This^ I usually just grab something at Ross or target or something and mod it. I’ve been using some rando Chanpion fanny pack that looks more like a “hipster” fanny pack than a “tacticool” bag.
Edit: adding this part to it, someone on the thread mentioned also looking the part. If you want your bag or fanny pack to not scream “gun guy”, avoid those carhartt and 5.11 clothes.
>If you want your bag or fanny pack to not scream “gun guy”, avoid those carhartt and 5.11 clothes.
Lol I feel personally attacked! My list of EDC items is extensive plus I do custom tile/bathroom remodels for a living, so my standard outfit already involves boots and stuffed cargo pants. I'm a large man so I have no problem concealing my J-frame at 1 oclock or 4 oclock but a fanny pack is something I've been strongly considering lately, especially for summer carry and/or for my G17.
The main factor holding me back is exactly what you mentioned: I'm already clearly equipped with cargo pants, heavy belt, multiple knives, flashlight, keyrings, leatherman, etc. and to top it all off I'm afflicted with a *wicked* case of cop face (bald, mustache) so I feel like even the most basic fanny pack would be beyond obvious to anyone who knows what they are looking for.
On the other hand, I live in deep West Texas where nobody even bats an eye at the guy openly carrying a 1911 at the grocery store.
Any thoughts? Or advice on something I'm missing? Either way, thanks for letting me hijack your comment and vent.
>On the other hand, I live in deep West Texas where nobody even bats an eye at the guy openly carrying a 1911 at the grocery store.
This gets missed all the time in edc posts; effective concealment, like real estate, has a lot to do with location, and not just where your firearm is located, but where you are while carrying.
Given the west Texas locale and the other descriptions of attire and "cop face" you're likely right in assuming that many will assume you are carrying just as a matter of course, whether you are or not.
At that point, I would say that a fanny pack carry really makes more sense if you ever find yourself traveling out of state.
Also, maybe look at Duluth instead of carhart if you want hard work clothing that gives a little less "gun guy" vibes.
I've also had good luck using a vest with a hood when I need pocket storage to move away from the convenience of cargo pants pockets; then you can try rotating some jeans into your attire.
If you still want to go the fanny pack route, and you have kids, maybe let your kids decorate the fanny pack. A lot of times, Big Dad energy will read more loudly at a glance to people over any Gun Guy gear you may or may not have, and a lot of the carry ethos is the same: you need lots of fast access pockets that can withstand a lot of abuse.
You and i have similar builds, and tho i just switched jobs so i can wear jeans now, the amount of times I’ve been asked if I’m military or a cop is ridiculous. I’m like 25 pounds (lies) heavier than i should be. I guess i have the face/hair cut.
I'm over here in liberal ass WA on the Liberal side of the mountains and not a soul notices my 5.11 bag or jeans because they think it's climbing gear.
Sounds like we carry the same shit.
I do throw in pink pull ties to really throw people off
Tbh at that point (living in west Texas where no one seems to mind about open carriers) it’s honestly just going to be about how you feel in the end :) though I do understand the overall concern about looking like an obvious gun guy lol what I will say is this, if you do go the fanny pack route and don’t want it to seem even more obvious, I’d probably stick to something more “sporty” than tacticool or “boyscout” ish. Given your description, I’ve seen some pretty cool Patagonia fanny packs that I think might be right up your alley without screaming “there’s an obvious gun in here” lol best of luck man :)
I’m in that boat, I’ve been carrying less lately (yeah I know, probably not a good habit to keep up) but 5.11 defender flex pants are comfortable for me so I wear them often without carrying lol and for the amount of heat people give them, I can’t help but like them :) I think, just like anything else, it’s all about the balance - if you go out wearing 5.11 duty pants with a tucked in “come and take it shirt”, you’ll look like a you’re definitely carrying, but dressing in a way that’s more subtle (ie: defender flex pants and like a band shirt) it’s easier to blend in and not look like you’re obviously carrying :)
Best option out there. You can get a hand full of good Velcro panels for like $10 and just put it on your holster and in all of your bags you might carry. OR you can pay an extra $40 for a bag that looks like you’re carrying lol
Not everything tho... All black or OD or FDE Patagucci or arcteryx etc also comes off as tacticool sometimes.
I'd probably snag a Jansport one. Maybe mod it. Blue Alpha Gear has one that's fairly plain looking specifically designed for carry.
People that are so into politics that they wear a canadates merch has certain stigmas. The left has the weak soy stigma and the right has the trashy hick stigma. Never said I agree lol.
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Lots of dudes out there is straight up carry purses. Even Lebron James. [dudes with purses](https://nypost.com/2024/04/05/lifestyle/hot-guys-carry-handbags-now-how-travis-lebron-and-jacob-made-man-purses-a-must/)
Sounds like that is what I am talking about haha, Some dude that thinks everyone wearing a bag is carrying because that's all he talks about online.
Was it at a mall?
