Concealment Vest - Quick Question?

[jlooking]

Someone asked this in the sticky & it wasn't answered regarding what gear to get in regards to clothing...

"...One topic not covered, however, is "concealment" (e.g., for IDPA). How much concealment is required? For example, is a vest that extends below the bottom of an OWB holster and mag carriers acceptable? Does it have to be closed in the front, or can it hang open as long as nothing is readily visible?..."

For me this would answer what size to get in a vest, I'm looking at getting either a 5.11 Tactical vest or the Tru-Spec 24-7 Tactical Vest. A Large will fit me well open (I plan to use this vest at work & around since I love having lots of pockets), but if I have to close it with a holster & magazine pouches on I would have to bump it up to an XL in order for it to fit & it would look a little bulky/oversized on me for general use.

[aznglocker]

Here is the rule under the current rulebook:

3. Concealment Garments.
All equipment should be so placed that, when wearing an open
concealment garment with your arms extended at your sides and
parallel to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front, rear or
sides. Your concealment garment should be practical for your
environment and loose enough to allow easy movement.
Competition only garments are prohibited. Competition only
garments are defined as: vented or mesh vests that allow the
firearm, holster, spare ammo or ammo carriers to be visible when
standing normally, chest pockets, specially-made pockets or any
material inserted in pockets or around pockets to keep the pocket
open for stowage of partial magazines after a reload. Garments
that are considered “competition only” will incur an FTDR.
See “Proper Magazine Retention” in the Glossary for further
details.

[Gryff]

It has to fully cover the holster and mag pouches when open and with you arms sticking out so that they are parallel to the ground.

The vest does not have to be closed, but you definitely want one large enough to compensate for the wider girth that comes from wearing a holstered weapon and full mag pouches. If it binds you up or feels tight, it is not a good choice for IDPA.

5.11 is the gold standard (not to mention they're local - Modesto), but Eotac is also a good choice. If you don't mind Used, and a Large will fit you, there's actually a 5.11 for sale here on CalGuns for less than half the price of a new one:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=299121

[jlooking]

Thanks for the information!

[Chivas]

Here is the rule under the current rulebook:

3. Concealment Garments.
All equipment should be so placed that, when wearing an open
concealment garment with your arms extended at your sides and
parallel to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front, rear or
sides. Your concealment garment should be practical for your
environment and loose enough to allow easy movement.
Competition only garments are prohibited. Competition only
garments are defined as: vented or mesh vests that allow the
firearm, holster, spare ammo or ammo carriers to be visible when
standing normally, chest pockets, specially-made pockets or any
material inserted in pockets or around pockets to keep the pocket
open for stowage of partial magazines after a reload. Garments
that are considered “competition only” will incur an FTDR.
See “Proper Magazine Retention” in the Glossary for further
details.

Wow, never really read the actual rules, but most vests out there could be considered "Competition". 511 has pockets just like most to secure a partially loaded mag.

[Gryff]

Wow, never really read the actual rules, but most vests out there could be considered "Competition". 511 has pockets just like most to secure a partially loaded mag.

The rule is specifying that you can't have something in the pocket that forces it to stay open for use as a dump pouch. 5.11 vests are fine.

[TempleKnight]

The typical test to determine whether the vest is providing the appropriate level of concealment for IDPA is called the "scarecrow". You will be asked to do the scarecrow at a major match.

If your mag carriers, gun and holster are not visible with your arms straight out to your sides, you are good to go.