A pocket holster allows you to safely and conveniently carry your gun, ensuring it's easily accessible while minimizing the risk of accidental discharge and potential injuries.
This is one of the most useful means of concealing a firearm, and there are many pocket holsters on the market worth considering. Not sure which one is right for you? Don't stress.
The below guide has you covered. Read on for a comprehensive roundup of the best pocket holsters available.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Pocket Holsters
- OUR TOP PICK: Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
- RUNNER-UP: Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket Holsters
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: BLACKHAWK Inside-the-Pocket Holster
Comparison of the Best Pocket Holsters
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Characteristics of Our Favorite Pocket Holsters
The best pocket holsters will conceal your weapon while prioritizing safety, visibility, and comfort. These are the features we considered when rounding up the best pocket holsters for you. Read on to find out why these features are so critical.
Safety
Guns are dangerous weapons. Carrying one close to our body is risky. The number one concern of pocket holsters is thus safety. How do we ascertain if a holster is safe? It should stay secure in the pocket when the user draws the weapon. It should also cover the trigger.
Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
Visibility
The entire point of a pocket holster is to permit concealed carry. Diverse characteristics, like material and structural design, impact how visible the holster is through clothing. A great holster aims to minimize "printing" (when you can see the gun outline through clothing).
Comfort
Carrying a gun in your pocket all day isn't comfortable, but a pocket holster will make it easier. Holsters offer various aspects, like cushioning and sweat guards, to ensure wearability.
Review of the Best Pocket Holsters
The great news is that there are many pocket holsters available. The not-so-great news? You have to sift through a lot of options to find the right one. Luckily, we've taken care of some of the grunt work. Below, we review our seven best pocket holster picks.
Best Overall:
Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This pocket holster earns points for its comfort and user-friendliness. Recent reviews confirm that the no-slip bands keep it securely in your pocket when you draw. Many buyers also like the outside storage pocket for keeping credit cards. That said, some dislike the stiffness of the material and subpar stitching.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Leapers UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster is the standout winner for numerous reasons. It features integral non-slip bands so it won't fly out of your pocket when you draw your gun and has an open-top design suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters. It also has storage pockets for holding small tools, credit cards, documents, and other equipment, giving you maximum versatility.
Other than that, Leapers keeps it simple, providing a lightweight, small, and easy-to-use holster that doesn't have distracting harness apparatuses, clips, or tabs. The polyester material is durable and long-lasting.
Bottom Line
This pocket holster offers the durability and functionality you need in a compact and lightweight design. You can use it whether you're right- or left-handed and use the pockets to store essentials like keys.
Runner-up:
Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket Holsters
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love this holster thanks to the maximum concealment it offers. The laminate material prevents printing so that the gun's outline can't be seen through clothing and protects the gun from moisture. Reviews also point to the square-end design, which helps keep the firearm upright at all times.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Uncle Mike's brand has long been a favorite among off-duty police officers, and we would be remiss not to include this item on our list. This open-top pocket holster is designed to ensure an easy draw. It features laminated construction, increasing durability, and cushioning your leg for maximum comfort.
The lamination also protects the firearm, offering an added barrier between corrosive perspiration. In contrast, the inside is made with soft nylon, keeping your weapon safe. A rubberized exterior band safeguards against sleeping and keeps the pocket holster firmly in place as you move.
Bottom Line
This pocket holster gets the job done, thanks to a squared-end design that ensures easy drawing. The laminate exterior covers the entire trigger guard, and the holster prevents button and level movement, providing maximum security.
Best for the Money:
BLACKHAWK Inside-the-Pocket Holster
[amazon fields="B004KMNINA" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users like this pocket holster for its stability. The grip material maintains the carry angle and keeps the weapon secured when drawing. Reviewers also praise the holster's versatility, as it can accommodate various firearms. Finally, it earns points for longevity, as some reviewers report using theirs for years.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BLACKHAWK Inside-the-Pocket Holster stands out from the competition thanks to its gripping material. This allows the holster to remain securely in the pocket when you draw.
