Off-body carry is not without it’s inherent limitations and concerns. But we all regularly face situations in which our wardrobe or activities make a traditional holster impractical, if not impossible. Rather than go unarmed, we must look at other carry alternatives. Fanny packs are a popular and practical option.
There are vast a vast array of fanny packs in countless styles, colors, and configurations from which to choose. When selecting an everyday carry (EDC) fanny pack, the first step is to determine what you intend to carry. Without a clear understanding of your needs, you may end up with a pack that’s either too large or too small, or lacking essential features.
EDC should be driven by practicality, not excess. A realistic assessment of your daily requirements will help you choose a pack that’s appropriately sized and equipped, ensuring it serves you well without unnecessary bulk.
Vertx Lena Collection
Lena Miculek is a 10-time World Champion professional shooter, renowned for her record-setting performances and dynamic presence both on and off the range. Her approachable demeanor and dedication to empowering women through preparedness have made her a standout voice in the firearms community.
Beyond competition, she has pioneered a concealed carry (CCW) program specifically designed for women and built a strong online following by sharing expert insights on everyday carry (EDC), personal defense, and practical training strategies.
Lena’s mission to help women live confidently and independently has now expanded through a partnership with Vertx, resulting in the Lena Collection, a line of bags, packs, and apparel designed to support a lifestyle of readiness without compromising style or individuality. Her collaboration with Vertx reflects her belief that gear should be both practical and empowering.
Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack+
Among the most eagerly anticipated additions to the Lena Collection is the Everyday Fanny Pack+, a thoughtfully reimagined upgrade to the original Everyday Fanny Pack. While the first version was widely praised for its sleek design and compact utility, many users requested a larger model capable of accommodating a full-size pistol.
I, too, had been hoping for a more spacious iteration. Well, the wait is now over.
The Everyday Fanny Pack+ answers that need, delivering increased capacity, along with the streamlined organization, and modern silhouette of the original that integrates effortlessly into everyday life. It’s part of the Lena Collection’s new Daily Carry Series of packs, which currently consists of three new packs: the Everyday Fanny Pack 2.1; Everyday Fanny Pack+; and the Any Day Backpack.
The Everyday Fanny Pack+ features the upgraded exterior that was introduced with the Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0. Constructed from water-resistant 100% nylon, the pack offers exceptional durability and protection against the elements. The exterior is sleek and modern. All zip openings feature YKK zippers with zipper pulls. The pack has a 4-liter capacity.
A key feature of all Vertx bags and packs is their CCW compatible construction. The Everyday Fanny Pack+ includes a concealed carry main compartment measuring 9.75 inches wide, 6.25 inches high, and 2 inches deep. It’s designed to accommodate most full-size frames with lights and optics. I carry my full-size 1911 in it without issue. Of course, it works well with smaller guns too.
For users who prefer a more compact setup, Vertx also offers the Everyday Fanny Pack 2.1, which is optimized for sub-compact pistols and minimalist carry configurations. The availability of both models ensures that you can choose the pack that best suits your needs.
The main compartment features a wide two-way zipper for quick-draw access and has a VELCRO loop lined back panel. The panel is Tactigami compatible, allowing for customizable organization.
A removable Modular Holster Retention sSstem (also referred to as the Holster Lock) is provided to easily mount your inside the waistband (IWB) holster. You can also attach hook-backed modular holsters or accessories.
The main compartment of the Everyday Fanny Pack+ offers a wide two-way zipper for rapid access, backed by a VELCRO loop-lined panel that’s Tactigami compatible. Shown with icluded Modular Holster Retention System. (PHOTO: EUGENE NIELSEN)
This system works in tandem with the new Micro Rapid Access Tab, which may be swapped from zipper to zipper to create a personalized EDC setup. There’s also ripcord feature that enables rapid tear open access and deployment under stress. These features are designed with both efficiency and safety in mind, ensuring that you can respond swiftly and confidently when needed.
Beyond its concealed carry capabilities, the Everyday Fanny Pack+ offers a well-organized layout for everyday essentials. A light-colored interior improves visibility of the contents in low-light environments. The front zippered pocket includes two translucent mesh organizer pockets and a removable bright red key lanyard. The pocket is perfect for keeping small everyday accessories within easy reach.
Just behind the main body, a discreet back pocket is perfectly sized to fit most smartphones. This hidden compartment allows users to keep their device close at hand and quickly accessible, all while maintaining a low profile. The pack has a silicon Vertx shuriken logo on the back that’s not just for style; it helps prevents slippage of the pack during active wear.
The Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack+ can be upgraded with a custom-fit ballistic insert, while maintaining its sleek, everyday look. Premier Body Armor offers a Level IIIA / HG2 ballistic insert tailored specifically for the Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack+. Made from the same material used in its NIJ-certified law enforcement soft body armor, it’s lightweight and flexible. The panel fits seamlessly into the pack and provides protection for key vital areas when the pack is worn cross-body.
Comfort and versatility are also central to the Everyday Fanny Pack+ design. The adjustable belt strap extends up to 56 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. It has a secure Duraflex buckle. Whether worn around the waist or across the body as I typically do, the strap provides a secure and tailored fit.
Despite its larger size robust feature set, the Everyday Fanny Pack+ still remains lightweight and compact. With its 4-liter capacity and a weight of just 0.6 lbs, it strikes an ideal balance between storage and size. You can carry pretty much everything you need without feeling weighed down.
Final Thoughts
The Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack+ is a great option for anyone who wants to off-body carry their EDC essentials in a low-profile and functional way. It’s an exceptionally well-made and well-designed pack with some important capabilities that can adapt to your needs. Simply put, it’s an outstanding tactical fanny pack.
The Everyday Fanny Pack+ offers a practical carry option that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. The pack is available in four colorways: Black, Outpost, Ranger Green, and Wolf Grey. Retailing at $64.99, the Everyday Fanny Pack+ is very reasonably priced.
