While most of our previous holster tests have involved personal defense and concealed carry gear, in this report we are looking at holsters usually deployed by outdoorsmen. The chest holster is a popular option for hunters, backpackers, hikers, and anyone else wishing to carry a gun in the great outdoors.
One of the South Carolina testers regularly carries his Magnum in a chest holster on a mini farm. He found belt holsters tended to get hung up on the tractor or farm tools, and the balance isn’t ideal. A shoulder holster is sometimes uncomfortable under the arm when performing chores. Other types of holsters are fine for concealed carry, but the chest holster, this tester notes, is for working men in the outdoors. Notably, during recent travels to western North Carolina after the terrible Helene storm, a half-dozen folks scrambling to help others were wearing chest holsters, according to a tester who was involved in the effort. The holsters kept the guns out of the way, yet they were ready for action if looters (unfortunately there were some) or dangerous animals were encountered.
So, the chest holster is certainly viable for outdoors work. It is also a good choice for those who often travel on an ATV or are often seated. We have noticed that some workers in gun shops carry pistols in chest holsters. This is the tactical side of the chest holster. There is no need for concealment, and the chest holster offers a fast draw and good security. A belt holster might bump door jambs in tight quarters. So, there is also a defensive role for chest holsters, if limited.
Those usually armed with or deploying a long gun may find the chest holster well suited to keeping the handgun out of the way of the rifle. We could not help but compare the chest holster’s utility to the once-popular thigh holster. One of the testers is an instructor and has had students show up with cheap nylon thigh holsters. These holsters offer a very slow draw, limit access, and tend to bump into things. A cheap drop-type holster may even dump the pistol if you do a deep knee bend. The thigh or drop-leg holster has fallen from favor, and the chest holster is more often in use by special teams. Not that the raters are members of special teams, but we have a mix of law-enforcement, competition, and military experience. Accordingly, the test team devised a program to wring out chest holsters for a range of firearms.
While many feel the chest holster is mostly used by tactical operators carrying Glock pistols on the one hand, or bear hunters with Magnum revolvers on the other, we found chest holsters proved useful for a range of handguns. Chest holsters are intended to be worn over the clothing and across the chest. In some cases a heavy garment may be worn over a chest holster. A belt holster simply attaches to the belt, while a shoulder holster and chest holster each need plenty of adjustment, and that is the difficulty in finding comfort. Chest holsters, by necessity, are made using several materials. Even so-called leather holsters are most often a combination of leather, nylon, or other fabrics. Kydex and either plastic or metal are used in the buckles, latches, and catches. All offer some degree of adjustment and most feature a three-point harness. This harness usually goes over one shoulder and features a loop around the chest and back. Some are open top, and some have some type of retention device. Often enough, real speed isn’t needed. The balance of speed and retention is geared more toward retention in an outdoors holster.
How We Tested
We inspected the holsters for quality of stitching and proper fit to the handgun. Next, we put the harness on and adjusted the holster for a proper fit in carrying. This is easier with a helper. Another useful tool is a mirror. That said, you may be donning the holster, taking it off, adjusting the holster, and replacing it often. The holster must fit tightly enough that it will not flop around or have loose motion, but it must not be so tight that it restricts breathing and movement. We like a holster that is adjustable on the fly when moving or hiking, if needed.
Next, positioning the holster properly is important. We wanted a sharp draw, within reason. Next retention. We tested retention by jumping off a few steps of a rear deck. In the events with dynamic testing, we limited drawing and firing to the range and used fake guns in retention testing when possible, or triple-checked unloaded firearms otherwise. We also turned the holster upside down and checked retention, an old trick. We snapped the holster like a whip during the retention testing phase. The holsters used a variety of D rings, compression straps, hooks, and loops for attachment, a consideration.
We also rated the holsters on the strength of their load-bearing points and the ability to carry spare ammunition. Some had provision for spare magazines or ammunition; most did not. For those that did not, we were usually able to find a piece that would attach, allowing the carry of spare ammunition. With a procedure in place, we examined a number of candidates for all-round use.
