What Counts as Open Carry

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Defining the "Visible" Standard
3. Holsters and Mounting Systems
4. The Role of Retention in Open Carry
5. Open Carry in Vehicles
6. Open Carry for the Outdoor Enthusiast
7. Common Misconceptions and Legal Pitfalls
8. Safe Practices for Open Carry
9. The Importance of High-Quality Gear
10. Practical Scenarios: Is This Open Carry?
11. Transitioning from Field to Town
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

You are miles into a backcountry trail, the weight of your pack is settling in, and your sidearm is secured to your hip. For many outdoor enthusiasts, carrying a firearm is a matter of safety against predators or a standard part of their everyday carry (EDC) kit. However, the line between open carry and concealed carry can sometimes feel blurry, especially when you factor in different holster styles, outerwear, and vehicle transport. Understanding the specific nuances of what counts as open carry is vital for staying within the law while maintaining your readiness. At BattlBox, we believe that the best gear is only as effective as the knowledge behind it, and the easiest way to keep your kit evolving is to choose your BattlBox subscription. This guide will break down the physical and legal definitions of open carry, the equipment involved, and how to stay prepared in the field. We will examine the standards for visibility, the role of holsters, and the practicalities of carrying in the great outdoors.

Quick Answer: Open carry generally refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in a public place in a manner that is clearly visible to the ordinary observer. This typically involves using an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster where the firearm is not obstructed by clothing or bags.

Defining the "Visible" Standard

The core of open carry is visibility. While legal definitions vary by state, the general standard is whether a person walking down the street or standing on a trail can identify that you are carrying a firearm through ordinary observation. This does not mean someone has to be looking for it; it means the firearm must be apparent to anyone with normal vision, which is why our guide to what open carry means in plain English is such a useful companion piece.

In most jurisdictions, a firearm is considered "openly carried" if it can be seen from at least one side. However, some areas require more stringent visibility, such as being visible from three sides. If a firearm is tucked into a waistband without a holster and covered by a shirt, it is concealed. If that same firearm is in an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster with the shirt tucked behind it, it is generally considered open carry.

The "Ordinary Observation" Test

Courts and law enforcement often use the "ordinary observation" test. If a law enforcement officer or a civilian can tell you have a gun without you having to move clothing or equipment, it usually counts as open carry.

• Holster Placement: A firearm on the hip is the most common form.
• External Gear: Firearms attached to the outside of a backpack or a chest rig are typically viewed as open carry.
• Partial Obstruction: If a jacket or a long shirt partially covers the holster, you may enter a legal "gray area" where the carry could be interpreted as concealed.

Holsters and Mounting Systems

What counts as open carry is often dictated by the gear you use. The holster is the primary interface between you and your sidearm. For open carry, the EDC collection is a strong place to start if you want tools that fit a daily readiness mindset.

Outside the Waistband (OWB)

OWB holsters are popular among hikers and campers because they are generally more comfortable for long-duration wear than inside-the-waistband (IWB) options. Because the holster sits outside the clothing, the firearm remains visible. To ensure it counts as open carry, your outer layers—like a rain shell or a field jacket—must be tucked behind the holster or be short enough that the entire firearm remains exposed.

Chest Rigs and Scabbards

In the backcountry, a hip holster can sometimes interfere with a backpack's waist belt. This leads many to use chest rigs. A chest rig places the firearm on the center of the torso. Since the firearm is held outside of the base layers, this is almost always considered open carry. If your priorities lean more toward trail time and camp readiness, the Camping collection is a natural next stop. Similarly, a scabbard used for a rifle or shotgun on a horse or an ATV counts as open carry if the firearm is not fully enclosed in a case.

Drop-Leg Holsters

Often associated with tactical or search-and-rescue operations, drop-leg holsters move the firearm down to the thigh. This is a very clear form of open carry because the firearm is positioned away from the torso and usually below any jacket or coat line. It provides excellent accessibility but is very conspicuous in non-wilderness environments.

Key Takeaway: The choice of holster often determines the legal classification of your carry method; OWB, chest rigs, and drop-leg holsters are the primary tools for clear open carry.

The Role of Retention in Open Carry

When you carry a firearm openly, you lose the "element of surprise" that comes with concealed carry. This makes retention a critical safety consideration. Retention refers to the features of a holster that prevent the firearm from being removed by anyone other than the wearer.

