View Full Version : "fanny pack" for home use?
I was *almost* contemplating setting up a ninja belt for home use as a "grab and go" for the pistol that would have a pistol, light, mag(s), maybe some ETC, but then talking with a friend he mentioned that he had a "fag bag" set up for this purpose, and it struck me that this might be a better idea.
Depending on the bad you chose you could still have all (or at least some) of the things you'd have on the belt, but you'd have the added element of concealment for when things turn out to be nothing. Checking on that noise by the trashcans in the middle of the night, walking downstairs to check on something only to find it's the kid, etc.
any thoughts? any suggestions on bags?
carshooter
09-02-09, 14:42
Several years ago, I purchased a used gun from an individual that came with a Galco Escort Fanny pack. I wasn't sure what I was ever going to do with it, as I can't put a fanny pack on without looking for a white tube socks, a pair of open toed sandals, and a set of mickey mouse ears. For me, my wardrobe and environment, no adult male ever carries a fanny pack unless he's a tourist or carrying a gun.
So, being in possession of a fanny pack and having no practical use for it, I finally stumbled onto using it for exactly what you describe. My bedside Glock 19 resides in it with a Streamlight TLR-1 mounted to it. (I don't use the internal holster slots, but instead just place the gun in the pouch.
In the exterior cargo pocket, there's enough room for two spare magazines and a backup light. (a Surefire G2)
I've found it's perfect for exactly the situations you just described. It makes an excellent "grab and go" package for the mundane "things that go bump in the night" situations I routinely encounter. In my case, I have two dogs that feel it's their duty to go on high barking alert at the slightest activity around the exterior of the house. The Surefire G2 in the exterior pocket get's more use than anything else as a light to illuminate the various stray dogs & cats, raccoons, possums, skunks and deer that wander into the backyard.
I've been using a Camelbak Goblin (H2O bladder removed) as my Gym bag and for this exact purpose. It has plenty of space to hold a compact handgun, spare mags, lights, etc. I also use the top strap to hook anything else on (such as keys).
http://www.policelink.com/products/products/227-camelbak-goblin-pack
Thoughts:
Drawing from a fanny pack is slow, even if you practice. If you honestly feel you are in danger in your own home, it may not be the time to play with zippers and pull-tabs. If your thought process is "gun in hand, fanny pack around my waist so I have somewhere to stash the gun if I need to" then it makes more sense.
A fanny pack that will serve as a utility belt is different than one which does a decent job providing low-profile cover for a weapon. Not a problem if you don't plan to use it outside of this specific role, since no one standing in his PJs and a fanny pack (of any size, shape, or color) is going to look "lo-pro" by any means.
You'll be hard pressed to find a fanny pack that is in any way suitable for supporting gear for a long gun, if that matters to you.
Rob, could you describe what specifically you want the bag to do?
And dude, you're in Florida. We both know the only times fanny packs don't stand out is when someone looks like a tourist. Or a cycle cop. ;)
-B
Definitely not worried about rifle support.
Also not concerned with looking foolish, and while I know that a "threat" would see the fanny pack for what it is, the neighbors wouldn't.
Once upon a time I did a good bit of messing around with a fanny pack and working on the draw from one and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Lots of presentations with the blue gun. Not what I'd grab if I knew for damn sure that there was something that needed shooting, but a compromise in certain situations.
Which brings up a general point, which is that if I know something needs shooting, the carbine is coming out. This would also be a tertiary firearm tot he carbine and pistol that are already accessible.
BAC, I'll give you an example of a scenario that I encountered.
A few months ago we heard a lot of yelling and foolishnes is the street out front. Looked out the window, and I swear to christ it looked like some girls had hit someone and were standing around the car saying "run it over again". I went downstairs to see what the ruckus was and to see if the "person" they hit needed help, but I would have preferred to have had a gun on me. My mind kept thinking "this is a great trick to get someone to come outside and leave the front door open and get jumped".
What it turned out to be was a snake (as in, an 8' plus python or boa), but in the light and given the time of night (and my grogginess) it sure as hell looked like a person from upstairs.
My thinking is that if I had an easy "grab and go" solution to have a pistol on me then I wouldn't have scared the little Boca-brats and had them calling the cops on me, nor would I have had to be totally unarmed if it was a ruse and their boyfriend was waiting in the bushes for us. Somehow I'm thinking that had I donned my "battle belt" before going to investigate I would have wound up all night explaining to the cops what was going on.
