Welcome back to another Tech Tip Tuesday! Today, we’re diving into the often heated topic of off body carry, also referred to as bag carry. While some see it as a practical solution for concealed carry, others consider it a potential risk. Like many things there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the pros and cons will help you decide if off-body carry is right for you.
At TFirearms, we know this method can be controversial, but it can be a valuable tool when used correctly. We even make custom Kydex inserts specifically designed to maximize safety and accessibility for off-body carry. Let’s break down the top 5 pros and cons of this carry method.
Top 5 Pros of Off-Body (Bag) Carry
1. Carrying a Larger Firearm
One of the biggest advantages of off-body carry is that it allows you to carry a larger firearm than you might be able to manage on your body as seen in my tongue in cheek title photo. With on-body carry, you’re limited by what can be concealed under your clothing. But a bag gives you the option to carry a full-size handgun or even a compact carbine, depending on the bag’s size and layout.
For many shooters, larger firearms mean better handling, increased capacity, and more reliable performance. When I need to carry more firepower without being obvious about it, I lean toward off-body carry.
2. Increased Capacity
Not only can you carry a larger firearm, but you can also pack more gear. A bag allows you to carry extra magazines, medical gear, flashlights, and other essentials without weighing down your belt or making you uncomfortable. This makes off-body carry a strong option for those who prioritize having more gear available in an emergency. Or if you know you’ll be in a higher risk area with a higher likelihood of danger.
3. Comfort and Flexibility
Let’s be honest: carrying a firearm on your body can be uncomfortable, especially for long periods. Off-body carry eliminates the pressure points and constant adjustments that often come with IWB (inside-the-waistband) or OWB (outside-the-waistband) holsters. This method gives you more freedom of movement, making it a great option for extended outings, travel, or if you’re just looking for a break from the discomfort of on-body carry.
Recently, I had shoulder surgery that required immobilizing my left arm during the recovery process. By using a fanny pack, I was able to carry a full-size CZ SP-01 with larger controls that I could operate effectively with one hand. I also relocated all the items I normally carry to my right side, ensuring I could access everything with just my right hand. As a left-handed shooter in this specific situation, there was virtually no way I could have carried a firearm large enough to run one-handed effectively without resorting to bag carry.
4. Versatility in Clothing Options
Off-body carry is much more versatile when it comes to clothing. It doesn’t require you to dress around the gun like on-body carry does. You can wear fitted clothing, light summer outfits, or even professional attire without sacrificing your ability to carry. This is especially useful in situations where traditional concealed carry might be difficult or impractical due to attire requirements.
5. Discreet Carry for Non-Permissive Environments
Off-body carry can be ideal for non-permissive environments, like workspaces, gyms, or other places where a visible bulge on your waist might raise eyebrows. Bags are common and expected in these environments, making them a more discreet option. It is very important to use a bag that blends in, many options exist on the market for these different environments that offer purpose built designs for firearms to be carried discreetly with a high degree of security.
Top 5 Cons of Off-Body (Bag) Carry
1. Risk of Theft or Loss
The biggest drawback of off-body carry is the potential for theft or loss. It’s much easier to set down a bag and walk away from it than to forget a gun strapped to your hip. If your bag is stolen, misplaced, or left unattended, it could easily fall into the wrong hands.
2. Slower Draw Speed
Drawing from a bag will almost always be slower than drawing from a waistband or shoulder holster. You’ll likely need to unzip, unclip, or unbutton your bag to access the firearm, adding precious seconds to your draw time. In a life-threatening situation, every second counts, and the slower draw speed of off-body carry could put you at a disadvantage.
3. Retention Challenges
Retention is another major concern with off-body carry. While a well-designed holster can keep your firearm secure in the bag, there’s no direct attachment to your body. This makes it easier for a determined attacker to grab the bag and run, potentially leaving you defenseless.
4. Limited Accessibility While Moving
Drawing from a bag is difficult while moving. If you’re running, biking, or navigating through a crowd, accessing your firearm becomes a lot trickier. To mitigate this, consider using chest rigs or fanny packs, which still qualify as off-body carry but provide faster access and better retention during movement.
5. Potential for Negligent Discharge
Without a proper holster insert, there’s always a risk that items inside the bag could shift into the trigger guard and potentially cause a negligent discharge. This makes using a secure holster like the custom Kydex inserts we make at TFirearms, absolutely critical for off-body carry. These inserts provide a rigid barrier that fully covers the trigger guard, ensuring safe storage while keeping the firearm in an optimal position for quick access.
