Best Off-Body Carry Setups: The Ultimate Guide for EDC

January 11, 2024

In the world of concealed carry, convenience and accessibility don't always go hand in hand. How you carry can often influence the speed at which you can access your weapon. This is where off-body carry excels.

backpack and sling bags for off body carry

Off-body carry, keeping your firearm in a bag or backpack, instead of attached to your body, is a popular choice. It offers another solution for those looking for both concealment and easy access, especially when on-body carry might not work. Let’s delve into the best off-body carry setups featuring some of the best ccw bags, bulletproof panels, and holsters.

Bags for Concealed Carry: Key Considerations

When considering an off-body carry bag, you should prioritize accessibility, discretion, and security. The bag should offer a quick and smooth draw while ensuring that the firearm remains concealed and protected.

Choosing the Best Concealed Carry Bag for Your Needs

Identifying the best off-body carry bag involves evaluating your daily activities, the environments you frequent, and your personal style. The best concealed gun bag allows you to carry discreetly AND provides functionality for your day-to-day tasks. Whether you're headed to the office, traveling, or hiking, you can find a suitable bag tailored to your needs.

viktos backpack for off body carry outdoors

Off-Body Concealed Carry: Benefits and Challenges

Many who off-body concealed carry choose to because it offers more flexibility in wardrobe choices, especially during warmer months. It's also beneficial for those who find on-body carry uncomfortable, or are just starting out with a ccw. The main challenge is making sure the bag remains within reach and is not easily stolen or forgotten.

man in town with viktos sling bag for off body ccw carry

The allure of off-body carry bags is also the versatility. The bags can serve as regular backpacks with compartments for laptops, sunglasses, and other daily essentials, all while safely concealing your weapon. The bag's design should be inconspicuous, ensuring you don't draw unwanted attention.

Off-Body CCW: Holster and Bag Integration

A quality CCW bag holster ensures that your firearm remains in place, reducing the risk of accidental discharge. The best off-body carry system seamlessly integrates the holster into the bag, allowing for a smooth draw. Adding body armor panels ensures you are both offensive and defensive.

1. The Versatile Traveler: 

The Bag: The Viktos Upscale Sling 3 is a water-resistant nylon bag and sized between a fanny pack and a tactical sling bag. Not only that, it can be worn on either side, ensuring easy pistol access whether you are right or left handed.

viktos upscale sling bag

With a main compartment designed for extra magazines and first aid, and a padded section for eyeglasses, it's perfect for the daily commuter or the casual traveler. The Upscale Sling comes in a variety of nylon colors as well as leather options, making it a solid choice for both men and women.

The Body Armor: The Premier Body Armor Custom-fit panel for the upscale sling seamlessly integrates protection into your EDC. Designed with top-notch para-aramid ballistic core and a rugged 500 Denier CORDURA® outer shell, it’s both lightweight and dependable. It’s a vital addition for any off-body carry bag. Upscale 3 inserts include the standard Cordura wrapped ballistics and a hook and loop version to maximize bag functionality.

The Holster: The Crossbreed Custom Modular Holster not only offers stability but also flair. Customize it to reflect your style with designs like Tropical, Tattoo, or Old Glory. Versatility with the Velcro® backed system ensures your weapon remains accessible no matter the situation.

velcro bulletproof panel in viktos upscale bag for ccw

This combo is great for people who want both style and function. It's the ideal bag for city life or traveling.

2. The Tactical Professional

The Bag: The Viktos Perimeter 25 Backpack is designed for 24-hour tactical EDC, and is both rugged and versatile. The weatherproof body, durable zippers, and universal CCW holster make it a popular choice for tactical pros, professionals, and outdoor lovers. The size is perfect for holding extra magazines, first aid supplies, or a change of close for quick transitions from work to play.

viktos perimeter 25 bag

The Body Armor: Carry the trusted protection of the Premier Body Armor Custom-fit panel tailored for the Perimeter backpack. With a design tested to meet NIJ ballistic standards for Level 3A, it’s discreet and always ready to defend.

