Shoulder Holster Vs Chest Holster: Which Off-Belt Carry Method Is Better?

If you want to carry off the waistband, two popular options are a shoulder holster or a chest holster. Depending on why you want on and therefore what you intend to do with it, you may be better off with one than the other.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with having both!

But if you found yourself in the position of having to choose one or the other, let's go over what might make one a bit better for you than the other.

Should I Get A Shoulder Holster or A Chest Holster?

If you're carrying in the backcountry, riding, hiking, or need comfort during long wear with a large-frame pistol, a chest holster is usually the better choice. If you're carrying for urban concealed use, or need access while seated (vehicle or desk), a shoulder holster makes more sense. The right choice depends entirely on how, where, and why you carry.

When a Chest Holster Wins

• Outdoor Carry: Chest holsters are king in the backcountry — hiking, hunting, ATV riding, horseback, etc. They keep your firearm secure, accessible, and clear of backpacks, waistbands, and outer layers.

• Large Frame Pistols: If you're running a 10mm, a revolver, or anything bulky, chest rigs distribute the weight better and don’t sag or twist under load.

• Retention: Many chest holsters are designed with rugged retention systems ideal for rough terrain and dynamic movement.

• Comfort Over Time: No printing. No digging into your ribs. No weight pulling on your lower back.

Perfect for: Hikers, hunters, outdoor guides, bear country, survivalists.

When a Shoulder Holster Makes Sense

• Seated Access: Driving, sitting at a desk, or moving in and out of a vehicle — shoulder rigs give fast, natural access.

• Concealed Carry (with layers): Throw on a jacket, coat, or overshirt, and shoulder holsters can disappear — even with mid-size handguns.

• Two-Gun Carry or Extra Mags: Many shoulder holsters balance the weight with a second pouch — ideal for law enforcement or prepared civilian carriers.

• Style & Preference: Some people just shoot faster from a horizontal draw. That’s valid.

Perfect for: Plainclothes carriers, drivers, colder climates, office or vehicle-based carry.

Feature	Chest Holster	Shoulder Holster
Best Use Case	Backcountry, hiking, hunting, outdoor carry, bear defense, chest-mounted gear	Concealed or semi-concealed urban carry, vehicle access, seated draw situations
Accessibility	Quick access while standing, walking, or running; works well with backpacks	Quick access while seated or under outerwear like coats or jackets
Concealment	Not designed for concealment; usually worn openly or under loose layers	Can be concealed under jackets or blazers with proper positioning
Comfort	Even weight distribution, minimal pressure on lower back or hips	Can shift or dig if not adjusted well; better with a belt anchor
Gun Compatibility	Works well with large-frame revolvers, full-size pistols, heavy calibers	Better for mid-size or compact pistols; some struggle with full-size frame comfort
Movement & Activity	Secure during hiking, running, climbing; designed for dynamic movement	Stable while walking or sitting; less secure for high-activity environments
Draw Style	Midline vertical draw across the chest with dominant hand	Cross-draw from under the support-side arm, requires practice for safe draw
Retention	Often includes rugged, field-ready retention systems (e.g., straps or toggles)	Relies on snap straps or passive retention; options vary by brand
Layer Compatibility	Fits outside or over layers without restricting movement or gear access	Best worn under jackets; can become bulky or print under tight clothing
Ideal For	Hikers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, guide carry, survivalists	Plainclothes professionals, CCW holders, long-haul drivers, urban EDC

A Shoulder Holster Can Be A Little More Versatile...In Some Cases

The primary difference on paper between a shoulder holster and a chest holster is that a shoulder holster is a bit more versatile in that it can be used for concealed carry or open carry.

On paper, that is.

As a concealed carry holster, a shoulder holster can definitely work, and plenty of people use one on a daily or near-daily basis with success. However, it isn't necessarily simple. A belt holster, like a high-ride OWB or IWB is always going to be easy to conceal, but a shoulder holster is a little harder.

While adjustability in a shoulder holster can make a huge difference, either the holster itself lays on the body in a way that's easily concealed or it doesn't, so it's kind of the case that either it works in that role for you or it doesn't and isn't going to.

Point being, a shoulder holster might give you a bit more functionality, but it also might not because that's the nature of shoulder holsters.

But let's say it doesn't. What else is a shoulder holster good for?

The right shoulder holster, which is correctly designed and made with the right materials for it, is very comfortable to carry with. You also free up the waistband, in case you're wearing a waistpack or otherwise just don't prefer to have your waistband occupied with a holster and gun.

A Chest Holster Is The Default Choice When Carrying A Pack

A chest holster is more or less an open-carry only proposition and - at that - is perhaps the default choice for backcountry hikers and hunters who are carrying a large backpack for extended periods.

Larger backpacks have both shoulder straps and waist belts. As a result, a waistband holster - either IWB or OWB - is not feasible, nor is pocket carry but neither is a shoulder holster since the shoulder straps of the pack are going to interfere.

That was the idea behind the old tanker holsters worn by tank crews and some paratroopers in WWII; a tanker holster actually keeps a sidearm more on the front of the abdomen rather than on the side, so you can still carry your pack or sit down unimpeded.

At that point, you're basically limited to either a drop leg holster or a chest holster, which gives you the ability to carry the gun but also doesn't impede access in the event of emergency or if you're using the holster for handgun hunting.

