With a wide variety of holsters available on the market, users have a diverse range of designs to choose from. A very admired and sought after product is the drop leg holster. Here weโll be talking about the design, use, and importance of a drop leg holster.
We will also talk about the best position for wearing a drop leg holster and the aspects to keep in mind when buying one. To make things easier for you, we have handpicked and reviewed the best drop leg holsters on the market.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Drop Leg
- OUR TOP PICK: Condor Tornado Tactical Leg Holster
- RUNNER-UP: UTG Extreme Ops 188 Tactical Leg Holster
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: UTG Elite Tactical Right Handed Leg Holster
Comparison of the Best Drop Leg (Thigh) Holsters
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What is a Drop Leg Holster?
A drop leg holster, also known as the thigh holster, is worn around the thigh and supported by straps. Drop leg holsters are generally used by defense and military personnel. Drop leg holsters may or may not be concealable, depending upon its design and whether it is for a woman or a man.
However, general thigh holsters (especially for men) donโt offer much concealment unless you are wearing a cloak. Drop leg holsters were not designed for concealment and are more of a โtactical accessoryโ.
Drop leg holsters are also useful when driving. Unlike IWB or OWB holsters, it does not dig into your waistline and offers a quick draw in case of an emergency.
Using drop leg holster (Source)
A drop leg holster is quite effective outdoors. This is why it is used by the military. These kinds of holsters donโt meddle with your other gear while you perform strenuous activities or movements while hiking, hunting, or other similar activity.
Apart from the clearance, a drop leg holster is also comfortable to carry. You donโt have to continuously adjust if it sits tightly on your thighs. Using a drop leg holster also provides a quick draw if you are wearing some sort of armor, a rifle, or any other gear which might interfere with OWB, IWB, or other designs.
Finally, if the military uses it, there is no doubting its effectiveness under combat-like situations.
What to Look for When Buying a Drop-leg Holster
We have outlined and reviewed the best drop leg holsters on the market, but you still must learn about certain aspects which make some an exceptional value. These aspects might seem negligent but will add up to play an important role between you and your holster.
Adjustment
The first and foremost aspect to consider is the adjustability of your drop leg holster. The straps of the holster must be completely adjustable, and so should the holster itself. This offers room for customization and the ability to wear the holster exactly the way you like.
Comfort
A drop leg holster should also be comfortable because it sits on your thigh and should not dig or feel uneasy as you move. Since these holsters are used for tactical purposes they should not impede the userโs operation or draw.
Retention
Since drop legs holsters are generally used outdoors during adventure or tactical activities, it must have a proper retention mechanism to ensure that the gun doesnโt drop out. If the gun falls out, there is a slim chance that youโll notice. Hence, passive retention is not an option for drop leg holsters. Reach for a level 1 or above model.
Strong Hardware
Drop leg holsters are susceptible to strenuous movements and maneuvers so their hardware and material must be durable. Metal clips and screws are preferable over polymer ones. However, polymer buckle locks will still do.
Price
Finally, a good drop leg holster must not cost you an arm and a leg. It should be affordable and should serve its purpose well. In other words, it must offer good value for money.
Review of the Best Drop Leg Holsters
Let's change things up a bit and take a look at the best drop leg holsters. For each product, we'll be discussing the main features, pros and cons, then provide a bottom summary of each. Let's get started.
Best Overall:
Condor Tornado Tactical Leg Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users found this holster to be really comfortable to wear. On top of that, they were able to fit their pistol of choice and made sure it was retained well without a single instance of wiggling or slippage. One user said that the holster was easy to adjust so it could fit his leg without feeling any tightness.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a holster that is made for compact and full-sized pistols. And with the inclusion of an additional pouch for a magazine, youโll be well-prepared for any situation that may require you to defend yourself. Itโs no secret that discreetness is key in concealed carry. Thatโs the beauty of these holsters. If you want something that will make all that really comfortable and really useful in any given situation, this could be what you are looking for.
The winner on our list is the Condor Tornado Tactical Leg Holster, and the reason is that it is purely tactical, fully adjustable, and perfectly comfortable.
The nylon-based holster can be adjusted to fit almost any medium or large sized pistol. The adjustable straps have a rubber lining woven into them that prevents slipping while you move.
To complement the design, it also features an extra mag pouch over the holsterโs barrel lining. The retention is secured using a Velcro strap, which can also be replaced by a snap button. The best part of the holster is that it fits guns with tactical lights and is available at a very inexpensive price.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent concealed carry holster for your regular civilian carriers. If you want to catch your attackers by complete surprise with a holster that might be strapped in the least likely of places for them to expect, this could be the ideal holster for you. Nothing is more satisfying to see the look on your attackerโs face to see you have been carrying a pistol all this time and they thought you were an easy target. Not so easy to attack now, huh?
