TCBA_Joe

Does anyone know about using shoulder bags like the maxpedition versipack or neatfreak or the 5.11 push? I tried searching the forum, but didn't find anything.

Do any of you use these? pros? cons?

Kerbouchard

I typically avoid carry in a bag due to the possibility of being seperated from it. Also, the fact that at work I think people might not understand why I am always carrying a bag, or if I had to leave it unattended I am back to my first problem.
I also believe a bag has more of a chance of being searched than I do.
And I believe a bag has more of a chance of being targeted by a pick pocket than anything else. Either when sitting down to eat or whatever. I think a bag will make people think camera or valuables or whatever and they might possibly look for a chance to grab it.

I know some people do very well with them, but those are the reasons I found that it would not work for me.

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Ridgeline

Once again the carry would depend on the situation, althought I prefer strong side carry. I do have a "fanny pak" which is not the most glamorous of ways to carry, but in today's enviroment would anyone notice. If the "fanny pak" is designed for carry with a little practice you can draw and place a hit on traget in less than 2 second. They are also very low profile, and they don't signal that someone is carrying. I also like the other carry packs, but don't own one at the moment, but to carry a weapon that most likely will not be required quickly (less than 2) I would sure consider them.

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retsupt99

No 'manpurse' for me...

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JimmyC4

When I'm doing "touristy" things like hiking with wife, taking wildlife/scenery pics, etc., the Maxpedition Versipack fits in quite well. I use the little velcro holster they sell to carry my Glock.

Then, last summer I got some new lenses and a camera bag. They sell an optional little case for the side (for carrying a flash or other gadget) and wouldn't you know, my Glock 26 fits in there just right! So, now my wife takes the versipack with her S&W 642.

Like I said, in the right setting it fits in well. I bought mine in OD color, so it looks a bit tacticool/military, so that helps keep the "purse" nature of it lowkey...

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Thumper

I have one of these:

OPERATOR™ TACTICAL ATTACHÉ - MAXPEDITION HARD-USE GEAR® (Home of the Rollypoly™ Folding Dump Pouch)

The compartment for the weapon has a velcro pad for holster attachment and also closes via velcro and is hard to see when closed.

This case can easily carry a laptop, Day Planner and other items. It also has a pouch for a Nalgene water bottle.

If I need to carry "off body" this case works very well.

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Catalina

On occasion (usually beachwear days) I carry in a very non- "tactical" Victorinox shoulder bag in royal blue or bright red.

Never questioned about the bag or my manhood, BTW.

If I see someone carrying a Maxpedition bag I know you have a gun. Great by me that you are packing right along side me, just don't know about other people.

My diaper bag for my baby is a Maxpedition. On a couple of occasions fellow gun culture people (we all know each other by sight for the most part, don't we?) have acknowledged my "nice bag"

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S3ymour

I have a Columbia Messenger bag that I carry with me every due to the need for my epipens, and misc other stuff I need on a daily basis. It is another way to carry my firearm, without people knowing, and it has a back pocket that I've rigged a holster in. It works beautifully, and no one knows. Another good option to have in the arsenal. The bag never leaves my side as I have to have my epipens in an emergency, and the kit is too big to carry on a pocket. This is how I carried for a long time when I knew I'd be sitting down at a desk, and didn't want to risk having a holster seen. Anyways, I have caught some teasing from people about having a "man bag"...until those people need an aspirin or something else from the first aid kit thats in my bag, or use of my multi-tool or a flashlight. I was told to be prepared and what better way. I plan on getting a Maxpedition bag for my diaper bag too(baby is due on May 22nd!).

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CharlieMike

I used the Maxpedition bag when riding my bike. The pros are:

a) It is great when you don't have any other means of carrying on your body.
b) You can carry tons of other stuff in it. I usually have at least a first aid kit, firearm, spare mags, pen, pencil, paper, small digital camera, cell phone, and knife.

Cons:

a) It is off the body carry. You can be separated from your firearm.
b) It can be difficult to draw effectively from one of these. I like that when I carry IWB, it always takes the same motion to draw. With the versipack, I might have to make any number of small adjustments just to get the pack in line to unzip, then draw from it.

In short, I only carry in the versapack when I have no other option.