When it comes to discreet personal safety and on-the-go convenience, concealed carry fanny packs, sometimes called waist packs, offer a versatile solution for gun owners. Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, navigating urban environments, or seeking a low-profile self-defense tool, finding the best concealed carry fanny pack can be a game-changer. These packs provide quick, reliable access to your firearm while blending into your lifestyle—without compromising safety or style.
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At Premier Body Armor, we believe in walking the talk, which is why many of our team members rely on concealed carry fanny packs in their daily lives. Here’s how some of us use these versatile packs to enhance safety and convenience:
We aren’t the only ones who have found a fanny pack to fit our lifestyle. The Truth About Guns writer, Travis Pike, writes “Not everyone needs a fanny pack option for concealed carry. It’s a stand-out attachment, but in many activities, it blends in well. It offers me several pockets full of goodies in a convenient and easy-to-carry package. The appearance is low-key and doesn’t scream tactical. Most importantly, it offers me access to a firearm during some activities that would make wearing a holster uncomfortable, unsafe or impractical.”
Each of these fanny packs is compatible with Premier Body Armor's custom-fit Level IIIA armor inserts, which add an extra layer of protection for users. Weighing less than a pound, these inserts are made from the same material trusted by law enforcement, ensuring that safety doesn’t come at the cost of comfort or convenience.
Concealed carry fanny packs, also known as tactical waist bags, are designed for gun owners who need a discreet and versatile way to carry firearms safely. These packs, like the SOCP tactical fanny pack, integrate seamlessly into your routine, allowing quick access to your firearm when it matters most. From urban streets to hiking trails, they provide a low-profile solution for everyday carry (EDC) while keeping your safety tools close at hand.
Why are fanny pack holsters becoming the go-to solution for discreet self-defense? Here’s why they’re gaining traction among gun owners:
When selecting the best concealed carry fanny pack, it's important to evaluate certain features to ensure it meets your requirements. Understanding these features will help you choose a pack that not only meets your safety needs but also complements your lifestyle and personal preferences.
The size of the fanny pack should accommodate your firearm comfortably. Consider the dimensions of your gun and choose a pack that can securely hold it without being overly bulky. A fanny pack that is too small may not securely hold the firearm, while one that is too large can be cumbersome and conspicuous. Adjustable straps are essential for ensuring a snug fit around your waist, allowing for adjustments based on clothing layers or personal comfort preferences.
A well-fitted fanny pack enhances both security and comfort, ensuring the firearm stays in place without shifting during movement. It’s also important to consider the pack's weight distribution, as a well-balanced pack can reduce strain on your body. Trying on different sizes and styles can help you find the perfect fit that offers both concealment and ease of access.
Look for fanny packs made from high-quality, durable materials such as nylon or polyester. These materials are not only resistant to wear and tear but also weatherproof, ensuring your firearm remains protected in various conditions. Durable materials are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the pack, especially for those who engage in outdoor activities where exposure to the elements is a concern.
Additionally, consider the stitching and construction quality, as these factors contribute to the overall durability of the fanny pack. Reinforced seams and high-quality zippers can prevent failures that might compromise security. A durable fanny pack not only protects your firearm but also extends the longevity of the product, making it a worthwhile investment.
Consider high-quality materials like D nylon for tactical use or water-resistant polyester blends for casual settings. Stitching should be double-reinforced, and zippers should be YKK-grade for durability. Brands like Vertx, Viktos, and Eberlestock set industry benchmarks in this area.
A critical feature of any concealed carry fanny pack is the quick draw design. Ensure the pack allows for easy and swift access to your firearm. Features like tear-away panels or easy-open zippers can enhance accessibility. The ability to draw your firearm quickly and efficiently can be crucial in a self-defense situation, where every second counts.
Test the quick draw feature before purchasing to ensure it meets your expectations for speed and ease of use. Some packs offer ambidextrous designs, making them suitable for both left and right-handed users. The design should not only facilitate a quick draw but also ensure the firearm is securely held in place during routine activities.
Having extra pockets and compartments can be beneficial for storing additional items like magazines, keys, or a . This added functionality makes the fanny pack a versatile everyday carry (EDC) option. Pockets can help organize your belongings, ensuring that essential items are easily accessible while keeping your firearm secure.