Bottom Line
The Condor Tornado Tactical Leg Holster is the epitome of clever, but well-planned preparation for any dangerous situation you may end up in. If you conceal carry and need a holster that will be perfect for primary or secondary carrying, this could be the go-to option for you. Itโs got the materials to last you a long time and will hold its own all day long.
This Condor Drop Leg Holster features a purely tactical design. The holster is customizable to fit many guns. Plus, the ability to hold mounted tac light is an additional benefit. The extra mag pouch helps carry more ammo. The price is really inexpensive and the nylon material is super comfortable. Overall, the best value for your money.
Runner-up:
UTG Extreme Ops 188 Tactical Leg Holster
[amazon fields="B001WJ55QC" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users found the straps to be easy to adjust to ensure a nice snug fit for them. There were no fittings that were too tight to the point where it might cut someoneโs circulation off. The material is high in quality and is proven to be difficult to rip or fray. One user said that he was able to fit a compact pistol in the holster and still was able to get a good amount of comfort out of it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As expected, this is another holster that wonโt only hold just a pistol but it can handle an extra magazine. So that means youโll have more firing power at your disposal if you need it. You might not need to empty out the magazine itself (except if you are using your pistol for target practice). But if you run out, youโll know that you have a fully loaded mag ready to go. This holster gives you plenty of comfort and gives you easy adjustments.
The UTG Extreme Ops Tactical Leg Holster is a customizable and fully tactical holster. It features a loop and hook type nylon padded holster which can fit any medium to large sized gun on the market. That really means โanyโ. The thigh straps are heavy duty, completely adjustable, and feature a non-slip design.
The holster can accommodate guns with tac-lights or lasers installed on their rails. The holster is fully adjustable for height and tension, and the adjustable thumb break retention system offers a quick and easy draw and reholstering of the weapon.
Who Will Use This Most
This will make a great leg holster for those who want to take their concealed carry abilities to a new level. Indeed it might be a good strategy for seasoned vets, but beginners might just benefit from it once they get the hang of the whole concealed carry thing. No matter how long youโve used it, itโs a holster that will give you excellent comfort and discreet carry that is hard to match.
Bottom Line
The UTG Extreme Ops 188 Tactical Leg Holster is no slouch when it comes to doing its job. If easy adjustments, tough quality, and consistent reliability are what you look for in a leg holster then you might have found it with this bad boy right here. Donโt be shocked if it ends up being the primary holster of choice for you.
This holster from UTG is an exceptional drop leg holster. The best part of using it is that the holster is customizable. Any gun with or without rail accessories will easily fit into this holster. This makes it quite versatile. The extra mag pouch is also helpful. Another great advantage with this holster is the price. The holster wonโt last for decades, but it is still a good, reliable, inexpensive choice.
Best for the Money:
UTG Elite Tactical Right Handed Leg Holster
[amazon fields="B001BR1LGI" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was for those who wanted something that favored right-handed shooters who want a straight draw or a cross-draw. Either way, they benefited greatly from a holster that was sturdy in quality and allowed for easy fitting adjustments. One user who said that the cross draw was quick, easy, and may catch an assailant by complete surprise if and when the real deal tends to happen.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a holster that is built for the high-stress situations that matter most. Whether you are in a self-defense or tactical situation, itโs good to have a holster that contains a primary or secondary pistol that you can depend on. This holster will certainly stand out among the rest of the pack thanks to its ability to fit most leg sizes and the overall durability.
The UTG Elite tactical leg holster has a cross-stitched, nylon based design with adjustable straps. The holster has an impeccable tactical design to keep the gun ready for instantaneous action.
The high-quality hook-and-loop strap and quick release buckle system make the holster adjustable to fit most medium and large-sized guns.
The retention strap has a couple of snap buttons for added protection, a buckle lock, and is adjustable to help you fit different guns. An extra mag pouch over the top also adds to the functionality. This model is only for right-handed use, whereas a left-handed model is separately available. Good for novel or casual outdoor use.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a right-handed shooter, youโll want something that will be easier for you to draw and give you more control over your shooting hand. While it might not be a great holster for left-handed users, thereโs always a great holster out there for them. But if you are a right-handed shooter looking to pull off a clever surprise over an unsuspecting assailant, this holster may be the best option for you.
