Everyday Carry
By Robb Manning
Off-Body Carry: Elite Survival Avenger Concealment Gun Pack
When we think of concealed carry we think of a discreet holster carried inside or outside our waste band. Sometimes, though, it’s more practical or prudent to carry your firearm using other methods, one of which being off-body carry. Off-body carry is when you use some sort of bag, pouch or case to conceal your firearm. Several companies make items specifically for carrying firearms, including messenger bags, briefcases, purses, fanny packs, etc.
One piece of kit that I particularly like is the Avenger Concealment Gun Pack, from Elite Survival Systems. It’s designed well and built really solid. It gives you flexibility in how you carry it -- it has a shoulder strap to carry it like a messenger bag/satchel, a handle to carry it by hand, and velcro fasteners to attach it to your belt. I’ll often use the shoulder strap and attach it to my belt -- so it appears as though I’m carrying it over my shoulder, but it’s more secure from would-be bag snatchers.
The main compartment includes an adjustable holster (more like a velcro strap) which Elite Survival Systems says fits medium to large handguns. I’ve carried everything from large handguns down to micro-compact handguns in mine -- even the micro-compact fit good. The outside pocket has two elastic loops for spare magazines, and a hook for keys. A small pocket is good for IDs, passports, or other small items. It also has an elastic accessory cord on the front.
The pack has polymer rings on the four corners, for use with the shoulder strap, so you can carry it in a horizontal or vertical orientation. I personally prefer the vertical orientation, with the bag opening pointed up, but I can envision circumstances where the other method could be preferable.
A velcro patch on the front of the pack can be used for patches, such as military name tape, unit patches, etc. I personally like deception patches to throw off the intent of the pack, such as Nikon, National Geographic, or even a peace sign.
The Avenger comes in black or olive drab and is made out of 1000 denier nylon and uses heavy duty YKK zippers and ultra-tough polymer hardware. It’s built to last.
I don’t use the Avenger as my every day method of carry, I prefer a holster; but I do think it makes a great alternative due to the flexibility it gives you. I like it when I know I’m going to be in situations where I can’t carry at all times. For example, today I’m running errands and will use it. I am running to the bank, grocery store, then to my kid’s school. When I get to the bank, I can take off the whole bag and lock it in my glove box. I get back in my truck and the bag comes out and goes back on. I continue to take care of business, and then when I get to my kid’s school, the bag comes off and is again secured in the glove box. It’s very simple.
I’ve been in situations where I’m in the bank parking lot and I have to unarm myself to go in, and with a holster buried under four layers of winter garb, it’s not so easy. Accessing the holster while standing is second nature, but sitting in your car, it’s very awkward. Not to mention, you have to be cautious of others seeing you putting your handgun into the glovebox. No one will be the wiser if they see you stow a pack.
Off-body carry isn’t for every situation, and it should be used cautiously. It does afford convenience and comfort, but at the expense of draw speed and security of the firearm. Bags are always susceptible to being snatched by a petty thief; and if you’ve ever forgotten your handbag in a restaurant booth, off-body carry might not be for you.
Dimensions: 6.5”W x 9”H x 4” D (includes front pocket)
MSRP: $59.95
www.elitesurvival.com