I don't carry appendix but sometimes depending on how long I plan on being out and if I'll be farther away from home I'll either carry a Maxpedition Remora Gunslinger with a Maxpedition mini Rollypoly pouch attached to act as a water bottle holder (if I'll be farther from home) that has some First Aid, medical (for me), etc or if I'll be out for an hour or a few but close to home a Nike fanny pack that I wear as a sling that has very few things in and mainly just some medical stuff. Neither of those bags holds my firearm and even though the Maxpedition could (I do have their holster but it's attached to an admin pouch that stays at home for another purpose) the bag is full of stuff so my firearm won't fit anymore and the Nike fanny pack my firearm won't fit.
This. I on body carry about 98% of the time with a belt and IWB holster. But sometimes when I'm just making a quick trip to the store or to a family members house for the day, it's 100 plus degrees out and I just want to wear a tank and athletic shorts, I have a smaller 5.11 sling bag. It holds any of my CCW firearms, spare mag, knife, flashlight, wallet, phone, keys, airpods. I'll carry a POM spray in my pocket because it hardy weighs anything. Most people are in their own world. They don't care what I'm doing. No ones even said, nice bag.
https://preview.redd.it/zan5tq8zeuad1.png?width=474&format=png&auto=webp&s=ee27717e52203cf4356c3f4fa768b79a577c055b
I just want to point out that nobody except other CCW’ers would look at your fanny pack or man bag or whatever and think “there’s a gun in there” as long as it isn’t MOLLE’d up, camo, etc.
Sling bags/fanny packs are very common & I see both men and women carry them daily. Don’t overthink it
Even if it is MOLLE’d up I generally don’t assume theres a gun in there. If I did, I’d be assuming 90% of the guys in my town are carrying lol. I guess it depends where you’re at though
I'd like to piggyback on this comment to add (though it should be obvious) that branding is important. *Especially* a non-MOLLE/camo/etc. bag that bears well known branding (5.11 and the like), a company name on display involving the word "tactical," or a logo designed to look high-speed-low-drag, is going to be *far* more suspicious as a carry bag, and particularly so to anyone even slightly in the know.
Lululemon cross body bags. They’re nice and girly enough where I don’t associate it with carrying. I wear one most of the time but carry iwb. gotta keep em guessing
I have a bunch of vertex bags-they don’t scream gun to me. Some look pretty serious for outdoorsy stuff, but not necessarily gun. Nobody has ever looked at any of my bags and thought “gun” and I work in a very lefty field in Texas.
This is what I use if I off body carry, looks like another black bag and no one assumes there’s a gun in there due to the fact everyone in Northern Colorado carries a bag of some sort
"Sir, any weapons on you?"
"I am the weapon"
BREAKS OUT OF CUFFS
"Shit! Suspect is on the run!"
BOTH SUSPECT AND OFFICER ARE SEEN NARUTO RUNNING INTO THE ALLEY
I just got an email that Bando Bag by Eberlestock are on sale right now and I don’t think that they scream I have a gun at least certain colors like the blue and grey,
. People were bags all the time now so most people don’t even pay attention to them. Depending on what your are carrying in terms of gun/holster and how quick a draw you want, there are at of ‘normie’ bags that can be used.
Legit snagged one last night, arrived this afternoon. Incredible bag. Especially whoever lives in the scorching south, this bag is incredible for everyday wear when carrying IWB isn’t practical. As for does someone know I’m carrying? I could geniunely care less lol
I really like mine too, I downsized from a Vertx SOCP and I can fit my 365XL with light and optic in a Tactigami holster just barely. I haven’t worn a belt holster in a couple weeks and use a bando instead since it’s so comfy.
Love my Bando bag. I’m a new dad, so being able to just fling the bag around to my side when I need to do dad stuff is sweet. The built in loop is garbage though. I had an old kydex holster I wasn’t using anymore so I put Velcro on the back and it’s been a great setup
Came here to say this. I have 2. The Upscale XL and the Upscale 3. The 3 is smaller and perfect for my EDC needs. The XL can fit a 13” ultrabook in the back if needed. Or one big a$$ handgun.
Some of the tight chutes bags are extremely unassuming. Mostly because they’re NOT discreet (loud/fun designs). I enjoy mine. Just avoid the camo colors. https://www.tightchutes.com/shop
FWIW I’ve been carrying since the early 90’s in various small leather bags because all holsters I’ve tried were not wheelchair(work accident) friendly. A lot of friends over the years never knew or suspected I carried according to them.
Maybe me being in a wheelchair made them less suspecting of me carrying. Belly band holsters are comfortable for me but only work with jackets.
Just get a bag you like, order some good Velcro panels from Amazon (I get mine from Ywhomal on Amazon), then use some gorilla glue for more adhesion. They’re already stick AF, but will peel with time if you don’t glue them in there and let it cure properly.
Honestly, you probably assume certain bags look like they have a gun in them, because you have a gun lol. People are running around everywhere with tacticool bags, grunt style shirts, and generally trying to look like military/ veterans. Which is why most military and veterans try to not look the part.
It’s a complete crap shoot out there if you’re trying to guess who’s carrying these days based on their bags or clothing*. Especially when a lot of people have the same thought process as you lol.
I use a viktos slingbag or a la police gear bag, which was super affordable and tons of space/compartments. I don’t really care what people may think. Other people don’t think about us as much as we’d like to assume. But if you keep aware of your surroundings, you can tell who’s eyeing you.
