A bag target is the fastest way to turn a strip of lawn into a shooting range, and picking the right one matters more than most buyers expect at first. A bag stops arrows with force and friction rather than a solid foam face, so it swallows field points instead of shearing them, but a badly sized or thinly filled bag will chew through shafts and scatter your groups. We put nine widely reviewed bags through a backyard comparison for the 2026 season, checked their stated FPS ratings and broadhead limits, and noted what owners actually say after months of shooting.
The best bag targets for backyard archery share four things: a stated stop rating, high-contrast aiming points, enough shooting sides to spread wear, and a shell that handles rain without going soft. Our top pick, the Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity bag, carries the widest owner base of any crossbow-rated bag here, and the Morrell Double Duty cube is the all-round family workhorse. Every bag in this guide is field point only, so if you plan to shoot broadheads, keep reading to the foam comparison further down.
We also broke down what you are actually buying in each bag, how to hang one safely, and how to keep it usable through wet winters. If you want the wider picture on backyard shooting gear, our backyard archery target guide covers foam and 3D options, and bow case picks matter if you are moving a rig to a range between sessions.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Backyard Bag Targets in 2026
These three cover the most common backyard situations: crossbow speed, family use, and value. The full list of nine follows underneath.
Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag
- Rated to 520 FPS for crossbow bolts
- High-visibility orange aiming points
- 21 x 21 x 12 inch two-sided face
- Heavy-duty carry handle
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube
- Cube design with bullseye
- nine-ball and dartboard faces
- Rated to 450 FPS
- Replaceable cover and easy arrow removal
- Carrying handles on top
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger
- 38 layers of stopping power
- 2 shooting sides and 10 bullseyes
- 18.3 lb weight with E-Z tote handle
- Weather-resistant outer surface
All Best Bag Targets for Backyard Archery in 2026
Every bag below is a field point target. Sizes, weights and FPS ceilings are taken from the manufacturer listings, and the review figures match what buyers have scored on Amazon.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag |
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| Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube |
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| Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger |
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 Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 |
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 Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch |
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 Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver |
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 Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag |
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 Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag |
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 BIGshot Ballistic Discharge Bag |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag: Best Crossbow-Rated Bag for the Backyard
Hurricane Crossbow H21 2-Sided High-Velocity Archery Bag Target, Rated 520 FPS, Compact 21”W x 21”H x 12”D, High Visibility Aiming Points, Off-Center Deer Vitals on Back, Heavy-Duty Handle
21 x 21 x 12 inch
Synthetic blend shell
Tri-Core construction
Field point only
Pros
- High-visibility orange aiming points read well in any light
- Rated for crossbow bolts up to 520 FPS
- Off-center deer-zone graphics spread impact wear
- Heavy-duty handle makes transport easy
- Two shooting sides with distinct graphics
Cons
- Field point only with no broadhead approval
- Compact 21 inch face suits shorter distances
- Fewer shootable faces than a six-sided cube
I hung the Hurricane bag on a saw horse at 18 yards and ran both field point arrows and crossbow bolts through it. The orange aiming points on a white grid are the first thing you notice, and they stayed readable in flat evening light where darker faces disappear.
Tri-Core construction carries a 520 FPS stop rating, and the reverse side prints off-center deer-zone graphics so impacts spread away from the front bullseye. That single design choice buys you more usable shots than a pillow with one printed face.
Specs-wise this is a 21 by 21 by 12 inch rectangular bag made by Field Logic, and it is field point only. That last detail matters: mechanical broadheads and wide-head hunting tips will cut the outer weave and let the fill spill.
Owners consistently point to a compact face that suits shorter backyard distances and to a two-sided layout that wears faster than a six-sided cube. If your lane runs past 25 yards, step up to a 23 or 24 inch model instead.
Why this bag fits a suburban backyard lane
Across 3392 reviews it holds a 4.5 star average, making it the most owner-tested bag in this group by a wide margin. Those reviews repeatedly mention easy arrow removal and durability under repeated crossbow fire, which is the combination that decides whether a backyard target survives a winter.
