Fanny pack for safety?

[Mastrogiacomo]

Hi people,

I like to walk along the bike path and the area is very isolated at certain times making uncomfortable to walk without my gun. I don't have a gun holster and right now I'm not looking for that. I want some kind of fanny pack that will allow me to have my hands free since I hate carrying anything when I walk. The problem with my fanny packs, small women swim in them. I remember getting a free fanny pack from a local gun store and the thing was absolutely huge (and cheap) and it just fell off me. I'm curious if there are any that are designed to be worn by women because I'm always seeing male models. I don't want to pay for something that won't fit and have to return it. Any suggestions? I want something that will enable me to carry a SP101 DAO without it jumping around, a cell phone an my keys. Thank you.

Laura

[zoomie]

Set on a fanny pack? How about something from Maxpedition?

Or... PM pax. http://thefiringline.com/forums/member.php?u=5520

[TXAZ]

I think you can find quality fanny packs that barely hold a PPK, to some that can carry a Desert Eagle, and everything in between. I looked around and found an average sized pack that holds a P229 +2 extra magazines, and retains the weapon but allows you to leave the top open for quick access. I just had to look at several local sports / hiking stores before finding the right one.

Good luck.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I did look at the site you mentioned but I also noticed it was to be worn on the belt and I don't wear anything that will clip on it when I'm out getting my walk. I'm usually wearing loose, elastic waist band shorts or work out pants. I was actually giving this a look:

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Produ...l#ReviewHeader

But again, not sure if it'll drop right off me since I don't think the company was thinking of women customers.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Hi Tax,

It's not sure much the gun that concerns me as the fit. There's usually not enough cord for the pack to be secure since many are sized for men. I'm 5'2" and 125 so trying to wear a waist pack geared towards men or large women just drops right off me.

[BarryLee]

I’ve got one of the 5.11 Select Carry Pistol Pouches which works pretty well and doesn’t look too bad. I’m not really sure about the fit issue, but maybe you could order one on Amazon and return it if it doesn’t fit.

[Koda94]

Mastrogiacomo

Galco Escort is a fanny pack that is listed for the SP101 on their website
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.as...D=320&GunID=74

I'm not a fanny pack person but I've used one of these for hiking with a full sized backpack on, it lasted many years. Its a traditional waist belt design so it will cinch up tight enough if the remainder is too much it can be trimmed away (dont forget to singe the trimmed edge...)

The keys and cell phone go in the front pocket, about that it wont carry much more. Keep in mind that the more you put in the front pocket the more it affects the draw of the gun.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Thank you. I've looked on Amazon and saw one that might fit the bill but then one reviewer said he bought it for his girlfriend and it was loose and fit her way too big. I really wish there was a store near me so I could try it out but usually the ones in gun shops, if they have them, are for men....God knows why.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Hi Koda, I saw that one earlier tonight. I might just email the company and ask about sizing. Thank you everyone for the suggestions and links.

[BarryLee]

You might also checkout the WEB site Cornered Cat which focuses on self defense and carry issues unique to women. The editor is a moderator on this site and goes by the user name PAX.

[Mastrogiacomo]

Thank you for the link, Barry. I'll check it out.

[JimmyR]

WHen I went to New Orleans on my honeymoon, I chose to carry my FEG pa-63 in a fanny pack. I used my K-Bar TDI fanny pack I got from amazon. It held my gun securely, as well as 2 mags. The side pockets are big enough to hold some cell phones (my Samsung Exhibit wouldn't fit though), and my keys, as well as a knife. It's also very slim, and doens't feel like it's sticking 3 feet out from you. I also loved that I could snap it to my belt, for extra security (hey, i was in French Quarter). It might be what you're looking for.

[oldandslow]

laura, 7/6/13

I've tried a number of waist packs and finally settled on those sold by www.theconcealmentshop.com out of Texas. Their products are geared towards women but work fine for men also. Take a look at their pistol pack section. Good luck.

best wishes- oldandslow

[TXAZ]

One option for a small waist WRT the belt length is to double up some of the belt webbing and have it cut and or re-sewn. We did this a lot for skinny kids and back pack belts. It takes about 3 minutes with a sewing machine.

Good luck.

[Freakdaddy]

I have some of the Tommy's Gun Packs in various sizes; they are well made and have held up great. I use one all the time that I keep a full-sized M&P45, two spare mags and a flashlight in. This is the one I keep on my desk, nightstand and throw in the truck when I go to work so it gets used daily with no pampering and has held up great over 5 years of usage. The thing I really like about it is the quick release buckle which gives you access to the pistol. So many packs have the small tab or cord to pull which is fine if you have time to react to a situation but should something happen requiring you to act quickly (wild animal or charging dog), you'll appreciate the larger buckle when the adrenaline surge affects your fine motor skills. The buckle is discreet and matches the buckle that fastens the pack around your waist which is a nice touch. It has three compartments which one is for the gun, a middle compartment that is good sized and the small zippered compartment that is sewn on the outside of the middle compartment giving you more than enough space to store what you need. The thing that is really nice about these packs is you can configure it in right or left hand as well as your waist size plus it does have adjustments to give you a good fit along with quite a few colors to choose from. The problem is they have increased in prices since I've ordered mine but if you get on their mailing list, they run a lot of specials (used to at least) like two for one, etc. that makes it more appealing. I have my M&P45 in a large sized pack but it will fit in a medium sized one but it's a tight fit albeit better at keeping the gun from shifting. That should help give you an idea if you compare the size of my gun to yours to determine which sized pack to buy. Here's the link to their site:

http://www.tommysgunpack.com/category_s/22.htm

[ClydeFrog]

