From Canadian designer/manufacturer The Requirements Group (TRG) comes undoubtedly one of the largest, and most capable range/patrol bags available. The “Range Bag” offers enough pockets, sleeves, and space that if Batman himself needed a dual range/patrol bag for the Batmobile—this would be it.
Constructed overall of 600D Cordura with closed-cell padded foam, the included rigid inserts/dividers provide customizable storage space to the main storage compartment and assist the bag overall in maintaining its integrity when fully loaded. The range bag can be carried either by the provided padded shoulder strap (anchored via plastic speed clips on either end), or the carrying handles that can be joined together via a padded hook-and-loop cuff. The Range Bag measures approximately 17” (L) x 10” (W) x 11.5” (H) and features reinforced “X” type stitching or bartac where needed. The range bag only comes available in Black (featured).
Exterior
On the front is one 7” (L) x 8” (H) open-ended notebook-sized pocket (with ID card window), between two 3.5” (L) x 9” (H) open-ended accessory pockets. On one end is a curved, open-ended pocket for water bottles upon which is also a secondary zipper-secured pocket for documents. The other end features five rows of MOLLE straps for added customization of other pouches, holsters, or other items.
On the rear of the range bag are two hook-and-loop straps for securing gear, and six additional MOLLE straps that run the entire length of the bag—a feature that makes securing the range bag to vehicle interiors extremely easy, or adds to the flexibility of the overall bag.
The top of the bag features an 9” (L) x 14” (H) expandable zipper-secured pouch (with 4” (L) x 13” (H) hook-and-loop field), three pen slots, and a hook-and-loop strap to secure flashlights, gloves, or batons. The main storage compartment inside the range bag is accesses from the top via an oversized “chunky” zipper designed for rugged field use—the same zipper style on the top expandable pouch.
On the bottom of the bag are four textured rubberized pads to help keep the bag from moving.
Interior
On the inside of the range bag lid is one small, zipper-secured accessory pouch (5” (L) x 6” (H)), one small hook-and-loop secured accessory pouch (5.5” (L) x 6” (H)), four pen sleeves, four individual MOLLE straps, and another hook-and-loop strap. In addition, on the inside lid is a zipper-secured pocket that runs the length of the lid and gives access to a second mesh pocket inside the pocket. Lastly, the lid also has a headrest strap that enables the bag to remain open and accessible while in a vehicle.
The main storage compartment to the range bag is fully customizable using the removable rigid dividers. This not only allows you to prioritize what needs to be protected, but how the inside of the range bag is organized.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At $118.40 the Shadow Elite Patrol Bag by TRG is well priced considering both its size, and amount of materials that go into making such a large bag. It does come in slightly under the price point of other premium styled range/patrol/gear bags of similar size from makers like Hexmag, 5.11, and others.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): When fully loaded, and you can store a lot in it, the range bag is a bit unwieldly mainly due to its size/bulk. But the padded shoulder strap helps make carrying it from vehicle to range comfortable. The “chunky” field zippers felt very smooth and slid easily.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): The use of 600D Cordura, and extensive double/bartac stitching throughout, gives the range bag a high degree of overall durability. In fact, the only things that appeared somewhat flimsy were the side plastic inserts themselves that, although rigid, were easily bent/folded. The rest of the hardware appeared well reinforced into the bag.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): The number of uses and applications to the range bag are extensive! This was the first time in memory that I was able to actually fit all my range/photography gear into one bag. Given that the MOLLE and headrest straps add to that functionality gives the range bag incredibly versatility. The only minor note here is that the headrest strap itself cannot be removed nor stored (you can slide it into a pocket to get it out-of-the-way, but then only partially close that pocket).
- Weight – Average (3/5): At 4.7 pounds (empty) the range bag is of average weight for a large premium bag, and the denier of cordura used. In comparison to the few bags of similar size on the current market, it is comparable in overall weight. While empty this 4.7 pounds is incredibly deceiving, because if one is not careful you can quickly add in a large amount of weight to it not realizing that you’ll next have to actually carry it.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://therequirementsgroup.com/she-595/
The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.