Any other runners: what do you carry?

[.455_Hunter]

I have considered a S&W 351PD in .22 WMR for this reason.

But... even an extremely light gun is a severe hindrance in running. I don't even like carrying my cell phone when I run, and I will do distances up to a half marathon with literally just my running shorts, socks, and shoes. No phone, no headphones, nothing else. Because you notice weight down to the ounce.

I really appreciate this thread because it seems there is very little overlap between people who run seriously and people who carry, so there is a total dearth of reasonable reviews of so-called 'athletic' or 'running' holsters and how they work out over speed and distance. I have tried belly bands, Thunderwear-type holsters, fanny packs, etc. and nothing seems to work for me. Either it bounces painfully and uncomfortably, or it's so tight that it's painful and uncomfortable. Meanwhile I see these reviews of such holsters where an OFWG (no offense to all the OFWGs, who make up a substantial majority of gun people) uses it to take a hike, horse, or ATV ride around his property in cargo shorts and sneakers and pronounces it just great for carry during physical activity. And I'm just thinking... yeah, that review has zero bearing on what it's like to run ten miles carrying a handgun.

One of the most accurate posts in the history of THR.

I would think of one of the "tight-to-body" runners backpacks (with cross chess straps) might make a good option, combined with a the low mass of a Kel-Tec or NAA Mini. I agree that stuff on the waist area just doesn't work well. When I was a member of Uncle Sam's Personal Fitness Club, the only thing that went with me on a run was a handkerchief rolled-up in the little flap pocket inside my PT shorts- useful for excess snot or emergency first aid.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Agreed. I don't think there is a perfect solution out there. No bulk. Negligible weight. No bounce. And the marketed solutions are often laughable, especially on Amazon.

I am going to keep trying.

One of the most accurate posts in the history of THR.

I would think of one of the "tight-to-body" runners backpacks (with cross chess straps) might make a good option, combined with a the low mass of a Kel-Tec or NAA Mini. I agree that stuff on the waist area just doesn't work well. When I was a member of Uncle Sam's Personal Fitness Club, the only thing that went with me on a run was a handkerchief rolled-up in the little flap pocket inside my PT shorts- useful for excess snot or emergency first aid.

I think a chest rig would be ideal, but it would need to be A) extremely minimalist, B) bright colored with reflective panels front and back with maybe a red blinking LED light option as well, C) have mounting points for small hydration flasks that are compatible with major running brands, D) elastic straps for gel packs, E) be totally sweatproof in the gun pouch, which would also need a separate sleeve for a phone and an ID card, F), have sufficient (replaceable and adjustable) straps to prevent flopping (probably a high chest rig to minimize body motion), and G) be completely machine washable. .

It's really hard to get all those things all together. You really need such a rig to also function as a traditional running vest/pack both for camouflage while running and because well, when you're running long distance you want a lot of those other things as well.

 

[Blue Jays]

"…You really need such a rig to also function as a traditional running vest/pack both for camouflage while running and because well, when you're running long distance you want a lot of those other things as well…"

Exactly! Many of the holster-focused manufacturers are so focused on being "tactical" they lose sight that someone running around pre-dawn looking like a ninja is actually disadvantageous. Great post, it makes complete sense and I concur.

 

[The Glockodile]

I really appreciate this thread because it seems there is very little overlap between people who run seriously and people who carry, so there is a total dearth of reasonable reviews of so-called 'athletic' or 'running' holsters and how they work out over speed and distance. I have tried belly bands, Thunderwear-type holsters, fanny packs, etc. and nothing seems to work for me. Either it bounces painfully and uncomfortably, or it's so tight that it's painful and uncomfortable. Meanwhile I see these reviews of such holsters where an OFWG (no offense to all the OFWGs, who make up a substantial majority of gun people) uses it to take a hike, horse, or ATV ride around his property in cargo shorts and sneakers and pronounces it just great for carry during physical activity. And I'm just thinking... yeah, that review has zero bearing on what it's like to run ten miles carrying a handgun.

Shh!

Don't sully our narrative, this might get your post deleted

Our culture revolves around saving your family, friends, and loved ones with the thousand - dollar pistol making that decisive 50 yard shot, not the $10 monthly gym membership saving you from cardiovascular disease and associated health - associated morbidities slowly bleeding away your family's resources

 

[Cump]

Shh!

Don't sully our narrative, this might get your post deleted

Our culture revolves around saving your family, friends, and loved ones with the thousand - dollar pistol making that decisive 50 yard shot, not the $10 monthly gym membership saving you from cardiovascular disease and associated health - associated morbidities slowly bleeding away your family's resources

Ouch!

 

[FL-NC]

When I lived in Tampa, I carried a snub 38 in a fanny pack with it in my back. Not the most accessible method, but if I was already in the RUN mode, I had the option of continuing doing that until I was able to get to cover, access it, and get to work. Later on, when I moved somewhere else and would run through a large neighborhood that went on forever, I carried pepper spray, but it was for dogs. And yes, it got used.

