Types of Open Carry Holsters: Which One to Get

There are several types of open carry holsters, and each serves a different role depending on how you carry, what you wear, and how fast you need to access your weapon. From belt-mounted holsters to drop leg platforms, from duty holsters with retention locks to chest rigs used in rural and tactical applications—each holster type brings different advantages and tradeoffs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of open carry holsters:

1. OWB (Outside the Waistband) belt holsters
2. Paddle holsters
3. Drop leg (thigh) holsters
4. Chest-mounted holsters
5. Duty holsters with Level II or Level III retention
6. Tactical MOLLE-compatible holsters

We'll explain the strengths and limitations of each type, which situations they’re built for, and what features actually matter when your firearm is visible to the public—or exposed to real-world movement and risk.

Whether you're a new gun owner figuring out your first setup or an experienced carrier evaluating new gear, you'll walk away knowing exactly which open carry holster type is right for how you carry.

Holster Type	Concealability	Recommended Retention	Draw Speed	Ideal Use Case	Stability & Platform Security
OWB Belt Holsters	Low to Moderate (with cover garment)	Passive or Level I (Level II recommended for public)	Fast (especially at strong-side hip)	General open carry, range use, rural property	High with a proper belt
Paddle Holsters	Low	Passive or Level I (varies by design)	Moderate to Fast	Training, classroom/demo, temporary open carry	Moderate (can shift under motion)
Drop Leg Holsters	None	Level II or Level III strongly advised	Fast when seated or wearing gear	Tactical environments, vehicle-based roles	High with proper belt and dual straps
Chest Rigs / Chest Holsters	None	Passive or Level I (Level II optional)	Fast, especially under load-bearing conditions	Hiking, backcountry, horseback or ATV carry	Very high under physical movement
Duty Holsters (Level II/III)	None	Level II or Level III (required for duty use)	Moderate to Fast (with training)	Public open carry, law enforcement, security	Very high with proper draw training
MOLLE-Compatible Holsters	None	Level II or III (depending on configuration)	Varies (placement-dependent)	Tactical kits, plate carriers, modular setups	Very high with proper MOLLE alignment

OWB Belt Holsters (Pancake, Belt Slide, Loop-Over)

An OWB (Outside the Waistband) belt holster is a holster that attaches directly to the belt and rides along the outside of the waistband. Common OWB variants include pancake holsters, belt slide holsters, and loop-over designs. These OWB holsters are among the most popular for both range use and open carry due to their balance of accessibility, comfort, and adaptability.

Pancake holsters are typically made from two flat pieces of leather or Kydex, molded around the firearm, and pressed tightly to the belt, which helps reduce printing even when carrying openly under a loose garment. Belt slide holsters, often made of leather or reinforced nylon, are more minimalist, holding the firearm close to the body but usually offering less retention than molded options. Loop-over or slot holsters thread directly through belt loops and offer a very stable, no-shift platform—especially when paired with a reinforced gun belt.

The OWB belt holster shines in general-purpose open carry—whether that’s on private property, rural land, or in open carry states where casual EDC doesn’t require concealment. They’re also an ideal platform for transitioning between open and concealed carry, especially when worn with a jacket or overshirt. However, without active retention features, these holsters may not be ideal for public carry in urban environments where weapon grabs are a potential threat.

For those seeking comfort and speed of draw in a relatively controlled setting, OWB belt holsters offer the best of both worlds.

Paddle Holsters

A paddle holster is an OWB holster that uses a flat, paddle-shaped piece to anchor the holster inside the waistband while the holster itself remains on the outside. The paddle portion relies on pressure and friction to stay in place, which means these holsters do not need to be threaded through belt loops. This makes them exceptionally easy to put on and remove.

Paddle holsters are especially popular among instructors, range safety officers, and anyone who needs to temporarily remove and reattach their firearm throughout the day—such as security professionals rotating between armed and administrative duties. They're also commonly used for demo and training environments where fast gear setup is more important than long-haul retention.

That said, paddle holsters are generally less secure under dynamic movement unless they include a secondary locking mechanism or retention system. They can also shift slightly when worn on soft belts or during strenuous motion. For that reason, paddle holsters are best suited to controlled environments like the range or static security posts, rather than public open carry on the street or in crowded places.

If you’re looking for a convenient OWB option for temporary or situational carry, paddle holsters deliver speed—but they require careful evaluation for retention and stability.

Drop Leg Holsters (Thigh Holsters)

A drop leg holster, also known as a thigh holster, is a platform that mounts the holster below the waistline and secures it to the user’s thigh with one or two adjustable straps. It’s typically anchored to the belt using vertical straps, lowering the firearm several inches from the hip.

This setup was originally designed for military and law enforcement professionals wearing body armor or duty belts that obstruct traditional draw paths. By lowering the gun below the beltline, a drop leg holster provides clear access around chest rigs, armor plates, and other upper-body gear. It's also a preferred choice for mounted roles—motorcycle officers, ATV operators, or horseback patrols—where hip holsters are inaccessible or uncomfortable.

