When it comes to trying to make a living selling tactical equipment, backpacks, range bags and range backpacks can add a pretty penny to your bottom line — if you know what’s out there and what your customers are looking for. Such items are in fairly high demand, and many customers don’t mind spending a lot of money on just the right backpack or bag since they are essential pieces of gear that make life easier and more convenient.

Let’s take a brief look at each of these three product segments, along with what customers are looking for when visiting their local gun or sporting goods shop.

 

Tactical Backpacks

The area of tactical backpacks encompasses packs that will see use in any kind of tactical situation. Whether meant for daily use, occasional use or just as a bug-out bag in a SHTF situation, these packs have a lot of fans, and a good one can make toting gear much easier.

Comfort is a main consideration of most shopping for a tactical backpack, so quality, padded shoulder straps are a must. Another aspect is weight, and packs made of lightweight materials lighten the load. Durability is also key, since the pack might be tossed in and out of a truck and closet multiple times. Thus, quality materials that are both strong and lightweight are the choice for the outer fabric. Still another factor most consider is capacity. Depending on the intended load, a customer might prefer anything from a small tactical backpack to a very large one. Give extra points to a backpack that has a built-in holster or other way to carry a firearm when on the road in the boonies.

MOLLE webbing is another hallmark of a good tactical backpack, along with extra pockets and subdued coloring like black, tan or green. Quality zippers are also critical, as there are few things more frustrating than a backpack that’s nearly impossible to zip or unzip. All of the aforementioned features add up to the most important feature of all for a tactical backpack — versatility. The best ones can be used well for a multitude of different purposes, making finding the perfect tactical backpack somewhat of a buy-once-cry-once proposition.

 

Range Bags

If you’ve ever tried to get all of your gear to the shooting range in a plastic bag or cardboard box (I know I have), you know what a pain that can be. Face it: Most serious shooters typically haul not only a number of guns to the range on each visit, but also various different ammunition, tools, timers, eye and ear pro, you name it. Getting it all there easily and in one piece is an important priority.

Range bags and range backpacks are purpose-made for carrying all of the necessary equipment you need to the range easily and comfortably. And there are a number of things shoppers for these products key in on to pick the best one for them.

A good range bag or range backpack has plenty of capacity divided up into a number of different compartments, along with a roomy main compartment. Many have slips or other dividers for taking along a number of handguns without them rubbing together and scratching their finishes.

Other factors include weight, which, of course, will vary depending on the way it is loaded. There’s no use in getting a bag so big that you can’t carry it when fully loaded. As with tactical backpacks, durability is critical in this segment, as range bags are notorious for being tossed in and out of vehicles, closets and storage areas time and time again. Means of carrying both range bags and range backpacks are also important. A good range bag can be carried either in one hand or over the shoulder with a shoulder strap. A good range backpack has padded shoulder straps that lend comfort when toting stuff back and forth from the truck to the range.

Finally, there is some cool factor involved. Take a couple of backpacks that all things are even except for how cool they look, and it’s nearly a sure bet the cooler-looking pack will get the nod from many shoppers.

Now, let’s take a look at some new tactical backpacks, range bags and range backpacks just introduced in the past few years that might put a big smile on the faces of many of your customers.

 

Tactical Backpacks

Mystery Ranch hits the nail on the head when it says its Blitz 30 tactical backpack “offers a tactical solution to your everyday needs.” The Durable fabric and hardware choices combined with practical features and thoughtful organization make for a cross-functional backpack that’s easy and comfortable to carry. Quick access via the body panel gets the user directly to the tools needed, and a padded, floating laptop sleeve fits laptops up to 15 inches. The Blitz 30 is constructed of durable 500D Cordura fabric and features a coated YKK #10 zipper. Volume is 1,770 cubic inches and weight is 3.8 pounds empty.

The Strike 2300 from Kelty is another real winner. It’s a true tactical pack with adjustable suspension, multiple compartments and two LightBeam aluminum stays to balance heavy loads easily and comfortably. Features include front-panel access, a large shovel pocket with drain hole, two main compartment drain holes, two zippered side pockets, two small side shove-it pockets and a daisy chain. It also boasts four side compression straps, one vertical compression strap, a reservoir sleeve, an organizer sleeve, a security pocket, an internal organizer, zippered mesh pockets, a single hydration port and a top haul handle. Two-layer, padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel and a removable, padded waist belt ensure comfort.

 

Range Backpacks

The Rolling Handgunner Range Backpack from G•Outdoors Inc. will put a smile on just about any pistol shooter’s face. This bag will hold four handguns in a purpose-made cradle, can store 12 magazines and has a Visual I.D. system for organization and lockable zippers for security. Other features include a telescoping handle and ball bearing wheels for easy transport and storage. The removable foam cradle is designed to fully protect handguns, while the two side pockets store six extra magazines each. With a durable black outer, the Rolling Handgunner provides plenty of additional space for ammunition, tools, eye and ear pro and other shooting gear.

The Range Ready Backpack from 5.11 Tactical is where quality and budget meet. Features include fully padded construction with removable PE board base, a U-shaped 270-degree top opening, a top compartment with internal stretch pocket for eye/ear pro, an embroidery-friendly front zippered admin pocket and a right-side zippered entry to hold two single pistol cases plus pistol pouches and ammunition. Made of 600D polyester with PU coating and DWR finish, the backpack also boasts a center divider with hook and loop attachment, lockable YKK zippers, a side-zippered pocket and side MOLLE, and a top grab handle for easy maneuvering when not over the shoulder.

 

Range Bags

The Eberlestock Bang-Bang Range Bag is one many customers are likely to take a close look at. Developed as a compact range bag to hold essential gear and keep it protected from the elements, the bag’s polycarbonate base makes it impervious to wet ground, rocks, debris and range dust. The main compartment features configurable, padded dividers to keep medical items, tools, camera gear and range equipment safe and organized. The basement compartment on the bottom is perfect for handguns, tools or even a compact carbine. Dimensions are 10.25 inches high, 21 inches wide and 10 inches deep, and empty weight is 4 pounds.

The 5.11 Tactical Range Ready Bag also checks all the boxes for serious shooters on their next range visit. Constructed from durable, all-weather 600D polyester, the bag features separate padded storage for multiple pistols, a zip-down front organizer that effectively stores eight magazines, side pockets, a removable ammo tote and a removable brass tote for easy cleanup. It also boasts a padded shoulder strap, easy-grip handles and an ID insert. The bottom panel features support feet, and the top carry handle makes it comfortable to carry even when full. Dimensions are  9.5 inches high, 17.5 inches long and 10.5 inches deep, and empty weight is 6.2 pounds.