One of the most difficult challenges I faced when I first started to carry a firearm was finding a way to carry while exercising. I found several soft holster solutions and felt varying levels of comfort with how secure each one was. They usually worked great for running, but on occasion my hips and glutes would make just the right movements to push the gun upward, making it less secure. It wasn’t as bad as my fail in the grocery store, but serious enough to make me more cautious. To compensate, I carried my smallest gun, didn’t carry with a bullet in the chamber, and sometimes ran slower than I preferred.

More recently, I’ve tried the Dene Adams Phantom 2 Leggings. Even during vigorous exercise, they don’t present any of the limitations above. Does anyone really want to taper their workout down to carry a firearm? Not me! I purchased a pair of these leggings a while back and have had a great experience with them, so I wanted to share!

What I like most about the Phantom 2 Leggings is how secure they hold the gun. The waistband, removable holster, and firearm retention strap all work together to make this the most secure exercise-carry option I’ve tried. Because the waist is so snug, the firearm stays close to my body and is less likely to print (show an outline of the gun through my clothes). In fact, it’s so snug that I have to grasp the belt loops to pull them up over my hips, just like you’d pull on a pair of boots with bootstraps!

The loops are also great for the range. You can attach holsters and magazine carriers to your belt. Plus, the pocket on the outside of each leg is nice for carrying an extra magazine, credit card, etc.

The 5 waistband pockets allow you to wear your gun in pretty much any position around your waist. They support guns of all sizes, from micro compacts up to full sized competition pistols!

The included soft holster and retention strap attaches by Velcro to the inside of any of the pockets. At first, I wondered how much protection a soft holster could really provide, but the design adds layers of protection. First, in addition to the holster material itself, a strip of stiff Velcro wraps around the outside of the holster and fully covers the trigger area. Second, with the holster inserted in the waistband pocket, a belt loop on the outside of the tights also runs over the trigger. All three layers, I believe, adequately protect the trigger.

I put this to the test by inserting an unloaded and cocked gun into the holster and tried as hard as I could to pull the trigger through just the holster and Velcro (not the belt loop). Even though I jammed the pen in at various angles, with all the force I could muster, I couldn’t budge the trigger. If you’re still not convinced and would like an extra measure of safety, Dene Adams also offers a custom trigger guard insert designed to insert into the gun pocket of these leggings.

With one minor exception, I’m very happy with the fit. I’m petite (almost 5’2”) but the leggings in size extra small are just the right length, coming right to my ankle. Of course, it may just be my size and body type, but I wish the crotch was let out 1/4 - 1/2 of an inch more. I’d be less likely to… how do I put this delicately… get a wedgie! To work around this, I just wear them a little lower on my waist than I normally would.

Personally, I’m a fan of the Dene Adams leggings for concealing a firearm during exercise. I’ve moved around in them quite a bit and even my larger gun, an M&P Shield, stays secure. I still want to purchase a kydex insert for a stronger trigger cover, but even the built-in holster makes me feel okay about carrying a bullet in the chamber. With the support of the Phantom 2 leggings, I can give my workouts 100%!

“Chime-In!”

Have you ever carried a firearm or other type of self-protection tool while exercising?

Share your experience in the comments below!

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