The holsters we recommended for pocket carry last week also work exceptionally well inside a bag. They maintain the same secure fit, protecting the trigger while providing consistent draw angles. Whether you’re pocket-carrying or using a bag, the right holster is key to both safety and effective deployment.
How TFirearms Custom Kydex Inserts Make Off-Body Carry Safer
At TFirearms, we’ve designed custom Kydex inserts specifically for off-body carry. These inserts have a hook-and-loop interface, with the hook backing on the holster allowing it to attach directly to most loop panels found in purpose-built concealed carry bags.
This system keeps the firearm secure and stationary, even when the bag is jostled or carried at odd angles. By maintaining the holster’s position, you get a consistent draw angle, which is essential for reliable access.
Our Kydex inserts offer a rigid, protective shell that fully covers the trigger guard, minimizing the risk of negligent discharge. If you’re considering off-body carry but want a safer and more reliable setup, our inserts can make a significant difference.
Popular Types of Off-Body Carry Bags
When it comes to off-body carry, purse carry is the most commonly thought-of method, particularly for women. Purses offer a convenient way to carry a firearm while still having easy access to other essentials. Women often find this method appealing for obvious reasons—purses are a natural part of their daily wardrobe and can be worn comfortably.
However, most purses designed for concealed carry are often poorly made, filled with compromises between looking fashionable and being functional. This almost always results in a product that fails at both, offering neither true concealment nor reliable access to the firearm.
We offer a number of options that you can choose from on our website here. Of them all the most popular one that we recommend to people is the Cameleon Bags line of products or the bags made by Bulldog. They are well-built and feature separate compartments just for you’re gun that will also work well with our holster inserts if you don’t like the provided ones that come with the purse.
On the other hand, murses (man purses) and sling-style bags are becoming increasingly popular among men. These types of bags tend to be better constructed, often with specific features designed to mitigate the downsides of off-body carry, such as reinforced zippers, dedicated firearm compartments, and hook-and-loop panels that accommodate secure holster attachments. The Grey Ghost Gear Crossbody Bag is one of my personal favorites. I wear it like a fanny pack and find it’s just the right size to accommodate a large pistol while still being compact enough to remain convenient and comfortable for everyday use. The bag’s thoughtful design includes well-organized pockets that are easy to access, making it a solid option for both concealed carry and general use.
The downside to murses and sling bags is that they have become so ingrained in gun culture that anyone with basic awareness will likely assume that a gun is either in the bag or on the carrier’s body. This can defeat one of the primary purposes of off-body carry, which is deep concealment, especially in a non-permissive environment (NPE). Our recommendation is to use a bag that’s purpose-built for carrying a gun but doesn’t scream “tactical.” Go for something that blends in with everyday use, like a regular Jansport-style backpack, rather than a bag that looks like it was pulled straight from a combat zone.
The final style is some type of chest rig that holds covered items on your chest. They’re common with hikers, hunters, and anyone doing work outdoors. My personal favorite on the market in 2024 is the Micro Recondo Chest Pack made by Wendigo Works it is one of the most versatile chest rigs I’ve used, and I had the privilege of helping prototype and test early versions of it. I worked closely with Jim, the owner of Wendigo Works, is how we first developed our Kydex insert that securely holds a full-featured pistol while prioritizing easy access. The final design offers the perfect blend of practicality, security, and durability, making it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable carry solution.
This chest rig has become my go-to for woods walking, and at this point, it’s logged hundreds of miles on my chest during rucks. It holds up well in all conditions, whether it’s pouring rain, dusty trails, or thick brush. The rig’s comfortable fit and adjustability allow for a snug, bounce-free setup, while the Kydex insert ensures my pistol is always secure and ready. If you’re looking for a well-built, field-tested rig, the Wendigo Works Chest Rig is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts: Off-Body Carry as a Tool in Your Kit
Off-body carry, like any other carry method, is just another tool in the concealed carry kit. It has its pros and cons, and its effectiveness depends largely on your lifestyle, level of training, and commitment to safety. While it might not be ideal for every situation, it can be a valuable option when on-body carry isn’t practical or possible.
The key is to train regularly, understand the limitations of your gear, and select quality holsters that enhance safety and accessibility. At TFirearms, we believe there’s no universally perfect carry method—only the right tool for the job. Off-body carry can be effective if approached with the right mindset, gear, and training.
Stay safe, keep practicing, and if you’re interested in custom Kydex inserts for off-body carry, stop by the shop or visit us online. We’re here to help you find the best-concealed carry solution for your needs.
Until next time, keep shooting straight and stay prepared!
