off-body carry

Off-Body Carry: Safely & Easily Conceal with a Fanny Pack

As a responsible gun owner, it’s essential to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. One way to do this is through proper firearm storage and carrying methods. While on-body carry is a popular method, off-body carry can offer additional flexibility and convenience.

Off-body carry involves carrying a firearm in a bag, purse, or other accessory. However, there are potential risks and considerations to take into account when choosing this method.

If at all possible, it is recommended that you carry your firearm on your body versus off-body carry in a bag of some sort. This ensures you don’t forget your bag or have it stolen and provides quicker access in the event you need your firearm.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of off-body carry, and I’ll also explain my setup for off-body carry when I’m not carrying a firearm on my person.

Before we dive into things, it’s important to touch on how to choose the ideal firearm for your EDC, whether you choose on or off-body carry. If you’re looking to purchase your first firearm and are unsure where to start, click here to read my New Firearm Buyer’s Guide to Choosing an EDC Pistol.

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Why Would You Use Off-Body Carry?

Off-body carry can be an attractive option for gun owners for several reasons. Firstly, it can offer greater flexibility in terms of wardrobe choices. If you’re wearing an outfit without pockets or a belt, carrying on-body may not be possible or comfortable.

That said, if you want an option that allows you to carry without needing a belt or pockets, check out my article on the PHLster Enigma (a super comfortable and convenient way to carry a firearm daily in any circumstance).

With off-body carry, you can keep your firearm in a purse, bag, or backpack that matches your outfit and style. One thing to remember is that you want your off-body carry option to blend in. Carrying around a camo bag that looks all tactical pretty much screams, “I have a firearm in here!” So, take your color and pattern choice into consideration. Something like a plain black or gray would be ideal and blend in with just about anything you wear.

Off-body carry can also be convenient if you need to carry other items such as a laptop, book, medical equipment, keys and wallet, or other essential EDC accessories. By keeping your firearm in a bag or backpack, you can have it easily accessible without needing to wear a holster. The keyword there is “wear.” When your firearm is in a bag, it needs to still be in a holster where the trigger guard is covered.

Finally, off-body carry can be a discreet option. If you prefer not to draw attention to the fact that you’re carrying a firearm, if you find you easily print with what you’re wearing for the day, keeping it in a bag or purse can help you maintain a low profile.

However, it’s important to note that there are potential risks and considerations to take into account when choosing off-body carry.

What Are the Drawbacks to Off-Body Carry?

I’m not going to write this article and act like what I’m saying is the gospel by any means. You need to know the pros and cons of carrying on your body as well as when you decide to off-body carry. Only you can decide what method is best for you in any given circumstance.

There are people who say you’re wrong if you off-body carry, and I respect their opinion. Do I think they are 100% correct? Nope. I’m very much of the mindset that it’s better to have a firearm on you (even if in a bag) than nothing at all. Similar to the thought process of the best firearm to buy is the one you’re willing and able to carry every day.

So, do I, personally, prefer to carry on my body? Absolutely. In fact, it’s my preferred carry method. However, there are times, depending on what I’m doing or what I’m wearing, I turn to off-body carry to at least allow me to have a firearm on me (hence the reason for this article). Additionally, I have a bad lower back, and if it’s acting up, having a firearm on my waistline puts added pressure on my back, which causes pain.

Related Article: Cloud Defensive MCH — A High Candela Retina Melter

That being said, there are some real concerns and drawbacks to off-body carry that you need to weigh in your decision. While it may seem like a more comfortable and convenient carry option due to it not being on your person, here are some key aspects you need to consider:

1. Slow Access

In an emergency situation, every second counts. Off-body carry can be slower and more cumbersome than carrying a firearm on your person, making it more difficult to access the weapon quickly. If you decide to use off-body carry as one of your methods, you need to train using the bag. Get in the reps necessary to feel confident and quick at accessing, acquiring, and drawing your firearm from the bag. Be sure that you can establish a master grip and that you’re not fumbling the firearm when pulling it from the bag. Training with off-body carry is necessary, not an option. Work dry fire first before going to the range.

