Scope covers provide full protective coverage of the entire scope – not just the glass.
The problem is that not all scope covers are made the same. Some are better than others and some are junk.
I compare the best scope covers in the market, and they all have different features from materials, color, size, retaining systems, and more.
Let’s cover the most highly rated scope covers that are trending today!
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing scopes in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics and accessories for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience from hunting to competition means we've used our gear and our accessories to the limits. With many lost caps in the field, parts breaking at the range, and accessories snagging on clothing and bushes, our mishaps and successes have been integral in putting together this round-up of the best scope covers.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
Best Scope Covers in 2024
1. Maven Rifle Scope Cover – Best Overall
The Maven rifle scope cover is rated best overall for its proven performance in the field, during transport, and in storage. Best of all, it’s included as a free accessory when you purchase a Maven riflescope!
Pros:
- Cost
- Good design
- Easy to put on
- Small pull loops
- Flexible & good fit
Cons:
- Sizing chart is just for Maven scopes
Though Maven doesn’t include scope caps as a freebie accessory in the box, you can get the flip-up caps in the bundle package that also comes with rings. But Maven always includes a free neoprene cover – that’s the best kind since you didn’t have to purchase one separately.
I always use the covers that come with Maven scopes. It’s in the box, it protects the scope from dirt and weather during transport, at the range, or even when I’m in the hunt. The small pull loops don’t catch on my gear or on branches, and the fit is perfect to cover the entire scope.
I also really like that it’s not plain black, so there’s a little bit of a design flair there. If you’re looking for a replacement scope cover for your Maven scope, it’s easy to find the right one because Maven sizes them according to their scope models. However, if you’re looking for a Maven scope cover for your other non-Maven scopes, it takes a little bit of digging to find the right size.
From what I’ve gathered, the cover that fits the RS.1 and RS.5 will fit scopes with an approximate 14”+ length and objective lenses between 44-50mm. I’d call this a large size.
The cover that fits the RS.4, CRS.1, and CRS.2 models seem to fit scopes with an approximate 11.6-12.8” length and objective lenses from 40-56mm. I imagine the cover may fit a bit snug on the front end of the RS.4 since it has a 56mm lens (65mm objective bell)! Even with the fitment of the objective bells, given the length, I’d call this a medium size.
The RS.2 cover appears to be slimmer as it fits a scope with a 12.4” length and a 38mm objective lens. The RS.3 cover fits scopes with a 50mm objective lens and a 13” length. I reckon these are more of a custom fit size for Maven scopes, but it could be the right in-between size for your not-Maven scope. One of the best things about it? It comes at a bargain price!
2. Alpine ScopeSlicker NX Cover – Best Scope Cover for Hunting
In general, the Alpine ScopeSlicker NX neoprene scope cover is about as expensive as any other mid-range cover in the market, but it has a lot of features. What I really like about the ScopeSlicker is that it’s made in the USA, and it comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Built-in microfiber cloths
- Retaining bands
- Pull loops
- Various sizes
- Various colors
Cons:
- 0.5mm thick neoprene
A lot of buyers would like to see the ScopeSlicker NX scope cover a little bit thicker for extra padding. I’d be more critical of this too, but this is usually the primary complaint with most scope covers in the market, so the ScopeSlicker isn’t unique in this.
I really like that the Alpine scope cover has a lot of extra features. First off, the ScopeSlicker isn’t plain black with a logo. There’s Alpine Mountain Camo, Stealth Shadow, Vanish Tan, and Vanish Shadow which are all some variation of a camo pattern.
The Alpine ScopeSlicker NX cover is made from nylon, Cordura, microfiber, neoprene, and webbing. I’m assuming the microfiber are the built-in lens cloths, the nylon and Cordura could be the lining on the neoprene, and the webbing is used for the pull loops and retaining bands.
Yes, there are built-in lens cloths in the cover that will be especially useful for cleaning the glass if needed, but if you’re like me, they’ll probably be used on the binoculars more often.
