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Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

ceylonc

Eberlestock Dealer
Commercial Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 26, 2006
3,475
1
Memphis, TN
Gentlemen,

Hoping to get some advice & suggestions for the next deltaoutdoorsman.com offering. We've received a HUGE response from our Eberlestock pack offerings (THANK YOU ALL!) and for our next promo we'd like to see what ya'll think about setting up GTG range/bug out bags. We're brainstorming a few different options:
1) buy an Eberlestock pack fully equipped with either the range bag package or "bug out" package.;
2) "range accessories package" only;
3) "bug out accessories package" only;

Unfortunately, the G4 Operator pack won't be available until after May 20th so we're thinking about equipping the Gunslinger II or Halftrack pack (best currently available inventory). What I'm looking for are some suggestions for specific items that would go well for each respective package. I've come up with a pretty good sized list of items, some of which are "must have" & other are pretty specialized and may not be a good "need vs. weight" tradeoff for the respective application(s). Here's a list (in no particular order) of items for each "accessory package":
emergency blanket;
bug repellant;
shooting gloves;
flashlight/torch;
targets;
batteries;
bipod;
compact level;
torx & regular screwdriver kit;
mechanical pencil;
spare ammo pouch;
sunscreen;
fire sparker;
pancho;
rear bag & pack mountable shooting rest;
lens pen;
compass
first aid kit;
multi tool;
folder and fixed blade knive(s);
hydration bladder;
shooting glasses;
ear protection;
date book;
otis kit/bore snake;
baby wipes;
shooting mat;
paracord;
AR Emergency parts kit;

I didn't list ammo, spotting scope, or LRF because I'm not looking to sell ammo right now & I want to try to keep the price attractive without running up the total with expensive optical equipment (though that can be added if the shooter wants something we offer). I'm sure I missed some items so feel free to add or remove based on what is listed. I also omitted adding a wind meter due to cost constranits <span style="color: #000099">EVEN THOUGH WE ARE AN AUTHORIZED KESTREL DEALER</span>. What I'm looking for is true utility in that each item is a "must have" as part of each respective package but not so much that it causes undue weight or clutter to the pack.

Thanks for the help. One thing we want to do is make sure that we listen to the membership here & offer items that compliment tactical shooting and each shooter's needs. Your help & advice is valuable and much appreciated. Finally, if you think this is a stupid idea, feel free to let us know that we're barking up the wrong tree and should look at other equipment & applications. I obviously like compliments but constructive criticism is just as helpful.

Thanks for reading & adding to the thread. Good shooting & enjoy your weekend.

Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com (should be live by the end of the month)
(901)301-8682
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hbkiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thats alot of stuff </div></div>

I agree! Thanks why I'm asking for some recommendations & advice from some of the experts here. Some of what is in the list may be second or third tier important while other items may be "must have" and virtually required for the intended applications. I'm just hoping to get some advice as to what we should put together as a starting point. From there, each user can customize based on what they want...

Thanks for reading.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

I think that you're pointing your business in the wrong direction.

There are a LOT of emergency backpacks / kits available out there. And a range bag would need so many differing styles of equipment, that it isn't even worth thinking about putting together.

All of the above is simply my opinion. But bug out bags are HIGHLY personal, as are shooting bags.

Even with basic things like "fire starter" you have too many different styles of what a person wants that I don't believe your kits will be successfull.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

I'm an Eberlestock dealer as well, and they are great gear. But people who buy that kind of gear, have a very specific mind about what they need / want to fill it with
smile.gif


Semper Fidelis,

Kent
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

Kent,

Thanks for your imput & advice. This is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm just "looking outside the box" on some different things & appreciate your opinions.

Take care & best of luck to you with your endeavours.
Ceylon
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

thats one heck of a list, as kent said its a personal thing. but its a good idea for those that really dont know what their doing and want a "bug out" bag

with the bipod are you talking like a harris? if your are i would maybe go with a stoney point shooting stick or something like that. most shooters already have one or use a bench rest..

also duct tape......DONT FORGET every kit should have duct tape
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

Hi Ceylonc
I think in theory your onto a great idea. But Ill agree with a few of the guys here, that both those items are a highly personnal set up. As far as bugout bags go. I work where we need them and have seen both extremes of the spectrim eg. a small satchel with ammo and water to get to the closest FOB.. to full on E&E packs with comms, ammo, med, food etc, to keep you going for days to weeks. On the range bag side though, Im sure there are specific items that people would need eg, ear/eyepro etc. Maybe you could look at more of an "Options package"? Ya buy the bag and select X number of options/items to put in at a package price?

Personally I like go out and look around and see what bits and bobs might be handy, like shoe shopping for men.

Good luck with what ever direction you chose to go with.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

Here's what's in my range bag. I do not rely on it for survival, so i've left that stuff out as it is in my "truck bag" or my BOB, depending on where I am at the moment.

