For reasons I really don't understand, carrying a pistol in a fanny pack is incredibly popular. There are only two selling points here in my mind. First, in really hot weather, this carry system works well with just shorts and a T-shirt (or any other thin clothing like medical scrubs - don't ask). The second is convenience. I own one of these things and the only time I ever use it is when I'm running a real quick errand. I see guys wear these things all the time, with jeans, suits, etc. Basically when you should be carrying your weapon in a strong side holster but are probably too lazy.
Fanny packs have seveal drawbacks that should always be remembered. First, they're slow, especially when compared to a strong side holster. Second, they force their use to learn a new draw stroke that is more akin to a crossdraw holster. Third, they're concealment is questionable. Most folks probably don't recognize fanny packs as weapons carriers but most criminals do - and they're the ones we're worried about. This is doubly true if you're concealing a "real" gun as the pack must be larger. Finally, there is no way to draw in a discreet fashion with a fanny pack. Once the decision to draw is made, it will be obvious to everyone and it will take longer.
| When I did finally buy one, I purchased the BlackHawk 5-5-10 Urban Carry Case. This was purchased at Fearless Freddy's in Las Vegas and I'm pretty sure the salesman was an idiot. He insisted that I needed the large size case and that's what I ended up buying. I'm not sure what can be carried in this case, I think that a laptop is plausible or at least a Desert Eagle, but the case is fricking huge. I have seen Eagle's case for the same pistol and it is much smaller and far more DISCRETE.
Despite being a fanny pack, the holster system is very nicely designed. The bag includes the only "universal" holster that I've ever seen that works well. The draw system is definitely faster than the others on the market, especially when you attach para cord on the corners. If you must carry in a fanny pack, this is probably a good choice, especially since you can get in colors other than "I'm carrying a gun!!!" black. |
 with Sig P220  Closed with quarter for scale |