I bought my first dedicated carry pack for the wrong reason. It looked capable, the compartment was well built, and I spent almost no time thinking about whether a bag was the right answer for me at all.
The honest starting point is this. Off-body carry is slower and less secure than on-body carry, and most instructors will tell you the same thing before they tell you which bag to buy.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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Vertx Urban Ghost Tactical Backpack (20L) –... | Check Price Here |
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Tactical Tailor Concealed Carry Backpack | Check Price Here |
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Eberlestock Switchblade Pack - Low Profile... | Check Price Here |
That said, plenty of people have real reasons a holster does not work for them. If a bag is your solution, the best backpack for concealed carry has a dedicated retention compartment, lockable zippers, and a layout you can reach consistently. Eight packs below meet that standard.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
Most roundups in this category rank by how tactical a bag looks. Appearance is close to irrelevant, and a few features genuinely separate a purpose-built pack from a backpack with an extra pocket.
We ranked on retention first. A dedicated compartment must hold its contents in a fixed position rather than letting anything shift, which means an adjustable internal holster or a loop-lined panel you configure yourself.
Loop-lined compartments are the stronger approach. They let you position retention to match what you carry rather than accepting a one-size holster that fits nothing well.
Second, we assessed lockable zippers. A bag gets set down in ways a holster never does, and a lock is the difference between secure storage and an open pocket.
Third came access consistency. Ambidextrous designs and rapid-access tabs matter because a layout you can reach the same way every time is the only layout worth having.
Fourth, we weighted everyday practicality. A bag you leave at home because it is uncomfortable or conspicuous serves no purpose at all.
The Vertx Gamut CCW led overall. A modular hook-and-loop interior, a rapid-access pull tab, and a 3D molded back panel deliver both configurability and daily comfort.
For lockable security, the Vertx Urban Ghost 20L stood out. Lockable YKK zippers paired with 420D polycarbonate-coated ripstop address the storage side properly.
Among ambidextrous options, the Elite Survival GUARDIAN Pack was the standout. Its compartment opens from either side of the pack with an adjustable internal holster included.
We also want to state plainly what this article does not cover. Carry laws vary enormously by jurisdiction, and nothing here substitutes for knowing the rules where you live and travel.
How To Choose A Backpack For Concealed Carry: Buying Guide
Understand The Off-Body Trade-Off First
This belongs at the top because no product feature changes it. A bag is slower to access than a holster and separates you from its contents whenever you set it down.
Most instructors treat on-body carry as the default for exactly that reason. A bag left on a chair, in a car, or beside a desk is no longer under your control.
If a bag is still your answer, accept the trade-off consciously. Treat the pack as something that stays with you rather than something you put down.
Dedicated Compartment And Retention
A dedicated compartment is what separates a purpose-built pack from a backpack with a spare pocket. Contents must sit in a fixed orientation rather than shifting around.
Two approaches exist. Some packs include an adjustable internal holster sized to fit, while others use a loop-lined panel you configure with your own retention.
Loop-lined compartments are more flexible and require you to buy retention separately. Included holsters cost less overall and fit a narrower range of what you might carry.
Lockable Zippers And Secure Storage
Lockable zippers are the single most important security feature and many packs omit them entirely. A bag gets set down in ways a holster never does.
Look for genuine lockable pulls rather than decorative ones. YKK hardware with a lock point is the standard worth holding out for.
Secure storage extends beyond the zipper. Anyone with children at home should treat locking as mandatory rather than optional, and a lockable compartment is only part of a proper storage plan.
Access Side And Ambidextrous Layout
Consistency matters more than speed. A compartment you reach the same way every time beats one that is marginally faster but positioned awkwardly.
Ambidextrous designs open from either side of the pack. That flexibility suits left-handed users and anyone who changes which shoulder carries the bag.
Rapid-access tabs and half-pull designs let you open a compartment partially rather than fully. Consider which side you naturally reach for before ordering.
Compartment Dimensions Against Your Needs
Published compartment dimensions are rare and genuinely useful when a brand provides them. A compartment measuring roughly 7 by 10 by 1 inches tells you far more than a marketing description.
Check the dimensions against what you intend to store rather than assuming. Compartments vary considerably between packs that look similar from outside.