The retaining loops are a great idea. They wrap around the tube to keep the cover secure on the scope. Think along the lines of brushing up against gear or bushes… branches won’t be able to snag your cover off, and it won’t get lost in the field. During scope use, just pull off the ends and you can still shoot with the cover on. You won’t be able to use your turrets and you’ll probably have restricted access to the side focus, but if you don’t dial in and parallax is fixed, then it’s a non-issue.
There are three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small fits 9-12” scopes, medium fits 12-17” scopes, and large fits 14-20” scopes. I reckon that if your scope is bordering on the larger end (last 2”) with a big objective bell, go the next size up. There are some reports about it being too snug and not fitting.
With everything the Alpine ScopeSlicker NX offers at a competitive price, it’s a solid scope cover made for hunters.
3. Vortex Sure Fit Riflescope Cover – Most Popular
The Vortex Sure Fit riflescope is one of the most popular scope covers in the market. It’s purchased separately and comes in various sizes from small to extra-large. It runs about $25 at street prices, so it’s it the middle of the range for cost in comparison to alternatives.
Pros:
- Neoprene
- Simple “look”
- Padding in the ends
- Pull loops
- Various sizes
Cons:
- Size confusion
Vortex only has the black cover which sports the Vortex logo. Each end of the cover has a pull loop to quickly grab and pull the cover off when needed. There is padding at these ends to give the glass in these bells some extra protection.
Unfortunately, the scopes that are listed on the Vortex website that are assumed to be compatible with a particular size is confusing. The problem is that Vortex just listed a bunch of scopes, but they’re not categorized for the right size cover. I’d recommend measuring the length of your scope and the objective bell and then choose the right size cover for your scope.
The small size fits scopes with a 9-11.5” length while the medium size fits scopes with a 11.5-14” length. The large size fits scopes with a 14-15.5” length and an objective bell diameter of 2.25” or smaller. The extra-large size fits scope with a 14-16” length and scopes with larger objective bell diameters of over 2.25”.
Some things to consider is that there are some wear and tear issues to be aware of. The logo may flake off and the stitching may come loose sooner than you want it to. For a cover that keeps moisture out, turrets protected, and the body free of scratches and dings, it works.
It’s the not most aesthetically appealing cover in the market, but it’s thick, stretchy, and covers the entire scope. That’s it’s job, and it gets it done.
4. Leupold Scope Cover – Best Nylon Neoprene Scope Cover
Though Leupold may have some of the best scope caps in the market, they also have scope covers as an affordable alternative to protect the lenses and the body. There are multiple sizes, and it stands out from the rest with its big and gold Leupold letters and logo!
Pros:
- Nylon-laminated neoprene
- Bold design
- Water-resistant
- Full body coverage
- Multiple sizes
Cons:
- Cost
The Leupold scope cover is mid-range for cost, so not too bad. However, there are more than a few reports that the neoprene is thin. There’s also criticism that you’re paying more for the ‘brand name’ scope cover than anything else.
However, even if the neoprene is on the thin side, the Leupold cover offers full body coverage with deep scoops before the cuts. You just have to make sure you get the right size.
I’d recommend measuring the dimensions of the scope (L x W x H) and choosing the best scope cover size off your measurements. Leupold scope cover sizes start with small at 8.5 x .8 x .8” probably for 20mm lens scopes. The medium is 10.5 x 1.18 x 1.18” and is likely for 30mm scopes, so LPVO scopes maybe. The large should fit 42mm lens scopes with 12.5 x 1.65 x 1.65” dimensions. The X-large is 12.5 x 1.96 x 1.96” and should fit 50mm lens scopes while the XX-large fits longer scopes at 15.5 x 1.96 x 1.9” with 50mm lenses.
Leupold’s scope covers are not just neoprene but are also nylon lined. This means that a layer of elastic, abrasion resistant, and soft textured nylon is glued to each side of the neoprene. The soft touch should also keep things quiet when removing it. Speaking of removing the cover, it does not have pull tabs/loops, so just tug the soft, squishy end.
The logo and brand name design has some aesthetic appeal that adds style to what would otherwise be a plain black cover.
Though I think the Leupold scope cover could be a tad thicker, it’s quiet, soft, offers full coverage, and it looks good while protecting the scope.
