TexasCHLforum.com

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.

I don't have any personal experience, but have heard some good things about some of the Maxpedition products. Check out the versipacks.

http://www.maxpedition.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It is not exactly a shoulder bag, but the Wilderness Safepacker I have used for years might be something to consider.

http://www.thewilderness.com/index.php? ... t=171&pg=1

You can get a shoulder strap for it. I don't have one, AFAIK.

The one thing you have to be comfortable with is that you won't run off without it somewhere.

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.

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.

ATDM wrote:

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.

A messenger type bag might work okay. It just needs to be something specifically designed for concealed carry of a handgun.

Are you trying to say you want to carry a purse?

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

The orientation of the OP has not been established yet.

5.11Tactical has a couple of things too. A guy at work carries an odd shaped shoulder bag now and then. He's straight as can be and no one questions him about it. It doesn't look like a purse and it's all in the way you carry it. Well, mostly.

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

ATDM wrote:

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.

I hear you. Just passing on another solution. I have carried one so long I dont' care. I do know that crooks know I am armed, but such is life or I get made as a cop.

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.

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

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

when I was on crutches for eight weeks, I bought a Maxpedition versi-pack. I was able to carry a full-size m&p9 in it very easily. I still use it at times when I want to carry a back-up gun off my person. it's a very good pack. I highly recommend it.

I can't do the man purse thing. The closest I come to that is a computer backpack.
I could simply never do off body carry. Even my wife refuses to carry a gun in her purse. Just too many ways for you to become separated from the firearm for us to be comfortable with that type of carry.

texanjoker wrote:

ATDM wrote:

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.

I hear you. Just passing on another solution. I have carried one so long I dont' care. I do know that crooks know I am armed, but such is life or I get made as a cop.

Back in the old days;
Fanny pack w/pager, drug dealer. Fanny pack w/2 pagers DEA. Fanny pack w/o my wife at Disney.