Let’s Dive into Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag
The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag from VISM offers a discreet and stylish way to carry your firearm and everyday essentials. This burgundy faux leather tote features multiple pockets and a dedicated concealed carry compartment, blending functionality with a fashionable design. I was intrigued by the concept of a CCW purse that didn’t scream “tactical” and offered a more subtle approach to self-defense.
I’ve always struggled to find a comfortable and practical way to carry off-body without sacrificing style. Traditional CCW purses often look too obvious, drawing unwanted attention. The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag seemed like a potential solution, promising a blend of everyday functionality and discreet firearm accessibility.
Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall appearance. The faux leather had a decent texture, and the burgundy color was richer than I expected. The bag felt sturdy, though a bit heavier than I initially anticipated, but the weight felt indicative of a well-constructed piece, and the stitching appeared solid.
Compared to other CCW purses I’ve considered, like the Galco Milano or the Gun Tote’n Mamas concealed carry bags, the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag stood out because of its price point. While those other options offer arguably higher-quality materials, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. I chose the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag for its affordability and potential to meet my basic CCW needs without breaking the bank.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I appreciated the thoughtful pocket layout, and the concealed carry compartment seemed easily accessible. I was eager to see how it performed in real-world situations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag during a typical day of errands, including a trip to the grocery store and a visit to the post office. I carried my Glock 19 in the included universal holster within the concealed carry compartment. The weather was mild and dry.
The bag was easy enough to use, although accessing the firearm required a bit of practice to get the draw stroke smooth and efficient. Initially, I fumbled slightly with the zippers, but after a few dry runs, I became more comfortable. One small annoyance was that the universal holster included did not fit the firearm as snugly as i would like, and it required some adjustment and getting used to for peace of mind.
The biggest surprise was how much attention the bag drew. Despite its attempt at subtlety, several people glanced at it noticeably, perhaps due to its bulk or my slightly awkward movements while getting used to it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of regular use, the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag has held up reasonably well, though some minor wear and tear is noticeable. The faux leather shows some scuffing on the corners, and the zippers are starting to feel a little less smooth. The bag is stored indoors, away from direct sunlight when not in use.
The durability is acceptable for the price, but I wouldn’t expect it to last for years of heavy use. The stitching remains intact, but the faux leather material is definitely the weakest point. The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is easy enough to wipe clean with a damp cloth, and I’ve treated it with a leather protectant to help prolong its life.
Compared to my previous experience with a higher-end leather CCW bag, the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag falls short in terms of overall quality and longevity. However, it still serves its purpose as an affordable and discreet carry option.
Breaking Down the Features of Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag
Specifications
- The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is made of faux leather and comes in a burgundy color. This gives it a somewhat stylish, yet budget-friendly appearance.
- The dimensions are 10.25″H x 13.0″W x 4.75″D, with a weight of 26 oz. This makes it a medium-sized tote, suitable for carrying everyday items along with a firearm.
- It features four front pockets, a large and small zippered pocket, a large pocket with a magnetic snap-button closure, another small pocket, and the primary CCW compartment. This provides ample storage and organization options.
- The CCW compartment has two zippers for easy access from either side and includes a universal holster with hook fastener patch. This allows for ambidextrous access to the firearm.
- The large zippered center compartment features a loop fastener patch for a holster and a zippered pocket. This adds another layer of versatility and storage.
These specifications are important because they dictate the bag’s overall functionality and suitability for concealed carry. The size and weight are manageable for everyday use, while the multiple pockets offer ample storage. The ambidextrous access and universal holster are essential for quick and reliable firearm deployment.
Performance & Functionality
The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag performs its job adequately as a concealed carry option. It allows for discreetly carrying a firearm along with other daily essentials. The universal holster works, but a custom-molded holster would provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
The main strength is its affordability and decent storage capacity. The weaknesses include the quality of the faux leather and the generic fit of the universal holster. It mostly meets my expectations for a budget-friendly CCW purse.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The materials are not high-end, but the stitching seems secure, and the overall construction is reasonably sturdy. The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is reasonably comfortable to carry, though the weight can become noticeable after extended use.
The design is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive layout. There is a slight learning curve to efficiently accessing the firearm, but it becomes easier with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the faux leather material, the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is unlikely to last as long as a genuine leather bag. However, with proper care, it should provide several years of service. The bag is easy to wipe clean, and occasional leather protectant applications can help prolong its life.
There are no easily repairable parts, so significant damage would likely require replacing the entire bag.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag comes with a universal holster with hook fastener patch. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, but the universal holster can be replaced with a different hook-and-loop compatible holster for a more secure fit.
The bag is compatible with most hook-and-loop holsters designed for CCW purses. Choosing a holster that is specifically molded to your firearm is highly recommended for optimal safety and accessibility.
Pros and Cons of Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Multiple pockets offer ample storage and organization.
- Dedicated concealed carry compartment provides discreet firearm access.
- Ambidextrous design allows for left- or right-handed use.
- Reasonably stylish appearance blends in with everyday life.
Cons
- Faux leather material is not as durable or high-quality as genuine leather.
- Universal holster may not provide the most secure fit for all firearms.
- May attract unwanted attention due to its size and shape.
Who Should Buy Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag?
The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking a discreet and functional CCW purse. It is suitable for women who want to carry a firearm along with their everyday essentials without sacrificing style entirely. It is also good for occasional carriers who do not need a heavy-duty or professional-grade option.
This product should be skipped by those who require a high-end, extremely durable, or professional-grade concealed carry solution. Those who prefer genuine leather or require a custom-molded holster should also look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality, firearm-specific hook-and-loop holster. Replacing the universal holster will significantly improve the safety and accessibility of the firearm.
Conclusion on Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag
The Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is an adequate option for those seeking an affordable and relatively discreet way to carry a firearm. While it doesn’t offer the same level of quality or durability as higher-end options, it provides reasonable functionality and storage capacity for the price. The key benefit is cost savings.
The price is justified for what you get. It provides a budget-friendly entry into the world of CCW purses. I would cautiously recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are willing to invest in a better holster.
Ultimately, the Vism Concealed Carry Printed Tote Bag is a decent option for casual concealed carriers on a budget. If you’re looking for a stylish and inexpensive way to carry, give it a try, but remember to upgrade that holster!