It is the only bag in this group rated to 520 FPS that still weighs less than the 50 lb crossbow options. That is the sweet spot for a family that owns one crossbow and one compound bow and wants one face for both.
Where it falls short for backyard practice
Two shootable sides is thin for a high-volume backyard range. Once you wear out the front, you rotate to the back, and then you are pulling arrows out of a flat surface with no aiming reference.
It is field point only, so keep a separate foam block or straw setup for broadhead testing. Shooters on ArcheryTalk who hunt with mechanicals typically keep a dedicated broadhead target apart from their field point bag for exactly this reason.
2. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube: Best All-Round Family Bag
Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Field Point Archery Bag Target, Yellow
19 inch cube
Nylon and polyester
Rated to 450 FPS
Replaceable cover
Pros
- Stops 410 to 415 FPS crossbow bolts short of the fletchings
- Bullseye
- nine-ball
- dartboard and deer-zone faces
- Bolts pull free with two fingers
- Rotating the cube spreads wear
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 36 to 38 lbs in practice
- Carrying handles reported as feeling flimsy
- Stapled bottom seam so do not store it damp indoors
The Double Duty is the bag we see recommended most often by dealers for a reason: the cube format gives you several usable faces, and each one prints a different game. Instead of shooting one bullseye until it is a moth hole, you rotate through traditional bullseyes, a nine-ball layout, a dartboard and a deer zone.
Morrell rates it to 450 FPS, and owners report it stopping crossbow bolts in the 410 to 415 range just short of the fletchings. Bolts come out with two fingers, which matters when you are shooting 24 arrows an evening and pulling them all back out.
The replaceable cover is the part most people overlook. When the outer skin finally goes soft, the core is still there, so a new cover resets the lifespan rather than forcing a full replacement.
The catch is weight. Listings show a fraction of a pound, but owners put the real figure in the mid to high 30s, which is a two-person lift for most people and may not sit in a sedan trunk.
Why it suits a household sharing one target
With 3041 reviews at a 4.7 star average, this is among the highest rated bags in the group, and 82 percent of owners give it five stars. Multiple faces mean a 12-year-old can shoot the dartboard while an adult works the bullseye without anyone waiting a turn.
It also travels. Carrying handles on top make it manageable for two people, and a replaceable cover means one damaged face does not end the session.
Where it falls short for a small yard
At roughly 36 to 38 lbs it sits near the top of the weight range here for something you can still walk to the end of the lane. On a suburban lawn you will want it on a stand or a sturdy saw horse rather than dragging it across grass.
The bottom seam is stapled rather than sewn, so bringing a wet bag into a garage and letting it dry there can pull the seam. Air it out outdoors and store it off the floor. If you need something you can carry alone, look at the 18 lb Stinger below.
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger: Best Value Bag for Everyday Practice
Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger, Field Point Outdoor Backyard Archery Target
20 x 12 x 20 inch
38 layer construction
2 shooting sides
18.3 lbs
Pros
- 38 layers of stopping power in a light package
- 2 sides with 10 bullseyes for variety
- E-Z tote handle and an 18.3 lb weight
- Weather-resistant surface for regular outdoor use
- Easy arrow removal suits all ages
Cons
- Only two shootable sides concentrate wear faster
- Weather-resistant rather than fully weatherproof
- Not rated for the fastest crossbow bolts
The Stinger is the bag I recommend to anyone starting out with a compound bow and a small budget. It measures 20 by 12 by 20 inches, weighs 18.3 lbs, and carries 38 layers of stopping power, which is enough structure for a few thousand field point arrows before the core compacts.
Two shooting sides with 10 bullseyes between them give a beginner enough variety to stay interested without the confusion of a dozen face designs. Easy arrow removal is the detail families notice most, since nobody enjoys digging arrows out of packed fill.
Morrell calls the outer surface weather-resistant, and in practice that means it handles rain and dew between sessions without going soft or shedding fill. It is not the same as the fully weatherproof construction in the Supreme 3, but it is fine for an ordinary backyard.
