A magazine carrier is an essential accessory for anyone who prioritizes preparedness. It ensures you always have enough ammunition for a day at the range or personal protection.

Like gun holsters, mag carriers come in a variety of styles. There are OWB and IWB versions, with IWB models offering better concealment.

Material

A magazine holster, sometimes a mag pouch, is a specialized accessory designed to securely hold and quickly access spare magazines for a self-defense firearm. It attaches to the belt on the non-dominant side and is typically worn in the appendix position. There are a variety of designs, including those that can be worn inside or outside the waistband and those that feature active retention mechanisms like screws or snaps.

Many of these accessories are made from tough and durable materials, such as leather and Kydex. Kydex is a thermoplastic material popular with law enforcement officers because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. It also provides a secure fit that protects magazines from accidental denting or damage.

Some mag pouches feature combination holders that hold both handcuffs and magazines. These are useful for those that need to carry both of these items on duty, and they provide flexibility by allowing them to do so without requiring the addition of another piece of equipment to a uniform.

Adjustability

A magazine holster is essential to your kit, whether you carry a concealed pistol or need a quick way to reload. It can distinguish between a bad day at the range and life-saving in a dangerous situation. Finding a mag carrier that fits comfortably and works well would be best.

A quality mag carrier should sit low on the belt, where it can be easily accessed. This is especially crucial in an emergency when your heart may be racing, and you might feel rushed or stressed. A holster that rides too high may be difficult to reach and could cause the clip to drop off.

Additionally, you want a mag holster that is comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Having one that digs into your side or causes other uncomfortable sensations isn’t conducive to long days of carrying. A Kydex mag holder with adjustable retention can help you keep it at the perfect angle for comfort and quick access.

Retention

A mag pouch should securely hold your spare magazine until you are ready to reload. While it may seem obvious, a poorly designed mag pouch can easily loosen or fall out of the pocket, which could lead to losing your spare clip during a fight or if you have your gun dropped while trying to retrieve it.

The best magazine holsters offer superior retention, with a snug fit and tough Kydex material that keeps your spare clips secure and protected from harsh chemicals and moisture. They also maintain their shape and do not sag over time.

While a mag holster is not mandatory for those who carry a firearm, it offers significant advantages to those who prioritize preparedness and quick reloading. With an IWB or OWB mag carrier, you can quickly reach your spare clip without lifting your shirt. They also protect your extra ammunition from outside contaminants, a significant bonus for concealed carry.

Durability

If you carry a magazine for your pistol, it is crucial to keep it safe. You may find yourself in a dangerous situation and need to quickly retrieve your extra ammunition for self-defense or shoot at an intruder. A durable magazine holster will keep your magazines secure and easy to get to in an emergency.

Unlike gun holsters, which have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental ejection of the weapon or ammunition, most mag pouches do not require additional retention devices. Instead, a snug fit and a secure clip will do the trick.

Some pouches are made of a soft fabric that can be tucked into the waistband and rely on tension from your belt for retention. Other mag carriers have a tough, strong, and durable injection-molded construction. This material protects your magazines from dust, dirt, moisture, and harsh chemicals that can damage the clips. It also holds its shape over time without sagging like leather.