Order is not just a matter of aesthetics. Everyone who regularly visits a shooting range knows this well. When you want to focus on a competition, a training session, or simply enjoy shooting with friends, no one wants to waste time worrying: did I really take everything? Where did I stash the target patches? Will my safety glasses get crushed under the weight of the ammunition?
It’s worth taking care of your peace of mind, organizing your thoughts… and your gear. A bag or backpack will certainly help with the latter — a basic element of every shooter’s equipment. The market offers hundreds of solutions tailored to personal preferences and the amount of gear carried. One product that recently caught our attention comes from a renowned manufacturer of purpose-built gear — 5.11.
The Range Ready™ Trainer Bag 50L is a medium-sized bag that serves as a thoughtfully designed organizer for shooting equipment. Its external dimensions are 53 × 36 × 25 cm. It is made of durable and easy-to-clean 600D polyester, additionally reinforced with foam padding in the walls and a polyethylene plate in the bottom. This construction — with a weight of under 2 kg — gives the bag noticeable rigidity and good shape retention.
Just like the recently reviewed 42" Double Rifle Case, the Range Ready™ Trainer Bag 50L also features only discreet, subdued manufacturer logos. The product fits the low-profile aesthetic, and its shooting-oriented purpose is revealed only by one of the side panels, completely covered with MOLLE webbing that lets the user expand functionality as needed. However, if you want to give the bag a more personalized and eye-catching look, the large velcro panel on the main flap will easily hold several larger morale patches. One of the side walls also features a narrow hook-and-loop strip for a name patch.
The advantages of the bag and 5.11’s experience in designing shooting gear become apparent after just a moment of use. The rigid, rectangular shape of the Range Ready™ Trainer Bag 50L maximizes usable space. On the exterior walls — aside from the MOLLE panel and patch areas — there are three additional functional pockets, fitted with high-quality YKK® zippers, ensuring quick and independent access to their contents. The only questionable aspect is the lack of reinforced material at the bottom — although 600D polyester is fairly abrasion-resistant and easy to clean, constant contact with rocky terrain may shorten its lifespan.
The bag offers two carrying systems, and the difference in the placement of their attachment points is significant. The straps of the standard handle can be fastened together with hook-and-loop. They are attached directly to the flap of the main compartment. Additionally, the user can take advantage of the shoulder strap, which attaches to the body of the bag. I recommend keeping it permanently mounted. An invaluable advantage of the product is that you do not need to separate the regular handle straps to open and close the largest cargo space. However, it’s worth noting that due to the placement of the carry straps, lifting the bag when it’s open risks unintentionally spilling the gear stored inside. When the bag is fully unzipped, it should be safe to carried using the shoulder strap.
Access to the main compartment is provided by a large flap that begins at the top of the bag and extends past the midpoint of its front wall. Once opened, it reveals a bright, spacious interior filled with practical solutions.
The key feature is the main compartment, divided with hook-and-loop-mounted inserts, allowing you to customize the internal layout based on the type and amount of gear carried. In its fully segmented configuration, you get two side sections and two central ones with adjustable volume. After removing the central insert, the middle section can easily accommodate bulkier items, including many types of clothing.
The only missing option is the ability to set the inserts in a way that uses the full transverse length of the bag — useful, for example, for observation optics. This can only be achieved by removing all panels entirely, which creates impressive space, but at the cost of organizational functionality.
The inserts, however, are just the beginning. The inner front wall features elastic bands on the outer side that can hold six AR or AK magazines and just as many pistol magazines, independently from the rest of the gear. On the opposite side of the same wall, there are two flat pockets for documents and smaller accessories. On the rear wall of the main compartment you’ll find additional holders for magazines or tools such as multitools, flashlights, or power banks.
Another major advantage is the system of loops located on the inner side of the main flap. Their symmetrical layout finally allowed me to conveniently carry longer items — cleaning rods, a radio antenna, etc. The possible uses are limited only by the user’s imagination.
The interior of the side pocket also shows a high level of functionality. It is sufficiently deep, and organization is aided by elastic loops and two narrow, open pockets.
On the rear wall of the bag there are two more small pockets. They are perfectly sufficient for storing snacks, a water bottle, a small thermos, or items that should be separated from the main equipment — such as a sweaty cap or muddy gloves. They’re also ideal for essentials: a glasses case, ear protection, a medical kit, or a tourniquet (and we also encourage you to check out our report from the Stop The Bleed & Tactical Defence First Responder training).
Gear used by shooters is often too heavy and too valuable to be carried in a plastic bag, and losing a firearm or ammunition comes with serious consequences. The bag from 5.11 described here impresses with its functionality and significantly makes it easier to keep your equipment organized. This directly translates to comfort and helps maintain inner peace. It’s worth remembering that lack of focus while shooting may not only worsen results or reduce enjoyment, but also affect the safety of others on the range.
The versatility of the Range Ready™ Trainer Bag 50L suggests that it will work great beyond the shooting range as well. You can easily take it to the gym, on a vacation trip, use it as a tool bag for fieldwork, or even as carry-on luggage on some airlines. Regardless of the chosen role, with such a bag the idea of Always Be Ready simply becomes easier.
The full photo gallery is available at the end of the article.
The company 5.11 has supported our work — both at the desk and in the field — for years. By visiting one of the 5.11 stores in Poland and possibly making a purchase there, you support our work. We also encourage you to check out the growing list of authorized dealers in Poland!
This article was created as part of an advertising partnership, but the authors of this portal present their independent opinion, and no advertiser can influence it.
Looking for versatile pants that can handle off-road challenges? Check out our review of the 5.11 Icon Cargo Pants!
The largest 5.11 showroom in Poland is now open!
