The 12 Best Fanny Pack Holsters

Remember when fanny packs were cool? We think it was around the time Back to the Future came out. Since then, they’ve become pretty much the opposite of cool – which is why they make excellent concealed carry holsters.

The whole point of concealed carrying a firearm is to be unassuming. Unless you’re working in security, you don’t want people to look at you and think, “They’ve got a gun!”. For that reason, the best fanny pack holsters look like something a tourist or soccer mom would wear. That said some of them do fall into the “tacticool” category, with extra straps, pockets, and a sturdier build.

Like other holsters, fanny pack holsters come in different sizes for different firearms. Some are equally good for left and right-handed people, while others are less inclusive. Some are classic fanny packs, while others are boxier and made to be worn on the hip.

We’ve looked at twelve of the most popular fanny pack holsters online, and chosen a wide variety of sizes, types, and prices. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each, and tell you what each one is good for. After that, we’ll go over some questions you might have.

Best Fanny Pack Holsters

1. DTOM Law Enforcement

The DTOM Law Enforcement is an ambidextrous fanny pack holster that’s large enough for full-sized pistols like the Glock 17. It does this without looking enormous, by storing the barrel of your gun in the waistband, with the grip in the central pocket. The secondary pockets to the side are relatively small and are made for handcuffs or zip ties.

There are straps inside to hold up to three extra magazines, and the pouch is secured by high-quality YKK zippers. This kind of quality comes at a price, though. The DTOM Law Enforcement pack is one of the more expensive fanny packs on the market. It also looks very tactical, with large black D-rings and a mesh pouch on the outside. That’s fine if you’re in law enforcement, but most civilians will probably want something more low-key.

Pros

• Ambidextrous
• Holds up to three extra magazines
• Large enough for full-sized pistols
• High-quality zippers

Cons

• Pricey
• Conspicuous appearance
• No extra space for phone or wallet

Why It’s Recommended

This is an ideal fanny pack holster for law enforcement officers who are trying to keep a low profile. It’s also good for anyone with a large pistol.

2. VooDoo Tactical

The Voodoo Tactical has an ambidextrous design and includes a velcro holster that securely covers the trigger guard while your weapon is stored. It also stores two extra magazines, all in one central compartment. There are two smaller zippered compartments on the waistband, and another zippered pouch on the front that’s large enough for a wallet or phone, but not both.

Considering that the main compartment alone is large enough for a full-sized pistol, the Hide-a-Weapon is fairly bulky. That said, it has an inconspicuous appearance, especially if you buy it in olive drab or coyote instead of black or camo.

The major drawback of this pack is the low-quality zippers. They have large tabs and are easy to open, but they have a tendency to start coming unzipped on their own. Needless to say, this is not a good choice for joggers, since the main compartment can come completely open.

Pros

• Ambidextrous design
• Includes velcro holster
• Large, quick-pull zipper tabs
• Space for 2 extra magazines
• Available in three colors
• Reasonably priced
• Separate space for phone or wallet

Cons

• Zipper doesn’t always stay closed
• A bit large

Why It’s Recommended

The Hide-a-Weapon is a good choice if you need an inconspicuous fanny pack holster for a compact or full-size pistol.

3. Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty

Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty is sized for compact pistols or smaller. Anything with a barrel length of six inches or less will fit. The restraining strap is ambidextrous, as is the velcro holster. The holster itself is adjustable, so it can be used for pistols with lights or lasers.

One nice thing about this fanny pack is its appearance. It’s very low-key and looks like a binocular case, or a camera case, or just about anything that’s not a holster. It’s on the small side, though, and won’t accept full-sized pistols. It also only has room for one extra magazine. This isn’t much, but it should be more than enough for most situations the average person is likely to run into.

There’s a separate compartment that’s big enough for a wallet, keys, phone, and more. The waistband is larger than most, adjustable up to 50 inches.

Pros

• Ambidextrous
• Includes adjustable velcro holster
• Separate compartment for everyday use
• Large, 50” waistband
• Inconspicuous

Cons

• Only room for 1 extra magazine
• Only holds compact and sub-compact pistols

Why It’s Recommended

This is a well-designed concealed carry holster for anyone who has a smaller pistol and needs the fanny pack for carrying other things as well.