Padding and lining matter alongside size. Felt or loop lining protects contents while giving you somewhere to attach retention.
Discreet Exterior Versus Tactical Appearance
This is a genuine preference rather than a right answer. Heavily tactical styling with exposed webbing reads a particular way in an office or a supermarket.
Low-profile packs use plain ripstop exteriors with laser-cut or hidden webbing. Convertible front flaps let you cover a MOLLE panel when you want a cleaner look.
Consider where you will actually carry the bag. A pack that draws attention in your daily environment defeats the purpose of choosing a bag in the first place.
Everyday Comfort And Practicality
A carry pack is still a backpack, and the one you actually use is the one that works for daily life. Comfort determines whether it leaves the house.
Look for contoured shoulder pads, a molded or ventilated back panel, and a sternum strap. Some packs add a removable waist belt for longer wear.
Laptop sleeves, hydration compatibility, and admin pockets matter because the bag needs to do its ordinary job well. A pack that only works for one purpose gets left behind.
Comparison Table Of Backpack For Concealed Carry
| Product Name | Capacity | Access Design |
|---|---|---|
| Vertx Gamut CCW | Daily carry size | Rapid-access pull tab, convertible flap |
| Vertx Urban Ghost 20L | 20 litres | Rapid Access Half-Pull tab, lockable zippers |
| Vertx ReadyPack 20L | 20 litres | Rapid pull tab, convertible MOLLE panel |
| Vertx Long Walks 28L | 28 litres | Dedicated compartment, under 1.5 lbs |
| Elite Survival GUARDIAN Pack | EDC size | Ambidextrous, either side access |
| Elite Survival GUARDIAN Trifecta | EDC size | Ambidextrous with published dimensions |
| Tactical Tailor CCW Backpack | Daily carry size | Dual padded strap backpack format |
| Eberlestock Switchblade Pack | 29.3 litres | Magnetic openings from either side |
9 Best Backpack For Concealed Carry (Top Picks)
Vertx Gamut CCW
The Vertx Gamut CCW is the most balanced option here, combining a purpose-built compartment with a bag that works genuinely well as an everyday pack.
The discreet compartment pairs with a rapid-access pull tab, keeping the layout reachable while maintaining a clean professional appearance from outside.
That balance is the whole point. A pack that looks like ordinary work gear is one you will actually carry into ordinary environments.
A modular hook-and-loop interior lets you configure your own layout rather than accepting a fixed one. Retention goes where you want it rather than where a manufacturer guessed.
The removable laptop sleeve extends that flexibility further. Taking it out frees genuine volume when you are not carrying a machine.
A 3D molded back panel enhances airflow and support, which matters on long commutes. Ventilation is often the first thing sacrificed in packs with structured rear compartments.
Reinforced seams, laser-cut MOLLE, and heavy-duty zippers handle years of daily use. Laser-cut webbing keeps the exterior flatter and less conspicuous than stitched MOLLE.
The convertible front flap with Gatekeeper G-hooks lets you cover or expose the webbing panel. Choose this pack if you want configurability without a tactical appearance.
What I Love:
- Modular hook-and-loop interior for configuring your own layout
- Rapid-access pull tab with a discreet exterior
- 3D molded back panel improving airflow on commutes
- Removable laptop sleeve freeing volume when unused
- Convertible front flap covering the MOLLE panel
What To Improve:
- Retention sold separately since the interior is loop-lined
- Premium pricing above budget tactical packs
- No published compartment dimensions in the listing
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compartment | Discreet, modular loop-lined |
| Access | Rapid-access pull tab |
| Interior | Hook-and-loop modular, removable laptop sleeve |
| Back Panel | 3D molded for airflow |
| Exterior | Laser-cut MOLLE, convertible front flap |
| Hardware | Reinforced seams, heavy-duty zippers |
Vertx Urban Ghost 20L
Vertx Urban Ghost Tactical Backpack (20L) –...
The Vertx Urban Ghost 20L is the pick when secure storage ranks above everything else. Lockable YKK zippers are the feature most competitors leave out.
That lock point matters more than it appears. A bag inevitably gets set down somewhere, and a locking compartment is what keeps that moment from being a problem.