Alpine Products Universal Pistol Slicker
$65
We were looking for a useful chest holster at an affordable price, which considering the work and material that goes into the type, is very hard to find. The Pistol Slicker offered much utility as an outdoors rig for the price. The Pistol Slicker features a Kydex backing, a simple leather belt-slide-like holster, nylon straps with plenty of spring, and a handgun cover. One rater felt that the Alpine Products holster had the right material in the right place. Advertisement indicates the harness will fit chest sizes of 32 to 68 inches. We did not explore the spare strap apparatus to set the holster up as a thigh holster. The company says the chest holster is viable for most semi-automatics and revolvers with barrels up to 3 inches in length. This is the only holster tested easily set up for left- or right-hand draw. Another advantage, the backing plate may be heated and re-shaped for particular gun fit. Cover the plate with a damp cloth and apply a hot iron, and the plate becomes pliable. We did not try this, but it would be necessary if the holster is used with a revolver.
We tested the holster with a 1911, a Glock 49, and a Ring’s Mfg. fake blue Glock (BlueGuns.com, located in Melbourne, Florida). All fit tightly, with a bit of a shove needed to get the piece holstered. The holster also features a neoprene cover for the handgun. Ours was in Vanish camo. The cover is easily pulled over the handgun for protection against the elements. There isn’t going to be a fast draw available, but at the same time, the protection is desirable for a backpacker, hunter, fisherman, or trapper. The leather holster component holds the handgun tight, very tight, and secure. During retention testing, the holster never let the fake gun go despite our best efforts. No matter how hard we jerked the harness, there was some give that somewhat cushioned the snap at the end of travel.
We don’t like the open bottom because it seems it may be possible for an object to bump the handgun out of place. The draw angle is tight because the handle lays flat against the holster. The draw isn’t sharp and fast, but it’s no slower than a holster with a safety strap.
After the evaluation, we considered the Pistol Slicker’s advantages. It is affordable, but not cheaply made. Adjustment is good. The holster seems secure, despite its open-bottom design. The draw isn’t fast. It is the only holster tested that is easily set up for left- or right-hand draw, which is why it is often on the rack at various big-box stores. The holster is useful, we feel, primarily for outdoorsmen.
Our Team Said: In the end, as a backup for a hunter, the Pistol Slicker has merit. We rated it down on the draw angle a half grade, and also a half grade on the open-bottom holster. We liked the ability to shield the handgun from the weather and easy adjustment. Learn more at AlpineProducts.com.
Gun TestS Grade: B
Crossbreed Custom Shop Chest Rig
$160
We ordered this holster for the Glock 17 9mm. The Crossbreed is a three-point harness design with a Kydex shell over a padded backing. Notably, the third of three retention straps features a metal buckle that is very sturdy. The holster gets high ratings as an easy-on-and-off type. The holster component is Kydex, the straps nylon, and the holster features a thick, breathable padding. The holster, then, is a good development of the strong points of Crossbreed technology. Attention to detail shows in the straps meeting in a nicely cushioned leather connector on the back. The Crossbreed rig is fast and tactical. Range of adjustment is excellent. The holster passed drop and tug retention testing to a point, surprising for an open-top holster, but then the holster also features a retention design. If you slowly draw the pistol, it is difficult, but a quick tug makes for a very fast draw. One of the raters was able to dislodge the pistol by giving the rig a fierce swing and tug, creating plenty of force, but only once every three tries. The Crossbreed holster is compact enough that it works in concealed carry under some winter garments, but it isn’t ideal in this role. One rater was able to conceal the Crossbreed well under a canvas shirt — beyond its design envelope but surprisingly effective. In the tactical over-a-coat role, hiking, or offering access for workers in gun shops or other outdoor pursuits, the Crossbreed offers real utility.
It is possible to mount a spare magazine carrier on the carrying straps of the Crossbreed holster. The Crossbreed Accomplice magazine carrier at $35 is a good set up. However, dual magazine carriers with a Velcro strap for security are commonly available for less than $20. They sacrifice speed for security and are not a bad setup for the field. A clip-on carrier would be okay for most applications.
Our Team Said: We like the Crossbreed and give it a solid rating for most uses, with the only demerit coming when the gun slipped out during extreme testing. See more at CrossbreedHolsters.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
DeSantis Yukon Hunting Rig
$104
The Yukon Hunting Rig is a ballistic nylon holster. We found the DeSantis chest rig at the price above at OpticsPlanet.com and as much as $166 elsewhere. An average price is $121. Availability with different firearms is good, but price and availability varies by gun model. We gave the DeSantis a high rating on fit and adjustment. The back face of the Yukon Hunter features six attachment points for the carrying straps. These are drop loops. The straps use spring-hook attachments. The holster could easily be attached to a backpack or ATV if not worn as a chest holster.