The organization within the pack can also contribute to its overall discretion, as items like phones and wallets can help mask the presence of a firearm. Consider packs with specialized compartments for different items, ensuring that everything has its place and reducing the risk of clutter or noise when moving.
Ensure the fanny pack comes with reliable security features such as lockable zippers or snap closures to prevent unauthorized access to your firearm. These features are crucial for maintaining control over your firearm, especially in environments where theft or tampering is a concern. The peace of mind provided by these security features can enhance the overall sense of safety when carrying concealed.
Consider packs with tamper-proof designs or those that allow for the addition of small locks. While accessibility is important, ensuring that only you have access to your firearm is paramount. Evaluate the balance between security and accessibility to find a pack that meets your specific needs.
There are various types of concealed carry fanny packs available, each catering to specific needs. Understanding the differences between these types can help you select a pack that aligns with your lifestyle and security requirements. Here's a look at some popular options:
Concealed carry regulations vary by state, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws before purchasing a fanny pack holster. For instance, some states require specific permits or have restrictions on off-body carry methods. Consult resources like NRA’s concealed carry map or speak with a certified firearms instructor to stay compliant.
These recommended concealed carry fanny packs not only provide exceptional functionality but also seamlessly integrate with Premier Body Armor's custom-fit Level IIIA inserts. These inserts add an extra layer of protection without adding bulk, making them ideal for anyone prioritizing both safety and convenience.
Stylish and low-profile, the Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack is a versatile option for concealed carry enthusiasts who want a bag that blends seamlessly into casual and urban settings. Designed with functionality and fashion in mind, it’s perfect for running errands, walking the dog, or daily wear. Its design appeals to those looking for a discreet yet functional option that doesn’t scream “tactical.”
Key Features:Purpose-built for those in tactical environments or high-mobility situations, the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack is an excellent choice for concealed carry enthusiasts who need quick, reliable access to their firearms. Its compact size and streamlined design ensure it won’t get in the way, even during active use like motorcycle rides, hiking, or running.
Key Features:For those seeking a versatile fanny pack with extra storage, the Eberlestock Bando Bag is an outstanding option. Available in regular and XL sizes, the Bando Bag offers a sleek design for urban carry while providing ample room for additional gear. With its rugged construction and compatibility with Premier Body Armor’s custom-fit Eberlestock Level IIIA inserts, it’s perfect for anyone needing extra space without sacrificing protection.
Key Features:All three options offer unique advantages tailored to different lifestyles. Whether you’re running errands, engaging in high-mobility activities, or needing extra storage space, there’s a concealed carry fanny pack to suit your needs. Combined with Premier Body Armor's Level IIIA inserts, these fanny packs take everyday carry (EDC) to the next level by seamlessly integrating style, functionality, and protection.
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*in brackets: additional price for optional hydration bladder or surcharge for integrated bladder
Incidentally, the country of manufacture is a major cost factor. If the packs are produced in large quantities in Asia, production costs account for a much lower proportion of the retail price than those handmade in small batches in the USA. In addition to pure functionality, our price-performance assessment takes into account this factor. The two US brands in this test, Bedrock Bags and High Above, also offer extensive customization options for their products – something you won’t get with any other manufacturer.
Without a doubt, the fit, level of comfort and stability of a pack were the most important criteria in this test. In other words, the less you can feel the bag and its contents, the better. Once we assess these criteria, we evaluate the compartment layout and determine how well the contents are distributed inside the pack and how quickly and easily you can access each item. The processing and material quality, water resistance, ventilation and sweat absorption as well as special features such as hydration bladders and/or bottle holders also affect the overall rating. The criteria are as follows:
To allow for as many impressions as possible, each hip bag was tested over a period of half a year by a number of testers with different needs, body proportions and layout preferences. This enabled us to cover the complete range of applications over an extended period of time and to test each pack in a variety of scenarios, from relaxed day rides to fast paced and stressful racing scenarios. In addition, all bags were tested back to back by several riders on a fixed trail section, both up and downhill. This approach allows us to counteract the habituation effect and determine all major differences and conspicuous features as neutrally as possible.