I carry a Vertx backpack daily. It has a CCW pocket with quick access, you can fit a bunch of stuff in there. I have a concealment holster Velcro'd into the CCW pocket, so if needed, I could holster up relatively quickly
The pack looks like any other laptop backpack that people in my industry use, no one ever asked me if there's a gun inside. A great pack for this type of use
[https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1026999621](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1026999621)
That is a nice looking back pack and from the description sounds functional.
What do you do when you go into a store that checks backpacks at the desk? Maybe not an issue where you’re at.. I live in a small town and the only grocery store has this policy.
Just curious and thanx
I've never encountered that. When I go into a store, I put the holster in my belt and carry concealed, leaving the bag in the car. I live in a really small town myself, I can't imagine them checking my backpack, that would be weird
Wierd but true—The town and store are literally next to an interstate. Im assuming theyve had enough people passing through that help themselves to stuff, i guess? Anyway, yeah switching to on-body makes sense. Thanks
My girlfriend has a lulu lemon cross body bag that I can definitely fit my glock into. That being said, if I see a guy with a bag I assume there’s a gun in it.
My 945 industries bag looks just like the lulu bag! I was in the mall and it looks just like what the little girls were wearing! Gym shorts and t shirt I fit right in
Not Cheap - but in my opinion: Crye EXP2100. This is the most versatile backpack that I’ve ever owned and that doesn’t scream GUNDUDE from 1 mile away 👌
I bought a Viktos Upscale 3, looks like a regular backpack/sling. Doesn’t have any camo or molle. I live in a rather anti gun state so to see guys with fanny packs/sling bags is common.
And just about every person on a motorcycle has a bag of some sort, so it worked for my needs imo.
This summer I have been carrying often in a lulu lemon crossbody bag, and I would doubt anybody notices there’s a gun in it. I’ve even been getting compliments on it as an accessory. However, I’m a guy in my mid twenties and usually it matches the style of whatever I’m wearing that day.
I'm sure I'm in the minority of opinion here but I my humble experience as a First Responder and just life...
No one notices but the people on these forum. My brand new bag for medical and carry.
5.11 tactical bag. I've had more compliments from kids and moms than I truly would like to admit because of the pink patches.
Just get one that works for you and don't put a "come and take it" on the outside.
If it is made for carrying then thieves are gonna know what's in it and steal it. Get a normal bag and sew in the soft side (loop side) of a hook and loop set up. You can then find a holser or add the hook side to your own holster. Just make sure for the holster that use use better adhesive on kydex.
I don't generally do off body carry but I have used the M-TAC chest bag. The Heather grey color and texture is standard for a lot of diaper bags which works well with my having little ones around.
I got this one without the front velcro area: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YYTQMV1?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YYTQMV1?th=1) Also cut off the little MTac logo. Looks like any other cheepo sling bag. You'll want a better holster though. the included one is mostly crap, though it works if you don't have anything else.
I haven't bought the product so I have zero experience with it but there's a fanny on amazon by a brand called "Lone Trail" that is made for pistol carry and is specifically advertised as "doesn't scream tactical" (yes that's a direct quote lol)
Yeah, checkout Topo, Eagle Creek, REI, Mountain Hardwear, Osprey etc. Most GORPcore items made for hiking, canoeing, and outdoor sports more associated with granola than the stuff sold at Bass Pro or Cabelas have similar if not better build quality (typically a bit but not substantially higher cost) and similar amount of mount points, pockets, etc. without the "tacticool" element
I just picked up a 5.11 LV8 for EDC. Holds just enough for me + pistol/mag and doesn’t scream tacticool. You can tuck the 5.11 tags in for an even more discreet look.
I use this one.
THEWATCHFUL Concealed Carry Sling Bag, RFID-Blocking 7L Tactical CCW Backpack, Concealed Carry Bag for Men with Adjustable Holster, Water-Resistant EDC Crossbody Bag for Outdoor, Travel, Work https://a.co/d/0h6CRcxA
It's pretty discreet. I've been using it for a year. Are there better made ones out there. Probably. But this one has worked fine for me.
Viktos V3 Sling bag is what I have. Just a black bag, has a small VIKTOS on the top small pocket also in black but you can’t read it well unless you’re close
Check out vertx they have a ton of options. It’s anything but inexpensive but they have sales where you can grab stuff for a decent price. The whole site is 25/30% off rn i believe. I have the ready pack 2.0 and while i don’t necessarily carry in it. It’s nice to have the back compartment with quick access.
I have the mystery ranch forager and mini forager. To be honest I rarely keep my CCW in them. I typically pocket carry an LCP and use the pack to hold my other crap.
https://www.maxpedition.com/products/entity-23-ccw-enabled-laptop-backpack
Maxpedition have several ccw backpacks with hidden velcro areas for a velcro holster
Lululemon has good bags.
Just got an Elberstock Bando Bag off amazon, and it works great as a normal fanny pack, AND it can hold a holster pretty comfortably
I'm trying to normalize taking a diaper bag everywhere, as having a backpack is so nice. Even when the kid is out of diapers, so much stuff to go in it (change of clothes, med/first aid, mp5k I justified as a backpack gun, you know the usual).
I've taken to carrying in a fanny pack when I'm wearing running shorts or sweat pants because I don't want to wear a belly band. I can guarantee you that no one looks at it and thinks of me as a threat.