4. Soft Armor Merlin

The Soft Armor Merlin is ambidextrous and fits almost any sized pistol. This is because it’s available in two sizes: one will hold guns with up to 3-inch barrels, while the larger size will hold up to a 6-inch barrel. Even at this capacity, it’s relatively compact, and only has space for one extra magazine in the main compartment.

There’s a secondary compartment, which you can use for everyday objects or additional magazines. In addition, there’s a small external pouch for holding a phone or wallet. The zippers on all compartments are well-machined, with large, quick-release tabs.

The whole unit is rugged and durable, but that comes at a price; depending on which size you get, it can be fairly expensive. That said, the Merlin looks like a tourist’s fanny pack, not a holster, and is great for inconspicuous concealed carry.

Pros

• Quick-release zippers
• Available for most sized pistols
• Fits up to 55” waist
• Extra pouch for wallet and other accessories
• Looks like a tourist’s pack
• Tough and durable

Cons

• Expensive
• Only room for 1 extra magazine

Why It’s Recommended

This is a well-designed, durable fanny pack holster. No matter what size pistol you have, it’s a great concealed carry pack.

5. DTOM

The DTOM is designed to hold your pistol firmly in place with two elastic straps, one of which covers the trigger guard. The design is ergonomic, with the pistol angled slightly with the grip towards the top right. Unfortunately, the angle of the straps makes it impossible to store your gun safely for a left-handed draw.

The strap over the trigger guard fits snugly, but this comes at its own cost: it’s too small for guns with oversized trigger guards. It will fit almost any full-sized pistol, though, and is extremely tough.

This pack uses only high-quality YKK zippers and has two extra zippered pockets, the smaller of which is roomy enough for even a large Samsung phone. It costs more than most fanny pack holsters, but all-in-all it’s a good value for the money.

Pros

• Built for full-sized pistols
• Ergonomic
• Durable design and zippers
• Two extra zippered pockets
• Good value

Cons

• Straps are too tight for large trigger guards
• Designed for right-handed use only
• Only room for one extra magazine

Why It’s Recommended

DTOM’s large pack is a tough, ergonomic choice for right-handed users. The price is reasonable considering the high quality.

6. Patriot Pack

The Patriot Pack is sized for compact or sub-compact pistols. In a pinch, you can fit a Smith & Wesson Shield, but only with the shorter 7-round magazine.

It’s ambidextrous and includes an adjustable velcro holster. In theory, this would allow you to angle your firearm so it’s ideal for your particular draw. In practice, unless you have a very small pistol, it’s going to have to rest more or less horizontally in order to fit.

There’s room in the main compartment for one extra magazine, and there are two additional zippered compartments for everyday objects like your phone and wallet. This fanny pack is very affordable. Unfortunately, it’s made in China, and the stitching on the waistband is done with thin thread and doesn’t stand up well to abuse. This is a shame since the 55-inch waistband is one of the largest ones available.

Pros

• Ambidextrous
• Includes adjustable velcro holster
• 2 extra zippered pockets
• Large 55” waistband
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Low-quality stitching
• Not large enough for full-sized pistols

Why It’s Recommended

This is a good starter holster for pistols under 6 ¼” in total length. It’s affordable and good enough to do the job, but you’ll want to replace it soon if you carry it every day.

7. DTOM Small

The DTOM Small is an ambidextrous pack with a slim design. It’s made specifically for sub-compact pistols. The velcro holster is easy to reposition, easy to draw from, and covers the full trigger guard on most small handguns. The small design has a trade-off, though; there’s the only room in the main compartment for one extra mag.

The shell on this fanny pack is exceptionally high-quality. It’s crafted from bison leather, which is durable, water-resistant, and looks fantastic. This also gives it a natural look, which makes it unassuming enough to carry just about anywhere. Combine that with the slim profile, and you’ve got a fantastic concealed carry pack for everyday use.

There are 2 small, zippered pockets that are big enough for everyday personal effects. There’s also a quick-release tab on the top for fast access to your firearm. This will cost you more than the average fanny pack holster, but it’s worth every penny.

