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I never thought I’d be the guy raving about a waist pack, let alone using one for concealed carry. Yet here I am, genuinely impressed with the Mission First Tactical Cypher 3L EDC Waist Pack Sling. For someone who carries a gun pretty much every day in all sorts of environments, finding a discreet, comfortable, and secure way to carry off-body is about convenience AND confidence. This waist pack isn’t just a step up from the old-school fanny packs of the ’90s. It’s a smart, purpose-built piece of gear that easily fits into modern EDC life.

Before diving into the specifics of the Cypher 3L, let me explain why I considered a waist pack for concealed carry in the first place. Traditional inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry is my go-to, and my Hellcat Pro rides comfortably in a Crossbreed Reign holster most days. 

But there are situations where waistband carry doesn’t cut it: summer walks in athletic shorts, traveling, or even a quick run to the gas station in gym clothes. In those moments, I don’t want to sacrifice readiness or change clothes to accommodate a standard IWB holster just to get a gallon of milk. That’s where a waist pack comes in.

The Best Tactical EDC Waist Pack?

The Mission First Tactical Cypher 3L isn’t just any waist pack. It’s clearly designed by people who understand the needs of those who carry. From the first time I strapped it on, it felt sturdy and purpose-driven without looking overly tactical. That’s important to me because I want to stay discreet, not stand out as “the gun guy.” 

The pack has clean lines and a relatively compact silhouette. It doesn’t scream “gun inside,” which is exactly the point. I say “relatively compact” because I’ve tried slimmer packs that I liked. Still, some of them didn’t hold as much stuff, so I had to leave some things behind that I might have otherwise taken with me.

Features: EDC Waist Pack

The construction is solid, made of a durable 1000D Cordura nylon. It feels like it could take some abuse without giving up on you. The zippers are high quality, with paracord pulls that make them easy to grab even with gloves on or in the rain. Stitching is tight and reinforced in all the right places. This gave me confidence that this pack wouldn’t fall apart with daily use.

Compartments

Inside, the compartments are well thought-out. The main compartment is the heart of the system, where I keep my Hellcat Pro. It comes with a soft, velcro-backed universal holster, but I’m not a fan of soft holsters. They can collapse when reholstering and often don’t provide the level of trigger protection I demand. This is especially important in an off-body setup where things can shift around. 

Instead, I swapped it out for a Crossbreed Modular Kydex shell attached to the loop interior. That gives me rock-solid retention and full trigger guard coverage, something I won’t compromise on. With that setup, the Hellcat Pro fits perfectly and draws cleanly, and the loop panel allows me to angle it just right for a natural grip.

There’s also enough room in the main compartment for a spare magazine. I’ve even stuffed my full wallet in there, where I could only hold my ID and credit card in smaller packs. The organization doesn’t end there. There’s a zippered mesh pocket on the inside flap that’s perfect for smaller items I don’t want bouncing around loose.

The front zippered pouch is more of a utility pocket, but surprisingly roomy. I like that I don’t feel like I’m stuffing it to the max. It’s compact but roomy, if that makes sense. There’s even an interior slip pocket that works well for organizing smaller items like a lighter or pen.

Around the back, there’s a hidden zippered stash pocket that rides against your body. I could see it being useful for cash or anything flat you want to keep extra secure. That back panel also has some light padding and breathable mesh, which keeps the pack comfortable even on hot days. I take a three-mile walk several times per week, and when I get home, I am more than a little sweaty, but the pack isn’t.

Other Features

One of the standout features is the ambidextrous carry system. You can wear it as a traditional waist pack or sling it crossbody. I’ve tried both, and while I prefer the waist carry for better draw stability, it’s nice to have the option. The straps adjust easily and have elastic keepers to manage the excess. That’s yet another little touch that shows this isn’t just a fashion pack dressed up in tactical colors.

Usability, Durability, and Value

I’ve been using the Cypher 3L on everything from early morning walks to quick errands for the past couple of months, and it’s proven itself repeatedly. It doesn’t bounce, it doesn’t sag, and it doesn’t draw attention. More importantly, it lets me carry my Hellcat Pro in a way that’s accessible, safe, and comfortable, three things that don’t always come together in off-body carry options.

The pack retails for around $60, a fair value considering the build quality and thoughtful design. It’s not some mass-market throwaway item, but instead feels like a serious piece of kit. You’re paying for peace of mind, and for me, that’s worth every cent.

Mission First Tactical: Cypher 3L EDC Waist Pack

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’ve got a solid off-body carry setup in mind and want a discreet, high-functioning pack. Just do yourself a favor and replace the included soft holster with something like the Crossbreed Modular shell. It elevates the pack from “decent” to “outstanding,” especially for those who take trigger discipline seriously.

The Mission First Tactical Cypher 3L is one of those products that solves a real problem without making a big fuss about it. It fits into your life, adapts to different carry situations, and stays out of the way until you need it. These features are exactly what you want in the best EDC waist pack for anyone on the go. I didn’t expect to like it this much, but now it’s a regular part of my rotation, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

My overall rating of the First Tactical: Cypher 3L EDC Waist Pack: 4/5

David Workman is an author, avid gun guy, and contributing writer to several major gun publications.