Better than a fanny pack...

[coltrane59]

So, I bought one of these last summer, and I'm wondering if anyone ever uses this, or something similar, to pack a pistol around. I use mine everyday to carry random stuff and lunch to work.

It's an Eddie Bauer Cross-body Bag.

I think it kicks the fanny pack's fanny, and looks pretty stylish (relative to a fanny pack that is). Plus, it's a bit bigger.

I'd like to retrofit it with a holster somehow.

Also, this is meant to sit on your shoulder and fit across your torso, and the bag hangs down on your side (i.e., under your armpit, or slightly behind the shoulder).

 

[mljdeckard]

I don't see any advantage over a fanny pack.

 

[coltrane59]

Advantage over a fanny pack

Tactically, no. But, a lot of people who would agree that the fanny pack is technically very handy, would not agree with the "look" of the fanny pack. Frankly, the fanny pack is outdated (fashion-wise) by about 15 years. This bag "looks" more updated and is pretty casual.

Tactically, I'd rather have a fanny pack, I guess, since it's up front, in control, and more easily accessible. However, I'd never wear a fanny pack, because I don't like the look. Call me vain...

So, if you're looking for a "bag" or "pouch" style alternative, then I was wondering if anyone may have considered something like this, and used it successfully.

Again, I haven't used mine to carry a handgun, and I may never do so (since I didn't buy it for that purpose), but it got me thinking. I could, for instance, pack a pistol in there while hiking, and it would be pretty comfy. I could also conceal a sizeable pistol in this bag at a fair on a hot summer day while wearing shorts and a light shirt.

 

[Sinixstar]

I used to have something similar - although it was a bit bigger.
Not sure how well it would work for practical CC - as it's on your back, not all that easily accessible.

I've never been a big fan of the fanny-pack, because to me it screams "euro-tourist" - which normally screams "i have money come rob me". (i picked this up in my years living in NYC)

I think something that would work well - is something along the lines of a messenger bag or laptop bag - that has a single shoulder strap, and an easy-to-reach compartment along the back of the bag. It could be worn across your body much as this is - but would swing around to your side much faster/easier - and allow you to grab your weapon much faster and inconspicuously. These bags like the Eddie Bauer bag - take a little bit of maneuvering to move around to an accessible position, and since they're not all that common, it's very conspicuous to do so. Messenger/Laptop bags are extremely common design, and having them flop around a little bit isn't going to raise any notice.

 

[mauiglide]

Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack works for me.

 

[FMF]

the biggest advantage it has is that it doesn't look like a fanny pack.

when I see a man, any man but especially middle-age+ men, wearing a fanny pack it just SCREAMS gun. I give them them a raised-I-know-whats-up-eyebrow whenever I see them.

Thanks for posting another "alternative" carry method...I like Sinixstar's laptop bag method; would probably be the least conspicuous since they're everywhere.

 

[mljdeckard]

Not using the man-purse.

I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't worry about being spotted because of the fanny pack. HERE, most of the people who instantly recognize them are other CCW guys, so I don't care. Yes, at Disneyland I would feel completely different.

I can wear the fanny pack over anything. If I'm wearing sweat pants, I can put it on, with the wallet in front, phone in the side, and go. I was in the roof today doing christmas lights, I rotated it to the rear and didn't worry about it. When I'm driving, I put the lap belt under it, and it's there for the easiest draw I can get while driving. I have other holsters, but the fanny pack is the one I use over half of the time.

 

[coltrane59]

These bags like the Eddie Bauer bag - take a little bit of maneuvering to move around to an accessible position, and since they're not all that common, it's very conspicuous to do so.

I wear mine more to the side, under my arm. If it's stuffed full, it may fit better on the back, but otherwise, I keep it off my back. Maybe it does look awkward that way, who knows? If someone searched me though, they'd just find my sandwich for the time being.

I like the messenger bag idea though -- you're right, these are common, and are meant to be carried on your side.

