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Ar-15 soft case

January 19, 2022 // 51 minutes read

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Best AR-15 Soft Case - Bugoutbill.com

Ar-15 soft case

Best AR-15 Soft Case - Bugoutbill.com
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Excellent protection minus the hassle of a heavy hard case? Take your pick among these great soft cases.

Let’s admit it: you won’t always need a heavy hard case for your AR-15. For short trips to the range, or even for storage and keeping dust at bay, a good soft case is all you need. 

We’ve taken our time buying, testing, and rating 10 of the best soft cases in the market, and we were surprised to learn that they’re not just simple rifle sleeves.

In this comprehensive review, we’re covering:

  • The soft cases’ extra features;
  • Cases for every need and use;
  • All of their pros and cons;
  • How these soft cases performed alongside each other;
  • Lots more!

Whatever your budget or preference is, we’ve pretty much found one for you as we’re shooters different from each other, as well!

Ready to go out with a bang?

Let’s get it on!

Introduction

If the thought that soft cases are nothing but flimsy fabrics to cover your rifle with keeps you from getting one, let me tell you that I wasn’t much different.

That’s why…

I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are so many good soft rifle cases on the market that offer more features than I knew what to use for!

Most of these outstanding soft cases have exterior pockets where you can store your magazines and even other accessories that you want easy access to. 

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

But aside from all these pockets and straps, we also had our eyes open for their material, durability, zipper quality, and padding protection. 

We got more than ten soft cases, but not all of them passed our tests. 

Read on to see what works for your needs and preferences. 

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1 - Best Heavy Duty AR -15 Soft Case- Editor’s Choice Award

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

Editors Choice - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

10

Build in Quality

10

Durability

9

Versatility

10

Features

9

Bottom Line: A heavy-duty soft rifle case with lots of useful exterior pockets and internal velcro to secure your rifle wherever you go.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

If you’re looking for the cream of the crop among all soft gun cases on the market, then our Editor’s Choice case is worth considering.

It’s the strongest option that we’ve found as it has almost everything that makes up a soft case that you can confidently depend on.

And we’ve seen this credibility even before opening the package.

For one…

The package felt quite heavy, which I found strange at first. But then I figured that it’s so securely packed that the packaging is even heavier than the actual soft rifle case!

Another cool thing about its packaging is that it wasn’t folded up like most bags and cases that I’ve bought. As a result, it comes to you in a pure, pristine condition. Untouched and flawless.

It comes in a big, long box and could actually pass up as a guitar case at first look as it doesn’t look overly tactical like most soft rifle cases.

That’s quite advantageous if you’re not the kind to broadcast to the world that you’re carrying a rifle or if you just don’t want your anti-gun neighbors to know.

The outside may look simple and basic…

But it’s actually very practically designed for comfort. Starting with its carry handle, it’s padded, so I was actually able to hold it for an extended period of time without hurting my palm. 

If you’re not the carry handle type, you can always make use of its adjustable shoulder strap that’s situated at the backside of the gun case.

It hangs vertically and is a little slanted on your back with the shoulder strap, so it sure looks like a guitar or a violin case!

On the flip side…

You’ll find four external pockets for your magazines and other extra accessories along with an extra pocket with no flap or closure, maybe for your papers or the like. 

Now, the thing with these pockets is they’re kind of inconsistent with their sizes. That could either be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your needs. 

Moreover, these pockets have velcro strips as a closure. Now, the little inconvenience that I’ve encountered with these pouches is the bigger ones tend to be so deep and the flaps so long that sometimes my magazine is in danger of falling from the pocket even with the flap closed. 

Now, if you’re in a state that requires your magazine to be hidden in a closed pouch or pocket, this could very well be a disadvantage to you. I wish the velcro strips could have been longer or bigger to allow for more adjustments. 

It has little loops at either end, so you can also hang it if not in use. Now, that’s a very thoughtful little detail. Kudos!

Oh, and it also has a little velcro strip under the carrying handle so you can stick your favorite badge on it.

And speaking of velcro…

Another outstanding little detail is the strong velcro. And I mean really strong as it takes a considerable amount of energy to open them up. That’s a good thing if you have careful hands.

And looking further at the smaller details, the outer seams are piped and even double-stitched. Small detail, but it only goes to show this brand’s attention to the important elements that make up a good soft rifle bag.

And it doesn’t end there.

Going to the interior, it fully opens up. Meaning: it can lay flat, and I consider that one of the most important features that I always look for when buying AR 15 soft cases.

I’m sure most of you have already noticed it, but if your rifle fits just snugly in the bag and the bag can’t lay flat, taking the rifle out could cause stress on either the zipper or your gun itself. 

That’s the reason I find full zippers so convenient and just pleasant to have in a soft case. 

The interior is as roomy as it can get that some people even see it as a disadvantage as they don’t know what to do with the excess space. 

It can easily fit a rifle with a scope mounted and still have an allowance space. 

