Are you looking for the best miniature transport cases and bags? Look at all those hours you spend painting your models and now you want to take them somewhere without damaging them. You could throw your painted miniatures into a plastic bag (gasp!). Or, you could get a dedicated army transport bag or case. Over the years, companies have developed dspecialized products for our tabletop gaming hobby. Now there are so many, you’re not sure where to start. Have a look here at some popular model army transport cases and bags.
In this article, I quickly review 10 of the best miniature carrying cases available. Some cheap army transport cases are great alternatives to the more expensive Battle Foam bags. Others are feature-rich premium bags with higher prices.
In a hurry? Check out the 3 key sizes!💡
- Feldherr Mini Figure Case (skirmish)
- Games Workshop Citadel Battle Figure Case (battle)
- Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 720 Miniatures Case (epic size)
Do you have too much stuff?
After a long slog of painting your army of miniatures, throwing your skill and patience into the abyss that is the tabletop painting hobby, you’re ready to show what you’ve done at the local shop or convention.
You survey your handy work, fragile layers of acrylic paint layered as polymerized color on plastic, metal, or resin. It all looks so daunting: how will you take these models with you without scratching, abrading, or damaging those beautifully painted figures? This is a problem.
But, lucky for you, there’s a solution!
RELATED: REASONS WHY YOU HAVE TOO MANY MODELS
Game companies and third-party accessory makers have come up with a myriad of miniature and model transport and storage systems. They are cases and boxes of every size, shape, and volume. They are filled with foam or other cushioning material that are molded or pre-shaped to the particular needs of commonly-sized minis (28-35mm for most hobby games).
Where do you start?
To best honest, I don’t know. I have tried many types of bags. I’ve purchased them new or used (usually eBay). I have also sold off the ones I didn’t like, either because they were too big and unwieldy, or didn’t fit my needs. And, as any of you tabletop gamers know, your needs change as your army composition never stays the same.
What do you do? Find a bag that does the job with space to grow. 💡
Here are 10 popular miniature transport bags and cases in the review:
- Feldherr Storage Box Compatible with Large Based Miniatures
- Feldherr Mini Plus 64 Miniatures Figure Case
- Guardian Tabletop Gaming Backpack
- Enhance Portable Miniature Figure Storage & Carrying Case
- Chessex Figure Storage Box
- Game Plus Products Miniature Case/Bag
- Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 720 Molle Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case
- Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 352 Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case
- Games Workshop Citadel Battle Figure Case
- Games Workshop Citadel Crusade Figure Case
For more details about some model army transport bags and cases, continue reading below!
What to look for in a good miniature transport bag?
- Size
- Weight
- Compatibility
- Modular
- Price
A reliable miniature transport bag and case that can protect your miniature army should be strong, lightweight, and easy to carry around. It should also be compatible with your favorite miniature scale (e.g., Warhammer 40k is 28-35mm). If you’re looking for something specific or customized, however, look for bags that have pluck foam.
Of course, bags with pluck foam will require work. And, once you’re done customizing your foam to fit the approximate dimension of your models, you’re stuck with it.
(Though, I’ve been known to use a hot glue gun to “fix” my foam tray inserts)
Finally, you should look for a bag that fits your budget. More expensive miniature army cases can be hundreds of dollars. Some are repurposed or rebranded Pelican cases, such as the Citadel hard cases. Most of the time you can find a similar off-brand version of the case you want, which will be a much cheaper transport option.
All you would need to do is find the appropriate fitting foam for your model(s).
Are DIY transport options worth the trouble?
Actually, a great alternative to expensive dedicated army transport bags is to just buy the foam trays separately and use a cardboard box. Of course, yes, this goes against what I said above about the flaws of DIY options (which lack some of the useful features and reliability of dedicated bags). But, if you’re looking to save some money (maybe to spend it on more models), then make your own cases.
Bottom line: If you’re looking to protect your painted miniatures and take them with you to game stores or conventions, then a good transport bag or case is going to be worth the investment. A good axiom: pay for the quality you need.
What are the alternatives to foam storage options for models and miniatures?
…magnets.
Fair warning, however, for those in the ultimate search for the one bag/case to rule them all.
There is no perfect bag for miniature storage or transport.
Finding the perfect one-size fits all army transport system is a never ending adventure. You won’t find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Trust me, I know. I’ve messed around with a ton of different army transport bag options. What I bags or cases recommend below is merely a taste of what’s available.