2. Risk of Theft or Loss

If your bag or purse is stolen or lost, your firearm is also at risk of being lost or stolen. This not only puts your safety at risk but also potentially puts a dangerous weapon into the hands of criminals. If your firearm is used in a murder or violent encounter, you may be held liable and could face criminal penalties. Never leave your off-body carry method out of your reach, and never walk away from it.

3. Unsecured Storage

Carrying a firearm in a bag or purse means that it may not be secured properly, which can result in accidental discharges or unauthorized access by others. Even with off-body carry, you need to have your firearm in a holster. It could be a Kydex holster, a Velcro-backed holster to attach to the wall of a bag, or a trigger guard holster where the lanyard is attached to the bag.

4. Limited Carrying Capacity

Depending on the size of the bag or purse, off-body carry may only allow for a smaller firearm to be carried, limiting your options for self-defense. Most backpacks and purses are large enough to fit a full-size firearm. However, the fanny pack is a trendy option these days, but due to the size, it really only accommodates a compact or subcompact firearm.

5. Safety Concerns

Carrying a loaded firearm in a bag or purse can be dangerous, especially if there are other items in the bag that could accidentally discharge the weapon. This goes back to what was already said that you need to have your firearm in a holster when you off-body carry. This is non-negotiable.

What Options Do You Have for Off-Body Carry?

Off-body carry can be accomplished in various ways, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some options to consider:

1. Purse Carry

One of the most popular off-body carry methods is carrying your firearm in a dedicated concealed carry purse. These purses are specifically designed to hold a firearm securely while still looking fashionable and discreet. In the case you don’t want a dedicated carry purse, at least store your firearm in an area of your purse where you can easily access it, and remember that it must be in a holster.

Options to consider:

2. Backpack Carry

If you need to carry additional items with you, a backpack can be a good option for off-body carry. Many people choose this method to carry at work as it blends in with their everyday work needs without looking tactical and screaming you have a gun. Look for backpacks with dedicated compartments for your firearm, and make sure that the bag is made from durable materials. Ensure your firearm is secure in a holster and away from other things in your bag.

Options to consider:

3. Fanny Pack Carry

A fanny pack or waist pack can be a convenient way to carry your firearm off-body. Look for fanny packs that are designed for concealed carry with a dedicated holster compartment. This option has its limitations in terms of the firearm size you can off-body carry. Before you purchase a fanny pack, read the description, where it explains how large of a firearm you can carry in it.

Options to consider:

4. Briefcase or Laptop Bag Carry

If you frequently carry a briefcase or laptop bag, consider getting one with a dedicated concealed carry compartment. These bags offer a discreet way to carry your firearm while still looking professional. Simply put your firearm in a dedicated holster and slide it into your laptop bag. This is an option many business professionals use when going to the office, where they feel more comfortable having a firearm close by.

Options to consider:

Holster Options for Off-Body Carry

For this section, I’m not going to dive too deep as it really comes down to not only personal preference but also how your off-body carry bag is constructed and set up.

For example, if your off-body carry bag has a Velcro liner, you can purchase a holster with a Velcro backing which you can attach directly to the bag to secure it. The holster can be made out of a material like nylon or even a traditional shell using Kydex that has a Velcro backing.

Another option would be a lanyard if the off-body carry bag does not have a Velcro backing inside, or you simply prefer to tether it to a secure loop in the bag to draw from. This style of holster is generally a trigger guard holster. It offers a very minimalist design that only covers the trigger guard and nothing else.

The last holster option for your off-body carry bag would be a traditional Kydex holster. You can secure it inside your bag or pack via a lanyard that secures the holster and prevents it from pulling out as you draw the firearm (similar to what was just mentioned above), or you could add Velcro to the backside of the Kydex and slap it on a wall inside the off-body carry bag if it was lined with Velcro.

Regardless of the option you decide to go with, it is 100% necessary that you have your trigger guard covered so that nothing can get inside to the trigger and cause a negligent discharge.