Somehow I'm thinking that had I donned my "battle belt" before going to investigate I would have wound up all night explaining to the cops what was going on.
8' of snake man, you gotta be prepared. :)
Keith
Also not concerned with looking foolish...
Oh man... :p
Ahem, given your example, is this assuming you don't have your CCW on you? My first thought was "that's what your carry gun is for." Admittedly, my second thought was, "I'm not carrying 24/7 at home, so wait a minute..." That being said, I agree with you that the battle belt would be a bit much. Do you have, or would you consider a carry holster that uses belt loop snaps? It doesn't take more than opening the belt up a notch and tucking in the Versa Max II to be armed if I'm wearing pants that can support a belt (thus a gun).
Another option might be the shotgun and a called out "Y'all need help?" Or, "You ladies need help?" if you're so inclined. Calling something out might be a good idea anyway, for a couple reasons.
-B
Rob-
I had an incident a few years back that involved getting rousted out of bed at 4 AM by the local SWAT team because my neighbor/landlord in my duplex was threatening to kill his wife or something. I had the same thought about wishing I had a way to discreetly carry a gun and extra mag if something similar had happened again (though I was in WI where no carry was legal so it probably wouldn't have been a great idea to march out to the cops with an obvious gun bag on).
I bought an eagle fanny pack and it was decent for carrying a gun, mag, and light but not much else. Pretty bulky and obvious, as well.
I'd like to look at one of the hawkepack (?) fanny packs that look less "gun" but have never spared the cash to pick one up and nobody I know has one.
rob_s - American Handgunner had an article last year with just what you are looking for:
http://www.haugenhandgunleather.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Model40
I would grab one in a minute, except way to expensive plus the long lead time.
I've been using a Camelbak Goblin (H2O bladder removed) as my Gym bag and for this exact purpose. It has plenty of space to hold a compact handgun, spare mags, lights, etc. I also use the top strap to hook anything else on (such as keys).
http://www.policelink.com/products/products/227-camelbak-goblin-pack
Except that Camelbak no longer makes them. They discontinued them last year.
why not just have a mapbag or medkit bag or even a small atache-style brief case.. the medkit bag, in the snake scenario, wouldn't have aroused any suspicions- you were coming to give aid.
Rob,
For similar reasons/purposes (e.g. in pajamas (which won't support a paddle holster, I've tested it!), situation which doesn't seem to justify a long gun, desire for low profile, etc), I've picked up one of the Wilderness Safepacker holster/bags with a shoulder strap. Just got it so am going to try to see how well it seems it would work for this sort of application. I like the "grab and go" concept of a bag like it -- even if I slept in jeans with a riggers belt, I'd have to clip in the holster, mag pouches, flashlight, etc to have the same items as just grabbing the bag would provide.
http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=51
http://store.thewilderness.com/images/safepacker_1911.jpg
Rob,
For similar reasons/purposes (e.g. in pajamas (which won't support a paddle holster, I've tested it!), situation which doesn't seem to justify a long gun, desire for low profile, etc), I've picked up one of the Wilderness Safepacker holster/bags with a shoulder strap. Just got it so am going to try to see how well it seems it would work for this sort of application. I like the "grab and go" concept of a bag like it -- even if I slept in jeans with a riggers belt, I'd have to clip in the holster, mag pouches, flashlight, etc to have the same items as just grabbing the bag would provide.
http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=51
http://store.thewilderness.com/images/safepacker_1911.jpg
I have this setup, but it is made by eagle and you can carry it like a backpack. I have a G19 and spare mag. It has room for other stuff too. I like it.
I also like the SneakyBag and have a second on the way. They are very versatile and well made.
Just to kind of recap here...
I'm looking for something that :
1) Gets the gun out of the hands
2) Conceals the gun until needed
3) Attaches to the body without a need to hold it in hand
4) Can carry at least a spare magazine and hand held light
5) Can holster the pistol with a weaponlight attached
While I acknowledge that the fanny pack is going to be slower to access, and especially so one-handed, I think that for my intended use it is the best option to concede that loss of speed to have the gun concealed and the ability to carry a few other small ancillary items.
Now the question is who is making them these days, and especially one that will hold the pistol with a light attached.
BLACK LION
09-03-09, 13:45
Rob... Try maxpedition.com, they have versipacks( best bet IMO)waistpacks, active shooter bags, gearslingers etc...
I saw a few items on there that would fit your intended use...