The Holster: The CrossBreed Modular Holster offers adaptability with it's optional add-ons - be it the Purse Defender, Belly Band 2.0, or the Pac Mat. It's the ideal choice for those needing flexibility in their carry methods.

crossbreed holster in a viktos perimeter 25 backpack for off body carry

This combo is great for people who shift between professional and recreational settings. It's the ideal bag for those who are office professionals or outdoor enthusiasts.

3. The Tactical Urbanite

The Bag: The Viktos Lowkey Chest Rig easily transitions from a low-visibility EDC satchel to a fully tactical chest rig, ensuring adaptability in dynamic situations. Built from weather-resistant nylon ripstop, other noteworthy features include its adjustable 4-point padded chest harness, a removable shoulder strap for casual carry, and magnetic quick-release buckles.

off body carry with viktos low key chest rig

Internally, the rig boasts space for three rifle magazines, four pistol magazines, and a full-size pistol in the included holster. Plus, like all Viktos bags, its U.S. veteran-designed and developed, a testament to its utility and reliability.

The Body Armor: Safety takes a new dimension with the custom-designed ArmorSHIFT Panel for the Viktos Low Key and Tactulus Chest Rigs. Featuring innovative ArmorSHIFT Technology, this ballistic panel effortlessly adapts to changing situations, expanding from 8" to 12" in mere seconds.

armorshift body armor panel for chest rig doubles in size

While its slim profile ensures discretion, it doesn't compromise on protection, meeting the stringent NIJ ballistic standards for Level IIIA. Plus, with TSA approval and a 5-year warranty, it's a panel that assures protection whether you're on home turf or traveling.

The Holster: The CrossBreed A.R.M.S. Holster brings unparalleled modularity to your EDC. With the ability for an off-body carry holster to transition across various platforms, from a Belly Band at work to Velcro® in your bag, it ensures you're always prepared.

This combo is great for people who value adaptability and discreteness, and is perfect for those wanting a tactical edge without being cumbersome or drawing unwanted attention.

 viktos bag with off body carry concealed weapon

Choosing an off body bag setup involves more than just convenience or style. You should also consider safety, ease of use, and preparedness for any situation. With the combination of Viktos bags, Premier Body Armor bulletproof panels, and CrossBreed holsters, you’re not just carrying; you’re carrying smart.

Your EDC essentials are more than just items; they're an extension of your commitment to safety and preparedness. Whether it's ensuring holster retention or having quick access compartments at your fingertips, every detail matters.

Always be ready, always be protected, and always carry with confidence.


100 Responses

John Patterson
John Patterson

March 11, 2024

Good information

Ayden
Ayden

March 04, 2024

easy way to always have armor with you

Jeremy
Jeremy

March 04, 2024

Prefer to have my CCW on my at all times, but this provides an option on certain cases.

John
John

March 04, 2024

Off-body is great for bigger dudes like me. Belt holsters suck sometimes, so having a bag or something on me that still allows for quick access is great.

Lucas Rice
Lucas Rice

March 04, 2024

While I’ve always been told off body carry is a no no, I still try to integrate it into my everyday life and vertx bags have helped for years.

Nash Scott
Nash Scott

March 04, 2024

While it is rare that I carry off-body. Some situations do lend themselves perfectly to it, and the options shown here are a great depiction of what it should look like.

Alex Kirsch
Alex Kirsch

March 04, 2024

Off Body Carry is useful given the right time and place. It’s always better to carry off body than not to carry at all

Chance
Chance

March 04, 2024

It is nice to have options. I prefer on body, but sometimes this can be useful.

William Gonzalez
William Gonzalez

March 04, 2024

Bought my Wife a Everyday Fanny pack, And she just loves it. It’s super comfortable and it’s able to hold all of her EDC. Best Everyday Fanny!!

