Specialized low-profile carrying cases for AR-15s, sectioned into upper and lower halves, have been popping up on the market over the last few years to provide effective yet discreet transportation of AR-15s or other compact firearms (assuming legal requirements are met). The objective of these new systems is to conceal the fact that the carrying case contains a firearm.

This new generation of carry cases all share several characteristics: First, they break up the outline of the concealed long arm, SBR or AR-15 by utilizing a shape or form normally used for carrying other items, such as books or backpacking gear. Second, “tactical black” and camouflage patterns as colors are out. A lot of people recognize that a tactical black bag or case contains a firearm. Bright colors, such as red, green, pink, blue or two-tone patterns help keep the eye from being drawn to the bag. Third, the bags don’t carry like typical gun cases. They use standard backpack-type straps, or whatever carrying handles are used for the same bags that carry non-firearm items. Finally, there are no spare magazine pouches placed on the exterior of this new generation of bags.

One such bag, which is new on the market, is TUFF Products/Sentinel Concepts Elite Revelation SBR Backpack. Designed by Sentinel Concept’s noted trainer/owner Steve Fisher, the Elite Revelation is loaded with features that not only allow for easy carry of a broken-down AR-15 but which wring out maximum versatility from this bag.

Here are some of the major features of the Elite Revelation Backpack:

  • Durable 500D Cordura Nylon construction
  • Designed to conceal SBRs (with up to 10.5″ barrel) or AR-15s (with Law Tactical Folder up to 22″ with a seated 30-round magazine)
  • Heavy-duty lockable zipper pulls
  • Exterior bungee-laced front, which can be used to carry additional items such as a jacket or sweatshirt
  • Water bottle pouches on each side of the pack
  • Heavy padded shoulder straps
  • Zippered E.D.C. Pouch for keys, phones, etc.
  • Removable and adjustable chest strap
  • Pull-to-tighten shoulder straps
  • False front with a quick-access pull handle, allowing the gun to be covered and hidden
  • Velcro-lined side walls for holding a wide variety of optics, lights and other add-ons
  • Pack bottom has a stiffener to prevent the muzzle from protruding

As you can see, even if the Elite Revelation Backpack wasn’t being used to hold an SBR, it would certainly be capable of carrying loads of other gear as well. With the dual water bottle pouches, padded shoulder straps and chest strap, the Elite Revelation would also be useful as a daytrip or hiking pack.

As of this writing, the size on the Elite Revelation Backpack limits it to concealing SBRs with a maximum 10.5-inch barrel length, which was a bit disappointing since I actually don’t own an SBR — just 16-inch M4s and a Kahr Arms M1A1 Paratrooper M1 Carbine with folding stock. Unfortunately, those guns won’t fit the current Elite Revelation Backpack. They are a good 6 inches too long for it. But there is good news on the horizon.

For those of us who don’t own an SBR, there is a larger Elite Revelation Backpack in the works that will, in fact, accommodate a standard-sized 16-inch M4 carbine — broken down, of course, into upper and lower halves. It should be available in a couple of months.

This new backpack from TUFF, created with the assistance of Sentinel Concepts, gives users another discreet carry option for survival in these perilous times. One of the best parts of the Elite Revelation Backpack is its excellent versatility and ability to multi-task. MSRP is $179.99.