When it comes to your Gear Bag, some may have it all worked out. Others might want ideas, and others might want to be “more” prepared for the Range. Over the years, it has been a refinement exercise as well as having to upgrade my bag so that it is all organised. The last thing you want is to need something that won’t let you shoot, or distract you when it comes to your concentration. Preparation is key, and you will find that not only you will benefit, but your friends will also as well if they need an assist.
The Bag: Maxpedition Falcon II
The bag is crucial when it comes to holding all your gear. However, how big, how many pockets, how sturdy, and how should it be styled? Starting with the construction, you want something that will handle the abuse and the weight of what will be put inside. Also, having material that is water-resistant is a big plus on wet days. This 23L backpack offers molle all over it, and the stitching is top-notch. Built mainly with Cordura 1050D, it’s a lifetime bag. You can get larger, or smaller. For the needs of the various items below, I’ve found this is the perfect size. The only reason you would consider larger is if you were to use bag rests that are larger.
The Pouches: What Kind and For What Purpose?
With all the Molle webbing, your options are endless. Identifying what you will need to carry and access outside of the main pack is what helps define your needs. Here are a few examples:
- SmartPhone (comms, camera, light, ballistic calculator for your Kestrel and portable PC)
- Kestrel HUD is practical for viewing your ballistic results.
- Practical tools (knife, pliers, spanner, small flashlight, multi-tool)
- Dump-pouch for brass (especially if you reload)
- Main Flashlight
- Medical Pouch
- Spare batteries and Notepad Pouch
- Shooting glove strap
- Bottle strap
The above is indicative of what will be carried, and some items may seem redundant. You will be amazed how the same item does not work well in some circumstances and that’s why you carry 3 to 5 variants of the same, like flashlights.
Main Pockets of the Falcon II
There are 4 main pockets, all go from large to small. The main pocket is equivalent to the 3 other pockets combined. The second largest is half the size of the large pocket, with the same width and height. The last 2 pockets are a 1/3 and 2/3 split of that 2nd largest pocket. While it may seem simple in design, it allows you to organise large to small items in logical areas. There is a bonus pocket too: the hydration pack pocket. It can hold up to 3L of fluid if you’re trekking, and it’s mostly a flat pocket.
Gear time – what’s in the various areas?
Starting in the above logical order.
Pouch by Pouch
SmartPhone Pouch – contains a large size iPhone 7 Plus, credit card, club credentials, and has a lockable clasp – keeping items more secured yet accessible.
Practical Tools pouch – a small light, SwissChamp Army Knife, Folding blade, Multitool pliers, Pocketbook, spanner/small pliers. A spanner is important for tightening any bolt-nut, like on scope rails. It also holds things in place while you tighten, without marring the metal finish with pliers.
Dump pouch: Maxpedition makes a Mini-Rollie that folds up nice and small and straps onto your molle. When you need to collect a pile of brass, it’s there and ready. Just unclip it, roll it out, and open it up.
Main flashlight – You never know how bright, and how long you will need it, but a good flashlight is needed. From finding your brass, to any part you might have dropped. For search and rescue or to be rescued. A flashlight that’s weather proof and shock proof that can use high-powered batteries, regular sized ones (AA or AAA) for ease of maintenance.
Medical Pouch: here you can go small to large. I chose small, since at the range, any larger medical need would be available. However things like eye drops, small cuts bandages, antibacterial ointment, and anything to cover a scrape would do it. The strap also serves as a holder for my ambient light from BioLite. It’s a rechargeable light that’s great for a desk, table, or bench in the dark, wherever you need to see what you’re handling. It also doubles as a USB battery charger — it even powers a Labradar!
Spare batteries and notepad pouch – This spot is for misc supplies, including a way to start a fire, or need a graphite pencil.
Shooting glove strap – There has been several occasions when shooting gloves were needed. Wind chill, snow conditions or just sunny winter days, you want to have your fingers warm enough to feel the trigger. The company called PIG makes a set of gloves called FDT (Full Dexterity Tactical). They’re a blend of Suede and synthetic Suede, in different thicknesses, that caters to shooting. A great fit, and when needed, you still get protection with minimal loss of dexterity and sensation.
Bottle Strap – 32oz bottle for the range, keeps you hydrated, and being stainless and thermally resistant, it keeps you focused on the task at hand.
In the main pocket, it holds range tools: various bits and hex wrenches, a torque screwdriver in in-lb, a dual-bubble-level, and a laser bore finder. I use most of these to tighten various screws and bolts to spec, and to get a scope adjusted and mounted in the field. The second pocket contains an ammunition wallet, target spots, and a stapler. Other pockets hold a plasma lighter, various USB/Lightning cables to connect or charge, and cleaning cloths. Spare earplugs always come in handy, so I have spare.
Wrapping Up
The Range bag is like a big Swiss Army Knife at the range. Some items you’ll use regularly, and some you’ll just be very glad you have with you when something doesn’t go as planned. All items are there to help ensure reliable and safe operation of a rifle. They also give you the ability to do some maintenance if required at the range. In most cases, it is not your rifle that would need the tools and the gear, but your fellow club member that needs a hand. Keep in mind, that shooting requires a clear head with a reliable apparatus that achieves good results. Frustration, loose screws/bolts and not being comfortable will lead to bad shooting and can make you have a mistake in the safety department.
For more pictures – see the Guns and Gear page above. Stay safe and have a fun shoot.