Should the average person consider carrying a firearm in one of these?
Or, is the idea of a fanny pack for concealed carry a bad idea?
Icarry every day, and I mean every day.
A fanny pack can be a great way to carry a defensive pistol when other methods are impractical.
I take no days off.
As a result, I end up wearing pants or shorts that I can wear a belt with.
Yes, there are other options forathletic-style clothingon the market, and Ive actually tested them out.
Carrying a spare magazine in a waist pack is one advantage to the system. You can also carry other EDC items like your keys, cell phone and wallet.
However, for the past several months Ive tested out a totally different method of carry the fanny pack.
Yes, you read that right.
I quickly learned this is actually a quite popular way to carry a pistol.
Wearing a CCW fanny pack doesn’t look out of place in many casual settings. For outdoor activities, they are relatively common to see.
I literally had no idea and suspected I was pioneering into the great unknown of fanny pack carry.
However, it appears Im a little late to the game.
Lets be honest, fanny packs are clothing items that can get very mixed reviews and impressions.
A simple black fanny pack like this one from Eberlestock can be good forlow-profile CCW.
However, I have learned they are getting their second chance and appear to be making a comeback!
During those times, I have been carrying my Hellcat Pro concealed in my fanny pack.
I soon learned that many brands have specially designed carry bags including Vertx, Blackhawk and Blue Alpha Gear.
If you decide to carry this way, be sure to practice drawing your defensive gun from the fanny pack.
I, however, decided to go with the Eberlestock fanny pack.
Instead, it has a neutral appearance if purchased in primary colors like green, black or cobalt blue.
It doesnt haveMOLLE strapsor hook and loop waiting to be littered with morale patches.
A waist pack can be large enough to conceal a full-size pistol, or it can be smaller like the author’s choice. Find a quality bag that fits your carry needs.
Instead, it has a sleek, smooth appearance made of synthetic.
The aesthetic fits in the grey man category, for sure.
Does it work well?
Is it too slow?
Lets put the fanny pack to the test to find out.
This should be a plain open area with some structure to it.
That way, the gun is secure and not at risk of an unintentional discharge.
This particular fanny pack does just that.
There are three zippered compartments on the bag.
But, speed is not necessarily the only consideration.
For the sake of safety and fairness of the test, Ive chosen to conduct the test this way.
CCW In Practice
I set out to do both drills cold on the day of the testing.
The method I tested first was the fanny pack carry.
With the fanny pack, my cold run of the drill was 3.16 seconds.
It was time for a standard draw, present, and shot on target using the appendix carry method.
When drawing from the appendix, I landed my first shot in 1.94 seconds.
However, there is more to CCW than pure speed.
Yes, that is an important element.
But it does not matter how fast your draw is with a gun and holster you left at home.
If the fanny pack will ensure you are carrying it, then it has its place.
The fanny pack will be an item that I incorporate into my concealed carry wardrobe for certain occasions.
Dont let yourselves find excuses not to be legally armed for self-defense.
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