Truth be told, for now, I actually ended up with a magnetic army transport system (which I’ll highlight in a different article), which is quite a bit more work. You have to glue magnets to each and every model you want to transport. This way they’ll stick to metal plates embedded in the cases’ shelving system (also requiring assembly).
For now, simple foam cases are the best do-it-all miniature storage and transport option. Relatively inexpensive, easy to upkeep, and easily does the job without too much hassle.
Check out the review below of some popular foam miniature transport and storage systems.
Here are 10 recommended miniature transport bags and cases
Feldherr means “commander” in German. The Feldherr Storage Box Compatible with Large Based Miniatures is a box. Simple as that. Made in Germany, this is a budget inexpensive army storage or transport option as compared to other “bag” styles.
But, don’t underestimate this case. It’s a high-quality large box with good space usage for miniatures of different sizes, between 30 mm to 45 mm in height or width. We’re talking about any trooper model (almost any) in the Warhammer, Age of Sigmar, or Warmachine tabletop gaming system.
Fit several 40k Kill Teams in this storage box and take them with you. Or, safely store them in the foam trays! This carrying case is a perfect choice for those who are looking for an option that’s simple and budget-friendly.
One of the best miniature storage cases (or boxes) in the market: sturdy and reliable, which is perfect for light-duty transport or storage needs.
Transferring into or out of the case is also pretty nice with the soft foam layering. The soft, flexible foam tray system will adjust and bend according to the shape and size of your minis and models with little risk for damaging them. Not too shabby with a price range between $28.99 to $44.99, depending on the model and upgrades you want.
Key Points:
- Sturdy
- Large miniature storage and transport (30-45mm bases)
- Simple design
- Modular
- Inexpensive
The Feldherr Mini Plus 64 Miniatures Figure Case is another German-named product. This miniature carrying case is a high-quality system and best suited for models and minis around the 25mm to 28mm scale sizing. Figures like trooper models, e.g., space marines, Bolt Action minis, and your Drop Zone Commander stuff, will generally fit in the foam trays for the Feldherr bag. There are other options for this system. Larger or smaller sized bags.
Check out the larger Feldherr 135 Figure Case.
If you’re an RPG gamer, like for D&D, or tabletop skirmish gamer, you can use this to keep your transport foot print down. Portability is paramount with a smaller bag, and you can move this thing where ever you with confidence that you could be discreet.
There are four trays of foam. Each protective foam tray layer has 16 compartments with space for 25-28mm sized figures. Of course, these are rectangular cubed slots, so be aware of what you can and cannot fit in this bag. Overall, this is a good generalist transport system for smaller army collections.
Note that the foam is easily swappable. So with extra foam, you can easily switch up what models or miniatures you’re carrying for the day’s gaming adventure. Of course, it’s a small case and will not fit larger models, e.g., vehicles, warjacks, or other larger minis. The price of this bag is around $39.99, which reasonable given the quality. Check out the other Feldherr case options in the link below.
Key Points:
- Hard-soft case
- 64 miniatures
- 25mm sized figure foam compartments
- 4 foam trays
- Compact
The Guardian Tabletop Gaming Backpack is a unique transport system. This is a backpack you can wear. Pretty much a high-quality large storage case that holds foam that you strap to your back. There is a lot of space for miniatures with multiple foam trays with arrays of compartmentalized space for miniatures sized at 32mm x 54mm. There are 135 compartments across 5 trays.
For customization, you also get three 54mm deep pluck foam trays for larger figures, including vehicles, tanks, ships, and other odd shaped sculpts.
This is the ultimate transport case that uses foam. If you’ve got free space, the extra trays keep things snug so things don’t jostle around while you’re traveling.
Made by gamers, for gamers, the Guardian Tabletop Gaming backpack is for those looking for an alternative, but great transport bag that competes well against the established Citadel or Battle Foam brands.
Feature rich, the cloth and straps of this backpack style army transport system will likely last you many trips to the local gaming scene.
At about $89 fully-loaded, this is a great value army transport bag.
Key Points:
- Large bag
- 135 compartments across five trays
- Includes two pluck foam customizable trays
- Secure loading and unloading system
- Carry handle and strap
The Enhance Portable Miniature Figure Storage & Carrying Case is a stylish and big miniature army transport case that can store and protect your miniature army. The bag comes with a strap as well as handles. Bring it with you over-the-shoulder style, or lug it around like a box of dynamite.
