AS A YOUNG COP IN THE LATE 1990S, I often carried my full-size pistol in a huge fanny pack while off duty. At the time, fanny packs were a popular means of carrying a wallet, keys, and back then, even a pager. Of course, fanny packs were also a great way to comfortably hide a gun in plain sight. But when fanny packs went out of style, the mere fact that you wore one was cause for suspicion.
These days, fanny packs are popular again, and they remain well-suited for concealed carry. Since fanny packs don’t require a belt like a traditional holster, you can carry your gun when wearing sweatpants or shorts—clothing you couldn’t easily wear while carrying a gun. For many, a fanny pack is a comfortable and…