Attending the 153rd NRA National Meeting, I was pleasantly surprised to see several booths and items dedicated for women. I was on the search for conceal carry options for women. With current female fashion trends carrying on your person is not always practical or allows for the firearm to remain concealed. In those instances, women are employing the use of purses, belts and packs as available options. As an active mom I like to have a variety of options, allowing me to carry with every outfit or activity.
I started my visit at the Galco booth and discovered their innovative FasTrax PAC waistpack, a product that blends seamlessly with casual modern styles while discreetly carrying your defensive handgun. This design stands out from traditional waistpacks with its pivoting holster component and external activation cord, allowing for an incredibly quick draw. Users can unzip with one hand and pull the activation cord with the other, allowing the hostler to pop up into an easily accessible position.
Fanny packs are becoming increasingly popular; they also provide a convenient way to carry. This design allows female gun owners to stay up with fashion trends. The FasTrax PAC's Comfort Cloth backing ensures all-day comfort with padding and is moisture-wicking. Its adjustable 1.5" wide waist strap fits up to 56-inch waists, making it versatile for various body types.
After personally testing the FasTrax PAC for a few weeks, I found it to be an excellent addition to my carry options. Its minimalist front pocket was designed to prevent overstuffing. The Premium Center Cut Steerhide holster component is adjustable to fit a wide range of pistols, from .380s like the Ruger LCP to small pistols like the Glock 43X, and even small-frame revolvers. My SIG SAUER P365XL fits perfectly. Galco offers a compact and subcompact designs making sure you have the best fitting option.
Ladies meet your new best friend for concealed carry, the MFT Ultralite Belly Band Holster. Designed to go wherever you go, whether walking, jogging, hiking, or biking, this holster provides comfortable all-day wear with its 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric. This innovative fabric ensures efficient airflow, keeping you cool and dry while preventing bacterial growth. The holster's soft medical-grade Hook & Loop construction guarantees no chafing, making it perfect for long days.
A Hard Laminate Trigger Shield offers additional safety, protecting your firearm's trigger from unwanted intrusion. It's ambidextrous and compatible with a variety of firearms, making it a versatile choice. The self-laminated fastening end can be trimmed with scissors for a custom fit, accommodating waist sizes from 26" to 52". Care is easy: it's hand or machine-washable on a gentle cycle and should be laid flat to dry. The fitting process is straightforward—just place it snugly, locate the excess material, and trim it for a perfect fit. The
MFT Ultralite Belly Band Holster combines breathability, safety, and customization, making it a top choice for women who carry concealed.
Kinsey Rhea's collection of concealed carry purses are elegant and stylish. Their current most popular option is the "Rissa" Concealed Carry Crossbody Purse. It is the perfect blend of style and practicality, making it a must-have for any occasion. Featuring a sleek black pebble exterior, soft hot pink lining, and elegant gold hardware, this purse is as fashionable as it is functional. Its concealed carry pocket comes with a holster and locking zippers, ensuring your firearm stays secure. The adjustable, interchangeable strap offers a customizable fit, while the exterior pocket provides access to other essentials. Measuring 10" x 10" x 3" with an 8" x 8" concealed carry pocket, the "Rissa" also includes a Kinsey Rhea Dust Bag, making it a versatile and stylish addition to your accessory collection.
As a mom, I've rotated the "Rissa" through my concealed bag collection for two years now, and it has become my preferred carrying method. It seamlessly combines practicality with elegance, allowing me to carry securely while looking stylish. Whether running errands or attending events, this purse has proven to be reliable. Spoiler alert, Kinsey gave us a sneak peek at their new fall collection along with some exciting news, stay tuned for my announcement article.
It is important to always practice drawing your firearm from each carry option. This is a great way to get your dry firing exercises in. This practice ensures you remain safe, comfortable with your carry method, and confident in your ability to use it effectively.
Bethany Beathard
Bethany Beathard is an outdoor writer and content creator. She is an avid sportswoman who is passionate about conservation and hunting. She grew up on 55 acres in rural Oklahoma, with a family who fostered a love for hunting traditions. She is a military wife and homeschooling mother of five. She has written for several outdoor and hunting publications and websites. She has done several speaking events geared towards women in the outdoors and supporting hunting heritage programs. She loves the outdoors and takes every opportunity to get out there.