The Best Bow Cases of 2023

Specs

Weight: 23.15 lbs.
Material: Proprietary polypropylene blend (outside)
Length: (Interior) 44.01″, (Exterior) 46.69″
Width: (Interior) 16.77″, (Exterior) 19.36″
Depth: (Interior) 7.94″, (Exterior) 8.73″

Pros

Very durable
Airplane-friendly
Innovative customizable layout

Cons

Steep price
May have to remove some accessories from the bow to get a proper fit
A bit heavy

The king of all bow cases. The best of the best. It all goes to the Pelican Air 1745 ($450) bow case. It is waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof, made from Pelican’s trademarked air construction — a feature that makes this case 40% lighter weight than others on the market.

The inside is very customizable via a Molle strap system. With that, there is a divider between your bow and arrows, two foam arrow holders, two arrow tube straps, two small accessory pouches, and six bungee cords. On the outside, there are six press-and-pull latches with two TSA-approved locking latches for security. And you’ve also got stainless steel ball-bearing wheels for easy transport.

This case is not cheap, which leads us to our first downside. Coming in at $450, it’s a big pill to swallow in the name of protecting your bow. And if you’ve got a longer dove-tailed bow sight and a longer stabilizer, then you’ll likely have to take that stuff off to get a proper fit.

Whether you are planning to fly to your hunting destination, drive across the country, or just need a safe place to store your bow, this case is appropriate for all and more. This is a case to meet the demands of the most hardcore bowhunters alive.

Specs

Weight: 10 lbs.
Material: Black polypropylene
Length: 43¼”
Width: 19”
Depth: 6¾"

Pros

Very affordable
Compact design
Airline-approved

Cons

Not the most durable
Will eventually leak if left in the rain

Buying a bow case doesn’t need to be painful on the bank account. The Plano Protector ($79) is more than adequate for most folks looking for a place to stow their bows for travel.

Its compact design allows for easy storage, and it holds parallel limb bows. On the outside, you’ll find Plano’s patented PillarLock system and molded handles. The inside is padded with high-density foam with arrow storage on the underside of the lid. This is a lockable and airline-approved bow case.

The Plano Protector is a bow case that will no doubt get the job done, but there are a few potential hiccups along the way. First, durability only goes so far here, and I wouldn’t describe this as a bombproof option. Second, you can expect this case to leak if it’s left out in the rain for too long, say in the back of your truck. So, plan accordingly.

What I would describe this as is a perfect bow case for beginners just getting into archery. And for those not looking to invest a whole lot into a bow case, it’ll suit their needs just fine as well.

Specs

Weight: 10.23 lbs.
Material: ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Length: (Interior) 38.75″, (Exterior) 41.5″
Width: (Interior) 14.75″, (Exterior) 18.5″
Depth: (Interior) 5.125″, (Exterior) 8.75″

Pros

Durable construction
Lockable latches
Practical layout

Cons

Still spendy
Inside can be hard to dry out if gotten wet. Will also develop a smell if not dealt with.

When it comes to hardshell bow cases, the SKB HunterSeries ($254) checks all of the boxes for serious bowhunters looking for serious bow protection.

It features a rigid ABS shell on the outside with lockable draw-bolt metal latches. On the inside, you’ll find a water-jet cut foam arrow holder that will keep up to 12 arrows at the ready and an eight-point interlocking stacking system. SKB also includes its Perfect-Match valance bending system. This ensures a tight fit and that no water or dirt will get into the case.

While the price of this bow case is easier to swallow than some others, it’s still spendy, coming in at $254. For beginners especially, that might deter folks from purchasing. Also, you can expect to have to detach any longer bow accessories to get a proper fit here. And while SKB ensures that no water or dirt will get in when it’s closed, hear me out. If water does get in while open, drying out the inside can be a pain, and it will develop a smell if not taken care of.

For anyone looking for a great do-it-all hardshell bow case, the SKB HunterSeries is just flat-out a good option to consider. It offers exceptional protection with a practical design.

Specs

Weight: NA
Material: 500D PVC
Length: 39″
Width: 18.5″
Depth: 6″

Pros

Waterproof
Floats
Can attach to ATV

Cons

No support straps on the inside
Expensive for a soft shell

In the world of soft shell bow cases, the RGD compound bow case ($220) from Rugid Gear stands on its own. This durable soft shell bow case is made of 500D PVC and fits most parallel limb bows.

