Hidden in Plain Sight

A Day Planner holster, like this model from Blackhawk or others from Dillon Precision,
offers two benefits: discreet carry and the ability to pack a full-size handgun.

One of the best quotes I’ve seen relating to guns and accessories is, “Either you are the weapon, and your gun is a tool — or — your gun is a weapon and you are a tool.” It’s not necessarily the equipment, but how you use it that makes you effective. I always look strangely at people who take one side or another in the equipment debate and refuse to see both sides.

One heated topic is off-body carry. It seems like both sides dig their heels in and go at it much like Democrats and Republicans in a money spending contest. For me, off-body carry is just another tool in the toolbox. I don’t use it all the time, but it can be effective in the right setting. I know when I can use it and when it’s not appropriate, for it has some potentially serious drawbacks.

Originally there were few off-body options available. The most popular was the concealed carry Fanny Pack. I refused to wear one, despite its popularity among my fellow law enforcement officers. These weren’t fooling anyone. If you were a clean-cut guy who paid close attention to everyone and everything about you, people knew you were a cop and the fanny pack is where your gun was likely hidden. I resorted instead to a few less obvious options and would often craft my own solution out of a carefully chosen sling bag or perhaps one of the lesser-known day planner type cases. These choices helped me look like a religious advocate or businessman rather than a cop. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through such extremes. There are many companies meeting this need and doing it far better than I ever did. They take away one of the biggest disadvantages of off-body carry — they are easily recognized.

5.11 Tactical’s COVRT lineup includes dedicated holster pockets compatible
with the company’s TacTec line of holsters, magazine and gear carriers.

Secret Backpacks

One major player in the game is 5.11 Tactical. Two products catching my attention for off-body carry are their COVRT18 backpack and their COVRT Satchel. These provide the ability to blend into a crowd, since they look like ordinary packs you see people carry every day. I wouldn’t give them a second glance if someone carried one near me. And that’s precisely what you want. While the bags remain innocent in appearance, both have 5.11’s TacTec System compatible hidden pistol pocket for safe yet quick access to your firearm. The COVRT18 is comparable to a full-size backpack and even provides a cushioned space for a laptop or tablet, plus others for glasses and other must-have items. The smaller COVRT Satchel is a cross carry or over the shoulder design with less bulk. Both provide ready made solutions coming in multiple colors.

This 5.11 Tactical COVRT18 backpack wouldn’t raise any eyebrows in public.

Office Accessories

If you’d like an even more inconspicuous design, try Dillon Precision’s Plan B Day Planner holster — it looks like a typical office accessory or bible cover. It’s designed to carry your choice of pistol plus a spare magazine and can be fitted for either left- or right-hand draw. The design won’t stand out in a business setting and is perfect for a suit and tie or more casual wear.
These offerings solve the first part of the problem — conspicuousness. But you must also be aware of one other major drawback to off-body carry — the possibility you could inadvertently leave your firearm somewhere. If you’re careless and leave it unattended, it could seriously ruin your day. Another drawback is it’s much easier to be caught off-guard and disarmed. If you don’t have the presence of mind to make this a top priority in your day-to-day life, then this option is probably not right for you. But both of these are training issues and can be overcome with practice and awareness.

I’ve used off-body carry quite often and still do. You just have to train with the equipment you plan to use. The bottom line is off-body carry is a viable option and shouldn’t be immediately dismissed. Consider advantages and disadvantages, then make the right choice for you. That’s the purpose of having a diverse collection of equipment and skills in your own tool box.

For more info: DillonPrecision.com, 511Tactical.com

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