Tight Chutes M.A.R.S. Review

Tired of buying a different holster for every gun or light? Do you leave your gun at home because you can't easily carry in places like the beach or on a bike? Do you want to carry a full-size pistol, but hate having a gun shoved into your pants because it's not actually comfortable?   

These are some of the reasons fanny pack carry has become incredibly popular in the last few years. But like holsters, there are a lot of fanny pack/ hip packs to choose from and it can be confusing. 

If you are serious about getting the most out of your money for your concealed carry budget, and you want the best Concealed Carry Fanny Pack you can get, we recommend the Voyager CCW Fanny Pack Featuring the Magnetic Adaptable Retention System by Tight Chutes Co.   


Tight Chutes Co makes different versions and sizes of the their Voyager CCW Fanny Pack, the Voyager Sport, the Voyager Classic, and the Voyager Magnum  


Tight Chutes also has a line of Crossbody pack / sling bag style carry gear they call the Arcade X-Body. They have two sizes, the Arcade and the Arcade XL that I can't wait to try. Ill be dropping a review when I get them.
Concealed Carry Fanny Pack

All of their packs can be used with the M.A.R.S. which I think is the best holster you can use for fanny pack carry. See my review:


The M.A.R.S. is truly a innovative way to carry and allows for almost all pistol and light combinations.

Fanny pack carry has gained popularity in recent years because it makes carrying in various environments more comfortable. However, this introduces the challenge of retaining the pistol, providing proper trigger protection, and doing so affordably without buying multiple holsters.

The M.A.R.S (patent pending) by Tight Chutes stands for Magnetic Adaptable Retention System. It is designed to help you retain your pistol in fanny pack carry and provide proper trigger protection.

Back in the day, I made several holsters with hook-and-loop fabric to work with fanny packs. While not a new carry method, Tight Chutes has a unique approach with M.A.R.S.

Design and Functionality

What is different about M.A.R.S from many pack retention methods or holsters is the M.A.R.S. wraps around the trigger guard from one side of the pistol to the other and uses magnets on both sides of the slide to retain the pistol. The magnets on one side of M.A.R.S move up and down in a channel, allowing it to adapt to different pistol sizes. The retention is very good. It draws firmly, but smoothly. It feels different than Kydex, but in terms of a shake test, the pistol stays put very well… but not too well.

The “Adaptable” means it can be adjusted for different size pistols. For instance, it works equally well with a larger steel frame pistol like a Staccato 2011, Sig M11-A1 etc, or smaller sub compacts like the M&P Shield or Sig P365.  It’s a ‘toolless” design that allows you to adjust the magnets to fit the pistol properly. One feature I appreciate as a former holster maker is the clearance for your middle finger during the draw stroke. M.A.R.S, made from Kevlar-reinforced fabric, which flexes just enough to be comfortable when you grip the gun, allowing for a strong purchase and complete trigger protection without tearing your skin up like Kydex can.

Compatibility with Accessories

M.A.R.S adapts well to lights, lasers, and accessories. For example, it fits perfectly with a Glock 19 equipped with a large light like the TLR-1. The compatabilty is one of the big areas of value as you don’t need to get a new holster if you get a new light or laser.  It will worth with any light in the TLR series, or products from companies like Viridian or Surefire without an issue.  As well, it’s very low profile: Unlike traditional Kydex holsters that require a wide light channel molded firmly into the plastic, M.A.R.S’s fabric material allows smooth drawing from a fanny pack without a lot of thickness because it flattens slightly when in use.

Mounting and Compatibility with Fanny Packs on the Market

The M.A.R.S. mounts using hook-and-loop mounting (Velcro being the most common brand of hook and loop) which ensures the pistol stays in place and creates an offset allowing a clear thumb grip for an efficient draw. Tight Chutes states they recommend mil-spec loop fabric for mounting. I tested with many packs that I have including the Sig Rose pack, Blue Alpha pack, Snack Pack by Spiritus Systems, AWS gear pack and they all held the M.A.R.S. very cleanly. The only pack I did not get great performance with was the Eberlestock Bando Bag. The Bando Bag I have is a couple of years old, but in very good condition. Not a knock on Eberlestock, just be aware. If they have upgraded the Loop Material in the meantime it may address this. 

I did not test in any backpacks or other style bags.

Steel Slide Requirement

M.A.R.S requires a steel slide for proper retention. Aluminum or alloy slides, like those on a Ruger SR22, lack the necessary magnetic retention.

Additional Carry Options

Where M.A.R.S really starts to add value is it can convert to an IWB holster with the Tight Chutes “Riggs”. The Riggs is a belt-threaded soft loop that attaches to the M.A.R.S., providing a secure and smooth draw without pulling up your belt like Kydex does. The Rigs accessory costs around $20. The Riggs works both right and Left hand.

The other option is “The Strap,” a carry chassis that allows for right or left-hand orientation with a loop panel inside, similar to the Riggs. The build quality and fit and finish of these accessories are very good.

Value

Priced at $59 plus shipping (as of early 2025) M.A.R.S offers performance and VALUE. Being able to use it with multiple pistols, lights, lasers, and accessories, saves you from buying several holsters. As  holster maker, who has made customers multiple versions of the same holster for different setups, I can say there is a TON of value in the M.A.R.S. Even more value when you consider it can be an IWB/OWB carry option with the Riggs or The Strap.

If you are looking for performance and value for fanny pack carry you will find it with M.A.R.S by Tight Chutes.