Innovations in off-body carry have been significant in recent years. Many companies are emphasizing safety and performance and even discussing how to train with their products. Having safe and proficient off-body carry gear means that when, where, and how we carry firearms are no longer limited. With proper training, education, and gear, we can now carry in environments where our clothing is not conducive to concealing a firearm. One company that has shown tremendous innovation in this area is Gun Tote’n Mamas (GTM).
Who is Gun Tote’n Mamas?
GTM was inspired and developed by women for women. The company’s products undergo extensive testing conducted by instructors nationwide to ensure their bags meet the highest standards for ease of draw and functionality.
Each bag undergoes rigorous testing from facilities that train CSI, FBI, and Navy Seals. Not to mention the everyday consumer. In addition to testing, GTM incorporates stringent Quality Assurance methods that span beyond their facility to the everyday consumer.
The company website states, “We want to hear it all – we are not afraid and HIGHLY encourage your feedback. It is comments from the field that will continue to make these bags the best for the job.”
Two Bags Offering Crossbody Security
I have been testing and evaluating two bags from Gun Tote’n Mamas for several weeks and am genuinely impressed. I chose the Crossbody Flat Sac and the Crossbody Messenger bag—both in distressed, gray buffalo leather. The Distressed Vintage Buffalo Leather is GTM’s development and one of my favorite features of these bags.
A rich, distressed patina appears with age and use. This leather softens from oils and wax infused in the tanning process, yet it remains extremely rugged and durable. The grain and color of this leather are unique and unrepeatable, meaning each bag is genuinely one of a kind.
Another similarity these bags share is slash-resistant adjustable crossbody length straps with antiqued brass hardware. The lightweight strap is 1 ½ inches wide and made from high-density Poly webbing. There is an 11-ply steel cable that is tastefully embedded through the center of the strap and reinforced with attractively stitched leather to prevent a “slash and grab.”
Both straps boast attractive and sturdy antiqued hardware that clips onto the bags. I have found these straps to be comfortable for all-day wear with the weight of a firearm. Additionally, they provide excellent support to perform a fast, safe draw.
Gun Tote’n Mamas Crossbody Flat Sac
The Crossbody Flat Sac is designed for right and left-handed use with special padding to prevent gun imprinting. Included is Gun Tote’n Mamas standard holster that has been tested with the S&W Shield, Ruger LCP, and Glock 42. I have been carrying my Mossberg MC2sc, and it has performed flawlessly.
This bag has a dedicated firearm compartment with a double zipper enclosure that provides safe, fast, top or side-angled access. It has an additional outer zippered compartment along with a main compartment with varying-sized open pockets.
The overall bag size is 11.25 inches tall x 10.25 inches wide x 2 inches deep. Likewise, the gun footprint is 7.5 inches wide x 6 inches tall.
MSRP: $149.95.
Gun Tote’n Mamas Crossbody Messenger Bag
The Crossbody Messenger Bag is one of the best I have come across. In addition to being able to carry a larger firearm, this bag remains soft and pliable. While most messenger bags can seem stiff and rigid, this bag almost conforms to your body for effortless carry.
The bag has a full flap-over closure, which is the classic messenger style. Correspondingly, it is held closed with two rare-earth magnets. It offers extremely wide-open access to the main compartment with RFID inside the zipper pocket lining.
The Messenger Bag is fully lined with GTM’s easy-to-see logo lining that is easy to pull out and clean. There is an outside front full-length slip pocket and a dedicated firearm compartment designed for top, left, right, and angled draw.
Included is a GTM holster that has been tested with the Sig P938, Sig P365, Sig P320, Glock 43, Glock 48, Glock 19, Walther PPS M2, S&W 442 revolver, and S&W M&P 2.0.
I have been carrying my Glock 17 in this bag and have had zero issues. Size is 12.5 inches wide x 10 inches tall x 3.5 inches deep.
MSRP: $189.95.
Training for Off-Body Carry
Off-body carry requires specific training and education and comes with additional responsibilities. Your firearm is no longer on your person, so you must always be in control of your bag. You cannot simply set it in a grocery cart or hook it onto the back of a restaurant chair.
This is why I am a fan of crossbody design. It enables you to be hands-free while keeping your firearm positioned for ease of draw. GTM grasps the importance of these aspects and how crucial it is to train. The evidence of this is shown in the construction and functionality of their bags, which I highly recommend.
Beyond safety and function, Gun Tote’n Mamas hasn’t overlooked style. Their bags are fashion-forward with varying styles to fit a large spectrum of tastes and personalities. If you are looking for a reliable, fashionable, and functional off-body carry bag, explore what GTM has to offer.