Fatboy
Proteus
Thermite
Colossus
Octa
Manta
Sabercat
Remora
Jumbo
Jeroboam(small)
Sitka???
Would have suggested a versipack as well, but if concealment is any kind of concern, that would be a deal killer. Had a gal working for me out in Iraq last year who kept her Glock in a versipack and it worked well for her. So much so that I picked a very large one up to use as a camera bag.
I have a fanny pack that we train a few folks on here, but believe it's the Galco one that has already mentioned. With a bit of practice it can be fast, but it would still involve a bit of time, and so far has proven to be useful only for G26 sized guns. I'll dig it out tonight to confirm whether it's a Galco or something else. The fanny pack does allow you to drop a shirt over it and conceal the entire thing if necessary, but I just don't know that it's an ideal solution to the problem Rob is trying to address.
Concealment in the sense of going to the mall and walking around isn't the goal here. It would never leave my yard. I'm just not wanting the gun itself in plain view. In the snake story, the teenage boca-brats would have just thought I was some weird old dude with a bunch of tats that might be gay, they would never make it for a gun pouch, and most of the neighbors (their parents) wouldn't either.
FlyAndFight
09-03-09, 14:10
Several years ago I picked this up from Blackhawk. It can be worn as a traditional "fanny pack" or by extending the length of the belt further, as a sort of "man-purse"...
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1488/glock261.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/i/glock261.jpg/)
carshooter
09-03-09, 14:11
I hate fanny packs, and the draw is definitely slower. I also have other primary home defense weapons.
However, the Galco Escort I'm using has performed perfectly for exactly what Rob's describing.
In a similar vein to the snake incident, I had a passer by suffer a minor car break down in my front yard at 2 AM. I was able to assist the young ladies by performing a minor car repair in sweat pants, a T shirt and a fanny pack.
After reading this thread yesterday, I went digging through a box of junk in my basement and realized I also had a Bulldog Case brand fanny pack.
I definitely appreciate quality equipment and gear and tend to overbuy for most of my uses.
However, in this case, the Galco Escort I'm using isn't really any better at $85.95 retail than the Bulldog brand model at $16.99. They're both basically generic Nylon bags.
I'll take a closer look at the Bulldog brand model this evening to see if the holster will accommodate a gun with the light mounted.
Links to the two fanny packs I have:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPT3.asp?ProductID=318&CatalogID=393
http://www.bulldogcases.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_30&products_id=103&zenid=55304a7479e7a8cad7bd0f8290caa232
I found a couple of Eagle Industries fannypacks. Not sure if they'll work with a weaponlight attached.
http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?cPath=70_2&products_id=236
http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=694&cat=72&page=1
Tactical Tailor makes a bag but it's pretty big and a small pouch.
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/crossfireconcealedcarrybag.aspx
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/lunarconcealedcarrypouch.aspx
Just to kind of recap here...
I'm looking for something that :
1) Gets the gun out of the hands
2) Conceals the gun until needed
3) Attaches to the body without a need to hold it in hand
4) Can carry at least a spare magazine and hand held light
5) Can holster the pistol with a weaponlight attached
While I acknowledge that the fanny pack is going to be slower to access, and especially so one-handed, I think that for my intended use it is the best option to concede that loss of speed to have the gun concealed and the ability to carry a few other small ancillary items.
Now the question is who is making them these days, and especially one that will hold the pistol with a light attached.
The Wilderness Safepacker does fit the bill for your list above. It holds my G17 w/ X300 attached, a spare magazine, and a small handheld flashlight.
geminidglocker
09-03-09, 23:03
Yeah, I got one of them for "Home Use" It's called "My Right Hand".;)
I carry this BlackHawk Fanny/Gun Bag where ever open carry makes people feel uncomfortable or as a Go Bag for my 44. I usually never have to fully "book open" it, but a "partial unzip" with gun still concealed allows fast access. Front pocket has 2 speed loaders (Corbon 300gr JSP) and a knife and usually a SF M2 light. The wings have small zip pockets one filled with seasonal snakeshot shells and the other with a silicon cloth in ziplok for wipedowns (after I fall in the river :p) I would prefer an internal holster, but it works fine and adjust to any style gun quickly. Oh and it floats...I think;)
If for some reason you can't get your britches on or need to wander outside to talk to neighbors, etc. It looks VERY un-gun. I've never had anyone suspect it.