The best carry bag I’ve seen are the 945 Industries bags. They come in black or tan (so not “tacticool” designs) and they have a pull tab you can use to quickly pull out your gun. Also they come with a holster that attaches to the inside with velcro (or you can just put velcro on one of your other holsters if you plan to carry multiple guns with it or don’t have one of the guns they make a holster for).
The only potential problem is the patch on the front with the brand name, but you should be able to pull that off and make it completely incognito.
Heard a hack where someone sewed a Carhartt logo on whatever tactical bag they preferred and it worked so well women would ask him where they got his bag cause they loved it
Go to REI or a similar outdoor store. Their selection of EDC packs/daypacks is going to skew more toward mini versions of backpacking packs rather than mini versions of rucksacks.
My EDC bag is a [North Face Borealis](https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/backpacks-c224451/borealis-backpack-pNF0A52SE), purchased at REI.
REI daypack. When I carry a backpack that's what I use. Not only is it actually a pretty nice backpack, nobody ever suspects me of having a gun when I do lol
If you're in a tech bro type city get one of them roll top backpacks I've been seeing around San Jose, or a laptop bag or something.
5.11 has a few slings that are not tactical. I believe they are the lv6 and lv8. I have both and they are excellent. Vertx also has a couple nice bags. I have some of the older ones like the OG commuter and they are also excellent. The Vertx bags have a handle for the CCW compartment which I think is a great idea.
Best choice is to buy something hipster (leather and canvas) and add patches associated with anti-gun type groups. Brady campaign is a good start, as is anything supporting the LGBTAQ+ community as they are traditional paired with anti-gun views, whether fair or not. Im fucked in this aspect, as I tend to look the part even when I try hard not to, so I just said fuck it and dress how I want (overalls and work shirts) and carry how I want (2011 appendix under the overalls) and not worry about it to much. Because its 2024 and I identify as a threat to assholes.
My pronouns are Fuck Around/Find out lmao /s
pick one out at target and then mod the inside with velcro panels
This^ I usually just grab something at Ross or target or something and mod it. I’ve been using some rando Chanpion fanny pack that looks more like a “hipster” fanny pack than a “tacticool” bag. Edit: adding this part to it, someone on the thread mentioned also looking the part. If you want your bag or fanny pack to not scream “gun guy”, avoid those carhartt and 5.11 clothes.
>If you want your bag or fanny pack to not scream “gun guy”, avoid those carhartt and 5.11 clothes. Lol I feel personally attacked! My list of EDC items is extensive plus I do custom tile/bathroom remodels for a living, so my standard outfit already involves boots and stuffed cargo pants. I'm a large man so I have no problem concealing my J-frame at 1 oclock or 4 oclock but a fanny pack is something I've been strongly considering lately, especially for summer carry and/or for my G17. The main factor holding me back is exactly what you mentioned: I'm already clearly equipped with cargo pants, heavy belt, multiple knives, flashlight, keyrings, leatherman, etc. and to top it all off I'm afflicted with a *wicked* case of cop face (bald, mustache) so I feel like even the most basic fanny pack would be beyond obvious to anyone who knows what they are looking for. On the other hand, I live in deep West Texas where nobody even bats an eye at the guy openly carrying a 1911 at the grocery store. Any thoughts? Or advice on something I'm missing? Either way, thanks for letting me hijack your comment and vent.
>On the other hand, I live in deep West Texas where nobody even bats an eye at the guy openly carrying a 1911 at the grocery store. This gets missed all the time in edc posts; effective concealment, like real estate, has a lot to do with location, and not just where your firearm is located, but where you are while carrying. Given the west Texas locale and the other descriptions of attire and "cop face" you're likely right in assuming that many will assume you are carrying just as a matter of course, whether you are or not. At that point, I would say that a fanny pack carry really makes more sense if you ever find yourself traveling out of state. Also, maybe look at Duluth instead of carhart if you want hard work clothing that gives a little less "gun guy" vibes. I've also had good luck using a vest with a hood when I need pocket storage to move away from the convenience of cargo pants pockets; then you can try rotating some jeans into your attire. If you still want to go the fanny pack route, and you have kids, maybe let your kids decorate the fanny pack. A lot of times, Big Dad energy will read more loudly at a glance to people over any Gun Guy gear you may or may not have, and a lot of the carry ethos is the same: you need lots of fast access pockets that can withstand a lot of abuse.
You and i have similar builds, and tho i just switched jobs so i can wear jeans now, the amount of times I’ve been asked if I’m military or a cop is ridiculous. I’m like 25 pounds (lies) heavier than i should be. I guess i have the face/hair cut.
I'm over here in liberal ass WA on the Liberal side of the mountains and not a soul notices my 5.11 bag or jeans because they think it's climbing gear. Sounds like we carry the same shit. I do throw in pink pull ties to really throw people off
Tbh at that point (living in west Texas where no one seems to mind about open carriers) it’s honestly just going to be about how you feel in the end :) though I do understand the overall concern about looking like an obvious gun guy lol what I will say is this, if you do go the fanny pack route and don’t want it to seem even more obvious, I’d probably stick to something more “sporty” than tacticool or “boyscout” ish. Given your description, I’ve seen some pretty cool Patagonia fanny packs that I think might be right up your alley without screaming “there’s an obvious gun in here” lol best of luck man :)
it's always funny to me when people say to not wear 5.11 clothes because everyone I know that wears 5.11 in person don't carry.