Options to consider:

Velcro Option #1 — CrossBreed Modular Holster

Velcro Option #2 — Vertx Tactigami Holster

Velcro Option #3 — Maxpedition Universal CCW Holster

Trigger Guard — Raven Concealment Systems Vanguard VG2

My Go-To Option for Off-Body Carry

After providing a bunch of options above, I figured I’d explain my own off-body carry setup with the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack to give you some ideas as to what I carry in my bag. Maybe it will spark some ideas in your head and send you down the rabbit hole I ventured.

off-body carry
Front Exterior of the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack (Photo Credit: Matt Weik)

Below are the main things I purchased, along with the contents of what’s inside the bag. I will say with full disclosure that CrossBreed Holster did send me out the holster and magazine carrier I’m using. That said, I liked it enough, and it fits my off-body carry needs perfectly in this instance, which is why I’m including it in this article. Everything else was purchased with my own money since I’m not cool enough to be on the radar of the other brands (hit me up if you think I’m cool enough to try out some of your gear and kit!).

Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack

I first started out with the Vertx SOCP Sling Bag when it was first released a few years ago, only to find it was quite tiny (so tiny, a Ruger LCP couldn’t even fit in it). Surprisingly enough, and despite the name, the sling bag was smaller than the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack I purchased and now use (one would imagine the sizing would be the other way around). That said, this Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack has made for a fantastic off-body carry option, and I ordered the pack in black to blend in with everything without looking all tactical and screaming, “GUN ON BOARD.”

I made two slight modifications to the exterior of the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack. The first thing I did was swap out the pull-tab lanyard on the middle pouch where my medical is with a Maxpedition Zipper Pull in EMS red to increase the visibility of where the pull is. Not only did I do this for my own sake, but if I ever needed to give someone my pack so that they can take the medical supplies to someone who needs help, I can say pull the red cord. Also, red is pretty much the universal color for medical. The second thing that I did was swap out the pull-tab on the rear pouch that unzips to my firearm with a First Wave/Tremis Dynamics SZP (Scrap Zipper Pull) so that it provides a much larger surface area to grab ahold of to quickly rip down and access my Sig P365X.

off-body carry
Inside Back Velcro Panels without Holsters Attached (Photo Credit: Matt Weik)

Some may be wondering why I would even consider the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack in the first place. For starters, I don’t wear it as a fanny pack (I’m not that old yet). I wear it as a crossbody sling. Not only does it allow me to carry a firearm inside with plenty of room (I carry the Sig P365X that I reviewed here), but I can carry a bunch of EDC essentials such as my phone, wallet, and medical gear.

Personally, everything in my Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack is important to me, and the last thing I need is my phone, wallet, and firearm stolen. The Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack uses a quick detach buckle that ends up on your back when worn. I hate this. It allows someone to come up behind you, unlatch it quickly, and steal your bag if you don’t have your head on the swivel and are unaware of your surroundings. Therefore, to fix this issue, I use a twist-barrel wire ring to lock the buckle in place. Even if someone were to unclick the buckle, the twist-barrel wire ring keeps it together, and impossible for a thief to undo the mechanism and snatch my bag.

While this Vertx SOCP is the perfect fanny pack or cross-body bag to suit my needs while away from home, I do use something different while at home. When I have no plans of leaving the house, I wear a Hill People Gear Snubby Belt Pack. It allows me to carry my P365XL along with some medical, a flashlight, and a Leatherman multi-tool with the bits and driver.

What’s Inside My Off-Body Carry Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack?

I keep a bunch of essentials inside my Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack. As you’ll see below, much of what’s inside is medical. Why? Because if I’m willing to present and use my firearm in self-defense, the likelihood that bullets could also be coming in my direction is quite high. Additionally, being that I have medical in my off-body carry bag allows me to quickly help someone in the event they get injured from something other than an act of violence (or even post-violence, such as an active shooter scenario).

off-body carry
Front Organization Pocket Showcasing Medical Accessories Added (Photo Credit: Matt Weik)

Besides my phone, wallet, and firearm, I carry the following in my Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack for off-body carry:

off-body carry
Back Panel with Flashlight and Knife Attached (Photo Credit: Matt Weik)

Is that a ton of stuff? Absolutely. However, it all fits comfortably without being stuffed to the max and weighing a ton. And all the stuff in there are items I could possibly need while I’m out and about using off-body carry with the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack.

If you’re interested in the Benchmade SOCP Dagger mentioned on my list, I did a full review on it that you can read here.

