When it comes to concealed carry, most of us immediately think about on-body setups — appendix, strong-side, etc. But off-body carry — if executed and managed properly, ensuring you retain control of your firearm at all times — has a legitimate place in the conversation, especially for those moments when a traditional holster just isn’t practical.
Whether you’re hiking, boating, dressed for a run, or simply need more versatility, a solid off-body option can keep you prepared without broadcasting that you’re armed.
I’m glad to have gotten to test out three of Vertx’s most recent off-body carry bags of varying sizes: the Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0, the Ghost 10L Sling, and the Gamut CCW Backpack. Each offers a unique balance of size, concealability and practicality. I’ve personally worn, carried, and trained with each of these, and I can say they are of exceptional quality, and each one has a specific area in which it shines.
Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0
Let’s start small. The Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0 is the most compact of the three. I’ve been wearing it in the crossbody style, but you can also wear it around your waist like a traditional fanny pack.
The first thing that struck me was how unassuming it looks. If you walked past me on the street, you’d probably think I’m wearing something from a large athletic-driven brand like Nike, Adidas or even Lululemon. That’s exactly what you want in a concealed carry bag — something that doesn’t scream “tactical.”
Vertx keeps branding minimal here. Yes, the logo is present, but it’s subtle and stylish enough that 99% of people will overlook it. From the outside, it’s sporty, casual, and blends in with everyday life.
Inside, though, it’s purpose-built. The bag features a dual-zippered main compartment with Vertx’s quick-pull tab system. The tab can be switched to either zipper to accommodate both right and left-handed shooters. I’ve configured mine so that when I need to draw, I pull down on the large tab to stabilize the bag, then zip open with the smaller pull and access my firearm. After some practice, I’ve gotten this motion down to be smooth and efficient. Of course, you may develop your own system of drawing that fits your needs best.
Currently, I’m carrying my Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro in this pack. The interior includes a removable insert that protects the triggerguard and keeps the firearm stable. It’s hook-backed, so you can reposition it or swap it out with a Kydex holster or other Velcro-backed setup if you prefer. That flexibility means you can customize it to your draw style and comfort. For maximum safety and draw consistency, it might be best to opt for pairing a Kydex holster with this pack.
For me, the Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0 shines in situations where your attire is not suitable for carrying. Our family frequently walks nature trails together and, during those outings, I’m usually outfitted in clothing that favors mobility over concealment. However, once I add in this fanny pack, I have the best of both worlds. I have even been able to comfortably jog with it. It’s compact, blends perfectly, and still allows me to carry a capable defensive handgun, such as the Hellcat Pro, securely.
Size and Capacity:
- 2L
- 9″ W x 5.5″ H x 2.1″ D
Urban Ghost 10L Sling Bag
Next up is the Urban Ghost 10L Sling Bag, which sits comfortably in the medium-size category. If the fanny pack is about minimalism, the Ghost is about blending into the “tech bag” world.
What I really appreciate about this line is the design philosophy. From the outside, the Ghost doesn’t look remotely tactical — it looks like something you’d carry your laptop, tablet or hard drives in. I’d describe it as a sleek tech backpack, the kind of thing you’d expect to see at a coffee shop or airport gate. That makes it ideal for urban carry.
The sling is ambidextrous. It’s not contoured one way or the other and the strap can be clipped to either side, so left- or right-handed shooters can set it up to their preference. As a right-handed shooter, I run the padded section over my right shoulder. This lets me swing the bag around quickly and unzip it with the quick pull tab left-handed, allowing me to access the concealed carry compartment with my right hand.
Speaking of which, the concealed pouch is located at the bottom of the sling and features dual zippers. I personally removed one of the pull tabs completely since I don’t need the extra hardware dangling, and I wouldn’t be using it since I’m a right-handed shooter, leaving just the large quick-pull tab for faster access.
To draw, I grab the longer quick pull strap, swing the bag forward, unzip with one hand, and draw my firearm. It takes practice, no doubt, but with repetition it becomes a fluid and surprisingly quick motion.
The Ghost 10L also has a section in the pack to allow for the insertion of a ballistic panel so that the pack can not only carry a defensive weapon but also defend against projectiles.
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The Ghost 10L hits a sweet spot for people who want a balance of storage and concealment. You can carry your CCW securely, still have room for daily essentials like a tablet or notebook, and blend into just about any environment.
Size and Capacity:
- Capacity: 10L
- Main Compartment: 14″H x 9″W x 3″D
Gamut CCW Backpack
Finally, we’ve got the big one: the Gamut CCW Backpack. This is the most established of the three, having hit the market around 2022, and I’ve logged serious miles with it. From airports to cross-country travel, this bag has proven itself as one of my favorites.
Unlike the previous two, the Gamut is a full-size backpack with dual straps. The EDC compartment is located on the rear and can be unzipped from either side, making it ambidextrous. The first time I opened it up, I was honestly shocked by how much space it provides.
To demonstrate, it is possible to carry everything from a Springfield Armory Kuna outfitted with a Vortex SPARC red dot to a more traditionally sized handgun with spare magazines. The compartment is very roomy. Of course, carrying a PDW setup in your daily backpack isn’t very realistic or comfortable, but it proves how much room is in this backpack’s CCW compartment.
More commonly, I run a pistol setup inside, supported by Vertx’s tactigami holster with the addition of the included tactagami panel that features bungee retention for magazines, which keeps everything tight and accessible. When I unzip the compartment, I’ve got my handgun ready to draw and additional mags staged for reloads.
Another advantage here is adaptability. If you wanted, you could even slide in a ballistic panel for added protection, making the Gamut not just a carry option but a defensive tool in and of itself.
For me, the Gamut CCW is the best choice when I need a full-size bag anyway — travel days, range trips or extended time away from home. It carries like a normal backpack, has enough room for my daily essentials, and still gives me immediate access to my firearm. To top it all off it still has an unassuming design that doesn’t look like a tactical bag.
Size and capacity:
- Outside Dimensions: 21″H x 11.5″W x 8″D
- CCW Compartment Dimensions: 18″H x 11″H x 2″D
- 25 Liters
Final Thoughts
Each of these bags offers something different, and the best choice depends on your needs.
- The Everyday Fanny Pack 2.0 is ideal for maximum discretion, maximum mobility, and lightweight carry.
- The Ghost 10L Sling strikes a balance between everyday utility and concealment.
- The Gamut CCW Backpack delivers the most capacity and flexibility, making it a fantastic travel or all-day option.
No matter which you choose, one point holds true: practice is essential. Off-body carry requires repetition to build speed and consistency. Drawing from a bag is not the same as drawing from a holster, and in a high-stress scenario, muscle memory is everything. Do not expect any bag to work miracles with your draw times; you must practice, practice, practice!
I’ve enjoyed running each of these Vertx bags, and I think they’re all strong contenders for anyone considering an off-body carry solution. The truth is, I could not recommend just one of these bags; each of them is built around a specific purpose to fill needs. As a result, you can benefit greatly by having all three of them. The key is evaluating your lifestyle, your environment, and your specific needs, and a commitment to staying prepared.
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