The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas Made a Bold First Impression
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas promises a simple, affordable solution for carrying shotgun shells at the range or in the field. Marketed by Allen, this shell bag aims to provide convenience and organization without breaking the bank. As someone who’s used everything from high-end tactical vests to repurposed military pouches for carrying ammo, I was curious to see how this budget-friendly option would stack up.
I’ve always struggled with keeping my shells organized during sporting clays. Loose shells in my pockets lead to fumbling and wasted time. The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag seemed like a practical solution.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The tan canvas material felt reasonably durable for the price, and the double compartment layout seemed practical. It was lighter than I expected. I was hoping for something a little more robust, but I understood the price point limitations. Compared to pricier leather shell bags or tactical rigs with MOLLE webbing, the Allen Rival is definitely a minimalist option. I chose it for its simplicity and promise of easy accessibility.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag didn’t scream “high-end,” but it seemed like a functional and affordable solution. It offered a good starting point for someone just getting into shooting sports.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag to my local shooting range for a sporting clays session. The weather was dry and mild, perfect for a comfortable day of shooting. I loaded one compartment with 12-gauge shells and the other with empties.
Using the bag was straightforward. The shells were easy to access, and the belt kept the bag securely around my waist. I did notice that when the bag was full, it tended to sag slightly. It required some adjusting to keep the weight distributed evenly. Also, retrieving shells from the rear of the compartments was a little awkward.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag has proven to be reasonably durable for its price point. There are no major signs of wear and tear. The stitching has held up, but the canvas has started to show some minor dirt and scuff marks.
Cleaning is easy. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. Compared to some of my more elaborate gear, the Allen Rival requires minimal maintenance. However, after getting caught in a light drizzle during a recent hunting trip, I noticed that the canvas absorbed water easily. This is definitely not a waterproof bag. It’s a good option for dry days.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas
Specifications
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas is designed for carrying shotgun shells. The bag features two compartments for separating loaded and spent shells. The adjustable waist belt accommodates up to a 52-inch waist. The material is a tan canvas.
These specifications are important because they determine the capacity, comfort, and durability of the bag. The 52-inch waist belt is crucial for ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of users. The double compartment design keeps live and spent shells organized. The canvas material offers a decent level of durability for its price.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag performs its primary function adequately: carrying shotgun shells. It is simple and easy to use. The compartments hold a reasonable number of shells, and the waist belt keeps the bag secure.
The bag’s main strength is its simplicity and affordability. A weakness is its lack of weather resistance. The bag meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly shell carrier. It is important to remember its limitations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag’s build quality is acceptable for its price range. The canvas material is reasonably durable. The overall design is simple and functional.
The bag is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded. There is no learning curve. It is easy to use right out of the package. The bag’s simplicity is its biggest advantage.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The canvas material is prone to wear and tear. It is unlikely to withstand heavy abuse.
Maintenance is easy. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s usually required. Repairing the bag would likely involve basic sewing skills. Avoid overloading the bag.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas comes with no additional accessories beyond the attached waist belt. There are limited customization options. You could potentially add small pouches or attachments to the belt.
The bag is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. The minimalist design limits its adaptability. Its strength is its simplicity.
Pros and Cons of Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas
Pros
- Affordable: The Allen Rival is a budget-friendly option for carrying shells.
- Simple Design: Its simplicity makes it easy to use.
- Lightweight: It is comfortable to wear even when fully loaded.
- Dual Compartments: Separates live and spent shells for organization.
- Adjustable Belt: The 52″ belt accommodates a wide range of sizes.
Cons
- Not Weather Resistant: The canvas absorbs water easily.
- Limited Durability: The canvas material may not withstand heavy use.
- Sagging: The bag can sag when fully loaded.
Who Should Buy Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas?
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas is perfect for casual shooters, beginners, or anyone looking for an affordable and simple way to carry shotgun shells. It is a good option for range days or light hunting trips in dry weather. Those who prioritize simplicity and affordability will find it useful.
Those who need a more durable, weather-resistant shell bag or those who require more carrying capacity should skip this product. Competitive shooters or those who regularly hunt in harsh conditions would benefit from a more robust option. A must-have modification would be a waterproof spray to add some level of weather protection.
Conclusion on Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas
The Allen Rival Double Compartment Shell Bag & 52″ Waist Belt Tan Canvas offers a no-frills solution for carrying shotgun shells. It is an affordable and functional option for casual shooters. It is important to understand its limitations.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It won’t break the bank. I would recommend it to beginners or those on a tight budget. It is a great starting point for getting organized in the field. For the price, it’s hard to complain, so pick one up and get shooting!