What Concealed Carry Method Works Best For You?

Concealed carry basics and clothing considerations

The video opens with a lighthearted exchange about using a fanny pack for concealed carry, leading into a broader discussion of carry methods. The hosts explain that concealed carry is highly individual and depends on body type, clothing, holster choice, and personal comfort. Traditional strong-side carry at the 3 o’clock or 5 o’clock position is mentioned, along with options like outside-the-waistband under a cover garment, fanny packs, backpacks, and purses. Clothing fit is emphasized as a major factor: tight shirts tend to print, while slightly looser garments help conceal a handgun. Sophia notes that concealed carry setups evolve over time as people buy new pistols, try different holsters, or change how they dress, and that learning continues throughout the concealed carry journey.

Appendix carry with the PHLSTER Enigma and SIG P365 X-Macro

Sophia demonstrates her primary carry method: appendix carry using a PHLSTER Enigma system. She is concealing a SIG P365 X-Macro and explains that the Enigma is an internal belt worn under the pants, independent of an external belt. She adds an outer belt mainly to cinch everything tighter and improve retention. The Enigma includes a leg leash that wraps around the thigh to keep the holster anchored so it does not lift with the gun during the draw. Proper setup and tight equipment are stressed to prevent the holster from moving or coming out with the firearm under stress. Sophia considers this her safest and most efficient option, and the one she would choose if she could only bring a single holster because it works with a wide range of outfits and activities, including running when paired with the sport belt attachment.

Henry Holsters Cipher IWB setup with DCC clips

Sophia’s second method is an inside-the-waistband appendix setup using the Henry Holsters Cipher holster equipped with Discreet Carry Concepts (DCC) clips. She contrasts the metal DCC clips with common plastic clips, noting that the DCC hardware is more durable and grips clothing firmly. Some users run this holster without a belt because of the clip strength, but she prefers using a belt for more secure retention and does not promote beltless carry as a standard practice. The Cipher is a Kydex holster that maintains its shape, provides solid trigger guard retention, and is cut for a red dot and suppressor-height sights. It includes a claw to reduce printing. Sophia typically chooses this setup when she is already wearing a belt and wants a quick, simple option, such as a fast trip to the store, or when she does not feel like putting on the full Enigma system. She views it as comparable in safety to the Enigma while being faster to don and remove.

Vertex concealed carry fanny pack and SIG P365 Rose

Sophia’s third method is a Vertex concealed carry fanny pack, currently set up with a SIG P365 Rose XL Comp. Inside the pack, the pistol rides in a CrossBreed Velcro-backed holster made specifically for that model. She outlines three rules she uses when evaluating concealed carry fanny packs. First, the firearm must ride in a dedicated compartment, separate from items like a wallet or lip gloss, to avoid interference with the draw. Second, the gun must be in a proper holster that fully covers the trigger guard; the pistol should never be loose in the bag. Third, the pack needs a large, distinct pull tab for the gun compartment, clearly different from other zippers. She demonstrates a draw technique learned from Lena Miculek, starting from a hands-up position, indexing along the bottom of the pack, sliding up to the pull tab, opening the compartment, and drawing in a way that avoids flagging her own body. The pack appears outwardly ordinary, concealing its purpose.

Defining carry ammo and why to train with it

The hosts transition from carry methods to live-fire practice, focusing on the importance of training with actual carry ammunition. They distinguish between standard 9mm practice loads, such as 115-grain or 124-grain ball and NATO-spec ammunition, and dedicated carry ammo. Carry ammunition is described as being loaded hotter, often in +P configurations, producing higher velocity and improved terminal performance. Hollow point bullets are mentioned for their expansion characteristics. Because hotter loads and different bullet designs can change recoil impulse and overall feel, the hosts recommend that concealed carriers periodically practice with their chosen defensive ammunition, not just with cheaper ball ammo. This helps ensure familiarity with how the gun behaves under realistic conditions, so the shooter understands the recoil and handling of the exact load carried for self-defense.