Do you CCW using a fanny pack or F.A.G. bag?

[Gannet]

I'm a newbie at CCW. My particular situation is that I can't carry at work, although I can lock it in my car. I have a short commute. I don't go out in public all that much. I live in a warm place and my normal attire is dress slacks and a short-sleeve shirt, sometimes worn tucked, sometimes not. I'm a medium-big guy and I carry a 5" 1911.

I've been going back and forth between a IWB holster and a F.A.G. bag. So far for me, most of the time it seems like the F.A.G. bag is more practical. It works better with a tucked shirt. It works better in the car. It's easier and less conspicuous to stow in the glove box. It's easier to carry a spare mag or two. The only advantage I'm seeing with the I.W.B. is that it works better with an untucked shirt, and it seems to give a faster presentation when standing. The whole thing about having the F.A.G. bag show that I'm armed doesn't bother me in the least, and whatever "fashion" issues it has are of even less concern. But that's just me. :p

I know that fanny packs/F.A.G. bags are controversial. Lots and lots of folks won't use them, for various reasons. But I'm curious as to just how many do or don't use them, and what some of their reasons are. Hence the poll. :)

[Universal]

I agree that they are handy, however, there is no faster way of being made. In my misguided youth as a new police officer I got a fannypack and the very first time I wore it in public I was asked whether I was a cop or something else (I am sure most of you know what that something else might have been). I tried it a few more times but always got the same reaction. I still have the fannypack but I never wear it. It is useful for transportation of the weapon and spare magazines.

[bigmike45]

I have tried it in public but I now only use a fanny pack when I am hiking and using my backpack. The fanny pack kinda blends in when used in conjunction with the backpack.

[Vern Humphrey]

I went to Disney World with my wife and youngest daughter about 10 years ago. Considering that we'd be wearing shorts, I brought a fanny pack, but was worried about getting made.

Everyone there had fanny packs, including one humongous fat chick with a fanny pack the size of a footlocker. I quit worrying.

[TonyB]

I don't,mostly because I like belt carry.....and I'm just too fat for a fanny pack.A buddy does though,he's never been made(of course he looks like a cross between Wille Nelson and a crazed mountain man.)
The best was when I was in a local gun shop and saw a guy with the high and tight hair,tactical pants and a fanny pack..with a speedloader holder right next to it......he was smooth :uhoh:
Now if I was biking or hiking(not likely BTW) I would use a F.P. if I could find one to fit. :D

[rellascout]

Napoleon Dynamite would be proud. Its always tough finding the perfect fanny pack. :)

[mattw]

I don't think that they are conducive to the heterosexual image I like to present.

[ABBOBERG]

When I haul my two kids around the city, I wear my fanny pack - it seems to fit with the Mr. Mom image and no one has ever given me a second look. I have also taken my family to restaurants while wearing it - again, no one seems to notice. It could be that I do a lot of digging into it - for my keys, my wallet, and a snack for the kids. If someone were suspecting that I was carrying, I certainly shouldn't be so casual and risk exposing my weapon (fortunately, it is in the secret compartment).

[Vern Humphrey]

Back in the days before Virginia passed is shall-issue law, I knew a fellow who lived in the ultra-liberal Alexandria area, where you had to be politically connected to get a permit. He carried in a fanny pack, and in one compartment he had something in a plastic bag.

When asked if he was carrying a gun, he'd say, "No. This is a colostomy" and open that compartment and show them. :p

[Guns_and_Labs]

I wear a fanny pack quite frequently. When I haul kids around, or am on a road trip with the family, I wear my fanny pack, the one with the mickey mouse logo sewn on. When I'm working out or biking, I wear one that also holds my MP3 player. No one's ever mentioned anything.

'Course, most people assume I'm a cop anyway. Must be the haircut.

[Rob1035]

some of the quality outdoor gear brands make waist packs that look a little less 80's/homo/whatever (i guess they look tactical? hehe)

If you live in an area that has a lot of outdoorsy type folks or something like that, something like this isnt too bad:

http://images.ebags.com/images/Products/6484_sq250.jpg
http://images.rei.com/media/544869.jpg

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/706515_321Lrg.jpg

They come in all shapes and sizes, and some you could conceal a Desert Eagle if you wanted to ;)

[thatguy]

What's a F.A.G. Bag?

[GlenJ]

It used to be the only way I carried when I first started carrying with a Ruger P97. It's actually very convienant when you may have to go in a place where carry is not allowed or if your shopping and trying on clothes. Also for road trips that involves hotel stays you can carry a BUG, flashlight, side folder and extra ammo and keep it in the bag in the room. As for speed of draw with practice it can be as fast as a belt holster. I have the Galco waist pack.

[Ala Dan]

NEVER~! :D

I prefer a holster of some type.

