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The Best Outside the Waistband Holster for Everyday Carry

The Rig Holster

Put your pistol right on your hip

While many people enjoy concealed carry, some will still carry outside the waistband with their EDC weapon right on their hip. When it comes to selecting the best waistband holster, several critical factors come into play—durability, security, comfort, and versatility. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, military professional, or an everyday civilian carrying for personal protection, the holster must be reliable enough to perform under pressure and comfortable enough for extended periods of wear. Among the many options of OWB holsters available, “The Rig” from Guerrilla Tactical stands out as one of the best choices for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry.

But why should you consider an OWB holster, and why does our team at Guerrilla Tactical believe that “The Rig” rises to the top of the holster food chain? Let’s break it down.

Why Choose an Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster?

the rig holster

When it comes to holsters, one of the primary decisions is whether to choose inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB). While IWB holsters have their benefits, particularly for those who prefer concealed carry, OWB holsters offer a host of advantages that make them the preferred option for many gun owners

Enhanced Comfort for All-Day Wear

OWB holsters sit outside your clothing, reducing the pressure and friction associated with holsters worn inside the waistband. For individuals who carry all day—whether for work or personal protection—comfort is paramount. An OWB holster like “The Rig” minimizes discomfort by eliminating the pressure points that can occur with IWB holsters. The freedom of movement and absence of pinching makes it a preferred option for long shifts, outdoor activities, or high-mobility tasks.

Ease of Accessibility

An OWB holster offers faster and smoother access to your firearm. Since the gun sits on the outside of your pants, it provides easier access than an IWB holster, especially if you are wearing tight clothing or layers. This advantage can be critical in self-defense scenarios where every second counts. Being able to draw your firearm without obstruction makes “The Rig” ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in defensive situations.

Balanced Weight Distribution

Firearms, particularly larger models or those equipped with accessories like weapon lights, can be heavy. One of the key benefits of an OWB holster is its ability to distribute this weight evenly across your belt and hips, minimizing the risk of your pants falling down or the gun drooping. This is especially important for individuals who carry full-sized handguns or pistols with mounted lights and optics, as the OWB design helps to maintain balance and comfort over long periods of wear.

Versatility for Open and Concealed Carry

While OWB holsters are typically associated with open carry, they can easily be concealed under the right clothing, such as a jacket, long shirt, or hoodie. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for individuals who need to transition between open and concealed carry. The adaptability of “The Rig” allows users to switch between environments or concealment preferences without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.

Training and Range Use

For training or range shooting, an OWB holster offers superior practicality. The holster’s placement outside your clothing makes it easy to repeatedly draw, re-holster, and perform drills without the need to adjust the holster’s position. Since holster proficiency is a vital part of responsible firearm use, “The Rig” allows for easy practice and helps shooters develop muscle memory in real-world scenarios, making it an invaluable tool for both tactical and recreational training.

“The Rig” Light Compatible by Guerrilla Tactical: Our Recommended Holster

owb holster

Now that we’ve discussed why someone might prefer an OWB holster, let’s explore why “The Rig” by Guerrilla Tactical is such an exceptional option. Built for demanding users, this holster blends comfort, durability, and adaptability to provide an elite-level carrying solution.

Superior Kydex Construction

“The Rig” is made from .08″ Kydex, a material known for its toughness and lightweight properties. Kydex is highly resistant to moisture, sweat, and temperature extremes, ensuring that the holster will maintain its shape and function under various environmental conditions. Whether you’re out in the rain, working in hot, humid conditions, or dealing with sub-zero temperatures, “The Rig” is designed to hold up. This makes it a perfect choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian users who expect their gear to perform reliably in all situations.

Pistol Light Compatibility

One standout feature of “The Rig” is its compatibility with pistol-mounted lights. Many tactical scenarios, especially those taking place in low-light conditions, require the use of a weapon light. “The Rig” is molded to fit a variety of pistol light attachments, ensuring that you don’t have to sacrifice your light for the sake of using the holster. This feature is ideal for nighttime operations, home defense, or any scenario where you might find yourself in low-visibility environments.

