Gear Review: Sticky Holster

Testing movement and security on my Sticky Holster. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

“Have you seen this holster?” That was how several gun enthusiasts introduced me to the Sticky Holster. Prior to that, I hadn’t seen one or even heard of Sticky Holster, so it’s been simply by word of mouth that I was put on to this simple, little concealed carry holster.

Sticky Holster with Taurus 709. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Arriving in a Ziploc style bag, the Sticky Holster doesn’t elicit shock and awe. It’s all black design is basic as well. The holster is a shell designed with a rubbery material that grips skin. The material, in conjunction with the compression from the wearer’s pants, gives this holster its hold.

That’s right, there’s no clips or belt loops. While some may groan at the idea of a clip-less design, it certainly does add versatility. Left side or right, appendix, side or back carry it all works. There’s no need for multiple holsters for multiple carry positions.

Sticky Holsters are incredibly versatile and are suited to side, back and appendix carry. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Like any fabric style holster, you get decent concealment but the trade off usually comes in re-holstering. The Sticky certainly fits this mold. While it conceals very well, the moment the gun is drawn the fabric collapses on itself. Forget about re-holstering on the body. The whole rig has to be removed and the gun holstered. Then it’s ready to go back on body.

In the car

Concealed carrying while driving or riding in car is often a mess of adjustments and being poked in the side or back. I usually make it an hour or two into road trips before I’m pulling over and ditching my gun in the console or door. Of course this means re-holstering every time I exit. It’s obnoxious and is one of the big reasons I prefer to take the Sticky with me on the road.

Car rides are pleasantly comfortable with the Sticky. The padded shell doesn’t poke like a kydex. It also doesn’t chaff like a traditional fabric holster. In fact, it’s so comfortable you almost forget it’s there. Ultimately this means no un-holster re-holster routine.

Drawing sticky holster from concealment. Note the lack of printing. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

In fact, I recently braved a multi-state road-trip with my kids and the Sticky. I was able to drive comfortably and also make those quick roadside pit stops. If nothing else, the Sticky is the perfect car companion.

Pants selection

As a stay-at-home mom of two young kids, I often wear the uniform of my kind and that means yoga pants and t-shirts. Though I prefer kydex IWBs, yoga pants don’t come with belt loops and that means my kydex is pretty useless in this wear. The Sticky, however, makes my mom heart squeal with delight as a viable option for concealed carry.

I will admit that denim does hold up better. The added structure of jeans and a belt will reduce the need to make any adjustments throughout the day. The yoga wear does need a few adjustments. I think I counted three total through the course of an entire day. For quick trips or errands in mom gear, though, this holster was a lifesaver. Paired with my Taurus 709, I could hit up the gas station or grocery store and not have to swap my workout pants for actual, real pants. Depending on whom you talk to that could ultimately be a negative, but for me, it was a plus.

The Downside

Sticky holster is a clip-less, loop-less design that sticks to your body during IWB and can become “fragrant” with frequent use. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

As a colleague of mine put it best, “It’s not just a Sticky holster, it’s a stinky one.” Unfortunately, her assessment is correct. After just a week of carrying in the thick, summer humidity of Tennessee, my holster smelled like something out of the swamp.

I tried cleaning it per the instructions but it still didn’t really help. For now, I’ll continue to mask the odors with Febreeze and hope the smell doesn’t overwhelm even that. Just over $20, it might be better to just replace this holster when the smell becomes too much.

Final Thoughts

It’s not winning any awards for its pizazz or its looks, but the Sticky Holster’s strength lies in versatility and its price tag. Retailing for $24.95, the Sticky Holster is decent option for quick errands and car carry.