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My wife and I were discussing this thread and she had an interesting insight. My position was that it does not necessarily "scream" gun. Her take was so what if it did?

Her scenario went something like this:

While it may scream "gun!" it may also be screaming "old cop" especially on a fat, balding clean cut guy like myself. That is probably, in her assessment, why people don't ever give it notice. If it does cross their mind its like, "Oh, there's an ODO. Probably has a bad back. Glad he still has his gun." or some process similar.

In the mean time, Joe Badguy is casing the place with his paranoia sharpened senses, he sees the pack and maybe it screams "gun!"...maybe it doesn't, he's not quite sure. So M. BG moves on to a less doubtful environment.

Offered tongue in cheek but with a trace of truthful insight.

TX Rancher wrote: Pro’s:

Easily carry large frame pistols.
Can be used when wearing outfits that do not use a belt
Meets the legal definition of concealed
Most packs represent a high level of weapons retention
If you have to de-arm in public, your weapon is never visible while you secure the pack

Con’s:

A lower level of concealment when compared to traditional carry
Reduced speed of presentation

Con, cons:

I've got less than a second in presentation, going from ready. Gun hand is going in as the weak hand opens the compartment. The draw is longer if using only one hand though.

I would disagree about lower level of concealment. Belt packs are so popular around here (maybe everyone's carrying ) that they don't stand out at all. I've never gotten a second look with two exceptions. The guard I had engaged in conversation at the Alamo asked me if I was carrying about ten years ago because I was wearing my pack; I had disarmed in the car. And once after a day at the fair a DPS officer noted it when I had posted and was ready to draw in an escalating situation at a convenience store. He simply nodded like, "Okay, were ready."

Other than that, I have never noticed anyone, cop or sheeple giving it a second glance, my SA is pretty high so i should notice being checked out.

Pro:-Will try to be different

Good carry alternative for fat people (ask me how I know).
Wearing with casual clothes, I.E. a long un-tucked shirt, the pack won't be noticed, much less the carry.
Very secure (but I think that was covered).
A pack truly goes well with casual and light summer attire.
Can be repositioned within a second by simply pushing or pulling it to the side when you need to work bent over.

Con:

When visiting at family gatherings, unless I am using a belly band I disarm. It is uncomfortable when holding grand babies on the lap and such. Also if I find myself soporific, a nap is difficult with the pack and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it off (not maintain positive control} in their house; especially with so many kids. As a note, going armed to my in-laws does not cause any alarm. They and my family are all good with it and assume I am, whether the reality bears the assumption or not.

Does not go well with formal or even church wear. Usually resort to a belly band in those instances.
Tendency to overload it.

Well, that's my $.02

I have used fanny packs for a long time as a daily carry (I'm fat and have not found a good carry holster for me), and a belly band when dressing nice.

The pack I use now is a Merlin. It is ambidexterous and conceals the size of the weapon by allowing the barrel to slide into the waist band. I use the other side for a spare mag and carry a G23 in it. Most people that know I carry are surprised that the pack is where it is at.

Practice drawing, every pack is a bit different. I can clear and get a sight picture in just over a second...when I'm ready. the zipper is also very quiet.