Pros

• Bison leather shell
• Includes velcro holster
• High-quality YKK zippers
• Ambidextrous
• Quick-release tab
• Unobtrusive
• 2 extra compartments

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Limited magazine space

Why It’s Recommended

If you’re carrying a sub-compact pistol, you want it to be unobtrusive. Why not pick a slim, durable fanny pack holster to keep it that way?

8. Roma Mens Pistol Pouch

The Roma Men’s Pistol Pouch is an ambidextrous fanny pack holster that comes with a removable velcro holster. It’s easy to open, with large straps on each zipper, and has a whopping six extra pockets.

Three of these are small velcro pockets, and the others are larger zipper pockets. The zipper pockets are big enough for a phone or wallet, while the velcro pockets are better for small objects like car keys.

This is an inexpensive pack and comes with its share of issues. There’s not enough room in the main compartment for an extra magazine.

Worse, the velcro on the holster and the pockets wear out quickly, although realistically your holster should stay in place once you have it positioned the way you want it. That said, it’s one of the most affordable full-sized pistol packs you’ll find, and it has a generous, 50-inch waistband.

Pros

• Large enough for full-sized pistols
• 6 extra pockets
• Includes velcro holster
• 50” waistband
• Large zipper straps
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Limited magazine space
• Velcro wears out quickly

Why It’s Recommended

This is an excellent starter holster for your full-sized CCW. If you’re on the heavier side, it’s one of the few inexpensive packs with a 50” waistband.

9. 5.11

5.11 is an absolute beast. It’s ambidextrous and looks smaller than it is by storing the barrel of your gun inside the waistband. It’s large enough for any compact or sub-compact pistol. Even some full-frame guns will fit, but a Springfield 1911 is a squeeze and anything larger is a no-go.

The quick-release tabs will open the main compartment in a split second, and you can easily store 2 extra mags in the slots in the flap. Extra storage is limited, but there are two small zipper pouches on the waistband. They’re large enough for ID or keys, but not for much else.

The shell is engineered from high-grade nylon, and the zippers are high-quality, with large pull-straps. This fanny pack holster costs more than most, but it’s the best option out there for very large individuals – it fits up to a 60-inch waist.

Pros

• Quick-release tabs
• Ambidextrous
• Holds 2 extra magazines
• Durable construction
• Fits up to a 60” waist

Cons

• Too small for most full-sized pistols
• A little pricey

Why It’s Recommended

The 5.22 Select Carry Pistol Pouch will comfortably hold any compact or sub-compact pistol. Deployment is easy, and you can carry extra magazines.

10. М-Tac

To begin with, the M-Tac isn’t actually a fanny pack. It’s a small sling bag. This is advantageous if you’re a bicyclist since riding with a fanny pack can be uncomfortable and make it awkward to draw. The M-Tac bag is large enough for full-frame pistols. The only thing you won’t be able to carry in it is an extra-long revolver, and those guns aren’t made for concealed carry.

The quick-release strap is easy to open, as long as you’re right-handed. If you’re left-handed, you might want a different holster, since this is strictly designed for a right-handed cross-draw. Taller users may also have some trouble since the strap isn’t very long.

This pack is available in five colors and has three additional zipper pockets for a wallet, phone or keys. It’s also very affordable and is durable enough to be worth your money.

Pros

• Large enough for full-frame pistols
• Quick-release strap
• 3 extra zipper pockets
• Available in 5 colors
• Affordable

Cons

• For right-handed use only
• Not technically a fanny pack
• Relatively short strap

Why It’s Recommended

If you’re a bicyclist, or if your other hobbies make a fanny pack uncomfortable, this is a good, inconspicuous alternative.

11. Gabico

Much like M-Tac’s offering, the Gabico isn’t actually a fanny pack. It’s a belly strap for joggers, with an integrated holster and magazine slots that can also be used for a phone or wallet. It’s ambidextrous, and the elastic is stretchy enough to accommodate any length of a firearm.

That said, the grip will protrude above the waistband, and will stick out further the larger your gun is. You’ll need to have a shirt or jacket over the top of it, though, to fully conceal your weapon. It’s adjustable up to 46 inches and is soft and breathable.

Pros

• Great for jogging
• Ambidextrous
• Fits almost any pistol
• Adjustable up to 46” waist
• Extra slots for magazines or wallet

Cons

• Not a fanny pack
• Needs clothing to fully cover your firearm

Why It’s Recommended

This is a great choice for joggers. If you’re worried about accidentally jiggling the zipper loose on a standard fanny pack, that’s not going to happen with the Gabico.