There are some other applications for one, but if you wanted to get all "something something tactical" about it...the truth is that the military and police are usually wearing gear with PALS webbing, so a chest holster they use is actually going to be a MOLLE holster rather than the typical chest holster, which has straps.

Granted, hikers and backcountry hunters aren't the only people who can use one. We've had some reports from a few customers who use a wheelchair that they use a chest holster to carry with. Just about anyone who open carries can use a chest holster, though the aforementioned folks spending time in the outdoors tend to be the folks who buy them.

Concealment is...well, you could probably find a way to make it work but the truth is not too many people are even going to try and it doesn't work nearly as well as other holster styles. So it's basically a non-starter. They work for general open carry purposes, but a regular OWB or drop leg holster is going to be a bit more comfortable and a little faster on the draw, which is why people who open carry regularly, whether as an armed civilian or for work, tend to prefer those methods.

A Shoulder Holster Is More Generalized, A Chest Holster Is More Specialized

Of course, you'd be looking at a shoulder holster or chest holster for an off-body carry method as that's what they're made for.

A drop leg holster is also a very viable option; in fact, it accomplishes basically everything a chest or shoulder holster would do in that it works well for general open carry purposes. A drop leg holster also works well for outdoor use, and a great many of our customers actually buy their drop leg holster for use during hunting season as well as competition, range days and so on.

A shoulder holster is really more of a general carry method, more for everyday use, and a chest holster is a bit better suited to rather specific circumstances. Generally, that's how most people approach them and in our experience, that's also what tends to be what drives our customers' purchase decisions when they buy a chest holster, shoulder holster or - since we mentioned it - a drop leg holster from us.

If you were wondering what would make one or the other a better purchase for you, it's really about what you intend to do with it.

If you're looking for an off-body carry method that you're going to use when concealment is just not a concern, and most likely tooling around in the outdoors, a chest holster is a great pick. If you want to carry off-body on a more regular basis, a shoulder holster is the better fit.

FAQs

How does a chest holster compare to a shoulder holster for hiking?

Center-chest positioning keeps your pistol clear of pack straps and waistbands. Shoulder holsters often shift under heavy hiking gear and pinch the ribs. A chest rig holds OWB pistols at nipple level for instant access, reducing draw time when scrambling over rocks or crawling through brush.

What makes a chest holster better for concealed off-body carry?

A chest rig places the firearm under open jackets or rain shells, hiding large pistols like a Glock 20 or 10mm semi-auto. Shoulder holsters require tight fitting and reveal under arm movement. Chest rigs stabilize the gun against your sternum, preventing printing and simplifying concealment under multiple layers.

When should an outdoorsman choose a drop-leg rig vs chest carry?

Drop-leg setups free waist real estate but swing wildly when running or climbing. Chest carry keeps pistols locked at the mid-torso and balances weight across shoulders. For backcountry firearm carry on steep terrain or dense forest, a chest holster maintains retention and provides a straighter drawstroke than drop-leg rigs.

How do you adjust a shoulder holster under jackets for concealed carry?

Loosen all straps, don your jacket, then retighten the harness so holster rides just below your armhole. Balance tension between shoulder pads and cross-back straps to prevent sag. Chest rigs require far less tweaking, since their vertical straps thread beneath pack sternum clips and over coats without pressure points.

Why is chest carry superior to belt carry for large pistols?

Heavy frames like the SIG P220 or 10mm pistols can torque a belt and cause hip fatigue. Belt holsters dig in under the weight of a loaded magazine. Chest holsters transfer mass to the torso’s center, easing stress on hips and ensuring secure retention during sprints, crawls, or falls.

What are the pros and cons of shoulder holsters vs chest rigs for 10mm pistols?

Shoulder rigs offer off-body balance but can bind under arm during draws and shift in uneven terrain. Chest rigs deliver more consistent centerline access for fast draws and keep 10mm barrels clear of pack straps. The trade-off is slightly more visibility under open outerwear versus concealed shoulder carry.

How to set up a backcountry carry system with a chest holster?

Mount the holster at sternum level, thread straps beneath your backpack’s sternum buckle, and tighten until the shell rests flush against base layers. Position bear spray on the opposite shoulder and backup knife on a waist belt. This arrangement supports a seamless wilderness carry setup with minimal strap interference.

Why do shoulder holsters tend to slip under heavy gear?

Arm-loop tension shifts when you raise or swing a backpack, loosening the harness. Chest rigs use vertical webbing that threads directly under or over outerwear straps, locking the system in place. That rigidity prevents movement during strenuous activities like uphill climbs or scrambling over fallen logs.

What should hunters consider when choosing between shoulder and chest carry?

Terrain and clothing layers dictate holster choice. Shoulder rigs excel under tailored jackets in urban settings, while chest holsters adapt to parkas, camo fleeces, and waders. For hunting large game, centerline access and compatibility with heavy packs make chest rigs the preferred dangerous game rig.

How does chest carry improve draw speed under stress?

Sternum-mounted rigs align your hand directly with the pistol grip, eliminating reach around the waist or under arm. This straight-line draw reduces clearance issues under jackets and pack straps. In adrenaline-charged bear defense scenarios, that efficiency can shave precious seconds off your response time.