Cheap poncho
Bug spray
visine
small FAK (bandaids, advil packets, couple of buterfly strips, gauze, just enough stuff for cuts or snivel situations)
REM oil wipes
Nikon lens wipes & a lens cloth
sharpie
leatherman
allen wrench tool
TORX driver & bits
mechanics pocket screwdriver
BIC lighter
electrical tape
foam ear plugs
shooting glasses
small 10x binoculars
RedMan bean bag
CR123 batteries
Cliffbar
Staple gun
paper plates
target stickers
Orange spray paint

I'm using a miltiary tanker bag with side mag pouches now, but I need a better bag. Let us know what you come up with, I could be interested.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

I think a pre-built range bag is a great idea. I've seen people go to the range for under an hour and leave because they just wanted their gun to go bang a couple of times or they got hot or sunburned or whatever. Some people need to get pointed in the right direction. While specific shooting courses require specific gear, there are specific items that I take with me to every range.

Targets - the size and type depend on the distance
Sharpie
Staple Gun
2 feet of ribbon (some ranges don't have wind markers)
Notebook or Data Book
Pen and Mechanical Pencil
Lens Cloth
Gun Cleaning supplies
Boresnake
Small screwdriver socket set
Water
Snack - like a protein bar or cliff bar
Gum - everybody needs fresh breath
Sunscreen
Ammo
Eye Protection
Ear Protection
Flashlight - I'm often the last one at the range and shoot in twilight

Some alternative supplies include
Allergy medicine - A guy got stung by a bee and was allergic...
bug spray
First Aid kit
Contact Lens Refreshing Drops
Eye Drops
Binoculars or Spotting Scope (have a 24x scope so it does the spotting out to 250 yards pretty well)
Shooting mat or blanket

I have some friends that will go to the range with me every now and again. They usually get ammo and targets only. Within an hour, they're thirsty or complaining about bugs or something. I also don't bring my own sandbags. A bipod or their sandbags are fine, but if your bag is going to work as a shooting base, that'll be a good feature.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

Because people are so divergent and opinionated, perhaps do a choice of bags (pick one of 5 options) with choices of what to put in it ( say 20 of 50 choices). Then give them pages with photos and descriptions of each choice, let them check the items they want, then have it auto tally and discount the buy....

Boom... a personalized bailout/E and E / Range Bag.

With that said, the prices would have to be such that the buyer knew he was getting close to or better pricing if he was to buy things individually.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

Those are long lists. The problem is that most shooters, have their own opinions and preferences on what they need, and what they don't. It probably matters more how you organize and package your range bag. But if you put survival gear in your pack, you may sell more...as some people will feel like they "need" it.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

moleskin
multitasker
write in the rain all-weather pen and note pad
Magnesium fire starting tool
pancho
earplugs
first aid kit with tweezers
compass with magnifying glass
sewing kit
paracord
knife sharpener
flares
fingernail clipper
signaling mirror
duct tape
space blanket
iodine water tablets

I'm sure there are other things I'm missing. For common household items or things that shooters already likely have, would suggest making a list of suggested items to add...and include pack inserts to organize them.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

BOBs are definitely personal. I have one that my dog will carry on him for his own stuff and constantly add/remove stuff from my own.

A few options or packages sounds like the way to go for sure.
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

I've used many bags as "range bags" over the years. I mainly shoot rifle so I don't need a bag with tons of mag pouches. I have a great collection of bags at home for sure. I gave up and have been using a spare patrol utility bag that I got from Galls years ago. It's bulky but seems to fit what I need for rifle shooting.
Contents fit in large main area:
1. Meopta Spotting scope.
2. Binoculars or other small equipment.
3. Rear bag.
4. 3 large rags.
5. Ammo.
Inside large internal panel spacer pocket:
1. One side fits all my targets.
Other large internal panel spacer pocket: Staple gun.
2. Otis field cleaning Kit or Hoppes breakdown kit.
3. 2 to 3 rolls of masking tape.
Lid of bag has two small pockets:
4. One pocket: M1 Garand one shot adapter (Fits snug).
5. Other pocket has a nickel, quarter, small
needle nose pliers and AR-15/M-16 sight tool.
Front open Pocket:
6. Spare staples.
7. Orange 3" peel & stick targets.
8. B-Square screw drivers.
9. leupold lens pen.
Other open front pocket:
10. Small kids scissors.
11. Small note book with pen for notes & round count etc..
Two outside side pockets:
12. One side has a small container that fits all my
cleaning jags for .22-.30 cal.
13. Several size cleaning patches.
14. Small bottle of cleaning solution.
Other side Pocket:
15. black & Tan pasters and more tape.
Outside top of lid:
16. There are 2 flashlight fasteners for large rolled up
targets, tripod or whatever.

17. I forgot to add my eye and hearing protection in main
compartment.

This is what I have to lug to the range along with my heavy shooting rigs. works great, but is heavy. I have a separate case just for my front shooting rest which weighs another 16 pounds.

I would love to have a bag that would fit all my rifle shooting needs in a nice compact package. If I had any type of sowing ability I would do it myself.