It comes equipped with two different zippers, one that is water-resistant and another that is completely waterproof. This is great because along with that, this bow case floats, too. Yes, you read that right. It has a float rating of up to 40 pounds. On the outside of the case, you’ll find a pocket for an arrow tube and two accessory pockets. And it even has attachment points on the bottom to secure it to an ATV.

One of the biggest downsides I can see with the RGD bow case is it doesn’t have straps on the inside to secure the bow from bouncing around. While there is plenty of padding, that might not sit well with some, especially with how much we pay for our bows. Another downside is the arrow pocket is limited in size. They say it fits up to a 28-29-inch draw arrow.

So, if your arrows are longer, you might have an issue using this pocket.

For bowhunters in need of a top-of-the-line soft shell case that is water-crossing-friendly, the RGD Compound Bow Case from Rugid Gear deserves your attention.

Specs

Weight: (Everest 40) 17 lbs., (Everest 44) 17.6 lbs.
Material: High-density 1800D nylon
Length: (Everest 40) 41″, (Everest 44) 45″
Width: (Everest 40) 16″, (Everest 44) 16″
Depth: (Everest 40) 9″, (Everest 44) 9″

Pros

Holds two compound bows
Airline-approved (includes TSA locks)
Great protection (padded cam pockets and adjustable Velcro straps)

Cons

Giant case (could be cumbersome)
Heavy (could make travel charges higher)

Taking all of the best features from both a soft shell and a hard shell, the Legend Everest Hybrid Roller ($350) was designed to provide the ultimate travel protection for up to two compound bows.

It comes in two different sizes (40 and 44) to ensure that you get the proper fit. Three handles exist for easy handling and loading/unloading needs. There are also three front pockets providing you easy access to frequently used items. On the inside, you’ll find not only accessory pouches and adjustable Velcro straps to keep your bow secure but also padded cam pockets. And your arrows will be safe in their telescopic arrow tube. This is an airline-approved bow case with TSA locks included.

The two biggest gripes with the Legend Everest Hybrid Bow Case are the size and weight. This is a giant case that some may have difficulty finding a spot to store it and even fitting it in a vehicle. Along with that, it’s a 17-pound bow case. Add a little too much gear in there, and your weight charges for travel go up.

The Legend Everest Hybrid Roller Bow Case is well-suited for anyone looking for the best of all worlds in a bow case. Be it traveling to that next archery hunt or heading to an archery competition, Legend has got you covered here with the Everest Hybrid.

Specs

Weight: 16.88 lbs.
Material: Ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin
Length: (Interior) 34.5″, (Exterior) 39″
Width: (Interior) 13.75″, (Exterior) 17″
Depth: (Interior) 4″ (Exterior) 6.75″

Pros

Great protection
Airline-approved (TSA locks)
Quiver storage

Cons

Heavy
Expensive

SKB is known for providing superior protection, so it wouldn’t be right of us not to mention its hard shell Pro Series Bow Cases ($400). There are several different sizes of these available to accommodate all bows and equipment, but the small model will be suitable for a wider range of folks.

On the inside, you’ll find Velcro straps to secure your bow, lid storage for your quiver, storage for one dozen arrows, and a spot for accessory boxes (sold separately). This case is molded of ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin and is dust-tight and watertight. Other features to mention are in-line skate-style wheels, patented trigger-release latches, and an automatic ambient pressure equalization valve.

Hard shell cases are inherently heavier as well as more expensive. The Pro Series from SKB is no exception — this case is gonna set you back $400. And even the small version clocks right under 17 pounds. This could lead to heftier travel charges down the road, depending on how much you load up the case. And if you’ve got a longer bow sight or stabilizer, you’ll need to remove that to get your bow to fit in here.

The SKB Pro is much more suited for the serious bowhunter or archer. It may be a bit of overkill and a steep price for folks new to the bow life.

Specs

Weight: NA
Material: Shock- and impact-resistant hard shell
Length: (Interior) 44″, (Exterior) 46″
Width: (Interior) 17″, (Exterior) 20″
Depth: (Interior) 8″, (Exterior) 9.4″

Pros

Weatherproof
Airline-approved
Wheels

Cons

Expensive
Nowhere to store extra accessories

Plano knows a thing or two about protecting gear. Its All Weather Ultimate Bow Case ($250) is proof of that. This is a dustproof, waterproof, shock-resistant, airline-approved bow case.

On the inside, you’ll find a high-density pluck to fit foam, allowing you to custom-fit your specific bow for ultra protection. And the underside of the lid provides arrow storage. On the outside, there is a pressure release valve, secure locks and latches, and wheels that will make transport much smoother.

