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Considerations for Off-Body Carry

Talyn

Talyn

Emissary
Founding Member
On-body carry is inarguably the most proficient way to carry a firearm. While this knowledge is strongly advocated for, the numbers for off-body carry are rising. If off-body carry is not the better option, why are people utilizing this method? There are several reasons a person would opt for this: situations where it is the only option.

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Concealed Carry 101: Considerations for Off-Body Carry

On-body carry is inarguably the most proficient way to carry a firearm. While this knowledge is strongly advocated for, the
athlonoutdoors.com athlonoutdoors.com

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This topic has been of interest to me for years, in fact the first article I read here on this site was the Gunspot one about fanny pack carry several years ago. https://www.thearmorylife.com/concealed-carry-fanny-pack/

In his article he finds about a second and a half difference in getting to shooting vs IWB carry. For me that is a good option in my circumstance (I am not implying that I can draw and shoot as fast as him).

In the situation I find myself, when outside of my home, I am wearing workout style clothing a large part of the time. No pockets, belts etc. As such I have bought and experimented with around 100 or so fanny packs. I currently have settled on a Cotopaxi fanny pack (not an endorsement) because it has the perfect combo of things I wanted. It has a very wide strap and large solid buckle and in the main compartment it has a rigid dividing wall in the middle, which allowed me to permanently mount a Kydex IWB holster; and lastly it does not look 'tactical' in any way.

So parting thought... even though fanny packs are abhorrent and cheesy and really dumb looking, if you find yourself without pockets, belts etc, at least you can carry all the right things.
 
MrMichaelActual said:
This topic has been of interest to me for years, in fact the first article I read here on this site was the Gunspot one about fanny pack carry several years ago. https://www.thearmorylife.com/concealed-carry-fanny-pack/

In his article he finds about a second and a half difference in getting to shooting vs IWB carry. For me that is a good option in my circumstance (I am not implying that I can draw and shoot as fast as him).

In the situation I find myself, when outside of my home, I am wearing workout style clothing a large part of the time. No pockets, belts etc. As such I have bought and experimented with around 100 or so fanny packs. I currently have settled on a Cotopaxi fanny pack (not an endorsement) because it has the perfect combo of things I wanted. It has a very wide strap and large solid buckle and in the main compartment it has a rigid dividing wall in the middle, which allowed me to permanently mount a Kydex IWB holster; and lastly it does not look 'tactical' in any way.

So parting thought... even though fanny packs are abhorrent and cheesy and really dumb looking, if you find yourself without pockets, belts etc, at least you can carry all the right things.
Click to expand...
This is me, exactly the same situation. I've been using a fanny pack for years. And no one has even given me a second glance about it. I started out using a fanny pack when my XDs .45 was my EDC. Then another fanny pack for my next EDC, which is my HK VP9SK. Now I do have to admit that I am slowly transitioning to my S&W J-frame in a sticky holster. I just want a little more practice with it before I make it my main EDC. But I know there will be times I can't always carry my J-frame in a sticky holster in a pocket. Then I will switch back to my VP9 in my fanny pack. What works well for me might not work well for others. I have no issues carrying in a fanny pack.
 
My wife's concealed carry purse has a cable in the leather strap. Apparently, in a lot of cities they just cut the purse strap and run. So that is a feature I know she looks for. It is difficult to dress around a firearm and still be stylish, so I have to live with the fact she won't always carry concealed on body, so off body is up next.
 
Lots of hate on Fanny packs however it can be done pretty nonchalantly.

Darryl Bolke and Chuck Haggard (if you don’t know who they are you don’t take carrying and use of force seriously) both are friends and have an excellent block at classes on using them Bolke has collaborated with Wilderness Tactical on several items they sell.

Why off body carry isn’t for everyone it’s still an option some might have no choice to do so to blanket statement “I’d never, it’s a bad idea” as an instructor I don’t have that option when someone wants to no the best way to off body carry because they have to dress a certain way or other hinderances

Wilderness Tactical link below but first up is a short video by Blue Alpa gear






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I have really tried to like off body carry, but it always just feels wrong (and makes me hyper vigilant). I have tried several styles of purses, and they can barely carry the gun I want to carry (even though they are huge). I bought them with a specific gun in mind (my gun in the drop down menu of weapons which will fit in said purse), but when the gun is in the "pocket" I can barely get anything else in there, let alone my wallet.
So these purses are kicking around the homestead now, along with the piles of holsters that didn't work out. I do have a couple of sling packs I bought along the way that I could try, but to me (and it's maybe just my own brain but...) they scream to me "I got a gun in here". Maybe I'm overthinking that? I don't know. Anyway, we are planning a road trip to Las Vegas for October this year. The husband's squadron is having a reunion in that area so we are doing a vaycay there, but avoiding tourist crap. He lived there for eight years so he knows where to go. ANYWAYS...I would be really interested to find a carry option I can live with without having to carry a huge purse (I hate purses anyway.. :rolleyes: ). I suppose I'll break down and dig out the sling packs and see...
 
I've used this before to carry my blaster when I worked for a company that wouldn't let employees conceal. I just kept it in my truck. They make a holster panel that attached to Velcro in a zipper pocket. It worked very well. My wife used one as well as a nurse for home visits with her medical stuff. Big enough to hold her 10" tablet PC as well About $60
Rothco XL advanced shoulder bag .... In Brown, Green and Black


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I have been looking at different carry options mostly waist options. But this thread has me adding another carry option. I used to have a messenger type bag that was on me most of the day. And "adding" a "holster" pocket could be done. Sort of like the Rothco shoulder bag @Lo-Profile posted about. It would be a maybe $15 shoulder bag and conversion. I typically get used or cheap bags like this from a flea market. But i have plenty of time to make my decision....lol....
 
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