Big, Black Fanny Pack

Matt VDW · September 21, 1999, 09:32 AM

This is a field report on the DeSantis "Look! I'm carrying a gun!" fanny pack holster.

My wife and I went camping in a state park this past weekend. Since I planned to carry more stuff with me on our hikes than would fit in my pockets, I crammed everything into my DeSantis fanny pack holster and wore it the whole time. (Note: since I'm a good little citizen of the not-so-great CCW-fearing state of Ohio, I didn't bring a gun, even though I did check at home and found that my SP101 would have fit nicely).

Now, the DeSantis is not a well-camouflaged holster by any stretch of the imagination. It's big, it's black, and it's probably what most folks have in mind when they say that using a fanny pack holster isn't much more discreet than open carry.

Even so, I didn't notice anyone giving me a second look. And the park was crowded, with every campsite in use and lots of hikers on the trails. There were even a few deputy sheriffs and a park ranger on patrol. Then again, I didn't see anyone who looked like a predatory criminal scouting for victims, so perhaps my walk in the park was not a good test of concealment.

Comments?

SB · September 21, 1999, 02:14 PM

Honestly, I think the idea about fanny packs screaming guns is a bit overblown. If a bad guy picks it up, so what? It'll serve as a deterrant. If a good guy picks it up, so what? You're not breaking the law (or so I assume). Of course, it would have been kind of annoying if some chump came up to me and said, "So, what kind of gun is it?" But that never happened to me in the 2 years that I've worn a fanny pack regularly. But I think the fact that it was only big enough to fit a mini Glock with a spare mag helped quite a bit.

Of course, that doesn't mean I like them either. I've moved on to something better since then. But if the fanny pack is the only practical way to go for you, then I wouldn't worry too much about the gun-screaming factor.

$.02

ATM · September 22, 1999, 06:51 AM

The biggest thing I see that screams gun, is the folks who carry a fanny pack with a gun in the main compartment and still carry their wallet, change, cellphone, etc. in the regular places on the body. If you want to be discreet, carry all that other stuff in the extra pocket. That is why a non-carrier has a fanny pack!!

Otherwise I agree that a fanny pack screaming 'gun' is not a big problem. In my area I regularly see all kinds of people with fanny packs. Senior citizens, joggers, moms with multiple kids, yuppies, actual shoppers, even mall security wears them. People wear them because the fanny pack frees up the hands, especially when coats are not worn. I do not feel labelled anymore then when I carry IWB under a shirt or jacket or vest. The big deal for me is getting over the feeling of the gun sticking way out, or printing, all the time.

------------------
Freedom is not Free

Chuck B. · September 22, 1999, 05:32 PM

I've been carrying a Glock 23 in an Original Tommy's for almost a year. It's black with a blue front panel, it's kind of big, but it's padded so there's no chance of printing. I carry other stuff in the front compartment. I make a point of carrying it (sans gun) in all sorts of prohibitted places in the hopes of a chance to make a stink when challenged ("What about that woman's purse over there? How do you know she's not toting a gun? Are you going to demand to see inside it?" etc.). So far, I've never been challenged, but I have noticed people's eyes trained on it from time to time.

Covert Mission · October 15, 1999, 08:08 PM

check out this site for an alternative to regular fanny packs:
http://www.thewilderness.com/safepack.HTM

Fanny packs generally scream GUN! to me, but mostly in locations where you are less likely to need a full-sized one. On the trail or in the woods, they blend in.

For smaller guns like my 640 S&W or Glock 27, I like Uncle Mike's Gunmate belt pouch. Doesn't look like a gun pack, is small, and has a separate hidden compartment for the gun. Then, you can make a show of accessing the main pouch for your wallet, keys etc in front of people. They'll never suspect.imho

Bennett Richards · October 15, 1999, 11:42 PM

I have been carrying tons of stuff in my Galco concealed carry fanny ( or waist ) pack for 5 years here in Kalifornia and have YET to be asked if it was hot ( had a weapon concealed ) EVERY cop knows the Galco pack.. I have always been surprised I was never frisked.

Ben

oberkommando · October 16, 1999, 06:21 AM

A buddy of mine always wears bianchi full size for 1911 and in couple of years has had only minor problems, and we're in kali

October 16, 1999, 10:26 AM

Anyone know where I could get a look at the uncle mikes gunmate? Couldn't find it on a few searches.

thanks

olazul

DWM · October 16, 1999, 01:35 PM

A state park is probably not the best place to test a fanny packs concealability. At State and National parks, fanny packs and other tourist/hiking accessories are the norm. You just blend right in with the other thousand folks toting wallets, cameras, etc. Hikers (I used to live near the Grand Canyon) always have them.

Now, the local grocery store is a different story.