On the other hand…

Despite its spacious interior, it even has considerably thick padding. The soft case’s EVA foam padding measures about ½ inch thick, which is far from bulky and just enough to protect your rifle when it’s being moved or transported. 

In addition to that, it also has velcro straps inside that hold the rifle in place to keep it from moving around when you’re traveling. Let me tell you that not many soft gun cases have this feature, and that makes this a standout product. 

As for the zippers…

They’re an integral part of a good bag (any kind of bag, really), so we also take our time to check them out. 

These aren’t YKK zippers, but they feel sturdy. What’s cooler is that the case has 2-way zippers, so you can conveniently open it on either side. But the main idea behind it is so that it can be lockable. 

Yep, that’s right.

As a matter of fact, each zipper has a loop where you can stick your cable or lock. They’re also big enough to accommodate whatever the size of your lock or cable is. 

Now, the problem with the zipper is that whenever I opened it fully and laid it flat, it was difficult to zip it back up, and there were even times when I thought the zippers would finally give up.

Thankfully…

They didn’t, but it’s still a bit inconvenient and gave me anxiety. 

Aside from having three sizes to choose from, this baby is also available in Obsidian Black, Flat Dark Earth Tan, Olive Drab Green, and SW Gray to fit your personality or style. 

And the best thing about this soft rifle bag by Savior?

An unquestioned Lifetime Warranty amazingly backs it, so you can always have yours replaced or returned whatever your reason is!

Related: Best AR-15 Soft

2 - Best Budget AR 15 Soft Case- Best Value Award

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

Best Value - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

10

Build in Quality

9

Durability

8

Versatility

8

Features

9

Bottom Line: If you have a limited budget but don’t want to sacrifice good quality, this VISM soft gun case is your best bet.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

Before you get a soft case with questionable quality with your limited budget, let me show you how you don’t really have to sacrifice good quality for the sake of budget.

I’m saying this because we’ve just found our Best Value soft rifle case that satisfied our criteria while staying within the budget. 

I’m talking about the NcSTAR VISM padded soft case.

I got it for less than most soft cases in this list but it’s not the cheapest that I’ve had. I also got a few other cheap soft cases but none of them have quality as great as this one.

It came in a quite unimpressive manner, though.

Unlike the Editor’s Choice Savior soft case, this one disappointingly came folded so the foam padding inside was kind of disturbed. Thankfully it wasn’t separated but if you’re sensitive about the padding in your bag, then you may want to take note of this.

But then, things got much better, thankfully.

Its handles aren’t padded, but it has a velcro strip that wraps the carry straps together to keep your hand from getting hurt so you can also most definitely hold your soft rifle case for an extended period of time. 

It’s not waterproof but the exterior’s material felt tough and won’t tear very easily, which is important if you’re carrying your rifle in a soft case.

In addition to this…

Like the Savior soft case, it also has external extra pockets; five of them. 

It’s clear that these pockets were designed for AK or AR-style mags, one for each pocket, as clearly seen by the tapered bottoms. 

But the twist is I was actually able to fit two magazines in one pocket, although the only downside to it is that the two don’t stack or load that evenly. 

Another thing that bothered me a little is the flap. All five pockets share one flap, a long one that covers all of them. It’s not much of a big deal though, but some users found that a bit inconvenient, too.

As for the straps…

It doesn’t have backpack straps, sadly. But it has a detachable shoulder strap.

It has D-rings on both ends that attach the removable shoulder strap from the bag. Obviously, you can remove the strap if you’d rather carry the soft case by hand. I like to use shoulder straps every time so I won’t have to hold anything. And by doing that, I’ve noticed a few points.

First, the strap goes on the bottom side of the bag, with the zipper opening facing down. I think it would be better and much safer if it’s the other way around, so there wouldn’t be the risk of the zipper opening and dropping the rifle inside.

Furthermore…

A D-ring also goes on your shoulder and there were quite a few times where it kind of hurt, as the ring is made of metal. It didn’t happen often though and you just have to make sure to make your load light so it doesn’t cause stress on your shoulder.

But if you can ignore these tradeoffs, removable straps are actually very convenient, especially if you’re not carrying a heavy load.

Regarding the zipper…

It doesn’t have the dependable YKK zippers but they felt really sturdy, even sturdier than the Savior soft case. 

This one fully opens and can lay flat, which is really great. But unlike the Editor’s Choice, I didn’t have any trouble zipping it back up. It was easy and smooth.

The interior is much plainer than the Savior soft case. You can fit only one rifle but with the scope on and uncollapsed, so it’s still cool.

Despite the lack of interior features, it’s very well-padded. The thick padding protected my rifle and kept it from being damaged even if I managed to bump it around quite a few times during transport. 

And I think that’s all that really matters when it comes to soft cases, honestly.

And it doesn’t end there.

The interior’s material also has this “felt” material feel so it won’t scratch or damage your rifle at all.

