6 Best Concealed Carry Permit Holders For Outdoor Use That Handle Sweat and Rain

You’re three miles into a steep, humid climb, your shirt plastered to your back with sweat. A dark cloud that’s been threatening all morning finally opens up, turning the trail into a slick mess. In conditions like these, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your concealed firearm is being protected from the elements or slowly succumbing to rust.

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Choosing a Weatherproof Outdoor Carry System

When you leave the pavement behind, the rules for carrying a firearm change. Your primary adversaries are no longer just concealment and comfort—they are moisture, dirt, and abrasion. Sweat is corrosive, rain is relentless, and the constant rubbing of a backpack strap can wear through lesser materials. This is where your standard leather or hybrid holster, while comfortable for daily wear, often fails.

The key is to think in terms of a system, not just a holster. This system starts with the material. Modern thermoplastics like Kydex and Boltaron are ideal because they are impervious to moisture, easy to clean, and provide a rigid, secure fit that protects the trigger guard. Laminated nylon fabrics, like those used in chest packs, offer another excellent barrier against weather.

Your carry position is just as critical. A heavy backpack with a load-bearing hip belt makes traditional waistband carry (IWB or OWB) difficult, if not impossible. This is why many outdoor enthusiasts gravitate toward chest or off-body carry systems that keep the firearm accessible and clear of other gear. The goal is a setup that is safe, weatherproof, and so well-integrated you can forget about it until you need it.

Hill People Gear Kit Bag for Off-Body Carry

Imagine you’re on a multi-day backpacking trip, your pack perfectly balanced for the long haul. The last thing you want is a holster digging into your hip under the pack’s belt. The Hill People Gear (HPG) Kit Bag solves this problem by placing the firearm in a comfortable, self-contained chest pack that rides independently of your main pack.

This off-body approach provides complete environmental protection. The firearm is zipped inside a durable Cordura nylon pouch, shielded from rain, snow, and trail dust. It also offers discreet carry, appearing as a simple admin or map pouch, and keeps other essentials like your phone, GPS, and snacks readily accessible.

The main trade-off is draw speed. Accessing the firearm requires unzipping the compartment, which is inherently slower than drawing from an open-top holster. However, for backcountry travel where accessibility is balanced against all-day comfort and protection, the HPG Kit Bag is a time-tested and brilliant solution. It integrates seamlessly with virtually any backpack you can shoulder.

GunfightersINC Kenai for Secure Chest Carry

For the fly fisherman wading waist-deep in a cold river or the hunter field-dressing game, waistband carry is a non-starter. The GunfightersINC Kenai Chest Holster is purpose-built for these scenarios. It positions a Kydex holster high and tight on the chest, keeping your firearm completely clear of your waistline, water, and field debris.

This system prioritizes a fast, unobstructed draw. Unlike an off-body bag, there are no zippers or flaps to manipulate. The retention is crisp and secure, ensuring the firearm stays put during dynamic movement like scrambling over rocks or navigating thick brush, yet it’s immediately available when needed. The harness is designed for comfort, distributing weight across your shoulders without interfering with most backpack straps.

The Kenai is a specialized piece of gear. While it excels in its niche, it’s not the most concealable option and can sometimes conflict with the sternum straps on certain technical packs. But for anyone wearing waders, a climbing harness, or simply wanting the fastest on-body access while wearing a pack, it is the benchmark for outdoor chest carry.

Safariland 6378 ALS for Rugged OWB Retention

When your outdoor activity involves rough terrain where a fall is possible, or if you prefer open carry for deterrence, retention becomes paramount. The Safariland 6378 ALS (Automatic Locking System) is a rugged, outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster trusted by law enforcement and military professionals for good reason. Its durability and security are second to none.

Made from a non-porous, thermoformed material called SafariLaminate, this holster is completely weatherproof and ridiculously tough. The ALS mechanism automatically locks the firearm in place when holstered, and is deactivated with a natural, intuitive motion of the thumb on the draw. This level of active retention is critical for preventing the firearm from being lost or taken during a fall or struggle.

This is not a deep concealment holster. It’s a robust, duty-grade piece of equipment designed to be worn on a sturdy belt, often under a jacket or fleece. For day hikes in cooler weather, hunting, or any situation where concealment is secondary to absolute security and weather resistance, the 6378 ALS provides unmatched peace of mind.