Drop leg holsters excel when mobility is required and concealment is irrelevant. They allow for excellent draw angles when seated or exiting a vehicle, which is why they’re commonly seen in tactical training environments and during range days focused on gear testing and movement.

However, they add bulk and can snag in close quarters or dense terrain. A poorly-fitted drop leg holster may bounce, twist, or sag during movement. For best results, they should be paired with rigid, adjustable platforms that integrate with proper tactical belts and leg harness systems.

Chest Rigs / Chest Holsters

A chest holster is a harness-mounted holster system that places the firearm across the chest, typically high and centered. It’s worn like a vest or sling and is particularly effective when carrying a long gun, wearing a backpack, or navigating environments where belt-line access is restricted.

These rigs are commonly used by hunters, backcountry hikers, and wilderness guides who need sidearm access while managing long guns or gear. They’re also favored by trail riders, off-road enthusiasts, and rural landowners who spend extended time seated on ATVs or horseback. In these situations, a chest holster keeps the pistol accessible at all times, regardless of belt or leg movement, and avoids interference from backpacks or chest straps.

While they offer excellent retention and are extremely stable under physical stress, chest holsters are not suitable for urban open carry or use in environments where a visible gun might cause concern. They’re best reserved for rural and wilderness applications where functionality outweighs discretion.

Users interested in alternative carry positions for heavy gear environments often find chest holsters to be the most practical solution.

Duty Holsters with Level II or III Retention

A duty holster is a holster system specifically designed for law enforcement, security, or tactical use, typically mounted on the belt and featuring Level II or Level III retention systems. These holsters are built for maximum firearm security while maintaining fast, repeatable access under stress.

Level II retention includes passive friction plus one active retention mechanism, such as a thumb break or rotating hood. Level III adds an additional layer—often a locking system that must be released in sequence. These systems are critical in open carry environments where weapon grabs, crowd proximity, or physical altercations are possible. For context, law enforcement agencies across the country issue Level III holsters as standard-issue gear.

For civilian carriers practicing open carry in populated areas, duty holsters with active retention offer a similar layer of protection. They’re heavier and require training to draw efficiently, but they offer the highest level of security short of locking storage.

If you’re open carrying in public, particularly in urban or transitional areas, choosing a holster like the Alien Gear Rapid Force Duty Holster is one of the most effective ways to maintain control over your firearm.

Tactical MOLLE-Compatible Holsters

MOLLE-compatible holsters are designed to mount directly to modular load-bearing systems such as plate carriers, chest rigs, war belts, or drop panels. These holsters are part of larger tactical setups and use PALS webbing to attach securely to the user’s loadout.

They’re most commonly seen in military and specialized law enforcement settings where the sidearm is part of a fully integrated gear suite. MOLLE holsters offer maximum modularity, allowing users to mount the gun at various angles, heights, and body locations depending on mission requirements.

For civilian open carry, these holsters are generally unnecessary unless the user is training with full kit or involved in security roles that require such gear. They tend to be bulkier and require specific integration with other tactical equipment, making them less practical for casual or general-purpose carry.

Still, for users building tactical loadouts for professional or training applications, MOLLE holsters offer the flexibility needed to match high-complexity environments.

What to Look for in an Open Carry Holster?

Choosing the right type of holster for open carry is about aligning your gear with the physics of how you move, the specifics of your firearm, and the environment you’re carrying in. 

The following attributes separate a reliable open carry holster from one that compromises safety or performance. These factors should guide your selection regardless of whether you’re choosing a duty rig, an OWB belt holster, or a drop leg platform.

1. Ride Height and Cant Adjustability

Ride height refers to how high or low the holster sits relative to your beltline, and cant is the angle at which the firearm is positioned. Both influence your draw stroke and how well the holster integrates with your body, clothing, and gear.

In open carry, especially when wearing outer layers or tactical equipment, the wrong ride height can create access issues or force unnatural draw angles. A high-riding holster might tuck the grip under your ribs or body armor, while a low ride might interfere with movement or cause printing on longer shirts. Adjustable cant allows the user to rotate the firearm forward or backward to match their shoulder and elbow mechanics during a fast draw.

For example, a strong-side OWB holster with a 15-degree forward cant offers a more ergonomic draw for those who carry just behind the hip. Meanwhile, a straight-drop configuration may work better for those running a drop leg holster where vertical draw is faster and cleaner.

Flexibility in ride height and cant also ensures your sidearm remains consistently accessible, even if you switch between gear configurations—like going from a plate carrier to a light jacket. A holster that doesn’t allow these adjustments limits your ability to build a carry system that works around you, not against you.

2. Solid Belt or Platform Attachment

An open carry holster is only as secure as its interface with your body—and this almost always comes down to how it attaches to your belt or gear. In high-stress situations or simply under repeated motion, the holster should stay firmly anchored. Shifting, rotating, or detaching are failures that occur when the mounting method isn’t suited to the belt or platform.