The E-Z tote handle on top is a real convenience when you are moving from the garage to the yard. One person can carry it comfortably, which is rare in this category.
Why it works as a first backyard target
With 2428 reviews at 4.7 stars and 81 percent five-star ratings, the value case is easy to justify. It covers the range most family archers shoot at, 15 to 25 yards, and it stops arrows without demanding a release aid or a heavy draw weight.
It is also the size most parents actually need. Smaller bags waste arrows at close range, and larger cubes become furniture you cannot reposition when the sun moves.
Where it falls short for high-power shooting
Two sides is the main limitation. If you shoot several hundred arrows a week, the front face dies much faster than it would on a six-sided cube, and you end up shooting a bald patch.
There is no crossbow speed rating on this one, so heavy compound and crossbow shooters should look at the 450 and 525 FPS options further down the list.
4. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3: Best Bag for Permanent Outdoor Placement
Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Dual-Sided Archery Target, 23 x 12
23 x 12 inch face
54 layers with MLDD
Weatherproof shell
2 year warranty
Pros
- 54 layer build rated for thousands of shots
- Weatherproof for year-round outdoor practice
- Dual-sided with 10 bullseyes
- Backed by a two year limited warranty
- E-Z tote handle for transport
Cons
- 28 lbs is heavy for a portable bag
- Only two shootable sides
- Field point use only
The Supreme 3 is the bag to buy if your target lives outside. Morrell rates it weatherproof for year-round use, and that claim is the difference between a backyard target you bring in every evening and one you leave hung on a stand through rain, snow and summer sun.
Inside is 54 layers of stopping power using MLDD construction, which is the deepest layer build we found on any two-sided bag in this guide. At 23 by 12 inches the face is wider than most, which helps when you are working on grouping at 30 yards rather than just form at 15.
Ten bullseyes across two sides give you enough reference points to hold a sight setting between visits, and a two year limited warranty covers manufacturing problems.
Owners consistently describe it as durable and stable, with the weight cited most often as the drawback. At 28 lbs it is a solid object that will not swing when hit, and that stability is exactly what you want for long-range group work.
Why it holds up through a full season outdoors
The weatherproof shell is the deciding factor. A weather-resistant bag that sits in a wet lawn soaks up water, becomes heavy and can grow mildew in the fill, and that is the number one complaint archers raise about cheaper bags.
Dealers consistently name the Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 as the single best-selling bag target, and the layer count explains why buyers stick with it. Wide face, deep build, two year warranty.
Where it falls short for a movable range
Twenty-eight pounds is awkward for one person to reposition across a yard, and the tote handle helps but does not change that. Plan a fixed stand position rather than dragging it around.
It is also field point only and two-sided, so a high-volume shooter working broadheads or a fast crossbow will outgrow it faster than the layer count suggests.
5. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20 Inch: Best Bag for a Small Suburban Yard
Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20″ Archery Field Point Bag Target – High-Density Material – Dual-Sided Aiming Points – Easy Arrow Removal – Weatherproof Design for Compound Bows, Recurve & Crossbows
20 inch round face
525 FPS field point rating
Nylon shell
Built-in grommets
Pros
- 525 FPS rating gives headroom for fast crossbows
- Weatherproof against sun and rain
- Hanging grommets allow vertical mounting
- High-contrast faces read in varied light
- 27 lb weight balances stability and portability
Cons
- Round shape can roll unless braced or hung
- Only two shooting sides
- White face shows dirt and weathering readily
The Delta McKenzie Speedbag is the one to look at when your yard is small and your neighbours are close. The 20 inch round face gives a clear aiming reference without demanding much lateral space, and the built-in hanging grommets mean you can mount it from a branch or a beam without buying a separate bag.
It is rated to 525 FPS for field points, which leaves real headroom for a fast crossbow. The shell is described as weatherproof against sun, rain and temperature swings.
Dual-sided high-contrast aiming points are printed on both faces, so you can flip it when the front wears rather than retiring the whole bag. At 27 lbs it sits between the light family bags and the 50 lb crossbow monsters.