Construction uses 420D polycarbonate-coated ripstop. The coating adds abrasion and weather resistance while keeping the exterior smooth and low-profile.
Low-profile is the design intent throughout. The pack offers discreet storage without the exposed webbing that makes a bag conspicuous in ordinary settings.
The modular loop-lined compartment includes a Rapid Access Half-Pull tab. Half-pull means you open partially rather than fully, which keeps the rest of the bag closed.
Loop lining lets you configure retention to match what you carry. That flexibility is worth the separate purchase for most people.
The main compartment is hydration compatible and includes a laptop sleeve. Carabiner straps, admin pockets, and stretch bottle sleeves handle the everyday side.
Concealed armor compatibility is noted across the range. Choose this one if lockable security and a genuinely plain exterior are your priorities.
What I Love:
- Lockable YKK zippers for genuine secure storage
- 420D polycarbonate-coated ripstop resisting abrasion and weather
- Rapid Access Half-Pull tab opening partially rather than fully
- Modular loop-lined compartment for custom retention
- Plain low-profile exterior without exposed webbing
What To Improve:
- 20 litres tight if you carry a full workday of gear
- Retention purchased separately with the loop-lined design
- Lighter 420D fabric than the heavier Cordura alternatives
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Material | 420D polycarbonate-coated ripstop |
| Zippers | Lockable YKK |
| Compartment | Modular loop-lined with Rapid Access Half-Pull |
| Main Compartment | Hydration compatible, laptop sleeve |
| Extras | Admin pockets, stretch bottle sleeves |
Vertx ReadyPack 20L
The Vertx ReadyPack 20L sits between the Gamut and the Urban Ghost, offering the modular interior with a more adaptable front panel arrangement.
The dedicated compartment with a rapid-access pull tab handles the core requirement. Configurable access is the feature that makes a carry pack worth choosing over an ordinary backpack.
A modular interior gives you full control over your layout. Rather than accepting fixed pockets, you position everything according to how you actually use the bag.
The convertible front flap is the distinguishing feature. Folded back, it exposes a low-profile MOLLE panel for attaching accessories.
Tucked away, that same flap gives you a discreet appearance. Being able to switch between the two in seconds suits people whose environments vary across a week.
Twenty litres is the everyday carry size, comfortable for a commute with a laptop and daily essentials without becoming bulky.
The design brief describes moving between everyday life and operational readiness. That framing is honest about what the pack is for.
Precision, adaptability, and comfort are the stated priorities. Choose this one if your environments change and you want to adjust the pack’s appearance accordingly.
What I Love:
- Convertible front flap switching between discreet and MOLLE
- Rapid-access pull tab on the dedicated compartment
- Modular interior giving full layout control
- 20 litre everyday size for commuting with a laptop
- Fast transitions between covert and overt configurations
What To Improve:
- 20 litres limited for larger daily loads
- Retention sold separately with the modular interior
- No lockable zippers noted in this configuration
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Compartment | Dedicated with rapid-access pull tab |
| Interior | Modular, user configurable |
| Front Panel | Convertible flap over low-profile MOLLE |
| Use Case | Everyday carry and operational readiness |
| Format | Two-strap backpack |
Vertx Long Walks 28L
The Vertx Long Walks 28L is the largest and lightest option here simultaneously, weighing less than 1.5 pounds while offering 28 litres of capacity.
That weight-to-volume ratio is genuinely impressive. Empty weight compounds with everything you pack, so saving a pound on the bag means a pound available for contents.
Outside dimensions run 22.5 inches high by 13 wide by 6 deep. Published dimensions let you check the bag against a locker, overhead bin, or car footwell before ordering.
Ballistic panel compatibility is noted in the design. That capability matters to some buyers and is worth knowing exists.
Comfort features are more thorough than most packs in this category. Contoured shoulder pads distribute weight evenly across your shoulders rather than concentrating it.
Dual quick-access storage along the straps keeps small items reachable without removing the pack. An adjustable sternum strap and a removable waist belt add security and stability.
A removable waist belt is unusual at this size and useful for longer wear. Taking it off keeps the bag looking like ordinary luggage when you want that.
