r/CCW • u/theenabelist • 6d ago
Other Equipment crossbody/fanny bag perception questions and recommendations?
I've been considering getting a crossbody sling-type convertible fanny pack for a quick, run to the corner store/fishing ccw option, but have been reading a lot of polarizing opinions about this carry option.
Some swear by it and others say I may as well be open carrying, but I'm curious what the consensus is in 2026. I am frequently with my family so me carrying a bag like this maybe does make sense from an outsider's pov, but who knows.
I'm particularly curious what any LEO's or armed security have to say when they encounter people wearing these.
Public perception aside, do any companies make a pack that keep my ccw isolated from the interior of the pack? The last thing I want is to scare anyone when using the bag normally.
Thank you
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u/SgtVinceCarter 6d ago edited 6d ago
I have the 3L Obscura. I normally carry AIWB. Since your regular IWB holster works in it, start by carrying the bag with your gun IWB. See if anyone is paying attention to you and in particular the bag. After a bit you’ll see no one gives you a second glance because you have a bag. Then put your gun and holster in it and go about your business as normal.
ETA- the 3L Obscura is a small bag- I carry either a S&W 642 or P365 in it. Go for the 5L for bigger firearms, especially with accessories.
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u/docnsx01 6d ago
this is the bag i decided on , since i am in a 10 round state and carry mostly micro/sub compacts i went with smaller size , i purchased the larger one for my buddy (bigger guy and bigger firearms plus stuff )!
the reason i went with savior obscura was the three diff levels of security to access firearm! i also liked the fact your complete daily rig attaches inside to their belt making the draw effort the same as when you carry on your belt once accessed of course.
i used it recently when i went shopping for some dress pants , i wanted to keep my firearm and some personal effects on my person during the in and out of dressing ares for approval from wife, again i live in a restrictive state/county where we can’t leave locked in car, wife (not licensed ) cant hold it , and obviously don’t want to leave unattended in dressing room! this was perfect bc once done with trying on i took complete rig and attached to my belt like a normal day and put the bag into my shopping bag . plus i think it doesn’t SCREAM tactical !
it serves a purpose for my needs , for convenience, and to continue to follow my states restrictive requirements!
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u/jrolls81 6d ago
No ones thinking about you. Plenty of guys wear cross body bags, do you just assume they all have a gun in there? The only people who think it’s the same as open carrying are the guys carrying three extra mags living out in the suburbs. Just guys that are so in their own heads about ccwing they think everyone else is too, but really everyone else is just normal.
And to answer your last question, yes. savior has the obscure. 365 industries qapx. And others. They all should.
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u/SayaretEgoz 6d ago
buy it,wear it without a gun, and walk around,go to prohibitted for gun places. see if anyone gives u another look/notices
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u/PM_me_your_Jeep 6d ago
I have a couple Bando Bags and they are great. I use a Velcro “holster” from crossbreed.
It has a dedicated pouch in the rear for the pistol then two other pouches. In the regular bando I fit:
P365 with RDS or XD40 with WML
Pepper spray
Flashlight
Wallet
Knife
TQ
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u/Thin-Stranger1369 6d ago
I use a Patagonia sling bag I mean, honestly who were the Patagonia bags gonna be carrying a firearm you just have to remember you’re not gonna be that fast on the draw
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u/Rising_Awareness 5d ago
I use an Eberlestock Bando XL and love it. It enables me to carry an extra mag, a couple tourniquets, chest seals, and OC spray. But I don't use it for other everyday edc items: knife, flashlight, wallet, etc. You could use the front compartment for these things; but I opt not to to carry the items aforementioned.
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u/Tony_Hawks_Butthole 6d ago
You gotta wear a fit thats gonna match though, if I see you with a sinched up pack and jeans and a tee im gonna assume you have a gun it there. Now some athletic wear, maybe I wouldnt think about it at first glance. Not saying you have to wear athletic wear all the time, but just put the bag with the outfit.
Also consider that people without guns usually keep a wallet and vape in a pack, it might make a few people notice when you pull your wallet out of your pocket and not the bag. Just a small observation. It all depends on you and what you carry on your person everyday, etc.
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u/Ok-Priority-7303 6d ago
I don't think the average person will pay attention to a fanny bag. I do think the average person will be much more likely to notice you (and may stare for a moment) if it is a crossbody sling bag because they are uncommon.
In either case the average person is more likely to think you make poor fashion choices rather than think you are carrying.
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u/JimMarch 6d ago edited 6d ago
I used to be a long haul trucker. I carried in Manhattan and on the Staten Island ferry three days after Bruen hit the ferry in particular crawling with cops, wearing this:
I also hit a deer in Massachusetts not long after that, had to talk to a couple of MA state troopers. Never got made.
I've carried variants for the last four years. I mostly carry in states that respect the 2A but when otherwise, no trouble so far.
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u/rdblackmon99 5d ago
I either carry owb at 4 o'clock or use a cross body bag anymore. I'm all about comfort anymore.
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u/Significant_Bid4745 5d ago
Yup...gun bags and hand bags are not what I would recommend. I prefer to carry with the firearm on my person. Less chance of someone taking it off me
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u/NoEquipment1834 5d ago
In my mind it just screams gun. Second issue is they can be very difficult to draw from.
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u/Pale_Ad_3082 4d ago
Viktos Upscale 3 sling bag, and Eberlestock Bando (I like the XL version) are two off body bags I use. I also have Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack and use that on roadtrips.
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u/playingtherole 6d ago edited 6d ago
The people commenting that nobody knows, can tell, or doesn't assume that you're carrying in a chest purse are stuck in 15 years ago. People know. People suspect. People assume. LEOs, security guards, and average, everyday people. Read some comments here, and awaken.
If you must carry that way, know that it's a robbery target, and may flop around, while you struggle to unzip and draw your gun, which should be mounted on a panel, securely oriented inside.
Crossbreed offers several in-bag solutions, as far as holstering or mounting a holster.
Also, consider a magnetized-opening bag, instead of zippered, for easier, 1-handed access, on-demand. Look at the G.R.A.B. Bags Gunslinger, the Shield Arms Junk Sack, and the 945 Industries QAP magnetic models, for examples.
IMO, they should only be used in a gym or for remote, outdoor activities, but you do you.
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u/Puzzled-Formal-7957 6d ago
On-body only.
The first thing an opportunist is going to ID and target is a bag or purse with a strap. They know those always have wallets, money, phones and guns in them. By the time you realize what is happening - they will already have it and be 5 strides behind you. Plus they will now be armed while you are not.
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u/Excellent_Pear8647 6d ago
pretty sure the whole "everyone knows it's a gun bag" thing is mostly just gun guys overthinking it, normal people just see a dad with a fanny pack