Carrying concealed isn’t just for trips to the grocery store or a night out. For me, it’s part of my lifestyle — whether I’m running trails, biking with my niece & nephew, or heading into the backcountry for a day of adventure.
But carrying while moving is tricky. Comfort, retention, and access are all critical. If your setup fails in any one of those areas, you’re less likely to carry consistently — and that defeats the purpose of EDC.
I’ve spent years experimenting with gear, testing setups, and learning what works in real-world, active scenarios. I’ve had some hilarious fails, some painful lessons, and a lot of gear testing in between. What I’ve come away with is a set of best practices that can help you carry safely, comfortably, and with confidence — even when you’re on the move.
Finding the Right Gear
When it comes to carrying while active, you need gear that moves with you, stays in place, and allows for a safe and fast draw if needed. Over the years, I’ve tested almost everything: belly bands, minimalist appendix holsters, fanny packs, and even improvised solutions that I would never recommend now.
Here’s what I’ve found works best:
- Belly Bands & Waist Packs: Great for running, biking, or hiking. I pair mine with the Safariland QLS (Quick Locking System) fork and receiver plate when I want to swap between belt and pack setups quickly — a huge time-saver.
- Minimalist Kydex Holsters: A solid appendix rig with a quality clip is crucial. I personally love the Safariland Schema IWB Holster. Its skeletonized design is lightweight, breathable, and stays secure through sprints, burpees, and bike rides.
- Retention Test: After a short jog, stop and check your gun. Has it shifted? If so, you either need to adjust placement or consider a different holster design. Safariland’s ALS® (Automatic Locking System) holsters give me peace of mind on more rugged outings — retention without sacrificing speed.
Training in Your Athletic Clothes
Drawing from concealment in athletic clothes is a completely different experience than drawing in jeans and a belt. Shorts or running tights can change how you clear your garment and establish your grip.
When I’m working up a new setup, I’ll practice with an unloaded firearm in front of a mirror first. I clear my shirt, get a good firing grip, and work through the motion until it feels natural. Only after I can do that safely and consistently will I carry live with that setup.
Sweat Management & Gear Care
Let’s talk about sweat — because if you’re training hard, there’s going to be plenty of it. Sweat can be rough on guns and holsters, especially if you’re carrying in humid or hot conditions.
Choose holsters made from sweat-resistant materials like Kydex or SafariLaminate™. After workouts, I wipe down my Schema holster and lightly oil my firearm. Safariland’s holsters are designed to withstand real-world conditions — from law enforcement duty belts to your weekend trail run — but they still deserve some TLC.
The Lesson I Learned the Hard Way
I’ll never forget one summer run where I decided to try out a bargain-bin elastic holster. About halfway through a 5K trail run, I felt something weird — my pistol had rotated almost 90 degrees inside the holster and was bouncing so hard it felt like it was punching me in the ribs. By the time I finished, my skin was red and sore, my gun was pointing somewhere I didn’t want it to, and I was praying no one else noticed.
That was the last time I went cheap on carry gear. Quality matters — especially when it comes to safety and comfort. Switching to the Schema made an instant difference: retention, comfort, and concealment all improved, and I could finally run without worrying about my gear moving out of position.
Consistency Builds Confidence
The bottom line: if your carry setup isn’t comfortable or secure, you won’t wear it — and consistency is key to preparedness. When you have gear that stays put, feels good, and gives you quick access when you need it, you’ll carry more often.
Safariland’s EDC line is built with that consistency in mind — from their minimalist appendix holsters to their retention-ready ALS® options. The more I train with them, the more confidence I have to carry every single day — whether I’m on the trail, the bike, or any type of outdoor adventure.