The multi-tiered storage includes four trays, of which three trays consist of 36 slots each. The fourth tray is customizable for those unwieldy larger figures, e.g., vehicles, flyers, tanks, and those larger fantasy siege engine models.
You can also create custom slots for your miniature army. Other than the main compartment, it also includes large accessory pockets that can accommodate essential wargaming accessories like pencils, dice, rulers, and much more. The price of this case is around $79.99.
Key Points:
- Stylish army transport storage bag
- Carry handle and should strap
- 3 foam trays with 36 slots each for 25-28mm scale miniatures
- 60mm foam tray with pick and pluck customizable foam for large sized vehicles and models
- Accessory pockets and compartments with zipper closure
For a company best known for their dice, the Chessex Figure Storage Box is great if you need a more compact storage hard case for your minis.
RELATED: AMAZING DICE SETS FOR DND AND OTHER RPG GAMES
If you own large figures, then this product is not really for you. The Chessex model storage box will, however, comfortably accommodate miniatures with 25mm size. The capacity of this miniature carrying case is around 80 figures and has two levels of foam that protect your miniature army. The nice thing about this box is that you can have multiples of them and stack them up.
I have two of these and you can take a sharpie marker and label each box directly on the plastic casing. For long term safe storage for your painted models and wargaming miniatures, this is simple and practical choice.
The case is made up of sturdy plastic and contains two layers that will tightly hold your miniatures. The foam is easy to set up and does not require any cutting. The latch is secure and does not come open unexpectedly. The price of this product is around $29.95.
Key Points:
- 80 miniature figure capacity
- Fits 25mm sized miniatures in foam compartments
- 2 tray levels of soft pre-cut foam
- Hard plastic case with easy snap closure
- Stackable and durable
The Game Plus Products Miniature Case/Bag is for those of you looking for a better quality Sabol Army Transport bag (which is more expensive, and uses crappy vinyl fabric). For the cost, the Game Plus is a very good value that uses stronger Nylon fabric. It feels better to use! The Game Plus bag also comes in a variety of colors!
(Note: This bag does not come with foam. You will need to buy foam separately. There are a lot of sizes to choose from!).
Generally speaking, if you are looking for a big, decent-quality and affordable miniature bag, then you can consider this option. It is one of the best miniature carrying case at this price point. This bag comes in different colors and provides good storage space to hold your miniature army.
As mentioned, nylon is used for its construction, which is durable and will last a long time depending on how much abuse you throw at it. This comes highly recommended for its ability to stand up to heavy use and considered one of the best army transport cases.
It is cheaper than most of the bags of this type, however still very sturdy and enough internal cushion to provide excellent protection for your miniature army.
The superb quality of battle foam worth it. However, the biggest drawback is that the bag only has a single way to carry itself, i.e., the shoulder strap, and does not possess the small handle you may find on the top of most bags. Though admittedly, this is a tall bag and would be cumbersome to carry by a top handle anyway.
The price of the Game Plus Miniature Case/Bag is around $49.99 without foam. With Game Plus foam, depending on the sizes you purchase, a full load out bag is probably more likely around $110.
Key Points:
- Very large bag
- Excellent value for features
- Nylon exterior cloth material for durability
- Multiple colors available
- Foam sold-separately (foam not included with bag)
The Battle Foam Miniatures Case line of model army transport bags are premium top-shelf bags. They have become the go-to standard for those tabletop miniature wargamers looking for the best, no compromise transport systems. This is a high-quality large cloth-covered “box” with a good amount of space for miniatures with a size between 30 mm to 45 mm.
The popularity of the bag comes from the aesthetic (it has a military combat looking feel to it), as well as its functionality. The case opens with a zipper that wraps around the sides and top. When opened, the large flap exposes the stack of foam trays. You don’t need to lift, squeeze anything to access your models. Simply slide your foam out of the bag and “ta-da!”, your army deploys.
Side zipper pockets and front velcro pockets hold all your accessories, tokens, rules, and small rule packets. Inside the case you’ll find the included pluck foam trays. Customize your foam protection by removing the foam pieces to fit the shape of your awkward models. Or, purchase the laser-cut foam from Battle Foam directly. The pluck foam in this bag is super soft, flexible and easy to use.
I’d even go so far and say that pluck foam style trays are better than the laser cut foam (which are stiffer). They are gentler on your painted miniatures. Even laser-cut foam can rub or abrade your painted minis over time. Softer foam is just better.