[Double Maduro]

GlenJ

Also for road trips that involves hotel stays you can carry a BUG, flashlight, side folder and extra ammo and keep it in the bag in the room.


You actually leave your BUG in your hotel room?

I use an IWB holster or a belt slide. I like to have control over my weapon at all times. Also, I don't have to worry about someone stealing my bag when I take it off to get into a restaurant booth or such.

DM

[driven]

Its got a holster in the "hidden" compartment that holds my 1911 and a spare mag. Getting a speedy presentation takes a little practice but isn't a real handicap.
I find it handy when traveling or out for the day with the kids. Put you cell phone, keys, change, or whatever in the pack and you don't feel like your using it just to carry your gun. I'm old enough not to care too much about what other folks think about me. Never had anyone mention or ask if I was packing, but I do have a concern about being "made" in certain situations when you don't want to advertise to a bad guy, so I try to use it in the right situation.

[spin180]

It's not a fanny pack per se, but I use my Wilderness Safepacker a lot. I actually use it more off-body than anything else, though.

It's rather discreet to the sheeple eyes. On the belt it's an übertactical ninja pouch and in the hand it's a mutant dayplanner.

Been very pleased with it; best gun accessory purchase I've made.

;)

[Thefumegator]

What's a F.A.G. Bag?

That's throwin' me off, too. :confused:

Wes

[Gannet]

F.A.G. bag = Fast Action Gun bag.

I believe the term originated with bags made for the Secret Service to contain submachine guns. Don't want to have the President's protective detail looking like something out of a dictatorship, y'know? :D

Thanks for the reponses so far. I admit I continue to be a bit bemused by the number of folks who want to disguise it to look like something else, or who are concerned with using it to carry more than just their gun in some sort of "justification", perhaps. Is carrying in public something to be ashamed of? No flame, so please don't take offense. :)

[bernie]

I use a fanny pack when I am on summer outings or vacation with the family. Other than that I am a big VersaMax 2 man. It is great with dress pants or slacks.

When I am wearing a fanny pack with a weapon, I am generally in "tourist" mode anyway and do not look out of place with it anyway. I am 36, married with two young sons, I am not overly worried about looking cool anymore, and it is not a bad way to carry if in a very casual mode of dress.

[Turtle Club]

I do ALWAYS

I also do it while I am wearing my " Frankie Says 'Relax' " T-Shirt and about 3 Snap Braclets and a dayglow pair of sweat pants with my Velcro Pump Shoes.

I am the best dresses ccw man in the room !

:D

[AZ Jeff]

I would like to see your survey results cross-matched against geographic region.

I suspect persons who voted "I would never use one" live in regions where sufficient clothing can be worn year-around so as to make conventional holsters feasible.

Down here in Phoenix, where we tend to wear lightweight shorts that border on bathing trunks in the summer, and where you DON'T want a heavy belt cinching you up in the heat, a fanny pack is the PERFECT answer to how to carry and stay comfortable.

In the winter, when I wear clothes that pass for summertime wear in other parts of the country, I switch back to more conventional carry.

As far as people noticing you with a fanny pack and think "he's got a gun in there", that's giving the general populus FAR too much credit. Most people who see someone with a fanny pack, if they even NOTICE the pack, just think "a touristy guy with a fanny pack", not "guy with a Glock 19".

In fact, the only guys who probably see a fanny pack user and think "gun" are other CCW holders and more enlightened law enforcement. The rest of the people are oblivious.

[Rob96]

Everyone there had fanny packs, including one humongous fat chick with a fanny pack the size of a footlocker. I quit worrying.

That was actually a piece of luggage. :D

When I am wearing shorts, I usually carry in a leather fanny pack that was made for concealed carry.

[Hhrshooter]

I am just not the guy to wear one, i guess. Most of the ones i see aren't conducive to my image or to carry purposes. I feel a good holster worn SOB or IWB strong side is a better choice for me. Although, it is interesting to note that since i look at gun products it is easier to spot another ccw who is wearing one. The wife carries her weapon in a purse made by Galco or in the small of her back with Galco's S.O.B. holster

[thatguy]

I generally carry in a shoulder bag. It's one of those school bags with the name of a college printed on it (yes, I actually graduated from that school, too). It has a side pocket where I keep wallet and cellphone, etc. Doesn't draw any attention at all in public and allows me to carry a full-size 9MM pistol and extra magazine in comfort.

Off-body carry has risks and isn't as fast to access as a holster but when dressed for summer heat I can't conceal anything.

[EddieCoyle]

I also do it while I am wearing my " Frankie Says 'Relax' " T-Shirt and about 3 Snap Braclets and a dayglow pair of sweat pants with my Velcro Pump Shoes.

Do you wear it even when it's cool enough to wear your Members Only jacket?