12. Elite Survival Systems

The Elite Survival Systems isn’t a fanny pack, but you wear it like one. The difference is that it mounts on an existing belt, using two belt loops on the back. It’s also not discreet. It’s not that it looks military perse; it just doesn’t look like a regular fanny pack.

That said, this is a nice CCW pack. It’s made from heavy-gauge canvas with tough, double-stitched seams. It includes an adjustable velcro holster and can be worn on either side of your body. There are two extra zipper pockets, which are both large enough for most phones and wallets. It also ships with a shoulder strap if you’d rather carry it that way.

Pros

• Tough, durable construction
• Ambidextrous
• Can also be worn with shoulder strap
• Includes adjustable velcro holster
• 2 extra zipper pockets

Cons

• Requires a belt for carrying
• Not actually discreet

Why It’s Recommended

If you want a tough-as-nails pack for your CCW, the Elite Survival Systems pack is an excellent choice.

Key Considerations

If this is your first concealed carry holster, you probably have some questions. Even if you’ve been concealed carrying for years, fanny pack holsters have their own quirks you should probably be aware of. Let’s look at some of the most important things you need to know.

What Are the Different Types of Fanny Pack?

To begin with, fanny pack holsters can either be right-handed or ambidextrous. Right-handed holsters have a restraining strap that’s designed to angle a pistol’s grip up towards the user’s right hand. Since the grip will be angled down and away if it’s holstered left-handed, left-handed users will either need to draw right-handed or choose an ambidextrous holster.

An ambidextrous holster has a restraining strap that holds the pistol horizontally. This is slightly less ergonomic for right-handed people but allows the pistol to be stored in either direction.

Besides standard fanny packs, some concealed carry pouches are mounted on your hip. We’ve reviewed a couple of these because they serve basically the same purpose. Left-handed users will want to be careful here, too, since some of these pouches are only designed for right-handed people.

Another thing you’ll want to think about is how many extra magazines you need to carry. Most fanny pack holsters have space for a single spare, but others have pouches for two or three.

The color and appearance also matter, believe it or not. A black tactical mesh may look cool, but as a general rule anything that looks “military” is going to attract unwanted attention. A simple grey nylon pack looks frumpy, but for most people, it’s the best choice.

Comfort and Utility

Because a fanny pack doesn’t make direct contact with your skin, comfort is less of a concern than it would be with an inside waistband holster. It’s not going to chafe or smother your skin, so you can use whichever material seems best. A lot of fanny pack holsters are made from plain nylon, which is inexpensive and perfectly good for the purpose.

Finally, you’ll want to consider whether you’ll be keeping other things in your fanny packs, such as your phone, wallet, passport, or keys. If so, you’ll need a pack with more than one pocket. Most fanny pack holsters already do this, but some don’t.

The last thing you want to do is accidentally flash your pistol while you’re buying movie tickets, so it’s good to keep everything but your gun and magazine in a separate pocket. On the other hand, if you’re only using the fanny pack for your pistol, a slimmer, single-pocket design can be more comfortable.

What Are the Best Brands?

This is a bit of a niche market. Apparel and travel gear manufacturers seem to avoid firearm-related products, while tactical manufacturers don’t like to sell anything that isn’t “cool”. There are a couple of exceptions to this: M-Tac and Voodoo Tactical both make some nice fanny pack holsters. DTOM has a whole line of them, which are all good quality and reasonably priced.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the best fanny pack holster.

It needs to be the right size for your gun. That’s true of all holsters, but it bears repeating. If your holster is too small, your pistol won’t fit. If it’s too large, your gun can accidentally come loose and fall out when you open the pocket.

It also needs to be well-suited for your purposes. A big pack with lots of extra space is perfect for walking around town but can be too constricting for exercise or hiking. Big packs can also be uncomfortable when you’re driving, and make it uncomfortable to wear your seat belt. In these situations, a slimmer pack can be a better choice.

Durability, versatility, and comfort are all concerns, as is conspicuousness. Sometimes, these factors work against each other. For example, a large tactical pouch is very conspicuous, but also holds a bunch of extra stuff.