As a range backpack, the I-Shot Gurkha's first unique feature is it's unique ammunition storage compartment. The Ghurkah's separate ammo compartment allows you to store the heavy stuff at the bottom of the bag without making you dig through the main pouch to restock your mags. The compartment is hard sided and we've easily stored nearly 500 rounds of mixed rifle and pistol ammo in there with room for more. And don't worry, there's enough Velcro on the padded door to keep the heaviest load of ammo from falling out.[singlepic id=4482 w=320 h=240 float=]
Head past the break for a full review.
moreThe bag's second unique feature is the removable magazine shingle. The Velcro backed shingle can be swapped out to easily accommodate a platform change. Behind it is an admin pocket that fits a small toolkit, spare parts, and cleaning gear. Up top is another organized pocket where I keep smaller, frequently accessed items. [singlepic id=4485 w=320 h=240 float=]
Inside is the third hallmark of the i-Shot design, a removable pistol compartment. This slotted pouch can be completely removed from the bag and easily holds a pair of guns. It also comes with a zippered gun rag that's great for bringing a pistol to the line or safe area without having to haul the whole bag along. The Velcro lined main compartment is large enough to hold gloves, mag holders, rifle mags, eyepro case, electronic earpro and snacks. I stuck a Blue Force Gear 10-Speed mag holder in there and it works great since the slim mag pouches disappear when not needed.[singlepic id=4496 w=320 h=240 float=]
Other niceties include a padded, flat hydration pocket that comes in handy for storing score sheets, other documents or even another pistol. There are wide, comfortable shoulder straps, and organized admin pocket for various range items. This pocket is big enough to accommodate a small plastic case for spare pins, parts and tools.[singlepic id=4489 w=320 h=240 float=]
These features don't mean much if the bag isn't built to last. Round out the feature list with 1000 denier Cordura fabric, big lockable YKK zippers and reinforcement in key areas, you've got a durable range bag. My bag is Blue, but they are available in green and black, too.
The bag isn't perfect, though. I do wish I-Shot sewed a couple of loops to the side of the bag. I'm used to having stuff hanging off the sides of my packs and I have come to expect a few external anchor points I can use to carry a hat and my Peltor Comtacs for easy access as I walk up to the line.
[singlepic id=4500 w=320 h=240 float=]In all, the Gurkha holds all your range gear intelligently. It's three unique organizational features separate it from other range bags out there. And that's not even pointing out that it's a backpack, not a shoulder bag that's going to slide off your arm at the most inopportune time. For $150 you get a purpose built bag that really maximizes your range time. You'll spend more time shooting and less time digging around for stuff.
[nggallery id=530]
[brightcove video="1469909232001" /]
