Today we’re kicking off a showdown between two different double rifle bags.
On one hand, we have the long-established brand 5.11 with its 36″ Double Rifle Case, versus the relative newcomer Savior Equipment with its 36″ Camo Urban Warfare double rifle bag. Gear vs. gear, who takes the crown? Read on as we hit tech specs, then hands-on use. It’s 5.11 vs Savior Equipment time!
TL;DR: Side-by-side hands-on test of the 5.11 36″ Double Rifle Case and the Savior Equipment 36″ Camo Urban Warfare double rifle bag — both hold two full-size rifles up to 36″, but 5.11 is lighter and streamlined, while Savior is heavier-duty with more carry and storage capacity.
Tech Specs:
5.11
- Dimensions: 12.5″ H x 38″ L x 4″ D
- Weight: 5lbs
- 600D Polyester
- YKK® lockable zippers
- Removable retention straps (4 straps included)
- Fully padded construction
- Holds two full size rifles up to 36″
- Removable backpack straps and single shoulder strap, top carry handle
- Available in Black
Where To Buy
Savior Equipment
- Dimensions: 36” x 12.75” x 7”
- 1000D Laminated Nylon Exterior Fabric
- 600D Polyester Interior Fabric
- Removable Backpack Straps & Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Padded Double Rifle Slots, Padded Muzzle & Stock Sleeves
- Holds two full size rifles up to 36″
- Savior KAM Lockable Zippers
- Available in Desert Night Camo (DNC) and Chocolate Chip
Where To Buy
Specs Breakdown:
I strapped the same two guns into the bags for testing comfort and fit. These are a Zenith Mp5 clone with an AAC Ti-Rant suppressor, and a Griffin Armament MKII AR-15 with an M4SD-L suppressor. Both cases use hook-pile loop (velcro style) straps to secure the guns in place. The 5.11 bag has a number of molle slots to adjust where the straps will cross over and secure the guns. Savior Equipment’s bag has two straps sewn in place. So far, this hasn’t seemed a detriment, though some with certainly appreciate the adjustability of 5.11’s bag.
Both bags feature heavy duty, lockable zippers. I never thought I’d be here, but zippers are one of the most important features on a bag in my opinion. A weak one will give out in short order, rendering the whole bag useless to me. In 5.11 vs Savior Equipment, the zippers are a draw.
Similarly, both bags feature a padded flap that separates the two guns held in the main compartment.
As expected, both bags are similar in size. A few differences do stand out. The Savior Equipment bag is both heavier, and heavier duty. Wider, more padded shoulder straps, a chest buckle, and a couple drag handles immediately make the Savior Camo Urban Warfare bag feel more suited to heavy use. This is backed up by the heavier 1000D laminated nylon exterior on the Savior Equipment Camo Urban Warfare bag, which uses the same 600D polyester for it’s interior material as 5.11 uses for its whole bag.
In the 5.11 vs Savior Equipment double rifle bag battle, we’re back to some “more vs less”, just like with the above paragraph. 5.11’s double rifle bag offers one large admin/accessories compartment. It’s a long, fairly thin section with a small subpocket for a phone, notebook, or similar. Savior Equipment’s Camo Urban Warfare bag has a huge center pocket, with large zippered subcompartments, and also a couple sleeves, each big enough for a laptop.
In addition, the Savior Equipment bag also has two large exterior pouches secured by buckles. These pockets are big enough to stow a handful of standard capacity (30-round) AR15 mags each. In the battle of the 5.11 vs Savior Equipment double rifle bags, 5.11’s entry is svelte and streamlined, while Savior Equipment is coming in heavy, giving you bulk capacity.
Both bags have padded corner pockets for the muzzle and stock of each gun, assuming it’s long enough to reach them (sorry, Mp5 clone).
Hands-On
I’ve had both cases for a while now. The Savior bag showed up a few months ago, and the 5.11 bag shortly after, but still before deer season started. While I only stopped to take pictures a couple times, I’ve been giving the bags a workout.
When carrying the bags fully packed up, both designs make sense. The 5.11 double rifle case itself isn’t as hefty, nor can it be loaded up as heavily. The smaller straps and lack of a chest buckle aren’t an issue, as there isn’t as much weight to be distributed. If you’re toting two guns and a small amount of gear to the range, 5.11’s offering is well suited. If you want to load up with a couple hundred extra rounds, and all the equipment you can’t afford to forget for a remote shooting session, the Savior Equipment Camo Urban Warfare bag has the space to hold it, and the straps to heft it comfortably.
Bottom Line:
Neither the 5.11 36″ Double Rifle Case nor the Savior Equipment Camo Urban Warfare case has a design flaw, nor an issue with manufacturing quality. Both are well designed and sturdily constructed. They do have a small difference in design philosophy, given that 5.11 has opted for a lighter bag intended for lighter use, and Savior Equipment wants to give you the option to haul two rifles and a hell of a lot of ammo and accessories. The 5.11 Double Rifle Case runs $170, while the Savior Equipment Camo Urban Warfare bag runs $189.97. Which one is right for you?
For more of Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer, check his work at Ammoland.com