Finding the right holster can be a challenge, especially when your handgun features rail-mounted accessories like a laser or weapon light. In this review, I return to a lingering problem: securing a quality holster for my Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 after equipping it with a Crimson Trace Laserguard. That search led me to the Urban Carry Hyperion outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster, a leather rig designed to accommodate rail-mounted attachments while offering security, comfort and concealability.

The Challenge of Finding a Holster for the Laserguard

Back in March 2022, I reviewed the Crimson Trace Laserguard for my M&P M2.0 9mm. This laser sight is ideal for handguns without a removable rear-grip pin, making it a solid choice when traditional Crimson Trace Lasergrips aren’t compatible.

However, unlike Lasergrips that mount to the rear and work with most holsters, the Laserguard’s forward rail-mounted design posed a challenge. The added bulk up front meant that few standard holsters would fit. I didn’t have time to search for a solution then, so I shelved the laser until the right holster came along.

Discovering the Hyperion Holster

My first positive experience with Urban Carry came in 2021, when I tested its LockLeather OWB holster for my Remington R1 Executive Ultralight Compact .45. The LockLeather’s unique internal polymer retention system clamps onto the trigger guard without requiring a button release. It draws smoothly with a gentle tug — simple, effective and secure.

Impressed by its design, I turned to Urban Carry again, this time looking for a holster that could fit my M&P with the Laserguard attached. Its answer? The Hyperion.

Curious about the name “Hyperion,” I contacted Richard Calvette at Urban Carry. He explained that Hyperion, the Greek titan of heavenly light, inspired the name. Fittingly, this is the only holster in Urban Carry’s lineup built to accommodate weapon-mounted lights, lasers or both. It’s not just a cool name — it’s a reflection of purpose.

Urban Carry Hyperion OWB Holster: Design and Compatibility

The Urban Carry Hyperion holster is built to accommodate a wide range of firearm attachments, including lasers, weapon lights, light/laser combinations and even optics. It’s available in OWB, inside-the-waistband (IWB) and below-the-waistband formats — all crafted with full leather construction. While synthetic materials have dominated holster design for the past 25 years — especially in duty holsters for law enforcement — I still prefer leather for everyday concealed carry. In my experience, leather holsters offer greater comfort than any synthetic alternative, especially when worn for extended periods.

Adding a Crimson Trace Laserguard to a handgun presents challenges for holster designers, but as my testing with the Urban Carry Hyperion shows, they’re not insurmountable. The issue lies in the Laserguard’s curved front edge and how it wraps over the trigger guard, which becomes noticeably wider once the unit is clamped into place. That design makes it incompatible with traditional latching systems like those found in Urban Carry’s LockLeather holsters. There’s simply no part of the Laserguard that allows it to interface with an internal locking device.

Due to the Laserguard’s unique design, a different weapon retention system was needed — not just for this accessory, but for the wide range of lights and lasers now commonly mounted on handguns. The LockLeather design still works perfectly if your only addition is a ruggedized miniature reflex (RMR) or red-dot sight mounted at the rear. And if you prefer the Hyperion OWB holster for its fit or style, it handles red dot-equipped pistols equally well.

Construction, Fit and Wearability

The Hyperion holster is crafted from American-made, 25,000-pound pressed form-fitted leather, ensuring durability and a secure fit. An added layer of steer-hide at the holster’s opening helps maintain its shape and allows for easy, consistent re-holstering. While it’s ideal for open or concealed carry, the Hyperion’s nearly vertical draw angle also makes it a solid option for those who prefer a cross-draw holster configuration.

The Hyperion features belt loop slots at each end, accommodating gun belts up to 1.75 inches wide. As always, it’s essential to pair any holster — especially one designed for everyday carry — with a sturdy, purpose-built gun belt. (Learn the basics of choosing a gun belt here.) The dual-loop design on the Hyperion offers greater stability and comfort compared to holsters that rely on a single rear-mounted belt loop. This setup keeps the firearm more securely positioned on the belt, aiding both concealment and lasting comfort throughout the day.

