Sling bag recommendations for Glock 17

[Sawyer]

Anyone have any recommendations for a sling bag just big enough to carry a Glock 17?

[Rex G]

Yes, a Safepacker, from The Wilderness dot com. Put any sling or strap you want on its D-rings.

The Wilderness sells a sling to match, but anything that can attach to D-rings will do.

[TGS]

A sling bag, but only large enough to fit a Glock 17......that's very specific, and you're not going to find many options for. A few of the guys I work with have an 8L-sized sling bag from Patagonia that is appreciably more svelte than our issued VertX Transit sling bags, but it's still quite a bite larger than what you're looking for.

There's also the ERP from 5.11 (https://www.511tactical.com/emergency-ready-pouch.html) which matches your size criteria, but I don't know how feasible that will be to actually carry a gun for defensive purposes versus simply having a gun on your person to say you have a gun.

Unless you like the safe packer, your best bet is to get a fanny pack and wear it as a sling bag. That's what I do with my Eagle fanny pack, and it will provide you a turn-key solution for defensive carry instead of buying an extremely small sling bag that you'll still have to do some pretty extensive modifications to in order to make it useful as anything other than a rabbit's foot talisman.

[jnc36rcpd]

I've looked at sling bags, but I haven't found any really appropriate for fast presentation and reholstering.

TGS, do you have a source for the Eagle Industries fanny pack. Mine is getting frayed after many years and they're no longer offered on the website.

[TGS]

I've looked at sling bags, but I haven't found any really appropriate for fast presentation and reholstering.

TGS, do you have a source for the Eagle Industries fanny pack. Mine is getting frayed after many years and they're no longer offered on the website.

I don't as I believe they're out of business, but I do believe I have a spare that has your name on it for the price of a coffee and some war stories. Next time I come back stateside we can meet up...can you hold out until late June?

I'll also show you my VertX transit sling, if you're interested....it's pretty slick for rapid draws, as unlike most sling bags it's specifically designed/built for defensive carry.

Here's two videos...lightening speed, and the 2nd one is more realistic for me:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JYiLaQXJnM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S-af8gHOyA

[Crazy Dane]

Something from Maxpedition?

Remora™ Gearslinger® | Maxpedition – MAXPEDITION (https://www.maxpedition.com/products/remora-gearslinger?variant=39510023697)

Entity™ Tech Sling Bag (Small) 7L (40% Off Entity. All Sales are Final – MAXPEDITION (https://www.maxpedition.com/products/entity-tech-sling-bag-small?variant=15850617667655)

Lochspyr™ Crossbody Shoulder Bag | Maxpedition – MAXPEDITION (https://www.maxpedition.com/products/lochspyr-crossbody-shoulder-bag?variant=28168079057)

[RoyGBiv]

I've looked at sling bags, but I haven't found any really appropriate for fast presentation and reholstering.

TGS, do you have a source for the Eagle Industries fanny pack. Mine is getting frayed after many years and they're no longer offered on the website.

This one??

https://offbase.co/products/eagle-industries-escape-resistance-erb-belly-bag (looks to be available for shipping)

https://legitkit.com/collections/erb-drop
2 colorways available, 1 sold out.

[TGS]

The one I was referring to is the one designed for CCW; http://webbingbabel.blogspot.com/2015/10/eagle-industries-weapon-fanny-pack-le.html

Though, it appears that Blackhawk fortunately makes a copy of it: https://www.amazon.com/BLACKHAWK-Concealed-Weapon-Holster-Retention/dp/B004T18NFA

[UNM1136]

When my Eagle died after about 12 years regular use I went looking and couldn't find one, as Eagle was kaput. Found a local Blackhawk bag, and broke my rule about never buying Blackhawk if anything else was available. In this case the something else available was a different design.

About six years old now, and it is starting to come apart. It is another example of Blackhawk's poorly executing a copied design.

For the size requirements I would suggest the Safepaker or a long strapped, slung fanny pack.

I really, reallly like the Maxpedition Gearslingers with their dedicated CCW pockets. I have owned a couple, and want to pick up a Monsoon in the near future. I have loved that particular bag since Stephen H modeled over on lightfighter. Everytime I went to buy one I would get a screaming deal on something else, like the Sitka and Kodiak.

pat

[pangloss]

Anyone have any recommendations for a sling bag just big enough to carry a Glock 17?

