A bow case is a gear item that I think gets neglected, which is a shame. We invest so much into our bows and the fancy accessories we slap on them. To ignore their safe transport is to neglect their overall well-being and longevity of functionality.

　　Whether traveling to hunt in my home state or crossing state lines, I’ve done my fair share of moving bows from point A to point B. And in doing so, Ive come across a few key things that make up a quality bow case. It needs to be durable, no doubt. But it also needs an efficient layout that suits our needs.

　　Dont leave your bow unprotected this season. Theres nothing worse than having something happen just before a hunt and realizing your bow is out of tune or hitting in a different spot. Pick a case from this list, and have peace of mind when traveling to the field.

　　Editors Note: We updated this guide on August 21, 2025, by adding the Flambeau Formula Bow Case as the best value bow case for its excellent protection and features while maintaining a middle-of-the-road price.

　　The Best Bow Cases of 2025 Best Overall Pelican Air 1745 9.6/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Pelican Best Value Bow Case Flambeau Formula Bow Case 8.5/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Sportsmans Warehouse Best Budget Plano Protector 7.4/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels Best Hardshell SKB HunterSeries 8.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels Best Soft Shell RGD Compound Bow Case 7.7/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Prices at BlackOvisCheck Prices at RUGID Gear Best Hybrid Legend Everest Hybrid Roller Bow Case 8.4/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Amazon See more picks Pelican Air 1745 Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Pelican

　　9.6 How we rate products Specifications 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 Josh Kirchner The king of all bow cases. The best of the best. It all goes to the Pelican Air 1745 ($500) 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.

　　Best Value Bow Case Flambeau Formula Bow Case Check Price at Bass Pro ShopsCheck Price at Sportsmans Warehouse

　　8.5 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 18.25 lbs. Material: Hard polymer shell with ABS foamless chassis Length: (Interior) 44.44, (Exterior) 47 Width: (Interior) 16.06, (Exterior) 19.37 Depth: (Interior) 8.29, (Exterior) 9.31 Pros Price Durability Nite Ize Mega Gear Ties Accessory case included Lockable Foamless customizable chassis Weatherproof gasket with pressure valve Cons Size Excessive number of latches Josh Kirchner If you want to step away from budget bow cases, but dont have the coin to drop on the Pelican Air, the Flambeau Formula Bow Case ($220, usually available for $190) is the best pick. For some reason, this case hasnt received the same level of online attention as others, but after a few years of use, Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels is passionate about singing its praise.

　　As far as durability and protection go, it gets the ultimate stamp of approval by surviving UPS ground handlers during a cross-country trip from Washington state to Tennessee. Upon arrival, the bow, arrows, and accessories inside were in perfect shape. Impressive.

　　One of Morgans favorite features is the Nite Ize Mega Gear Ties used to secure the bow. Theyre stiff, but malleable enough to wrap around your riser or limbs and twist up for a secure hold. They are so much better than Velcro straps. You can attach them to myriad points inside the case, making it customizable for any bow.

　　Speaking of customization, the internal, foamless chassis is able to be moved further or closer together, allowing archers to fit bows up to 43 inches in total length inside. If you want to keep the included accessory case (nifty for allen keys and bars) inside, it will accommodate bows up to 40 inches. The foamless design ensures critical parts of your bow are free floating and protected by shock-absorbing rubber. It also gives you plenty of room to stuff hunting clothes in for trips.

　　To further enhance the cases travel benefits, there are two places for locks and an exterior pressure valve.

　　The case is advertised as waterproof, and after leaving it outdoors in multiple downpours at a whitetail camp in Tennessee, Morgan can attest to the gaskets waterproofness. No water will penetrate.

　　The only complaints are the bulk and the excessive number of latches. Six latches line the case, which can be a bit annoying for everyday use. Morgan said he often ends up latching two or three and leaves the others open.

　　With bow cases selling for ridiculous prices, the Flambeu Formula offers loads of features at a price that wont leave you with buyers remorse.

　　Best Budget Plano Protector Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels

　　7.4 How we rate products Specifications 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 Josh Kirchner 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 undoubtedly 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.

　　This is a perfect bow case for beginners just getting into archery. Itll also suit the needs of those who dont want to invest a lot in a bow case.

　　Best Hardshell SKB HunterSeries Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications 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. Josh Kirchner When it comes to hardshell bow cases, the SKB HunterSeries ($269) checks all of the boxes for serious bowhunters looking for serious bow protection.

　　Its composed of 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.

　　Best Soft Shell RGD Compound Bow Case Check Prices at BlackOvisCheck Prices at RUGID Gear

　　7.7 How we rate products Specifications 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 Josh Kirchner In the world of soft shell bow cases, the RGD compound bow case ($269) 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. 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.

　　Best Hybrid Legend Everest Hybrid Roller Bow Case Check Price at Amazon

　　8.4 How we rate products Specifications 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) Josh Kirchner Taking all of the best features from both a soft shell and a hard shell, the Legend Everest Hybrid Roller ($420) 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.

　　Best of the Rest Plano All Weather Ultimate Bow Case Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels

　　7.1 How we rate products Specifications 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 Josh Kirchner 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.

　　Easton Workhorse 4118 Bow Case Check Price at BlackOvisCheck Price at Scheels

　　6.9 How we rate products Specifications 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 Josh Kirchner Easton has long been in the archery game, so you can bet the brand has got its take on a bow case. Eastons 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

　　(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 hunt with a bow throughout most of the year. And I do an immense amount of traveling in the name of chasing my bowhunting dreams. So, keeping my bow protected is something I take in the highest regard.

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) 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.

　　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

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) So, youve bought a new bow, arrows, release, and all of the other accessories needed to start flinging arrows. The last thing to get is protection for your investment.

　　Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels has worked at an archery shop and has watched numerous customers treat cases as a brief afterthought after getting set up with a new rig. But, isnt it kind of crazy to stick a multi-thousand-dollar investment into the cheapest thing you can find?

　　At a minimum, take some time to think about how and where you plan on using your bow before you select a case. For some, a budget case is just fine, but others may need a little more protection. Here are the different types of cases and the pros and cons of each. Check it out before adding something to your cart.

　　Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell vs. Hybrid Bow Cases

　　(Photo/Josh Kirchner) 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?

　　(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 What is the best case for a compound bow? 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.

　　Is a bow case necessary? 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.

　　Are soft bow cases good? 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.

　　What makes a bow case airline-approved? 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.

　　What is a TSA-approved bow case? 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.

　　Does your bow case have to be locked to fly? Yes, your bow case needs to be locked to fly.