From the first wear, the Hyperion begins molding to your hip, helping the firearm ride close and secure. When paired with a quality gun belt, there’s no risk of sagging — just a secure, stable carry. If you don’t already own a dedicated carry belt, Urban Carry offers a line of U.S.-made, 1.5-inch English bridle leather gun belts designed to complement its holsters and maximize performance.

Comfort and Safety Enhancements

For added comfort, the Hyperion includes a rear extension that acts as a sweat guard. This feature does more than prevent perspiration from affecting your firearm — it also protects your skin and clothing from the cocked hammer of a 1911 or similar pistol. Even with a hammerless handgun like the Smith & Wesson M&P, which features 1911-style ambidextrous safeties, the sweat shield helps prevent accidental disengagement of the safety during normal movement.

Because a locking latch isn’t compatible with the Hyperion’s design, Urban Carry uses a dual-retention screw system — one screw at each end near the top of the holster. These adjustable retention screws let you fine-tune the draw resistance to your personal preference. A Swiss Army knife or any Phillips tool is all you need for quick adjustments. Just be aware: Urban Carry strongly advises against fully removing either screw, as doing so could compromise the holster’s structure or retention system.

Performance with the M&P and Laserguard Combo

The Urban Carry Hyperion proved to be the ideal holster for my Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact with the Crimson Trace Laserguard installed. Right out of the box, the fit was excellent. It only needed a slight tweak of the retention screws. Once dialed in, I could hold the holster upside down with the unloaded pistol securely in place. Even with that level of retention, drawing the M&P remained smooth and easy.

The Hyperion holds my M&P at just the right height for a smooth and accessible draw. Its open-muzzle design helps prevent water or debris from collecting inside, while still offering full coverage for the Crimson Trace Laserguard. Worn under a 5.11 Tactical button-front shirt, sweater or vest, the Hyperion keeps the pistol discreet and concealed — as long as you’re not careless with your movements.

It stays comfortable during extended wear, whether I’m walking, sitting or behind the wheel. My model is configured for a 4-inch barrel with no attachments extending beyond the muzzle, which keeps the holster’s shape compact and conventional-looking. However, Urban Carry adapts the leather extension as needed for users mounting a light that protrudes. Rather than extending the entire holster, the design only stretches the leather enough to cover and protect the accessory, making the Hyperion a true semi-custom OWB holster tailored to your setup.

Color Options, Price and Final Impressions

Urban Carry leather holsters are available in black or brown, letting you match your gear to your firearm and personal style. I opted for black leather to pair with my black Smith & Wesson M&P, and the combination looks sharp. With the Crimson Trace Laserguard in place, my M&P now serves as a lightweight, high-capacity and accurate pistol, ideal for both personal defense and security duty — and the Hyperion OWB holster supports that role perfectly.

The Urban Carry Hyperion is priced at $79.95, in line with most of the holsters in the Urban Carry lineup. For the quality of craftsmanship and semi-custom fit, it’s a strong value. The Hyperion also comes with a one-year guarantee, adding extra peace of mind. I highly recommend watching the Urban Carry product videos before ordering — they’re informative and well-produced. While you’re on the site, be sure to explore its gun belts, magazine holders and other gear to complete your setup.

Sources
Crimson Trace: CrimsonTrace.com
Urban Carry: UrbanCarryHolsters.com

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Urban Carry Hyperion fit a pistol with a Crimson Trace Laserguard?
Yes. The Hyperion is designed to accommodate rail-mounted accessories like the Laserguard, offering a secure fit and full coverage.

Does the Urban Carry Hyperion require a special belt?
No, but it works best with a sturdy gun belt up to 1.75 inches wide for proper retention and all-day comfort.

Is the Urban Carry Hyperion suitable for concealed carry?
Yes. Its contoured leather design helps keep the pistol close to the body and concealed under everyday clothing.