 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

how about rather than having an either / or, have two seperate packages available, with the option of grabbing and going either of the two.

attachable / detachable as suits the need, perhaps develop a side by side mounting system to attach BOTH in the event the poop really hits the fan.

agreed with the others that personal opinion / favored products would spoil the mix to some extent, and many of the generic items would be tossed and replaced with what they use now.

rather than supplying the "supplies", having enough dedicated pouches for generic sizes of stuff would probably work better.

for instance, a slot for cleaning solution - if it's found that most manufacturers make a 5oz. bottle, design a pouch to hold a 5 oz. bottle. maybe even supply an empty 5 oz bottle, fill with what you want. another example for eye and ear protection pouch, instead of suppying the protection, have a pouch avialable to accomodate the average size of each.

so many times i've tried different packs. the ones that have enough and right sized pouches are the schiil kid kinda packs that are not too quality orientated and usually fall apart, and the good quality packs rarely have enough dedicated areas for stuff.

i like the idea of a custom kitted pack made to user's specifications, however i think it would be a logistical nightmare to piece and price.

in my range bag (which is a double rifle case with molle attachments - i only put one rifle in to accomodate the extras):

ammo
targets
stapler and staples
eye / ear protection pouch
cleaning solution / patch pouch
extra magazine
tape - masking and duct
cleaning rod, brushes, jags, toothbrush, air in a can, etc.
data book (pens, notepad, etc.)
wind meter
ribbon
shooting mat
spotting scope + tripod
small first aid kit (bandaids, anti bacterial / insect bite ointment, tweezers, guaze, scissors etc.)
small tool kit (screw drivers, brass drift, small hammer, torx bits, allen wrenches, file, sandpaper, etc.)
insect repellent
sunscreen
rear bag
(bipod - rifle usually has it on it already)
bore light
leatherman styled multi tool
rags
toilet paper / paper towels
seasonal - extra socks, gloves, heat pads, scull cap, etc.

my bug out bag:

3 MREs, protein bars, water purification tablets / filter, dehydrated soup packs, mess kit. can opener, spoon and fork

hydration bladder

first aid / survival kit including: band aids anti bacterial ointment, whitsle, turnaquit (spelt wrong), pain reliever, gauze, tweezers / tick removal tool, snake bite kit, emergency blanket / shelter, super glue, signal mirror, flare, leatherman style multitool. 3 knives (small, med., large, can substitute large for a machete or small collapsible saw and sharpener. rope / paracord thick plastic / garbage bags / poncho. heat packs / firestarter / glow sticks / matches / lighter / magnifying glass. duct tape. fishing line, hooks. toilet paper / paper towels. scissors

compass
insect repellent
extra socks, shirt, pants, underwear
flashlight / extra batteries
soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
am / fm / weather band radio - gotta know what's going on
different load 12 guage shells - for my main bugout tool
3 piece cleaning rod
ziploc bags
if you wear glasses, include the last set you had worn, and lens cleaner
pistol holster


hunting pack:

hodge podge of both the range and bugout bag with the dedicated first aid / survival kits above and tools plus

license / id
extra / different length bipod
calls / scent killer / decoys
extra ammo
binoculars
rangefinder
padded seat
depending on weather - extra socks, gloves, etc.
depending on the game - ghillie suit

lots of stuff, but packed correctly works well
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KiwiShtr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Heres something that everyone forgets but is worth its weight in gold.

Toilet Paper! (In a ziplock bag)

Dont leave home without it. </div></div>

You are right about that! Would hate to have to use leaves...
 
Re: Equipping a range bag, suggestions...

My Bug out Bag:

Maxpedition (Similar to Kodiak but discontinued model)
2x M9 Mags
12x M4 Mags
100rds M249 in NutSack (Team SOP)
Tournique
IV Kit 500ml Bag
Chest Decomp Needle
3x FAD
2x Quick Clot (Gauze)
ON Airway (my size)
MRE meal (bag only)
Gatorade Sachet
Hydration salts sachet
Hydration Water Blader (Note; Have to keep on top of these for leaks)
Smoke Gen (though had to remove it per new regs)
3x Cylume Sticks (Green, Blue, IR)
3mtr 550 Cord
SureFire Tourch w/red filter
4x Spare C123 Batteries
GPS
Magic Marker Pen
IR Mini Strobe
VF17 Panel (silk)
AO Map (civi street map)
Knife, Folding
Head Lamp
$1000 USD Cash (mainly for bribes if needed)
Small roll of TP in ziplock bag.

If everything turns to shit, all I need to grab from my chest rig is Wpns, ID and radio. Am only looking at short range E&E ie. 1-5mls, but is in built up area.

Obviously this kit is Area/Job specific. It sits in the truck and I never touch it unless Im checking it. Its NEVER used for carrying everyday things to and from work. Like I said above, these are a very personnaly setup peice of kit. Ill have things that someone else doesnt and vice versa.

Its better to have and not need, than need and not have.

Ill add to this list if Ive forgotten anything next time I check it.

My 5cents.