A Recommended Fanny Pack

[VegasGeorge]

I don't know about you, but I like to carry in a fanny/waist pack. However, I hate those packs that just scream "GUN." You know the kind I mean. You see them at the gun shops and at the gun shows all the time.

I've carried in Tumi and other brands, but by far my favorite has been a simple little bag made by Eagle Creek. Now, they've made one that's even better. It's a fraction smaller, and has a better strap arrangement. The thing I like best about it is that it does not look like a gun bag. They have three colors, and I got one of each.

It's the Eagle Creek "Wayside" bag. You can see it at http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/carry-on_companions/Wayside-40389/

It's just the right size for my Kimber Ultra Carry CDP II, which is the same size as a Colt Officers model .45.

[DAN]

Vegas George.....So what is wrong with a piece of equipment screaming gun. I look at it as a deterent. In fact carryconcealed.net should put out an embroidered fanny pack.

Are you able to access your weapon using the eagle creek pack in a smooth and timely manner?? Or is it just easy to carry around?? I love eagle creek products and this sounds like a good one.

Dan

[VegasGeorge]

Vegas George.....So what is wrong with a piece of equipment screaming gun.

Well, technically, of course, there is nothing "wrong" about a bag that screams "gun." But, the idea is concealment, isn't it?

I find it easier and quicker to get the gun out of the Eagle Creek bag than I do getting it out of one of those Velcroed bags with a built in holster. One quick movement opens the zipper, and the gun is right there. I find ripping open Velcro to be awkward and loud. Several times I've quietly opened the zipper on my Eagle Creek bag when I've gotten nervous about something, and it doesn't attract any attention at all. I like that.

I have two of the real concealment bags on the top shelf of my closet. Believe me, I wouldn't be using the Eagle Creek bags if they weren't better.

The Eagle Creek is small for a fanny pack, only 8X5. It just fits my Kimber. It wouldn't be suitable for anything larger. I put the gun in the main compartment, and carry my spare magazine in the front. There is room in the front for a wallet, or keys, or what have you.

[Bill of Rights]

Vegas George.....So what is wrong with a piece of equipment screaming gun. I look at it as a deterent. In fact carryconcealed.net should put out an embroidered fanny pack.

Are you able to access your weapon using the eagle creek pack in a smooth and timely manner?? Or is it just easy to carry around?? I love eagle creek products and this sounds like a good one.

Dan
I've not tried any of these, but I'm thinking if I want the deterrent, I'll just open carry. So far, I've stuck with CCW. I also wonder if the Eagle Creek pack is made to hold a firearm or if it has straps that will do so coincidentally, or what.

I looked, but didn't see any inside photos. Thanks for any feedback!

Blessings,
M

[VegasGeorge]

Dan, it's just a bag. It's not a "holster" per se. You would have to be comfortable about just putting the Rosco in there and zipping it up. If you feel you need more than that, you should go to one of the specially designed concealment packs. I've come to the conclusion that less is better. But, that's just me.

[Bill of Rights]

George,

I posted that, but no big deal. I'll repeat Dan's question, though: Have you had to draw it from there, and can you do so quickly and effectively? My concern would be that the gun would not always be in the same spot or orientation, and if I need it, I don't want to fumble at all.

Alternatively, I can see with it's size that a properly sized weapon would probably hold it's spot fairly well and orientation would be unlikely to change if for no more reason than height/length vs. width of the weapon and of the compartment.
Do you also have space in there for a spare mag?

Blessings,
M

[VegasGeorge]

St. Michael, yes I can get to the gun quickly, and it comes out easily. Not as quick and easy as an inside, or outside holster, assuming no shirt is in the way. But quicker and easier (for me) than a Velcro bag, or a crotch holster, or a shoulder holster that's under a shirt. You're right about the gun/bag size. My Kimber just fits, and is always right where I put it. It doesn't move around much at all.

I just put the spare magazine in the front zipper compartment.

By the way, in cooler weather, when I can wear a shirt jacket or vest, I prefer an outside the belt holster.

[OldTXCop]

Nice looking bag....For those that may be interested the Tommys Gun Pack was the one of the first true gun fanny packs...It addresses many of the concerns some of you brought up. It has the fastest presentation of any pack I have used.

http://www.tommysgunpack.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=1&PhotoNumber=4#largerphoto

I have also used a Camelbak "Goblin" fanny pack, which has a hydration pack in it as well. I use this when exercising or when wearing athletic type apparel.

http://www.practicaltactical.net/prostores/servlet/-strse-241/Camelbak-Goblin-Concealed-Carry/Detail

[VegasGeorge]

Yeah, it looks like my little Eagle Creeks open about the same way as the Tommys Gun Pack. Instead of the clip, I put a thong on the upper zipper and just pull on that. It looks like the Tommys is a nice size and shape. I like the fact that the zipper goes all the way down on the Tommys. When I open the Eagle Creek, I have to lift the gun up and out instead of a straight pull. Straight is better.