PHLster Enigma for Total Clothing Independence

Trail running, fastpacking, or just hiking in athletic shorts presents a unique challenge: no belt. The PHLster Enigma is a revolutionary chassis system that untethers your holster from your clothing entirely. It’s a self-contained belt and faceplate that holds a Kydex holster shell securely against your body, underneath any clothing you choose.

The Enigma excels at deep concealment and stability during high-motion activities. Because it’s worn independently, it doesn’t sag or shift like a holster clipped to a flimsy waistband. It keeps the firearm and holster pressed tightly to your body, which significantly reduces the amount of direct sweat exposure to the firearm itself, a major advantage over traditional IWB carry on hot days.

The learning curve is a bit steeper than with a standard holster. It requires initial setup and adjustment to get the fit just right. But for the dedicated trail runner or minimalist hiker who wants to carry effectively without being constrained by belt loops, the Enigma offers a level of freedom and concealment no other system can match.

Alien Gear ShapeShift for Modular Versatility

What if you need one system that can adapt to different trips? One weekend you’re doing a simple day hike, the next you’re backpacking, and the week after you’re carrying around the campsite. The Alien Gear ShapeShift system is built on a foundation of modularity, allowing you to convert a single holster shell into multiple carry configurations.

The core of the system is a polymer shell that can be attached to an IWB backer, an OWB paddle, or even a pack-mounted adapter. This allows you to transition from concealed IWB carry on the drive to the trailhead to a more comfortable OWB or pack-mounted setup once you’re on the trail. The polymer construction is inherently resistant to sweat and rain, making it a solid choice for variable conditions.

The primary trade-off with any modular system is that it may be a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. A dedicated chest holster will likely be more comfortable for all-day pack carry than a converted ShapeShift. However, for the outdoor enthusiast who values versatility and wants a cost-effective way to cover multiple bases, this system provides an impressive range of weatherproof options.

Vedder LightTuck Kydex IWB for Deep Concealment

Sometimes, the mission still calls for traditional inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry, even on the trail. For short hikes, trail maintenance days, or any outdoor activity where you want maximum concealment under a simple t-shirt, a minimalist Kydex holster is the best tool for the job. The Vedder LightTuck is a prime example of this design philosophy.

Its strength lies in its simplicity. A single, sturdy belt clip and a full Kydex shell create a minimal footprint while completely encapsulating the firearm. This full Kydex body is crucial, as it creates a complete barrier between your firearm and the sweat from your body. Unlike hybrid holsters with leather or fabric backers that can absorb moisture, the LightTuck remains impervious and easy to wipe clean.

IWB carry in the outdoors requires a good gun belt and awareness of your gear. It can be uncomfortable under a heavy pack’s hip belt and requires more diligent moisture management (wiping down the firearm after a sweaty day). But for pure, uncompromised concealment and simplicity on less gear-intensive outings, a quality Kydex IWB holster is a fantastic, weatherproof choice.

Matching Your Holster to Your Outdoor Activity

There is no single "best" holster, only the best holster for a specific context. The right choice depends entirely on your activity, your clothing, and the other gear you’re carrying. Don’t buy a system for a hypothetical adventure; buy it for the trips you actually take.

Use this framework to guide your decision:

• Wearing a heavy backpack with a hip belt? Your options are on your chest or off-body. Look at the Hill People Gear Kit Bag for total protection or the GunfightersINC Kenai for fast access.
• Wearing athletic clothing with no belt? You need a system that supports itself. The PHLster Enigma is purpose-built for this and is the top choice for trail runners.
• Prioritizing security and retention above all else? For rugged terrain or open carry, an active retention OWB holster is the answer. The Safariland 6378 ALS is the benchmark.
• Need maximum concealment for a simple day hike? A minimalist IWB holster made of pure Kydex, like the Vedder LightTuck, will disappear under a shirt and protect your firearm from sweat.
• Want one system for many different activities? A modular system like the Alien Gear ShapeShift offers the flexibility to adapt to changing needs, from IWB to OWB to pack carry.

Ultimately, your pack and your clothing dictate your carry method. Start there, and the right choice will become much clearer.

Perfect gear is a myth, but a well-chosen carry system can make your time outside safer and more comfortable. Don’t let the search for the ideal setup keep you indoors. Pick a quality, weatherproof option that fits your most common activity, practice with it, and then get back out on the trail.