Unique Holster System
The Galco FasTrax Pac differs entirely from other concealed carry fanny packs I've tried. Sure, it looks similar from the outside, but the internal holster system sets it apart.
Most of carry fanny packs today use a Velcro system to keep your holster in a fixed position. This works well to keep the holster in your bag when you draw but requires you to reach inside the bag to get purchase on the grip.
Instead, the FasTrax uses a pivoting holster to get the pistol’s grip up and out of the bag. One of the disadvantages of off-body carry is draw speed, and this system provides a solution.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Off-Body Carry
Simply unzip the bag, pull the external activation cord straight up to pivot the holster, and draw. Like anything, you'll need to practice this sequence, but having the grip outside the bag when you draw is a nice perk.
Galco is known for high-quality leather and uses Premium Center Cut Steerhide for the built-in holster on the FasTrax. It's adjustable to fit many different pistols, from small revolvers to subcompacts and compacts. The holster is ambidextrous and can be switched from right hand to left depending on your need.
Related: Factory Tour of Galco Holsters – Over 50 Years of All-American Service
Features
Aside from the pivoting holster system, the FasTrax has other great features, like a stretchy 1.5-inch waist strap that adjusts up to 56 inches. You can purchase an extender that adds 6 to 24 inches if you need a little extra length.
The strap is sturdy enough to keep the fanny pack in place but flexes for comfort when moving around or sitting. A Nexus buckle makes it quick to get the FasTrax on and off, too.
You can choose from a 400-denier nylon packcloth finish, which comes in black, gray, black, and gray combo, and black Multicam or black full-grain leather if you like something dressier.
Galco’s Comfort Cloth makes the back panel very soft and cushy against the body. It also provides moisture wicking, which is excellent since fanny pack carry is a nice alternative to IWB on hot days.
One of the cardinal rules of off-body carry is not to put anything in the same compartment as your gun, so Galco included a zippered front pocket. It's slim, in keeping with the overall minimalist theme of the FasTrax.
Related: How To Make Concealed Carry More Comfortable
In Action
I was born in the 1980s, so I'm pro-fanny pack. I've been wearing them as purses for years because I like to be hands-free when I'm out. And on the few occasions I carry off-body, a fanny pack is my favorite method for several reasons.
First, fanny packs stay close to your body, so they don't move around as much as a bag slung on your shoulder. If you need to draw your firearm when carrying off-body, keeping the bag in a consistent position is best. If it's moving around, getting a fast and clean draw will be more challenging.
Second, you can wear fanny packs in two positions, which naturally lend themselves to drawing a firearm. When worn around the waist, the bag is in nearly the same position as if you were carrying IWB. I typically wear mine like a crossbody purse, which also puts my firearm in a good position to draw.
It's important to practice drawing no matter which way you carry the FasTrax. Instead of unzipping the bag and reaching in to get to your grip, you unzip and yank the cord before drawing. It sounds like an extra step, but I've found that having the grip outside the bag makes drawing more accessible and faster with practice.
Pros & Cons
The small, compact size of the FasTrax can be positive or negative, depending on your needs – particularly the front pocket. I like to travel light and only carry a few things daily, like a wallet, keys, lip gloss, a pocketknife, and a flashlight. Technically, I can fit all of this in the front pocket, but it's hard to get stuff in and out because it's so slim.
The strap is 1.5 inches, making it perfect to clip things like a flashlight and knife to, and that could be a solution, but I like to stay under the radar when it comes to looking tactical.
Despite that, I like the FasTrax as a solution for my occasional off-body carry. If you're in a situation where you carry off-body often, like riding a motorcycle, using a wheelchair, or even living somewhere in sweltering weather, FasTrax is an excellent solution.
Pros:
- Pivoting holster with activation cord
- Adjustable waist strap goes up to 56 inches
- Holster is adjustable to fit multiple pistols
- Converts to left or right-handed draw
- Comfortable to wear
- Fits up to a compact size handgun
Cons:
- Front pocket is small
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Holster isn't Kydex
Conclusion
Off-body carry continues to be a hotly debated topic, but certain situations simply call for it. After all, I'd rather be armed than not.
The Galco FasTrax Pac is a safe and effective way to carry off-body with its unique pivoting holster system. I'm happy to have it as an option in my collection of holsters, and I highly recommend trying it yourself.
