Arrowhead Tactical Apparel makes lightweight, athletic clothing that you can carry. We put their Carrier Sweatpants to the test.
While we all know that the first rule in a gunfight involves bringing a gun, many people leave their protection at home. Sometimes, this is done for legal reasons, such as traveling by airplane, but other times it’s just for convenience. You don’t want to leave your home and go to the shop for a few minutes, but you do need to get up at the weekend. For a quick five-minute run, who wants to get on jeans, a belt, and their holster? Going to the gym, or just running around the neighborhood? The clothing required to do so is a hindrance to one’s ability stay armed. These examples may seem familiar to those who only have normal athletic-style clothing. However, companies like Arrowhead Tactical Apparel offer an innovative belt system that allows individuals to stay comfortable while still being armed. We needed to test a new concept like this so Arrowhead sent us a pair of their Carrier Sweatpants. We wore them to the gym, on trails, and at home, while also packing the most heat possible.
The first thing that struck me when I received the shorts and sweatpants for the carrier was the high quality of the material. The Arrowhead Tactical Apparel concept is centered around the internal belt system. However, they didn’t skimp on any other aspect. Carrier Sweatpants as well as Carrier Shorts are made of the same cotton/polyester mix that feels heavy but is breathable. They are comfortable to wear and don’t show signs of fraying or early wear. They feel comfortable when worn and show no signs of fraying or early wear. It is easy to set up your Carrier Shorts. I did it myself with a little bit of trial and error. Arrowhead posted a video guide on their website that helped me set up my Carrier Sweatpants. It was much easier. Although it’s not difficult, I recommend the guide to anyone who decides to get a pair.
The Carrier Sweatpants as well as the Carrier Shorts are just like any other piece of athletic gear, but with an added feature: internal belt loops. The belt can be used with the included retention belt, but can also be used with other styles of belts. It is threaded through the loops in the waistband to provide additional support and to attach a belt holster.
The belt comes in a 1.5-inch thick and has a magnetic buckle to attach. The belt attaches to holsters with a 1.5-inch belt clip. However, it works well with my 1.75 inch clip holsters. Although wearing a belt is not as comfortable as wearing one, it is comparable to wearing any pants that can take a belt.
Arrowhead suggests that you remove the belt system before washing clothing. However, between washings, one can leave the belt in place, making it easy to put on and take off.
In my mind, for the Arrowhead Tactical Apparel concept to be worth it, their products must accomplish two things–comfortability while lounging and secure retention during activity. As a remote worker, I tried the Carrier Sweatpants for a few days. I found them to be more comfortable than traditional pants when I was wearing them for extended periods. I wore them while I was appendix carrying a Makarov in Vedder LightTuck. I found that they were more comfortable than traditional pants for long periods of time. The retention belt and the elastic waistband work together to secure your pistol, but not as tightly as a pair of blue jeans. It was still satisfying to lose the extra weight by the end of the day. However, I didn’t feel as if I needed to. I wore the Carrier Shorts to the gym with a 3.5 inch 1911 and a Jericho 941 to test the other half of the equation. They were comfortable while I lifted, ran, and even sparred a punching bag. The setup was more comfortable when I was using longer guns and heavier ones, but the shorts were comfortable enough to conceal them. I was also able to wear them while running, lifting, and sparring with a punching bag. The buckle never came loose while running or boxing. However, it did come loose once after getting out of a car and again after using an ab/crunch machine. Fortunately, neither of these incidents caused any embarrassment nor danger. The belt was strong enough to support the gun even without the buckle. The buckle fell off the belt, but the side with the holster was secure inside the pants. It only required a quick re-buckling to fix it. Although it didn’t seem to be an issue for me, it might cause some to prefer a belt with a different type of buckle to the magnet. Final Thoughts
I was able test these products with a Makarov gun, which was the smallest and lightest. However, it was not a problem with full-sized steel pistols. The micro-compact polymer guns most people carry these day should be even more secure when engaged in strenuous activities. The belt system is hidden within the pants, which helps concealment. The Carrier Sweatpants were worn with a t-shirt and Carrier Sweatpants. I felt the extra material on the belt prevented printing more than blue jeans. While there are other companies offering solutions to concealing your carry in athletic clothes, they are usually only compatible with certain holsters. Arrowhead Tactical products offer more versatility than those mentioned. They can be used with any holster or pistol you have. They are more comfortable than traditional jeans and belts when you’re lounging around or running errands. They also prove to be safe enough to use for serious activities. The Carrier Sweatpants are priced at $84.99 and Carrier Shorts at $64.99. However, Arrowhead also offers joggers that use the same belt system. Although it is a bit expensive for athletic wear, each pair comes with the belt. Each item is available in multiple colors and sizes and the shorts have an option of inseam length as well.Arrowhead Tactical Apparel’s CCW clothing seems to be an excellent option for anyone looking to stay armed more often and remain comfortable while doing so.To see their wares, please visit arrowheadtacticalapparel.com.Get More Concealed Carry Info:NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack 62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDS This impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets
