In certain circumstances, you need to carry a concealed firearm but cannot use an ankle holster or an inside- the-waistband (IWB) holster, which is when you can turn to a fanny pack as a solution.
A fanny pack is as non-threatening and innocuous looking as a concealed carry method can get. It is not only convenient to carry around and easy to access, it also keeps your gun safe from the elements and goes well with casual clothing.
In this article, we will explain why a fanny pack holster is a good idea, what to look for when selecting one, and recommend our top picks.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fanny Pack Holsters
Why You Should Invest in a Fanny Pack Holster
A fanny pack holster is not like ordinary fanny packs, though it looks just like one from the outside. It is highly comfortable because you donโt have a holster digging into your side, nor do you have the stress of your shirt hiking up or moving around, and no extra bulk that will print under your clothing.
Similarly, accessing and drawing your gun is easier because it is right in front of you, thereโs no struggling with lifting your shirt up and no leaning forward while seated. All you do is open the fanny pack and draw the gun.
By the same token, keeping the gun in a fanny pack protects it from rain, snow, dust, and mud. The pocket of the pack is sealed and protects against such elements to help the finish and function and make your firearm last longer.
What Makes a Great Fanny Pack Holster?
Letโs see what to keep an eye out for when buying a fanny pack holster.
Storage Space
Along with storing and securing your handgun, you should look for a fanny pack that can keep other items that you may need. A pocket knife, batteries, or extra ammo can go into a small compartment within the fanny pack. At the same time, you donโt want to overload the pack and make it heavy and unwieldy.
Design
The design of the fanny pack holster plays an essential role in whether you can perform successful concealed carry of your firearm. If it looks like a piece of tactical or military equipment, that is a red flag, and you will quickly be identified as carrying a gun. A slim and low-profile fanny pack also stands out less and wonโt draw unwanted attention.
Concealment and Looks
To carry a gun within your fanny pack holster you need to wear clothing and colors that are bright, conforming, and unassuming. This way you wonโt attract the wrong kind of attention and can blend in with your surroundings.
Just like you have to think about the concealment of your IWB or another hip holster, fanny packs do require some thinking and planning if you want to do it right.
Security
When buying a fanny pack holster, it is important to consider the security of the closure. This is extremely important so the fanny pack does not fall off as you wear it.
Once the enclosure is insecure, the pistol is unsafe. You should check the zipper of the fanny pack holster to ensure that it is working properly. It is vital that it does not snag to ensure a quicker draw when you need it.
Comparison of the Best Fanny Pack Holsters
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Review of the Best Fanny Pack Holsters
Now that you know what to look for, letโs check out some of the top picks for Fanny Pack holsters, selected from the vast variety out there.
Best Fanny Pack Holster:
Black Tactical Pistol Concealment Fanny Pack
[amazon fields="B00B9EIWPQ" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were quite happy with this fanny pack and for a few good reasons. First, the durability was quite solid. No rips, tears, or any snags. This was easily accessible to either right-handed or left-handed shooters. And they were quite impressed with the ability to store away any tools and other EDC items. One user said he uses this as a small bug-out bag and was seriously impressed that it was able to fit his conceal carry pistol.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made from high-quality nylon and itโs perhaps one of the best quality fanny packs that you can find on the market which not only allows you to place your concealed carry pistol inside, but will definitely give you plenty of room for whatever you need in terms of survival tools and gear. Yes, itโs a good-sized bag that will get you by when you are escaping dangerous situations. The holster inside keeps the pistol nice and secure without allowing it to move around.
This holster is constructed from heavy-duty nylon with MOLLE webbing and an adjustable strap that fits waists up to 48". It includes a Velcro holster and allows an ambidextrous draw with right or left-hand access. The secure strap comes with quick release snap and has numerous compartments for clips, ammo, wallet, flashlight, keys, etc.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect pack for those who want to be prepared and stay ahead of the curve when they are escaping from a situation where things have gone horribly wrong. If you need to escape danger and disaster, youโll need a good-sized bag that will last you for the short-term while setting up shop elsewhere. This fanny pack has plenty of space for items and allows you to place your concealed carry pistol inside without any fitting issues. Who says a fanny pack canโt make you more prepared for anything?
Bottom Line
The Black Tactical Pistol Concealment Fanny Pack by Roma F.C. is the perfect thing to have when you need to get out and escape from disaster. There is nothing that will make you more prepared than a fanny pack that would double as a good bug-out bag. Pack all the survival essentials and yes, your concealed carry pistol, and you are good to go.
While this fanny pack may not fool experienced shooters, it still looks innocent enough to walk through public areas without people thinking that you are armed. The bulk may be a put off for some, but it gives plenty of storage for your accessories and the ambidextrous draw is a plus.
Best Tactical Fanny Pack Holster:
Roma Pistol Pouch Carry Concealment Tactical Nylon Fanny Pack
[amazon fields="B00QMQ46ZG" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many of the new buyers said this was a nice size and provided plenty of room for their concealed carry pistols. The overall quality was quite nice and sturdy according to one user. He also added that the waist adjustments were quick and easy, thus making it a perfect fit. Overall, it served as a pretty good survival bag for those who were prepared for whenever disaster would strike (and would allow them enough time to escape).
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, weโre looking at a fanny pack with the ability to holster your pistol and be able to carry any additional accessories. On top of that, it has an adjustable waistband that will fit up to 50-inch waists. So itโs a great fanny pack for most sizes. If you are looking for a fanny pack that is guaranteed to fit, all while allowing you to carry as many survival items as possible, this might be the best option.
This is a large concealed MOLLE fanny pack for handgun and pistols, and has a dual-zippered main compartment (9 x 6) with a removable Velcro holster and snap security strap.
The two elastic straps hold two magazines, and it has added storage with a Velcro closing pocket behind the holster. The two zippered waist flap pockets (5 x 5.5) provide more storage for keys, money, and other small items.
The MOLLE webbing straps on the front provide attachment points for more gear. One zippered front pocket and one rear Velcro pocket make this concealed carry waist pouch a great choice for organization and storage.
The adjustable 1.5-in wide waist belt has a large snap buckle and can fit up to 50-inch waist size. The pack has long zipper pulls with large tabs for quick access when needed. Available in black, green, and tan, this pouch comes with a key ring carabiner.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a bag that you can take with you on the go (and a clever place to holster a pistol and keep it concealed), this will certainly be the best fanny pack to go with. Donโt forget, you can still carry small items like compasses, ammo, and some other small survival tools that are essential in case such a situation were to warrant its use. Also, it can be taken with you to the range as a nice bag to carry more ammo. Survival situation or not, it can be quite useful.
Bottom Line
The Menโs Gun Pistol Pouch Concealment Carry Fanny Pack by Roma might be great for survival or while you are out and about at the range. Regardless, you can take this just about anywhere and have all the items you need at your disposal. You have plenty of space and easy adjustments that will fit you best.
This fanny pack holster is a great solution when you want to hide or conceal your gun while traveling, without looking suspicious in public. It holds your gun securely and has plenty of space for accessories.
Best Leather Fanny Pack Holster:
Roma Cowhide Leather Gun Concealment Fanny Pack With Holster
[amazon fields="B018W7D3Y2" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers loved the feel of the leather, as well as its durability. Aside from carrying their pistols, they were able to carry all kinds of ammo, sunglasses, and other survival tools that tended to come in handy if and when needed. Some other users say this was also used as a compartment bag for their range trips so they didnโt have to walk back to their vehicles to fetch anything. This bag was a time saver for most users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Leather has long been one of the most reliable materials used for concealed carry holsters. So it comes as no surprise that a fanny pack for concealed carry is made from the same high-quality leather materials. Itโs strong and adjustable to fit most sizes. Plus, you get plenty of space to store some of the stuff you need while you are out and about. And yes, it can be useful if you have to escape a situation when disaster begins to strike. Simply put, itโs a fanny pack that is strong, sturdy, and handles all you need, including your pistol.
This concealed carry waist pouch for handgun and pistol is ideal for multi-functional use. The dual zippered main compartment opens to a full 180 degrees and offers plenty of space to store things in addition to your gun. It also has ejection pulls on the left and on the right for quick access to the main pocket when needed.
The included holster is made of leather and is secured via Velcro, and the security retention straps keep your gun stable. An elastic magazine holder strap and a large zippered middle compartment (10 x 8) with a detachable key ring strap are also included. The pouch also has a zippered front pocket with three credit card slots and one clear window ID slot.
The 1.5-inch wide adjustable waist belt strap has a large snap buckle and can fit up to 50-inch waist sizes. This fanny pack is available in black, and in medium and large sizes, and a key ring carabiner is included. It is made of thick genuine cowhide leather for durability and daily use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a fanny pack with superior durability and plenty of space for storing your pistol and all kinds of other items that you can take on the go, this is the fanny pack for you. It would be perfect for survival situations, all-day trips at the range, and in the woods. No matter where you go, youโll have all the essentials at hand, including your pistol. Remember, being prepared is a lot better than nothing at all.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a fanny pack that will provide long-lasting toughness and easy storage, then youโd be hard-pressed to find anything else quite like the Roma Cowhide Leather Conceal Carry Tactical Organizer. It will give you plenty of storage space to work with at just the right size. And since itโs adjustable, it can fit you perfectly.
If youโre looking for a fanny pack that is not loud and flashy, this is a good choice. The leather pouch gives off an understated look and there is plenty of space for your gun and accessories.
4. Galco Escort Waistpack
[amazon fields="B000STD5EQ" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were law enforcement and military personnel that utilized this for tactical purposes. They concluded that this fanny pack was built tough for those situations. They managed to fit their pistols along with small rations, ammo, and other tools like a compass. One user said itโs the pack that he never leaves home without. Overall, the quality is excellent and so much room can be used for storage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This fanny pack is perfect for pistols like multiple types of Glock models. And itโs adjustable to accommodate most waist sizes. It provides excellent concealability, even for some full-sized pistols. Itโs tough and holds itself together even when the fanny pack feels a little heavier than normal. Even with the extra weight, the strap doesnโt give in.
The Galco Escort is constructed from 430 Denier water-resistant, rip-stop pack cloth. The dual front-opening zipper allows for a fast and quiet draw. It has a built-in neoprene holster and a spare magazine slot (on large size only).
The 1 1/2" waistband strap includes a buckle release that makes the Escort very easy to wear and take off. It features a front utility pocket, taped inner seams, and an interior rain flap along the zipper's edge on the pistol compartment.
The Escort is available in black nylon in right and left-handed designs. One size fits all waists up to 46 inches.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for those in law enforcement, the military, or civilians looking for an excellent concealed carry fanny pack that will allow you to store everything you need for a combat situation, a training exercise, or when you absolutely have to survive if lost in the woods or in a disaster situation. Itโs large enough to fit most pistols and will certainly be your saving grace if you want to stay discreet with your concealed carry weapon. You will be ready for when threats emerge.
Bottom Line
The Galco Escort Waistpack is tough, reliable, and ready for battle. Just put a Glock or your favorite concealed carry pistol inside, along with whatever else you need and stay ahead of the curve. Itโs the kind of fanny pack that will get you out of any dangerous situation and helps you prepare yourself for the high-stress tasks ahead. If you are looking for a fanny pack that will be an excellent sidekick complete with supplies and your trusty pistol, this is it.
Go for this pouch if you are not concerned about looks and are looking for a fast and quiet draw. Since it is comfortable and easy to take off and put on, you will not face any usability problems.
Best Places to Use a Fanny Pack Holster
A fanny pack holster is suitable for crowded places like concerts, outdoor markets, or on a hike. On hikes and camping trips, the fanny pack is useful for concealing and drawing the gun quickly, as opposed to keeping it in a backpack where accessing it is difficult.
In an outdoor market, you will blend in with the crowd, and the fanny pack will not look out of place, as people may assume you are a tourist or like to keep your accessories and snacks handy.
Similarly, at a crowded public event, there is likely to be increased scrutiny and concealed carry can be challenging. At times like these, you may be better off carrying your weapon in a fanny pack holster.
While working out at the gym, you can keep your gun inside the fanny pack and have it within reach, if needed. An ankle or IWB holster wonโt work due to the kind of clothing you will be wearing at the gym.
Conclusion
A fanny pack may not be your first choice for a holster, but it is useful in certain circumstances, such as when youโre not able to conceal an ankle holster or an IWB holster. At the gym, out hiking, or in a crowded venue like a concert, you'll have your gun within easy reach and out of sight, as your fanny pack holster wonโt stand out.
Make sure you consider the various factors that determine the usefulness of a fanny pack holster when making your selection. One of our top picks may be exactly what youโre looking for, so do check them out!