Best pocket carry cargo shorts?

[deadear dan]

Looking to pocket carry more often this summer, and have been trying to find a good pair of cargo shorts with deep enough pockets to cover my 640-1 and with a cut that will not impede a fast draw. Was wondering what has worked best for you folks? thanks.

 

[RobzGuns]

There's really no 1 best brand. You listed the most obvious requirements. Just go to your favorite stores and try some on.

I Pocket carry (with a Galco PocketPro holster) in the front Slash pocket, with my keys in the outer Patch (cargo) Pocket. This lets the bulge of the keys mask any markings of a pistol (and keeps the pistol from 'flapping around' as I walk/jog/whatever).

 

[MetalMan]

There's really no 1 best brand. You listed the most obvious requirements. Just go to your favorite stores and try some on.

I Pocket carry (with a Galco PocketPro holster) in the front Slash pocket, with my keys in the outer Patch (cargo) Pocket. This lets the bulge of the keys mask any markings of a pistol (and keeps the pistol from 'flapping around' as I walk/jog/whatever).

+1......

Exactly what I do with my Model 36 in a Mika pocket holster.

 

[geeollie]

Carhartt works for me. 10 inch leg (don't want to arose anyone) good size pocket, baggy enough the way I wear them....and.... inside pocket made of rugged cloth. Too many pants/shorts have pockets made of thin junk.

 

[blues7]

My old Columbia and more recent 5.11 shorts work just fine for pocket carry of a 642-1 in an aholster or Uncle Mike's #3.

My new Mika is "supposed" to be delivered tomorrow but I think Monday might be a better bet.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I've discussed this at length with a number of friends - no one brand but I do choose my shorts/pants by how my pocket pistol (in a Mika holster) will ride in them. And ideally how little they may print.

 

[jfd]

Not sure looking for any one brand is necessary as I have a couple different brands that work well for me, whats important is measuring inside length and width of pocket to make sure 1)enough room for gun and 2)enough room for your hand to grab and remove gun.

Many will poopoo the wisdom of using cargo pockets for handgun concealment, I've been doing it for years without incident. I also practice drawing (unloaded, of course) from cargo pockets frequently to make sure its not a totally foreign and unfamiliar process if someday necessary. I also wear IWB and OWB, just depends on circumstances, weather, etc. so I look at cargo pocket carry as just one more viable carry option.

Will lastly mention a product called "Holster Patch", found at Product that I sometimes find less bulky for cargo pocket carry than pocket holsters. YMMV. Its got an iron on backing but I've had my seamstress sew it into the pocket as the edges otherwise tend to come undone after several washings. It allows a pretty quick draw but also a pretty secure retention if proper size is purchased. Only use it for carrying DA trigger guns as think that carrying SA with round in chamber without holster is inviting an AD. Again, just my $0.02, YMMV.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Another couple of weeks and I just about live in cargo shorts till October if I'm not at work. Must have 4 or 5 different brands and they all have deep, large opening front pockets. My LCP in a Galco pocket protector is almost to small for a couple of them. I've also carried a G26 in a pocket holster (no brand, found on Ebay) and while it works with the cargo shorts, it's a bit to much bulk. Keep thinking about a single stack 9mm...
I will add I do not carry in the cargo pocket. Are some of you guys carrying there? That doesn't work for me at all.

 

[blues7]

I will add I do not carry in the cargo pocket. Are some of you guys carrying there? That doesn't work for me at all.

I'm with you. Front pocket only. Too many of the advantages that pocket carry offers are negated otherwise...imho.

(Not pointing any fingers nor telling people that what works for them doesn't.)

 

[p8riot]

I can carry a 4 inch N-Frame in the front pocket of my Utilikilt Mocker really well. No printing

 

[SgtStone]

Sears carries a brand called Outdoor Life. The front cargo pockets easily hold my carry pistols w/ room in the rear covered pockets for spare mag holders & a folding knife. Additional front covered pockets hold keys, wallet, phone, etc. Very comfortable and the elastic waistband works fine for IWB.

For a few dollars more I've had good results with Tru-Spec 24/7 cargo shorts. I always use a holster including Elite, StealthGear, & a small Uncle Mike's for my BUG.

 

[snubbyfan]

I just got a pair of cargo shorts at my local Dollar General.
Works for me.

 

[GeoJelly]

My old Columbia and more recent 5.11 shorts work just fine for pocket carry of a 642-1 in a holster or Uncle Mike's #3.

My new Mika is "supposed" to be delivered tomorrow but I think Monday might be a better bet.

What blues7 says on 5.11 shorts. I just broke them out for summer wear here. They are pricey at around $50 but worth it to me. I also really like the elastic waist band - since they tend to shrink in the closet during the winter ...

 

[haywood]

I like Wranglers best. I don't carry in the cargo pocket. I carry in my off hand front pocket. I can walk around with my gun in hand and have my right hand free. My other gun is AIWB and can be reached by both hands. My reloads are in my right pocket so I can load right handed.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I can carry a 4 inch N-Frame in the front pocket of my Utilikilt Mocker really well. No printing

How does it compare to the 5.11 tactical duty kilt?

 

[p8riot]

How does it compare to the 5.11 tactical duty kilt?

Heavier weight. Deeper pockets. Fasteners are more secure. More expensive. Looks better too IMHO

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

9+ months a year I have carried for the last 20 years in cargos. I carry in both front pockets with Nemisis holsters. I prefer the Walmart cargos because they have Velcro back pockets and cargo pockets. Those are the two places I carry all my "stuff". The front pockets are for guns only. I am short...5 ft 6 in. I have to be careful not to get too heavy a load in the gun department, it's easy to get a pendulum effect going while walking. One of my shooters described me as a tall burly midget.
2 guns, always, front pockets.

 

[Muley Gil]

I don't wear shorts; don't wanna scare small children.

However, I've been wearing 5.11 trousers since being issued them in Afghanistan in '04. A Colt Agent hides well in my front pocket. I carry a speed loader in the strong side cargo pocket.

 

[Whitwabit]

I carry my Sig P238 in one of those back pocket holsters that the back comes unsnapped to use as a lower front pocket holster .. I like leaving the back on facing outward and you don't see any type of printing !!

Would like to get one for my Compact .. I usually carry it in either IWB or OWB at 4 when wearing jeans shorts or even cargo shorts with belt loops .. simple t-Shirt covers nicely .. its much easier to conceal then many people think .. just nothing skin tight .. though I have seen some very shapely women in tight clothing conceal very easily too ..

 

[kthom]

I don't wear shorts. I wear "wides". My pockets have plenty of room, but I tend to carry a lot of stuff in my pockets. The cargo pockets really help with that. I like the Wrangler's brand sold at Wal Mart about as well as any of the rest. They are relaxed fit and don't bind much, especially when I squat or bend over. They probably wouldn't pass most folks idea of great styling, but that's their problem, not mine. They cover everything that needs covering and a lot more than many folks cover up these days!