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_3.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_4.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_6.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_7.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_8.jpg
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/45Fundi/photo_2.jpg
The Wilderness Safepacker does fit the bill for your list above. It holds my G17 w/ X300 attached, a spare magazine, and a small handheld flashlight.
It seems like you either have to have a belt to secure it, or a shoulder strap which then would require two hands to draw, or hold it in your hand.
I found this a while back...
http://cowboytacticalgear.com/pb/wp_fdc72dac/images/img2806447fa4a97448dd.jpg
Might be up your alley for home use. No zippers or pulls to worry about. No flaps to open. Everything is retained in pouches by elastic bands.
I've been using a Galoco fanny pack for years, it has given good service, but it won't hold the gun with the light attached.
The Uncle Mike's fanny pack might work well for you since it doesn't use a holster, more of a gun pouch built in to the pack.
I'm actually thinking maybe there's a way to adapt a Raven Concealment holster to mount inside a fanny pack. I'm going to order one for a G19 with a light and see what I can see. I can always use it on the belt if it doesn't work for this project.
1022rimfire
09-06-09, 11:27
For a home "grab and go" pack, I was looking for something that would hold a pistol, spare ammo, flashlight, and any other potentially useful items for an "unknown" or bump-in-the-night scenario (daytime, too).
After trying fanny packs, I found a better option to be a Maxpedition fatboy versipack. In it, it stores a pistol w. attached light (Glock with x300), spare mags (one in a fastex/buckle secured pouch), a handheld flashlight (surefire l1 or G2) in front pocket, a folding knife (Spyderco Endura), a can of OC spray (some may condone the use of OC, but it is for animals/critters, too), and lastly some light sticks (in the side zippered pouch). I chose a lighter weight knife, gun, and light intentionally to keep the weight down.
The pack is light, and is slung either like a messenger bag or like a (gasp) purse. It does flop/shift around if you bend or lean over, though, which I don't like. But it does allow me a non-overt carry option for checking around the house and immediate surroundings, and you can be wearing anything you want with it (e.g. getting out of bed).
An extra set of keys or cordless/cell phone can be tossed in as well.
I think the bag comes in a left or right side versions, too. The bag does look a little "tactical" with pouches and straps, but it fits my need for a somewhat discreet around the house "grab and go" bag. I have no special love for Maxped, but did find that this bag works well for my intended purpose.
I'm curious to hear others suggestions, too!
I have a couple of SneakyBags and like them for this purpose. I keep one configured for rifle mags and an extra G19 and mags and the other can accept a velcroed holster for G17 w/ light. Both have emergency first aid stuff and Surefires. Low profile, fast access and enough room.
I have a couple of SneakyBags and like them for this purpose. I keep one configured for rifle mags and an extra G19 and mags and the other can accept a velcroed holster for G17 w/ light. Both have emergency first aid stuff and Surefires. Low profile, fast access and enough room.
Garandad - whose holster are you using?
Rob
What I was thinking of doing is ordering the kydex side of an MTAC holster (one for each type gun I will use) and screwing it down to the fanny pack. This will make it lower profile (as they are kydex holsters that were split down the center line) and you can change out and replace at will with gun specific kydex shells that all are designed to screw onto a backing (leather being the case if used with their IWB holster designs)...just a thought.
http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=98
http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95
Garandad - whose holster are you using?
Safariland paddle # 5188 I think is the number. I just used industrial velcro on the back of the paddle and it sticks OK, but allows the holster to be taken out and used as normal and the bag reconfigured. When used in "normal" configuration, bag is worn support side for rifle mags, but when I stick the holster in, I wear it strong side. The flap completely covers the pistol yet allows for quick access. The holster is not retention type.
Thanks Garandad - that is exactly what I would like to do, except it appears that they are not yet making the #5188 for the M&Ps.:(
I use either an old, no longer in production Camelback Goblin or an Eagle Creek small travel bag I picked up from REI. It's about the same size as a maxpedition fatboy, without the Maxpeditian "look at me, I'm carrying a gun" look.
M4Fundi,
Where were those gorgeous pictures taken???? That last picture really did it for me!! I could live near a place like that forever and never have to see another human being again, and be as happy as a pig in a mud pit!!
tex45acp
TX45ACP
West of Denver. Yes its beautiful, but it has one BIG PROBLEM there are not enough TEXANS here! Right now I would trade it for an open air dance hall (Floors Country Store in Helotes), a Shiner Bock and to be surrounded by Texans:p
I much prefer MT to CO, but CO has 1st world, 10x more sunlight and much warmer, so MT can really be ruff on you if you need good food, sunlight and a real summer.