While reasonably lightweight, the Yukon backing separates the gun from the body for comfort. We ordered the holster for a 6-inch-barrel Smith & Wesson 629 Classic 44 Magnum. The fit is generous enough to accept similar-size revolvers. A safety strap with plastic snaps rides over the revolver’s hammer when the handgun is holstered. The holster features six loops for cartridges and also incorporates a speedloader pouch into the design. The speedloader retention strap features a Velcro cover. The shoulder strap features a segment for comfort. Hook-and-loop design makes for easy adjustment.
The Yukon Hunter’s adjustment cannot be faulted. Its versatility in mounting on a backpack or ATV, beyond the scope of the test, is outstanding. Holster retention passed all tests, including hanging the handgun upside down, even with the heaviest handgun tested. (As long as the safety strap is properly adjusted.) The Yukon Hunter carries two spare gun loads in the holster, with one in loops and one in a secure speedloader pouch. Also, the holster is affordable.
If there is a shortcoming, it is in draw speed. The clasp used for security requires moving to unsnap the safety strap, then moving to draw the handgun.
Our Team Said: The Yukon Hunter is a good economy holster and may be all you will ever need. It isn’t inexpensive, but then it doesn’t cost as much as many of the others. We rated it down a half grade on speed of the draw. But it is a hunter’s holster, so speed may not be important. Find out more at DeSantisHolster.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
Diamond D Custom Leather Guides Choice
Chest Holster, $225
Magazine Pouch, $55
We ordered the Guide’s Choice for a 1911 handgun with a spare magazine pouch, adding $55 to the price. The Guide’s Choice was developed and first deployed in Alaska. This holster is the gold standard, by all accounts, but only one rater was familiar with the type, having used an example for the Ruger Blackhawk 45⁄8-inch revolver for many years. Shoulder holsters are usually not as secure as a belt holster because retention must be a bit loose to allow a sharp draw. The Guide’s Choice bucked that trend with a holster offering excellent retention attached to a shoulder rig, but by placing the shoulder strap on only one shoulder, movement isn’t restricted and carry is more comfortable. A mid-chest stabilizing strap makes this design viable. The holster component is well designed, with a good tight fit. It may require break in, which is a good thing in custom leather. As you know, 1911 handguns are not consistent in size, so a tight fit you do yourself is a good thing.
The Guide’s Choice features good molding, a strong spine, and excellent stitching. The harness is well designed, with plenty of adjustment. The harness is well suited to either a high-chest or low-chest carry with a greater tilt than some, a kind of a crossdraw type. If you are seated or driving, this is a good draw angle. The safety strap features two snaps. One seems to be set up for hammer-down carry, while the other is for cocked-and-locked carry. We tested each. They worked well. We carry our 1911 handguns cocked and locked, but not everyone does. When bedding down on the trail, a 1911 laid on the chest over the sleeping bag is best ready hammer down. In this case, the safety strap features a long extension, making draw speed improved over many other types. It is similar to the type found on old-style service holsters, such as the Jordan-designed River holster. We found draw speed to be good to excellent with this strap, but we still rated the holster down a half grade on draw speed after an evaluation with several handguns and among several raters.
Our Team Said: The Guides Choice is a well-made holster. We recommend adding a magazine carrier or the $40 ammo carrier for revolvers. Get more details at DiamondDCustomLeather.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
Diamond D Outdoors The Denali Chest Holster
$98
A separate entity from Diamond D Custom Leather, the Outdoors company was founded to offer a quality holster at an economical price. The holster is manufactured of 1050 nylon, which is, as far as we know, the toughest of several grades of nylon. The Denali addresses the only real issues with leather, and those are cost and weight. The Denali isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, but it is available for a range of sizes in both autoloader and revolver sizes, offering an accommodating fit for several handguns. As an example, a Ruger GP100, Colt Python, or Smith & Wesson 686 fit easily in one size holster, but you can order for a Glock 17, and the pistol version comes in fitting several polymer-frame handguns from long slide to compact.
The holster we ordered was for a 6-inch-barrel S&W 629 and also used with a 5-inch 629 Classic and S&W 686 Plus 3-inch barrel, all with good results. The harness offers plenty of adjustment and is easily adjustable. One of our average-size raters at 5 feet 10 inches and 190 pounds would probably have adjusted the holster and cut the hanging nylon straps after adjustment, just his preference. (Some use heat, and fuse the ends after adjustment.) The spine is reversed from many holsters because it runs down the section covering the barrel and frame, making for excellent rigidity when holstering or drawing. Stitching is excellent. Six cartridge loops are sewn into the shoulder harness, a good feature. The holster is thick enough that offset makes for comfortable carry.