For as expensive a case as this is, the lack of storage options is surprising. There are no places to store any extra accessories, which is a bummer because you’ll have to detach any longer accessories from the bow to make it fit.

Folks without a ton of accessories or long accessories (stabilizers, dovetail bow sights) will be well-suited for the All-Weather Ultimate Bow Case by Plano.

Specs

Weight: NA
Material: Lined with foam and fleece inside
Length: 41″
Width: 18″

Pros

Eight accessory pouches
Arrow box holder (Compatible with Easton arrow totes and Deluxe 33” and 36” arrow boxes)
Adjustable Velcro straps for bow

Cons

Expensive for a soft shell
Protection only goes so far, being a soft shell case

Easton has long been in the archery game, so you can bet the brand has got its take on a bow case. Easton’s soft shell Workhorse 4118 bow case ($110-130) will fit one compound bow up to 41 inches in overall length.

The outside and inside of the case feature eight total accessory pouches, with one of them being a dedicated arrow box holder. You’ve also got a padded shoulder strap and carrying handle. And the inside has extra-thick internal padding for both cam and limb protection, along with adjustable Velcro straps. The 5-inch deep side dimension makes storing a bow with a quiver possible as well.

As is the concern with all soft shell bow cases, this is only going to protect your bow so far. So, don’t think you can just throw this around, because you can’t without the risk of damaging your bow. Also, for a soft shell bow case, this is definitely on the expensive side.

Archers and bowhunter looking for a basic soft shell bow case for around town will enjoy the Easton Workhorse 4118 Bow Case. This would also be a great starter bow case.

Bow Cases Comparison Chart

Bow Cases	Price	Weight	Material	Length	Width	Depth
Pelican Air 1745	$450	23.15 lbs.	Proprietary polypropylene blend	Int: 44.01″ Ext: 46.69″	Int: 16.77″ Ext: 19.36″	Int: 7.94″ Ext: 8.73″
Plano Protector	$79	10 lbs.	Black polypropylene	43¼”	19”	6¾”
SKB HunterSeries	$254	10.23 lbs.	ABS	Int: 38.75″ Ext: 41.5″	Int: 14.75″ Ext: 18.5″	Int: 5.125″ Ext: 8.75″
RGD Compound Bow Case	$220	N/A	500D PVC	39″	18.5″	6″
Legend Everest Hybrid Roller Bow Case	$350	40: 17 lbs. \| 44: 17.6 lbs.	High-density 1800D nylon	40: 41″ 44: 45″	40: 16″ 44: 16″	40: 9″ 44: 9″
SKB Pro Series Small	$400	16.88 lbs.	Ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin	Int: 34.5″ Ext: 39″	Int: 13.75″ Ext: 17″	Int: 4″ Ext: 6.75″
Plano All Weather Ultimate Bow Case	$250	N/A	Shock and Impact Resistant Hard Shell	Int: 44″ Ext: 46″	Int: 17″ Ext: 20″	Int: 8″ Ext: 9.4″
Easton Workhorse 4118 Bow Case	$110-130	N/A	Lined with foam and fleece inside	41″	18″	5″

Why Should You Trust Us

Hunting and carrying my bow case — (Photo/Josh Kirchner)

Long ago, I remember bow season only lasted a few weeks in the fall. With time, though, and a growing obsession, I now archery hunt throughout most of the year. And I do an immense amount of traveling in the name of chasing my bowhunting dreams. So, getting my bow from point A to point B safely is something I take in the highest regard.

Through a variety of different conditions, be it my bow case or a hunting partner’s case on the road with me, bow cases are put through their paces. And with some cases having literal years of testing, I’ve uncovered both sturdy platforms to stand on, as well as holes to avoid.

When testing a bow case, I’m looking for potential areas of failure and hiccups in efficiency. I’m also looking for practical layouts that make sense. They’re left out in the elements whether it’s sun, rain, snow, etc. And they travel in the beds of trucks, back seats, and airplanes. No stone is left unturned, and I’m intentionally looking for fail points.

In addition to my personal experience with many bow cases throughout the years, I also took into consideration the opinions and experiences of fellow seasoned bowhunters and archers around me, along with taking into account the top-selling bow cases on the market and paying attention to a variety of price points.

Getting hunting gear ready — (Photo/Josh Kirchner)

The bow cases listed above will suit the needs of a wide variety of bowhunting/archery enthusiasts across the globe.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Bow Case

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell vs. Hybrid Bow Cases

Getting bow and arrows out of bow case — (Photo/Josh Kirchner)

Now that we’ve gone through our top picks in bow cases, let’s break these down and help you suss out what kind of bow case is right for you. As you’ve seen, there are hard shells, soft shells, and hybrid cases. Finding which one will work the best for you is going to be a reflection of your own needs and wants.