The ambidextrous design accommodates right- and left-handed users. This holster also earns bonus points for its easy washability: Just wipe it down with soap and water. Comfort is a crucial consideration when assessing pocket holsters, and this one delivers in a big way. It features high-density closed-cell foam, which protects the firearm and makes for more comfortable wear.
Bottom Line
This holster's low-profile laminate construction will protect your skin and safeguard your gun's edges. The laminate is also an effective moisture barrier. All-in-all, this holster offers good comfort and functionality, with the grip material allowing for easy drawing and maximum security.
Best Kydex Pocket Holster:
Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker
[amazon fields="B00EXA6JAI" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Consumers like this holster for its versatility. Thanks to the Kydex material, it accommodates a diversity of weapons. Additionally, the attachment point accommodates off-the-body carrying. You can store your firearm safely in a backpack or purse. It offers a 100% trigger guard, providing maximum protection.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker is notable for the optional thumb release and rig retention hook, two characteristics designed to assist in an effortless draw without slippage.
The hook catches on the lower part of the pants when you draw your gun, ensuring you get your firearm without pulling the holster out too. The pocket locker also stands out for its material โ durable Kydex. The entire barrel of the gun should be covered, protecting against lint, dirt, and other debris in your pocket.
Bottom Line
This is a versatile pocket holster that you can also use for off-body carrying. The Kydex material ensures longevity and durability. The holster also impresses with its hook, which allows for a snag-free draw. If you want a top-notch Kydex holster, this one is worth the money.
Best J Frame Pocket Holster:
Safariland Model 25 Inside-The-Pocket Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers love this pocket holster's thin material, which doesn't add bulk and ensures comfortable wear. The black suede finish also earns points for users who are interested in combining style and function. The smooth interior ensures the gun slips out quickly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It's notoriously difficult to find holsters for J-frame weapons because of their tiny size. If the holster is too big, the gun will slip around, presenting safety concerns. Enter the Safariland Model 25 Inside-The-Pocket Holster.
This holster features reinforced lining so that you can carry it open and eliminate fumbling when you re-holster your weapon. If you're concerned with style, this product is worth a look. The pocket holster features a black suede finish.
The material itself isn't super thick, reducing bulk and enhancing comfort, the design's shape conceals the gun shape well and prevents printing.
Bottom Line
Security is a significant concern when holstering small weapons. This J frame model keeps the gun secure without adding bulk, ensuring a subtle carry. You get full trigger coverage and a smooth inner finish for easy draw. Finally, the black suede finish is a standout feature.
Best Desantis Pocket Holster:
DeSantis The Nemesis Pocket Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love this holster for its durability and personalization. Desantis creates models for different guns, allowing you to get something that suits your firearm. The quilted padding is another pro, making for excellent concealment. Reviewers report that it can even be worn with athletic wear and not attract attention.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The DeSantis The Nemesis Pocket Holster revolutionizes pocket carry with its smooth, slick interior. The silky material allows the weapon to ease out of the holster seamlessly. In contrast, the exterior fabric has a slightly sticky, tacky feel, ensuring the holster remains secure in your pocket.
Quilted padding breaks up the weapon profile, reducing printing so that the weapon is easily concealed. The padding also ensures comfort. The Desantis is hugely popular and answers this demand with various models available for practically every pistol.
Bottom Line
This sticky holster offers excellent concealment. You can count on it to stay in your pocket thanks to its sticky neoprene exterior and slick cloth interior. Just make sure to choose the right one for your model, and you'll get a well-molded piece.
Best Alien Gear Pocket Holster:
Alien Gear Shapeshift Pocket Holster
[amazon fields="B07MQ3NDXW" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users appreciate this holster for its value and versatility. They also love how the modular design fits all different types of guns, ensuring a snug and secure fit, thanks to the patented locking system. It further wins points because it can be used with additional holster types within the ShapeShift system.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Alien Gear Shapeshift Pocket Holster is ideal if you're a minimalist. It's custom molded, with a trigger guard and a pocket retention system. You can comfortably conceal your weapon. The simple design covers the contents of your pocket with its changing silhouette.
