Rear bag for hunting

[Canhunter35]

I've never used air soft pellets in a sock but have used triticale in a sock. I squished it as tight as I could, whirling it around and around then stuffed it tightly in another sock. I actually like the socks but it's too heavy to carry with grain in it.

 

[huntinherrrington]

I've used rice before. Just don't get it wet lol. I still have several bags with rice for filler that i let friends use when they shoot with me. Its cheap and it works for me. Now i use nicer bags such as the Triad Tactical, Crosstac, and Flatline Ops, ect.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

I use the Crosstac also.

For many years used a ziploc type bag tied off with rice then dropped that in an old military sock.
In a pinch you can even eat it...

 

[Bravo 4]

For many years used a ziploc type bag tied off with rice then dropped that in an old military sock.
In a pinch you can even eat it...

This is what I still use. They called it a sand sock in Sniper School, for obvious reasons.
Nowadays I put my "sock" into a Crown Royal bag. If I expect to shoot some distance from prone I usually have it dangling with the draw strings wrapped over the stock. That way it's always there when I need it and doesn't get in the way when I don't.
I don't care for the poly beads, can't get the consistency I want.

 

[Len Backus]

Good thoughts in this thread.

I've been using this one for maybe 7 years. 12 ounces, fits in most jacket pickets or hangs from loop/clip on my belt.

Several others on the following page but the one on top - LRH Rear Bag - is what I use.

https://www.longrangehunting.com/store/shooting-field-bags/

I'd guess in the 7 years about 98% of the time on hunts I've had this along.

 

[BWB]

I shoot a lot of matches a year and am very used to running a rear bag and have tried, literally 20 different rear bags. FOR HUNTING, I still always take my bipod buddy. You never know what types of situations you will be in out hunting, how high the grass is, uphill shots, the edge of a cut, etc. The versatility of the bipod buddy or something similar beats the heck out of any bag I've run. Take a Str8t laced bag also for real long shots where you have the time and location to get low in the prone, they weigh nothing but don't overlook something with more height versatility.

 

[WildRose]

Does anyone have a good, light-weight solution for a rear bag while hunting? I have a bag, but it seems a little heavy and bulky to put in my pocket while hiking.

I was chatting with a co-worker, and he mentioned hearing of a guy that takes an old tube sock in his pocket. When he gets into position, he fills it with dirt and ties off the end, effectively making a rear bag.

Has anyone tried this? It seems pretty clever to me, but was looking for additional thoughts.

I take used shot bags I buy off of ebay to make both heavier and lighter bags.

For the light rear bag I sew horizontal lines across and fill with expanded plastic beads. Each is about the size of a roll of quarters when I'm done. This way you can roll it to whatever size you need and row interlock so it stays that way.

I do the same with heavier bags but use course sand and small gravel to pack them.

 

[ericbc7]

The bipod buddy is nice if you prefer/ have to shoot from a sitting position.
http://www.bipodbuddy.com/

 

[Crews]

You guys that are talking about filling socks up with dirt definitely need to try out some of the newer bags on the market. For example, I have a Crosstac that is so light I almost feel like it's going to float away like a balloon. You can get a variety of sizes without weighing your pack down.

 

[Pdvdh]

I suspect the small bags filled with foam are a compromise in stability for the purpose of packing and ultralight weight. Better than nothing, but not as stable as a bag filled with plastic beads or sand or lead shot.

Anyone with experience with both types willing to sound in?

I recently purchased one of the rear bags Len uses and sells, hoping it to be a happy middle ground option. Will carry it along on an 8-mile in hunt soon, for the first time use. More for a front bag than rear. Mt goat hunt where I'll likely shoot prone with my rifle atop the most suitable, available rest (rock) to be found.

I applied some strips of liquid seam sealer on the nylon shell to make it more grippy for potential use as a front rest. Will find out how that goes on this upcoming goat hunt.

 

[Crews]

I suspect the small bags filled with foam are a compromise in stability for the purpose of packing and ultralight weight. Better than nothing, but not as stable as a bag filled with plastic beads or sand or lead shot.

Agreed 100%. I have a "wedge" rear bag from Triad that is infinitely more comfortable to shoot with, but it's filled with heavier material. It goes to the range with me. The Crosstac isn't nearly as stable, but it's better than nothing and doesn't add enought weight to even worry about in a pack. A fella definitely needs to have both at his disposal, depending on the situation.

 

[Longshot284]

Might want to check out the bipod buddy. Pretty simple design but quite useful! Isn't bulky and very light.

http://www.bipodbuddy.com/bb.html

 

[Doug Herold]

Flatline ops; Scum Bag

 

[Bravo 4]

I suspect the small bags filled with foam are a compromise in stability for the purpose of packing and ultralight weight. Better than nothing, but not as stable as a bag filled with plastic beads or sand or lead shot.

Anyone with experience with both types willing to sound in

This is exactly why I still make my own. It gives me what I want in size and composition, not just because I'm cheap.