The Essential Guide to Choosing Concealed Weapon Vests

Carrying a firearm isn’t just about being comfortable. It’s about defending yourself or those you love should the need arise.

Choosing the right vest for concealed carry will help with that. It must hide your gun and holster without printing, work in reasonable weather conditions, be functional with any shirt and pants, and look great, too.SizeThe ideal concealed carry vest fits closely to the body but not so tightly that it restricts movement or pinches around the arms. The size of a person’s base layer can also influence how loose or tight a vest will fit, so check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and online reviews to find one that’s comfortable for you.Regarding gun pocket design, look for a large zippered pocket that will accommodate your firearm based on size and type. This is often located on the left side of the front of the vest, but some manufacturers offer ambidextrous pockets so that shooters can choose which side to carry based on their dominant hand or whether they prefer cross-drawing.In the case of a soft shell CCW vest, you’ll also want it to be wind-resistant to prevent your shirt from flapping open and revealing your firearm when you reach down to grab a water bottle or granola bar in bad weather. You’ll also need room for EDC items like a flashlight, knife, and multitool.DurabilityWhether you plan to carry a firearm in your concealed weapon vest or use it for tactical purposes, your chosen vest must be durable. A good choice will be made out of a light fabric with a sturdy construction and a rugged design that is suitable for a variety of situations. Besides, a quality tactical vest should be comfortable and offer a significant amount of adjustability for a perfect fit.A tactical vest should also be able to provide storage for essential equipment like knives, multitools, flashlights, laser range finders, and more. It should have enough pockets on the interior and exterior of the vest for EDC gear, ranging in size from a spare magazine to a water bottle. The best tactical vests will have a drawcord for an adjustable and stylish fit and bar-tacked and quad-stitched seams to make them ultra-tough. The TACLITE Pro Vest, for instance, offers 17 pockets in total and dual covert CCW pockets on the chest for a fast draw.ConcealmentA concealment vest should be able to offer concealment while also being easy to access a firearm if needed. A good option is a vest with holsters built into the front and back of the garment to allow the user to place them where they want based on gun type, size, and other factors. The holsters will typically have strap-based retention that allows the user to adjust the holster’s position when needed.A vest that looks like regular clothing is another great option for those who want to carry concealed without being noticed. Many of these vests feature twin concealed carry pockets at the chest for a quick draw and extra storage to keep essential items.It’s important to remember that a bullet-resistant vest is one of the few purchases you will ever make that can truly save your life, so make sure to take your time with quality and comfort. No one who has survived a ballistic impact wishes they had spent less on the vest that saved their life.ComfortA concealed carry vest should be comfortable for prolonged periods and in various weather conditions. It should also be lightweight enough to avoid being hot and weighing down the wearer.Vests should be able to fit various EDC items besides the firearm. They should have pockets that can accommodate essential documents such as a CCW permit or photo ID, as well as tools like a knife and multitool. They should also have room for additional ammunition, a flashlight, or spare magazines.The positioning of the holster in the vest is another factor that should be considered. Some vests have holsters mounted at different positions to create versatility and allow you to choose how to carry them. For example, you may prefer a cross-draw or IWB holster position. Other options include ambidextrous pockets that let you decide which side to use depending on your dominant hand.