Carting gear to and from the range is one of those tasks that can spin out of control quickly. Most people who enter into the world of shooting sports end up with piles of gear they try and then discard. There’s no lack of cases and bags that might be piling up collecting dust. We recently got a Highland Tactical Vanquish range bag and think it’s something worth exploring.
What do you take to the range?
Depending on what you take to the range is going to depend on what kind of range bag you need or want. If you’re headed out to shoot for hours with 4 or 5 pistols and several hundred rounds of ammunition, you’re going to need a big bag. But what about those trips to the range that are with one or two pistols and just some basic gear?
The absolute bare bones of what I’d say you need to take to the range would be quality personal protective equipment; safety glasses and hearing protection. And, you’re going to need ammunition for your particular firearm, a firearm and possibly magazines, some targets, maybe a staple gun, and a small maintenance/cleaning kit.
The Vanquish is a perfect option for a casual trip to the range or for persons who have yet to leap to a super user status when it comes to shooting gear.
What’s the Vanquish got going for it?
The Vanquish range bag by Highland Tactical is made with the same level of quality as other Highland Tactical items we’ve had a chance to review (see: ARMOR Carry-on Suitcase and Foxtrot Backpack). The bag is constructed out of heavy duty nylon that can hold up to a beating.
The pockets
Equipped with a large main compartment with removable dividers, two side pockets, two pistol and magazine pockets, and storage pockets in the zip-top, the Vanquish has plenty of room for your gear. The total volume of the bag is 918 cubic inches and the pocket dimensions per the product specifications are as follows:
- Main Compartment: 13.5″ (L) x 8.5″ (W) x 8″ (H)
- Pistol Pockets: 11.75″ (L) x 6.75″ (H) x 2″ (D) (Fits a Glock 34 Competition)
- Side Pockets: 8″ (H) x 7.5″ (W) x 2.5″ (D)
One of the side pockets has an elastic supported netted exterior pocket and the other has an identification window perfect for a business card or range identification.
The main strap and carry handles
The main carry handles can be connected via a hook and loop fastening strap. Should you wish to use a shoulder strap instead, the Vanquish comes with a heavy duty strap that has sufficient padding.
Rubber feet keep the bag from slipping
Robust and rubber feet are affixed to the bottom of the Vanquish. These feet add stability to the bag, as well as act as a buffer between the bag’s bottom and any surfaces it’s placed on. The durability of the bag’s bottom is likely to be extended due to this feature. Further, the rubber feet will help keep your bag from slipping and sliding.
Our experiences with the Vanquish
The Vanquish is a perfect option if you’re heading to the range with one or two guns. There’s plenty of space in the bag for most of your necessities.
When hitting the range over the last few months I toted my gear in the Vanquish. I brought with me usually just one pistol, maybe two. The pistol pocket is big enough to accommodate my full size 1911. The other pocket I kept my copy of “Pistol Practice,” by John Kolis in there, along with a travel humidor loaded with some cigars.
The side compartments had plenty of room for necessities. I kept some disposable ear plugs with my stapler in one. The other side pocket, I put a new ultra soft small microfiber towel – I’ve been using microfiber car washing towels/rags on my firearms for years. I also put an accessory pouch that I have a small cleaning rod and other essentials, like a multi-tool, in one of the side pockets.
The main compartment was big enough for me to put a container of D-Lead wipes, my hearing protection, some ammunition, and a container of Hoppe’s gun oil field wipes. I also kept an UpLULA® speed loader handy in the main compartment.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Plenty of room for most necessities. Two padded lockable gun and magazine compartments. Rugged rubber feet on bottom. Made from abrasion resistant material.
Minuses: For a bag this size, might be a little pricey, however there’s way more expensive stuff on the market.
The Vanquish bag is a par for course range bag that gets the job done. The materials and construction seem to be of a high quality. This bag is coming from a company with a good reputation, Highland Tactical. I’d recommend this product to someone in the market for a range bag of this size. Perfect for new shooters or those who need a bag that’s not carrying the kitchen sink.