Thomas Olean
Thomas Olean

March 04, 2024

I don’t have a ton of experience with off-body carry, but the experience I do have is with the VertX long walks fanny pack and the VertX Commuter Sling and it has been very convenient.

joel g
joel g

March 04, 2024

crossbody pack carry is a great way to have access to what I need when I need it

Jennifer
Jennifer

March 04, 2024

Would love to see videos on how Ladies use the products in everyday safety needs.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

March 04, 2024

Great information, I didn’t realize there were so many options. Looking forward to doing more research on what works best for me.

Eliza Cochran
Eliza Cochran

March 04, 2024

I’ve only carried off body in a purse but I do like how easily accessible some of your bags look and the armored plating is a great idea.

Jeff
Jeff

March 04, 2024

Premier has very well-made body armor at a great price!

Aaron Gillingham
Aaron Gillingham

March 04, 2024

This is a really unique idea catering to the average commuter

Louie
Louie

March 04, 2024

As a slim guy who struggles to gain weight I often print so vertex off body carry bags are my solution.

Rossana Villagra
Rossana Villagra

March 04, 2024

These options are great for my husband. Especially the tactical urbanatr. For me I use the everyday Fanny pack with crossbreed modular holster for off carry . Both colors are great and very comfortable. I have fibro and with my rose I can carry all day and feel less pain at the end of the day . Thank you Vertx, Crossbred and Llena M. to design a bag to fit our needs .

Cruz
Cruz

March 04, 2024

I personally love the off body option especially with a bag with a quick draw option. I have couple different bags to choose from all equipped with premier body armor.

James Bladen
James Bladen

March 04, 2024

Off body is very comfortable and easy to access your firearms

Aubrey
Aubrey

March 04, 2024

Absolutely love my everyday carry pack. My SIG fits perfectly with the Velcro backing and it works like a dream for easy concealment!

Lynn
Lynn

March 04, 2024

Love the options!

Shannon
Shannon

March 04, 2024

Love all the off body carry options!

Kurt Kidder
Kurt Kidder

March 04, 2024

Always on the lookout for great gear.

Robert Cannon
Robert Cannon

March 04, 2024

You can carry any size caliber and barrel length you want.

Destiny Hussey
Destiny Hussey

March 04, 2024

These seem practical and helpful

Xavier Hussey
Xavier Hussey

March 04, 2024

It’s certainly nice to be able to set down the firearm and still have it near by while concealed in public, especially for bigger people who have issues appendix carrying

Mitch Schulze
Mitch Schulze

March 04, 2024

My wife needs this.

chance cox
chance cox

March 04, 2024

great choice for carry bags, and range bags

Katherine Riehl
Katherine Riehl

March 04, 2024

Love the Lena Rose fanny pack and added the Rose modular holster for off body carry when needed. Also purchased the rapid access pull tabs last week. Love them on the fanny pack, makes opening it so much easier and faster.

Kevin Cook
Kevin Cook

March 04, 2024

You have some nice products

Breann Klein
Breann Klein

March 04, 2024

I definitely like the idea of off body carrying, say you go out ATV riding, having a bag with your piece in it is a nice way to know you have a type of protection, if needed.

robin parker
robin parker

March 04, 2024

some nice choices. could you make a comfortable carry pouch for runners?

Peter H
Peter H

March 04, 2024

Very comfortable and very well built and designed.

Lloyd Jones
Lloyd Jones

March 04, 2024

A good, interesting & informative blog on carrying concealed & off-body. Lots of
products & food for thought.

Lidiya
Lidiya

March 04, 2024

Great options for off body carry. Another good option for transporting is the StopBox Pro.

Carl Harris Jr
Carl Harris Jr

March 04, 2024

Better to have and not need !

Duane Oberlies
Duane Oberlies

March 04, 2024

Personally, I am not comfortable with having my weapon in a position outside of the control a holster has attached to my body. An outside bag could be wrestled away from the wearer. Just not for me.

