Leather Chest Holsters

Chest Holster FAQs

What’s the best chest holster for hiking in grizzly country?

The best chest holster for grizzly country is one custom-molded to a large-caliber sidearm, like a 10mm pistol or a magnum revolver, with a thumb break that keeps the gun secured while you move.

Our Glock 20 chest holster is our most popular build for backcountry hiking and hunting because of the 10mm round. Chest carry keeps the gun above a pack’s hip belt and within reach whether you’re hiking, glassing, or sitting down.

Every holster is handmade in Livingston, Montana from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather and custom-molded to your exact firearm for a snug, secure fit. Revolver chest holsters are available with a thumb break or a half-flap.

How do I measure for a chest holster?

You don’t need body measurements, because one harness fits sizes X-small through XXXL.

Adjust the harness to fit over the layers you plan to wear. The buckle strap comes long, so once it’s sized, cut off the extra and burn the end. If you need a harness larger than XXXL, let us know in the order comments at checkout.

The fit that counts is the fit to your gun. Select your exact make and model from the dropdown when you order (including barrel length for revolvers) so we can custom-mold the holster to it.

Are leather holsters good for hunting or backpacking?

Yes, a quality leather chest holster is a strong choice for hunting and backpacking.

Ours are made from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather and custom-molded to your firearm, which gives a secure fit that stays quiet on the trail. The back of the leather is pasted, so it’s soft as suede against your gun’s finish. The harness spreads the weight across your shoulders and stays clear of a backpack hip belt.

Expect the holster to fit tight at first, since the leather breaks in with use. After a soaking rain, let it air dry away from direct heat and condition it occasionally.

How long does a custom holster take?

Each custom holster is made to order in 3–4 weeks.

We don’t cut any leather until your order comes in. Every holster is handmade in Livingston, Montana and custom-molded to the firearm you select.

The 3–4 weeks covers building your holster. Shipping is separate and starts once your holster is finished, and we’ll email you tracking when it goes out.

Leather vs. Kydex chest holster: which is better for the backcountry?

Leather is the better pick for quiet carry, all-day comfort, and protecting your gun’s finish, while Kydex is the better pick if you expect constant wet weather and want almost no maintenance.

Kydex is waterproof, holds its shape, and gives a consistent draw from day one. The hard plastic can be noisy against brush and gear, and it can wear a gun’s finish over time.

Leather is quieter, and the soft pasted back is easier on your gun. A holster custom-molded from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather gets more comfortable as it breaks in. It does need occasional conditioning and should dry slowly after it gets soaked.