The correct position of a hip bag is crucial to its fit, comfort and stability. As the name suggests, hip packs are intended to be worn as low on your hips as possible for optimal stability. During our tests we found that each pack had its own sweet-spot too, so it just takes some experimenting to get the position right. Unfortunately, our test field also includes some models that are missing a sweet spot altogether and didn’t really agree with any of our testers body shape (e.g. Race Face Rip Strip or the Deuter models in this test).
In this test we also found out that some of the models only work with certain body shapes and heights. While the Deuter Pulse 3, for example, sits noticeably better on wider hips, with less athletic bodies the ION Traze 3 tends to lose its stability and the Dakine Hot Laps Stealth starts feeling uncomfortable.
Clearly more compact and less spread across your back than a full sized backpack, we can say that hip packs are already on a winning tangent in terms of airflow. In order to prevent the bag from wobbling around on the trail, a close-fit is essential though. Therefore, the ventilation of a waist pack is only of secondary importance compared with the fit. Sweat absorption, on the other hand, is a more exciting factor. While some bags feel like wet rags when you put them back on after a short break, others barely soak up the sweat and are as good as dry after five minutes in the sun – the clever design and choice of material are mainly responsible for this.
Throughout our test it became increasingly evident that overfilling (or in some cases even just filling it to the maximum capacity) a hip pack is pretty detrimental to its performance. So even if the hydration bladder can hold lots of fluid, we wouldn’t risk filling it to the brim – usually a litre will suffice on short rides and it’ll pay off with increased comfort. Another easy way to save space and weight? Use a strap to attach your spare inner tube and mini tool directly to the bike frame – where possible and if necessary. You can use the extra room in the pack for a few extra energy bars … your riding buddy who always seems to forget to bring his own will be grateful;)
Instead of freeing up your upper back, you could go the other way and wear a minimalist Hydration Pack to free your hips. The CamelBak Chase Bike Vest, SOURCE Rapid Hydration Pack or USWE VERTICAL 4 PLUS or AIRBORNE 3 models offer a similar amount of storage room at the same weight of a hip pack. For water bladder users, these might even be the better choice, because the load is more evenly distributed, fixed more efficiently and usually also turns out larger in terms of water volume. Bib shorts or base layers with integrated pockets (e.g. from Specialized, Scott, Race Face and Patagonia) work similarly to a hip bag. The trousers especially are getting increasingly popular and hold the content firmly in place. However, the capacity is limited and as soon as you start sweating all of the contents get wet too.
After five months of relentless testing, our favourite ‘best all-round hip bag’ emerged. No waist pack managed to combine carrying comfort, stability, compartment layout and universal usability as well as the EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3l did. In addition, the climate is outstanding, even without activating the VENTIFLAP system to increase ventilation on long hot climbs. With two bottle holders and an optional hydration bladder, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to carry your water supply. And while this is the heaviest model in test, we never noticed it because the excellent compression system allows for an optimal seat and very comfortable fit. Overall, there is practically nothing the EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3l can’t do. Thus, it secured our Best in Test badge as the best all-rounder in our big hip pack test.
Here you’ll find our in depth test of the EVOC HIP PACK PRO.
However, the superb performance of the EVOC comes at a price and not everyone is prepared to pay € 90 (or even € 120 with the bladder) for a fanny pack. That’s where the Dakine Hot Laps 2L comes in – and we were totally impressed with it. For just € 40, you’ll get an outstanding, well thought out compartment layout with a well padded mobile compartment, good wearing comfort and a stable, unobtrusive fit. And despite its compact dimensions, the Dakine Hot Laps 2 L even lets you carry water on your ride. The fold-out bottle holder holds a water bottle securely in place and can be easily stowed away when not in use. Despite its compact size, the Dakine Hot Laps 2L is an excellent all-rounder at a slim price – and thus deserves our coveted Best Buy badge.
Here you’ll find our in-depth test of the Dakine Hot Laps 2L.
Since the main focus of this test is on all-round performance, more specific hip bags are at a slight disadvantage when it comes to winning this test. Nevertheless, there are other excellent hip packs in this test which might not be as polivalent, but could even be a better option for certain applications.
