We’ve heard it for years: Gun holsters are supposed to be comforting, not comfortable. But these days, gun holsters are getting more and more comfortable. And every now and then I find a holster qualifying not merely as “more comfortable” — as if measured by some kind of scale or relativity — but actually comfortable. Granted, carrying a concealed gun requires some appreciation for the laws of physics, namely that adding the weight and dimensions of a gun and holster to your person demands a bit of compromise in comfort. But it doesn’t necessitate discomfort, even with small but chunky guns. To play this out, I matched up a newer, comfortable Alien Gear holster and Glock 26 Gen 4, a popular carry gun. Spoiler alert: This holster/gun combo offered a level of comfort best described as otherworldly.
The Holster
Alien Gear Holsters is on the third version of their popular Cloak Tuck holster. In fact, Cloak Tuck 3.0 (retail $43.88) is a neoprene-backed, thermoelastomer, steel-reinforced, inside-the-waistband rig offering multiple levels of cant, retention and ride depth. So, at the onset, Cloak Tuck 3.0 allows you to customize the feel of the holster in order to maximize comfort and functionality. Granted, that doesn’t guarantee it to be comfortable, but it certainly gets you closer to it. Bonus: Should you change carry guns, Alien Gear Holsters will trade out the holster shells for free … for life.
The Gun
Glock’s Model 26, now on Generation 4, is one of the original darlings of the concealed carry pistol market. When it came out in 1994, it was a marvel for its size. Maybe not quite as popular now due to the proliferation of what seems like an overabundance of slim nines, the G26 is still a venerable carry gun. It’s smallish, reliable, durable, accurate and holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm +P. But it is chunky and, compared to many modern carry guns, just a tad on the heavy side. Loaded, it weighs over 26 ounces.
When I carry the G26, I usually prefer a shoulder holster or an appendix carry holster. Inside the waistband at 4 o’clock is fine, too, but at that point I’d probably opt for a larger gun. But in the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0, the G26 sits not only secure and stable but also comfortable. Not just less uncomfortable, but comfortable. I don’t “forget I’m carrying it” — I don’t want that to ever be the case — but I know I’m carrying it and it feels great.
Putting the Cloak Tuck 3.0 inside your waistband takes some finagling and effort. But once you get it situated, there it stays and comfortably so. Pro tip: If you’re carrying a G26, place the belt clips in the positions offering virtually no cant — the right clip at the highest position and the left clip in the lowest position. The G26 carries superbly in a straight drop in the Cloak Tuck 3.0. Otherworldly comfortable.
More info at: aliengearholsters.com/alien-gear-cloak-tuck-3-0-iwb-holster-inside-the-waistband.html
