[tunes]

Hey everyone,

I carry when I workout at the gym- something about the shooting in Pennsylvania that reminded me no place is sacred.

Currently I wear cargo shorts (so I can wear a belt) and a slightly large t-shirt with an IWB (4" Springfield XD 9mm.) This works pretty well, but I'd like to come up with an option that is even more concealable.

Has anyone here tried one of the 5.11 holster shirts? Was it good? Bad? What kind of gun did you carry with it, and how big?

I'm not expecting to carry a compact or even a normal sub-compact with it- probably something sized more like the Kahrs or Kel-Tec pocket carry models as far as size is concerned.

If anyone has recommendations for a great pocket carry, that would be awesome, too! Won't go smaller than a .380, and I'd prefer a 9mm if at all possible.

 

[Ram Rod]

Never tried it. SmartCarry here.

 

[jimtem]

Mine will be here in a few days. I made the mistake however of reading all the reviews after ordering. From what I understand:

Pros
1) Holds the firearm tight to the body so actively working out is no problem.
2) Sweat does not get on the fire arm.
3) The weight is evenly distributed so the shirt doesn't sag with the pistol.
4) It just looks like an ordinary undershirt when you have your cover shirt on.
5) Its nice and long so it tucks in well offering even more control over movement.

Cons
1) If you are concealing a larger pistol the butt of the pistol prints and gives the impression that you have a tumor or larger 3rd nipple ;-)
2) It is warm, to warm!
3) It is very itchy. The seem stitching will drive you nuts.
4) The Velcro closers get weak after a bit.
5) 60 bucks per shirt is nuts!

Personally Im only worried about the itchy part. I have some thermal under armor type clothing and I tell you what, i can barely wear it its so itchy. I have read that many people have solved this by wearing a regular t shirt under the 5.11 but then with your cover shirt that makes 3 shirts you are wearing, MAN! This shirt might be my "Only when I have to" rigs.

But we'll see, like I said mine hasn't actually arrived yet.

 

[paul45]

I just keep a Kel-Tec P3AT in my pocket (Desantis Holister) Everything else either prints or is too heavy / bulky for exercise.

 

[dukalmighty]

Belly band

 

[Wasabi]

I have a couple of them. They have their use at times for deep concealment when you can't carry any other way but they can be uncomfortable (tight/itchy) and can get hot. Trying to draw from one is difficult not to mention trying to reholster. The biggest I've carried in mine was a Glock G33.

I wouldn't have gotten them but I only paid about $30 (new/private seller) for mine a year or so ago so I thought I'd give them a try. I'd probably go with an undershirt and a belly band or Deep Concealment Shoulder holster instead if I were you. Maybe even a Smartcarry. JMO.

 

[RETSUPT99]

When at the gym, I lock the Glock in the safe and carry my P-3AT in an IWB/SOB holster with gym shorts...it never moves...but I only walk on a treadmill.:blink:

 

[Thumper]

I just lock my weapon in my truck's gun safe while in the gym. :smile:

 

[tunes]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm definitely getting the impression that a good IWB would be much easier to draw from. I think I'll stick with that, then.

 

[OngngFreedom]

SmartCarry here also, but started using the Crossbreed Supertuck as it doesn't rub the inside of my thighs. Ditto on the treadmill :yup:

 

[jimtem]

I'd really like to hear some feedback on the PT-ONE CHL Holster pistolwear Pistol Wear - Holsters for Concealed Handguns it looks like the best carry option for the gym.

 

[Ropedartman]

I'd really like to hear some feedback on the PT-ONE CHL Holster pistolwear Pistol Wear - Holsters for Concealed Handguns it looks like the best carry option for the gym.

+1 on that

 

[snowdoctor]

smart carry for me

 

[chiboxer]

How about a decent shoulder holster? When I go to the Gym I wear my shoulder holster, and then secure it in a locker for the duration of my workout, after I'm done, I put the shoulder holster back on. Of course you have to wear a button up type shirt over your workout gear to conceal it, but for me it works well enough.

 

[jimtem]

Ive never worn a shoulder rig. Are they stable enough to make it threw a vigorous workout? They surly wouldn't protect your pistol from sweat.

The gear designed for workouts look like a better option.

 

[Carry4MyFam]

Don't most men spell it Jim... and why would you want to carry some guy around all day?:rofl:

 

[chiboxer]

Ive never worn a shoulder rig. Are they stable enough to make it threw a vigorous workout? They surly wouldn't protect your pistol from sweat.

The gear designed for workouts look like a better option.

No, you would have to remove it prior to your workout, sorry must have misunderstood your original question

 

[jimtem]

Hey everyone,

I carry when I workout at the gym- something about the shooting in Pennsylvania that reminded me no place is sacred.

Currently I wear cargo shorts (so I can wear a belt) and a slightly large t-shirt with an IWB (4" Springfield XD 9mm.) This works pretty well, but I'd like to come up with an option that is even more concealable.

Has anyone here tried one of the 5.11 holster shirts? Was it good? Bad? What kind of gun did you carry with it, and how big?

I'm not expecting to carry a compact or even a normal sub-compact with it- probably something sized more like the Kahrs or Kel-Tec pocket carry models as far as size is concerned.

If anyone has recommendations for a great pocket carry, that would be awesome, too! Won't go smaller than a .380, and I'd prefer a 9mm if at all possible.

To the OP,

I received my 5.11 shirt yesterday I Was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't itchy. I took it for my 3 mile jog with my Kel-Tec pf9. As a follow up to my pro's and con's on page 1 I would like to say:

Pro
1) It held the pistol securely and was very comfortable throughout the jog.

2) I placed a tissue in with the pistol to see if moisture got in and it didn't. Great moisture barrier.

3) The pistol concealed nicely under my "correct size" shirt without needing to go for a larger size shirt.

Con
1) The shirt traps body heat more so than just a regular shirt. I was sweaty right off the bat before I was even hot. The holster part of the shirt is a pad going down the right and left side and that part in a mini oven.

2) The shirt squeezes the heck out of you while at the same time making you feel all puffed up because of the padded parts that run along the sides.

3) There was a tiny bit of itchiness but it was very minor. It was completely tolerable. I have an under wear thermal shirt from the sporting/hunting section of bass pro and the stitching in it is unbearable itchy.

Latter I wore the shirt for a 3 hour outing. I was uncomfortable the whole time. The shirt was squeezing the heck out of me. I am use to wearing under armor size medium. The 5.11 was a size medium but it was tighter. Along with the pads and smaller size I was going nuts to get it off. For hours after I took it off I still felt like it was on.

So for a 1 hour gym workout the shirt was OK. For an all day concealment option its not doable. I am not going to try the large because I imagine the gun would not be secure.

 

[reno92]

I havent tried the 5.11. I do have the Kramer one. For ulimate concealment, I havent found any thing better. fairly comfortable too. Not a speed rig, but works great with my wranglers.

 

[jimtem]

I have had the 5.11 holster shirt for 2 days now and it is to uncomfortable to keep. I'm sending it back.