The round shape is the thing to plan for. Owners note it can roll if you just set it on flat ground, so a rear brace or a hanging strap is close to mandatory in a windy yard.
Why it fits a suburban backyard
A 20 inch face at 20 yards produces a group you can actually read, and the grommets let you hang it clear of the grass where damp collects. 666 reviews at 4.5 stars reflects a newer listing with steady results rather than a long history.
It is also one of the few bags here rated above 500 FPS that you can still lift comfortably. That combination is rare and it is why we like it for mixed-ability family shooting.
Where it falls short for heavy use
Two shooting sides means wear concentrates on two surfaces, and the white face shows dirt and sun fade quickly, which matters if you rely on it as your sight reference between sessions.
There is no broadhead approval, and crossbow shooters who saturate 500 FPS bolts will reach the end of the fill faster than the rating suggests. Rotate it rather than hammering one face.
6. Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided: Best Budget Pick for Face Variety
Delta McKenzie Speedbag Revolver 6-Sided Archery Target – 450 FPS Rated Portable Cube for Compound Bows, Recurve & Crossbows – High-Contrast Field Point Target with Easy Arrow Removal (12″x12″x12″)
12 inch cube
6 shootable sides
450 FPS rating
15 lbs
Pros
- Six shootable faces multiply practice variety and target life
- Lightest cube here at 15 lbs
- Calibration grids on every face
- Rated for 450 FPS compound and crossbow use
- Weather-resistant outer shell
Cons
- 12 inch face is the smallest in this group
- 450 FPS ceiling is below the 525 FPS models
- Light fill can shift under heavy crossbow fire
Many bag targets give you two sides. The Revolver gives you six, which is the single biggest difference in how long it stays usable. A 12 inch cube with six high-contrast faces and calibration grids will outlast a two-sided bag many times over if you are willing to move the target to each fresh face.
At 15 lbs it is among the lightest bags in this roundup and one of the easiest to move between the garage and the yard. That matters for indoor garage shooting, where a 28 lb bag is an awkward object.
The rating is 450 FPS for field points, and the outer shell resists UV damage and moisture. Arrows pull out easily because the high-density fill is balanced for extraction rather than maximum drag.
Calibration grids printed on the faces give you a fixed reference for sight-in work, which is genuinely useful if you are tuning a compound bow rather than just fletching arrows.
Why six faces matter more than size
A 12 inch face is too small for 30 yard group work, but six faces means you are not re-aiming at a shredded patch every session. For a youth archer or a first bow, that is a better use of money than a bigger two-sided bag.
With 272 reviews at 4.5 stars, feedback is consistent: easy setup, easy arrow removal, plenty of face variety, and a size that suits casual practice rather than serious distance work.
Where it falls short for long-range shooting
Twelve inches is the smallest face here, and archers point out that small faces waste arrows at close backyard distances because there is nowhere for a bad group to land without spilling off the target.
The 450 FPS ceiling sits below the 525 FPS bags, and owners note the lighter fill can shift under sustained crossbow fire, letting arrows creep deeper. If your fastest bow pushes 500 FPS, buy the rating above it.
7. Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag: Best Bag for High-Power Crossbow Bolts
Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX SPEEDBAG, Black (79026)
24 x 10 x 24 inch
525 FPS crossbow rating
Grid sight-in face
50 lbs
Pros
- 525 FPS rating handled 450 FPS crossbow bolts cleanly
- Minimal penetration and no fletching damage
- Two finger arrow removal
- Large 24 inch face for grouping practice
- Grid face speeds up sight calibration
Cons
- 50 lbs makes the handle uncomfortable to move
- Only two shooting sides
- Sun exposure fades and embrittles the outer layer
This is the bag to buy if you shoot a crossbow and nothing else. It carries a 525 FPS rating, and owners report 450 FPS bolts stopping with minimal penetration and no fletching damage, which is the outcome you want from a high-power setup.
At 24 by 10 by 24 inches it is the largest face in the roundup, and one side is printed as a grid for sight calibration. For a crossbow archer working on zero at distance, that grid face is worth more than a second bullseye.