We read the owners manuals and even watched videos of how to properly wear and adjust these holsters. While we sometimes rate holsters down with outdoors-type safety straps, the raters learned a neat trick with the Denali’s adjustment advice. Bring the hand up under the strap and unsnap the safety strap as the hands move to scoop the handgun out of the holster. We still rated the holster down a half grade on draw speed, but not without discussion on all of the outdoors holsters. The Denali offers enough adjustment that the holster may be moved under the arm in a conventional shoulder-holster position when chores demand or binoculars are worn over the neck. The holster may then be used for some types of concealed carry although you have a thin strap over the chest.
Our Team Said: This holster got a lot of attention based on price, versatility, and comfort. There is nothing cheap about it, but it is affordable. Learn more at DiamondDOutdoors.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
Galco Great Alaskan Chest Holster
$289
The Great Alaskan is the most expensive holster tested. That said, the Galco holster is also a type that sets a high bar for all other holsters. The Great Alaskan is a combination of materials — leather, nylon straps, plastic keepers, metal Chicago screws. Attention to detail sets the Great Alaskan apart. The holster component is what Galco calls high-grade steer hide. The holster is nicely finished and tanned. Fit to the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus test gun is snug, offering a good balance of retention and speed even without the safety strap. We recommend using the safety strap if climbing or hiking. The holster features a stiff welt at the mouth, allowing ease in re-holstering. The spine and stitching is strong and properly saddle blocked. (Saddle blocking is where the ends of the thread are tied and sealed to prevent unraveling.) The holster flows into a tall trapezoid attaching to two harness points. Another point is firmly attached to the rear of the holster. The holster is stiff, but it has enough thickness and offset that the holster is comfortable when pressed against the body with the handgun holstered. The safety-strap design is especially well thought out. The strap is strong and secure and also features a plastic tab extending from the snap. This makes for rapid release of the safety strap when needed. We like this a great deal. The holster has good adjustment, allowing a good fit on our raters, from an average-sized female rater to a 6-foot-4-inch 240-pound male tester. Retention is excellent.
At this stage of the test, we realized that for the most part, a chest holster carried with a heavy revolver is best set just a bit lower than the semi-automatic pistol in a chest holster. Experimentation led to a more comfortable carry that we applied to all of the holsters. We found the wide, but thin, straps of the Great Alaskan to be among the most comfortable of the test. Adjustment is good, and when walking and hiking, the raters found the Great Alaskan never became uncomfortable or shifted its position.
To carry spare ammunition, there are several options. The Galco Cobra speed-loader pouch at $69 is well made and secure, with a strap that folds over the speed loader. The Pick6 is nice, not tested, but seems excessively expensive for our needs at $96. The Galco 2X2X2 is probably the best choice. It features sections with two cartridges in each compartment, separated by leather. This item was found on sale at $34.50 and seems to be the better choice for outdoors use.
Our Team Said: This is a good holster and is an excellent example of holster craftsmanship. We had to rate it down a half grade on draw speed, but that is par for the course in holsters that use this type of safety strap. Find out more at GalcoGunLeather.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
JM4 Tactical Holsters Relic Series Chest Rig
$190
We ordered this holster for a 5-inch-barrel Government Model 1911 without rail. This holster is available for a range of handguns and left- and right-hand options. This holster is unique in some ways. The holster isn’t pricey compared to some of the holsters tested, but it isn’t inexpensive. The construction is complex. A hard Bolatron polymer shell is mated to stitched leather, not only backing the holster to allow comfortable carry, but also inside of the holster itself. JM4 claims a silent draw due to this lining. Per our testing, they achieved that goal. The draw is smooth and rapid and also silent, save for the snap unfastening. Even so, if you don’t need speed to unsnap the safety strap, as in hunting, and work the snap slowly, you have a very quiet holster.
Fit is good on the 1911, and the draw is smooth and quiet. In common with the other holsters with a safety strap, we rated the JM4 Relic down a half grade on draw speed. The holster passed every retention test. It should be noted that the holster is compact enough for concealed carry under a heavy jacket. Some may elect to ignore or remove the safety strap in this carry mode. If so, retention isn’t that good, in common with any other open-top holster. The holster is designed to be used with a safety strap.
The nylon straps and attach-ments are easily adjustable. This holster has a range of possible draw angles and cants due to the many holes punched in the holster and the possibility of changing attachment points. A practically horizontal draw was possible to set up. It was possible to set up a type of conventional under-the-arm carry, but it wasn’t completely satisfactory and was beyond the design envelopment.
