Four pouches in the ICONTACTIC line hold a magazine, and people ask the same question about all of them: which one fits mine? The honest answer is that we size pouches by measured cell dimensions, not by firearm model, so the way to get the right one is to measure. This guide explains the four designs, how the fit works, and how to measure in two minutes.
The four designs
Covered single pouch
The single magazine pouch is the flexible one. A hook-and-loop flap covers the top, elastic side bands and a D-shaped buckle keep the contents close, and the rear modular strap with snap and D-ring mounts it to a belt, pack or panel in seconds. It is sized for one pistol magazine or a tool of similar size, which is why it often ends up holding a flashlight or a multitool instead.
Low-profile single
The low-profile single pouch drops the flap. One elastic cell holds by tension and releases on a straight pull, keeps its shape when empty, and rides flat inside or outside the waistband. Four mounts: belt passthrough, straight loops, omni-angle loops or waistband clips. Two sizes, Large and Small, by measured cell dimensions.
Low-profile double
The low-profile double pouch is two of those cells side by side. Same tension hold, same straight-pull release, same flat ride. Belt passthrough, adjustable loops or waistband clips. Large or Small.
Low-profile rifle
The low-profile rifle pouch uses a tall elastic cell, no flap, and five mounts including loops angled for a right- or left-hand draw. It is built to sit flat on a stiffened belt or the waistband. Fit is by measured dimensions, not by firearm model.
How elastic fit works
An elastic cell does not have a fixed opening. It has a relaxed size and a stretched size, and anything between the two is held by tension. Too small an object sits loose and can walk out on a run. Too large an object stretches the cell past its range, gets hard to draw, and wears the elastic early. The right fit is an object the cell has to stretch a little to accept, so it grips on its own and still releases on a straight pull.
This is why we do not publish fit by model name. Two magazines for the same pistol can differ by the base plate alone, and that is enough to move one from Small to Large.
Measure in two minutes
- Take the object you will actually carry, with whatever base plate or extension it wears.
- Measure the width across the widest point of the body. Write it down.
- Measure the thickness front to back at the widest point. Write it down.
- Measure the height you want covered. For a low-profile pouch that is usually enough to leave a full grip exposed.
- Compare the width and thickness to the cell dimensions on the product page. Choose the size where your object sits inside the stated range, closer to the top of the range than the bottom.
If the object is between two sizes, pick the smaller one. Elastic stretches; it does not shrink.
Choosing the mount
- Passthrough is the flattest and most stable. Use it on a belt you set up once and leave.
- Loops let you set the height and, on the omni-angle and angled versions, the cant. Use them when the draw angle matters.
- Waistband clips go on and off in seconds. Use them for a belt that changes daily or for inside-the-waistband carry.
- Snap strap (covered single pouch) moves between belt, pack and panel. Use it for the pouch that travels.
Empty behavior matters
A pouch that collapses when empty is a pouch you fumble reloading. All three low-profile designs keep their cell shape when empty so the object goes back in without looking. Check this on any pouch you consider: pull the object, let go of the pouch, and see whether the mouth stays open.
See all four together in Pouches & Organizers.
Inside or outside the waistband
The three low-profile pouches ride either way, and the choice changes how you mount them. Outside the waistband, on a belt, the passthrough or loops are the stable options and the pouch can sit anywhere from the front pocket to the hip. Inside the waistband, the clips do the work: they hook over the belt, the pouch body sits against the shirt, and only the clip shows. Inside carry is flatter but puts the elastic cell against your body, so check that the cell mouth stays open when you sit. If it collapses, move to a stiffer part of the belt or go outside.
Belt stiffness changes everything
A tension pouch is only as steady as the belt under it. On a soft belt the pouch rocks when you pull, and a straight pull turns into a wrestle. On a stiffened everyday belt or a rigid outer belt, the pouch stays put and the object comes straight up. If a pouch feels sloppy, the fix is usually the belt, not the pouch. The rifle pouch in particular is built for a stiffened belt, because a tall cell on a soft belt folds over under its own height.
Common mistakes
- Sizing to the pistol instead of the magazine you actually carry, base plate included.
- Buying Large 'to be safe'. A loose cell drops the object on a run.
- Mounting a tall pouch behind the hip. It digs into the seat and the draw is awkward.
- Never checking empty behavior. Pull, release, look at the mouth.
FAQ
Which size fits my specific pistol?
We do not publish fit by model. Measure the magazine you carry, with its base plate, and match the width and thickness to the cell dimensions on the product page.
Can the covered single pouch hold a flashlight?
Yes. It is sized for one pistol magazine or a similar-sized tool, and the side bands take a pen or a small light.
Are the pouches left-hand friendly?
The rifle pouch ships with loops angled for right- or left-hand draw. The pistol pouches are symmetrical and mount either way.
Products shown are concept renders of the production design.