NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large Review

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large immediately piqued my interest with its unique blend of concealed carry functionality and everyday style. The NcStar brand isn’t typically associated with high-end fashion, but the concept of a discreet carry option disguised as a fashionable hobo bag was intriguing. Could this affordable option actually deliver on its promise of secure and stylish concealment?

I was in the market for a less tactical-looking concealed carry option for everyday errands and outings. My usual carry methods felt too conspicuous in certain environments, and I wanted something that wouldn’t scream “gun.” I was specifically looking for a bag that could comfortably accommodate my compact pistol, spare magazine, and everyday essentials, without appearing bulky or out of place.

Upon unboxing the NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large, my initial impression was mixed. The faux leather had a slightly plasticky feel, which was expected given the price point, but the overall design was surprisingly appealing. The quilted front pocket and side pockets added a touch of style, and the bag felt relatively lightweight.

Compared to other concealed carry bags I’ve owned, this one seemed to prioritize aesthetics over heavy-duty construction. My other options, usually made from ballistic nylon, are incredibly durable but lack the style I was searching for. This NcStar bag promised a better balance, and I was eager to see how it performed in real-world situations. I ultimately chose this one because of its price point and the promise of a more discreet profile.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the materials weren’t top-of-the-line, the design was clever and the overall package seemed promising. It felt like a good value for the price, but the true test would be its performance under real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large during a typical day of errands, which included grocery shopping, a trip to the post office, and a lunch date with a friend. I carried my Glock 19, along with my wallet, phone, keys, and a small notebook.

The bag performed adequately in dry, mild conditions. The firearm was securely held in place by the included universal holster, and the dual zipper access to the CCW compartment was relatively smooth. However, drawing the weapon required a bit of fumbling, as the bag tended to shift during the draw stroke.

The main issue I encountered was the overall bulkiness of the bag when fully loaded. It didn’t quite sit comfortably on my shoulder, and the faux leather straps felt somewhat flimsy under the weight. This created some discomfort when carrying it around all day.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large showed some signs of wear and tear. The faux leather began to crease and crack in high-stress areas, particularly around the straps and the corners of the quilted front pocket.

The stitching also started to fray in a few spots, suggesting that the overall construction quality wasn’t exceptionally high. Cleaning the bag was relatively easy; a damp cloth was sufficient to wipe away most dirt and smudges. However, I noticed that the PVC lining inside the main compartment tended to retain odors.

Compared to my other concealed carry options, the NcStar bag falls short in terms of durability and reliability. It’s a decent choice for occasional use in low-risk environments, but it wouldn’t be my first pick for demanding situations or extended periods of carry. It outperforms a regular purse in terms of concealing a weapon, but disappoints in terms of durability.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large

Specifications

• Size: Large. This provides ample space for both a firearm and everyday essentials.
• Dimensions: 12″ H x 17″ W x 5″D. These dimensions make it a noticeably large purse, but necessary for a firearm.
• Weight: 28 oz. The relatively lightweight design is comfortable to carry when not fully loaded.
• Color: Gray. The urban gray color is discreet and blends well with most outfits.
• Material: Faux Leather. This material keeps costs down, though durability is less than genuine leather.
• CCW Compartment: Rear access with dual zippers. The dual zippers allow for easy access by both right and left-handed shooters.
• Holster: Universal holster with hook fastener. The holster is designed to fit a wide variety of firearms securely.
• Compartments: Three center compartments. These compartments allow for the organization of everyday items.
• Closure: Magnetic snap-button closure. This closure keeps items within the outer compartments secure.
• Lining: PVC material. This lining provides some level of water resistance within the purse.

These specifications matter because they define the bag’s overall size, weight, and carrying capacity. The choice of faux leather impacts durability and aesthetics, while the CCW compartment design determines the ease and speed of access to the firearm. Understanding these specifications helps potential buyers assess whether the NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large meets their specific needs and preferences.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large performs its primary job of concealing a handgun reasonably well. The universal holster keeps the firearm secure, and the dual-zippered access provides quick access.

However, the bag’s large size can be a hindrance in tight spaces. The draw stroke isn’t as smooth as with dedicated concealed carry holsters, and the bag tends to shift during the draw.

The main strengths of the NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large are its affordability and discreet appearance. Its weaknesses lie in its durability, bulky size, and less-than-ideal draw stroke. Overall, it meets the basic expectations for a concealed carry purse, but it falls short of excelling in any particular area.

Design & Ergonomics

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large has a fairly simple design. The faux leather, while not premium, is visually appealing and blends in with most casual attire. The quilted front pocket and side pockets add a touch of style, making it less obviously a tactical bag.

The bag is relatively lightweight when empty, but it can become cumbersome when fully loaded with a firearm and everyday essentials. The shoulder straps are adequate, but they lack padding and can become uncomfortable during extended carry. The learning curve is minimal; it is generally intuitive to use, but practicing the draw stroke is essential.

Durability & Maintenance

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large is not designed for heavy-duty use. The faux leather is prone to scratches and tears, and the stitching is not particularly robust.

With proper care, the bag should last for a reasonable amount of time, but it’s unlikely to withstand years of daily use. Maintenance is straightforward; wiping the bag down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. However, the faux leather may require occasional conditioning to prevent cracking. Repairing the bag is possible, but it may not be cost-effective given the low initial price.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large comes with a universal holster that’s designed to accommodate a wide range of handgun sizes. The holster features a hook fastener patch that attaches to a loop fastener panel inside the CCW compartment.

Beyond the included holster, there aren’t many customization options available for this bag. You could potentially replace the holster with a different model that better fits your specific handgun. It is compatible with generic hook and loop attachments, which will allow for some customization.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Concealed Carry Quilted Hobo Urban Gray, Large