Trout fishing certainly isn't about the fishing, but the location:D I do miss TX tho:(
I'd 2nd the suggestion of checking out some of Maxpedition's offerings.
Something similar, and MUCH cheaper is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390067202242&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
That said, I can't help but post a Venn Diagram I made for a similar topic on another forum:
http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/poak-tgo/Venn.jpg
Rob, check out Larue's Bug Out Bag (http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=169). It's versatile, very handy and unlike a fanny pack, not gay.
I use mine when I travel. I don't always use it to carry a pistol. In fact most of the time I use it for water bottles and misc crap that I want to have with me. My Larue Bugout proved to be invaluable during my trip to Italy last summer. I took it EVERYWHERE with me and not once did I feel gay or be accused of carrying a murse.
http://sixty-six.org/x_drive/larue_bugout.JPG
TX45ACP
West of Denver. Yes its beautiful, but it has one BIG PROBLEM there are not enough TEXANS here! Right now I would trade it for an open air dance hall (Floors Country Store in Helotes), a Shiner Bock and to be surrounded by Texans:p
I much prefer MT to CO, but CO has 1st world, 10x more sunlight and much warmer, so MT can really be ruff on you if you need good food, sunlight and a real summer.
Trout fishing certainly isn't about the fishing, but the location:D I do miss TX tho:(
Wow,
The open air dance floor is a memory of mine too. These days with the heat being what it is here in Texas, and me certainly not getting any younger, I tend to do my two stepping with the better half in air conditioned dance halls, at least during the March-October Summers. I live 12 minutes from the Shiner (Spoetzl) Brewery in Shiner TX. Getting a cold Bock is much easier these days.....but I could certainly spend some time in your location as well. If my wife sees your pictures I may not have much of a choice. She's been wanting to move further north to try to get away from some of this Texas heatwave, humidity and those God awful mosquito's that feel like someone is driving a railroad spike into you when they bite. About the only trout fishing I do is when I go to the coast and of course have to deal with bigger mosquito's there. But I do venture that way as ofter as I can, my love of the outdoors and hunting/fishing makes me endure situations that could be considered insane.
Take care and show those folks what Texas hospitality is really like!!!
tex45acp
Thanks, I remember the mosquitoes well. Now when around a campfire people ask me why I'm standing on the smoky side and I say, "Force of habit...I'm from Texas" and unless they have been around TX Skeeters they don't get it:p I have still never found a place that can starch Wranglers as well as Home Steam Cleaners in Austin:eek: My Wranglers don't stand up on there own after getting starched in CO. Of course here in CO I don't need them to channel the sweat into my boots either:p
I know this isn't a fanny pack but I have professional operators kit which I have next to my bed. http://k5tactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45&products_id=121&zenid=d858828a381db8869c69e973e4892eab I originally purchased it to run with but it didn't work for that purpose. Its basically a small chest rig covered with molle with a flap that will conceal a handgun, a reload, and some more accessories.
I took off one shoulder strap and the waist strap so there is only one shoulder strap. I can throw the chest rig on quickly and even with one shoulder strap the rig stays stable and doesn't move around. I mounted a holster on the rig to hold my 19, a reload pouch, a punch dagger, and clipped on handheld flashlight.
There is also a pouch that can hold a cellular phone, keys, and whatever else you feel necessary for responding to a bump in the night.
Thanks, I remember the mosquitoes well. Now when around a campfire people ask me why I'm standing on the smoky side and I say, "Force of habit...I'm from Texas" and unless they have been around TX Skeeters they don't get it:p I have still never found a place that can starch Wranglers as well as Home Steam Cleaners in Austin:eek: My Wranglers don't stand up on there own after getting starched in CO. Of course here in CO I don't need them to channel the sweat into my boots either:p
LOL....:D
We have a cleaners like that here where I work in Port Lavaca. I had a pair done by them and pushing my feet through the pant legs sounded like I was tearing heavy cloth. As I get older, the lack of starch suits me better anyway. Most of my jeans now are the Wrangler Comfort Fit. I buy them a size larger in the waist since I carry all my guns IWB and that gives me a mych more comfortable fit. Plus with the baggier jeans I can slip my BUG in the front pocket and it disappears.