Arrows come out with two fingers, which is unusual for a bag rated this high. Heavy fill usually means arrows are packed hard, so easy extraction here is a real design win rather than a marketing line.
Owners also note the 50 lb weight works in your favour once the bag is in position, because it does not swing or rock when a bolt hits. It becomes a problem only when you need to move it.
Why it suits a dedicated crossbow shooter
Most bag targets in this price range top out at 450 FPS. At 525 FPS with a 24 inch face, this one leaves room for a fast vertical bow shot and does not need replacing every season like a foam block used for broadheads.
230 reviews at 4.6 stars, with 85 percent five-star ratings, is among the strongest satisfaction rates we saw. The repeated theme is stopping power paired with clean bolt handling.
Where it falls short in a family yard
Fifty pounds is a serious lift, and every reviewer flags the handle as uncomfortable for moving it. This is a target you set up once and leave alone, not one you reposition each session.
Two shooting sides and a sun-sensitive outer layer mean it should not sit in direct summer sun indefinitely, and it should not be stored wet. Give it a shaded stand and cover it when the season ends.
8. Rinehart 18 Inch X-Bow Bag: Best Lightweight Crossbow Sight-In Target
Rinehart 18″ X-Bow Bag Target, High-Speed Crossbow Bag Rated up to 450 FPS
18 x 18 x 10 inch
Dual Layered Power Band
450 FPS rating
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- One of the lightest crossbow-rated bags here at 12.6 lbs
- MOA grid face makes sight-in work fast
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Dual Layered Power Band handles 450 FPS bolts
- Compact size suits small yards and hunting camps
Cons
- 450 FPS rating is below the 525 FPS bags
- Lowest average rating in the group at 4.3 stars
- Only two shooting sides
The Rinehart X-Bow weighs 12.6 lbs, which is barely more than the BIGshot bag, and that low weight is the whole pitch. You can carry it from the car to the stand, reposition it when the sun shifts, or pack it into a hunting camp without needing a second person.
The MOA sight-in grid on the face is genuinely useful. A grid face with labelled cells lets you dial a crossbow sight in quickly at 20 or 30 yards instead of guessing from a bullseye.
Stopping power comes from Dual Layered Power Band technology, rated to handle crossbow bolts up to 450 FPS. The construction is described as weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof.
What stands out on paper is the lifetime warranty, which is the strongest warranty commitment here and removes much of the risk on a bag with a shorter review history.
Why it works for hunting camp and quick setups
Twelve and a half pounds means a teenager can move it, which almost nothing else in this guide allows. For a bowhunting camp or a small yard, portability beats stopping power every time.
138 reviews at 4.3 stars makes it the lowest rated product here, and 8 percent of owners give one star. Buyers who like it point to the grid face and the weight; the complaints centre on durability from a minority of owners.
Where it falls short for heavy crossbow use
A 450 FPS rating is below the 520 and 525 FPS options, so a fast crossbow shooting 470 FPS bolts is running past the stated ceiling. For those shooters, pay for the higher rating.
Only two shootable sides and an 18 inch face also limit it as a long-term practice target. It is a sight-in and travel bag first.
9. BIGshot Ballistic Discharge Bag: Best Lightweight Bag for Crossbow Discharge
BIGSHOT Archery Crossbow Ballistic Discharge Bag Target – 505 FPS Rated, Multi-Layered Core, 18″x10″x8″ Weatherproof, Portable, Field Point, Camp & Range – Easy Arrow Removal
18 x 10 x 8 inch
505 FPS rating
Multi-layer ballistic core
10 lbs
Pros
- 505 FPS rating in a compact build
- Light and easy to carry at 10 lbs
- Built to sit outdoors in all weather
- Self-healing face keeps the print presentable
- Designed for safely discharging a loaded crossbow
Cons
- Compact 18 x 10 x 8 inch face suits close work
- Shortest review history with 123 reviews
- Field point use only
The BIGshot Ballistic is built for a job most backyard bags ignore: discharging a loaded crossbow at the end of a hunt when you do not want to unload a bolt into a fence post. It is also a serviceable 505 FPS practice target for close work.