Bottom Line
The UTG Elite Tactical Leg Holster might be perfect for the right-handed shooter like yourself (or someone in your family that tends to conceal carry). This is built for tough situations where self-defense is not off the table. It can handle every day carrying and will definitely come through in the clutch if and when you need it most.
The UTG Elite Tactical Drop Leg Holster is a good-looking, inexpensive product to cover your needs. The holster is decent and comfortable while you wear it.
The retention mechanism is definitely solid and the holster is very light to carry. A good choice for camping and hiking activities.
Best Drop Leg Holster Third Runner-up:
Cisno Gun Holster Right Leg Adjustable Tactical Thigh Pistol Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were not disappointed with this holster in the slightest. They also didnโt experience any skin irritation from the material when worn on warmer days. The quality was outstanding and overall, it was really comfortable to wear regardless of which pistol they have carried. Adjustments were easy and didnโt feel too tight around their leg or thigh.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This leg holster is a simple, easy to strap on kind of holster that will prevent any slippage or moving around from happening. Not only that, it has the materials to keep things held together in order to keep the holster reliable and not falling apart at any given time. Itโs a holster that may not be mindblowing in design, but it serves the purpose that it was made to do.
The Cisno drop leg gun holster features non-slip adjustable leg and waist belt straps to let you adjust the height according to your body size and comfort. The holster is customizable and will fit most guns, (except sub-compact models).
The quick release buckle and Velcro straps make the adjusting the holster even more comfortable and easy. The nylon-based material is soft on your thighs and offers a smooth draw for your weapon. This drop leg holster has been designed for right-handed use only, which is one of its only drawbacks.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want something simple to use and also something that is affordable for most budgets, youโll probably end up grabbing a hold of this holster for your own personal use. It ainโt cheap and flimsy in the slightest. But it can certainly work hard to give you the best-concealed carry experience possible. If you are a beginner or experienced in that regard, this could be a holster that you can get by with.
Bottom Line
The Cisno Gun Holster Right Leg Adjustable Tactical Thigh Pistol Holster might just be too hard to resist because of its affordability, high quality, and overall reliability. Itโs a holster that might not get all the fanfare-like some leg holsters. But the least you can do is put it to good use so you are prepared to defend yourself when you have to.
The Cisno Drop leg holster is a very well made product which can be adjusted in all aspects to fit your weapon. The best part of this holster is its price, which is insanely cheap, along with its good quality. Overall, it delivers excellent value for the money.
Best Safariland Drop Leg Holster:
Safariland 6304 ALS Tactical Leg Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was available in both right-handed and left-handed orientations. Most of the new buyers weโve talked to chose the latter. One user said that he was getting frustrated with the prospect of having to use a right-handed holster. But when coming across this and seeing that a left-handed version was available, he said that he grabbed it right away. The quality was amazing and the fit was perfect. But as long as it benefitted him as a left-handed shooter, it really didnโt seem to matter.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster tends to take care of the long-struggling issues that left-handed shooters face. But yes, righties will put this to good use as well. But regardless of what hand you prefer, you get superior comfort, easy adjustments that will fit you perfectly, and a holster that can hold up pretty good no matter how long you wear it. Whether itโs in an everyday situation or whenever you feel like it, itโs a holster that will do its diligent duty and never forsake you.
Safariland holsters have a renowned reputation on the market. In fact, the military uses Safariland drop leg holsters. To elaborate on its features, this drop leg holster is made from thermoplastic, somewhat similar to Kydex. The holster is properly lined to protect your weapon from scratches or dents.
It features an automatic lock system which locks the gun into place. The retention is secured by a hood retention system, which can be operated using the thumb. This hood needs to be pushed down and rotated in order to release the weapon. The leg harness is lightweight and simple to adjust.
Plus, the standard double-strap leg shroud offers space for extra attachments like a mag pouch or knife. The holster is priced more on the expensive side, but its quality, function, and reputation are worth the added cost.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a holster that can handle a good number of pistols while providing quick drawing, excellent concealability, and overall comfort youโll enjoy using this holster for as long as possible. If you want a holster that will be too hard to pass up because of the features and characteristics that exceed so many standards, this holster is what you need.
Bottom Line
The Safariland 6304 ALS Tactical Leg Holster is one of the probable odds on favorite for those looking for a holster that will get the job done in any concealed carry application. You will need to be ready to defend yourself if push really does come to shove. The question is: what kind of holster will hold up the best for you. This one might be the answer.