Soft Shell Bow Cases

I think it’s safe to say that a soft shell bow case is probably the first kind of bow case that folks start with. Some bows even are sold with a soft shell bow case, and if they’re not, they’re usually pretty affordable.

They’re lightweight, easy to use, and make carrying around your newfound hobby a breeze. And they’ll also, for the most part, keep your bow safe from the immediate elements. Most cases will have additional pockets for arrows, releases, and other archery accessories you might have. With that, their often pliable nature and smaller size make them easy to store.

On the other hand, soft shell bow cases lack durability as well as how much protection they provide. While there is padding within them, that padding will only go so far. Don’t think you’ll be able to throw your bow around in them because you’ll likely inflict unwanted damage.

On that note, this is not a case you’ll be able to take with you on a flight either. Furthermore, I mentioned these would keep your bow safe from the elements “for the most part.” That is because most of them, except the Rugid RGD, are not waterproof. So, if left out in the rain for too long, your rig is gonna get soaked.

Pros

Affordable
Easy to store
Lightweight

Cons

Not as durable
Not waterproof
Offers only so much protection

Hard Shell Bow Cases

On the opposite end of the bow case spectrum, we have hard shell bow cases. These are exactly what they sound like. They offer a hard molded shell of protection against shock, weather, etc. Durability is much higher with these as well, so their longevity stands tall. For the bowhunter or shooter looking to travel, it doesn’t get any better in terms of protection.

Most hard shell bow cases are airline-approved, in fact. Most also offer locking features and have wheels for easy transport.

Along with the good, there are also some downsides, the first being the price of entry. These hard shell cases offer a lot, but to take advantage of those benefits, you’re gonna pay. This makes pulling the trigger on a hard shell case a little harder, especially for beginners. It will also be harder to store these due to their large and static size. To bounce off of that, these are going to be much heavier than other cases. Some hard shells are upward of 20 pounds.

Pros

Very durable
Superb protection
Airline-approved

Cons

Expensive
Harder to store
Heavy

Hybrid Bow Cases

Hybrid bow cases are a blend between hard shell and soft shell designs. The goal is to take everything good about each and put them into one case. They offer fantastic protection and have great durability. This makes hybrid cases a good option for the traveling bowhunter, as they are also airline-approved. Plenty of pockets exist throughout, offering you options a-plenty to store any extra gear for your bow.

While hybrid bow cases indeed bring together a soft shell and a hard shell case, I wouldn’t say they are perfect by any stretch. They’re not as heavy as some hard shell bow cases out there, but they are still pretty dang heavy, with some over 17 pounds. And the extra room for storage is appreciated. However, it makes these a bigger kind of bow case, which will make storing it, or even fitting it in a vehicle for that matter, difficult.

Lastly — the price. You pay for convenience, and hybrid bow cases are right on par in terms of damage to the wallet as many hard shell cases out there.

Pros

Great protection
Airline-approved
Plenty of places to store extra gear

Cons

Heavy
Expensive
Hard to store

So, Which Is the Best for Who?

Keeping my hunting bow protected in my bow case — (Photo/Josh Kirchner)

To conclude, if you’re just starting, you’ve bought your first bow, and are looking for a basic case to hold it, then a soft shell bow case is a great option. If you’re more of a casual bow enthusiast rather than someone who lives this stuff, a soft shell bow case will also be fine.

If, however, you are an addict that crosses state lines with your bow, whether traveling out of state for bowhunting adventures or heading to archery competitions, a hard shell or hybrid case is going to be your best option. You invest an immense amount of effort already into living the bow life. Your bow case should be a reflection of that.

FAQ

The Pelican Air 1745 is our top pick for the best compound bow case. It offers superior protection, is incredibly durable, and comes with a load of pockets and areas to organize your archery gear. It’ll keep your bow and accessories safe whether you’re flying across the country or driving to the archery range.

If you are interested in the well-being of your bow at all, then a bow case is almost an absolute must. It gives the bow a resting place when not in use as well as a safe means of travel.

Soft bow cases are good for many but are not good for everyone. It just depends on how much traveling and how much protection one needs for their bow. For instance, flying with a soft bow case is not something we’d advise, due to luggage getting thrown around as it does.

These are bow cases that are hard, and sturdy, with locking features. Many also have TSA-approved locks on them as well as pressure equalization valves.

Yes, your bow case needs to be locked to fly.