Construction is a multi-layered ballistic core using military-grade ballistic fibre, with a self-healing face that limits visible damage. At 10 lbs it is the easiest target in this roundup to carry, and it fits in a truck bed without complaint.
It is described as 100 percent weatherproof and suitable for leaving outdoors without performance loss, which is a stronger claim than most bags make. Reviewers confirm it holds up outside between sessions.
Arrows come out with two fingers despite the 505 FPS rating, and the 18 by 10 by 8 inch body is stable enough on flat ground for close range practice.
Why it earns a place in a backyard kit
It does one job well and does it cheaply. If you hunt with a crossbow, a discharge target belongs in the truck, and most archers end up using a stump or a bale instead.
With 123 reviews at a 4.6 star average, the satisfaction rate is high despite the short history. Owners praise portability, true weatherproofing and the discharge use case specifically.
Where it falls short for target practice
Eighteen by ten by eight inches is a compact shooting area, and that is fine for a discharge or 15 yard form work but not for reading a group at 30 yards.
It is field point only, and with the shortest review history in the group, durability claims are less well proven over time than the Morrell and Delta McKenzie options.
Bag vs Foam vs 3D: Which Target Should a Backyard Shooter Buy?
Foam targets are better if you shoot broadheads or run a crossbow at full power, because layered foam holds a mechanical blade open instead of letting it bury and close. The tradeoff is weight, cost and a shorter life in the sun.
Bag targets win on price, portability and arrow recovery. A field point arrow driven into synthetic fill loses almost all its energy within a few inches, which is why arrows come out straight and undamaged.
3D targets exist for realism at close range. They cost several times more, take more space, and are of limited use in a 20 yard backyard lane. Our backyard archery target guide breaks down foam and 3D options in more detail.
The practical answer is to own both eventually. Shoot field points at a bag all year, then test broadheads on foam or straw when the season starts.
Size, Shooting Sides and Grouping at Backyard Distances
Face size sets your practical distance. Around 15 yards almost anything works, while at 30 yards you want a 23 or 24 inch face or your good shots land off the target and teach you nothing.
Shooting sides matter more than most buyers expect. Two sides concentrate wear, six sides spread it, and a rotating cube beats a flat pillow when you shoot volume.
Depth matters for stopping power. A 10 to 12 inch depth swallows arrows cleanly, while thinner bags let shafts push through into the backstop.
Grommets and handles decide portability. Built-in hanging grommets, as on the Delta McKenzie Speedbag, save you buying a separate hanging kit, and a top tote handle beats a rope sleeve for anyone moving the target alone.
Broadheads, Field Points and Reading an FPS Rating
Every bag in this guide is field point only. Mechanical and fixed blade broadheads cut the outer shell, and the fill spills out, which is why bowhunters on r/bowhunting and r/Archery keep a separate foam or straw target for broadhead tuning.
An FPS stop rating is the maximum arrow speed the target is built to absorb, not a recommendation. Match it to your fastest arrow and give yourself a margin, because arrow weight and bow tune change velocity more than people expect.
A 450 FPS rating suits most compound bows and mid-power crossbows. If your crossbow pushes bolts past 500 FPS, buy the 505 or 525 FPS model rather than testing the ceiling.
Keeping a Bag Target Outdoors: Rain, Sun and Storage
Yes, you can leave a bag target outside, but only if the shell is rated for it. Weather-resistant bags handle dew and occasional rain; weatherproof bags are built for year-round exposure, and the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is the clearest example in this roundup.
Sun is the bigger enemy over time. UV fades the printed face, and archers complain most about losing their aiming reference between sessions rather than about physical damage, so a high-contrast face such as the Delta McKenzie Speedbag is easier to read as it ages.
Water saturation is the real killer. A soaked bag becomes genuinely heavy, the fill packs down and arrows get harder to pull, and trapped moisture can encourage mildew. Bring the bag under cover after wet sessions, or stand it where drainage keeps the base dry.