I’m in that boat, I’ve been carrying less lately (yeah I know, probably not a good habit to keep up) but 5.11 defender flex pants are comfortable for me so I wear them often without carrying lol and for the amount of heat people give them, I can’t help but like them :) I think, just like anything else, it’s all about the balance - if you go out wearing 5.11 duty pants with a tucked in “come and take it shirt”, you’ll look like a you’re definitely carrying, but dressing in a way that’s more subtle (ie: defender flex pants and like a band shirt) it’s easier to blend in and not look like you’re obviously carrying :)
Best option out there. You can get a hand full of good Velcro panels for like $10 and just put it on your holster and in all of your bags you might carry. OR you can pay an extra $40 for a bag that looks like you’re carrying lol
Can you recommend some Velcro panels?
I'm afraid I cannot. I'm simply parroting what I've read and have zero experience or knowledge of implementation
The Hello Kitty looking backpack Kovacs had in season 1 of Altered Carbon.
I have a buddy who used a hello kitty guitar gig bag whenever he’d bring a rifle or 2 to the range :)
That's great lol
Pretty much anything from REI.
Not everything tho... All black or OD or FDE Patagucci or arcteryx etc also comes off as tacticool sometimes. I'd probably snag a Jansport one. Maybe mod it. Blue Alpha Gear has one that's fairly plain looking specifically designed for carry.
https://preview.redd.it/1r39js202tad1.jpeg?width=255&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=454caca806c90c18b7d6ef1f064e711871db453c
I think he wanted to be discrete, not a target.
Why would they be a target wearing that?
Because they’re scared of green haired 18 year olds in Subarus.
Hey now, my Subaru has a rifle rack!
Probably because there's some crazy people who would fight/attack you for wearing liberal stuff
Honestly wearing political statements of any sort draws unnecessary attention to yourself imo and makes you a potential target.
I feel someone who wears that is seen as part of the *far* left community and seen as easy to steal from.
That would be a stupid assumption to make my dude.
People that are so into politics that they wear a canadates merch has certain stigmas. The left has the weak soy stigma and the right has the trashy hick stigma. Never said I agree lol.
Packing a dildo
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Hur dur
Love the observation and on-pointedness of that… Not sure why the downvotes…
😂
If you're wearing a man purse I just assume you're carrying.
That exactly why I only wear women purses
Underrated comment
Never let them know ur next move !
Sun Tzu's The Art of War
Lots of dudes out there is straight up carry purses. Even Lebron James. [dudes with purses](https://nypost.com/2024/04/05/lifestyle/hot-guys-carry-handbags-now-how-travis-lebron-and-jacob-made-man-purses-a-must/)
you only think that because you carry a gun. Normal people won't even notice you have a sling bag or fanny pack on.
I had a weirdo rent a cop rush up and start squeezing my bag and yelling, "is there a gun in there?" It was weird behavior and wholly inappropriate
Sounds like that is what I am talking about haha, Some dude that thinks everyone wearing a bag is carrying because that's all he talks about online. Was it at a mall?
I'm front of a restaurant. It made me want to act in self defense but i decided to be calm and tell him his beard was gross
That's crazy haha
It's called a satchel! 🤪
And you'd be wrong probably 80% of the time if not more than that. Congratulations.
I carry iwb appendix buuuuut I also have a laptop bag thats has bigger goodies an medical for me an another person would I be in said assumption?
I don't carry appendix but sometimes depending on how long I plan on being out and if I'll be farther away from home I'll either carry a Maxpedition Remora Gunslinger with a Maxpedition mini Rollypoly pouch attached to act as a water bottle holder (if I'll be farther from home) that has some First Aid, medical (for me), etc or if I'll be out for an hour or a few but close to home a Nike fanny pack that I wear as a sling that has very few things in and mainly just some medical stuff. Neither of those bags holds my firearm and even though the Maxpedition could (I do have their holster but it's attached to an admin pouch that stays at home for another purpose) the bag is full of stuff so my firearm won't fit anymore and the Nike fanny pack my firearm won't fit.
The key to making edc bags work is to dress like someone who would carry a sling bag/fanny pack. You can’t be wearing carhartt and some cargo pants
I want to say that you're wrong, but I must concede that those are in fact two sides of the dad closet that must not converge.
This. I on body carry about 98% of the time with a belt and IWB holster. But sometimes when I'm just making a quick trip to the store or to a family members house for the day, it's 100 plus degrees out and I just want to wear a tank and athletic shorts, I have a smaller 5.11 sling bag. It holds any of my CCW firearms, spare mag, knife, flashlight, wallet, phone, keys, airpods. I'll carry a POM spray in my pocket because it hardy weighs anything. Most people are in their own world. They don't care what I'm doing. No ones even said, nice bag. https://preview.redd.it/zan5tq8zeuad1.png?width=474&format=png&auto=webp&s=ee27717e52203cf4356c3f4fa768b79a577c055b
Hey man, nice bag ❤️
No one expects the guy in 5" inseams to be packing, usually
Right. Or an HK t-shirt and a “come and take it” patch on your FDE ball cap
I just want to point out that nobody except other CCW’ers would look at your fanny pack or man bag or whatever and think “there’s a gun in there” as long as it isn’t MOLLE’d up, camo, etc. Sling bags/fanny packs are very common & I see both men and women carry them daily. Don’t overthink it
Second this, I live in a very anti gun area and everyone has fanny packs. Pretty prevalent at places like Disneyland too.