 

[md7]

I’m usually hold a 4 mph pace over the course of an hour. Kind of slow jog, just for reference

I use a belly band and MP Shield. It does ok, but I’m not running all that hard either.

 

[Cump]

So I got in 9.5 miles today in the 90s. I donned a hydration pack without waist belt, and I carried my p365 in a Molle pouch on the chest strap. The heat sucked, and I felt like the coverage from the pack and pouch made it difficult for heat to escape. I also don't care for the constriction, though I could live with it.

My average mile was about a minute slower than when I run with the micro on a runners belt in similar heat.

I am used to wearing packs in the backcountry at higher elevations, though they have waist belts. And sometimes I'm trail running. But speed expectations are different, and the heat is different.

All this to say, the coverage of a chest rig might make it too much of a heat factory in summer.

I might just end up open carrying the sig on the belt. Maybe a flap holster to protect from sweat.

 

[A526051]

When I carry running, I carry a 340pd in a Thunderear/Smartcarry holster. Shorts keep it from bouncing, and is the best solution I've found.

 

[SteadyD]

A Pistolwear is pretty stable for jogging.

 

[jstert]

At this point in my life the only running I do is running from my past....just kidding around a bit. However, I walk 3 to 5 miles a day, so following with interest.

Congrats to all of you who can still run; I loved it before the knees quit me.

i was able take up jogging, i.e. a pace between walk and run, to cope with (silent protest against) the wuhan flu lockdown. i hadn’t run in 30 years, my knees couldn’t take it, or so i thought.

my solutions: hoka one one running shoes, $120 but well worth it. a solid 100% multivitamin, mine is one a day over 65, exact age is irrelevant. schiff move free 5 joint health supplement, the version with vitamin d.

start easy with a walk for 40 minutes. then gradually pick up the pace and extend time. i’m now leveled off at 50-60 minutes for 4 miles. don’t hurt yourself, getting used to moving again is essential. i am shocked by my progress as i returned to jogging. fresh air, birds chirping, sun, sweat, wind, cold, rain...all put me in touch with my senses again.

apologies for veering off topic.

 

[SteadyD]

While cycling or running, I typically carry an LCP in a Nathan belt with a water bottle. I also have a Spi belt which carries the same, but it’s more obvious - the forms in the bottle belt do a better job concealing the shape of the pistol.

I also have a small X-Lab Wingman I modified to fit into the bladder reservoir of my tri bike to hold an LCP or as big as an LC9, but I tend to prefer to have my carry on person.

Can you link the Nathan that you use? I’d like to check it out. Thanks!

 

[jstert]

I have found that the type of case fitness instructors use to hold their radios can work better then a belly band. There are several different styles. This is just 1 type.
https://www.amazon.com/Tune-Belt-Original-Vertical-Microphone/dp/B001S3283K/ref=sr_1_9?crid=ZZ52ZCOS6NI1&keywords=fitness+instructor+microphone+headset+system+case&qid=1658802070&sprefix=fitness+instructor+microphone+headset+system+case,aps,271&sr=8-9

what handgun do you carry here? my smallest choices are a naa bugout 22lr and a keltec p32. would either of these work? the commenters on amazon (zumba instructors, theater performers) are likely the last people on earth to use it for a ccw.

 

[Varminterror]

Can you link the Nathan that you use? I’d like to check it out. Thanks!

Mine would be like 10-12yrs old, and I don’t see one exactly like it on their site now, but this is pretty similar:

https://www.nathansports.com/products/peak-hydration-waist-pak-black-gold

 

[stanley_white]

If you are a runner, what do you carry, and how?

My MP3 player.

-Stan

 

[GarrettJ]

Why the Micro Desert Eagle? I can easily carry two of the full-size guns in my belly band.



Ok, joking aside, I do use that belly band to run with. I’ll have to remember the brand & model. I do 6-7 miles most days. The holster goes about half way down the front of my shorts, with the top half above the waistband. A loose shirt covers it.

The back is neoprene. Yes, I get pretty sweaty with it, but I get pretty sweaty anyway. When I stop, I expect the gun to be soaked, but it’s not. No issue with sweat coming in from the top.

I usually carry a Beretta Tomcat .32, or sometimes a 21A in .22LR. The setup is lightweight and it holds tight enough that it doesn’t bounce around, but it’s not constricting around the midsection either.

It came in handy when I was set upon by a pack of Utah desert jackrabbits one time.



eta: mine is the Pistolwear PT-2.

 

[SteadyD]

Mine would be like 10-12yrs old, and I don’t see one exactly like it on their site now, but this is pretty similar:

https://www.nathansports.com/products/peak-hydration-waist-pak-black-gold

View attachment 1092406

Awesome, thanks! Did you affix a velcro panel and holster or anything like that? Additionally, do you think it would it fit a j frame or LCR?

 

[Varminterror]

Awesome, thanks! Did you affix a velcro panel and holster or anything like that? Additionally, do you think it would it fit a j frame or LCR?