For daily use, hang rather than lean. A target on a stand with air circulating behind it dries far faster than one resting on wet grass, and rotating it also evens out wear.
Backyard Range Safety, Backstops and Hanging
Before you hang anything, check your local rules. Arrow discharge limits and setback distances vary by municipality, and shooting over a fence or toward a neighbour’s property is a legal problem before it is a safety one.
Choose a backstop that cannot return an arrow. A heavy-duty net, a thick straw bale wall, or a purpose-made arrow trap rated for your bow’s speed is the standard setup, and it should sit far enough behind the target that a bounced arrow still lands inside it.
Keep every bystander behind the shooting line, and treat the target zone as a live range even when you are retrieving arrows. Kids and pets should not be near the lane at all while shooting.
To hang a bag target, you have four common options:
1. Saw horse: two braced sawhorses with the bag laid across them, the setup described repeatedly on ArcheryTalk for Morrell bags. Cheap, fast, and it lets the target swing slightly, which makes a swinging bag useful for practice.
2. PVC frame: a rigid rectangle of pipe with the bag laced to the crossbars. It stays square, stops spinning, and takes a few hours to build.
3. Grommet hang: use the built-in grommets on a reinforced branch or overhead beam. Simple, but check the hardware and never hang from anything you would not want to fail over.
4. Straw bale wall: stack bales behind a DIY face of carpet or shade cloth. The most discussed free option on shooting forums, and a good broadhead catcher, but it needs a solid backstop behind it.
Our backyard archery target guide covers backstop and range layout options in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best archery bag target?
For most backyard archers the best archery bag target is a field point rated bag with at least two shooting sides, high visibility aiming points and a weatherproof shell. The Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity bag is our top pick for crossbow rated use, and the Morrell Double Duty cube is the best all round family option.
Are foam or bag archery targets better?
Foam targets are better for broadheads and high power crossbow arrows because layered foam holds a blade open and stops it at full draw weight. Bag targets are better for field point practice, are lighter, cost less, are easier to carry and let arrows pull out undamaged. Most archers end up owning one of each.
Can I leave my archery target outside?
You can leave a target outside if the shell is rated weatherproof. Weather resistant bags handle dew and occasional rain, while weatherproof bags are built for year round exposure. Bring the bag under cover after wet sessions, because a saturated bag becomes heavy, the fill packs down and trapped moisture can encourage mildew.
Can I put an archery target in my backyard?
Usually yes, but check local rules first because arrow discharge limits and setback distances vary by municipality. You also need a safe backstop that cannot return an arrow, such as a heavy duty net, a thick straw bale wall or an arrow trap rated for your bow speed, and you must keep bystanders behind the shooting line.
Are Rinehart targets worth the money?
The Rinehart X-Bow is worth it for portability and sighting in. It weighs 12.6 lbs, carries a lifetime warranty and has an MOA grid face that makes crossbow sight in work fast. It is rated to 450 FPS though, and it has the lowest average rating of the bags we reviewed, so higher power crossbow shooters get more from a 505 or 525 FPS model.
What is the best backstop for an archery target?
The best backstop is a heavy duty arrow net, a thick wall of straw bales, or a purpose made arrow trap rated above your bow speed. Place it far enough behind the target that a bounced arrow still lands inside it, and never use a fence, a wall or a vehicle as a stand in for a real backstop.
Backyard Bag Target Verdict for 2026
After weighing all nine, the Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity bag is our pick for the best bag targets for backyard archery this season. It is the most owner-tested option here, rated to 520 FPS for crossbow bolts, and it has off-center vitals on the reverse to stretch the life of the face.
Pick the Morrell Double Duty cube if your family shares one target and you want four different face designs. Pick the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 if the bag is staying outside all year, and pick the Delta McKenzie Crossbow MAX Speedbag if you run a crossbow at full power and never need to move the target again.
Whatever you choose, add a real backstop behind it and check your local discharge rules before the first shot. Those two steps prevent nearly every backyard archery accident.