Premier Armor Vertx SOCP (Soft Armor Insert)

I know what you’re probably thinking… Armor for a fanny pack? Yep. Is it excessive? Yes. Is it necessary? No. Is it overkill for an off-body carry method? Possibly. But you know what? If I have the ability to carry some soft armor across my chest that hardly adds any weight to the off-body carry method and provides me with some protection to my vitals without me needing to toss on a plate carrier in the event a threat presents itself, why not? (Side note: you’ll never have a plate carrier on you when you’re out and about around town unless you store it in your vehicle and you’re at your vehicle the very moment a shooting begins)

Premier Armor sells some of the best armor options out there, and the fact that they make a specific piece of IIIA soft armor for the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack only made sense to me. Again, it’s a “rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

I fully understand not everyone is going to want to pay for such a feature but being that the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack had a specific place for it and the armor insert was available, I jumped on the opportunity.

CrossBreed Modular Holster & Magazine Carrier

Any time you off-body carry, you need to have your firearm in a holster. Being that my means of off-body carry (when not carrying on my person) is in a Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack, I need a holster that can be attached to the Velcro lining of the off-body carry bag. When using concealed carry bags in the past, I’ve always turned to CrossBreed due to their high-quality products, and this time was no exception.

I currently run a CrossBreed Modular Holster that fits my Sig P365x and their Modular Magazine Carrier. My off-body carry bag is compact, and therefore, I needed a holster system that was minimalist in order to accommodate it. The CrossBreed Modular Holster and Magazine Carrier fit the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack perfectly as if it were specifically created for the bag.

Being that my off-body carry bag runs across my chest diagonally (think along the lines of a sling), the CrossBreed Modular Holster needs to be canted to make drawing the firearm more natural. The Magazine Carrier is able to sit nicely in front of the pistol holster and allows for quick and easy access if I need to utilize my spare magazine.

One key aspect that CrossBreed really nails is the retention on their holsters. I have a few of their other holster for various firearms, and the retention is always perfect. The mix of Kydex and leather is the perfect marriage, and it is even cut for red dot optics.

I’m running the black-on-black, but you can customize your CrossBreed Modular Holster however you want according to the leather options and Kydex color you choose.

off-body carry
Holsters Attached to Velcro with Firearm and Spare Magazine Inserted (Photo Credit: Matt Weik)

But all-in-all, I really like the setup I created for off-body carry with the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack and CrossBreed Modular Holster and Magazine Carrier. It should be noted, however, that depending on the size of your firearm, the CrossBreed Modular Holster is built around that specific firearm, and it may not fit inside the Vertx SOCP Fanny Pack.

If you want to run a similar setup using a CrossBreed Modular Holster and even their Magazine Carrier, they sell Velcro-backed modular holsters for over 40 different manufacturers with various models. You can also request the holster to be accommodating for a light you may be running, you’d just need to check to see if they are able to make a holster to your exact specifications.

Is This the BEST Off-Body Carry Option?

That’s a very personal question based on many preferences and circumstances. For me, it’s the best method I have found for my use with off-body carry. It allows me to carry everything I want and need in a nice and compact bag. Is it the right choice for you? That’s something you need to weigh and decide upon.

Related Article: Situational Awareness — Defense Through Environmental Perception

Would I recommend my setup? Absolutely. If it works for me, it may work for you as well. But don’t be afraid to experiment with what you put in your bag based on your own needs and training level. But hopefully, this article gave you some good ideas on things to consider and look for (and watch out for) when it comes to off-body carry.

And as always, go out and get the proper training needed to be proficient with your firearm(s) and EDC gear. I am not an instructor or tactical ninja, and I don’t pretend to be one on the weekends. I’m simply someone who seeks knowledge, improvement, and proficiency when it comes to self-defense and the ability to protect my family and those around me. You are your own first line of defense, seek the training of a certified and experienced instructor. I hope you got some great insight based on my article. If you did, please feel free to share this article on your social media, with friends, or on your website by linking to the content. Thanks!

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Matt Weik

Matt Weik, BS, CPT, CSCS, CSN, is the Owner and Head Keyboard Banger of Weik Fitness. He is a well-respected, prolific writer with a global following and a self-proclaimed fitness and supplement nerd. Matt’s content has been featured on thousands of websites, 100+ magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.