Is it a range bag? Is it a camera bag? Is it a packing cube? Is it an organizer insert or a stand-alone bag? The Garage Built Gear Qube is all those things. You’ve probably never seen a bag that is shaped quite like it but that’s what makes it great.
Overview
The Qube is a roughly square shaped bag with a full panel, zippered opening. It is 11″ x 10.5″ with a 4.5″ depth.
The exterior of the Qube features an adjustable slip pocket with interior loop velcro to accept organization pouches. It also has a stout carry handle on the top and a small PALS webbing field.
The interior is padded on the back and bottom. It features loop on the back and sides to accept organization pouches and the optional foam dividers (which are shown in my review). The bag has enough structure that it holds its shape very well and protects its contents. The inside surface of the lid has a full-size mesh pocket that is closed with a zipper.
Observations from Use
I own a few pieces of gear from Garage Built Gear and I think what strikes me most about their designs is their unique approach to size and shape. There aren’t many bags that are shaped like the Qube and yet that shape is the secret to its versatility. It is large enough to hold a lot of gear, shaped so that you can maximize the internal volume, and compact enough to fit easily into other bags.
The shape and size of this bag, along with its user-customizable organization options, take its flexibility to another level. It can be used as a standalone range bag, camera bag, first-aid kit, tool kit, or general gear organizer. It can also be used as an insert in a larger pack like a packing cube or camera insert for a backpack. I’ve used for all of the above.
The padded dividers are a must if you plan to use this as a range bag or camera bag in my opinion. These really help organize the contents of the Qube. They are especially nice to do things like protect a lens or keep a handgun from smashing into the other contents of the bag.
The interior of the Qube is lined with loop material on the left and right sides and back. Hook-backed organization pouches may be attached to any of these surfaces but the sides, in particular, are used to attach the padded dividers. This works and offers a lot of flexibility to the user but it seems like there could be more…
It would be nice if there was a bit more loop material on the top and bottom surfaces of the main compartment as well as on the padded dividers to allow for additional configuration options when using the padded dividers. The current design really only allows them to be installed going left to right and the placement of the one vertical divider is limited to a single location. Some additional loop material would add to the padded feel of the bag and allow for more options. This is probably a small nitpick in the end but feels like at least a little bit of a missed opportunity for a bag that seems to otherwise max out its flexibility at every turn.
The quality of this bag is excellent. The materials are top-notch. The edges are taped and there are appropriate reinforcing stitches throughout. It is a very modern-looking bag with all the durability benefits that come from its tactical sensibilities.
I’ve already mentioned some of the ways I have used this bag and Garage Built Gear expressly refers to this as a camera/range bag but I want to highlight a couple of less obvious ways that I found it particularly useful. It is great inside of a typical EDC backpack when used as an organizer for larger gear or as a sort of packing cube. In fact, I have found that it can pretty easily hold enough clothes for an overnight trip which is a handy way to organize something like a carryon bag for travel. I also really like it as a companion to a larger range bag where it can be used to carry things like a stacks of loaded magazines.
Wrap Up
I have used this bag in so many ways and I’m sure I will come up with even more ways to use it as time goes by. Garage Built Gear seems to have a unique eye for size and shape that suits their products well. The quality is excellent and the Qube’s modern look with a tactical bent appeals to me.
Garage Built Gear typically releases their gear in batches. You can learn more by watching their website and Instagram feed.