This. I see the “everyone’s gonna know I’m packing” line every time this type of thread gets posted and it’s hilarious.
Even if it is MOLLE’d up I generally don’t assume theres a gun in there. If I did, I’d be assuming 90% of the guys in my town are carrying lol. I guess it depends where you’re at though
Historically in Arizona Fanny Pack = Gun
Same in Texas
I'd like to piggyback on this comment to add (though it should be obvious) that branding is important. *Especially* a non-MOLLE/camo/etc. bag that bears well known branding (5.11 and the like), a company name on display involving the word "tactical," or a logo designed to look high-speed-low-drag, is going to be *far* more suspicious as a carry bag, and particularly so to anyone even slightly in the know.
Lululemon cross body bags. They’re nice and girly enough where I don’t associate it with carrying. I wear one most of the time but carry iwb. gotta keep em guessing
Check out the VertX fanny packs: the EDC and Long Walks models.
I have a bunch of vertex bags-they don’t scream gun to me. Some look pretty serious for outdoorsy stuff, but not necessarily gun. Nobody has ever looked at any of my bags and thought “gun” and I work in a very lefty field in Texas.
This is what I use if I off body carry, looks like another black bag and no one assumes there’s a gun in there due to the fact everyone in Northern Colorado carries a bag of some sort
I second the long walks line, I have the 15L and it just looks like a standard north face backpack.
https://preview.redd.it/f2eotsdfssad1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7751f5317da41d62841783b7c19911a2f736bff4
See if you have this I'm far more worried about a ki blast than a gun
"Sir, any weapons on you?" "I am the weapon" BREAKS OUT OF CUFFS "Shit! Suspect is on the run!" BOTH SUSPECT AND OFFICER ARE SEEN NARUTO RUNNING INTO THE ALLEY
I just got an email that Bando Bag by Eberlestock are on sale right now and I don’t think that they scream I have a gun at least certain colors like the blue and grey, . People were bags all the time now so most people don’t even pay attention to them. Depending on what your are carrying in terms of gun/holster and how quick a draw you want, there are at of ‘normie’ bags that can be used.
Legit snagged one last night, arrived this afternoon. Incredible bag. Especially whoever lives in the scorching south, this bag is incredible for everyday wear when carrying IWB isn’t practical. As for does someone know I’m carrying? I could geniunely care less lol
I really like mine too, I downsized from a Vertx SOCP and I can fit my 365XL with light and optic in a Tactigami holster just barely. I haven’t worn a belt holster in a couple weeks and use a bando instead since it’s so comfy.
Def agree on the bando bag. Mine is blue and doesn’t scream gun at all.
Love my Bando bag. I’m a new dad, so being able to just fling the bag around to my side when I need to do dad stuff is sweet. The built in loop is garbage though. I had an old kydex holster I wasn’t using anymore so I put Velcro on the back and it’s been a great setup
Viktos has the best options I've seen
Came here to say this. I have 2. The Upscale XL and the Upscale 3. The 3 is smaller and perfect for my EDC needs. The XL can fit a 13” ultrabook in the back if needed. Or one big a$$ handgun.
Some of the tight chutes bags are extremely unassuming. Mostly because they’re NOT discreet (loud/fun designs). I enjoy mine. Just avoid the camo colors. https://www.tightchutes.com/shop
Which one do you have?
Love my Tight Chutes bag
This seems like a great option!
Go to Ross
LV or Coach probably works. I’m sure Kate Spade would pass too
FWIW I’ve been carrying since the early 90’s in various small leather bags because all holsters I’ve tried were not wheelchair(work accident) friendly. A lot of friends over the years never knew or suspected I carried according to them. Maybe me being in a wheelchair made them less suspecting of me carrying. Belly band holsters are comfortable for me but only work with jackets.
https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Satchel-Messenger-Shoulder-Bookbag/dp/B078Y4YXF2
Anything from tomtoc. I have a sling that carries my candy, earbuds, lighter and .357. 
I go with a Hello Kitty mini bag. They'll never see it coming
Just get a bag you like, order some good Velcro panels from Amazon (I get mine from Ywhomal on Amazon), then use some gorilla glue for more adhesion. They’re already stick AF, but will peel with time if you don’t glue them in there and let it cure properly. Honestly, you probably assume certain bags look like they have a gun in them, because you have a gun lol. People are running around everywhere with tacticool bags, grunt style shirts, and generally trying to look like military/ veterans. Which is why most military and veterans try to not look the part. It’s a complete crap shoot out there if you’re trying to guess who’s carrying these days based on their bags or clothing*. Especially when a lot of people have the same thought process as you lol.
