TexasCHLforum.com

gregwizzle wrote:I own and LOVE the 5.11 pushpack http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products ... -Pack.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's awesome and manly... it is designed as a concealed carry messenger style bag. However, I rarely put my CH in the bag... I just don't like the idea of having to draw from a bag. Plus it means i have no option to temporarily put the bag down anywhere, hand it to the wife for a sec, set it in the stroller, etc. But I love the bag for general purposes. I use it for family outings, hiking, sea world, etc.

In the summers I will often take my wifes .380 and use an outside the wasteband covered holster that looks pretty much like a cellphone case. I like the bulldog brand " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes. I have never carried in a bag yet, but I foresee some circumstances, in which I may have to. The 3 types of bags I have gotten are black and inconspicuous. I will try to use them as little as possible to carry, and they have more uses than just carrying.

Dori wrote:With the side pouches, the black Kabar TDI looks more like a gun pack than a larger fanny pack in a primary color.

I agree (theoretically). I just ordered one, as well as a couple of different types of messenger bags (one — outdoorsy, and another one — more like a laptop case, more formal). Thus, I will have a Kholster for routine carry, Ka-Bar TDI for family outings into the city, UTG Multi-functional Tactical Messenger Bag (a Maxpedition knock-off) for jogging and outdoor activities, and a laptop case-like bag for occasions, when I have to dress more formally.

Since I haven't received all of these yet, they may not work out the way I am planning it, and it will require some fine-tuning as I go — I will at least have these 4 options of concealed carry to work with. This take may be naive, but I would rather have these and not need them than need them and not have them...

srothstein wrote:

ATDM wrote:My concern about a fanny pack is that I carry a full size XDm, and I'm 5'10", 155 lbs. I'm afraid it would look way too big and unnatural for me.

Two fanny packs to look at further are the Ka-Bar TDI and the 5.11 Select Carry. Both carry a full size pistol in what appears to be a very small pouch, too small for a gun. They do it by camouflaging the actual holster part so that the barrel sticks down the belt part of the pack instead of being inside the pouch part. I used the TDI after I got rid of the gunny sack fanny pack. I carried a Glock 22 in it when required and a 1911 at other times. I can recommend it as a decent fanny pack that doesn't scream gun. I never tried the 5.11 but in general have some faith in their gear.

Incidentally, one of the things I have also done (and don't particularly recommend) is use the 5.11 concealment vest. As a vest, it is great for covering a holster on your belt. They also have pouches with holsters inside the vest itself and I guarantee it is concealed, but I never felt comfortable with the weight that way. To the uninitiated, the vest looks a lot like a photographer's vest though gun people will know better.

Thanks a lot, srothstein. I just did some research into Ka-Bar TDI, got a $15 off coupon (purely by accident) and ordered that pouch. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Not only I spent about $60 less than I expected to spend on this thing, but it saved me tons of time shopping in stores or online. I didn't really want to get one with a shoulder strap, because, as some of you expressed, there is a great chance of separating me from the gun, if I carry a bag on my shoulder (even across the torso). Another EXCELLENT feature is that (based on reviews and videos) this pouch looks deceptively small for a full size gun, since the barrel is hidden inside the belt portion and not in the pouch. It has an great feature for a quick draw (you don't have to unzip).

So between the Kholster and this pouch I am set for almost every situation and dress code! And I won't have to compromise by giving up my beloved XDm.

I really appreciate your help. This forum has been great in its support, recommendations, instructions, encouragement and practical advice.

Thanks, fellow Texas CHL forum members!

bizarrenormality wrote:I have a fanny pack and sewed on a patch from a national park. Nobody looks twice.
Except the ones who want to tell me about their trip to that national park.

Do you carry a full size or a compact? If it's full size, dose it look odd, since it has to be pretty huge for a fanny pack?

Abraham wrote:A man purse with a cross body fabulous shoulder strap, a gold earring, and some clogs are oh so, ah, European, yeah that's it, European...

Or, you could consider a OWB zippered rectangular pack - this is not a fanny pack in design. It's much more compact and worn on a gun belt.

Like the OP, I find the Texas summer heat not something I can bear wearing a cover garment. To heck with that...

I carry my Glock 19 in a leather zippered rectangular pack on my gun belt.

No one pays any attention to it.

Presumably, they think it something innocuous if they think anything at all...

Do you have a specific pack to recommend (link)? How is it different from a fanny pack?

Thanks.

gigag04 wrote:Check out my diaper bag thread...it's a messenger style.

Sorry, I'm new here. Where do I find the thread?

nyj wrote:Are you trying to say you want to carry a purse?

Very funny, but no. I want a strapped case similar to a laptop briefcase, but smaller - to get my full size XDm in with easy access. During the winter I can use my Kholster, but during the summer I don't want to give up my XDm, so the only compromise is a shoulder bag/case. I've seen some people use a bag with a strap from the opposite shoulder across their torso - that's what I'm thinking of getting or making it myself out of a laptop bag. Just want to know any practical aspects before I spend any time on it.

texanjoker wrote:Being old skool I prefer my fanny pack. I have been using one for years and they work. I have been using a Tommy Gun fanny pack that I don't think they even make. It is nylon with a quick access compartment for the gun. I know one of these days I want a new 5-11 pack but just cant seem to cough up the money when what I have works. They also come in various sizes. I have a smaller one and a full size for when I want to carry a full size weapon.

My concern about a fanny pack is that I carry a full size XDm, and I'm 5'10", 155 lbs. I'm afraid it would look way too big and unnatural for me. I would prefer a fanny pack for comfort reasons, but then I'd have to get a smaller gun for the summer. That's why I'm leaning toward a shoulder bag...

If anyone has other suggestions for a pack/bag summer carry, I would be happy to receive them.

Thanks.

As a new CHL holder and a person with a Northern ancestry, I am facing challenges carrying in August in Texas. First of all, I absolutely love Texas and believe it to be the best State in the Union. However, our climate here is severely at odds with my genetics.

It compelled me to take a look at the non-traditional carry options. Fanny packs got crossed off my list in a split second, but shoulder bags, when worn correctly and with enough practice, look very appealing for the Texas summer months (I prefer not to pocket carry).

I just wanted to ask y'all if anyone has tips, opinions and (especially) experience regarding this practice/issue. Since I am starting from scratch, I will even be eager to receive hearsay opinions and second hand advice.

Thank you in advance.