The main compartment includes a loop for customization, with a front stretch pocket, a loop strip, and a key lanyard. Choose this one if you carry a lot and want it light.
What I Love:
- Under 1.5 pounds empty at 28 litres of capacity
- Published 22.5 by 13 by 6 inch outside dimensions
- Contoured shoulder pads distributing weight evenly
- Adjustable sternum strap and removable waist belt
- Dual quick-access strap storage for small items
What To Improve:
- Lighter construction less rugged than heavy Cordura packs
- Larger footprint more noticeable in tight indoor settings
- Retention sold separately with the loop-lined interior
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 28 litres |
| Weight | Less than 1.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 22.5 in H x 13 in W x 6 in D |
| Straps | Contoured pads, dual quick-access storage |
| Stability | Adjustable sternum strap, removable waist belt |
| Interior | Loop for customization, front stretch pocket |
Elite Survival GUARDIAN Pack
The Elite Survival GUARDIAN Pack is the strongest choice for anyone who wants retention included rather than purchased separately.
An internal adjustable holster comes with the pack. Adjustability means it accommodates a range of what you might carry rather than fitting one specific item.
That inclusion changes the total cost meaningfully. Loop-lined packs require a separate retention purchase, and this one works properly out of the box.
The zippered compartment can be accessed from either side of the pack for ambidextrous carry. Very few packs in this category offer genuine two-sided access.
Ambidextrous design suits left-handed users directly and benefits everyone else too. It means the bag works the same regardless of which shoulder you carry it on.
The compartment is described as discreet, keeping the pack’s exterior appearance ordinary. The design combines a modular pack with everyday carry internals.
That combination is the brand’s stated intent. It functions as a daily pack first with the dedicated compartment integrated rather than bolted on.
The black colourway keeps it visually plain. Choose this pack if you want a complete solution without researching separate retention.
What I Love:
- Adjustable internal holster included with the pack
- Ambidextrous access from either side of the compartment
- Complete solution without a separate retention purchase
- Discreet compartment keeping the exterior ordinary
- Modular pack with everyday carry internals
What To Improve:
- Included holster less configurable than loop-lined panels
- No lockable zippers noted in the listing
- Smaller brand with less extensive support than major names
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compartment | Zippered, discreet |
| Retention | Adjustable internal holster included |
| Access | Ambidextrous, either side |
| Format | Modular EDC pack |
| Colour | Black |
| Design | Daily carry internals with dedicated compartment |
Elite Survival GUARDIAN Trifecta
The Elite Survival GUARDIAN Trifecta publishes every compartment dimension, which is rare enough in this category to be the main reason to choose it.
The front pocket measures 10 by 14 by 2 inches, the main compartment 11 by 18 by 5, the laptop compartment 11 by 18 by 1, and the dedicated compartment 7 by 10 by 1 inches.
Those figures let you check the pack against your actual requirements before ordering rather than guessing from photographs.
The dedicated compartment dimension in particular is worth noting. A 7 by 10 by 1 inch space tells you precisely what will and will not fit.
An adjustable internal holster is included, matching the black version in the range. Retention comes with the pack rather than requiring separate research.
Ambidextrous access from either side of the pack carries over as well. The compartment works identically regardless of which side you approach from.
The Trifecta colourway is the visual difference. Colour choice in this category comes down to how the bag reads in the environments you frequent.
An 11 by 18 by 1 inch laptop compartment handles most standard machines. Choose this version if you want documented dimensions before committing.
What I Love:
- Every compartment dimension published including the dedicated one
- 7 by 10 by 1 inch compartment specified precisely
- Adjustable internal holster included with the pack
- Ambidextrous access from either side
- 11 by 18 by 1 inch laptop compartment for standard machines
What To Improve:
- Two inch front pocket depth limits bulkier items
- No lockable zippers noted in the listing
- Colourway less neutral than plain black
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Front Pocket | 10 in x 14 in x 2 in |
| Main Compartment | 11 in x 18 in x 5 in |
| Laptop Compartment | 11 in x 18 in x 1 in |
| Dedicated Compartment | 7 in x 10 in x 1 in |
| Retention | Adjustable internal holster included |
| Access | Ambidextrous, either side |
Tactical Tailor CCW Backpack
Tactical Tailor Concealed Carry Backpack
The Tactical Tailor CCW Backpack takes the brand’s sling bag design and converts it to a two-strap backpack format, which is a sensible engineering decision.
