Review: UKoala Bag

by
posted on October 10, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ukoala1-a.jpg

If you like to go hiking, backpacking or ride a motorcycle and want to try a new way to carry concealed, take a look at the UKoala Bag. This is relatively small tote featuring multiple compartments that allow someone to carry a gun, magazines and a few basics like your ID and money.

The UKoala Bag comes in three different sizes, each offering a little more length. The one I tested was a Standard, which offers a main pocket size of 6-by-8 inches—big enough to handle a full-size handgun. The other sizes are Compact and Expanded.

The set-up allows for you to wear it one of two ways, either draped over your shoulder like a woman carries a handbag or using two straps to anchor it around your waist and leg. Custom Kydex holsters and hook-and-loop attachment offer excellent retention of your handgun.

It’s super convenient for a day hike, allowing you to protect yourself and carry a few necessities without having to use a backpack on top of your water pack. Though it provides easier access to your handgun than a backpack does, the one concern is that it has zippered pockets for the gun. That’s not an insurmountable problem. If you’re aware of your surroundings and hear rustling or growling, you’d be able to start unzipping early enough in most cases. Still, it’s something you need to consider.

Otherwise, the model tested is a sturdy canvas tote that looks to provide a long usable life. Leather, synthetic suede and nylon are available, too. Pricing starts at $119, depending on size and material chosen.

Latest

Sierramatchking Jun2026 4
Sierramatchking Jun2026 4

Sierra Expands Tipped MatchKing and MatchKing X Lines

Sierra Bullets releases three new rifle bullet offerings, including .25-cal. and 7 mm Tipped MatchKings and a .22-cal. MatchKing X hunting bullet.

New: Smith & Wesson Revolver Red Dot Direct Mounts

Smith & Wesson releases red-dot direct mounts for its K-, L-, N- and X-frame revolvers, fitting Aimpoint ACRO, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Trijicon RMR footprints at $70.

New: Federal Suppressor Case

Federal Ammunition is now shipping a Suppressor Case with a heat-resistant lining and side-pinch pockets, sized for suppressors up to 10 inches at $39.99.

Peiser Reaches First Senior World Cup Final in Munich

Braden Peiser qualified for his first senior World Cup final and finished sixth in Men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at the 2026 ISSF World Cup Munich.

The Mystery of the Palma Trophy

From the archives: The original Palma Trophy vanished from a Washington, D.C., corridor after 1930. NRA’s Ed Andrus traced the lost masterpiece through decades of correspondence.

Harmon and Fitzpatrick Win Team Division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge

Kahl Harmon and Mitch Fitzpatrick win Team division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, outscoring more than 40 teams in Glenrock, Wyoming.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.