How to Improve Holster Fit

Holsters are used to house sidearms, bear spray, multi-tools, GPS units, flashlights and hand tools when venturing into the back country. If you have new holsters, the fit for the gear may be tight and snug. Holsters need a break-in period, not unlike a solid pair of hiking shoes. Improving the holster fit is dependent on the break-in. Store slightly larger items in the holsters to break in the sheathes and improve the fit for the holstered gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood blocks
  • Bottles
  • Socks
  • Wood shims
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Instructions

    • 1

      Push a bottle into the barrel section of a sidearm holster and leave it in the holster for a day or two to stretch the material for improved fit.

    • 2

      Slide wood blocks into multi-tool holsters to stretch them out and improve the fit. Leave the wood blocks in the holster for one or two days to fully stretch and break in the material.

    • 3

      Bunch one or two old socks into a wad and stuff them into the holster for bear-pepper spray canister holsters. This allows the nylon material to stretch around the socks, improving the fit for the canister.

    • 4

      Pull any adjustment straps to the holsters to a tighter setting if the item is too loose in the holster. Add wood sliver "shims" to the holster to further secure and improve fits for items slightly smaller than the holster itself.