I just got the lo-drag version (same pack with an attached scabbard) for the same type use. I really wanted a secure (read:“not a sling” and “not a goofy butt-pouch and strap”) way to carry the gun on in/out moves. We’ve been weathered out of all the recently scheduled matches but here are my thoughts after a trip to the range and plenty of messing around at the house.
Pluses:
The pack is comfy, has all the usual adjustments, seems well constructed. I had tried other E-stock packs and couldn’t get the smaller size to adjust big enough (tall) for me so I bought the M/L. I feel like I’m in the bottom half of the adjustment...at 6’0”, 200#, I must have a long, relatively lean torso and be right between sizes. Consequently, the shoulder straps seem to have super long tails (more barrel chest might use more strap length and if you are extra tall, there would be less). The wand pockets (commonly referred to as water bottle pockets) on the sides are big enough to accommodate a full size RRS-type tripod which can be secured under the compression straps. I initially thought the “document” sleeve in the back was a waste of space and materials but it turns out it is a nice place to secure a range book, COF, or maybe some target material (if it fits).
Complaints:
I would like the pack to have more internal dividers/pockets. As it is, it’s kind of just several large-ish buckets. My old standby range bag has two smaller pockets, a main space and a small zipper pocket. I’m finding it difficult to organize the usual stuff into “big pocket A”, “big pocket b”, or “big pocket C”. So, for example, another couple of zippered pockets would be nice for things like tools, tripod clamp/plate accessories, stuff I carry like a small sunscreen, bug spray, tape measure, spare eye pro, etc. As it is, that stuff will need an accessory pouch or will just rattle around loose in “big pocket A”. On the same topic, I’m a little frustrated that the various pockets are attached together in such a way that filling one uses space from another. So if you stuff “big pocket a” with stuff, you have little to no room in adjacent “big pocket b”. Finally, the way the zippered pouches open down/out and are stacked (inner and outer, as it relates to the frame) means that if the pack is standing upright, you have heavy objects in the “outer” pouch and you start the zippers open and let go, the pouch lid (and attached adjacent pocket) will flop open and dump the contents of any open pocket. I’m sure I’ll get used to managing this but it has annoyed me so far.
Hope that helps. Despite my complaints, I’m going to keep working with this pack. I had also looked at the Mystery Ranch 2-day Assault Pack which would be perfectly sized for my needs as a range bag/single day, non-walking match bag.