Best Chest Holsters of 2020 – Ultimate Review

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

If you’re someone who has an affinity for hiking or any other outdoor activities, a chest holster can be an excellent investment for your guns. Investing in one will give you more control and make running easy, as it doesn’t restrain your torso or legs. It allows free movement and a more comfortable hiking experience. 

However, with the abundance of options in the market, it’s hard to choose one. Thus, in this detailed post, we will tell you all you need to know about chest holsters. We will talk about how to wear one, how to choose one, and suggest some excellent options to purchase. 

To find out more, keep on reading!

Comparison of the Best Chest Holsters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Able to fit most auto pistols
  • Worn crossbody in multiple positions
  • The solid construction of the unit makes it the best overall
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  • Features metal D rings
  • Made of 1680-denier nylon
  • The reliability of the unit makes it the runner-up
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  • Designed for Glock 19/23/32
  • Best for the money with versatile use
  • Harness is made of 100% US-made nylon
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  • Weighs about 1 pound
  • Made of 100% US Nylon
  • Especially designed to fit guns with a 1911 configuration, making it the best 1911 chest holster
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  • Weighs about 9.6 ounces
  • Handcrafted and constructed from leather
  • Secure design makes it the best revolver chest holster
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  • Weighs 1 pound
  • Constructed from a mix of Kydex and Nylon
  • The quality construction of this unit makes it the best Glock 20 chest holster
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When Would You Use a Chest Holster?

Here are some scenarios in which a chest holster could come in handy:

While Hunting or Hiking

When you’re hunting, hiking, or performing any outdoor activity, you want your weapons secured yet easy to access. A chest holster is a perfect solution for this. It securely holds your weapons while giving you control and access over them. 

For a Comfortable Experience

A chest holster evenly distributes the weapon’s weight around your body. This allows one to easily perform any action while having their weapon at their disposal. Chest holsters can easily fit any body type for a comfortable wear experience. 

In Unfavorable Conditions and for Easy Handling of Weapons

If you need to access your weapon quickly in a defensive situation, a chest holster is an excellent option to do so. It requires the least amount of movement and allows you to access your weapon in a very swift manner. 

How Do I Choose a Chest Holster?

There are several options on the market, but how can you know which one is best for you? Here are some characteristics of the best chest holsters.

Durability

You should look for a product made of great quality materials. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time. Furthermore, look for options that are weatherproof. This allows them to work in a number of different settings and can be used for many outdoor activities. 

Adjustable Fit

Ideally, a chest holster will have adjustable straps and construction. This allows you to customize the product according to your liking. Furthermore, it would also make it accessible for different body types. 

Accessibility and Comfort

The unit you choose should be accessible, which means it should be easy to draw a weapon from. Furthermore, it should be ergonomic and comfortable so that it’s easy to wear. It should have padding to avoid causing rub spots. 

Review of the Best Chest Holsters

There are plenty of products in the market claiming to be good. You don’t have to take a leap of faith and invest in a product that might turn out to be bad. Here, we've reviewed some of the best chest holsters on the market to help you out.

Best Overall:
BLACKHAWK! Universal Spec-Ops Pistol Harness

No products found.

Pros

  • Highly durable as it is tested in the field
  • Versatile as it is able to fit most auto pistols
  • Solid quality as the product is made of quality materials
  • Padded and can be adjusted, allowing it to be comfortable to wear
  • You can wear it crossbody in multiple positions like vertical, horizontal, and angled

Cons

  • Right-handed only 
  • Not concealable; the weapon is in plain view
  • Shoulder pad material is stiff and not very comfortable

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very impressed with this unit. They love how well it adapts to fit different body types as it comes with adjustable straps. The padded construction makes it highly comfortable. In addition, the material quality is great as well, and the unit seems to hold up well in different conditions. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stood out to us for featuring an incredible design and being highly comfortable to wear. This unit offers a very easy draw angle. This is because the design is crossbody and can be worn in multiple positions. Furthermore, it can be adjusted to your body easily and is padded for additional comfort. 

Who Will Use This Most?

This would be ideal for hiking and hunting. Its construction is such that it secures the weapon very well. Thus, in turn, it gives the consumer great maneuverability and control. It is incredibly comfortable to use as well, so it is a great option for beginners. 

Bottom Line

This is one of the best chest holsters in the market. The brand is reliable and offers a great warranty on the product. The holster itself has an excellent build quality and is comfortable to use. It will prove to be a great investment for many people, as the unit provides good value for the money, as well. 

Runner-up:
Man Gear Alaska Ultimate Chest Holsters

No products found.

