Usually, taking a middle-of-the-road approach in outdoor equipment doesnt work out well. Hybrid style products sound great in theory, but trying to take the best part of one thing and combine it with the best part of another often results in a product thats not good at anything, rather than good at everything. The Plano Diverge Gun case is the latest product Ive tested that attempts to address this challenging task.

　　I packed it around the U.S. this hunting season. Was it a perfect marriage between the rigidity of a hard-sided case and the weight savings of a soft-sided case? Or is it an expensive soft-sided case that takes up more room and still isnt suited for airline travel?

　　In short: The Plano Diverge Gun Case ($160) has become my go-to, take-everywhere gun case. It’s a hybrid-style product that combines the lightweight build of a soft-sided case with the rigid protection of a hard-sided case. Since it utilizes a simple zip closure, it’s not suitable for airline travel, and it isn’t as customizable as others, packing a heavier price tag. But with high-density foam, a padded shoulder strap, and MOLLE webbing for accessories, it is high value. Itsperfect for hunters looking for a mobile case for the truck, or those who want extra protection on a reasonable budget.

　　Plano Diverge Gun Case Check Price at Plano

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications Type of case: Hybrid Dimensions: Numerous versions available (both shotgun and rifle) Exterior: TOUGHSHELL ECA molded exterior Interior: Compression-fit high-density interlocking foam Closure: Zipper Handles: Grab handles and shoulder strap Pros Combines the weight and ease of use of a soft-sided case with the rigid hard case feel Easy to get in and out of Great for sticking in a truck, side by side, or any vehicle Provides more protection than soft cases Opens up with a hard case working bench MOLLE attachments Cons Not suitable for airline travel Not customizable Expensive for a non-locking case Morgan Nowels Can a Best of Both Worlds Approach Work?

　　(Photo/Morgan Nowels) I use soft-sided cases most often on hunts because hard-sided cases are overkill for field use. They take up way too much room, and theyre obnoxiously heavy and expensive. I doubt anyone would break into my truck for a cheap gun sleeve, but an empty $400+ Pelican may be too much to resist while Im off wandering in the woods.

　　But cheap, soft-sided gun cases are kind of a joke. Yes, I use them a ton, but Im fully aware of their limitations from a protection standpoint. Any significant impact can cause damage, and they are a pain to get a rifle or shotgun in and out of. In all honesty, the purpose of a soft-sided gun case is to keep me legal when driving around with firearms. Thats it.

　　After using the Plano Diverge Gun Case, Im sold on the hybrid approach when it comes to firearm storage and transport. All of the negatives I listed about hard-sided gun cases arent an issue with it, because its very lightweight, and unlike a normal soft-sided case, the Diverge actually protects my firearms.

　　It has a rigid, molded TOUGHSHELL exterior that maintains its shape, just like a hard-sided case. Its stiff and doesnt begin to collapse unless extreme weights are applied to the edges. I mean, real extreme weights. Your firearms and optics are safe inside.

　　It zips open, revealing two large trays, just like a hard-sided case, and getting your gun in and out of the thing is a breeze.

　　Where the Plano Diverge Gun Case Works Best — And Where It Doesnt This is the perfect gun case for hunters. Ive packed it to South Dakota on bird hunts, thrown it on boats while chasing ducks, and stuck it in the back of my truck while going whitetail hunting. If a firearm is going into my vehicle, it leaves whatever case its in at my house and goes into the Diverge.

　　You cant beat the protection-to-weight ratio of this gun case.

　　Ive had no issues with the zipper, and there have been zero points of failure. It flat out works. Aside from field use, I also think its a great option for a do-everything case for those who cant spend a bunch of money on a fancy case but still want better protection than a cheapo Walmart case will give you.

　　However, if you plan on flying with firearms, the Plano Diverge Gun Case wont cut it. It cant lock and doesnt fulfill TSA requirements.

　　I also wouldnt trust it if I were the type of guy who has extremely expensive rifles with top-of-the-line optics for long-range shooting. The interior foam is very basic and cant be customized, unlike the cut-to-fit foam found in more expensive gun cases. Your firearm can move around inside the Diverge, so dont expect perfect protection.

　　Its also limited in space on the interior, so you cant store accessories inside it alongside your firearm. However, you can attach pouches to the exterior MOLLE webbing attachment points, which makes it a fairly solid range case for less serious shooters.

　　Final Thoughts

　　(Photo/Morgan Nowels) At $160, the Plano Diverge Gun Case isnt exactly a cheap gun case, but it certainly isnt expensive. For the amount of protection it provides, and how much easier it is to get in and out of than soft-sided cases, its well worth the asking price.

　　There are three sizes: a 38-inch rifle case, a 49-inch rifle case, and a 54-inch shotgun case. I used the 49-inch rifle case because it would fit both my old-school Winchester Over/Under 12 gauge and my Tikka .30-06.

　　I still need other gun cases for airline travel. But its the perfect case for most of my hunting adventures, and I love the hybrid build. I get protection without bulk and weight. Its the best of both worlds.

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