In the unpredictable world we live in, having quick and efficient access to our guns and gear is more important than ever. Whether it’s for personal defense, professional duty, or just a day at the range, many are looking for ways to stay mobile with their gear.
Despite our best intentions, we often make hauling around our stuff more challenging than it needs to be. Let’s face it: lugging around a mountain of equipment can turn even the most enthusiastic among us into reluctant pack mules. I get annoyed with myself when preparing for a simple range from all the running back and forth.
The idea of “running to the range” sounds fun and easy. But then it all falls apart. After an hour of contemplating which gun should be used at the range that day, I grab a few things and head out the door. By the time I make it to the car, I decide to take my vest as well.
My range bag has eye and ear protection, but I realize I don’t have any large paper targets with me, so I run back in again. This goes on for about 30 minutes before I leave with the back of my car loaded down. I’m sure you’ve been there. Can you imagine how bad it’d be if I were trying to load up in the event of a real crisis? I shudder to think. But fear not; there are practical solutions out there.
Plastic Totes
Plastic totes are the unsung heroes of mobile storage. They come in various sizes, some with wheels, dividers, and even the ability to lock. We use totes to store all kinds of things in our garage and basement, but I never really thought of using one for all my gear. It turns out that you can find some really nice ones that are great for keeping everything organized in one place. Here are a few things to look for when picking out a storage tote for your gear.
The Wheeled Wonders
You want to find plastic totes with wheels. Gear starts to get heavy quickly, and a sturdy tote with wheels makes it easy to move. So, quit trying to pretend your backs are not hurting when you carry it, and just roll it.
Divider Delight
For those of us who love organization, totes with dividers are a dream come true. No more rummaging around for that one specific item. My grandfather used to keep everything thrown in large toolboxes. Digging around for something was his way of being organized. Growing up, I wasn’t the best at organization, but the older I get, the more organized I find myself becoming.
With dividers, you can keep your ammo separate from your magazines and your cleaning kit from your extra batteries. Everything has its place, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. Remington, Stanely, and other brands offer many options for totes with storage dividers already installed.
Locked and Loaded
Security is always a concern, especially when dealing with firearms and expensive gear. Some plastic totes come with locking mechanisms, ensuring your gear stays safe and secure. This feature is particularly useful if you’re transporting your equipment in a public or shared space. It’s easy to forget about when shopping for a new storage container, but make sure it can be locked.
Side benefits of a durable storage container
Plastic totes are versatile and can be used for much more than just storing gear. They make excellent impromptu seats, tables, or even steps when needed. Depending on how durable a container you get, they can also come in really handy as mobile pieces of furniture.
The Milwaukee Packout System
I’m not a professional contractor, but I go crazy over Milwaukee products. All I need is one little excuse during a home project to buy a new Milwaukee tool. They are the toughest tools I’ve ever used, and their Packout System is one of the best things they have ever made.
You can even buy cases with foam inserts to make custom storage for your firearms. If you want to add more gear, Milwaukee makes a Packout cooler, Bluetooth radio, and even a large water bottle that attaches to the Packout system.
Large Backpacks and Rucksacks
Sometimes, you need to carry your gear on your back, or maybe you want something a little smaller and easier to carry. Larger plastic totes are great for trucks and SUVs, but they are not always the easiest thing to stuff in a trunk. Large backpacks and rucksacks can hold a lot of gear, making it easy to grab your gear and go. You may not have as quick access to gear as a container with a lid, but it’s still a great way to keep gear in one place.
Tactical backpacks are specifically designed for military and law enforcement use, making them perfect for transporting guns and gear. Brands like 5.11 Tactical and Elite Survival Systems offer backpacks with multiple compartments, MOLLE webbing, and heavy-duty zippers.
Rucksacks are the heavy lifters of the backpack world. With larger capacities and more robust designs, they can carry everything from your rifle to your ballistic vest. Their padded shoulder straps and waist belts help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. Rucksacks from brands like Allen and Grey Ghost Gear are built to withstand the toughest conditions, ensuring your gear remains protected and accessible.
If you want cheap and durable, look for a military surplus store and you will find all kinds of storage packs and bags.
Essential Items for Mobile Storage
After deciding to put some gear in a mobile storage device, you may be wondering what type of gear should go in there. Most of us accumulate far more gear than we could ever put in one container, so we have to make tough choices about what cool gear makes the cut and which gear will continue to collect dust.
You can use this type of storage device for anything you want, but I keep it separate from my general range bag. Many of the items in my storage container are used at the range. But I specifically want this set up so I can leave quickly if needed and have all my gear with me. Here is some gear I would consider keeping in a mobile storage container:
- Extra Ammo and Magazines
- Radio
- Extra Batteries
- Cleaning Kit
- Ballistic Vest and Helmet
- Battle Belt
- Flashlights (handheld and headlamp)
- First Aid Kit
- Basic Tool kit or Multitools
- Water & Food
- Extra handgun, sub-gun, or PCC
Is your gear ready to go?
Having a mobile storage solution for your guns and gear is smart in this unpredictable world. Whether you opt for plastic totes, the Milwaukee Packout System, or large backpacks and rucksacks, the key is to find a solution. Find the best system to hold the gear you need if things go bad.
On some road trips, I like to throw my primary rifle and handgun in my suitcase, so I have everything I need in one container. However, this only works with larger containers, so there is a trade-off when it comes to size and portability.
Find what works for you, and keep only the gear you think you will need. The point is to take a few moments and decide what you can do to make life a little easier when you need to haul some gear around. Happy hauling!