DWM

Rosco P. Coltrain · October 16, 1999, 03:55 PM

One note on fanny packs, if your fanny pack is blue and white, a Penn State patch sewn on to it makes it look less "gunnish". Or if it is orange and white, or orange and purple, a Clemson Tigers patch would be a must have. Get a fanny pack that has the same colors as your favorite sports team and sewn a patch on it, then it is fan merchandise not a gun holster.

If you are not into sports of colleges, then I suggest you get out more often. ERRR, ummm, find a similar idea. I hear fanny packs are comman at Disney World. Why not make a Mickey Mouse or Unckel Scrouge fanny pack? You could also buy your kids Huey, Louie, Dewey, and Webby fanny packs.

Basically try to customise the pack to make it less gun looking.

Bennett Richards · October 16, 1999, 07:15 PM

A couple of years ago I called LowePro Alpine equipment and asked if I could have a patch with their logo. The sent me one for free and I sewed it on the front of my Galco waist pack... Now looks like a LowePro!

Ben

Phillip · October 20, 1999, 11:01 PM

Fanny packs are also makeing something of a comeback. They were very much in fashion 10 years ago, and never really left but lately I have seen them around much more. A local Old Navy has some on sale (clearance) for $3.99 in black. While not designed as a gun bag, they offer lots of room for items that would be inconvenient to carry in pockets.
I must agree with the comments that fanny packs would not look unusual in a park setting, or at a tourist type attraction.

Rosco P. Coltrain · October 20, 1999, 11:30 PM

Fanny packs also do not look out of place if you look like you are going to or from the gym. You know, sweat pants and t-shirt, windbreaker, or those warm-up pants that only gym teachers seem to wear.

Epesially if you take my advice above.

swampgator · October 21, 1999, 02:05 AM

I never thought much of the idea of a fanny pack until I went to Busch Gardens. Ever notice how many fanny packs and backpacks are at an amusement park? Definetly plan on acquiring one prior to the return. Or possibly a backpack for an AR with a collapsible stock.

I have a friend with a Blackhawk Industries fanny pack for his Glock that he swears by. It's as fast into action as an IWB holster. Just my thoughts on the subject.

Gator

------------------
Root Hog or Die Poor

September 21, 1999, 09:32 AM	#1
Matt VDW Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 1999 Posts: 1,315	This is a field report on the DeSantis "Look! I'm carrying a gun!" fanny pack holster. My wife and I went camping in a state park this past weekend. Since I planned to carry more stuff with me on our hikes than would fit in my pockets, I crammed everything into my DeSantis fanny pack holster and wore it the whole time. (Note: since I'm a good little citizen of the not-so-great CCW-fearing state of Ohio, I didn't bring a gun, even though I did check at home and found that my SP101 would have fit nicely). Now, the DeSantis is not a well-camouflaged holster by any stretch of the imagination. It's big, it's black, and it's probably what most folks have in mind when they say that using a fanny pack holster isn't much more discreet than open carry. Even so, I didn't notice anyone giving me a second look. And the park was crowded, with every campsite in use and lots of hikers on the trails. There were even a few deputy sheriffs and a park ranger on patrol. Then again, I didn't see anyone who looked like a predatory criminal scouting for victims, so perhaps my walk in the park was not a good test of concealment. Comments?

September 21, 1999, 02:14 PM	#2
SB Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 1998 Posts: 415	Honestly, I think the idea about fanny packs screaming guns is a bit overblown. If a bad guy picks it up, so what? It'll serve as a deterrant. If a good guy picks it up, so what? You're not breaking the law (or so I assume). Of course, it would have been kind of annoying if some chump came up to me and said, "So, what kind of gun is it?" But that never happened to me in the 2 years that I've worn a fanny pack regularly. But I think the fact that it was only big enough to fit a mini Glock with a spare mag helped quite a bit. Of course, that doesn't mean I like them either. I've moved on to something better since then. But if the fanny pack is the only practical way to go for you, then I wouldn't worry too much about the gun-screaming factor. $.02

September 22, 1999, 06:51 AM	#3
ATM Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 1998 Posts: 141	The biggest thing I see that screams gun, is the folks who carry a fanny pack with a gun in the main compartment and still carry their wallet, change, cellphone, etc. in the regular places on the body. If you want to be discreet, carry all that other stuff in the extra pocket. That is why a non-carrier has a fanny pack!! Otherwise I agree that a fanny pack screaming 'gun' is not a big problem. In my area I regularly see all kinds of people with fanny packs. Senior citizens, joggers, moms with multiple kids, yuppies, actual shoppers, even mall security wears them. People wear them because the fanny pack frees up the hands, especially when coats are not worn. I do not feel labelled anymore then when I carry IWB under a shirt or jacket or vest. The big deal for me is getting over the feeling of the gun sticking way out, or printing, all the time. ------------------ Freedom is not Free

September 22, 1999, 05:32 PM	#4
Chuck B. Member Join Date: March 19, 1999 Posts: 50	I've been carrying a Glock 23 in an Original Tommy's for almost a year. It's black with a blue front panel, it's kind of big, but it's padded so there's no chance of printing. I carry other stuff in the front compartment. I make a point of carrying it (sans gun) in all sorts of prohibitted places in the hopes of a chance to make a stink when challenged ("What about that woman's purse over there? How do you know she's not toting a gun? Are you going to demand to see inside it?" etc.). So far, I've never been challenged, but I have noticed people's eyes trained on it from time to time.

