Are Fanny Packs Viable for Concealed Carry?
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to examine the viability of fanny packs for concealed carry use. Concealed carriers have utilized fanny packs and similar pouches for decades due to their utility, low profile nature, and practicality. We are going to cover some of the benefits and considerations regarding these items in a concealed carry capacity. So, lets answer the question: are fanny packs viable for concealed carry?
Why a Fanny Pack?
In recent years, fanny packs have been making a comeback and are becoming more common with everyday users. These items are utilized by people of all walks of life for practical and aesthetic purposes. This is to say that fanny packs tend to blend in and do not attract attention, making them a viable choice for off-body concealed carry. Fanny packs will not look out of place when out on the town or even at places like the gym. Put plainly, fanny packs can allow for low profile off-body carry which promotes comfort and preparedness.
Good for More than Just Concealed Carry
Naturally, a fanny pack is good for more than just concealed carry. Many offerings possess multiple pockets, pouches, and compartments which allow users to carry various items. One can reasonably carry things such as a wallet, keys, cellphone, or flashlight in a fanny pack. Put plainly, people are not locked in to any single use case or purpose. One can effectively employ a fanny pack for everyday practical needs and concealed carry use cases alike if need be.
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Great for Active Lifestyles
Fanny packs are great for those with active lifestyles, especially those who wish to concealed carry and stay prepared. Often times, athleticwear may be lacking in terms of pockets and compartments, minimizing one’s concealed carry options. Additionally, some athleticwear is more form fitting than other types of apparel, making it harder to effectively conceal a firearm. Active users such as runners, hikers, and cyclists can effectively carry a firearm with them via a fanny pack. Additionally, one could also keep other handy items on them in this fanny pack.
No Belt Necessary
Due to the nature of fanny packs, one does not need to utilize a belt. This makes these items good for active lifestyles as mentioned earlier. While traditional holsters require belts to promote rigidity and stability, this item is not necessary with a fanny pack as it has its own strap. Furthermore, the independence fanny packs have from belts further optimizes them for use by active individuals. Activewear often does not allow for belts due to their potentially restrictive nature. Without a belt, carry becomes harder unless a fanny pack or other method is utilized. This is also appreciable with casual clothing such as basic gym shorts, basketball shorts, or even some women’s clothing. For example, if one is walking the dog late at night with casual gym clothes on, they can be effectively armed with a fanny pack and concealed handgun.
Easy to Put on Or Take Off
Notably, fanny packs are easily put on or taken off. Often times, this task is easily accomplished via a buckle or other type of fastener. In many cases, it is easier for one to put on or take off a fanny pack than it is to do the same with a holster. Removing or affixing a holstered firearm to one’s waistband or belt is a lengthier and more sensitive process than it is to simply take off or remove a fanny pack. Additionally, holsters naturally leave some portions of a gun uncovered while fanny packs completely contain firearms. This allows one to covertly arm or disarm themselves in a way which does not involve overt contact with a handgun.
Specialty Concealed Carry Fanny Packs
In addition to being able to use standard type fanny packs for concealed carry, purpose-built offerings also exist and are viable for concealed carry.
Vertx, Eberlestock, and 5.11 Tactical are among some of the companies who produce fanny packs of this type. Specialized models typically feature specific traits tailored towards shooters and concealed carry. For example,
Vertx offerings are compatible with a variety of accessories such as magazine holders and holsters to supplement one’s firearm. Additionally, offerings tend to have additional compartments to ensure everyday items can still be carried in addition to firearms.
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Off-Body Concealed Carry
Of course, one should be aware of the fact that one is going to be engaging in off-body concealed carry. This is to say that the firearm is contained in a separate compartment and not carried traditionally on the body of a concealed carrier. Concealed carry of this type comes with additional considerations since the firearm is carried off of one’s body. One will need to be particularly mindful of where one’s firearm, or fanny pack, is at all times. Off-body concealed carriers should take care to be in control of their fanny pack and firearm at all times to ensure it does not get taken or left behind. It can be easy for someone to forget their bag in a vehicle or at a restaurant for example.
What About Traditional Carry Options?
Of course, traditional carry options such as inside the waistband (IWB) and outside the waistband (OWB) are still viable. Some users simply may not care for off-body carry or fanny packs in general and opt for traditional carry methods. At the end of the day, some shooters may be more proficient when working from traditional IWB and OWB holsters and simply prefer these methods of carry. What is most important is that one finds a safe and secure way to carry that they are proficient in.
Conclusion
All in all, fanny packs can be quite useful for concealed carry use. These items come in various styles and forms which are suitable for concealed carry. Fanny packs optimal for concealed carry can be found in generic forms in addition to purpose-built options from companies such as
Vertx. We here at True Shot Ammo carry some
Vertx fanny packs in addition to our wide range of
ammo for sale. Our inventory of
ammo encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as
9mm,
.223,
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.22 LR. Whether you want to pick up something like a
Vertx SOCP Tactical Fanny Pack or
buy bulk ammo, we have you covered.