John reviews some of the most popular accessories to fit the Alien Gear Shapeshift Holster system.
U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Holsters come in all different shapes and sizes. Holsters also have tons of different uses. I use my go to IWB concealed carry holster at the 5 o'clock position or my OWB concealed carry holster at the 3 o'clock position. I am always up for trying something new and thanks to Alien Gear I was able to try out new carry positions.
Alien Gear sent me several accessories for my ShapeShift holsters. The Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster is a modular holster system. With tons of accessories, you can use the holster in many different ways to carry your pistol.
Alien Gear accomplishes this feat by making the shell of the holster removable from whatever accessory that the wearer is using to carry their gun. I received the ShapeShift starter kit a while back to review, and I have also reviewed the ShapeShift drop leg system. There are tons of ways that a person can wear a holster with the system.
Alien Gear ShapeShift Backpack Carry Expansion Pack
The first accessory that Alien Gear sent me was their ShapeShift Backpack Carry Expansion Pack.
To be upfront, I am not a big fan of off the body carrying of a firearm, but I also get why some people are for carrying a gun off their body. There is no one correct way to carry a gun and the user needs to find the way that works for them.
Off body carry is very popular with hikers. That extra weight of a gun feels lighter when it is attached to a backpack rather than to the hikers waist, and when hiking for miles into the woods over rough terrain, it is just more comfortable at the end of the day. If a person isn't comfortable when carrying a gun then they will be less likely to carry one at all.
Also, hunters use off body carry so that their pistol will not get their way when sitting in a blind or for quick access in bear country. It is also more comfortable for the hunters just like it is for the hikers. These are the gun owners that Alien Gear is targeting with their ShapeShift Backpack Holster.
The way that a user attaches the ShapeShift Backpack Holster to their bag is by using a plate that has a lever on the back and a clamp on the front. What this lever does is tighten the plate down to the strap of the user’s backpack.
Alien Gear also included two lock pins on the plate of the ShapeShift Backpack Carry. This added security gave me extra confidence in the fact that the holster wouldn't come loose causing me to drop my gun.
When I put the ShapeShift Backpack Holster on my bag, there was no movement at all. It held stable to my bag. The shell connects to the plate via the Alien Gear ShapeShift button, which is their take on the quick release.
One of the most significant advantages on the included quick release button is that it allows the user to transfer the shell from one Alien Gear product to another product easily. This is also a huge advantage of modular holster systems like the Alien Gear ShapeShift holster.If you have the Alien Gear ShapeShift car mount, then you could easily move the gun in the shell from your backpack in the car mount. This movability is one of the biggest strength of a modular holster system and the reason why modular systems are becoming popular in the firearms world.
The nylon straps of the ShapeShift Backpack Holster are thick straps and high quality. The strap of the backpack holster wraps around the strap of the user’s backpack allowing the user to secure the holster to the bag. The polymer material of the ShapeShift Backpack Holster mount is sturdy and made using an injection molding method. It seems to be able to take quite a beating, which is perfect for anyone that spends time hiking through rough terrain.
The one thing I don't like about the ShapeShift Backpack Holster is the optional thumb retention button. In the past with the Alien Gear ShapeShift drop leg holster I had issues dropping the magazine of my Glock when trying to use the retention button.
I am not sure if the problem with the ShapeShift holster’s thumb retention button exists with other guns besides Glock. Other than that, Alien Gear did a great job the ShapeShift Backpack Holster. It is well built and works for its purpose.
Alien Gear sells the full ShapeShift Backpack Holster kit for $49.88. If the user already owns a ShapeShift holster then they could just by the expansion kit for $23.88
ShapeShift Ankle Carry Expansion Pack
The second item Alien Gear sent me was the ShapeShift Ankle Carry Expansion Pack. This kit wasn't a complete holster. To use this, the wearer must purchase a ShapeShift shell for their gun or buy the whole package.
The expansion pack runs $37.88. If the user wants the whole kit with a shell, it will run them $61.88. It is a little on the pricey, but is one of the best ankle holster builds that I have seen.
Since a Glock 19 is a little too big to ankle, I used my Glock 43. The thing I was most worried about was that the gun and holster would be too big to ankle carry. For full disclosure, this is only the third ankle holster I have owned.
Alien Gear made the two ankle wraps of the holster out of CoolVent neoprene. The other ankle holsters I have tested were made out of leather or cloth. The neoprene was a far superior choice to the other materials I have tested in the past.