Pros

  • There are three ways of wearing this
  • Available in both right-hand draw and left-hand draw
  • Size range is pretty inclusive, as it is available in four different sizes
  • Heavy nylon webbing thumb strap and side release secure the weapon in place
  • Constructed from excellent quality material thus, is able to hold up well and is highly comfortable to wear

Cons

  • Draw is time-consuming slightly inconvenient

What Recent Buyers Report

Consumers have been highly appreciative of this unit. They find it to be a great investment for multiple reasons. Many buyers complimented the different size options available. Buyers said the holster could be adjusted easily for all people. Furthermore, it is padded; thus, is very comfortable to wear. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit is incredibly versatile, as it is available in a number of different configurations and sizes. It can be used by both left and right-handed people. Furthermore, it has metal D-rings, which make it more stable. They also allow the wearer to adjust it in three ways, depending on how they feel the most comfortable.

Who Will Use This Most?

This would be perfect for anyone, as it has both right-handed and left-handed options available. This unit is comfortable to wear and made of excellent quality. The high-quality construction makes it incredibly durable and reliable. Plus, it can hold up well in different conditions. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this unit is of great quality and is highly reliable. The product is well-constructed and durable. It comes from a great brand and holds up pretty well in harsh external conditions. It is comfortable to wear and adjustable. Thus, it proves to be worthy of investment. 

Best for the Money:
 Kenai Chest Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Adjustable, thus can fit most body types easily
  • Harness is designed to be comfortable and ergonomic
  • Threads coated with a waterproofing agent and are UV-resistant for a longer lifespan
  • Highly versatile and suitable for multiple outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, backpacking, etc.
  • Meticulously designed and features strategically-placed straps to minimize rub spots

Cons

  • Web straps should be a little thicker
  • Does not cover the trigger well enough

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with this unit. They found it to be of great quality and worthy of the price. Where many holsters seem to cause rub spots and are uncomfortable to wear, this isn’t the case with this one. It is made of great quality material which is able to hold up in various conditions, yet is comfortable to wear. For this reason, buyers found it to be very durable and long-lasting. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It has multiple features that caught our attention. Firstly, it is incredibly well-constructed and designed. It keeps in mind user comfort yet is highly functional. All threads are coated with a waterproofing agent and are UV-resistant, which allows it to work for various conditions. 

Who Will Use This Most?

This would be perfect for all outdoor activities. The construction allows it to resist harsh conditions. Thus, it can be used for taking on backpacking trips, fishing, hiking, etc. It features a very comfortable design; that is great for beginners or people who are still getting used to wearing a holster. 

Bottom Line

This unit is the definition of value for money. It is incredibly well-designed and comfortable to use. It is constructed to be durable, as well. Thus, overall, it proves to be a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and great quality product. 

Best 1911 Chest Holster:
GunfightersINC Kenai

No products found.

Pros

  • Buckles are located strategically to minimize rub spots
  • Harness is specially designed to be comfortable to wear all day
  • Can be worn low or high on the chest and is adjustable for most body types
  • Handcrafted and made from superior quality material which makes it incredibly durable
  • All threads are waterproof and UV-resistant, so this can be used for different outdoor activities

Cons

  • Right-handed design only
  • Straps are a little long and need adjusting
  • Drawing the gun isn’t as intuitive as one would expect 

What Recent Buyers Report

This unit seemed to really impress consumers with its high functionality and superior quality. It caters to aesthetics as well and is incredibly stylish. It keeps in mind the real-life scenarios of usage and is constructed accordingly. The comfort of consumers is kept at the forefront, making it a user favorite. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stood out to us for being of great quality and excellent for 1911 configurations. Its design is highly convenient and incredibly fit to secure a 1911 gun. It keeps user comfort as its number one priority. Furthermore, the buckles are strategically located to minimize rub spots. 

Who Will Use This Most?

This unit is constructed to work in a wide number of outdoor activities. All threads are coated with a waterproof substance and is UV-resistant, which enhances the longevity of the unit. It is even solution-dyed, so it is durable and has a reduced IR signature. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this unit is incredibly well-built and of high quality. It might be slightly expensive, but the great design is worthy of the splurge. It is very ergonomic and comfortable to use. All of this makes it an incredible investment. 

Best Revolver Chest Holster:
 Diamond D Guides Choice

No products found.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design provides maximum handgun accessibility
  • Comfortable to wear since it's made from superior quality materials 
  •  Features a simple and adjustable design for easy wear
  • Has been field-tested and proves to hold up well 
  • Versatile nature allows it to work for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, etc.