Now, the bummer is that if you have attachments on the sides of your gun, you better remove them first before fitting the gun in this case, otherwise, it won’t safely and snugly fit at all.

Another thing to take note of…

Is the sizing issue. I didn’t know it then but turned out, many users also noticed the inaccuracy in the sizing of this case. So you’ll do well to order at least 3 to 4 inches up for your rifle to fit just right with a little allowance.

It comes in more sizes and colors (and prints, too!) than the Editor’s Choice, which is really great. I got the ACU Digital prints design first and then the Tan variety two weeks later for a more neutral option.

3 - Best AR 15 Soft Case With Backpack- Top Pick Award

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

Top Pick - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

9

Build in Quality

8

Durability

8

Versatility

10

Features

10

Bottom Line: Great and unique features define this soft rifle casing with its removable internal divider which lets you carry two rifles in only one bag.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

Next off is the case that has beaten other soft rifle cases in terms of features, making it this review’s Top Pick.

Going straight into its strong points, this soft case by Huntsen lets you carry not one but two rifles. 

That’s because of its padded divider that’s also removable. That’s to this unique feature, you won’t have to worry about your two rifles scratching against each other while you’re on the move. 

Though padded, this divider is kind of thin but I wasn’t very worried about that because it’s doing its job which is effectively separating the two rifles inside the case. 

As for the shipping…

It’s quite a shame that it’s folded in three parts in shipping. It didn’t affect the foam inside but it caused a few creases on the exterior and it took a while for these creases to disappear, which was such a bummer. But then, if you’re all about functionality, then it would be no big deal at all.

I’ve seen some people complain about its sizing, much like on our Best Value soft case and indeed, if I hadn’t ordered a size up, I would have gotten short of space for my rifles. 

That’s why…

You need to make sure to accurately measure your rifle first before ordering this one.

Now, if you can get past that, everything gets much better.

Like the VISM soft case, this has a detachable strap so you can wear it as a sling bag or even as a backpack. 

Well, not a literal backpack but unlike the first two cases we’ve reviewed, this one didn’t feel awkward as a sling bag at all because it hangs vertically very well on your back, although the D-rings that attach the strap to the bag are also metal and may feel uncomfortable against your skin or back. 

As for the material…

You’d be glad to know that it has a water resistant outer shell all thanks to its thick and tough polyester material, so your rifle stays dry and safe inside even if you had to go through a little downpour or water splashes.

It has 3 equally-sized magazine pouches and like the Best Value soft case, all three of these pouches are also covered by a single flap, which is kind of a bummer too. 

Despite that…

The pockets are reasonably sized and can actually fit two magazines inside. The tradeoff is the velcro, though, as it’s not very generously sized and when your bag is tipped down, the magazines could push their way out of the velcro-shut pockets.

I just wish the closure was a little bit bigger so it’s more dependable.

Now, the excitement begins…

After you open this baby up!

First off, it can fully open and lay flat, which is really great because it will keep the stress off from your rifle and the zipper of the bag.

It has double zippers but no hoops so I was only able to use small to medium-sized locks as you’ll have to attach the lock to the zipper itself instead of a hoop which would be much bigger and can hold a chunky or bigger lock.

Inside, it’s still padded, just like the first two cases so you can rest assured that it will protect your rifles against harsh bumps when on the move. 

And it doesn’t end here.

As I’ve mentioned before, you can store not one but two rifles inside! Aside from the removable divider, you also have four internal straps to hold your two rifles, with two straps for each side.

The only trouble I encountered with its interior is that these straps were too long that the rifles were still able to move inside whenever the case was being moved. 

It could have been shorter and tighter so the rifles won’t move at all. Thankfully, it has the divider so the guns didn’t scratch each other’s surfaces.

Another cool feature I like about this…

Is the Molle webbing system on the case’s exterior as it lets me attach other tactical pouches and even gear to the bag. One of these was my ear protection which didn’t fit in the magazine pockets so I had it strapped on the Molle webbing.

And did I mention how agreeable its price was? 

Now, it’s not overly durable like the higher priced ones but if you’re a weekend warrior who just needs something to protect your rifles as you go from your car to the field, then this is your best bet. 

Give it good care and that’s when it will last for years. 

4 - Best Easy to Carry AR-15 Soft Case

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY GIRL

Value for Money

9

Build in Quality

9

Durability

9

Versatility

8

Features

9

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an AR-15 case for a girl that’s not obnoxiously designed, this very easy-to-carry soft case is your best bet.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

Looking for a soft case to match your Muddy Girl rifle? Or perhaps a gift for a sister or wife?

We’ve found just what you need. This Muddy Girl pattern soft rifle case is fast becoming a crowd favorite (no bad reviews!) thanks to its excellent quality and design.

It’s packed just right without any of those annoying creases. If you want a case that doesn’t scream “Look at me, I’m a gun case,” then this is also for you as it barely looks anything like a gun carrier at all, add to that its cool print.

Speaking of print…

It has the ever-favorite Muddy Girl design with the iconic violet and pink camo design, which makes it a favorite among girly gun owners.

But don’t be fooled. We loved how it doesn’t look obnoxiously girly at all! As a matter of fact, I was even able to use it going to the range about three times since I got it. It looks professional and badass but still fun and unique.

What cooler…

Is its material which is a very heavy-duty ballistic nylon. That makes it scratch and tear-resistant. It could catch on the nail and still, you won’t go home with a torn bag.

And it doesn’t end there because it’s also water-resistant. Now, if you’re looking for waterproof soft rifle cases, this might not be it as it certainly won’t keep your rifle from being wet in case you dunk it in the lake (but who does that?).

On the other hand…

If it’s just water splashes and perhaps a light drizzle, then you’re all good and your baby will most definitely come home safe and dry. 

The carry strap isn’t as impressive as the first three cases as it doesn’t have a velcro strip or padding but that’s no big deal for me. 

Going further down…

You have 4 external pouches for your magazines and it was actually able to fit most of my extra mags. You can also put other gear and accessories in it such as your cleaning materials and eye protection.

These pouches have velcro closures.

Now, the zipper was alright but we thought it was a bit strangely located. Nevertheless, it felt fairly sturdy and three months on, it still doesn’t have any damage to it.

My favorite thing about it? It’s how it fully opens, too! 

The interior is rather plain with barely anything to take note of.

But wait…

Despite that, it has thick padding that’s around 2 and ¼ inches thick so you can rest assured that your rifle won’t get broken with just a single bump.

Though not pictured, its strap is also removable, giving you more options to wear or carry it.

Now, I was able to successfully fit my rifle in it with a mounted scope. Yes, conveniently, you won’t have to remove your scope for it to fit without any stress but aside from that, you’ll have to dismount any other attachments out of the rifle. 

Overall, it’s lightweight and very easy to carry but at the same time also offers great protection against damage during transport and that easily brings this fun case at the top of our list!

5 - Best Elegant AR 15 Soft Case

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

Value for Money

9

Build in Quality

9

Durability

9

Versatility

10

Features

8

Bottom Line: A very tactical-looking range bag that excels on good materials with its 600 denier polyester and waterproof PVC coating.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

This next rifle case seems to be the boss of all range bags with its unmistakable badass looks and design.

If you don’t mind having a very tactical-looking rifle case, then this camouflaged soft rifle case from G GATRIAL is the one for you.

It only has one design and two sizes to choose from but its excellent quality and built more than make up for it and if you’re all about quality instead of looks or features you’ll love this bad guy.

Let me go into the wonderful details.

First off, its materials are like no other on this list. It has 600 denier polyester fabric for its exterior so it’s fairly scratch and tear-resistant.

And it doesn’t crease very easily too and that makes it very great for rugged use. Mountain hunting? Outdoor field shooting? Bring it on!

But that’s not everything.

This 600D polyester is further reinforced by its PVC coating which then effectively makes it waterproof.

Yes, not just water-resistant but waterproof.

Its carry handles aren’t padded, it seems like a rare feature anyway (kudos to the Editor’s Choice!), but this one is reinforced with a velcro strip so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable to the hands even when I had to hold it for an hour straight on one occasion.

Like the ones that we used and reviewed, this military-looking case also has exterior pouches to put your mags and accessories in.

You have plenty of pockets with 5 of them in total and are closed with a velcro closure which is also fairly strong enough to hold mags even if you happen to turn the bag upside down.

Wondering about the zippers?

Still, not YKK zippers but they also feel sturdy and are actually still whole and undamaged. They’re also fairly sized and best of all, come with loops to hook your lock on! I was able to use my chunky lock for this without any problem. 

Also, it fortunately fully opens and lays flat so you can easily take your arms and accessories out without damaging either the zippers or your rifle.

Inside…

Your rifle and scope are perfectly safe as this doesn’t only have an open cell external foam padding but an internal one too. The external one even acts as a shock absorber so you wouldn’t have to worry about your favorite rifle breaking in case you accidentally bang it against the wall or something. 

What’s a bit regrettable is the absence of internal straps. In terms of security, this bag nails it almost perfectly with the well-thought design and materials, if only it has internal straps to hold the rifle inside safely.

But then again, its protective materials more than make up for it anyway.

In case you might be wondering…

The versatility of this soft case is also quite impressive as it’s able to fit most types of rifles that I have. AR-15? Carbine? M4? No problem!

But take note:

Despite its great versatility, you might encounter an issue with the size if you’re not careful. You’d do well to order a few sizes up for your rifle to be cushioned comfortably inside.

But then, another cool thing is once you get the right size, you can also fit your rifle even when it’s mounted with a scope and some other attachments thanks to its wide width.

Yes, you’ve read that right!

It may seem like a very small detail but honestly, nothing beats simply taking out your perfectly ready rifle and going straight to the game without having to assemble anything.

Other cool small but well-thought-out details are the D-ring that lets you hang this baby up at home or for storage so it won’t get disfigured due to wrong storage and also the ID box displayed on the outside of the case where you can put your identification in and keep it from getting lost.

6 - Best Lockable AR 15 Soft Case

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

Value for Money

10

Build in Quality

8

Durability

8

Versatility

8

Features

7

Bottom Line: A basic bag for the range that’s perfect if you’re not looking for anything fancy. It has a total of 1 ½ thick foam padding that protects your rifle all around.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

If you don’t want all the bells and whistles mentioned in the previous cases that we’ve reviewed, then what you need is a basic straightforward soft case that excels in quality. 

And speaking of quality and protection, that’s where this Bulldog rifle case kind of nailed it. 

First off…

Its good packaging instantly screamed “green flag” to me as the soft case was packed in a nice flat box and wasn’t folded at all. 

If you consider the fact that this case is for light to medium use, it would be such a shame if it’d be creased so I appreciate how thoughtfully it’s packed so it’s preserved in a pristine condition. 

Everything’s plain, I’m telling you. Whether that’s a positive or negative thing depends on the user but as I’ve mentioned, you’ll love it if you’re looking for a basic soft case that will keep your rifle safe while stored at home or going to and from the range.

It has a nylon carry handle which isn’t anything special either. No padding and no velcro so it’s clearly for light to medium use as your hand would most probably hurt if you’d try to hold it with a heavy rifle inside for a long period of time. 

On the other hand…

I can confidently say that its material is dependable. 

Its outer shell is made of ballistic nylon so it’s scratch and tear-resistant. But moreover, it also has a water-resistant coating so unless you throw your rifle bag into the lake or pool, it’ll stay safe and dry.

But no kidding…

In case you accidentally dropped it in the lake, this material is supposed to float. Fortunately, I haven’t got the chance to test that feature yet but it might be useful for you in the future. 

Unlike the previous cases, this guy doesn’t have any pockets on it. No exterior and interior ones. It’s just literally a sleeve but with good padding at that.

That being said, the exterior is as neat as can be, perfect for a no-nonsense style and preference.

Now, take note…

Because I’ve seen lots of users who got this wrong. 

On its page, the manufacturer clearly said that you have to reduce 2 inches off from its stated size, to get the interior size.

So if you have a 38 inches rifle, you shouldn’t get the 40 inches case as it’d most probably be 38 inches inside, too. Instead, get the next size which is 44 inches.

That’s why I can’t stress enough how important it is to double-check the measurements of your rifle before ordering a case. 

Now into the interior…

It has absolutely nothing inside, not even a strap. But your rifle would be surrounded by a total of 1 ½ inch padding all around it. This foam padding will absorb the bumps and shock while you’re on the move. 

The zipper felt wonderful. It’s easy and smooth and the bag lays flat!

In case you’re wondering…

You can most definitely fit an uncollapsed gun inside and with its scope mounted. But then, do also take note that it still depends on the scope. The bag is narrower than the others on this list, so there would be certain (chunky) scopes that wouldn’t fit, especially if it’s located by the fore-end of the bag instead of the wide part. 

This bag doesn’t come with a shoulder strap but it does have a webbing and a hard plastic hook to let you hang it with the rifle inside for storage.

Keep in mind…

That this isn’t for heavy-duty so if you’re planning to take out heavier guns and gear, you’d be better off with a thicker and stronger case. 

But if you’re looking for one to protect your rifle as you go to and from the range, or just keep it from dust while in storage, this is your best bet. 

Oh, and it’s also available in black and a nice shade of green with tan handles. I got the latter as it looked unique and I haven’t seen any soft case with that color yet. 

7 - Best AR 15 Soft Case for Hunting

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

Value for Money

10

Build in Quality

9

Durability

9

Versatility

10

Features

10

Bottom Line: A very heavy-duty gun case with backpack straps and lots of interior and exterior pockets that can fit 2 rifles and 2 handguns along with tools and accessories.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

If you’re in it for a boss of a bag, then this heavy-duty Huntsen case is for you. 

Truly outstanding among all soft rifle cases on the market today, this Huntsen rifle case is built to be semi-rigid and that alone sets it apart from the others on this list. 

But that’s not the only impressive thing here.

In fact, there’s just so much to explore. 

Starting with the packaging, the bag arrived safe and pristine. The options are kind of few with only two sizes and three colors to choose from (army green, black, and khaki). 

As a relief, we found out that its sizing is accurate, with only more or less an inch of a difference. It’s true to its size so you won’t have to worry about any size confusion. But still, it won’t hurt to be extra careful and still take measurements. 

Starting with the foundation of this bag, one of the first things I’ve noticed is its stitching, which was just divine.

It’s double-stitched and reinforced in the right places. And as I’ve previously mentioned, it’s not just your average soft rifle case. It’s also semi-rigid so you won’t have to worry about using it for heavy-duty arms and gear. 

It’s built to work hard. 

Its exterior is just as amazing. The material is a durable polyester and it’s water-resistant (not waterproof!). This double gun case isn’t invincible but it also won’t gain scratch and tear very easily. 

It has carry handles with reinforced nylon that holds the straps together so it would feel more comfortable in your hands. 

Unfortunately, there’s a noticeable absence here and it’s the lack of a shoulder strap. So yep, there’s no option for a sling bag. 

But on the other hand…

It has removable backpack straps which really more than make up for it. I’ve seen only a few good AR 15 soft cases with removable back straps and this is one of them. 

Not only that, but these back straps are connected by sturdy D-hoops and are padded so your shoulders won’t get very sore even if your case is heavy. 

Now onto the most exciting part. 

It has lots of pockets. And I mean lots, literally.

Let’s start with the external ones. First off, you’ll see 2 zippered pockets at either end of the case. You can use that for your papers or other stuff that needs a secured storage. 

In between these 2 pockets are 3 pouches. There are 2 smaller pouches and then a big one. And I tell you, they’re one of the most secured external pockets I’ve ever seen.

Not only do they close with velcro but each one of them has its own adjustable compression strap and even additional buckles to hold everything inside the pockets so they won’t spill out when you hoist the bag up and back as a backpack. 

Isn’t that very clever?

But aside from that, these pouches are also satisfyingly roomy inside so I was able to stuff more tools and additional gear in it. Perfect for a long day of hunting or shooting!

Now, let’s go to the interior. 

It’s quite detailed inside. You can put one or two rifles in it all at the same time as it comes with a removable divider that you can also use as a mat. 

As a result, I was able to load 2 scoped rifles without them touching and scratching each other. 

And as if that’s not enough, it also has hook and loop internal straps that hold the rifles inside so they won’t move about while traveling or walking. 

What’s cooler is these straps have velcro all over them so you can adjust how tight you want them to hold your rifles. 

Now let’s go back outside of this compartment because it doesn’t end there.

As a matter of fact, you get not only the rifle compartment but another smaller compartment that’s meant to hold 2 handguns aside from the 2 rifles! I used it to bring my 2 best pistols with me on a long shooting day.

In case you’re wondering, both the rifle and the pistol stayed more than snugly inside with an allowance space to boot. Now, despite the excess space, the guns didn’t move around at all thanks to the straps. 

All this goodness is bound by a compression strap that holds the whole back securely so it won’t fall all over the place when it’s on your back. 

Another great thing is it also has lockable zipper sliders, though they can only accommodate small to medium locks. 

As if all these pockets and pouches are not enough…

You can also attach additional tactical pouches to it all thanks to its Molle webbings!

The tradeoff? Because of all these amazing features, you might find this bit too heavy for comfort. Heck, it’s even heavier than some of my rifles!

8 - Best Spacious AR 15 Soft Case

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

Value for Money

9

Build in Quality

9

Durability

8

Versatility

8

Features

9

Bottom Line: The perfect choice if you’re looking for a roomy soft case that can also handle and withstand lots of weight.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY: 

Next up is from LUXHMOX and it’s very much like the Huntsen one with very few but significant differences.

Without further ado, what got me is the quality of the material used. 

Get this…

It’s 900 Denier nylon, which is pretty much thicker than most cases in this list, so it’s unquestionably scratch and tear-resistant. 

And it can definitely handle a lot of weight.

That being said, it’s quite heavy too, even much heavier than some guns or rifles. Only a few shooters I know would mind it. After all, most of the time, weight does equal quality. 

But is the quality worth it?

It came packaged nicely and without any crease or damage. The bag did feel hefty and it had lots of hidden pockets, more than what I’d know what to do with them.

The exterior is much like the Huntsen one. You’ll see two zippered pockets on either side of the facade where you can keep any extra important stuff that you still want to have within easy reach.

Between these zippered pockets are three exterior pockets with strong velcro closures that are meant as magazine compartments. Aside from the velcro, they also have straps and buckles for added security. 

And heck, even these smaller pockets are still roomy!

The handles are of standard quality but it has backpack straps that are also padded for comfort. For a case this heavy, it’s definitely a plus to be able to use it as a backpack. 

On the other hand…

The zippers felt kind of stiff but thankfully, they’re still currently okay. Moreover, they’re two-way and lockable, which is also a plus.

Now, the highlight of the case is its very roomy interior. 

It has a padded divider that you can also use as a shooting mat. I was able to fit two scoped rifles inside without any hassle.

And it doesn’t end there.

Aside from the rifle compartment, it has another smaller zippered compartment that you can use to store two handguns or any additional shooting gear and accessories!

And in case all these pockets are still not enough, you’re given a Molle webbing system on the exterior to attach more tactical pouches, too!

9 - Best Durable AR 15 Soft Case

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

Value for Money

8

Build in Quality

8

Durability

9

Versatility

8

Features

8

Bottom Line: A medium to light-duty straightforward soft gun case with 3 exterior pockets and an adjustable sling strap.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

If you care about the brand and integrity of your range gear and accessories, I’m pretty sure the name Smith & Wesson is not a stranger to you. 

This straightforward single-rifle case has a big Smith & Wesson logo on the front, in case it matters to you.

What’s interesting about this one is the wrap-around strap that also comes up as the handles so you’d know that these straps won’t be coming off anytime soon. It also has a velcro reinforcement to make carrying it a breeze.

It’s made from ballistic nylon, which is a pretty tough material too. 

In addition to that…

It also has a zippered pocket on the front which was surprisingly bigger than any on this list. Beside it is a generous amount of 5 exterior pockets for your magazines, though they’re not wide enough for my ear protection and other bigger gear. 

The main compartment is double-zippered and what’s cooler is it has hoops to attach your lock into or just pull for easier opening.

The interior is pretty much plain. There are no internal straps, unfortunately, so a snug fit is better. But it does have padding all over so your rifle is still protected even if it bounces around your car going to the range. 

That’s why…

I mentioned that it’s for light to medium weight. It’s not flimsy but by the looks of it, it won’t be able to handle a heavier load. Still, the paddings felt pretty thick and satisfying. 

So if you’re a weekend warrior and are just looking for something to protect your gun when going to the range, this could be your best bet.

10 - Best Versatile AR 15 Soft Case

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

Value for Money

9

Build in Quality

9

Durability

10

Versatility

8

Features

9

Bottom Line: A well-designed gun soft case with a lot of customizability with its generous number of loops, straps, and pockets.

Pros

Cons

SUMMARY:

It might look too basic or too pretty to be badass on the outside. But open this UTGHomeland Security Covert Gun Case and you’ll see a thousand (okay, that’s a bit exaggerated) ways for personalization. 

First off…

It came in a nice flat box so it’s not folded up at all. Kudos to that!

As I’ve said, you might find it looking too uninteresting and basic. But that’s because everything’s hidden inside.

Yes, you’ve read that right!

So if we’re to rate it in terms of discretion, it would be like 12/10!

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a case that looks expensive or elegant, you’ll love this muted sophisticated design. 

There’s nothing on its 600D polyester exterior shell except for the brand’s logo and a little plastic patch for an ID, which is a great little detail too. 

There’s a long-zippered compartment on the front which opens up to lots of loops and pockets.

And this is where the excitement begins.

Inside this compartment are 4 magazine pouches with velcro closure. Though they’re not as wide as the others, they sure are plenty enough. 

And it doesn’t end there because you’re also given lots of loops to put your pistols or any attachments in. Just thinking of the possibilities of customization in this area made me sweat with thrill!

That’s not the main attraction, though, but it sure is my favorite feature. 

Next off is the main compartment. 

It’s fully padded and to tell you, the padding felt really plush so I knew that my rifles would be safe even in the roughest of roads. 

There are retention straps inside which are fully adjustable, amazingly so you can tighten and loosen their hold to your rifle as you like. 

You can fit one rifle and still have lots of space left but I was able to fit 2 M4 rifles without the optics attached. 

In addition to that…

I’ve also used this for an SKS with its stock detached.

For comfort, it has backpack straps that also felt pretty soft and comfy. They’re also fully adjustable.  

Buyer's Guide:
How To Choose The Best AR-15 Soft Rifle Case

What are the things to consider when buying a soft rifle bag?

Buying a good rifle case that can protect your rifle from damage while being comfortable and light enough to hold isn’t as simple as choosing the biggest or the most attractive one. 

Below are some of the most important things you want to keep your eyes open for when getting your own soft case.

Size and dimensions

Before choosing a size, never forget to measure your rifle first, even if you’re sure you already know its dimensions. Then, it mostly depends on the case; sometimes the sizing is accurate and sometimes it’s not. But if it’s the latter case, make sure to get at least 2 inches bigger so your rifle can fit just right.

Add one inch more if you want a space allowance.

This might surprise you

But there are actually a great number of shooters who are always being caught by surprise upon discovering that their guns aren’t able to fit inside the case with the optics on!

That’s why if you want to be wiser, you mustn’t forget to include your optics in the measurement, especially if you always use one and want a case that lets you store the gun without having to dismount the optics.

Then, measure the height of the rifle together with the scope and compare it with the case’s width.

Material

There are so many soft cases to choose from on the market but not all of them could come out of many different conditions unharmed. 

If you can, make sure to choose a scratch- and tear-resistant case with a tough exterior that won’t tear in a simple accident.

And as a cherry on top…

It’s much better if it’s water-resistant or waterproof, as well!

Padding

It’s not just the exterior that’s important to survey. The interior of a soft case matters just as much too. It’s mostly where the protective padding for your rifle is situated. 

Avoid a flimsy case. You’d know one with just one touch. 

Instead, get one with thick padding so that you can confidently move around with your rifle without worrying about damage whenever you inevitably bump it against surfaces.

Zipper

Small details matter. A zipper is a very integral part of your rifle case as it’s literally what’s holding your gun from falling out and on the ground.

As we all know, YKK zippers are the best. But if it’s of a different brand, it’s still okay as long as it’s not flimsy and it’s smooth and easy to slide.

Zippers are usually the first to go so make sure to do your research and see about the bag’s zippers’ quality before getting one.

Aside from that…

You’d also do well to choose one that’s big and can fit any size of locks, or one with hoops.

You just don’t simply trust your valuable rifle to a small and flimsy lock, do you? So go and get a case with zippers that can handle a heavy-duty lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can an AR-15 fit in a backpack?

A - If we’re talking about the standard backpack, then no, it won’t fit, even if you collapse the rifle.

Question 2: 36 vs 42-inch AR 15 Cases - Which one is better?

A - 36 AND 42 inches are the most popular choices for an AR-15. From then, it will depend on your preference, if you want a snug or loose fit.

Question 3: Are soft rifle cases any good?

A - It really depends on your needs. You definitely won’t need a heavy hard case all the time, so a good, easy-to-carry soft case is great as long as it’s a well-designed one. Some even have backpack straps for added comfort.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Best AR-15 Soft Case - Bugoutbill.com
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Value for Money

The first metric refers to the overall value and quality of the product in relation to its price. Most of these soft cases gave more than what we paid for, led by the Best Value NcStar VISM soft case!

Value for Money Rating

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

100%

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

100%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

100%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

100%

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

90%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

90%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY

90%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

90%

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

90%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

80%

Build in Quality

Your rifle case should be as precious as your rifle itself as it’s the one that will hold it to safety. One unfortunate tear can cause it to drop and break if the case is not built well. That’s why we’ve also kept our eyes open for the overall build in quality and materials of these cases. 

Build in Quality Rating

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

100%

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

90%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY

90%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

90%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

90%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

90%

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

90%

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

80%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

80%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

80%

Durability

Not all of these cases came cheap, so we’d like it if they’d last long. Durability is the cases’ ability to withstand any condition it’s put in. 

Durability Rating

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

100%

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

90%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY

90%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

90%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

90%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

90%

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

80%

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

80%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

80%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

80%

Versatility

Versatility Rating

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

100%

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

100%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

100%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

100%

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

80%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY

80%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

80%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

80%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

80%

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

80%

Features

How exciting it was to see that we got more than what we paid for! Most of these soft cases came not only with the function of being a gun sleeve but a lot more!

Features Rating

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

100%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

100%

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

90%

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

90%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY

90%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

90%

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

90%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

80%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

80%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

70%

Our Final Verdict: Best AR-15 Soft Case

We’ve done all the hard work for you, including the buying and the testing and we’ve rounded them all up so you can choose according to your needs. Below are the AR-15 soft cases’ final scores.

Best AR-15 Soft Case Overall

Savior Equipment The Patriot 35" 41" 45" Single Scoped Long Rifle Case

96%

HUNTSEN Rifle Case Soft

96%

HUNTSEN Rifle Bag

90%

G GATRIAL Rifle-Case-Soft

90%

UTG Homeland Security Covert Gun Case

90%

NcSTAR VISM Deluxe Padded

88%

BULLDOG CASES MUDDY GIRL

88%

LUXHMOX Double Long Soft

86%

Bulldog Cases Pit Bull Rifle Case

82%

M&P by Smith & Wesson Duty

82%

Conclusion: Best AR-15 Soft Case

Best AR-15 Soft Case - Bugoutbill.com
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The best AR-15 soft case isn’t the biggest nor the one with the most pockets. 

It’s the one that answers most of your needs. 

If your need is all about durability and only the basic features…

The best overall, our chosen Editor’s Choice Savior Equipment The Patriot is the one for you. Surprisingly, it didn’t cost us an arm and a leg either, which most creams of the crop do. 

On the other hand…

If you’re on a tight budget, you need not sacrifice quality because our Best Value NcStar VISM case gave more than what we paid for and at a very satisfying price at that!

Aside from these, we’ve found cases that are perfect for hunting, long trips, and heavy-duty use, if that’s what you’re looking for. 

There are literally many different kinds of “best” so it’s important to determine what you need first. 

Have you made the choice yet? Let us know what you think!

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About Author

Bug Out Bill is an adventurer and survivor through and through. From the time he was just a little boy (Bug Out Willie) running and jumping through the backwoods of the rocky mountains in Colorado, to the man he is today. Backpacking through South America, scaling two 26,000+ ft peaks, sailing across the Mediterranean, surviving a near death 50 foot fall with very little food while waiting 6 days to be rescued in the wilderness, and everything in between. No wonder he wants to Bug Out, hahaha. BO Bill is truly a passionate outdoorsman when it comes to living life to the fullest with no boundaries. The way we were meant to live and survive. He shares that passion here with you in his writing and sharing. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Bug Out Bill website. . Now Bug Out!

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