October 15, 1999, 08:08 PM	#5
Covert Mission Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 1999 Location: West of the Pecos Posts: 671	check out this site for an alternative to regular fanny packs: http://www.thewilderness.com/safepack.HTM Fanny packs generally scream GUN! to me, but mostly in locations where you are less likely to need a full-sized one. On the trail or in the woods, they blend in. For smaller guns like my 640 S&W or Glock 27, I like Uncle Mike's Gunmate belt pouch. Doesn't look like a gun pack, is small, and has a separate hidden compartment for the gun. Then, you can make a show of accessing the main pouch for your wallet, keys etc in front of people. They'll never suspect.imho

October 15, 1999, 11:42 PM	#6
Bennett Richards Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1998 Location: Carlsbad, CA USA Posts: 356	I have been carrying tons of stuff in my Galco concealed carry fanny ( or waist ) pack for 5 years here in Kalifornia and have YET to be asked if it was hot ( had a weapon concealed ) EVERY cop knows the Galco pack.. I have always been surprised I was never frisked. Ben

October 16, 1999, 06:21 AM	#7
oberkommando Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 1999 Posts: 1,158	A buddy of mine always wears bianchi full size for 1911 and in couple of years has had only minor problems, and we're in kali

October 16, 1999, 10:26 AM	#8
olazul Guest Posts: n/a	Anyone know where I could get a look at the uncle mikes gunmate? Couldn't find it on a few searches. thanks olazul

October 16, 1999, 01:35 PM	#9
DWM Member Join Date: August 18, 1999 Posts: 68	A state park is probably not the best place to test a fanny packs concealability. At State and National parks, fanny packs and other tourist/hiking accessories are the norm. You just blend right in with the other thousand folks toting wallets, cameras, etc. Hikers (I used to live near the Grand Canyon) always have them. Now, the local grocery store is a different story. DWM

October 16, 1999, 03:55 PM	#10
Rosco P. Coltrain Junior member Join Date: October 7, 1999 Posts: 267	One note on fanny packs, if your fanny pack is blue and white, a Penn State patch sewn on to it makes it look less "gunnish". Or if it is orange and white, or orange and purple, a Clemson Tigers patch would be a must have. Get a fanny pack that has the same colors as your favorite sports team and sewn a patch on it, then it is fan merchandise not a gun holster. If you are not into sports of colleges, then I suggest you get out more often. ERRR, ummm, find a similar idea. I hear fanny packs are comman at Disney World. Why not make a Mickey Mouse or Unckel Scrouge fanny pack? You could also buy your kids Huey, Louie, Dewey, and Webby fanny packs. Basically try to customise the pack to make it less gun looking.

October 16, 1999, 07:15 PM	#11
Bennett Richards Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1998 Location: Carlsbad, CA USA Posts: 356	A couple of years ago I called LowePro Alpine equipment and asked if I could have a patch with their logo. The sent me one for free and I sewed it on the front of my Galco waist pack... Now looks like a LowePro! Ben

October 20, 1999, 11:01 PM	#12
Phillip Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 1999 Location: TX Posts: 403	Fanny packs are also makeing something of a comeback. They were very much in fashion 10 years ago, and never really left but lately I have seen them around much more. A local Old Navy has some on sale (clearance) for $3.99 in black. While not designed as a gun bag, they offer lots of room for items that would be inconvenient to carry in pockets. I must agree with the comments that fanny packs would not look unusual in a park setting, or at a tourist type attraction.

October 20, 1999, 11:30 PM	#13
Rosco P. Coltrain Junior member Join Date: October 7, 1999 Posts: 267	Fanny packs also do not look out of place if you look like you are going to or from the gym. You know, sweat pants and t-shirt, windbreaker, or those warm-up pants that only gym teachers seem to wear. Epesially if you take my advice above.

October 21, 1999, 02:05 AM	#14
swampgator Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Gatorville, Florida Posts: 619	I never thought much of the idea of a fanny pack until I went to Busch Gardens. Ever notice how many fanny packs and backpacks are at an amusement park? Definetly plan on acquiring one prior to the return. Or possibly a backpack for an AR with a collapsible stock. I have a friend with a Blackhawk Industries fanny pack for his Glock that he swears by. It's as fast into action as an IWB holster. Just my thoughts on the subject. Gator ------------------ Root Hog or Die Poor