Cons

  • Belt rig is a bit too stiff
  • On the much higher-end of the cost spectrum
  • Color seems to be a little different from the picture 

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers found this unit to be very accessible and comfortable to use. Its quality construction makes it stand out from many of its counterparts. Buyers found it to be worthy of the hefty price tag as it is easy to wear and adjustable to many body types. Plus, it holds up well in many different conditions. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are many features of this unit that make it stand out from others. First, it is constructed of superior quality leather, which not only makes it comfortable to wear but also highly durable. Moreover, it is solution-dyed for added longevity and colorfastness. Furthermore, it is adjustable and has both a left-handed and right-handed option. 

Who Will Use This Most?

This is perfect for many outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, etc. It has been made from superior quality material and is field-tested, thus, it is highly durable. Furthermore, the design is easily adjustable and quite simple, which makes it perfect for beginners. 

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit is a great purchase. The brand is highly reliable and known for manufacturing great, quality materials. It truly is one of the highest quality products in the market. Granted, it does have a pretty hefty price tag, but the performance it gives makes it a worthy investment. 

Best Glock 20 Chest Holster:
GunfightersINC Kenai Chest Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Solution-dried to enhance long-term durability and colorfastness 
  • Secures the firearm in place and provides an adjustable fit  
  • Harness has a 4-way stretch yoke which increases mobility and comfort
  • Weatherproof, as all threads are covered with waterproof material and are UV-resistant
  • Constructed from superior quality materials that are lightweight and have excellent retention qualities

Cons

  • On the higher-end of the cost spectrum
  • The part holding the clip to the holster is plastic and should be of better quality

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are fond of this unit due to its great-quality construction and user-friendly nature. Not only does it look and feel good, but it also performs very well, too. It is constructed to be very comfortable and has a very strategic design, which reduces rub spots. Thus, it is a consumer favorite. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product features a harness that has a four-way stretch yoke that promotes mobility and comfort. It is adjustable for most body types, which makes it highly versatile. Furthermore, it has an ergonomic construction, which makes it easy to draw the weapon from. It is also solution-dyed for durability and colorfastness. 

Who Will Use This Most?

It is constructed to be weatherproof and lightweight, thus, it is highly versatile. It could be employed for an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, backpacking, etc. This is due to the thread being coated with waterproof material and also being UV-resistant. Furthermore, it is solution-dyed for longevity and colorfastness. 

Bottom Line

Overall, it is an exceptional product. This unit is very well-received among consumers who deem it worthy of the price tag. The overall construction is of great quality and keeps user comfort at its forefront. Furthermore, it is highly functional and weatherproof, which makes it an incredible investment. 

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

When it comes to buying a chest holster, there are certain things that one needs to be cautious of. These include:

Good Return Policy or Warranty

A lot of times, when you’re buying things without trying them, they turn out to be not what you expected. It is possible that a chest holster won’t fit you, in which case, it is great to have the option of returning it or at least exchanging it. As far as the warranty is concerned, it is crucial. Chest holsters can be pretty expensive and should have a decent warranty, in order to make them a good long-term investment. 

Must be Built to Fit Your Dominant Hand

A lot of times, consumers forget to check whether the product is suited for right-handed or left-handed people. This can be a big mistake, as the wrong product could potentially be useless for you. Make sure you check hand preferences before purchasing a unit. 

Opting for a Reliable and Reputable Brand

As mentioned earlier, chest holsters can be a pretty expensive purchase., thus you should buy from a reputable brand you can trust. This ensures quality construction and high functionality. 

How to Wear and Draw Gun From a Chest Holster

In order to correctly wear a chest holster, it is important to make sure the horizontal straps have enough tension on them, so they are snug. This allows the firearm to be cleared from the holster easily without moving the holster. Plus, it equalizes the pressure and takes tension off your shoulders. It can be worn higher or lower if you simply adjust the strap and buckle. 

In order to efficiently draw your weapon from the holster, it is important to have equal amounts of tension in your horizontal and vertical straps. 

Make sure you make a fast and deliberate movement to draw your firearm from the holster. This means using your dominant hand. 

Move your other hand out of the way, so it doesn’t cause any hindrance in action. A fast and intentional movement will ensure you don’t pull on the harness, causing it to move. If the harness moves, it will not allow the firearm to clear as efficiently as one would like. 

For a better understanding of how to wear and draw the gun, check out the video.  

Conclusion

If you’ve never invested in a chest holster before or are new to them, they can be a pretty intimidating purchase. They are used to hold a gun, which is important for securing your weapon thus, you want the best product to do so. 

Just remember the characteristics of good chest holsters and the cautious considerations we mentioned above. Make sure you compare multiple products and do a bit of research before purchasing one and look for one best suited to your needs. This will help you reach the best decision for your specific usage.