I use a viktos slingbag or a la police gear bag, which was super affordable and tons of space/compartments. I don’t really care what people may think. Other people don’t think about us as much as we’d like to assume. But if you keep aware of your surroundings, you can tell who’s eyeing you.
I carry a Vertx backpack daily. It has a CCW pocket with quick access, you can fit a bunch of stuff in there. I have a concealment holster Velcro'd into the CCW pocket, so if needed, I could holster up relatively quickly The pack looks like any other laptop backpack that people in my industry use, no one ever asked me if there's a gun inside. A great pack for this type of use [https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1026999621](https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1026999621)
That is a nice looking back pack and from the description sounds functional. What do you do when you go into a store that checks backpacks at the desk? Maybe not an issue where you’re at.. I live in a small town and the only grocery store has this policy. Just curious and thanx
I've never encountered that. When I go into a store, I put the holster in my belt and carry concealed, leaving the bag in the car. I live in a really small town myself, I can't imagine them checking my backpack, that would be weird
Wierd but true—The town and store are literally next to an interstate. Im assuming theyve had enough people passing through that help themselves to stuff, i guess? Anyway, yeah switching to on-body makes sense. Thanks
The average person doesn’t know about your tacticool or non. Thats in your head..
If it’s camo and molly, they know. I’m in Idaho. The ones I don’t want knowing, will have a good idea
Jansport backpack
5.11 makes a line of bags that look more or less like laptop bags
My girlfriend has a lulu lemon cross body bag that I can definitely fit my glock into. That being said, if I see a guy with a bag I assume there’s a gun in it.
My 945 industries bag looks just like the lulu bag! I was in the mall and it looks just like what the little girls were wearing! Gym shorts and t shirt I fit right in
camera bag
Not Cheap - but in my opinion: Crye EXP2100. This is the most versatile backpack that I’ve ever owned and that doesn’t scream GUNDUDE from 1 mile away 👌
personally i assume any fanny pick has a strap in it so get the one most comfortable that can fit what you want
I bought a Viktos Upscale 3, looks like a regular backpack/sling. Doesn’t have any camo or molle. I live in a rather anti gun state so to see guys with fanny packs/sling bags is common. And just about every person on a motorcycle has a bag of some sort, so it worked for my needs imo.
This summer I have been carrying often in a lulu lemon crossbody bag, and I would doubt anybody notices there’s a gun in it. I’ve even been getting compliments on it as an accessory. However, I’m a guy in my mid twenties and usually it matches the style of whatever I’m wearing that day.
I have a holster in my briefcase, but I'm a lawyer. People expect me to have a briefcase.
Disney Frozen — Ella.
Viktos Counter Act 15
I'm sure I'm in the minority of opinion here but I my humble experience as a First Responder and just life... No one notices but the people on these forum. My brand new bag for medical and carry. 5.11 tactical bag. I've had more compliments from kids and moms than I truly would like to admit because of the pink patches. Just get one that works for you and don't put a "come and take it" on the outside.
If it is made for carrying then thieves are gonna know what's in it and steal it. Get a normal bag and sew in the soft side (loop side) of a hook and loop set up. You can then find a holser or add the hook side to your own holster. Just make sure for the holster that use use better adhesive on kydex.
Look at diaper bags, especially if you have kids.
Just carry aiwb. Off body is such a risk
On body is always preferable, but not always practical.
Alpha one niner, no patches, very descreet and great quality.
Spiritus Systems Fanny Sack. Just get it in black. Super plain. No frills.
I don't generally do off body carry but I have used the M-TAC chest bag. The Heather grey color and texture is standard for a lot of diaper bags which works well with my having little ones around.
Same here. I very rarely offbody. I use the bag more for support than carry. But also want it as an option.
I got this one without the front velcro area: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YYTQMV1?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YYTQMV1?th=1) Also cut off the little MTac logo. Looks like any other cheepo sling bag. You'll want a better holster though. the included one is mostly crap, though it works if you don't have anything else.
Where I live it’s common to see a lot of guys carrying lululemon crossbody bags, and most of them probably don’t even own a gun.
San fran?
OC
Close enough
I haven't bought the product so I have zero experience with it but there's a fanny on amazon by a brand called "Lone Trail" that is made for pistol carry and is specifically advertised as "doesn't scream tactical" (yes that's a direct quote lol)
Yeah, checkout Topo, Eagle Creek, REI, Mountain Hardwear, Osprey etc. Most GORPcore items made for hiking, canoeing, and outdoor sports more associated with granola than the stuff sold at Bass Pro or Cabelas have similar if not better build quality (typically a bit but not substantially higher cost) and similar amount of mount points, pockets, etc. without the "tacticool" element
I just picked up a 5.11 LV8 for EDC. Holds just enough for me + pistol/mag and doesn’t scream tacticool. You can tuck the 5.11 tags in for an even more discreet look.
I think the 9.45 industries doesn’t scream it and it’s the best in the market. Not inexpensive though.
I use this one. THEWATCHFUL Concealed Carry Sling Bag, RFID-Blocking 7L Tactical CCW Backpack, Concealed Carry Bag for Men with Adjustable Holster, Water-Resistant EDC Crossbody Bag for Outdoor, Travel, Work https://a.co/d/0h6CRcxA It's pretty discreet. I've been using it for a year. Are there better made ones out there. Probably. But this one has worked fine for me.
