you choose rolling luggage instead of a duffel?

Rolling luggage becomes increasingly useful as your load gets larger or heavier, particularly if you regularly travel through airports, hotels or other environments where wheels are practical.

Can one tactical bag work for range use and travel?

Yes. A versatile tactical duffel can work across both uses. A specialist range bag generally provides better equipment-specific organisation, while luggage and duffels provide more flexible space for clothing and larger loads.

Choose the Right Bag for Your Equipment

The right bag depends on how much you carry and how you use it. A dedicated range bag provides specialised organisation, a tactical duffel provides greater flexibility, and rolling luggage becomes increasingly useful as your capacity and travel requirements grow.

Start with the Range Ready™ Bag 43L if dedicated range organisation is your priority, browse our wider tactical bags, or compare tactical luggage and duffel bags for higher-capacity carrying.

You can also explore the complete 5.11 Bags & Packs range for options designed around range, work, travel, training and outdoor use.

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