I understand the smoke side of the fire oh too well.
tex
Tex THANKS FOR THE NUDGE I have plane reservations set and will be flying in to TX soon to sick my Noveske on some HOGS!
Oh and I will be bringing ALL my Wranglers with me and dropping them off to be starched and pressed:p
Yeppers,
I spent last weekend increasing the level of my freezer with doves. I cant wait to get them to the bar-b-que. 5 of us went out and we all limited out both Saturday & Sunday. MMMmmm dove breast wrapped around a slice of jalapeno & jack cheese with a slice of honey cured bacon holding it all together. My mouth is watering.
Good luck on your hunt....Novenske....Im jealous. I have a Bushmaster and an RRA. I have a .50 Beowolf upper ordered for my RRA for hog hunting this year.
It seems like you either have to have a belt to secure it, or a shoulder strap which then would require two hands to draw, or hold it in your hand.
Sorry for slow reply. I have a shoulder strap for my Safepacker. If, for instance, you hop out of bed and are just in a t-shirt & shorts, you can throw the strap over your shoulder. The Safepacker can flop around a bit with just the shoulder strap, but you *can* draw from it one-handed - (a) it really relies on the buckled flap for retention so it's pretty easy to pull the gun out of the pouch when it's unbuckled, and (b) the whole front side is velcro'ed together so if you yank on the gun hard you can also basically just rip the gun out the front of the pouch. The pouch will flop around as you do this, so it's not tremendously elegant but it works. To re-holster, however, is a two-handed affair.
Without a shoulder strap, you would either have to loop it onto your belt or hold it in your support hand (it is designed to be used in this fashion as well - the Wilderness site shows how you can draw from this position, there is a short strap on the top of the pouch designed to make it easy to hold with your support hand).
It's probably not for everyone, but so far I like it for these purposes.
Look forward to your feedback on how well your experiments work.
I don't know if this fits your specs exactly but have you thought about trying/using a "smart carry" concealment holster?
It would fit on like a fanny pack but conceal under your "jammies" for discretion.
It would also hold a surefire type flashlight.
Dapimpspimp
09-19-09, 13:52
Rob S,
Sounds to me like a fanny pack holster would be a great option for your intended purpose. Sure, they are a little slower to draw from, but the versatility and the ability to carry extra ammo, flashlights, less lethal weapons, knives, handcuffs, are the attributes of a fanny pack.
It's kind of hard to wear a tradition holster, or even a cheap clip on holster with gym shorts. Just roll out of bed, strap on your fanny pack holster, and you have all of the tools that a cop would have on his duty belt.
I have used the Eagle Industries Weapon Fanny Pack LE for about two years. It's a good piece of kiy. The front compartment has 3 elastric straps inside to keep you gear from moving around.
http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=694&cat=72&page=1
I like the fanny pack better than the over the shoulder type bags. In a weaponless defense encounter, the strap over the shoulder offers your opponent more control if he grabs it. Kinda like in school, when another student grabbed your backpack and swung you around by it. It could even be used to choke you.
Good luck in your search.
The front compartment has 3 elastric straps inside to keep you gear from moving around.
Any chance you could take a picture of that compartment? the Eagle site doesn't show one of that part.
Dapimpspimp
09-20-09, 13:40
Hey Rob,
My digital camera is at work, however here's a link to a 10-8 forums thread which does have pictures.
http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=29633&an=0&page=1#29633
Couple of updates.
I picked up one of the Blackhawk packs size large. Looks like there might be a way to get a G19 with a light in there, but will probably require some fenagling.
Also have been in touch with Eagle re: their bag from the link above. This picture in particular has me very interested as I think the cell phone holder could be a trauma bandage holder too. Eagle tells me there may be some revisions shortly so I'm standing by to stand by on that one.
http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/postimages/29635-IMG_0118%282%29.JPG
I'm fully in the camp of fanny packs and dudes don't mix and even more in the camp of 5.11 vests are generally stupid, but wouldn't a vest like the 5.11 accomplish what you need? Especially if it's just to check stuff out around your house and immediate area.
I'm fully in the camp of fanny packs and dudes don't mix and even more in the camp of 5.11 vests are generally stupid, but wouldn't a vest like the 5.11 accomplish what you need?
Not sure how I'd stow the pistol there, or secure the whole setup even if the pistol does fit. Also, in the shadows/night the fanny pack can be less obvious than running around the yard with a photog vest I think.