The pack is described as identical to their sling bag with the single strap replaced by two traditional adjustable padded shoulder straps.
That approach means the compartment layout is already proven. Rather than designing a pack from scratch, the brand adapted a design that works.
Two padded straps distribute weight across both shoulders, which matters for daily carry. A sling concentrates load on one side and becomes uncomfortable over hours.
The backpack format also reads more ordinary in most settings. Sling bags draw a particular kind of attention that a conventional two-strap pack does not.
Adjustable straps let you tune how high the pack sits on your back. Position affects both comfort and how consistently you can reach the compartment.
The black and navy diamond colourway is understated rather than tactical. Visual restraint is a genuine feature in this category.
Tactical Tailor manufactures a focused range rather than a broad catalogue. Choose this one if you want a proven compartment design in a conventional backpack shape.
What I Love:
- Proven sling compartment layout in a backpack format
- Two padded adjustable straps distributing weight evenly
- Conventional backpack shape reading as ordinary
- Understated colourway without tactical styling
- Focused manufacturer rather than a broad catalogue brand
What To Improve:
- Limited published specification compared to competitors
- No lockable zippers noted in the listing
- Adapted design rather than purpose-built as a backpack
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Two-strap backpack |
| Design Origin | Adapted from the brand’s sling bag |
| Straps | Traditional adjustable padded |
| Compartment | Dedicated concealed carry compartment |
| Colour | Black with navy diamond |
| Styling | Understated, non-tactical |
Eberlestock Switchblade Pack
Eberlestock Switchblade Pack - Low Profile...
The Eberlestock Switchblade Pack is the largest option here at 29.3 litres, or up to 1,050 cubic inches, and the most rugged in construction.
Material is 500D Cordura nylon, which is heavier and more abrasion resistant than the ripstop fabrics used elsewhere in this roundup.
Cordura earns its reputation in genuinely hard use. If your pack takes real abuse rather than commuting duty, the heavier fabric justifies its weight.
Magnetic openings allow access to the concealed compartments from either side of the pack. Magnets open quietly and without the zipper sound others produce.
That ambidextrous magnetic access is the defining feature. It removes the zipper step entirely, which some users prefer and others find less secure.
Loop-velcro PALS webbing inside lets you rack either MOLLE-backed or velcro-backed accessories. That dual compatibility is broader than most interiors offer.
The MOLLE-10 webbing carries standard three-row MOLLE accessories with roughly sixty percent weight savings over standard matrixes. Lighter webbing at the same capability is a real gain.
The top lid pocket includes two magazine pouches and smaller organizing features, with cup holder pockets on the exterior. Choose this one for capacity and durability above all.
What I Love:
- 29.3 litres the largest capacity in this roundup
- 500D Cordura nylon for genuinely hard use
- Magnetic openings from either side without zippers
- MOLLE-10 webbing at sixty percent weight savings
- Dual compatible interior for MOLLE or velcro accessories
What To Improve:
- Magnetic closures less secure than lockable zippers
- Heavier Cordura adds empty weight over ripstop
- Larger size more conspicuous in office settings
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 29.3 litres, up to 1,050 cubic inches |
| Material | 500D Cordura nylon |
| Access | Magnetic openings, either side |
| Interior | Loop-velcro PALS webbing |
| Webbing | MOLLE-10, 60 percent weight savings |
| Top Lid | Two magazine pouches plus organizers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Backpack For Concealed Carry A Good Idea?
It depends on your situation, and the honest answer includes a real caveat. Off-body carry is slower to access and separates you from the bag whenever you set it down.
Most instructors treat on-body carry as the default for that reason. A bag on a chair, in a car, or beside a desk is no longer under your direct control.
That said, some people have genuine reasons a holster does not work for their build, clothing, or profession. If a bag is your answer, choose one with real retention and treat it as something that stays with you.
What Makes A Backpack For Concealed Carry Different From A Normal One?