The price range of this product is around $184, which is a premium price for an amazing army transport bag.
Key Points:
- Premium large bag with lots of useful features
- Strong nylon exterior material
- Molle points for attaching modular bag accessories
- Zipper and velco compartment for other gaming things
- Top and side zipper opening for slide out easy foam access
The Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 352 Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case is similar to #7 except its smaller by about 30%. This is also a premium quality miniature case which can safely transport and store your tabletop miniatures. Ballistic nylon and hard plastic are used for its construction, which provides excellent protection to your miniature army. This product is considered as one of the best miniature carrying case.
This miniature carrying case is very sturdy and allows a lot of customization for unusual models. It can carry a lot of trooper sized Citadel Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar models in a variety of unique shapes. Like the other pluck foam trays, you customize your foam layout by removing foam to fit your models. Yup, you’re playing Tetris with your foam. The price of the PACK 352 is around $104.99.
Key Points:
- Premium feature rich medium-small sized bag
- Strong nylon exterior material
- Molle points for attaching modular bag accessories
- Carry handle and shoulder strap
- Top and side zipper opening for slide out easy foam access
We’ve reviewed the Games Workshop Citadel Battle Figure Case in another article. But, here it is again. Citadel makes great products for tabletop miniature gamers. Model paints, plastic kits, hobby accessories, and, of course, the Games Workshop line of games. Here is one of the model army transport options. It’s a lovely looking soft-hard plastic case that looks combat ready.
RELATED: CITADEL ARMY TRANSPORT CASES: ARE THEY WORTH IT?
This case is perfect for transporting and protecting your Citadel miniatures. An innovative feature other than the outside locking mechanism (which squeezes down the interior foam and keeps things snug) is the “zig-zag” foam. The foam trays are comprised of zig zagging interior “channels” that hold your miniatures in place without them jostling around. No need to pluck out foam bits for a good model-fitting. The foam trays will shape according to the models.
Of course, the foam channels are fairly thin so this isn’t the best option for heavy models made of pewter. But, in a pinch, if you need it to carry resin dense miniatures (e.g., Forgeworld models), this case could do it. The convienence factor alone of the foam is awesome!
Note at this time, you can’t replace the special foam trays in the Citadel Battle Figure Case (or any of the similar Citadel cases for that matter). So be careful with the foam and use it as intended, e.g., plastic models, if you want them to last a long time.
You can store up to 2,000 marines in this case. The price of this case is around $77.55. On the steep side for the amount of stuff you can hold, but it’s a top notch carry and storage option for your painted miniatures.
Key Points:
- Durable
- Flexible hard plastic exterior
- Revolutionary channel foam (zig-zag inserts)
- Secure snap closure system
- Ideal for plastic miniatures
The Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 40K Citadel Crusade Figure Case is the largest version of the Citadel Figure Case line of transport storage cases. It has all the advantages of the Battle Figure Case, but is much larger!
It can fit almost any miniature of every shape and size. The packing and unpacking of the case are easy and quick, which can be done by two locking clips at the top (note you can’t use an actual lock unless you rig the case somehow). This bag also comes with a convenient shoulder strap.
Of all the choices on this list, I would likely get this foam case for my current needs as a Warhammer 40k player. It can easily carry 2,000 points of Necrons with complete protection. Or, if you’re like me, I squeeze two land raiders and several units of Primaris marines in this case. It’ll do it all.
The only limitation is that there are no pockets or zipper compartments for carrying your other gaming accessories. Models only, unless you pack a few light weight books inside the case itself.
Check out the other in-depth review of the Citadel case systems (3 models) on the site.
The exterior material used in it the Citadel figure cases is hard plastic, which is solid and flexible enough for you to squeeze a tad bit more inside. It’s great. If you’re hesitant, try it out at your local store. The price is around $110.
