During our kids’ recent spring break, my family decided to get a little active and outdoorsy. We spent some time riding bikes and hiking and just enjoying nature at a wonderful state park not far from our home. Of course, not wanting to go anywhere unarmed, I had to think about my options for concealed carry. Luckily, I had just gotten hold of 5.11’s LV6 waist pack.
I am not a big fan of wearing a “fanny pack.” (It painfully reminds me of junior high trips to basketball games and amusement parks.) But I was very intrigued by the options for wearing this handy, compact and durable bag that features multiple mesh pockets and compartments for storing a variety of items. The funniest part is, while I read about the hidden slip compartment, I literally could not find it for a few minutes. It really was very well hidden … right behind a strong hook/loop closure strip between the main compartment and the rear mesh pocket. And that separate pouch is perfect for a small concealed carry gun. I, of course, had to test it out!
Testing the Concealed Carry Waist Pack
I carried my micro-compact Taurus GX4 in the hidden compartment. The pack also held my wallet, keys and phone in the other available pockets. I buckled it around my waist for stabilization and pulled the other strap around my shoulder for crossbody carry. The bag was secure but easily accessible. And off we went! The LV6 was lightweight and comfortable and held up very well. During the many hours of hiking, walking, bike riding and general kid wrangling, the pack stayed stable and close. It was not in my way while enjoying the variety of activities we chose. (By the way, the “LV” stands for 5.11’s low-vis collection, which is a perfect match for a concealed carry lifestyle.)
In my opinion, this pack is an excellent option for those who want to protect themselves and their families but don’t want to tote around a larger bag or might not have an on-body carry option because of the clothing they’re wearing or can’t find a holster that works comfortably for the range of motion required. There are three colors of the L6 waist pack available. You can pick one that matches your preferences. As well, you can use the webbing on the top and bottom of this versatile bag to secure it to the 5.11 LV18 backpack or the LV Covert Carry Pack for an easy switch from minimalist and essentials to all-day carry and load-outs. Overall, I highly recommend all the 5.11 bags. I have always found them to be very well-made, and, of course, they have the active concealed carrier in mind.
Functional and Fashionable
Just as a side note: I did have a slight twinge of uncertainty when I first set up the waist pack, once again thinking back to some of those awkward junior high days. And while my husband gave me a slightly puzzled look when I first modeled the bag, all three of my children agreed that the LV6 waist pack is pretty darn cool. I’m not sure those are the words they chose, exactly. There may have been a “dope fit” or a “that’s fire” or something along those lines, but I’m not 100% up on all the current lingo. Just know that it got their seal of approval. And for this mom, that’s a little extra credit that I’ll gladly take!