The leather ankle holster I have used had a break-in period, which was a bummer because it was not ready out of the box. I had to use a leather softener on the ankle strap to get it to fit my ankle, but with the neoprene it was ready out of the box. The zero break-in time is a massive advantage that the neoprene have over leather. Cloth also didn't have a break in time, but it wasn't as comfortable as the neoprene. Also, the cloth left my ankle sweaty and irritated. I didn't have the same issue with the neoprene that Alien Gear used in the ShapeShift Ankle Holster. It was a more breathable material.
I was worried that the ShapeShift Ankle Holster would slide down on my calf since the holster didn't come with any type of calf strap to help hold it up. To my surprise, it didn't move around. The upper strap has a polymer spine that eliminates the need to any calf strap, and it actually works.
This holster was incredibly comfortable. I can see using the ShapeShift Ankle Holster for a backup gun. Alien Gear did a great job with the level of comfort of the holster.
ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster
The final item I received from Alien Gear was the ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster. This item is the item that I was most intriguing to me because it had an immediate use.
The ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster is a two-part system. The first part is a landing pad that sticks to almost any surface using an adhesive backing. Alien Gear covered the front of the pad with VELCRO.
The second part is a pad that the ShapeShift shell attaches to by the user. Alien Gear also covered the back of the pad with VELCRO. This design allows the user to transfer the holster to any other landing pad. The system comes with three (3) landing pads.
The reason why I was so interested in this item is that I wanted to attach a holster to the bottom of my desk and put a holster in my car. What was stopping me was that I didn't want to drill holes in my desk or my car. I was afraid it would hurt the resell value of my stuff.
The landing pads that Alien Gear included in the package really worked well. I attach one to the wooden bottom of the desk, and it really held on my desk. The user will have to wait 24 hours before attaching the holster to the landing pad to give the adhesive time to cure. I removed one of the landing pads after I installed it, and it didn't leave a mark on my desk.
I attached the remaining landing pad in my car. It was attached to plastic and held up well. I pulled the holster from the landing pad on both my desk and car about 50 times each to see if the landing pad would become loose. It did not. Alien Gear claims that the holster has been tested by being removed from the landing pad up to 2000 times without becoming loose.
I was expecting that the Alien Gear landing pad would become loose, but it stayed solidly connected to the bottom of my desk and the side of my car. It met my needs for a desk and a car holster to a tee.
The price for the ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster is $45.88. Alien gear does sell extra land pads for $3.88. If you already own the Alien Gear ShapeShift holster kit, then you could buy the Hook & Loop expansion kit for $29.88.
I liked the Backpack Holster. I will not be using it on a daily basis, but I will probably use it while hiking and camping. It does indeed hold steady and takes the weight off my waistline.
The ankle holster is nice, but I don't really like ankle carrying. If I need my gun I want it as fast as possible. Pulling it from my ankle seems like it would take too long. For a backup firearm it would be fine, but not for a primary carry piece in my opinion.
Out of all three items, the ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster is the one I liked the most. It helped me install a holster under my desk and in my car without permanently altering my stuff. The only thing that stopped me from mounting a holster in my car before getting this item was the prospect of having to drill holes in my car, and thanks to Alien Gear I didn't have to drill into my dash.
Readers can find more about Alien Gear at www.aliengearholsters.com.
About John Crump
John is a NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. He is the former CEO of Veritas Firearms, LLC and is the co-host of The Patriot News Podcast which can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com/patriotnews. John has written extensively on the patriot movement including 3%'ers, Oath Keepers, and Militias. In addition to the Patriot movement, John has written about firearms, interviewed people of all walks of life, and on the Constitution. John lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons and is currently working on a book on leftist deplatforming methods and can be followed on Twitter at @crumpyss, on Facebook at realjohncrump, or at www.crumpy.com.
By Linda M. Gilbertson
When researching around the topic of backpack concealed-carry, I found that most options on the market involve custom-made backpacks with holsters built into the pack. In most cases, you can’t detach either the holster or magazine pouch in order to make the combo ambidextrous. And, of course you must buy backpacks specially designed for the ability to carry your pistol. Well, what if I already own a backpack and don’t want to buy another? Today let’s look at an easier backpack carry option in the Alien Gear Backpack Holster.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
I was perusing some firearm magazines and I chanced upon an advertisement for Alien Gear. The ad was for a polymer backpack holster mounted to the front of the shoulder strap of the backpack. I thought -how cool- is this? I contacted Alien Gear to receive info and perhaps a holster and mounting mechanism for Testing and Evaluation. They graciously responded, and after verifying I was right handed and that my pistol of choice is the S&W, full-size M&P 9mm, they sent the Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster and the ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Carry Expansion Pack. The ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Carry Expansion Pack also accommodates the .40 caliber S&W, but it will not fit the 2.0 series in either caliber.