Versatile Mounting Options

“The Rig” offers a great deal of versatility when it comes to mounting. It comes standard with a molded paddle mount that accommodates belts up to 1.75 inches in width, making it compatible with most duty belts or everyday carry belts. For those who require a more advanced setup, it can also be drilled to integrate with the Safariland Quick Locking System or Safariland UBL. This adaptability is a huge advantage for users who need to integrate their holster into a larger, modular carry system, especially in professional or tactical environments.

Dual Retention System for Security

Security is essential when carrying a firearm, and “The Rig” provides two points of retention to ensure a proper fit and prevent accidental dislodging. Whether you’re running, performing tactical movements, or working in close-quarters situations, the dual retention system guarantees that your firearm stays in place. This level of security gives the user peace of mind, knowing that their weapon won’t slip or shift during use.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Designed with long-term wear in mind, “The Rig” features an ergonomic paddle mount that is comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing irritation or pressure points. The smooth design of the holster also ensures that it won’t snag on clothing or other gear during use, allowing for quick draws and smooth re-holstering. For those who spend long hours in the field, comfort is as important as function, and “The Rig” delivers both in spades.

Practical Applications of “The Rig”

  1. Everyday Carry
    For civilians who need a reliable holster for everyday carry, “The Rig” offers a perfect balance of accessibility and comfort. Whether you’re running errands or commuting to work, the holster’s ability to accommodate light clothing or be hidden under a jacket makes it a great choice for those who need quick access without sacrificing concealability.
  2. Law Enforcement and Military Use
    For professionals in law enforcement or military roles, “The Rig” shines in high-stakes environments. Its pistol light compatibility, sturdy Kydex material, and versatility with mounting systems make it a go-to choice for those who need gear that performs under pressure.
  3. Range Days and Tactical Training
    Finally, for gun owners who frequent the range or engage in tactical training, “The Rig” excels. Its rugged design makes it suitable for repetitive drawing and holstering drills, helping shooters refine their skills and improve their reaction times in real-world scenarios.

Holster Comparisons

Let’s compare The Rig with a few other holster options.

The Rig vs. The Big Rig

Now another comparison worth looking at is The Rig vs. The Big Rig. The Big Rig is our thigh holster, and comes equipped with one piece fold over design comes complete with a Safariland mid ride UBL and the Quick Locking System and an optional level II thumb break. Although we don’t necessarily market them as a true duty holster like the Safariland ALS they are both robust and excellent choices and are used by professional both in the US and abroad.

The Rig on the other hand is obviously a fantastic option for a holster that can go right on your waistband, so the choice comes down to where you want to wear it, and what goodies you want your holster to come with.

The Rig vs. The Safariland ALS

The Safariland ALS is a true duty holster that combines exceptional durability with a lightweight design. Made from SafariSeven™, it is built to endure extreme weather conditions, from intense heat to freezing cold, while maintaining its structural integrity even when fully submerged. Inside, the SafariSeven material is non-abrasive to protect your firearm’s finish, and raised surfaces create an airspace around the firearm, quickly clearing away dirt and moisture.

As stated above, when it comes to The Rig, we may not market them as a true duty holster like the Safariland ALS, but they are a robust and excellent choice when it comes to a holster. Not to mention, The Rig is used by professional both in the US and abroad.

OWB Holsters Wrap Up

owb the rig holster

For anyone searching for a reliable, durable, and versatile outside-the-waistband holster, “The Rig” from Guerrilla Tactical is the top choice. Its rugged Kydex construction, pistol light compatibility, and versatile mounting options make it an essential piece of gear for professionals and civilians alike. Whether you need a holster for open carry, concealed carry, or tactical use, “The Rig” provides the perfect balance of comfort, security, and performance.

If you’re looking for an OWB holster that combines durability with high performance, “The Rig” from Guerrilla Tactical is the go-to option for serious gun owners.

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