Choosing between a hard case and soft case is easy when you know where, when, and how long you’ll be using it for. Hard cases provide more airflow and may help prevent degradation or corrosion making them better for longer term storage like an extended vacation, while soft cases more easily trap moisture and oils leading to more frequent cleanings or faster corrosion.
While hard cases can better protect a firearm, soft cases are easier to carry and less expensive to buy, so they can be better for short term transportation including practicing at a gun range or carrying a few firearms during a competition.
Whether you need a gun case for camping trips, carrying to the range, or competing, here’s how to decide when to go with a hard case, a soft case, and when both work equally well.
Hunting and Camping Trips
Comfort, weight, the climate, and your amount of comfort all matter when picking a gun case for the outdoors. If the firearm is only for protection while hiking vs. needing multiple rifles for different types of game, you’re going to want to change your gun cases.
A Lot of Hiking
When you’ll be traveling with a pack and have to hike a reasonable distance, soft gun cases are better than hard cases because they weigh less so you’ll put less strain on your body and you’ll be more comfortable. Soft cases don’t have the foam padding and protection of a hard case, but they can be slimmer helping you to carry your case, pack, and gear more easily. And they take up less space in a tent which is important if yours does not have room.
Less Hiking
For camping and hunting trips with less hiking or no hiking, go with a hard case. You will have the protection of the foam padding and likely better waterproofing if it rains. Hard cases can have better latches and locks making them more secure, and this is vital if you’re using an RV and there will be kids around.
Long Periods of Time
For extended camping and hunting trips, and when you’ll be using a cabin with a proper gun safe, go with both hard and soft cases. Soft cases are easier to carry if you’re going to practice target shooting or have a mini-competition with friends, and hard cases add to the protection of the firearms when you first transport them to the lodge and when you move them back home. If you’re going out daily for hunting, the soft case will be easy and more comfortable to carry, but you’ll be happy with the security and ventilation for storage if the cabin does not have a gun safe or it’s already full.
Trips to the Range
A trip to the range is going to be easier with a soft case as they are lighter, easier to carry, and you’ll be actively using the firearm then placing it back into proper storage when you get home. If the firearm is only for range use and you forget to place it back into your gun safe after shooting, you may want to go with the hard case over the soft case as the hard case is more protective and may have vents to keep airflow going. You’ll only be carrying the case for short distances so the weight and bulkiness won’t be as important.
Competition Shooting
From marathons to competitions, hard case vs. soft case depends on the length of the competition, if you have to travel long distances to get there, and where the location is.
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Single day – bring a soft case as you’ll be more comfortable carrying it around and the firearm will be used and then place back into proper storage once the day is over.
- Extended events and marathons – hard cases may be better because you can store everything securely with a stronger lock and you don’t want humidity to build up inside the case. The hard case helps prevent damage as you go through the event. This may be important as the excitement and adrenaline while getting ready to compete could result in some extra bumps.
You can always mix and match depending on the events. If you have to store multiple firearms as you’ll be switching them in and out during competition, use a hard case for the main storage in your basecamp, then bring soft gun cases to transport your firearms for the actual competitions.
Hard and Soft Gun Case Comparison
Both types of gun cases serve a purpose, and if you’re still trying to decide between them, here’s a table to give you the pros, cons, and similarities in a quick and easy format.
| Soft Gun Case | Hard Gun Case | |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Security levels | Less secure | More secure |
| Allows for ventilation | No | Yes |
| Comfort level when carrying | More comfortable | Less comfortable |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Provides protection to the firearm | Less protection | More protection |
| Moisture control | Worse for moisture control | Better for moisture control |
| Better to use for | Hiking, short storage needs, comfort when carrying | Long trips, damage prevention, security |
Hard cases provide better protection and security than soft gun cases, but they come at a price, weight, and comfort level. Soft cases won’t protect your firearms from bumps and dings as well as a hard gun case, but they are easier to carry if you’re going to the range, a dealer, or to target shoot.