Alien Gear provides these items for ambidextrous use and does not require you buy a backpack. Their Backpack Adapter can be attached to any backpack with shoulder straps. Whether it’s a day-trip hiking or multiple days for a hunting expedition, whichever backpack you choose to use, this system “allows you quick and easy access to your holstered firearm when hunting, hiking and more.” It can also be attached to seat belts and duffle bags.
I dismissed the IWB Holster at first, until I realized that the Shift Shell (half of the holster) must be removed from the IWB Holster Base and attached to another Shift Shell (half of the holster) contained within the Expansion Pack. This creates the full holster which is then mounted on the backpack adapter, also included in the Expansion Pack. You’ll need to purchase both items to assemble the ShapeShift Backpack Holster. With these two items, you also receive two distinct methods of concealed carry – IWB and backpack carry. For women, having a variety of methods is very attractive, especially to the outdoor woman who at one time may carry concealed in an IWB and other times open carry with a backpack.
RECONFIGURATION OF SHIFT SHELLS
When I received the Alien Gear order, the Shift Shell came already configured for IWB concealed-carry. The instruction manual is easy to follow as it includes photos for those of us that need a visual reference in addition to the written word. I removed the Shift Shell (half of the holster) from the IWB Holster Base in the following manner.
There are three steps to accomplish this with arrows on the photos showing the direction of movement:
Attach the Shift Shell from the IWB Holster Base and the Shift Shell from the Carry Expansion Pack. There are three steps to accomplish this:
BACKPACK ADAPTER ON THE SHOULDER STRAP
The backpack adapter has some instructions of its own. I found that it is best to play with the adapter and the placement of it on the backpack strap for a time to determine the proper placement for you. For women, the placement is best either below or above the bust line so that it fits flat onto the upper chest or the stomach area. I found that in these two positions it was much easier to remove my pistol from the holster. The mount button on the backpack adapter does have a rotation of 360 degrees so you can “customize your cant (angle) in one fluid motion.” If women choose to place the adapter at the bust-line, the cant must be adjusted to ease access to the pistol grip. Attach the adapter to the backpack strap following the instructions as provided:
The Shift Shell from the Carry Expansion Pack I received from Alien Gear had the rotating adapter already pre-installed. Instructions sent with it indicate that if your adapter if not pre-installed, included in the package are two weld nuts and two 3/8” flat head screws to assist you in installation.
Once the backpack adapter is in place, there is a need to depress the mount button as you insert the rotating adapter at your preferred angle. “Press the attachment and Shift Shell together until the button comes out and the two pieces are secure.”
(For the purposes of the photos, I’m demonstrating the depressing of the mount button without the adapter attached to the backpack strap.)
THE BACKPACK HOLSTER IN USE
So, now I’m ready to hike. I’ve filled my backpack and I’m ready for a trek into the first snow of December. I’m not sure what I’ll encounter on my trek, but I’m carrying my M&P in the event I need it. I’m wearing the adapter high on the backpack strap so it’s just a single motion of pulling my pistol straight out of the holster. The thumb release is right where I need it, as I grip the pistol to draw. The draw is so easy that even with my gloves I can grip high on the back-strap of my 9mm and remove it from the holster, smoothly and quickly.
HOLSTERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING
GLOCK: 19,22,23,26,27,31,32,17,43, 42, 29, 30 and 30sf.
RUGER: LC9, SR40c, SR9c, LC380, LC9s Pro, LCP11, LCP.
SPRINGFIELD: XDs 3.3, XD Mod.2 Subcompact 9mm/40cal 3 inch, XDM 3.8, XDM 3.8 Compact, XD 4-inch, XD Subcompact 3-inch, XD Mod.2 Subcompact 45ACP 3.3 inch, XD-E, XD-E 45 ACP.
S&W: M&P Shield 9mm, M&P Shield 40 caliber, M&P Shield Performance Center, SD9 VE, SD40 VE, M&P9 4.25-inch, M&P40 4.25-inch, M&P9c Compact 3.5-inch, M&P 40c Compact 3.5-inch, M&P Shield 2.0 9mm, M&P Shield 2.0 40 caliber, M&P Shield 45 Caliber, M&P380 Shield EZ.
TAURUS: PT111 Millennium G2 (fits G2C), PT140 Millennium G2, PT709 Slim, PT740 Slim.
SIG: P938, P238 Compact/Carry 9mm, P320 Compact/Carry 40 Caliber, P229r Railed 9mm.
KIMBER: Micro9, Micro.
1911: 1911 – 5-inch.
H&K: VP9.