If you are open carrying, we highly recommend at least a Level 2 retention holster. This ensures that if you trip on a trail or encounter a thicket of brush, your sidearm stays secured. It also provides a layer of protection against unauthorized access in crowded areas.

Open Carry in Vehicles

One of the most confusing aspects of what counts as open carry involves vehicle transport. In many states, the rules change the moment you step inside a car. A firearm that was openly carried on your hip may become "concealed" once the car door closes and the seatbelt or center console obscures it from view.

Dashboard vs. Seat Carry

Some jurisdictions consider a firearm to be openly carried in a vehicle if it is on the dashboard or in plain view on the passenger seat. However, if the firearm is in a glove box, under the seat, or in a door pocket, it is almost universally considered concealed.

The "Three-Step" Concept

While not a formal law in every state, many people follow the idea that a firearm is concealed if it requires more than two or three steps to access (e.g., opening a latched box, removing a sleeve, and then loading). For it to count as open carry in a vehicle, it usually must be immediately recognizable as a firearm to an officer looking through the window.

Note: Always check your local and state-specific vehicle carry laws, as they are often much stricter than pedestrian open carry laws.

Open Carry for the Outdoor Enthusiast

For those of us who spend time in the wilderness, open carry is often a practical choice rather than a political or tactical one. When you are navigating rough terrain, a concealed firearm can be difficult to draw quickly if you encounter an aggressive animal. For low-light trail checks and camp setup, a reliable Powertac E3R Nova flashlight belongs in the same ready-now mindset.

Why Hikers Choose Open Carry

1. Accessibility: It is faster to draw from an OWB holster or chest rig when wearing a heavy pack.
2. Comfort: IWB carry can cause hot spots and chafing during long rucks.
3. Deterrence: In some cases, the visible presence of a firearm can deter aggressive wildlife or provide peace of mind in remote areas.

Our Advanced and Pro tiers often include gear designed for high-intensity outdoor use, where accessibility is key. Whether it is a rugged blade from our Pro Plus (Knife of the Month) club or a specialized pack, we understand that your equipment needs to be reachable when every second counts.

Common Misconceptions and Legal Pitfalls

There are several "traps" that can turn a legal open carry situation into a legal headache. It is important to distinguish between the intent to carry openly and the physical reality of how your gear is positioned. If you want a broader look at the pros and cons, our conceal-or-open-carry guide is a useful follow-up.

Printing vs. Open Carry

Printing occurs when the outline of a firearm is visible through clothing. Printing is generally a concern for those carrying concealed. It does not count as open carry because the firearm itself is not visible. If you do not have a concealed carry permit and your "openly carried" firearm becomes covered by a garment but still "prints," you may be in violation of concealed carry laws.

Brandishing

There is a major legal distinction between open carry and brandishing. Open carry is the passive act of wearing a firearm. Brandishing involves displaying the firearm in a threatening or angry manner.

Myth: "If I can see the clip of the holster, it counts as open carry." Fact: In most jurisdictions, seeing the holster or the clip is not enough. The firearm itself must be identifiable to count as open carry.

The Accidental Concealment

This is the most common issue for outdoorsmen. You start your hike with your sidearm openly displayed on your belt. As the temperature drops, you put on a flannel shirt or a rain jacket. If that jacket hangs over your holster, you are now carrying concealed. If you do not have a concealed carry permit, you have just moved from a legal activity to a potentially illegal one.

Safe Practices for Open Carry

Carrying a firearm openly requires a higher level of situational awareness and responsibility. Because your firearm is visible, you must be mindful of how you interact with your environment.

Step 1: Choose the Right Holster

Ensure your holster is designed for your specific firearm model. It should cover the trigger guard completely to prevent accidental discharges.

Step 2: Practice Your Draw

Practice drawing from your OWB or chest rig with the layers of clothing you actually wear. If you carry with a retention strap or button, ensure that releasing it is muscle memory.

Step 3: Maintain Situational Awareness

When open carrying, you are a "hard target," but you are also a person of interest to those around you. Keep a "360-degree" awareness of who is near you, especially in public areas or crowded trailheads.

Step 4: Know Your Boundaries

Understand where open carry is prohibited. Federal buildings, certain state parks, and private businesses may have "no carry" policies. Respecting these boundaries is essential for the community of outdoorsmen, and if you want a readiness kit that supports that mindset, subscribe to BattlBox.

Bottom line: Open carry is defined by the visibility of the firearm to an ordinary observer; maintaining that visibility through proper gear and clothing management is the key to staying compliant.

