Arrowhead Tactical Apparel: Exceptional Concealment, Great Comfort

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I am not a tactical dude, but I often look like one because I wear tactical clothes. As a gun writer, I spend a lot of time shooting and find they are the most durable and utilitarian clothes to wear. Most pants incorporate spandex allowing them to stretch and accommodate a concealed carry pistol without going up one pant size. However comfortable, I do not blend in with the crowds when running errands in public. In a recent search for concealed carry holsters, I ran across Arrowhead Tactical Apparel. The clothes look like athletic wear but have features that optimize concealed carry.

Carrier Shorts with Standard Retention Belt $80

The Carrier Shorts look like ordinary gym shorts. Pockets are where you would expect them to be—two in the front and a zippered pocket on the right buttock. The front pockets are wide and deep enough to clip a flashlight or folding knife while having room for a phone or wallet. What makes them ideal for concealed carry is the elastic waistband design. Belt loops are sewn into the interior of the waistband and designed for their concealed carry belts. The belt prevents the waistband from flopping over from the weight of the pistol. Having the belt loops inside the waistband completely conceals the belt to maintain the illusion that the shorts are ordinary shorts.

Arrowhead offers two 1.5-inch belts for carrying concealed with the shorts. One is the Standard Retention Belt with a magnetic clasp, and the other is the Omni Buckle Belt with a slide buckle. Both are made of webbing with some elastic content. The belt is thin but, when doubled over, is thick enough for the belt clip to maintain a good grasp on the material. Installing the belt is simple; fold the waistband down to expose the loops and thread the belt through the loops. Fold it back up, and you are ready to hook the belt’s ends.

I am 5-foot 10-inches with a 34-inch waist and a bit of a Mexican wrestler’s body, which is a barrel body with a smallish waist. I ordered the Carrier shorts in a Large size and the Standard Retention Belt. The shorts fit perfectly; they were not too baggy or tight. The belt was easy to loop through the waistband. Once fitted to my waist, 9 inches of webbing remained for adjustment.

The shorts are ultra-comfortable thanks to their stretchiness and cotton-like feel. The belt is a great blend of stiffness and flexibility. It gives when bending over, allowing the pistol to move with the body instead of digging into the flesh.

The single belt clip of the N8 Tactical Xecutive holster tucked nicely behind the waistband, further concealing the holster. Drawing the Springfield Armory Hellcat from the holster was as easy as ever. I was initially concerned that my belt clip’s 90-degree face would slip off from the webbing. Once I finessed it into place, it was a solid. A belt clip that hooks around the bottom and grasps the back of the belt would be better. I recommend cinching the belt tightly; if left loose, the hood or clasp will unhook themselves.

Of the two belts, I recommend the Omni Buckle belt; it costs a little more but is much more comfortable against my belly when sitting or moving around.

Arrowhead includes the concealed carry belt loops to pants in their Carrier Sweatpants, Carrier Jogger, Carrier Travel Jogger. The sweatpants are loose fitting down to the cuff. The joggers narrow at the cuff. They all include pockets and a front crouch zipper. The Travel Joggers are soft on the inside, but have a smoother wind-breaker-like exterior. All are stretchy too. The large size was just the right length for my 34-inch waist and 30-inch inseam.

Standoff Concealment Hoodie Mk. II. $95

To complete the athletic wear look, Arrowhead offers the Standoff Concealment Hoodie Mk. II. It is made from a polyester/elastane outer shell with a cotton interior. The shell is textured in a small, gridded pattern, giving it a contemporary look. The handwarmer pocket gives you direct access to your appendix-carried concealed carry pistol via a zipper. The zipper is sewn to extend from one pocket to the next. Now, when a suspicious person sends your Spidey-sense off the charts, you can prepare to act without giving away your intent. If deadly force cannot be avoided, you can draw the pistol from the hoodie.

I ordered the hoodie in an XL in woodland green. I found the size exactly right for my frame; it wasn’t too snug or loose. The sleeve length was perfect too; I did not have to push them up while wearing the hoodie. The fabric feels soft inside and out. Its thickness mitigates handgun printing and keeps the body warm. The zipper’s pull tab is easy to find and the zipper opens smoothly with no snagging. The opening gives you access to the front of your waist which is great for those who appendix carry. The opening is not wide enough to access a hip-carried pistol conveniently.

Summary

Arrowhead’s tactical apparel is comfortable and well-designed for concealed carry. If you want to shed the tactical-dude look or athletic wear is more your style, these are a great option. The prices of the gear are on par with other quality clothing. Check out their website for more styles and options. www.arrowheadtacticalapparel.com

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