WALTHER: PPS, PPS M2, PPQ 4 inch, PPQ M2 4 inch, PPQ M2 4.2 inch.
SCCY: CPX-2.
CZ: PO7.
CONCLUSION
When you think about it, how does a person who carries their firearm inside a backpack retrieve it when a threat appears? Reference has been made in the past in numerous publications and on the internet of individual(s) who were killed by animals because their firearm was in the backpack and they couldn’t retrieve it in time. Obviously, they didn’t carry the firearm on their person (IWB/OWB) so they chose to put it inside the backpack. Doesn’t it make sense that if you’re carrying a pistol inside of something, you need its access to be expedient? The firearm needs to be accessible with the least amount of inconvenience.
“With an ultra-secure design and heavy-duty construction, the Shapeshift Backpack Holster is prepared for any adventure.” I like it and will include it on my adventures. You can learn more at Aliengearholsters.com.
MOLLE CARRY:
Equip your holstered firearm to a variety of tactical gear with the ShapeShift MOLLE Carry Expansion Pack. Carry the way you want to and attach the MOLLE Holster to range bags and gear, vests, backpacks, tactical belts, clothing and more. Compatible with the ShapeShift Modular Holster System, the ShapeShift MOLLE Carry Expansion Pack provides you with everything you need to carry your separately sold Shift Shell in the MOLLE configuration. This MOLLE holster adapter works with any standard or nonstandard PALS webbing, and can fit two to three rows of webbing with Alien Gear Holsters’ patent pending MOLLE locks. Do private limited companies have a board of directors. MOLLE locks in regular and extended mean the fastest, toolless attachment and removal of the MOLLE Holster; they simply slide on and lock the holster into place. The MOLLE attachment of the holster is two prongs made from premium engineered polymer that effortlessly slide in PALS webbing due to extremely smooth texture. Once attached, the MOLLE holster is secured and will not budge. The premium engineered polymer is also heat resistant, impact resistant, and scratch resistant. This holster is made to weather extreme conditions! With the push of a button, 360 degree rotational cant and quick swapping with compatible holsters is possible. Detach your holstered firearm from the MOLLE Adapter, then quickly reattach it to the ShapeShift Holster Mount. The possibilities are endless! Try the ShapeShift MOLLE Carry Expansion Pack with our 30-Day Test Drive. Alien Gear Holsters designed this product to endure whatever life throws at it, but if anything occurs, enjoy a no-questions-asked Forever Warranty. This expansion pack is proudly made in the U.S.A, by a veteran owned company.
BACKPACK CARRY:
NOTE: This expansion pack is not a full holster; it requires a Shift Shell in order to operate. The ShapeShift Backpack Carry Expansion Pack is the ultimate addition to transform any ShapeShift holster into on-the-go gun security for hunting, hiking or any outdoor activity. The design of the ShapeShift Backpack Carry Expansion Pack works perfectly with backpack straps, and is also compatible with other straps on duffle bags, range bags, and more. This exclusive expansion pack focuses on keeping your firearm tightly secured and conveniently placed –no matter the activity. The tactical clamp wraps around the backpack strap, and locks into place. The tactical clamp is backed with a ridged polymer, which works with the texture of the strap and prevents your holstered firearm from sliding around. Once combined with the Shift Shell, the expansion pack makes a premier holster you can depend on. The separately sold Shift Shell is injection molded with an optimum polymer blend that resists impacts and the elements, and the custom design of the shell allows for adjustable retention. When you holster your firearm, you will hear an audible click as it locks into place. You can also customize your cant in 22° increments for a negative, vertical or standard FBI cant. At the end of the day or with the change of activity, quickly release your Shift Shell configuration with the push of a button, then attach it to the ShapeShift Holster Mount or a variety of other ShapeShift holsters in seconds. This highly versatile expansion pack is backed by an Iron-Clad Forever Warranty and a 30-Day Test Drive.