I also like the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack. Looks like it has a holster built in, or a holster-friendly compartment.

 

[Frog48]

I don't see any advantage over a fanny pack.

Well, for one, Eddie Bauer isnt dorky.

I really like messenger bags. I carry one everyday, also from Eddie Bauer, however not exclusively for concealed-carry purposes. They're great for school and work, since they look more modern than an old school briefcase, and not as bulky as a backpack.

Here's mine:

 

[Brian Dale]

It looks like the carry strap isn't even just a strap--it looks like an extension of the fabric of the bag, and it looks like it's very sturdy. That's a strong point in its favor: hard for a potential thief to tear loose.

I carry books, laptop, reading glasses, pens, note pads and other gear in a Timbuk2 messenger bag every day. It's designed to be carried with the strap diagonally across the body; mine was designed by and for urban bicycle messengers. The strap will not come off unless it were to be cut; it's two-inch webbing, much stiffer than seat belt webbing, and it's securely bar-tacked to the bag.

One reason that I would not carry a pistol in either yours or mine is that I don't usually carry mine with the strap diagonally across my body. That's an awkward arrangement for me to get into and out of. No special reason; I just usually have a lot of stuff in it. With a coat, hat this time of year, coffee cup, sometimes a cane, and so forth, I almost always carry it slung on one shoulder rather than crosswise.

I've never had anybody try to snatch-and-run with a bag, briefcase or satchel of mine, but I still wouldn't risk carrying a pistol in it. Also, the top flap closes securely enough that things don't fall out; it's not secure enough to keep someone from reaching in.

I've seen women carrying purse sized Healthy Back bags crosswise--they're similar in shape to the Eddie Bauer--but most that I've seen were on one shoulder. Do you carry yours across your body, all of the time? Even more important, are the zippers or other closures accessible to others when you're carrying the bag?

Even if you always carry the Eddie Bauer with the strap crosswise across your chest, I've still read many, many recommendations here against off-body carry if a person has any other practical means of carrying a pistol concealed. It looks like a great bag, though.

 

[Kind of Blued]

The only reason I would use one is if a backpack obstructed my access to my gun, which is where it belongs: in a holster, on my belt, strongside.

This is my situation, but I usually have a BUG in my coat pocket or crossdraw if I need something really fast. If I have an extra .5 seconds, I straighten my arms, turn around, and begin running. Backpack falls off between me and bad guy, and I now have some distance.

If I'm really in fear for my life, he can have my bag as long as he goes away. It's 20lbs. of bulk that makes me a very slow moving target, and it's all replacable. I'd rather not have 20lbs. of bulk more or less permanently attached to me in the case of an over-the-head-and-shoulder-type bag. If I tried to take it off, with my luck I'd knock my glasses off and be in big trouble.

 

[seeker_two]

I don't see any advantage over a fanny pack.

One advantage is that it doesn't LOOK like a fanny pack.....or a Maxpedition or any other uber-tacti-cool pack that stands out to firearm enthusiasts....


I'd be interested....wonder if you can wear it comfortably with the pack side forward.......

 

[mgregg85]

I don't see any advantage over a fanny pack.

I would say that the fanny pack has a single advantage in that when people see it laugh they disregard you as the fanny pack guy and don't bother to even consider the possibility of a gun(except for firearm enthusiasts who might know what the fanny pack is all about).

The messenger bags have the dignity advantage.

Crossbreed makes a pretty nice leather messenger bag/holster combination but its pricey.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/ohai.html

 

[230RN]

Can you drive with that thing?

I tend to travel light, and my distinct impression is that there is no "screaming" about GUN when wearing a belly/fanny pack except maybe to other gunnies and perhaps LEOs. If I spot anyone looking at it it speculatively, I look back at them, obviously scanning them up and down to see where they're packing, then I give them a little nod.

When I wear one (depends on circumstances) I wear it so it sits about about ten o'clock, nothing in it but gun and extra mag.