The Importance of High-Quality Gear

In any survival or outdoor scenario, your gear is your lifeline. This is especially true for the systems you use to carry a firearm. A flimsy belt or a cheap plastic holster can sag, causing your firearm to tilt or become uncomfortable. This often leads people to adjust their carry style, which can unintentionally lead to concealment or safety risks.

We focus on providing gear that is tested by professionals who actually spend time in the field. From rugged belts that can support the weight of a full-size sidearm to the high-performance knives featured in our Pro Plus tier, we prioritize items that perform under pressure. For a broader preparedness setup, the Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection helps round out the rest of the kit. When you choose to open carry, your belt and holster are just as important as the firearm itself.

Practical Scenarios: Is This Open Carry?

To help clarify the definition, let's look at a few common scenarios an outdoor enthusiast might face.

• Scenario A: You are wearing a chest holster over a t-shirt while fly fishing.
  • Verdict: This is open carry. The firearm is clearly visible and identifiable to anyone nearby.
• Scenario B: You have a sidearm in an OWB holster, but you are wearing a long parka that covers the bottom half of the holster.
  • Verdict: This is likely concealed carry. Even though part of the holster might be visible, the firearm itself is obstructed.
• Scenario C: You have a firearm tucked into the side pocket of your hiking pack, with the grip sticking out.
  • Verdict: This is generally considered open carry in many states, as the firearm is identifiable. However, it is a poor way to carry because the firearm is not secured.
• Scenario D: You are carrying a firearm in a "fanny pack" designed for concealed carry.
  • Verdict: This is concealed carry. The firearm is completely enclosed in a bag, even if the bag is worn on the outside of your clothes.

Transitioning from Field to Town

One of the biggest challenges for those who open carry while camping or hiking is the transition back to civilization. What is perfectly acceptable and practical at a remote campsite might draw unwanted attention or be legally restricted at a gas station or a restaurant on the way home.

If you plan to open carry, have a plan for these transitions. Some people choose to keep a light jacket in their vehicle to cover their sidearm (if they have a CCW permit) when stopping for supplies. Others prefer to transition their firearm into a locked case inside the vehicle before entering high-traffic public areas. A compact weatherproof plasma lighter is a small but useful reminder that the best field gear is the gear you can trust when conditions change.

Key Takeaway: Proper preparation includes knowing not just how to carry, but how to adapt your carry method to the environment you are in.

Conclusion

Understanding what counts as open carry is a foundational skill for any responsible firearm owner and outdoor enthusiast. It is defined by visibility, gear choice, and legal standards that vary by location. By choosing the right holster—ideally one with active retention—and staying mindful of how your clothing interacts with your gear, you can ensure that you stay both safe and legal.

At BattlBox, our mission is to deliver the gear and the knowledge you need to navigate the outdoors with confidence. Whether you are looking for EDC essentials, bushcraft tools, or premium blades from brands like Kershaw, Spyderco, and TOPS, we curate every mission to ensure you are better prepared than you were yesterday. Adventure is about pushing boundaries, but doing so safely and responsibly is what makes a true outdoorsman, so subscribe to BattlBox.

Key Takeaway: Open carry requires a commitment to visibility, retention, and constant legal awareness to be done safely and effectively.

What to do next:

• Check your local and state laws regarding open carry in public and in vehicles.
• Evaluate your current holster to ensure it provides adequate retention for your activities.
• Explore our collections of EDC and emergency preparedness gear to round out your kit.
• Subscribe to get expert-curated survival and outdoor gear delivered to your door every month.

FAQ

Does carrying a gun in a holster always count as open carry?

No, it depends on where the holster is located and whether it is covered by clothing. An inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster covered by a shirt is concealed carry, whereas an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster that is fully visible is open carry.

Can I open carry in a vehicle without a permit?

This depends entirely on your state's laws, as some states consider a firearm inside a vehicle to be concealed regardless of where it is placed. In many "permitless carry" states, open carry in a vehicle is legal as long as the firearm is in plain view, but you must verify your local statutes.

Is printing the same as open carry?

No, printing is when the shape of a firearm is visible through fabric, and it is usually associated with concealed carry. For a carry method to count as open carry, the firearm itself—not just its outline—must be visible to an ordinary observer.

What is the best holster for open carry while hiking?

A high-quality OWB holster or a chest rig with at least Level 2 retention is generally considered best for hiking. These options provide the necessary visibility for open carry while ensuring the firearm remains secure during physical activity and is easily accessible when wearing a backpack.