Fallout new vegas rocket launcher. DROP LEG CARRY:
Alien Gear Holsters is proud to present the ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack. The ShapeShift Starter Kit, Cloak Mod OWB Holster, and both Double and Single Cloak Mag Carriers are all compatible with the ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack. For those that own a ShapeShift Starter Kit, enjoy cross-compatibility with the simple push of a button between ShapeShift OWB Paddle Holster, the ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack and the ShapeShift Holster Mount. Those who have purchased a Shift Shell Kit can also get in on the action. This tactical carry position holds your firearm directly where you hand naturally rests, allowing an exceptionally fast draw. Whether you are hunting, hiking, or shooting at the range, the Drop Leg is a perfect option for any carrier. Looking to carry a few spare rounds? Carry two magazines on either side of your drop leg, with the addition of any compatible holster. For those that need even more options, a Drop Leg can be carried on both legs. This Alien Gear Holsters product is designed to last a lifetime. The ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack is designed with a resilient, flexible polymer that comfortably curves with your leg. Heavy-duty nylon cam webbing drops from your belt to your thigh and is highly adjustable for a perfect fit. No matter how heavy your firearm or magazine, the ShapeShift Drop Leg’s straps are designed to support the full weight of your equipment. The ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack is backed with a Forever Warranty and a 30-Day Test Drive. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, send it back for a hassle-free refund. Alien Gear Holsters proudly makes every holster in America. Step up your game now with the ShapeShift Drop Leg Carry Expansion Pack!
Returns Policy The ShapeShift Expansion Packs are everything you need for another ShapeShift holster configuration minus the shell. If you have already purchased an individual ShapeShift holster, an Expansion Pack will allow you to switch to a different configuration by equipping you with the parts you need.You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the 'Complete Orders' link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item. Shipping We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations. When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page. Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound. For instance, say you already have a 4.0 IWB holster for concealed carry, but you'd like an Appendix Carry Holster. The Appendix Carry Expansion Pack comes with the appendix carry backer and belt clip. If you decide to appendix carry, you take the outer shell and trigger guard shell off the 4.0, install it on the appendix carry base, attach the appendix carry clip, add the twist locks and there you go. Likewise, you could remove the shell and belt clips from a Belt Slide OWB holster, install the IWB trigger guard shell, and attach it to the base in a 4.0 IWB Holster Expansion Pack. Now you can switch back and forth from a traditional IWB holster and a high-ride OWB. Each expansion pack contains all necessary parts for a different holster configuration, which is perfect for those people who don't necessarily want all of the configurations in the ShapeShift Core Carry Pack. Some people don't really carry OWB, or don't prefer appendix carry, and some people don't necessarily like a traditional winged IWB. Some people don't really like a high-ride OWB holster, and prefer either deep concealment or an ultra-durable OWB with nothing inbetween. For the person who only wants to choose between the holster configurations they'll actually use, the ShapeShift Expansion Packs are now available for exactly that. Each Expansion Pack comes with Alien Gear's Iron-Clad Guarantee, including the 30 Day Test Drive and Forever Warranty. If you'd like to make a shift in your carry options, the ShapeShift Expansion Pack will get you there. Accessories for the ShapeShift Modular Holster System
The ShapeShift modular holster isn't one holster with many names. It's a cohesive system of compatible carry styles that blurs the lines between open and concealed carry depending on user preference, carry style and lifestyle.
But, specialized parts, clips, mounts and separate Shift Shells can amplify your everyday carry experience with a personalized EDC setup.
That's what the ShapeShift was made (in America) for: customized carry.
The ShapeShift holster's heart is the Shift Shell, a nigh-indestructible storage mechanism that encapsulates the firearm. A durable polymer compound is precisely injection-molded to the contours of handguns through complex tooling and machining.
That polymer is comparable to the stuff handgun manufacturers use in modern striker fired semi-automatics. It is heat and abrasion resistant, and will maintain its structural integrity throughout the lifetime of its use.
A new Shift Shell will be required if you'd like to carry different handgun models on the same backer.
Your Shift Shell will come with:
The adjustable retention unit gives you the ability to alter the passive retention tighter or looser with one of the included twist locks. The rotating adapter is included to make the shell compatible with some of the open carry configurations, like the OWB paddle holster, and with the holster mount.
Spare holster mounts are offered for safe, off-the-body storage in a secure location. They're installed on compatible surfaces like wood, drywall, plastic and sheet metal. All required tools and drill bits are included, as well as a guide for installation.
The holster mount offers a 360-degree cant in 12 degree increments. How to install fallout new vegas mods manually.
Why buy a holster mount? Well, our intention is to allow a holstered handgun to be removed from the waistline to a temporary, secure location like an office desk, all the while held secure in the Shift Shell.
Installation is simple. Attaching the Shift Shell to it is straightforward. With it, handgun storage is a smooth, intuitive process.
How the holster is fixed to the belt is another matter of importance. Clips attaching the holster to the belt come in different forms.
C clips offer more concealment by attaching on the top and bottom of the belt. J clips attach only at the bottom of the belt, increasing concealment. Injection-molded polymer O clips are an modernized version of the classic leather loops that have historically held a holster to a belt, but have worn down over time.
Shapeshift Core Pack
Additional standard, injection-molded polymer ShapeShift holster clips are offered as well.
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