With its huge storage capacity and flexible layout, the Bedrock Bags Greysill Hip Bag (to the test) is the true packing wonder in this test. Despite its lightweight, the four compression straps and perfect fit make it one of the most stable hip packs in this test – no matter how much or little you fill it. Unfortunately, the inside only has a few compartments and it can take some time to access them due to the multi-layer closing system.
If your current bike doesn’t have a bottle cage, like the YT CAPRA or Nukeproof Mega, or if you just want to carry an extra water bottle, the Bontrager Rapid Pack (to the review) and Mavic Crossride (to the review) are two great options with an integrated bottle holder as a key feature. The Bontrager is incredibly comfortable, has a stable fit and is also unobtrusive. On top of this, it offers one of the best compartment layouts in the entire test field – provided you don’t have to carry a pump. If you prefer bringing a pump with you, the Mavic pouch is the better option. Like the Mavic, it has an excellent (albeit completely different) compartment layout and extra space for a pump – and also has the best bottle access. However, you’ll have to compromise with some minor drawbacks, like the smaller compartment (compared to the Bontrager), the proprietary triangular bottle and the higher price.
If you want a compact bum bag and don’t need to carry around water but still want to have all of the trail essentials on them, you should take a closer look at the slim EVOC HIP POUCH 1l (to the review) and stylish High Above Lookout (to the review). Both models are compact and very robust no-nonsense waist packs with a very good compartment layout – fully recommended.
This test also includes two excellent options for minimalists. The EVOC RACE BELT (to the test) lives up to its name and gives you fast and easy access to all your trail essentials while providing outstanding comfort and top stability. Our top tip for racers. If you’re after something a little less specialized but still want to enjoy the advantages of a slim pack, the Dakine Hot Laps Stealth (to the test) is your best choice. Just as the Evoc, Dakine’s super slim fanny pack disappears under the jersey and has a very good and versatile compartment layout – and a compact compartment. Fit and comfort are not quite as flawless as with the EVOC, but still excellent. And for € 35 you can’t really go wrong.
Whilst most of the packs in this test made a consistently positive impression, others left a bitter taste in our mouths. These models have either disappointed us strongly in one regard or weren’t able to convince us at all. As a consequence, we won’t recommend any of them.
The brand-new ION Hipbag Traze 3 (to the test) bears an exciting new concept that allows for easy loading and strikes with an excellent climate and – at least for slim people – good stability. The fit and comfort, however, are only average. On top of this, the hip fins are too short and bulky, with the stiff padding causing unpleasant pressure points. Here we urge ION to start working on the next generation Traze 3.
Whilst both Deuter packs managed to impress our testers with quality materials, good workmanship and a very decent price, their fit is either peculiar (Pulse 3) or not suitable for cycling (Pulse 2) at all. Depending on how tightly you pull the hip belt, when you get into a more aggressive riding position with the upper body bent over the handlebars, the pack doesn’t sit properly and slides up the back or affects the abdominal breathing. On top of that, the Pulse 2 has a very poor compartment layout and doesn’t protect the contents from the elements. Talking about bad performance, the compression straps of the Pulse 3 don’t do anything. Deuter is known for making good bike-specific backpacks. Their fanny packs however are designed following a multisport orientation and to fit an upright body position, which makes them unsuitable for cycling.
All in all, the Leatt Hydration Core 2.0 (to the test) isn’t actually that bad. It’s spacious, very lightweight and offers a well-organised compartment layout and good basic level of comfort. However, the pack doesn’t compress against the body as it’s meant to and the thin outer material makes the pack itself feel extremely unstable, even with the lightest load. On top of this, the quality of the finish and materials is rather poor considering the price.
Also poorly made in places and relatively expensive is the Mavic Deemax Belt (to the test). Our main criticism, however, goes to the promised payload, which doesn’t make sense in the real world. If you fill the pack following the description printed on the inside, the Deemax will quickly overflow even with half of the items listed on the description, feeling plump and uncomfortable.
The Race Face Rip Strip (to the test) is the tail light of our test field. Except for the flat design and stability, there’s nothing nice we can say about it. None of our test riders walked away from this test with a positive impression regarding fit, comfort or the compartment layout. Added to this is the questionable placement of the CO2 cartridge/pump directly on the spine – let alone the steep price. After five years on the market, it’s time to work on a new version.
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