Three features, and only three really matter. A dedicated compartment separate from general storage, retention that holds contents in a fixed position, and lockable zippers for secure storage.
The compartment must be purpose-built rather than a repurposed laptop sleeve. Look for loop lining you can configure or an adjustable holster included with the pack.
Access design is the third element. Rapid-access tabs and ambidextrous openings exist so you can reach the compartment the same way every time.
Do I Need A Permit To Use A Backpack For Concealed Carry?
Requirements vary enormously by jurisdiction, and this is not a question a gear article can answer for you. Some places require a permit, some do not, and the rules change.
Reciprocity between states is a separate issue again. A permit valid where you live may not be recognized where you travel, and assumptions here carry real consequences.
Check your current local and state law directly, and check again before travelling. Prohibited locations such as schools, federal buildings, and airports apply regardless of what permit you hold.
How Important Are Lockable Zippers On A Backpack For Concealed Carry?
They are the single most important security feature and many packs omit them. A bag gets set down in circumstances a holster never does.
Look for genuine lockable pulls rather than decorative ones. YKK hardware with a proper lock point is the standard worth holding out for.
Anyone with children at home should treat this as mandatory. A lockable compartment is one part of a proper storage plan rather than the whole of it.
Should A Backpack For Concealed Carry Look Tactical Or Discreet?
Discreet works better for most people in most environments. Heavy webbing and obvious tactical styling read a particular way in an office, a school pickup line, or a supermarket.
Low-profile packs use plain ripstop exteriors with laser-cut or hidden webbing. Some offer convertible front flaps that cover a MOLLE panel when you want a cleaner appearance.
Think about where you actually carry the bag day to day. A pack that stands out in your normal environment works against the reason you chose a bag.
What Size Backpack For Concealed Carry Should I Buy?
Twenty litres suits most people carrying a laptop and daily essentials. That size handles a commute without becoming bulky or conspicuous.
Larger packs around 28 to 30 litres suit people carrying more gear or using the pack for travel. The trade-off is a more noticeable footprint indoors.
Check published outside dimensions rather than litres alone. A pack measuring 22.5 by 13 by 6 inches tells you whether it fits a locker or overhead bin.
Can A Backpack For Concealed Carry Work As An Everyday Bag?
The good ones absolutely can, and that matters more than people expect. A pack you leave at home because it is uncomfortable serves no purpose.
Look for laptop sleeves, hydration compatibility, admin pockets, and a ventilated back panel. Those features let the bag do its ordinary job properly.
Comfort features deserve equal weight. Contoured shoulder pads, a sternum strap, and a molded back panel determine whether the pack works across a full day.
Does A Backpack For Concealed Carry Include A Holster?
It varies, and this affects your total cost meaningfully. Some packs include an adjustable internal holster while others provide a loop-lined panel for you to configure.
Included holsters cost less overall and fit a narrower range. Loop-lined compartments are more flexible and require a separate retention purchase.
Check the listing carefully before ordering. A pack that looks cheaper may need an additional purchase to function as intended.
What Should I Know About Travelling With A Backpack For Concealed Carry?
Rules change the moment you cross a jurisdictional line, and assumptions here are genuinely risky. Permit reciprocity is not universal and prohibited locations vary.
Air travel has its own strict federal requirements that differ entirely from ground transport. Never assume that what is permitted in a vehicle applies at an airport.
Check the specific rules for every jurisdiction on your route before you leave. This is one area where researching properly in advance matters far more than any feature on a bag.
Final Thoughts
Years of carrying taught me the lesson that belongs at the front rather than the end. The bag is the easy decision, and whether a bag is right for you is the harder one.
If you have thought it through and a pack suits your situation, the Vertx Gamut CCW is the strongest all-round choice. A modular interior, rapid-access tab, and a genuinely comfortable back panel make it a bag you will actually carry.
For secure storage specifically, the Vertx Urban Ghost 20L and its lockable YKK zippers are the better call. If you want retention included rather than researched separately, the Elite Survival GUARDIAN Pack ships with an adjustable holster and ambidextrous access.
Whichever backpack for concealed carry you choose, check your current local and state law before anything else, and treat secure storage as part of the purchase rather than an afterthought.