[Onree]

http://www.tommysgunpack.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=1&PhotoNumber=4#largerphoto


Nice looking item. Thanks for the link. I think their marketing department may want to reconsider the "Ready To Rumble" wording though. :roll:

Every time I see a fanny pack, the first thing I think is gun. I'm sure the bad guys think the same thing. I'd hope that would make them choose a different target rather than shooting first.

One very strong suggestion I would make is get a hard plastic liner added to the inside bottom of the fanny packs. I can't tell you how many times I've read about thieves using a razor blade to cut a hole in the bottom of a pack and walking off with the contents. I've even see shows of people doing this and the victims were totally unaware. I can already hear ya.... "no one will get that close to my pack." I'm just making the suggestion.

[junglebob]

VagasGeorge, I like the looks of the Eagle Creek pack. Like you say it doesn't scream "GUN". I use an Uncle Mikes federal size side kick fanny pack. I do like the fact that it has loops for a regular belt to go through. I do wish that it came in say blue or green and not just black. However even though it screams "GUN". I have had no problem with "fanny pack transport" of my handgun for about 3 years, here in Illinois. Are there any bigger sizes with loops? Mine is about 9"x7".

[brotherbill3]

Every time I see a fanny pack, the first thing I think is gun. I'm sure the bad guys think the same thing. I'd hope that would make them choose a different target rather than shooting first.

I have to ask -
1. ALWAYS? This is interesting to me because I've worn a fanny pack for a long time (but I'm still working on the CCW part), mainly because of bicycling and wearing out pockets with an overstuffed wallet, too many keys and a victorinox swisschamp (the big one) 'knife / tool'. (ok I'm partly a "MacGuyver" wannabe). I never really thought this was like an indicator to people that I might be carrying ... I always figured they probably just questioned my 'orientation' (as long as my wife is happy I really dont' care what anyone else thinks) ... besides, I haven't worn out a pants pocket in almost 20 yrs. ...

2. To those of you using this method ... how are you 'wearing' the pack? Meaning in front of you, on the side, or (as named) on the 'FANNY' ... I ask because I alway wear mine in the back, and almost always have a shirt, sweater or coat hanging over this. ... I was already thinking this is a good thing since when I do the the CHL, no one will suspect that its tucked in there, because everyone that knows me, is used to seeing the bulge from the fanny pack ... I'm also so used to the pack being there that even a slight 'brush' is noticed ...

3. lastly ... I had an alternative idea on carrying with this ... using an IWB holster, but inside the fannypack and outside my WB ... letting the pack 'cover' the lower part of the barrel/holster. Any thoughts on this idea? My main concern is that the gun and a spare mag would make the whole thing to heavy, and want to fall off ... I won't get to find out for a while yet.

"Brother" Bill
(still quoteless) ...

[Bill of Rights]

Most likely, you'll play around with OWB, IWB, Appendix carry, 4 o'clock, 5 o'clock, etc., etc. before you finally settle on a way that works best for you. 4 o'clock carry IWB works best for me, unless I'm using a shoulder rig. It's much less important how you carry than THAT you carry, as long as you can retrieve and present your gun when needed.

Good luck and good shooting!

Blessings,
B

[duc_fan]

"appendix carry" ?

[Bill of Rights]

Guessing you followed the thing about 4 o'clock, 5 o'clock, so...

If you carry about 1 o'clock or maybe 1:30 or so, the grip of your pistol is right in front of your appendix (or where your appendix was, if you've had it removed), hence, "appendix carry". (and no, I'm not going anywhere near what you call it if you're carrying in either a SmartCarry or a Thunderwear!) :lol:

Blessings,
B

[duc_fan]

Thanks B. Yep, I'm familiar with the "o'clock" positions. I don't have an IWB holster yet, but just tucking the gun in my waistband to check fitment, it's really comfy in the 4 o'clock position, with a butt-forward cant.

I've heard of carry "on the stomach", but I'm just not comfortable with the idea of a firearm's muzzle anywhere near my junk. :shock:

"Thunderwear"... sounds like it was named by a college student. :lol:

[Bear Poop]

Guessing you followed the thing about 4 o'clock, 5 o'clock, so...

If you carry about 1 o'clock or maybe 1:30 or so, the grip of your pistol is right in front of your appendix (or where your appendix was, if you've had it removed), hence, "appendix carry". (and no, I'm not going anywhere near what you call it if you're carrying in either a SmartCarry or a Thunderwear!) :lol:

Blessings,
B

Sounds good EXCEPT y'all are backwards!! Will it work for people that are left handed?

[nodaywithout]

i do not like fanypacks they say hey i'm a tourist and/or hey i'm strapped.