Michelle E
Michelle E

March 04, 2024

My favorite off body carry is a bag / fanny pack

Kellie Johnson
Kellie Johnson

March 04, 2024

As a woman I really like the idea of off body carrying. It gives me the ability to carry no matter what I’m wearing with no worrying about whether or not I’m printing.

Right2Bear80
Right2Bear80

March 04, 2024

Personally I’m torn between off body (such as a backpack) vs quick access to your firearm because I know from personal experience that a bad situation happens extremely fast and getting to your firearm quickly can mean the difference in living or dying, but I’m a firm believer in just having a firearm close by is better than not at all. My advice would be carry the caliber and firearm that you shoot best because anything is better than nothing and carry it in a location that you feel comfortable with.

Dave Sigmon
Dave Sigmon

March 04, 2024

Thank you for informing us about the options out there.

Shakira Kirk
Shakira Kirk

March 04, 2024

Amazing!!!!

Dustin
Dustin

March 04, 2024

Off the body carry has made leaps and bounds over the last few years! 2A 🇺🇸

Shantell
Shantell

March 04, 2024

I love this idea and it makes it more easier to get your weapon out if you need it.

Jerry
Jerry

March 04, 2024

I have on numerous occasions carried this way.

Michelle
Michelle

March 04, 2024

Love the Fanny pack options!!

Tina
Tina

March 04, 2024

Great company! Can’t wait to try some products

Chris Miller
Chris Miller

March 04, 2024

Nice looking products

Peter M.
Peter M.

March 04, 2024

The trick is to find a bag that does not scream “I am carrying a gun”. And one that you can easily access in an emergency.

Gale
Gale

March 04, 2024

I see very discrete and functional concepts

Paul McHam
Paul McHam

March 04, 2024

My wife has carried off-body for years. She has a favorite bag that has a built in holster. We are both older and if a situation arises, I fake a medical issue and she reaches into her bag and suddenly the bad guy( or girl or whatever) has 2 guns pointed at them

Cassandra
Cassandra

March 04, 2024

I recently purchased the Everyday Pack and it is my faavorite! Have both colors now and use them for many things. Including carrying off body when I need to. I love them!

Mallory
Mallory

March 04, 2024

The Viktos Upscale Sling 3 looks like a wonderful option for off-body carry! Looks great.

Drsmith452
Drsmith452

March 04, 2024

👍

Sherry
Sherry

March 04, 2024

I love my Vertx edc fanny. I carry cross body most of the time.

Jillian Barnes
Jillian Barnes

March 04, 2024

It’s important to have an off the body edc set up. Just in case, because you never know where you’ll be going. I personally love the Viktos low-key chest rig. It’s slick.

Phillip Crowley
Phillip Crowley

March 04, 2024

Very nice looking gear. Very nice!

Aaron Smithwick
Aaron Smithwick

March 04, 2024

Looks like some amazing products! Definitely on my radar!

montanamanx
montanamanx

March 04, 2024

Looks like good gear…

Carolyn Reckner
Carolyn Reckner

March 04, 2024

Off body carry offers more options of where to carry that doesn’t depend on clothing choices and body shape.

RDHCOUNTRY
RDHCOUNTRY

March 04, 2024

LIKE IT

Jennifer Holshouser
Jennifer Holshouser

March 04, 2024

In a world with leggings, off body carry has become a convenient option. Finding options that secure your firearm can be tough, but options like those above make it much easier.

Brett
Brett

March 04, 2024

Off the body carry is a great way I carry, being a larger guy sometimes holsters hinder movement and mobility especially entering and exiting various vehicles. Having the option to add body armor along side off body carry adds that much more flexibility to your EDC options.

Jim T
Jim T

March 04, 2024

Many are viscerally against off-body carry, with more options, maybe this gets less.

Tim
Tim

March 04, 2024

Great looking equipment

Leslie Cecil
Leslie Cecil

March 04, 2024

Love these options!