5. Burris Scope Cover – Best Fabric (Non-Neoprene) Scope Cover
The Burris scope cover is advertised as having been made from neoprene, but it’s really not. It has a soft, fleece-like material that offers light padding and some water resistance. If you want your scope to have its own blanket, consider the Burris cover.
Pros:
- Cost
- Soft fabric
- Water-resistant
- Minimalistic design
- Various sizes
Cons:
- Not neoprene
I don’t think there’s a layer of neoprene hiding in the fleece material, though the Burris scope covers are advertised as neoprene in various places. The current model of scope covers don’t appear to have neoprene. The “super-soft, breathable fabric” is not definitively disclosed either, so I’m taking my best guess as it’s some kind of polyester fleece.
What’s nice about it is that the logo is not going to flake, chip, or fade away. The logo design is actually sewn in. Another benefit is that it’s soft and will be super quiet when removing it from the scope body. Though thin, it will protect the scope and glass from accidentals like drops, dings, nicks, dirt, snow, rain, etc.
The Burris scope cover isn’t completely waterproof, meaning it will get wet if you submerge it in water, but it should be water resistant enough to keep the scope dry in light rain and even snow. It’s not stretchy and flexible like neoprene, so choosing the right size is essential. If you stretch it too far, you’ll probably pull the seams apart.
Burris provides size measurements: small covers for scopes 8.5-10.5” with objective bells up to 39mm. Medium covers for scopes 10.5-13” with objective bells to 48mm. Large covers for scopes 13-17” with objective bells up to 61mm.
Since there’s very little material flexibility, you will want to measure your scope first before buying. You will also want to take note of the clearance between the objective bell and the barrel of the rifle. It appears you’ll need about a 0.25” of clearance to put the scope cover on. The trim to the opening of the scope cover can prevent installation and removal ease if it’s too tight.
6. Kemimoto Scope Cover – Best for the Money
The latest scope cover that’s making headlines in the generic market is the Kemimoto Neoprene scope cover. It’s simple, cheap, and it works.
Pros:
- Cost
- Multiple sizes
- Pull tabs
- Hard bumper
- Simple
Cons:
- Quality control
The Kemimoto scope cover has nailed something that most other scope covers haven’t been able to – thick neoprene. A common complaint of neoprene covers is that they’re thin, but the Kemimoto has no such grumbles. What there are grumbles about is quality control from poor stitching to torn pull tabs in one pull.
I wouldn’t say the ‘look’ of the scope cover is anything to get turned on about either. But if it does the job, then I could get past the ugly, white lettering including the length measurements on the scope cover. Maybe that could be peeled off?
The scope cover seems to be made with nylon on neoprene. Only the front end (objective lens end) has the hard bumper. It’s a little bit of padding in it to protect the glass.
Though some will like the wide cut in the scoop opening because it makes installing fast and easy, some won’t. The issue I foresee is not enough wrap-around the scope. This could possibly be remedied by choosing the right size scope cover. Most say they run true to size or perhaps a little on the small side. Consider this advice especially if your scope has a large objective lens or tall turrets.
Kemimoto offers five sizes categorized by scope length: 9-10”, 10-12”, 12-14”, 14-16”, and 16-18”.
For the money, the Kemimoto scope cover is trending. It’s cheap, has the must-have features you want in a scope cover, and a lot of people are willing to try it. Since it’s under twenty bucks, I would too!
7. ScopeGuard Alaska Scope Cover – Best with Keeper Holder
You don’t have to burn a hole in your scope cover or rig a tethering system to prevent losing your cover while you’re in the field. The ScopeGuard Alaska has a built-in keeper holder that will do the job of staying on the rifle while you’re busy hunting or chasing groups.
Pros:
- Cost
- Keeper loop
- Multiple sizes
- Neoprene
- Made in USA
Cons:
- 2mm neoprene thickness
The neoprene is thin according to some complaints. This is typical to see in the neoprene scope cover market. It’s still 2mm and under $20, so it is what it is. As far as the fit goes, there are multiple sizes, and as long as the scope length falls in the middle range of the scope cover length, it should fit perfectly.
