Soft Ammo Bags vs. Hard Ammo Cans: Which Storage Solution Is Right for You?
Choosing how to store your ammunition isn’t just about what looks tough or packs the most rounds. It’s about how you shoot, where you go, and what you need from your gear.
Understanding Your Ammo Storage Needs
Before you choose between a soft ammo bag and a hard ammo can, consider how you use your ammo.
The right choice depends on what you’re doing and how much gear you’re hauling. Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your options.
- Range days: If you’re headed to the range, you’ll want something easy to carry and quick to access.
- Hunting trips: You need something light and quiet when moving through the woods or out in the field.
- Competitions: Speed and organization matter during a match. You’ll want ammo storage that keeps your rounds sorted and ready without digging around.
- Long-term storage: You need something that seals up tight, protects against moisture, and stacks neatly.
Soft-Sided Ammo Storage
Soft-sided ammo storage bags are lightweight, compact ways to carry and organize your gear without the bulk of a hard case.
Why Choose a Soft Ammo Bag?
- Lightweight and compact: Soft bags weigh a lot less than traditional ammo cans. They fold down or flatten out when empty, making them easier to store or stash in your gear bag.
- Easy to pack or carry: The built-in handles, straps, and compact shapes allow you to carry them comfortably or tuck them into a pack without wasting space.
- Modular and organized: Most soft bags have internal dividers, pockets, or labeled sections, so you won’t have to dig for the right mag or caliber.
Cole-TAC Soft Ammo Bags
Our ammo storage lineup is made for real-world use. These soft-sided options are tough, weather-resistant, and thoughtfully designed for different shooting needs.
Ammo Novel – Great for the range or competition, this fold-out case keeps rounds neatly lined up and accessible. It’s compact but holds plenty for a full day of shooting.
Hunter Ammo Wallet – Designed for field use, this wallet holds your rounds quietly and securely. Perfect for hunters who need quick access without making a sound.
Magazine Pouch – A slim, secure way to carry your mags when space matters. It fits easily on your belt or gear bag and keeps your magazines ready for quick reloads.
Mag Bag – Whether carrying mags or loose rounds, this padded pouch keeps everything secure and easy to grab.
Compact Dump Pouch – This pouch is not just for ammo. It folds up small and pops open fast to carry everything from mags to loose shells or small gear on the move.
Brass Bag – Clean up your spent brass or haul reloads with this rugged, zippered bag. It’s sturdy enough for regular range days and reloading setups.
Hard-Shell Ammo Cans
Hard-shell ammo cans are built for toughness. They’ve been around forever for a reason: they protect your ammunition from just about anything.
Why Choose a Hard Ammo Can?
- Long-term storage: Ammo cans are great for stashing extra rounds at home or in the truck. Their sturdy build keeps moisture, dust, and pests out, which is important if you don’t plan to use the ammo right away.
- Water and impact resistance: Most hard cans have a rubber gasket that seals tight. That makes them resistant to water and tough enough to survive drops, knocks, and rough handling.
- Stackable: Their rigid shape makes them easy to stack, store, and organize, whether on a shelf, in a safe, or the back of your vehicle.
A Few Trade-Offs
- Heavier and bulkier: Even empty metal cans weigh a lot. Once loaded, they get heavy fast, making them harder to carry or pack with other gear.
- Less flexible: Hard cans are just boxes. You can add foam or dividers, but there’s no built-in organization out of the gate. They don’t mold to your gear like soft ammo bags do, and they take up the same space whether they’re full or not.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Shell Ammo Storage
Here’s a quick side-by-side look to help you figure out what works best for your setup:
| Feature | Soft-Sided Ammo Bags | Hard-Shell Ammo Cans |
| Weight | Lightweight and easy to carry | Heavier, especially when loaded |
| Flexibility | High – molds to your gear, fits in tight spaces | Low – rigid and takes up fixed space |
| Protection | Moderate – tough fabric, weather-resistant | High – impact- and water-resistant |
| Organization | High – built-in compartments and pockets | Moderate – can add foam or dividers |
| Portability | Excellent – great for moving fast and packing light | Limited – bulkier and harder to carry |
| Ideal Use | Range days, hunting trips, competitions | Long-term storage, rough transport in vehicles |
Use Both for the Best Setup
There’s no rule saying you have to choose just one. In fact, a combo approach gives you the best of both worlds.
- Cole-TAC soft bags are perfect for range days, competitions, hunting trips, and anytime you’re on the move.
- Hard-shell ammo cans work best for long-term storage or keeping extra rounds safe at home or in a vehicle.
Think of it like your gear loadout – different tools for different jobs.
Invest in Smart Ammo Storage
Cole-TAC’s high-quality, American-made soft ammo bags are built for real shooters, real conditions, and real needs.