ROCKET20_GINSU
10-04-09, 19:22
It seems like you either have to have a belt to secure it, or a shoulder strap which then would require two hands to draw, or hold it in your hand.
You can get the "packer backer" for it:
http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=63&osCsid=guj5haemv43eia10oqrlovrj26
Its a pretty versatile holster, though I hardly use it. I do keep it for the type of situations you described in your initial post on this thread. Its what I use to answer doors when I'm in my robe in the morning when those unfortunate events occur :D. I've used the packer back for running and it's "ok" but I have to tighten it pretty good to make sure the bag doesn't bounce around.
GU
Why use a bag at all?
Grab a light rain jacket/wind breaker with zip pockets toss your stuff in there and hang it on the wall. You won't look insane for tossing on a light jacket at night, it will be easier to draw from (hand already in pocket) and might actually be needed if it get's cold or wet.
Why use a bag at all?
Grab a light rain jacket/wind breaker with zip pockets toss your stuff in there and hang it on the wall. You won't look insane for tossing on a light jacket at night, it will be easier to draw from (hand already in pocket) and might actually be needed if it get's cold or wet.
Non-starter. I've tried carrying a gun in a jacket pocket before, and the lighter the jacket the worse it sags, flops, and swings.
oregonshooter
10-07-09, 19:33
Rob,
I'm not sure why you are set on a fanny pack / go-bag for scenarios like you mentioned.
You have to put your pants on before going out, you have your EDC holster already on them and a light in the pocket right?
Throw a shirt on and you are concealed with quick access. Seems like a solution looking for a problem to me.
What am I missing?
No, I don't have to put pants on as I typically already have something on that's passable outdoors. I also don't have my britches pre-staged. What happens that one night when your britches aren't pre-staged? I'm looking for a 100% solution.
On that note, I got the Blackhawk in. Took a bunch of pictures just now. The "holster" that came with it is so pathetically useless that I will have to find another solution.
The good news is that there is room for the G19 with the light mounted, so I'll see if something can't be made to work in this regard.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/BH-G19-X300.jpg
Misc Ex-Member
10-11-09, 11:53
I'm looking for a 100% solution.
Perfect may very well be the enemy of good enough in this case, Rob. There are rarely 100% solutions to any scenario.
Maybe so, but I'm still optimistic about the potential here. I've recently found 100% solutions for myself in several other areas, and am willing to strive for them.
Relying on my britches sitting somewhere with a holster on the belt and a light in the pocket vs. a dedicated rig hanging in the safe and ready to go seems like a 50% solution at best.
Misc Ex-Member
10-11-09, 12:03
I've recently found 100% solutions for myself in several other areas, and am willing to strive for them.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I find it hard to believe that you will not be tinkering with you current "100% solutions" sometime in the future.
;)
As new things come out to market, I'm sure that I will. But I also have tinkering guns and leaving-alone guns. and if this bag works out, I can leave it alone in the safe once I know it works for me, and I can have another that I'm tinkering with.
Right now the pistol is still locked up in it's go-to configuration so at least I have "A" solution that I am reasonably confident in.
Just because something is 100% doesn't mean it can't be improved. 100% means it works 100% of the time, not that it's necessarily the latest and greatest.
oregonshooter
10-11-09, 13:26
No, I don't have to put pants on as I typically already have something on that's passable outdoors. I also don't have my britches pre-staged. What happens that one night when your britches aren't pre-staged?
Same thing that happens when you fanny pack is not pre-staged.
I'm looking for a 100% solution.
Good luck.
I have been trying to resolve the same issue as Rob_s for a few years. But, since he started this thread, I was able to find a solution that works for me. I have a Mini Sneaky Bag that I wanted to be able to configure to carry a handgun. Finding a holster that I could velcro into the bag and fit my M&P9 with a Surefire light attached has been difficult. The selection is slim and I would have to butcher up a good holster. Then I checked out Coronado Leather: http://www.coronadoleather.com/. They make two inserts for their bags that are only $10 each. The larger of the two works perfectly for holding my M&P with the light in the Sneaky Bag. Draws have been smooth with no snags. Reholstering with the light attached takes a little bit longer to get it lined up correctly. The smaller one works great for a revolver. Now I have an over the shoulder bag with a weapon and light, spare mags, spare flashlight, phone of my choice and room left over.
Same thing that happens when you fanny pack is not pre-staged.
I think you're missing the point.
The fanny pack, as I'm seeing it, is something that has no reason NOT to be pre-staged. Britches change from day to day, move from place to place, etc.