Kelty Sling Bag: https://www.kelty.com/sling-bag/

EDIT: The Kelty is a trim 4.1 liters.

[jnc36rcpd]

I don't as I believe they're out of business, but I do believe I have a spare that has your name on it for the price of a coffee and some war stories. Next time I come back stateside we can meet up...can you hold out until late June?

I'll also show you my VertX transit sling, if you're interested....it's pretty slick for rapid draws, as unlike most sling bags it's specifically designed/built for defensive carry.

Here's two videos...lightening speed, and the 2nd one is more realistic for me:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JYiLaQXJnM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S-af8gHOyA

Absolutely, TGS. Look forward to it.

[HeavyDuty]

When you look up low speed, high drag in the dictionary you see a photo of me. But, in the summer I sometimes use a commercial bag I bought at Target as a sling bag. I put a piece of rigid plastic corrugated lawn sign material in the outer pocket that is cut to fit, and anchor a Kydex holster to that with a piece of webbing that is pop riveted to the panel. It’s very low tech, but for my non demanding needs it works.

Point is - maybe modifying a piece of “street” gear might be an option?

70919

https://www.swissgear.com/swissgear-triangle-sling-bag-black

[FAS1]

For a very small slingbag I use the Maxpedition Remora with an ITS velcro holster insert.

I just got a larger convertible slingbag/backpack from Dynamis Alliance that's big enough for my laptop and an armored panel. It seems to be what I was looking for in a larger bag although I haven't set it up yet. I will be using a Black Arch Rev-Con holster and mag carrier in it with their velcro adapter plates.


https://youtu.be/UA5766U8UPo

[Ndbbm]

What about one of the hillpeoplegear.com fanny packs? https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/129

Jason

[Mark D]

I'm curious, what circumstances warrant a pistol in sling bag, instead of traditional on-body carry?

[jnc36rcpd]

Many people utilize waist or, I assume, sling bags for various athletic or sporting activity. Having not planned retirement as well as I should have (good grief, I thought I'd be dead by now), I work for a security agency that has aspirations of transitioning into an armed police agency. While regulations prohibit firearms at work, I can wear a black waist bag during the commute or when off site grabbing dinner. Not ideal in any way, shape, or form, but I might save the lissome manager of the sub shop if I wander in during a robbery.

[TGS]

I'm curious, what circumstances warrant a pistol in sling bag, instead of traditional on-body carry?

The two uses I see:

Carrying in clothes that don't allow for carry

Carrying in an environment where you may need to don/doff a gun quickly, frequently, or discreetly

The former could be for visiting some sort of park/attraction with your family, where you won't necessarily be participating in the log flume ride but still want to dress comfortably and appropriately for the venue. It could also be just going for a walk, short day-hike, or some other activity where many people find it more comfortable than to carry a gun, reload, keys, phone, IFAK on their person as opposed to just putting it in a sling bag.

The latter could be working in a business casual environment where guns are either prohibited by policy or simply not addressed, and you don't find your alternative deep concealment methods viable from a concealment, comfort, or practicality standpoint; or working a place where you need to be armed in civilian attire as a matter of practice but then also respond to an alarm and don a full tactical kit as quickly as possible (having a CCW setup on your belt would delay this response time); or having a pattern of life where you could be visiting places with screening and you want to leave your gun locked up in your car safe, but don't want to go through the hassle and risk of uploading/downloading all your suggestive items from your belt.

It's an easy, convenient, turn-key solution for all of these.

[Mark D]

The two uses I see:


Carrying in clothes that don't allow for carry



Carrying in an environment where you may need to don/doff a gun quickly, frequently, or discreetly



Thanks for the context. Makes sense.

[Utm]

I'm curious, what circumstances warrant a pistol in sling bag, instead of traditional on-body carry?

Gym

[Maple Syrup Actual]

That would be illegal here so I obviously have no idea. But on a totally unrelated note, my feelings about concealment...

But in general I'll just say that for this kind of thing I MUCH prefer modifying off-the-shelf regular recognizable brands that could have been bought at Target or at most REI, to stuff from anyone who makes 1000D ballistic nylon anything.

You walk around with a sling bag from Adidas, you might just be a guy who thinks soccer is a legitimate sport.