The sizes are: 8-9”, 9-10”, 10-12”, 11-13”, 12-14”, 13-15”, 14-16”, 15-17”, and 16-18”. I’d say these are good sizing options to choose from but at ScopeGuard you can input additional information to cater for large objective bells, tall or wide turrets, or you can opt for custom sizing.
Now to the good part, the keeper loop. The loop is located at the front end of the cover. It has a quick connect/disconnect clip, so basically a buckle that keeps the loop intact. It loops around the forestock of the rifle. If you have a sling attached to the stud, it won’t fall off when the muzzle is pointed to the ground.
Impressively, the Alaska scope cover is made in the USA. Though ScopeGuard doesn’t really give a detailed background on their company, they say that the scope covers are made by US Army veterans.
8. Allen Neoprene Scope Cover – Best Reversible Cover
Finding a scope cover that fits large scopes with 56mm bells and 15” (approx.) lengths can be tough. The cover doesn’t adequately engulf the objective bell and covers that are technically ‘long enough’ are too snug as it overcompensates over the bell. The solution? The Allen Reversible Scope Cover.
Pros:
- Cost
- Black/Mossy Oak Infinity
- 3 sizes
- Large front end
Cons:
- Incomplete coverage
While Allen got it right in the length and the objective bell size department, they come in a little short on the height and width. The cut is pretty deep so the side turrets may be somewhat exposed. This might mean having to move up to the next size. If you’re all about saving money, then at least the glass is covered.
The Allen reversible cover offers up three sizes: small, medium, and large. The large size is of note because it fits big scopes with big bells. The key design to Allen’s scope cover is the larger portion of the front end. This ensures full coverage of the objective bell. No more overcompensating for the front end and losing coverage or length elsewhere on the scope!
So, the large size is 14” long but fits scopes up to 15” long (it stretches) with objective bells from 44-56mm. The medium size is 11” long and fits scopes up to 12” long with objective bells from 40-44mm. The small size is 9” long and fits scopes up to 10” long with objective bells from 24-40mm.
Another key feature of the Allen scope cover is the price. Regardless of size, they all come in under $20. Not only is it stylish and well made, it’s affordable.
As a reversible scope cover, you can use either side for aesthetic appeal, match the color on your rifle, or camouflage your setup while hunting. I personally like the Mossy Oak over the black, so I know which side I’d be using more.
FAQ's
In general, scope covers are a one-piece design made of some sort of material, commonly neoprene, to stretch over and protect the entirety of riflescope. Scope caps are usually made of plastic or rubber and attach to the ocular and objective ends of the scope to protect the glass.
For more information on a variety of the best scope caps in the market, check out the best of them here!
Though neoprene is waterproof, many ‘neoprene’ scope covers are not entirely made of neoprene nor do manufacturers disclose open or closed cell neoprene, density, or stitching and gluing techniques to ensure waterproofness. Typically, you can expect water-resistant benefits.
On average, scope covers are sized for the dimensions of a riflescope and do not consider the added length for a sunshade. To find a scope cover that will fit a scope with a sunshade, take the length of the scope and add the length of the sunshade for a complete length to find appropriate covers.
Unfortunately, scope cover sizes are not universal, and they vary between manufacturers. The best way to find the right size neoprene scope cover for your scope is to take your own scope dimensions and use that to compare with scope cover sizes.
Aim for a cover where the scope length falls in the middle range of the given size. For example, a medium size cover of 12-14” may be a better fit for a 12-13” scope. Take into consideration that large objective bells and unusually tall or wide turrets will also affect overall fit.
Team Scope Caps or Team Scope Covers? Which Are You?
Scope covers are water-resistant, protect the glass and the scope, are quieter than flip-up caps, and they’re incredibly fast and easy to use in the field. They’re excellent for storage and protecting the finish and scope body when you’re transporting firearms, hunting, or if they’re in storage.
Overall, scope covers are a must-have riflescope accessory to protect your glass and your scope body!
There’s a very convinced crowd that’ll preach scope covers over scope caps every day. I’m a fan of both. A cover on my hunting scopes and flip-up caps on my target shooting scopes. When they’re in storage, they’re in cases and sleeves. Why not have both?
Further Reading
