Shoulder bag for carrying: YOUR EXPERIENCE, OPINION, TIPS?

[srothstein]

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.

[ATDM]

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?

[ATDM]

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!

[CoffeeNut]

*Edit* Glad to see you found a pouch. I like that TDI...

I bought a UTG Multi-functional messenger bag from Amazon awhile ago after a hiking trip pointed out that IWB isn't always comfortable. I don't use the bag all the time and that's why I didn't shell out for the Maxpedition brand but I'm very happy with the bag I got. I also purchased the Maxpedition CCW holster to go inside of the concealed carry pouch within the bag so a total of $40 spent. It can hold a Beretta M9 however you lose considerable storage space in the main pocket. My P238 rides very well in there and I can draw from it pretty easily.

What I like is that it looks pretty manly and has space for some of my patches since I never get the chance to wear any on a coat down here.

[texanjoker]

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.

That is an issue. I don't know how worried one should be but I do know that if I were willing to shoot a cop and was in the middle of robbing someplace and in walked a dude with a fanny pack then I know it's a cop and .....

True..however not much different than open carry IMO except to the untrained eye they don't know what you have. however most crooks can make a cop anyhow regardless of clothing and/or fanny pack. I get made all the time and it is just part of the job I guess. Heck I don't even have a cop stash and don't run around eating donuts I guess 20 plus years does that to you. A co worker of mine in CA was in a diner during a take down robbery. One had an AK the 2nd a pistol. He chose to not intervene. They proned him out and took his fanny pack. He was very lucky.

[texanjoker]

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!

You will like it. I looked up that Kbar and that is similar to my current set up. I also chose black. Not sure if you had options, but it blends better with clothing. I also do not "stuff" it full of stuff. If you make it look to big it sticks out more.

[Dori]

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

[ATDM]

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...

[gregwizzle]

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;

[ATDM]

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.

[MadMonkey]

I'm usually not a fan of off body carry, but we don't have a lot of choices in Texas heat.

I use a cheap Rothco military-style messenger bag. When I use it I dress like a hipster so I don't attract attention

They're $20ish on Amazon. I've got three... one has survived 12 countries and almost my entire time in Afghanistan with no problems.