Reviewers like this minimalist pocket holster for its lightweight and sleek design. The fully adjustable retention can be swapped out without any tools needed, ensuring maximum user-friendliness. You can also integrate it into the ShapeShift Alien Gear holsters. Manufactured in the USA, it's made with top-quality materials and skilled American craftsmanship.
Bottom Line
This product is proof that pocket holsters don't have to be bulky to work. The custom-molded model has all the security features you need, including a pocket retention system, trigger guard, and adjustable retention.
What is a Pocket Holster? How Does a Pocket Holster Work?
A pocket holster allows for safe pocket carry โ the act of carrying your gun in your pocket, literally. A gun is a dangerous piece of equipment, and having the weapon so close to your body demands extra precautions.
A pocket holster is an answer. It serves two vital purposes:
Trigger Protection
The holster ensures nothing can touch or get snagged on the trigger. This prevents unintentional discharge, keeping you and those around you safe.
Photo credit: wideopenspaces.comProper Draw From Concealment
A pocket holster allows for concealed carrying. You can have your weapon on you discreetly while also being able to access it quickly. If you need to draw your gun, the holster allows for a quick release.
Pocket Holster Safety Considerations
Safety is the number one concern when assessing pocket holsters. There are specific safety aspects you should keep in mind when selecting and using these products. These include:
Trigger Coverage
The trigger should be fully covered. Otherwise, it may get caught on something and result in an inadvertent discharge.
Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket Holsters
In-Pocket Security
The pocket holster must be secured in the pocket, with sticky material, straps, or hooks. If it isn't secured, it may come out with the gun when you try to draw.
Structural Integrity
You don't want a flimsy holster. This device is also meant to protect the gun, keeping lint and other debris from getting into it. This can be a safety hazard if it gets into the chamber.
Slip-Free Interior
While you want the holster's exterior to be designed in a way that prevents slippage, you want the interior to be the exact opposite. A smooth, slick interior fabric ensures the gun comes smoothly out of the holster.
Finally, from both a safety and practicality standpoint, it's essential only to use your pocket holster as legally permitted. Concealed carry is not allowed in all states. Know your area's regulations and abide by them.
DeSantis The Nemesis Pocket Holster
How to Use a Pocket Holster
You have to know how to use your pocket holster properly, or you risk accidentally hurting yourself or others. Follow these tips for usage:
- Buy a suitable product. A pocket holster won't do any good if it doesn't fit your gun. If it's too small, the weapon won't fit inside. If it's too large, the weapon will slip and slide around inside.
- Choose appropriate clothing. Even the best pocket holster doesn't suit every style of clothing. You want roomy pockets that allow enough room for your holster. Slim-fit suits and skinny jeans are a no-go.
- Position the holster correctly. It should sit in the pocket so that when you reach your hand in, the pocket's edge comes up to the wrist.
- Try sitting down. You should be able to get your hand into the holster seated as well as standing.
- For the actual draw, extend the fingers on your drawing hand fully. The thumb should be flat against your hand's side. This allows for rapid sliding action.
- Slide the hand into the interior of the pocket. Don't fumble at the opening, or you risk getting caught on something.
- Obtain a grip and draw your hand back out to present the gun.
Photo credit: galcogunleather.com
Conclusion
Safety, visibility, and comfort are all characteristics to look at when choosing the best pocket holsters. The above guide covers a variety of models made of diverse materials, from nylon to Kydex. Whatever type you choose, make sure it's compatible with your gun model and follow the above steps for usage to ensure safety.
People Also Ask
These frequently asked questions cover some of the most common queries gun-owners have about pocket holsters.
Are Pocket Holsters Safe?
Yes. Pocket holsters are safe if they are correctly designed, including aspects such as full trigger protection. They should remain securely in the pocket while allowing you to draw the weapon easily.
Is It Legal to Carry Without a Holster?
You should never carry a gun without a holster. The holster prevents accidental discharge, which could result in you shooting yourself in the leg or foot. However, beware that concealed carry laws vary between states.
Can You Pocket Carry a P365?
Yes, it's possible to pocket carry a P365. However, you should ensure you have a fitting pocket holster to keep the weapon secure.