You carry a one-shoulder rendition of the HSGI Warlord, you might as well just tape the gun to your face.

[TGS]

That would be illegal here so I obviously have no idea. But on a totally unrelated note, my feelings about concealment...

But in general I'll just say that for this kind of thing I MUCH prefer modifying off-the-shelf regular recognizable brands that could have been bought at Target or at most REI, to stuff from anyone who makes 1000D ballistic nylon anything.

You walk around with a sling bag from Adidas, you might just be a guy who thinks soccer is a legitimate sport.

You carry a one-shoulder rendition of the HSGI Warlord, you might as well just tape the gun to your face.

There's a big gray area in-between those two extremes. Here's a bunch of purpose built CCW slings that don't fit your categorization:

70990
70991
70992

There's also the Kelty that was mentioned earlier in the thread, which looks like an excellent option (possibly the best mentioned yet, thanks pangloss!).

[Crazy Dane]

I'm curious, what circumstances warrant a pistol in sling bag, instead of traditional on-body carry?


My personal use is to and from work. I work a 24 hour shift(firefighter) and there is no need to don before going to work and if I have no errands or such to do after work there is still no need to don, so my gear rides in a sling bag. I can secure my bag in my locker while at work.

[vcdgrips]

I am curious as to what is the mission and initial thoughts of the OP re the slingbag.

I am very leery of Off Body Carry once we depart from a purpose designed fanny pack or chest pack.

1. Slow
2. You will forget it at some point
3. Unless you have always been a bag carrier, it becomes a source of questions/concerns etc.
4. It's is much hard to be consistently fast with it relative to a purpose designed Fanny Pack or belt line holster.
5. The majority of the purpose built stuff in this realm is readily identifiable as such to the trained eye of both good and bad folks

Color me skeptical and intrigued. Please let us know what you do.

[Rex G]

Kelty Sling Bag: https://www.kelty.com/sling-bag/

EDIT: The Kelty is a trim 4.1 liters.




There's also the Kelty that was mentioned earlier in the thread, which looks like an excellent option (possibly the best mentioned yet, thanks pangloss!).

Hmm, I have one of the Kelty sling bags, and had always thought it was a bit tight for a full-sized Glock G17, but y’all’s posts prompted me to try, and yes, indeed, a G17 will fit into a Kelty, with some amount of room to spare.

I no longer remember why I had thought the Kelty would be too tight/small.

[Rex G]

I'm curious, what circumstances warrant a pistol in sling bag, instead of traditional on-body carry?

In addition to the examples already posted by other members, a “bag gun” can be a second gun, when one is carrying a weapon concealed under the clothing. The bag gun might well be a larger gun, for going to get “into trouble,” at times when one is wearing a mere “get-out-of-trouble gun.” (Terminology borrowed from DB.) I distinctly remember an occasion, when I needed to meet someone inside a place that did not allow men to bring bags*, so I transferred a 4” GP100 from a bag, to holster-less AIWB, and left the bag in the vehicle. So, I walked inside, with a holstered weapon at 0300, and the GP100 at field-expedient AIWB.

Of course, the bag gun can also be equal in size, or smaller, than the gun worn under the clothing. It is all about context.

*This was before tablets and other such personal electronic gadgets became so common, though I reckon that some fancy places may still frown upon large bags.

[Spartan1980]

I can tell you what NOT to get. 5.11 MOAB 6.

A G17 will fit into the conceal pocket but just barely and isn't optimal at all, a G19 would be about perfect for length and width but still be a tad fat. I got one in a trade awhile back. It's a good enough bag, but you need some heavy and/or bulky items low in the back main compartment of the damn thing or else it falls over on its front. It just refuses to set up straight without a pretty full load. It also screams gun by looking too tactical.

[Crazy Dane]

I am curious as to what is the mission and initial thoughts of the OP re the slingbag.

I am very leery of Off Body Carry once we depart from a purpose designed fanny pack or chest pack.

1. Slow
2. You will forget it at some point
3. Unless you have always been a bag carrier, it becomes a source of questions/concerns etc.
4. It's is much hard to be consistently fast with it relative to a purpose designed Fanny Pack or belt line holster.
5. The majority of the purpose built stuff in this realm is readily identifiable as such to the trained eye of both good and bad folks

Color me skeptical and intrigued. Please let us know what you do.


My thoughts and experience...