The Safariland drop leg holster is a top-notch product with impressive functionalities. The holster is made up of thermoplastic, which will secure your weapon. The shroud has extra space to add additional accessories which is a handy feature. The holster has an ALS and is extremely durable. The only downside might be the price. But remember, these are military grade, tactical holsters, and are made to perform and withstand the test of time.
Best Blackhawk Drop Leg Holster:
BLACKHAWK!! SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was a major hit for new users looking for something that was not only fitting for pistols, but also for knives and other EDC tools as well. This holster didnโt wiggle or lose its hold because of consistent movement since the straps were easy to adjust. Even one user said that it was a holster that delivered on the promise and then some. Overall, they were quite happy with the durability of the holster itself.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you want a holster that is designed to carry your pistol and a few extra goodies, this could be the holster that might stand out among the rest. And you best believe that it will hold up its end of the bargain by providing durable quality and an adjustable fit that will work for most users. And of course, letโs not forget the right-handed or left-handed orientation that will benefit either shooter depending on their dominant shooting hand.
The Blackhawk drop leg holster is an exceptional piece of innovation and design. The holster is made of Kydex and features a SERPA auto-lock release like other Blackhawk holsters. The flexible thigh platform conforms to the leg size and the Y-shaped harness prevents the holster from tilting, even when you kneel.
The holster also has accessory mounting locations to allow you to carry extra knives, mag pouch etc. The rubberized leg straps eliminate sliding and the thumb-activated pivot guard provides additional security. The holster is packed with amazing features and is perfect for tactical, outdoor, and duty use.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a holster that will be the best in tactical or survival situations, then you might have found a no-brainer option. Donโt be surprised if you end up tacking this onto your leg or thigh and consider it a long-term solution for your concealed carry needs at some point in the future. Itโs excellence in quality and reliability (and the ability to fit most pistols) will probably push you over the edge to buy it.
Bottom Line
If you want a holster that is rugged, easy to fit, and a real treat to have in your arsenal then the Blackhawk SERPA Level 3 Tactical Holster will probably be what youโll want. It can fit most pistols and will definitely stand out as a hardcore holster that wonโt easily damage nor will it allow your pistol to wiggle around or slip out.
This Blackhawk drop leg holster is power packed with features and is perfect for tactical, outdoor, and duty use. The comfy thigh base is soft on your thighs and the room for extra attachments makes it more useful. The SERPA locking system is also exceptional and the kydex holster protects the weapon from damage.
Best Kydex Drop Leg Holster:
Kydex Drop Leg Holster- Light Bearing / Standard
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were quick to point out how durable this holster was. And they were also happy with the quick drawing that came with this holster. Overall, the holster was well fitted for average and even some larger leg sizes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If we have said it before, weโll say it again: Kydex is the future of concealed carry holsters. And why is that? Itโs proven to keep its shape for a long time. And it also provides excellent durability for years or decades. It doesnโt sag, lose its firmness, nor does it cause any snagging. If this isnโt making you salivate, check your pulse. This is the kind of holster concealed carry users would be flocking to for so many reasons (like the ones weโve listed).
This drop leg Kydex holster and is available in light-bearing and standard models. The light-bearing model can accommodate pistols fitted with flashlights.
The buckles and loops of the holster have been manufactured from injection molded plastic to make it even more durable and able to withstand strenuous conditions.
The rubberized non-slip straps are fully adjustable for ride height and tightness. The holster lacks a retention locking mechanism which is a drawback, but the capability of fitting mounted lights makes up for it.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a holster that will be a hit with those who want a holster that could potentially last them forever. It will be ideal for self-defense and competitive shooting. No matter the application, you have a holster that can be super tough and can handle multiple instances of drawing and re-bolstering.
Bottom Line
If you want a drop leg holster that might last you a lifetime, this Kydex holster just might be close enough. Wrap this around your leg and youโll get a snug fit that is not too tight. And it will also be able to handle any pistol you choose for concealed carry or competitive shooting.
This drop leg holster features a durable Kydex design. The holster is fully adjustable and can accommodate pistols with mounted tac lights, making it good for tactical, duty, and hunting purposes. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty which confirms the reliability of the product. The price is in the mid-range so is of less concern.
Conclusion
A drop leg holster, also known as the thigh holster, is worn around the thigh and secured in place by straps. Drop leg holsters are generally used for tactical purposes, or when a hip holster is not practical, especially when carrying a lot of gear and baggage.
A drop leg holster must be worn exactly in the middle between the pelvis and the knees to keep it within reach. A good drop leg holster must be fully adjustable, comfortable, have proper retention, and should withstand rigorous conditions.
