Modular CCW Radio Harness

Keni gunfighters chest holster with a Glock 40 Gen 4 MOS

Not really something everyone wants to see on their way to a mellow fly fishing trip.

The problem:

Many people open carry in the wilderness because it’s convenient and comfortable. However, Guns are highly stigmatized, but like it or not they play an integral role in the lives of professionals and enthusiasts. Critters like bears, cats, coyotes, wolves, etc. and even ill-intentioned bi-pedal ones make carrying a firearm as a means of protection alluring to many, but offputting to many too.

Additionally, some states have laws against open carry, making it difficult to carry a firearm outdoors. Regular concealment options like inside the waistband carry (abbrv. “IWB”) can be uncomfortable and sometimes impossible. Backpack hip belts, waders, pants without a belt, etc. all make standard IWB options difficult if not impossible.

The solution:

Off-body concealment

Concealment on body is not viable. Common alternatives are wearing a chest mounted holster or fanny pack, or a chest pack, but depending on your activity and gear, those options may be illegal, impractical, or stick out because they look like you’re about to raid 7-11.

Market research for competative products

Conceals a full-sized “duty” style pistol

CTQ’s

Modular accessories mounting

Not tactical looking

Comfortable

Durable

Prototyping

Initial concept sketch

Sourcing fabrics

This has been an ongoing project since my first semester in OPDD, so when this started I didn’t know how to pattern, use Adobe Illustrator, Solidworks, etc. So I just did what I thought was right and hoped for the best.

Hardly fits an M&P 2.0 4.25”

MOLLE Webbing is functional

Re-design it, from the ground up

The problem:

All initial feedback was terrible.

  1. “looks like a lunchbox” (true)

  2. “No way is that comfortable” (true)

  3. “Cool concept, I wouldn’t use it” (true for the tester)

My thoughts on the project boiled down to:

Mission failed successfully, now try again.

Now that I learned the basics of patterning, I made a pattern that can be laser cut

The problem:

All initial feedback was much improved, but some big problems still persisted

  1. Back panel is too hot

  2. Extremely comfortable

  3. I’d probably buy the Hill People Gear because I know the mistakes you made sewing this

My thoughts on the project boiled down to:

  1. Binding the rig was TERRIBLE, and it could not be manufactured.

  2. Construction was bulky and could be minimized

  3. Spacer mesh was a pain in the ass to work with

Chassis materials research

Jump to Solidworks

Laser cut everything

Since the CCW compartment and related pouches were not problematic, I kept those dimensions

Pals Secure attaches any MOLLE compatable accessories without traditional straps

Initial concept sketches that address problems 1 - 3

Laser cut everything

Easily fits an M&P 2.0 4.25” 9mm

100% concealed M&P 2.0 10mm full size
Larry (20+ years of Search and Rescue experience) tested this iteration for 8 months

Re-design it, from the ground up… again

Figuring out how to make a chest rig that solves my problems making the bag

Source Curv Tactical & PALS Secure

Assemble the bits and bobs

Modified the back panel construction to accept PALS Secure made by WTF Idea

Rendered in Keyshot

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