Ranger Question

I am planning on playing a Ranger for my first play through of BG:EE and i am curious what would be the best kit to go with.

Archer- This is what i was originally thinking but from what I have been reading around the forms short bow is the only viable option for late game (late SOA ToB) and Long bows become weak. And honestly i cant see my ranger using a short bow, but that is probably just me.

So my question is for a ranger class what would be the ideal one for a class (kit or no kit) that would be able to use melee, as well as ranged weapons while they are still effective?

Thanks for any input :)