The Ultimate Grey Man EDC?
The JanSport Fanny Pack as a Concealed Carry Kit: Tactical Genius or Mall Ninja Madness?
When you think of concealed carry gear, your mind probably jumps to tried-and-true options: inside-the-waistband holsters, shoulder rigs, or even an appendix carry setup that reminds you of your poor life choices every time you sit down too fast. But what if I told you that the ultimate CCW rig has been hiding in plain sight, hanging off the hips of tourists, hipsters, and suburban dads since the 1980s?
Enter the JanSport Fanny Pack—yes, the fanny pack—but rebranded by JanSport so you don’t feel like you’re wearing your dad’s embarrassing Epcot souvenir. Now, before you scoff at the idea of stuffing your everyday carry (EDC) into a pack typically reserved for sunscreen and granola bars, let’s break down the pros and cons of this unexpected concealed carry companion.
Pros of the JanSport Fanny Pack for CCW
1. Storage Capacity: More Than Just a Snack Holster
One of the biggest advantages of using the Fanny Pack for concealed carry is storage space. Unlike most minimalist holsters, this pack gives you room for your firearm, an extra mag, a small IFAK, and maybe even a protein bar (because operators don’t run on empty). The main compartment is spacious enough for compact and subcompact handguns, and the front pocket provides quick access to smaller EDC items.
If you’re the type who carries more gear than Batman, this pack lets you load up without looking like you’re smuggling a plate carrier under your hoodie.
2. Grey Man Advantage: Disappear Into the Crowd
If your goal is to blend in like a suburban ninja, the JanSport Fanny Pack is an elite-level disguise. Nobody suspects the guy in joggers and a hoodie with a fanny pack to be packing heat. It screams “I have trail mix” more than “I am prepared for a gunfight,” making it a solid choice for maintaining a low profile.
Want to up your grey man game? Slap on a touristy keychain or a National Parks pin, and suddenly, you’re just another dad ready to complain about gas prices at the gift shop.
3. Quick Access (If You Train Right)
Unlike appendix carry, where your draw time competes with the speed of pain from a bad re-holster, a well-positioned fanny pack allows for quick, two-handed access. With a proper rip-and-draw technique, you can clear the zipper and be on target in seconds.
Plus, you never have to worry about printing—because nobody expects the tourist to be the one with the fastest draw in the food court.
Cons of the JanSport Fanny Pack for CCW
1. The “Tactical Fashion” Conundrum
Let’s be real—there’s a fine line between “grey man” and “mall ninja.” A fanny pack is a hard sell for some, especially if your style leans more toward “tactical operator” than “guy who runs a craft coffee Instagram.” If you can’t embrace the look, this might not be for you.
2. Slower Than Traditional Carry (If Untrained)
While a well-practiced rip-and-draw can be fast, it’s not as quick as a holster on your belt. If you don’t train regularly with it, you’re just wearing a storage pouch, not a functional CCW setup.
3. Zippers Are a Weak Link
Unlike a Kydex holster, zippers are a mechanical failure point. One bad jam, and your quick draw turns into an awkward struggle, which is not ideal in a self-defense scenario.
Final Verdict: Operator Approved or Tourist Tier?
The JanSport Fanny Pack for concealed carry is a double-edged karambit—if used correctly, it offers solid storage, a low-profile advantage, and solid accessibility. But if you’re not training with it, you’re just a dude carrying a gun in a glorified snack bag.
For those who prioritize comfort and ultimate grey man stealth, the Fanny Pack is 100% viable. Just make sure your draw is faster than your excuse for wearing it.
Would you trust a fanny pack for CCW? Let me know, but remember—tactical is a mindset, not just a gear choice.
What do you think? Tactical genius or mall ninja madness?