Our Team Said: We liked this holster on every count. Adjustment, retention, and most of all comfort and durability are high. Check out the JM4Tactical.com website for more on this holster.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
No Name Chest Holster
$22
This holster is the odd one out due to its price and construction. During the research stage, the raters found similar holsters on Temu, eBay, and Amazon. One rater said, “It is our job to test these holsters, and someone will purchase this one.” The holster features three straps. The construction is a combination of thin leather with a suede backing on the straps. Edging where the two halves of the holster are glued together is good. Stitching isn’t high quality, and we saw where the thread is thinner than on the other holsters.
The primary problem was the holster’s fit. It was almost a comical cartoon style. The L-frame revolver on hand could be pushed into it, with a tight compression fit around the trigger guard. N frames are too large, and K frames too small. It looks as if it would accept a Taurus Judge at first glance, but the cylinder of the Judge is much too long. There are two snaps on the safety strap. Using the second snap, the revolver was secured. Still, there was loose motion in the handgun and holster interface. Just the same, the handgun passed the drop test, and we swung the holster against gravity, and the revolver remained snapped in place. The draw is slower due to the need to unsnap the security strap, then draw. We were unable to properly adjust the carrying straps. Some raters found it had an okay fit, but one strap had only two holes total for adjustment. There were five on the other end of the strap, but this didn’t even out. The strap that goes around the chest had no adjustment at all, but because this strap is of spring nylon, it worked out okay.
When worn, the handgun would lean uncomfortably into the chest because there is no real backing on the holster. The draw was slow and fit loosely enough so that there may be wear on the handgun’s finish or the inside of the holster. And while the holster’s cylinder bulge is large, it will not accept a Taurus Judge or an N-frame revolver — the trigger guard and frame are too large in the N frame. The specifics online are only “revolver size.”
Our Team Said: When wearing the holster, the testers felt that the chest strap gave too much during normal motion. It did pass the drop test. This holster is suitable for only the most casual use.
Gun Tests Grade: D
Wasatch Chest Holster
$80
This holster was ordered for a Glock 17. It features a Kydex component attached to a nylon harness that was more of an L than an X shape. Adjustment is good. Comfort is good, with the holster not grinding into the chest, but it isn’t as well padded as the more expensive holsters. To test for retention, we snapped the holster to the end of its harness like a whip. Unlike some open-top holsters, the Wasatch never lost its hold on the pistol. We went to considerable effort and found retention to be excellent. When worn and properly adjusted, the draw was sharp. However, due to the retention features, you cannot draw the pistol slowly. Give the handgun a sharp tug, and the handgun comes out of the leather quickly. You may wish to adjust retention for less force if it fits your needs. At the tightest setting, a good hard tug cleared the holster, but it was difficult to access the pistol if the holster was hung on a bedstead or attached to a pack — a consideration, but we really liked the balance of speed and retention. Wearing the pistol, the set up is comfortable. We would have liked a bit more padding, as in the case of the Crossbreed or the JM4, but then those holsters cost a lot more.
Our Team Said: In the end, there is little fault to be found with the Wasatch holster. We rated it down a half grade for its lack of padding. See more about it at WasatchHolsters.com.
Gun TestS Grade: A-
The Bottom Line
● The Diamond D Outdoors The Denali Chest Holster is the Best Buy, in our opinion, with a modest price and good design and execution.
● The JM4 Tactical Holsters Relic Series Chest Rig is a modern design, with superb performance that would serve well in tactical or hunting roles. For tactical use, it is Our Pick without price as a consideration.
● We also liked the Galco Great Alaskan Chest Holster and Diamond D Guides Choice. These are excellent designs on all counts. The leather holsters are well made, traditional holsters suited to outdoors use.
● The Crossbreed Custom Shop Chest Rig has merit and offers a fair price for a tactical holster.
● The Wasatch Chest Holster is at least the Crossbreed’s equal overall, save for back padding.
● The DeSantis Yukon Hunting Rig is an excellent buy with many good features that cannot be faulted. While the DeSantis is a good outdoors holster, the Diamond D Outdoors chest holster is more versatile, offering under-the-arm carry as an option.
● The Alpine Products Universal Pistol Slicker is an economy holster for those on a strict budget and who might need ambidextrous use.
● The No Name Leather Chest Holster literally didn’t have any markings on it to identify the maker. If you see a leather holster online for about $30, just move along.
Written and photographed by Bob Campbell, using evaluations from Gun Tests Team members. GT