The fanny pack can be outfitted to my liking and hung on the door of the safe or even stuck into a small safe so that I can be removed with a higher level of confidence that it is set up how it's supposed to be.
oregonshooter
10-11-09, 14:23
I guess I am missing the point, unless you don't EDC a CCW then the fanny pack makes sense.
All my gear is on/in my pants to get the job done since it has been there all day. When I take them off at night they are next to the bed ready to put on before I go traipsing outside so setting up a fanny pack "go bag" etc does not make sense in this case to me, but like I said... to each their own.
Rob... when I get the time...I'm going to get this and screw it into my Blackhawk Fanny Pack... and I'll let you know how it works
http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=98&osCsid=2v5nnvafaadni4qsdf8in1l9b1
Raven got back to me and they're willing to do up a custom rig for me. I have to send them the bag but that's no big deal since I won't be using it until I get the holster sorted out.
That was going to be my next suggestion... look forward to seeing what they come up with:D
I know you said your neighbors are unlikely to think the fanny pack is odd, but...really? If I saw one of my neighbors out in PJs and a fanny pack, the first thing I'd think is "Freak." Then I would have a sort of aha moment and realize it was a gun. I would expect cops responding to a call would think gun right off the bat.
You said a windbreaker type jacket is not going to work for you, but have you considered a robe, which wouldn't look out of place at all, or a windbreaker as a cover garment over a gun belt or one of the chest rigs somebody linked to? I would think that might be a decent combination of fast and inconspicuous. Plus, that might allow you to duplicate your day-to-day carry position and avoid having to learn a new skill set.
These are just some thoughts I had as I was reading the post and thinking about how I might do it myself. Thanks for starting the thread and getting me thinking about it at all.
I live in an area where things that I never thought would get a sideways glance have become topics of gossip for months and things that I was outraged about have gone unnoticed.
At least two of the neighbors walk their dogs wearing fag bags, which I've noticed more and more since starting this thread. Yes, I'm certain of what both of them have in the bags as one of them is retired FBI, but nobody else seems to think anything of it.
I carry a "fag bag" as you call it with me all the time.
Mine is intentionally as "metro" as I could find. I want whomever sees it to think fashion freak not Glock 29.
I have mine organized with a flat piece of kydex that I screwed different holsters and sheaths on to.
I'd take a picture of the set up but I want it to remain as "grey" as possible.
For a night time/ PJ's setup I like where you are headed.
Maybe a holster that only grabs the bezel of the flashlight might be the best way to secure the gun in the fanny pack? I assume you want a holster to index the draw?
Chris
Dave James
10-13-09, 18:55
JMO, but I like the idea, well enough that i bought and set an old Second Chance fag bag up just like Ayoob had mentioned in an article, plus I like the idea and still do of having at lest a level 2 chest shield pull out to slip over the head, keep it by the bed with a set of electronic ears and light
I know it sounds corny, but maybe someone knows the answer.
Ever watch "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford? Sam Gerrard, the US marshall had what appears to be a fanny pack that had velcro closures. He basically rips it open with a tab and had access to his back up gun. (in the water drain scene) Everything I've seen thus far is zippered. Anyone seen anything with a velcro closure? It may have been part of his vest, but it seems if it were actually a quick connect belt like a fanny pack, it'd be the cats arse for getting to a weapon in a fanny pack type deal rather quickly.
The only Velcro closure fanny packs I know of are made by Uncle Mikes.
The old Desantis "Gunnysack" used velcro; I don't know if they still make it. It was the first gun fanny pack I had (and I've been through several since).
THellURider
10-16-09, 08:22
Rob,
I think many are not completely understanding what you're looking for. I think you have a great idea and I think that a waist bag will work where a shoulder bag will not.
I've only seen the Hawkepak mentioned once and then not discussed. I think it looks like a great option.
I'll probably try something like this when the time comes.
Project is under way with the arrival of the custom Raven holster insert last week (it's velcro-backed as well). More to follow.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/FAGBAG01.jpg
Misc Ex-Member
01-10-10, 19:45
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll200/Thekatar/IMG_0395.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll200/Thekatar/IMG_0397.jpg
I wear this when I run. Holds ID, cell phone, and keys in front compartment. Ruger LCR goes into same holster (DeSantis Nemesis) that I can put into either front pants pocket. Tactical navy blue color a plus.
;)
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