What’s the best gun holster for runners?
- Brave Response Belly Band
- JM4 Tactical QCC
- Sticky Holster
- 5.11 Tactical Fanny Pack
I’ve recently started down my journey to lose some of this extra weight, just because I’d like to be able to walk my girls down the aisle, and see my son be as amazing as an adult as he is as a kid.
My weight loss journey usually starts with a bit of running because, let’s face it, it’s super low cost and anyone can do it. But, I believe in being armed at all times, to include walking around my house to running around town or the woods.
Unlike other websites who try to tell you what the best jogging holsters are without trying them, I actually have experience with all the holsters on this list.
Here are my top pistol holsters for runners.
Best Gun Holster For Runners – Brave Response:
The Brave Response holster is number 1 on this list for a reason. The rest of the “best jogging holsters” really limit the size of the gun you can carry on your body for self-defense.
Not so with the Brave Response because it doesn’t require any other clothing to work.
If I had to call it something, this would be the “best belly band holster for running.”
Ready my Brave Response Review, by clicking on that link.
Here is my video review:
I have carried everything in my Brave Response Holster from a 5″ Coonan 1911 to a small J-Frame, and it works well.
I own both versions of the Brave Response, the classic (linked to above), as well as the newest addition, the Appendix holster (link to ConcealedCarry.com who sells them). Both are great.
This is kind of like a belly band, but isn’t, if that makes any sense, but doesn’t use any neoprene.
By the way, I feel as though any holster manufacturer who wants to be taken seriously should not use neoprene. If you’re like me, neoprene up against your body is a recipe for wetness because it doesn’t breathe well.
Also unlike the other holsters on this list, this one can be cleaned a lot easier. It’s machine washable. So, if you sweat like a boar in a bacon factory like me, this is right up your alley.
JM4 Tactical QCC:
The JM4 Tactical QCC holster (link to JM4’s website) is perfect for jogging because, unlike a traditional concealed carry holster, no belt is required.
This holster does not have a traditional clip. It utilizes leather and rare earth magnets that are SUPER strong to not only attach the gun to your body, but retain the gun inside the holster. Check out my video review:
This IWB gun holster was originally designed for people who only wear active type clothing like yoga pants, basketball shorts, etc. I’m friends with the owners, and own 5 of these holsters.
They’re that good and very highly recommended.
In fact, being that a lady helped invent this one, I’d consider it the best women’s gun holster for running–and no I’m not female. I do know a few ladies who do use this holster for running, horseback riding, and other jumpy and bouncy tasks. They all love it.
My advice here, is to use a smaller gun because a pistol that’s too heavy can begin to sag the pants down a bit. Something like a Glock 43, SIG P365, or S&W Shield is perfect for concealed carry running. (here is my JM4 review)
Sticky Holster:
I have gone jogging with a Sticky Holster in my pocket before, and have a friend who has tied her drawstring around it in such a way that she can carry it in the appendix position while jogging.
I have not done the second method, though know how it is done. What I have done, though, is jog around like a whale with legs with a SIG Sauer P938 in a Sticky Holster in my pocket.
This is not my preferred method, but it does suffice if I can only afford one holster that needs to serve multiple purposes. Check out my video review:
The main takeaway here, is that the gun/holster combo has to be small enough to fit in your pocket, and you need pockets big enough to make sure the gun doesn’t bounce out while you’re jogging.
5.11 Tactical Fanny Pack:
The fanny pack holster is a funny one, but it totally makes sense if you’re looking for the best jogging holster. In normal day to day life, people may look at you kinda funny if you’re wearing one of these antique devices.
But, when you’re working out, the fanny pack holster just makes sense and nobody will give you a second look.
Why? Because it’s actually responsible for people to carry an ID, some cash, etc., on them even while jogging around town or on the local trail. Because you don’t want to carry that stuff in your hand, the fanny pack just makes sense.
And, when coupled with a fanny pack gun holster like the one pictured above, it makes even more sense because you know you can get to your gun in a decent amount of time should you feel the need to defend yourself against man or animal.
This option is designed to carry a gun and spare mags in case you really find yourself up that creek, and it’s reversible for left handed shooters, and right handed.
The key takeaway here, is to make sure that your holster fanny pack is meant to be a holster, which helps to distribute the weight of the gun better as well as aiding in draw stroke speed.
You should buy this from their website.
I’ll be publishing a review on the 5.11 Tactical fanny pack in the coming months.
What about a shoulder holster for running?
You should stay away from a shoulder holster to run with because it leaves the gun out in the open and may be illegal, or you need to cover it up with an extra layer of clothing to conceal it which is hot.
Anyone who tells you to that the best gun holster for runners is one that goes on the shoulder is either confused, or is just trying to sell you something.
A shoulder holster is probably fine if you’re in an open carry state or don’t mind wearing a jacket while running to conceal the gun.
Or, if you’re running on your own property you’ll be fine. But for running out in public, a shoulder holster does NOT make sense for concealed carry while running.
Concealed Carry While Running – Conclusion:
There is a ton of bad advice out there concerning concealed carry holsters for runners.
I decided to write this article to dispel some of the garbage I saw being spewed from people who have clearly never actually tried running with a shoulder holster or wide clipped appendix carry Kydex holster that requires a BELT.
Both of which don’t make a lot of sense, by the way. So, what’s your preferred holster for running?
This article was updated for relevance. Previous publish date was September 2020.