For a long time, I just left the pistol bare in the zippered pocket - it doesn’t offer enough room to move. I did end up putting a leather pocket holster shaped like the pocket inside it eventually.

On fitting a J-frame/LCR… um… I know I kinda wedged my LC9 either into either this pack or my spibelt… we just moved and a bunch of stuff is still packed up, lemme see if I can find that belt this evening and see if my SP101 fits.

 

[GarrettJ]

So the holster itself is a pouch. The inside material is such that Velcro would stick to it. I generally just put the gun in there and it fits tight enough to the body that it stays put pretty well. Sometimes I put the gun in inside a pocket holster, other times I just put in the gun.

It has a magnetic strap in the front to keep it from flopping open. I don’t really think it’s necessary, and does give a bit of a “lumpy” look to your front of the breeze blows your shirt against you. I usually tuck that strap into the pouch, behind the gun.

I have used it with a J-frame, so I know that works. I’m sure an LCR would work also.

 

[oldschool45]

I use a Nathan Hydration vest and its left breast zipper pocket would hold a Airweight S&W 442. I've also carried a Kimber Micro380 in a shorts pocket in a pocket holster. I've had double hernias so I don't care for tight or heavy belts. With running, weight carried on the upper body is preferable to things bouncing around on my legs.
I no longer have the Micro380 or the Airweight so I too am looking for a chest carry option for a Sig365XL. The Hill People Gear looks good I just can't find any in stock.

 

[balin]

Looks like it might work for the micro eagle.

Many companies make different styles for the fitness instructor. I have a different one that I carry a J frame with.

 

[balin]

what handgun do you carry here? my smallest choices are a naa bugout 22lr and a keltec p32. would either of these work? the commenters on amazon (zumba instructors, theater performers) are likely the last people on earth to use it for a ccw.

Many companies make different styles for the fitness instructor. I have a different one that I carry a J frame with

 

[Citadel99]

I haven't used one but have been looking at the PHLster Enigma. If it's what they say it is, it's what you are looking for.

Mark

 

[Rexster]

When my knees still allowed me to run, I hand-carried a J-snub in a small pouch, changing hands every lap, or, at the half-way point, depending upon where I was running. This kept the load, over time, symmetrical. One pouch was made by Michaels of Oregon, and the other was, IIRC, marketed by Eagle Creek, through outdoor equipment stores, as a compact camera pouch. Neither pouch is still made, exactly the same, today.

Or, for relatively shorter distances, I ran in duty-type trousers, wearing my police duty rig, which used a Velcro system to hold the under-belt to the duty belt. (Yes, the way to make sure that one can run while wearing a duty rig is to run while wearing a duty rig. With Danner duty boots, of course.)

Today, I will walk somewhat fast, and scurry up and down slopes relatively quickly, wearing waist pouches, made by either Osprey or Hill People Gear. Or, I will sometimes wear a Hill People Gear Kit Bag.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/daylite-waist-DAYLTWSTS21.html

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/129

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/6

There are other sizes of the waist pack and Kit Bag, plus other related Hill People Gear products suited to vigorous outdoor activities. The Hills are former wild-land firefighters, and they have First Spear sew their nylon products. First Spear seems to be the true torch-bearer of what was started by the old-school Eagle Industries.

https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products

https://www.first-spear.com/

I have run, while hand-carrying a Safepacker, from The Wilderness, when I wanted to carry a larger handgun than a J-snub. A strap acted as a retention method, while a hand carried the weight.

https://www.thewilderness.com/safepacker-concealment-holster/

I have no financial affiliation with any of these entities. Just a satisfied customer.

 

[Autodidactic]

If you are a runner, what do you carry, and how?

More often than not, I have opted for a fixed blade. But I am trying to regularly carry a micro desert eagle in an open-top pouch on a runners belt, which seems to work pretty well. I prefer the weight and constriction at my hip rather than shoulders. I run 9-12 miles every other day. At that distance it is less appealing to trudge along with an uncomfortable option.

The micro de fits well, and the pouch both keeps it mostly away from sweat and isn't visibly a holster unless up close. I can also draw relatively smoothly, and there is minimal bounce.

The micro de is the micro I have -- though it brings some benefits. With its short barrel it fits both pouch and waistpack pockets better than an lcp. The nickel finish will also resist corrosion. The trigger has serrations and is DAO, which I think better for drawing and shooting with sweety hands. It shoots small for a small gun, though the trigger guard batters my middle finger.

But it is a bit heavy for a pocket 380, and the shorter barrel makes the round even more anemic.

Not completely satisfied, I would like to find a stable and secure way to run with my p365 that keeps it 1) accessible, 2) mostly away from sweat, and 3) concealed. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Also just interested to hear the compromises others have made ...
View attachment 1091869

I don’t carry while jogging or in the gym. I’d choose a micro polymer .380 such as my Bodyguard if I did. Anything heavy unless on a good hip or chest holster wouldn’t work well.