Key Points:
- Large case with 8 specialized foam layer system
- Flexible hard plastic exterior
- Revolutionary channel foam (zig-zag inserts)
- Secure snap closure system
- Ideal for plastic miniatures
Summary Table: 10 Best Miniature Transport Cases and Bags
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Feldherr Storage Box | A solid box to hold your battle miniatures. Built to last, easy and intuitive modular design, affordable pricing. What’s there not to like about Feldherr Miniature Transport Case? | Check Price |
 |
Feldherr Mini Plus 64 Miniature Transport Case | Keep your figures in order the way a Feldherr Mini Plus 64. Transport them discreetly with this hard-soft case that provides 64 miniatures and 25mm sized figure foam compartments. Keeping it all organized because we know how precious those minis are! | Check Price |
 |
Guardian Tabletop Gaming Backpack | This thing is the ultimate in organization. With 135 compartments across five trays and two customizable pluck foam trays, you’ll never have to find those miniatures on your shelf; they’ll all be right in the bag. | Check Price |
 |
Enhance Portable Miniature Carrying Case | This carrying case is perfect for all your miniature gaming needs. With its portable size, versatile foam trays with 36 slots, and pockets to store extra pieces of equipment in, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go. So travel light or load up; whichever way your adventures take you this year! | Check Price |
 |
Chessex Figure Storage Box | The problem with our figures has always been keeping them safe and sound, and now Chessex has found the perfect solution. With its compact design that still accommodates 80 miniatures all in a matter of seconds, you’ll never be left wondering how to keep your pieces in one place again. And if you need to store more than 80 pieces? No problem. Stackable trays mean that even the craziest of collectors can find happiness here! | Check Price |
 |
Game Plus Products Miniature Case and Bag | This Game Plus Products Miniature Case Bag is designed for tabletop game enthusiasts, whether you’re a casual wargamer or hoarding miniature general.The large size of the bag allows it to hold everything from board games and card games to your entire Warhammer model army. It features a sturdy nylon exterior that can resist wear-and-tear while remaining lightweight and easy to carry. | Check Price |
 |
Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 720 Molle Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case | The Battle Foam P.A.C.K 720 was designed to be the ultimate miniatures case, which is evident from the moment you open it up and find 540 cubic inches of storage space that’s ideal for transporting your army around town. You’ll notice a premium nylon exterior with Molle points for modular bag attachments on both sides and a top handle as well as two durable zippers + Velcro compartments for extra gear usability. | Check Price |
 |
Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 352 Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case | When you’re going to need some miniatures for a tabletop game and you don’t want the hassle of setting up custom foam trays, reach for your P.A.C.K 352 Minis Case! This case features molle points to attach modular bag accessories like dice bags or water bottle holders. A top-side zipper system gives quick access to your army miniatures with a slide out design. | Check Price |
 |
Citadel Battle Miniatures Case | Save time and keeps your miniatures safe with a Citadel Battle Figure Case! Ideal for Warhammer miniatures, it also works great with other gaming models, too. You’ll never need to search for the perfect slot, thanks to the innovative and versatile zig-zag foam insert design. | Check Price |
 |
Citadel Crusade Miniatures Case | For those who thrash and toss on the go, this Citadel Crusade Figure Case is here to protect your minis. The lightweight, durable case can hold all of your miniatures safely. With eight specialized foam layers and a revolutionary channel foam system for shock absorption in every direction, and secure closure means no more loose miniatures flying out onto the floor while on traveling across town! | Check Price |
Conclusion
The best transport bags fit the need at hand. If you’ve got a swarm army, look for bags with large volume and options to swap out foam trays with different compartment sizes. On the other hand, if you’re like myself and prefer the elite armies that only require a few powerful pieces on the table, then a smaller case or bag fits the bill.
One of the bag types I did not include in this list are those that use luggage wheels. These are for you collectors who not only have HUGE numbers of models, but also travel a lot through public transportation systems, e.g,, airports.
Many model collections are heavy when piled into a single carrying case. Wheel change all this, but also add to the cost and the bulk of the entire system. Here’s a great army transport case I would recommend for those looking a large wheeled model transport case.
Painted miniatures are fragile. If you’re a tabletop wargamer using painted gaming miniatures, then you’re already trying to find solutions for safe transport and storage. Good luck in your search!
| Image | Product | Useful Info |
|---|---|---|
  | Feldherr Storage Box Compatible with Large Based Miniatures |
|
  | Feldherr Mini Plus 64 Miniatures Figure Case |
|
  | Guardian Tabletop Gaming Backpack |
|
  | Enhance Portable Miniature Figure Storage & Carrying Case |
|
  | Chessex Figure Storage Box |
|
  | Game Plus Products Miniature Case/Bag |
|
  | Battle Foam Miniatures Case |
|
  | Battle Foam P.A.C.K. 352 Pluck Foam Load Out Miniatures Case |
|
  | Games Workshop Citadel Battle Figure Case |
|
  | Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 40K Citadel Crusade Figure Case |
|
Tangible Day on YouTube (Miniatures and More!)