[pete f]

often carry in a "dayplanner" type folder that sits in my brief case. especially if the weather is really hot. Most of the time i carry on my body and the dayplanner is my BUG. never been made, and that same dayplanner will fit nicely into a daypack for traveling, It will hold a commander and 4 mags.

[Double Naught Spy]

What is "F.A.G."?

[EddieCoyle]

What is "F.A.G."?
10 posts back...
F.A.G. bag = Fast Action Gun bag.

[Stevie-Ray]

In resort towns like our Mackinaw City, the fanny pack reigns supreme. Every other person is wearing one, and I like to keep my wallet in one right in front of me, rather than my back pocket where you can easily be the victim of a pickpocket. The gun fits in there right alongside the wallet. Easy and comfortable. But, as a tourist is about the only time I wear one.

[FunGunner]

Never tried it and never really wanted to. I dress around my gun, never dress the gun around me. Big Hawaian shirt, white undershirt, Carhartt shorts and some running shoes is my normal lite weight dress. I pack the same CZ75B in th esame WildBills belt slide year round, and have never had any problems.

[HighVelocity]

Never tried it. I am very satisfied with my C-Tac and see no need to try anything else.

[bubbygator]

When you get old, you can carry anything you want & nobody gives you a 2nd glance. It's just ... he's an old fart -> disregard! And that's just fine with me; I love a low profile.

[Sir Aardvark]

You can always do the old "wear headphones around your neck with the end going into the fanny pack" routine.

People will think that you have a Walkman or Ipod in your bag and that you are just jammin' to the tunes.

[TexasRifleman]

I have been using one of these recently for outdoor/active carry. Being Camelbak and having the water, it seems less to scream "gun" a lot less and it really is nice having water with you. It also has a tear away velcro cover over a holster large enough to carry a full size 1911......it's an actual holster, not just a compartment for something big. Adjustable angles and removeable hammer straps inside........ I'm liking it a lot.

I just can't understand the statement that you are more worried about what you look like than your personal safety.

http://www.elitetacticalsources.com/phpadmin/images/large/pl_60317.jpg

[NoahFN]

I probably wouldn't have considered a fanny pack before, but now that I see the camelbak I'm reconsidering...atleast when doing outdoor stuff. I drink lots of water, so that could come in handy as well.

[Gillster]

TexasSIGman,
Where did you get that and how much? Was the holster included or something you set up? Thanks

[Gannet]

Here's one place that carries the Camelbak "concealment packs":

Camelbak at CopQuest (http://www.copquest.com/57-3800.htm)

[TexasRifleman]

As you can see from the link above, the holster set up is designed into the Goblin and Demon. It's not some thrown together deal, it's very well thought out. It has 2 handles, one on the inside top of the belt and one on the outside of the pack, and velcro seams. When you pull these straps away from each other the thing opens up to gain access to my Sig239 and 2 spare mags, all held securely in a holster and velcro strapping for the mags.

Think a modified version of the Hackathorn rip to gain access. It is very fast if you practice, but noisy because of all the velcro.

I got mine here (http://www.safetyglassesusa.com/camelbak-military-concealed-weapons-systems.html) for $43.

I'm very happy with the design.

[dogngun]

I use one alot, and have for several years. It's a brown nylon Euro-Pak, with 3 large zipper compartments, not a purpose made gun carrier, but the second compartment is large enough to carry a very large handgun and extra ammo, while my wallet stays in the front compartment along with a small knife.
It's carried a full size 1911, a 4" Smith .357 magnum, and now carries a Smith 59 series auto with an extra mag.

I'm also an old fart with glasses and more hair on my face than on top - I'm not seen as a threat either, which is OK with me.

I also occasionally carry a backup in the left front pants pocket, usually a Keltac P32.

I have several fanny paks, all marked with logos from sporting goods makers.
(North Face, Adidas, etc.)None of them look "tactical", and I do practice with them at the range on occasion.

Mark

[CajunBass]

I carry my P-11 in one about 75 % of the time. I like it. It doesn't matter a bit to me what someone else thinks of it or if they "make" me. I've never seen anyone run away from me screaming "It's an old, fat guy with a gun!"

:neener:

[VG]

After carrying an M1911A1 around Germany for a couple of years I'm done with that.

But a fanny pack attracts zero attention from anybody.

[pinetree64]

I would, but I'd stay away from the the man purse belt packs, opting for something more rugged. I like what I've seen in this thread, e.g. Northface. I also like the Maxpedition stuff. Vests are another alternative but with many of the same stereotype problems. I personally opt for an ultra-compact pistol, a Keltec P32 with a belt clip 99% of the time.

tjg

[geegee]

I never wear one anymore, but did experiment with them years ago when I first started carrying. Over the years, I've adjusted my wardrobe to accomodate my full size 1911 carry. Even in the Texas summers, it can be done.

My fanny pack now sits in my truck console. In the event I had to leave the truck to walk (say an emergency) and wearing an outer garment like a jacket would attract more attention than the fanny pack, I have it there as a last resort.

