HQ ISSUE Concealed Carry Vest for Men

UPDATE FROM 4 STARS TO 5 STARS:The ruggedness of this vest just saved me from needing a skin graft. While attempting to move my car backwards off the road after road debris damaged my transmission, I slipped and got dragged under the car door for about 20-30 feet across asphalt and coarse gravel, eventually breaking the door as it raked over me. This vest took the brunt of the punishment, quite literally saving my skin. Best part is, it survived the ordeal. Needs a good wash, but is still serviceable. Say what you want about the quality, but I'm convinced. 5/5 Stars.PREVIOUS 4 STAR REVIEW:I mostly use this vest to conceal my full size service pistol carried in a IWB holster, as my pistol weighs about 2.5 pounds loaded, which is way too heavy for wearing in the vest pockets (collar of vest digs into my neck).The elastic bands in the concealed carry pockets seem too high up, causing a full size pistol like mine (Astra A-100, effectively identical to a Sig P226 in dimensions/appearance) to ride way too high with the velcro pocket unable to close, and not securing the pistol. Works well enough with smaller pistols and revolvers, I suppose, but I highly recommend wearing a proper holster.In my case, I swap my gun and holster (together) from waist to the left conceal carry pocket when transitioning from on foot to driving, letting the holster and gun sit naturally in the pocket. I have much faster access to it this way than in the center console or blocked by my seat belt when worn on the hip while driving.The vest also has 6 snug mag holders, which is great, but mags get heavy quick, and again, the collar on this vest will dig into your neck and traps, if you add too much weight. Granted, I'm wearing the vest open, as I'm a big guy, and am working on losing weight, so the largest size still can't quite zip up yet until I slim down. Weight distribution might be better when zipped. Just thought it fair to mention that.As for other pockets, this vest has two MASSIVE pockets that were not evident in the picture. I'm talking really deep pockets, easily over a foot deep, maybe even 15 inches. I'm curious to see if one could fit a SBR into these pockets. In just one pocket, I've been able to fit THREE 1.5 liter water bottles, SIX total when loading up the other pocket. Stitching seems to be holding up, too. The deeper breast pockets are just big enough to stick my Galaxy S9+ with Otterbox case into it, but it pokes out just above the zipper, which is fine, as it's a snug fit and ain't going anywhere. Smaller pockets have been great for bits and bobs, especially when fishing.In addition, the vest has 3 D-rings, perfect for clipping on your keys or other light weight items. I actually use them to temporarily hang a hook or lure while preparing bait for fishing. Works great!All in all, I'm quite satisfied with this vest. I may end up sewing in padding with a breathable mesh on the interior side of the collar, which is a much needed modification. Might also sew in some padding where one would rest a rifle or shotgun butt, just to add a minor upgrade for when using guns with substantial recoil. Would also be nice to have a small game pocket on the back.

Very well made for the great price. Pockets and more pockets of all sizes. Fits right on USA body size measures.My only wish would be a heavy brass zipper though the one it has is ok. A buy.

First, to the vendor: This arrived smelling a tad musty and feeling damp, despite being in a plastic bag. Went straight into the wash. Might want to check your storage facilities.I was surprised at the weight of this vest. The material is heavy, with a weight I would describe as lightweight canvas or very heavy denim. This isn't a bad thing, however I cannot call this light weight (hence the 3 on lightweight). On the other hand, if you live in the southwest and it's July, it might get a little steamy (hence the 4 in comfort) Overall, I'm expecting this should prove to be quite durable and wear well over time. It also makes it less prone to printing.There are plenty of pockets. The large pockets are easily accessible. The small flap pockets are easily accessible. The smaller zipper pockets are a challenge; the zippers are too narrow for my hands and I will not get past the zipper to the bottom/ corners of those pockets when looking for items. The pockets are still usable, but I'll have to be very deliberate about how I use them so things can still be retrieved.The conceal carry pockets will accommodate anything you want to throw in there. Unless you're carrying something absurd. In which case, you're probably compensating for something anyway. If it's commonly found at any retailer, you'll be fine.Overall, I think this is great value; it must be because I'm rarely moved to post a review. Not too 'tacti-cool' but I can still tote extra stuff, cuz I might be a bit of a gear junkie. Give it an honest look, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have bought both 511 and Rothco vests and decided to try the HQ Issue. My decision was based on price, appearance and utility. The cost is less than the 511 and Rothco vest with the same or similar design/intent. The biggest issue was the number of useless pockets and compartments on the other vests. I work in a gun store and shooting range and wear my vest every day. And I wear it both when I'm working and when I'm not. I have no need for AR magazine pockets that are only for magazines but nothing else. Some of the two have pockets that can only be reached from inside the vest and some have large pockets that are accessed from the back of the vest. These were pretty much useless. They could be used for EMT equipment, manuals, clothes but these vests are simply not practical for every day use. The carry pockets are okay but I carry on my belt and don't need them. If I had a small backup weapon it they might be useful. The 511 and Rothco vests seem to put pockets with zippers everywhere. And most are totally impractical. It's like a contest to see who can include the most pockets. Well this HQ Issue does not attempt to do that. I don't use all the pockets but so what. The cost is less, the fit is, in my opinion, better. I have had no issues with quality so far. I've worn it everyday for two months and it still looks good. No problems with zippers or other closures. Although I would like a more secure closure on the left side breast pocket because it's where I carry my Iphone 11 (big) but I'm working on that.Overall, it's a good vest for the money, Less than the two I mentioned and much more practical. It works for me. And this vest does have inside magazine holders that are functional and work. Although I have laid the vest down and a magazine or two have fallen out. But if the vest is hung up like it should be that would not be a problem. And yes there are pockets on this vest I do not use but not near as many as the others.Final grade: good quality (so far), good functionality, good price, comfortable and it covers my 1911 carry pistol on an OWB Tagua holster.