Sebastian
Sebastian

March 04, 2024

Everyday protection without being obvious

Evan
Evan

March 04, 2024

Off body carry can be very useful especially when wearing tighter fitting clothing.

Link
Link

March 04, 2024

Not a fan because of the chance of leaving the off body carry item someplace.
Still nice products

Sierra
Sierra

March 04, 2024

I’d love to have the fanny pack for rose to carry off of the body! It would definitely need some getting used to tho, good thing Lena has the training videos!

Mandi
Mandi

March 04, 2024

I love the versatility off body carrying allows!

Melissa Galanopoulos
Melissa Galanopoulos

March 04, 2024

I have 2 different Conceal carry purses that I go between

Jon Bennett
Jon Bennett

March 04, 2024

Discrete, secure, ready!

JOHN  KENNEDY
JOHN KENNEDY

March 04, 2024

more function, less hype, more realistic for everyday

Carly
Carly

March 04, 2024

Off body carry has become my number method of carry. It helps me be hands free when I’m out with my kiddos.

Lisa Nau
Lisa Nau

March 04, 2024

I would like to try off body carry, but not in a purse.

Thomas Weir
Thomas Weir

March 04, 2024

Good place to keep them weather free but have to off to get to weapon.

Thomas Weir
Thomas Weir

March 04, 2024

Good place to keep them weather free but have to off to get to weapon.

Faviola Ortiz
Faviola Ortiz

March 04, 2024

My son is heading off to college and looking into purchasing the backpack insert for him, love the peace of mind that will come knowing he’ll have some protection on campus with the way the world is now. THANK YOU!

S. Gregory
S. Gregory

March 04, 2024

I am concerned that a concealed carry bag could be stolen with the handgun in it.

Alice Morris
Alice Morris

March 04, 2024

Smart solutions to the world today

Joslyn
Joslyn

March 04, 2024

Premier Body Armor is ideal for everyone. It allows you to conceal carry while also allowing you more peace of mind. This is perfect for when you go hiking, running, doing everyday errands and so much more. Not only does it allow you to carry discretely but helps you remember it in times of stress when you’re running late. Having it in a bag you can use everyday will guarantee that you’ll have it in times of need.

Eric Brown
Eric Brown

March 04, 2024

Confidence is your setup is key.

Tara Bullock
Tara Bullock

March 04, 2024

I love the option of off body carry!

J
J

March 04, 2024

Nice info

Tristan Alexander
Tristan Alexander

March 04, 2024

Been looking for something like this!

Jennifer
Jennifer

March 04, 2024

Off body carry can be an excellent way to carry

Ron Charneski
Ron Charneski

March 04, 2024

Nice selection, looks loke good quality. unfortunately what I was looking for was out of stock

Nate
Nate

March 04, 2024

Very cool

Daniel Custodio
Daniel Custodio

March 04, 2024

Having multiple options, when it comes to carrying, is always a plus.

Ponec
Ponec

March 04, 2024

Off body carry can be tricky and you have to plan ahead and practice drawing to be successful. – JMHO

Yolanda Gonzalez
Yolanda Gonzalez

March 04, 2024

I like that it offers more flexibility in wardrobe choices, especially during warmer months and good for those who find on-body carry uncomfortable like myself!

Charity McClain
Charity McClain

March 04, 2024

This provides so much flexibility and options for the different situations that come up daily.

Deb
Deb

March 04, 2024

I love that there are so many options to fit whatever life brings.

Amber
Amber

March 04, 2024

Not my thing, but I could see it being useful for carrying extra firearms

Ed E.
Ed E.

March 04, 2024

This is good information for my wife as she usually off body carries.

Ashley Mitchell
Ashley Mitchell

March 04, 2024

My husband had been wanting this for a long time

Jayme
Jayme

March 04, 2024

Being a hiker and even just a mom to an infant and young kids, the backpack is super convenient!

Swede
Swede

March 04, 2024

I like the idea of no one aware of what I’m carrying

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