[Derek Zeanah]

Actually, I was looking at the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipacks last night (http://www.practicaltactical.net/Detail.bok?no=196).

Re: fag bags -- when I was in the army, that was the term for the map bags (http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/FA1969) officers sometimes carried. It looks like the term has a different meaning within this thread...

[Pilot]

In the warmer months I do use a butt pack. Its a Ultima Torsopac and I think the model is "Apogee". Its designed for hiking with two internal water bottle sleeves and a central sleeve which is perfect for a full or mid size semi-auto. I usally carry a CZ-75D PCR, Sig P228 or even a BHP. I can get spare mags, wallet, cell phone, small mag lite and other junk in there if I need to, but typically its just the pistol and spare mag.

In the cooler months I carry with an OWB holster with a untucked shirt over it.

[peashooter]

Check the hip-packs made by Coronado leather. Very well made and compact. I prefer a holster, but in my line of work I am always in rough areas and my carrying in a hip pack doesn't attract attention. Not even the PD has asked. Although many that know me know I am carrying.

[another okie]

I have one and used to occasionally use it when working around my place. I guess it's OK if you're doing physical work that would make a normal holster awkward. I camoflauged it with a Boy Scout camp patch. Lots of ladies here in Oklahoma wear them, but the only guys I see wearing them are athletic trainers and interior decorators.

In the situation faced by the original poster, a snap on OWB might be best, or an ankle holster for a smaller gun.

[dairycreek]

I too am an old fart and, because of that, I have a ton of stuff I want/need to carry. Recently discovered the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack and, for me, it has turned out to be a nearly perfect combo. I recommend it highy.

http://www.maxpedition.com/product/versipack/0412_jumbo/0412_02s.gif

[pistolwhipped]

Bicycling . Small of the back. The pack has a holster in it.

[NoahFN]

For those of you who have one or looked at one...does the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack have a good pocket/holster for holding a sidearm with reasonably fast access?

[JamisJockey]

I've been known to use one when I am going to be getting out of the vehicle to enter a prohibited zone. This gives me a suitable device to transfer the firearm to my trunk without being accused of brandishing. Also, when physical activity might get me made. Thats usually places where a fanny pack doesn't seem out of place, like at the zoo with my kids.

[sm]

Nope.
Never have , never will. Around here these scream gun as do photo vests.

I can share using an old arm sling, a hardcover textbook, Velcro fastened removable cast for knee problems,(accessorized with Rosewood cane of course) and not my fault a belly band resembles a dealie used for pain pumps (moan, sigh, wince). These do not scream gun. ;)

Not that I have ever had to be somewhere where my need outweighed ...well...nevermind.

[danbh]

I have carried IWB and regular holster but recently bought a shoulder bag and like it a lot. Here in Palm Beach county (Boca Raton) a shoulder bag is really not out of the ordinary and being older am less noticed.

The temp here in the summer and even now is still in the high 80's low 90's and I don't wear T-shirts under a shirt so IWB is most times uncomfortable.

In another area the shoulder bag would probably be more noticeable. The way that I look at it is that people can think what they want, plus I hate carrying stuff in my pockets so the shoulder bag carries it all, still keep the knife clipped to the pocket though.

Also, one shoulder bag 5 different pistols, all sizes. :D

[cgv69]

I do not have my CCW yet but plan too soon so I have been giving this all a lot of thought lately. While I do think fanny packs look a little “ghey” (ok – a lot! :D ), they seem like the best solution in some situations.

Can somebody explain to me this issue of “being made” and why it’s a big deal? The gun would not be visible so the most anybody could do is guess. I think the only people likely to assume\guess you are carrying inside of a fanny pack would be either a fellow CCW’er or a LEO. I can’t think of any negative issue with either of those type people guessing you are carrying (assuming of course you are doing it legally)?

I think you would be giving most bad guys too much credit to assume they would figure it out. Even if they did, I would think that would be an advantage as I would guess that 99.5% of bad guys out there would be a lot less likely to do anything (to you or anybody else around you) if they thought you were carrying?

The only down side I could see in regards to bad guys and fanny packs is I believe most BG’s would not assume you are carrying but just the opposite, they would think you are a clueless “sheeple” that will make an easy target because you are not likely fight? (That’s the impression I get from most of the people I see wearing fanny packs.) Not only that but all of your valuables are in one nice and easy to carry bag to boot!

[owsi26]

I have a Galco fanny pack but most times I prefer to carry in a Thunderwear holster. I live in a hot climate and when just bumming around I wear a pair of shorts and a T-shirt out. You can carry with your shirt in too but i prefer shirt out as I quit worrying what people think a long time ago! It is very easy to conceal even a big .45 with several spare magazines, etc. It is a very comfortable way to carry.

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