I'm a strong advocate of carrying weapons on your person.
That means using a holster or concealing garment.
New designs & holsters in 2013 have greatly improved since I started to carry a gun in the early 1990s.
For active wear or fitness, Id suggest looking at the holsters/lines from 5.11 & www.GlockStore.com . You can put a snub revolver in a shirt or wear a compression short type rig under your work-out gear.
Greg Kramer has a mesh fabric under-shirt holster too.
I wouldn't suggest carrying a fanny pack or "murse"(man purse) for a main sidearm. A thug or pack of felons could snatch your pack or bag from you.

Clyde
www.galls.com www.policehq.com www.5.11tactical.com www.csmgear.com www.blackhawk.com www.uscav.com

[pax]

My fave is the AE Pistol Pack from The Concealment Shop. Can set it up either left or right handed, quick access, excellent zippers, good "looks normal" factor, and -- here's the kicker -- you can order it in any color or combination of colors that suits you and customize it.

Comes in three or four different sizes. The smallest neatly fits my Glock 26, mid size fits the G19. You can order a custom size if the standard ones don't work for you.

pax

[Mastrogiacomo]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Looks like I'll be going with the AE Pistol pack. I've been looking at everything and I think this one has the best chance of fitting my frame. Thanks again, people.

[SgtLumpy]

Is the difficulty in finding a good fit because there is too much "Pack" to most of them and not enough "strap"? Meaning you can't tighten the thing up small enough to fit your waist? (A problem I'd love to have)

Or something else?


Sgt Lumpy

[Mastrogiacomo]

You hit the nail on the head, Sgt. There's not enough strap to fasten it tight enough. Hence, it just falls right off me. I swear companies don't ever think women will want a fanny pack for a gun....go figure.

BTW, at 5'2" and 125 pounds, I'm desperately trying to get down to 115. When I do, I'm buying a holster.....

[Onward Allusion]

I don't like fanny packs. Too much flopping around even in a quick walk. Makes it obvious on a guy that he is carrying. Makes a good target on a woman to steal.

http://www.amazon.com/Stone-Tactical...+holster+small

One advantage of a belly band is that it's concealed and keeps your stuff on you rather than in a separate bag. Also, unless you have a quickdraw fanny pack holster, it's also a bit more of a challenge to get to your gun in a panic situation. Imagine trying to fumble for the zipper when your hands are shaking. Worst case, imagine being knocked down and trying to reach for the fanny pack or the zipper.

[Mastrogiacomo]

True, and all good points, but a fanny pack on a woman blends a lot easier than a belly belt. It's also less obvious what I'm carrying. I'm not concerned with it being a target. On the bike path, it's usually only me on it so if anyone else shows up, I'm already aware I'm not alone.

[SgtLumpy]

I've never looked much at Fanny Packs. Glancing around I do see that none I saw listed any kind of minimum size. They all tend to list "Up to xx waist size". One of them goes up to 64". Geez fellas. Are we that big?

My girlfriend is small. 5'7", 110 lbs. She has one but doesn't use it much. I'll look tomorrow and see what brand and see if I can figure out how small it will go.


Sgt Lumpy

[SgtLumpy]

I checked my girlfriend's FP and took some measurements.

Good news is it will go down in size to about 14" in waist. The pack itself is leather and about 10 inches wide. She has the inner attachment holster for a model 36 revolver. I think there are other inner attachments available. It is removable with velcro. I would imagine you buy whatever insert you want for your particular gun. Looks like it would probably fit my 4" revolvers and maybe even my huge Beretta. It has a pocket in front that looks like it would fit cellphones, wallets and other stuff without being a problem to the gun in the other compartment.

Bad news is I can't find a brand anywhere on it. Only two tags I can find on it are "Made in China" and "S" (small, I presume).

So I guess I can't help much except to suggest that there are some out there that aren't built for 64 inch waisted men.


Sgt Lumpy

[pax]

Onward Allusion,

It's foolish to carry a gun in a pack that's not designed for it. Mastrogiacomo is smart enough to stick with purpose built packs, which means it will be neither slow nor floppy.

Clyde,

A gun that's attached to your body via a belt, carried inside a pack, is the same as one that's attached to your body via a belt, carried inside a holster. Not the same as a purse at all -- and just as much a target for a mugging as a man's wallet.

Also, speaking of slow and floppy, Kramer's mesh shirt is both, and worse on a female shape. For those who like to carry under the arm under clothing, I recommend the Trump Card from Pistol Wear. Works much better and holds more securely.

pax