1. If my only options are slow or unarmed, I will take the slow.

2. Yes I left mine at home and at work but only once in either location and I have practiced this for a little over 15 years now. When I left it at home, my wife brought it to me later that day. The morning I left it at work we had been up all night on a big fire and when I was relieved I just drove home and did not even change out of my uniform. In that case, my bag was secured in my locker.

3. This is easily explained away. I got tired of carrying everything in my pockets or to much to carry usually works.

4. see #1

5. I see this perpetuated a lot but in my experience nobody but the highly switched on individuals recognize gun gear as gun gear. I have "gun guys" at work move my bag and ask if I'm carrying bricks. They had no clue until I shared what I carried. I don't share with everyone just my crew. I have been approached and asked about my cool chest pack, Hill People kit bag, by all sorts of people on the trail and none never have a clue. They all thinks a great way to carry their snacks and cell phone. I have only been "outed" by one guy at work and that lead to us taking a class together. I'm sure others may have assumed but I will never know it.

[TGS]

In addition to the examples already posted by other members, a “bag gun” can be a second gun, when one is carrying a weapon concealed under the clothing. The bag gun might well be a larger gun, for going to get “into trouble,” at times when one is wearing a mere “get-out-of-trouble gun.” (Terminology borrowed from DB.) I distinctly remember an occasion, when I needed to meet someone inside a place that did not allow men to bring bags*, so I transferred a 4” GP100 from a bag, to holster-less AIWB, and left the bag in the vehicle. So, I walked inside, with a holstered weapon at 0300, and the GP100 at field-expedient AIWB.

Of course, the bag gun can also be equal in size, or smaller, than the gun worn under the clothing. It is all about context.

*This was before tablets and other such personal electronic gadgets became so common, though I reckon that some fancy places may still frown upon large bags.

Can you, pangloss, or anyone else who owns the Kelty post some pictures of the bags orientation for drawing and how the gun pocket opens?

I'm thinking about buying one myself, but I can't really find any videos or detailed pictures of it in use, and want to make sure it's at least as viable or user friendly as the VertX bags. I found one video on Youtube featuring the left handed bag, and from what I gather so far it looks like the gun pocket opening is on the wrong side of the bag...i.e. the left hand model has it on the correct side for right hand use, but wouldn't work in such a manner since you wear it on the opposite shoulder.

[TGS]

5. I see this perpetuated a lot but...

Ditto, especially with the current options that we've detailed in this thread that are not HSGI/Maxpedition DEATHLORDZ 3000 BLACKWATER MANKILLER bags. They look just as at home on a college campus, office building, or financial district as any other sling bag people wear.

[Maple Syrup Actual]

There's a big gray area in-between those two extremes. Here's a bunch of purpose built CCW slings that don't fit your categorization:

There's also the Kelty that was mentioned earlier in the thread, which looks like an excellent option (possibly the best mentioned yet, thanks pangloss!).

The Kelty I like, that's straight REI.

But fair enough, we probably don't see as many of the legit covert options up here, because they're often small companies that may or may not make it easy to order internationally.

Anyway I'm not saying that there are only two categories, Coach Purses and SHEEPWARPUNISHER45.1911, just that I often see gun guys gravitation towards gun brands for stuff that I haven't found is really advantageous, and in some cases actually counterproductive.

Particularly if you're doing something a bit edge-case-y. To me the OP's situation is one where people are more likely to jump to conclusions because he's not just some guy randomly passing them on the street, but a guy with a semi-gun-involved job. That's the kind of task where I would be looking for maximum blend and minimum "if there's one guy at work carrying a gun, it's definitely Bob."

[Rex G]

Can you, pangloss, or anyone else who owns the Kelty post some pictures of the bags orientation for drawing and how the gun pocket opens?

I'm thinking about buying one myself, but I can't really find any videos or detailed pictures of it in use, and want to make sure it's at least as viable or user friendly as the VertX bags. I found one video on Youtube featuring the left handed bag, and from what I gather so far it looks like the gun pocket opening is on the wrong side of the bag...i.e. the left hand model has it on the correct side for right hand use, but wouldn't work in such a manner since you wear it on the opposite shoulder.

Look for text, on your phone. First, I need to confirm I remember which name matches TGS.