Belt loop holsters (including pancake and loop-over designs) offer the most secure attachment when paired with a purpose-built gun belt—something at least 1.5" wide and reinforced for load-bearing. These setups distribute weight well and maintain holster position through movement. In contrast, paddle holsters are easy to remove but may lack stability unless they feature a locking mechanism or enhanced friction design.

Drop leg holsters add complexity by introducing vertical movement, so their stability depends not just on the leg straps but on how the vertical mounting strap connects to the belt. If that upper anchor is loose or incompatible with your duty or tactical belt, the entire platform can pivot or sag.

Platform compatibility matters just as much. A MOLLE-compatible holster that doesn’t weave properly or sits on unstructured webbing will shift under stress, even if it has good retention. So whether you’re running a high-ride OWB or a modular tactical rig, the interface between the holster and your belt or vest should be rigid, matched, and field-tested.

3. Custom Fitment for Firearm Model

Universal holsters have their place—in range bags or as backups—but for serious open carry, they introduce more risk than benefit. A holster that doesn’t precisely fit your firearm increases the chance of poor retention, slow draw times, or even an unintended discharge during reholstering if the trigger guard isn’t fully protected.

Custom-fit holsters are molded to match the specific dimensions of your firearm model. That includes slide length, rail cuts, ejection port shape, and accessory compatibility such as weapon-mounted lights or red dots. The result is a holster that grips the firearm exactly where it should, providing passive retention through precise geometry.

Materials also matter. Kydex holsters offer rigid structure and consistent reholstering, ideal for duty or tactical use. Hybrid holsters, which use a Kydex shell on a flexible backer, can improve comfort but are more common in concealed carry than open duty settings.

A precisely fit holster eliminates wobble, protects the trigger from every angle, and creates a tactile “click” when the firearm is seated—something you can’t reliably get from one-size-fits-all nylon rigs. When your gear is worn openly and exposed to physical engagement, firearm-specific fitment becomes a matter of both safety and performance.

4. Retention System: Passive vs Active

Retention is the most overlooked yet most critical component of any open carry holster. While concealed carriers may rely on passive retention alone (the friction or pressure that holds the gun in the shell), open carriers should assume that retention failure equals gun loss.

Open carry increases exposure—both physically and socially. Whether you're in a crowded area, patrolling property, or simply moving in public, your firearm is visible, and therefore vulnerable. That's why Level II or Level III retention systems are strongly recommended for any open carry done beyond private land.

• Level I: Passive retention only—suitable for range use, but risky in dynamic environments.

• Level II: Adds one active mechanism, such as a thumb break, rotating hood, or internal lock.

• Level III: Introduces a second active retention layer, often requiring coordinated actions to release (e.g., hood + button).

These systems dramatically reduce the risk of unauthorized access or gun grabs, a concern especially relevant in transitional zones like gas stations, parking lots, and crowded events.

Many open carriers underestimate how fast a firearm can be disarmed from a paddle or belt slide holster with no locking mechanism. This is why law enforcement duty holsters mandate Level III systems—not just to protect the officer, but to keep their weapon out of anyone else's hands.

Retention should match your threat model. If you're in a permissive environment on private land, Level I may suffice. But if you're carrying in public or anywhere interaction is possible, invest in retention like your life depends on it—because one day, it might.

If You’re Going to Carry in the Open, Make Sure Your Gear Isn’t a Liability

Open carry is a public decision—and with that visibility comes responsibility. It’s not enough to just own a reliable firearm; your holster becomes the frontline of weapon retention, access, and control. The difference between an effective open carry setup and a dangerous one often comes down to gear that was chosen with thought—or gear that wasn’t.

The best open carry holsters aren't defined by popularity or price. They're defined by how well they solve real problems:

• Can you draw quickly from your strong side without obstruction?

• Is your sidearm protected from unauthorized grabs or hard movement?

• Does your holster stay exactly where you placed it—on the draw, on the move, or in a vehicle?

• Can your retention system resist pressure and still release under control?

Whether you're a landowner protecting your property, a range officer managing live fire lines, or a civilian carrying openly in a permissive state, your holster needs to serve function before fashion.

That’s why Alien Gear Holsters builds open carry systems for real-world performance. Our lineup includes:

• OWB holsters with adjustable ride height and rock-solid belt lock systems

• Duty-grade platforms like the Rapid Force Holster with Level II and III retention

• Modular options compatible with drop leg, MOLLE, and duty belts

• Precision-molded shells for your exact firearm model—Glock, Sig, 1911, and more

We engineer holsters to stay where they belong, release when they’re supposed to, and carry with the kind of confidence you only get when your gear was built around the way you live, move, and train.

If you're going to carry in the open, carry like it matters.
Explore Alien Gear Holsters—and build a setup that won't fail when it counts.