Alpaka, lulu lemon etc Also Costco has these small sling bags that come in a set that fit my hellcat with the 13 or 11 round mag perfectly
Vitkos Upscale3. In black.
Viktos V3 Sling bag is what I have. Just a black bag, has a small VIKTOS on the top small pocket also in black but you can’t read it well unless you’re close
Check out vertx they have a ton of options. It’s anything but inexpensive but they have sales where you can grab stuff for a decent price. The whole site is 25/30% off rn i believe. I have the ready pack 2.0 and while i don’t necessarily carry in it. It’s nice to have the back compartment with quick access.
I have the mystery ranch forager and mini forager. To be honest I rarely keep my CCW in them. I typically pocket carry an LCP and use the pack to hold my other crap.
How about a Lululemon belt bag? I've heard it fits from a friend. Lol
I like my 945. If you take the front logo off it’s very unassuming.
I carry a Tom Bihn Side Hustle bag with a Crossbreed Purse Defender holster. I’ve never had anyone ask if it carrying.
https://www.maxpedition.com/products/entity-23-ccw-enabled-laptop-backpack Maxpedition have several ccw backpacks with hidden velcro areas for a velcro holster
Lululemon has good bags. Just got an Elberstock Bando Bag off amazon, and it works great as a normal fanny pack, AND it can hold a holster pretty comfortably
I rock a Vanquest Addax 25 and I love it.
I'm trying to normalize taking a diaper bag everywhere, as having a backpack is so nice. Even when the kid is out of diapers, so much stuff to go in it (change of clothes, med/first aid, mp5k I justified as a backpack gun, you know the usual).
I use the Vertx Commuter in heather gray.
I like my blue 5.11 bag. It just looks like a random backpack. Even the black version didn’t look terrible, but the blue just screams “ignore me”
ITS has a nice bag just ordered it myself specifically because it doesn’t scream I’m carrying
Lulu
Osprey has a commuter line. Cotopaxi always looks the least gun like to me with all the colors
Lululemon
I've taken to carrying in a fanny pack when I'm wearing running shorts or sweat pants because I don't want to wear a belly band. I can guarantee you that no one looks at it and thinks of me as a threat.
5.11 has some nice packs that look discrete while holding enough MOLLE to hold your holster or mags.
If you want to blow some money, the Kagwerks bag is pretty discreet and I enjoy it.
The best carry bag I’ve seen are the 945 Industries bags. They come in black or tan (so not “tacticool” designs) and they have a pull tab you can use to quickly pull out your gun. Also they come with a holster that attaches to the inside with velcro (or you can just put velcro on one of your other holsters if you plan to carry multiple guns with it or don’t have one of the guns they make a holster for). The only potential problem is the patch on the front with the brand name, but you should be able to pull that off and make it completely incognito.
I think a leather brief case or a colorful fanny pack depending on the location are as good as it gets for a dude off body carrying.
Heard a hack where someone sewed a Carhartt logo on whatever tactical bag they preferred and it worked so well women would ask him where they got his bag cause they loved it
Go to REI or a similar outdoor store. Their selection of EDC packs/daypacks is going to skew more toward mini versions of backpacking packs rather than mini versions of rucksacks. My EDC bag is a [North Face Borealis](https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/backpacks-c224451/borealis-backpack-pNF0A52SE), purchased at REI.
Check out the Bando Bag by Eberlestock. I’ve had my eye on one for a while for this exact reason.
REI daypack. When I carry a backpack that's what I use. Not only is it actually a pretty nice backpack, nobody ever suspects me of having a gun when I do lol If you're in a tech bro type city get one of them roll top backpacks I've been seeing around San Jose, or a laptop bag or something.
5.11 has a few slings that are not tactical. I believe they are the lv6 and lv8. I have both and they are excellent. Vertx also has a couple nice bags. I have some of the older ones like the OG commuter and they are also excellent. The Vertx bags have a handle for the CCW compartment which I think is a great idea.
Generic backpack, ala Jansport, that meets your needs.
Get one without the molle and put a Biden 24’ pin on it, and all the gun control far left shit you can find.
Thats why I open carry so I dont have to worry about anyone seeing my fannypack and assuming im carrying /s
> Was at a popular store today So 5.11? Most of that store is for LARP'ers.
It wasn’t 5.11 - but some of their gear was there.
A random outdoors pack modified for the goods. Bonus points if it says support trans rights or vote Biden. Metal detectors don't even see it.
Commenting on EDC bags that don’t scream “I’m packing”...
Best choice is to buy something hipster (leather and canvas) and add patches associated with anti-gun type groups. Brady campaign is a good start, as is anything supporting the LGBTAQ+ community as they are traditional paired with anti-gun views, whether fair or not. Im fucked in this aspect, as I tend to look the part even when I try hard not to, so I just said fuck it and dress how I want (overalls and work shirts) and carry how I want (2011 appendix under the overalls) and not worry about it to much. Because its 2024 and I identify as a threat to assholes. My pronouns are Fuck Around/Find out lmao /s
Prison pocket. Just do it right or it’ll leave you screaming “I’m packing”
You'll I'm on
They ALL scream, "I'M PACKING!" Every. Single. One.