[FAS1]

I bought one of these last year for my wife. It looks similar to the Kelty mentioned. She hates carrying a purse and I gave it to her for a day pack for all her junk. She already filled it up and now wants something a little bigger.

It's by no means designed for quick access weapons carry and there is no velcro panel inside. It's cheap enough at $30 and you can probably customize it if you have the means to.


https://youtu.be/mRSpAoNWXmE

[vcdgrips]

Still waiting to hear from the OP re context etc.

Having said that, I concur that if the actual choice is slow and off body or no firearm, I too would vote slow and off body.

However, I think many times, for many people, in many situations, that is not really the choice. Off body in a bag is easy to carry. I get that. Dressing around a gun on the daily is not.

I carry a G35 and a mag, bare minimum on the beltline the vast majority of the time. T shirt and shorts to jacket and tie, to include in 80/80 weather (80+ degrees and/or 80% humidity from April-September here in the KC Metro)
Purpose designed belts, pouches and holsters. Nothing is oversized.

I confess, I am not a gym rat. If I was, I suspect I would carry something smaller or just a blade way before I would presumably have a gun in a bag at my feet while I was on my last rep of the 3rd set on the bench etc. or across the way in a cube where everybody else seems to leave their bag during the workout etc..

TGS-you are far more switched on than the average person or the average off body carrier who will forget that bag.


Finally, think there is a subset of bad folks who are far more switched on than they are given credit for.

[pangloss]

Can you, pangloss, or anyone else who owns the Kelty post some pictures of the bags orientation for drawing and how the gun pocket opens?

I'm thinking about buying one myself, but I can't really find any videos or detailed pictures of it in use, and want to make sure it's at least as viable or user friendly as the VertX bags. I found one video on Youtube featuring the left handed bag, and from what I gather so far it looks like the gun pocket opening is on the wrong side of the bag...i.e. the left hand model has it on the correct side for right hand use, but wouldn't work in such a manner since you wear it on the opposite shoulder.

Alas, in the rare circumstance that I off body carry, I have a Vertx EDC Essentials Bag. I've been curious about the Kelty for a long time, but I've haven't purchased one because I often go months (years?) without carrying off body. I'd certainly appreciate feedback on the Kelty. Several times I've come close to buying one just to satisfy my curiosity, so I'd love to hear first hand reports from any members here.

[TGS]

Finally, think there is a subset of bad folks who are far more switched on than they are given credit for.

My opinion is that those dudes are likely to pick you out regardless of the bag. To those people, behaviors are bigger indicators than the bag will be. Things like upright posture, looking around and being unafraid to make eye contact with people, immediately looking to your left/right or performing a 0-25 assessment upon going through a door, looking for the nearest alternative exit...these are all things that stick out way more to the trained eye watching you at Starbucks than a Heather Red slingbag from an outdoors store that looks identical to the one that the beta just carried in minutes before.

Not only that, but tons of people buy these bags because they are just mag good laptop/tablet bags to begin with. I'd wager the majority of people who walk around with a Magma Orange and Teal VertX bag, or even a black GoRuck GR1 or coyote brown Maxpedition don't even own guns.

IMO, respectfully, this is taking the "shoot me first vest" thing to an extreme. At the very least, similar to the shoot me first vest conversation had a few weeks ago, it's a matter of what's appropriate for your current venue and activity...it's not like there's a universal truth regarding these bags being a tell.

[Mark D]

I know the orginal discussion was about G17, but I'm starting to think the sling bags really shine with larger firearms. This video was posted by @Caballoflaco (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=13388) in another thread. It is a real life example of using a sling bag (or small back pack) to deploy a shortly AK.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wma18PGKKiA

[DrkBlue]

Alas, in the rare circumstance that I off body carry, I have a Vertx EDC Essentials Bag. I've been curious about the Kelty for a long time, but I've haven't purchased one because I often go months (years?) without carrying off body. I'd certainly appreciate feedback on the Kelty. Several times I've come close to buying one just to satisfy my curiosity, so I'd love to hear first hand reports from any members here.

I like mine, but use it sparingly due to the obvious issues with off body. I mainly use for biking.
I was with Rex earlier... Doubted a G17 would be bueno, as it is just perfect for a G19.

Here is a pic of the gun pocket open - holster and mag pouch inside. I must be using a different than Kelty holster, but almost any Velcro backed open will work.
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