How to Make a Drag Bag

Seasoned hunters know that the right drag bag, designed to transport and protect rifles, scopes and ancillary equipment, can make the difference between a great hunting trip and a fair one. If you have been scouting for the perfect drag bag, you know they're not cheap. However you can craft a custom-made carrier to produce a bag that suits your style and your budget.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Sketch paper
• Tissue paper or chalk
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Heavy-duty needle
• Heavy-duty thread
• Velcro or snaps
• Waterproofing spray
• Zippers (optional)
• Grommets and rope (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit a local sporting goods store to see how drag bags are constructed, the fabrics from which they are made and the types of carry straps and pockets available on them. Make a list of everything you plan to carry in your drag bag based on your typical hunting habits so you can customize the bag to include the right number of compartments for ammunition, scopes, tripod and other ancillary gear.

• 2

  Measure your weapons and record their dimensions. Use the longest rifle as your length guide. Add about 12-inches to the height of the firearm and about 3-inches to the width measurement to determine the size of the finished drag bag.

• 3

  Sketch out the bag's shape based on designs you saw at the sporting good store and your calculations. Cut one paper pattern to create the bag and additional patterns for external pockets.

• 4

  Select fabric that best fits your personal hunting style: stiff cloth like heavyweight canvas supports and protects weapons better than soft canvas but if you're concerned about traveling light, there are plenty of canvas grades that are appropriate. Choose cloth screened with camouflage patterns or a solid military green. Commercial drag bag manufacturers produce bags made of nylon fused with 1/2 inch closed-cell foam padding, so if you're comfortable working with this type of material, use it.

• 5

  Place the fabric on a cutting table. Pin the pattern to the cloth or use chalk to outline the shape if you skipped the pattern-making step. Cut out exterior storage pockets and two sets of carry handles. Thread a sewing machine with heavy-duty plastic thread. Use a commercial needle to avoid spending more time replacing broken needles than stitching.

• 6

  If you plan to install industrial weight zippers for drag bag access, do so before you proceed. Hem and then stitch exterior pockets to the cloth while it's still flat and easy to maneuver the material on the platen. Seam the sides of the bag last and then double or top stitch them to enhance strength and sturdiness.

• 7

  Complete your drag bag by hemming and attaching the carry handles. Sew a series of bag ties and attach them to the opening to secure weapons. Alternately, use grommets in place of ties and thread rope into the eyes. Attach commercial snaps or Velcro strips to exterior pockets. Spray the entire bag with waterproofing solution so it stands up to all types of weather.