Nothing else.

Does not interfere with steering.

Gun positioned for ease of draw. (I made an insert for it to keep the gun more-or-less positioned correctly.) Zipper is positioned to facilitate the draw, with a largish long key tag on it.

Style? Style?

Feh! on style. I note that even last summer, a lot of cyclists and tourists wearing them on the 16th Street Mall in Denver.

As well as ordinary mortals.

 

[coltrane59]

Yes, I always wear this thing diagonally across my torso. Because of the way that it's cut, it doesn't really hang off the shoulder - the strap goes from the top of the bag to the bottom corner of the bag, so it cants a little. Also it's asymetrical, so it doesn't balance well on just one shoulder.

The zippers are accessible though, which I've wondered about - although if I kept them pulled down closed at the bottom of the bag (the main compartment has 2 zippers, so they can set at any point along the length of the zipper), then it would be a little more difficult for someone to pull tbe zipper up to open it without me knowing, b/c they'd have to tug on the bag.

 

[230RN]

Well, over the years I've found I prefer crossdraw and this ten o'clock postion kind of makes the whole thing fendable with the left arm.

The only thing that bothers me about the belly pack is the possibility of getting the strap cut and some purse-snatcher type running off with it.

I was toying with the idea of putting some aircraft wire through the belt, but I guess I'm not tactical enough to actually get around to it.

Actually, that cross-pack does not look like a bad deal. but I don't think I'd keep a gun in it. You're bound to take it off at some point (like dining, etc,) and that's not the case with a belly pack. In fact, people don't expect you to take off a belly pack while sitting.

Good deal, though. Looks practical otherwise.

 

[ZO6Vettever]

I live in Key West and fanny packs or belly bags, whatever, are so not stylish, even the gay guys don't use them anymore. No offence intended (PC disclaimer)

 

[7.62X25mm]

Thank gawd this state allows open carry. You put the gun in a holster, on the belt. By law it's not considered "concealed" and legal if it's visible. It's considered "concealed" if it's not visible, and with a CCW you're legal.

Pancake holster on the belt. Pull-over or coat. No funky nylon encumberments, and you don't look like an extra on a casting call for "Escape From Suburbia."

If you're worried about "purse snatchers" you're going about the whole carry concept entirely wrong.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I carry a Timbuk2 messenger bag as well stuffed with laptop, etc.

I've added a Safepacker (http://www.thewilderness.com) to the front strap for my carry gun. It blends in, is very convenient and can be easily transferred to the front seat of my truck or my belt or hand carried as neccesary.

 

[230RN]

I said "purse-snatcher types."

And I'm not really worried about them, which is why I never installed the aircraft cable.

In summer, I'm starting to use the ankle rig more often, or an IWB with a Hawaaian shirt. Or both.

 

[benEzra]

I don't see any advantage over a fanny pack.

Carrying a fanny pack shouts either "I have no fashion sense" or "My fashion sense is stuck in 1992."

Carrying a black oversized fanny pack while wearing pants with pockets shouts "I have no fashion sense and I'm carrying a gun."

 

[moooose102]

Not using the man-purse.

DITTO!
i dont use a fanny pack either. i like cargo pants. if i cant carry it in my cargo pants (or cargo shorts) and or a jacket, i will leave it at home.

 

[grasshoppa]

If only Eddie Bauer's brother, Jack, would sell a bag. That's what I would want, a Jack Bauer bag.

 

[LTB15J]

military use them under their gear bags as a quicker way to access the commonly used items. definitely not man purses

the rule is, two front pockets + neon colors= fanny pack. mil spec colors + molle loops = tactical pack

(lol)

 

[the foot]

In my estimation a fanny pack or a shoulder bag/sack would be appropriate only if I was carrying a weapon not easily concealed. Such as a bomb.

For me, medium/large frame autos in an appropriate belt holster, under a shirt tail/ jacket, or a revolver snubby in a front pocket holster is the way to go.