How to Carry While Jogging

Despite the crazy weather this time of year, there is nothing quite as satisfying as completing a run. Runners often find themselves on trails and pathways at odd times of the day with a plethora of interesting cheerleaders along the way—if you know, you know. You also know that there are different, let’s call them threats, on different trails at different times of the day. Naturally, you want to avoid hurting yourself, but you can and may also find yourself stumbling across some creatures you may not want to be around. Skunks? Coyotes? Bears? We’re walking the other way…To avoid catastrophic confrontations, we recommend carrying while jogging to ensure the best experience–and yes, we are talking about a firearm. We’ll talk about why it’s important, what are some alternatives, and what you’ll need in this post. For all your carrying while jogging needs, GrabAGun has you covered. Keep reading to learn more. 

Why You Should Carry on Your Runs

Protection, first and foremost. Most runners take the necessary precautions to prevent injury while running, but many don’t think about the precautions needed to keep themselves situationally safe. I mean, have you ever been chased by a startled armadillo on a run? No? Yeah, no I haven’t either…

No matter what, keeping yourself and others safe should be your top priority. Naturally, we recommend carrying a handgun. Whether it be a 9mm handgun or a micro pistol, a small handgun is better than no handgun, in our opinion. If you are comfortable using one, a firearm will guarantee your own safety from nearby predators like bears, coyotes, or a surprisingly determined raccoon. 

Carrying While Jogging and Other Options

Whether you decide that carrying while jogging is the way to go or not, having a form of protection with you is of the utmost importance. Naturally, we recommend a 9mm handgun or something similar. They are reliable, rugged, and effective in a variety of situations. Plus, the last thing you want is to be startled with no means of protection. (Ever had the misfortune of surprising yourself and an unsuspecting raccoon at the same time? Adorable, yet, frightening) Let’s take a look at some of the safety options you can take with you on your next run. 

Tasers

Tasers or stun guns are nice to have but only effective in extremely close quarters. That means someone or something will have to practically be on top of you for either option to be truly effective. What’s more, most people are not adept at using something like this which can lead to unsatisfactory results. 

Personal Alarms

If you’ve taken any self-defense class, then you’ll likely know that one of the first, and best, tools to get yourself out of a situation is to sing. Before you ask, no, you’re not expected to actually sing, but instead, make as much noise as possible. Besides, trying to sing while running or even after a run is near impossible. What will help is a personal alarm because, more often than not, attackers, animals, or other threats will turn away when too much noise draws attention to them. 

Pepper Spray/Mace

One of the most common defense weapons is mace–and for good reason. Outside of a firearm, it’s one of the most effective weapons for stopping a threat. Most cans usually have a decent range allowing users to protect themselves while still keeping a safe distance from whatever is threatening them. Now, many brands make gel formulations that allow for the product to stick around longer, doing more damage while providing ample opportunities for escaping. 

Firearms

And of course, our personal recommendation, the firearm. Why are firearms the best weapon to keep while running? With the right usage, they are effective, reliable, and perhaps, one of the best deterrents. It will take time to become proficient, but once you are there, you’ll have a reliable form of protection any day, anywhere, for just about any purpose. 

Type of Gun for Carrying While Jogging

So, the question on everyone’s mind: What’s the best handgun for jogging while running? Well, it comes down to a number of factors, but the main things you’ll want to look for is something:

• Lightweight
• Easy to conceal
• Reliable
• Durable
• Functional

While there are several handguns for sale that meet those criteria, here are a few of our personal recommendations:

Smith & Wesson CSX CSX 9mm 3.1” Barrel 12-Rounds

Benefits:

• Micro compact firearm
• Metal frame
• Metal white dot sights
• Glare reducing slide serrations
• Ambidextrous manual thumb safety
• Enhanced grip texture
• 2 magazines; 10-round and 12-round capacities

Glock 43X 9mm 3.41” Barrel 10-Rounds Two Magazines

Benefits:

• Compact, Slimline frame
• Built-in beaver tail and subcompact slim slide
• Versatile grip
• Reversible magazine catch
• Match-grade GLOCK Marksman barrel (GMB)
• 1 magazine; 10-round capacity

Sig Sauer P365 Handgun 9mm 3.1” Barrel 10-Rounds

Benefits:

• Stainless steel frame and slide
• Compact size
• Rated for P ammunition
• X-Ray3 day/night sights
• 2 magazines; 1 flush and 1 extended magazine, 10-round capacity

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm 3.1” Barrel 10-Rounds Optics Ready with Thumb Safety

Benefits: 

• Polymer frame
• Flat face trigger
• Enhanced grip texture
• Optimal 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim
• Armornite durable corrosion-resistant finish
• 2 magazines; 10-round capacity

At the end of the day, you just need something that you are comfortable handling. Spend time at the range for target practice, but don’t stop there. As a runner, you’ll want to make sure you are capable of firing a weapon while moving. Find a tactical range that will allow you to practice moving while shooting so you can truly get a feel for the action. For the best 9mm handgun for sale, GrabAGun is the only place to shop. 

Type of Holster

Not all holsters are created equal and carrying while jogging can seem challenging. During the cooler months, it’s probably not that hard, but in the summer? Try finding an easy way to conceal a weapon on your ankle with running shorts. It’s basically impossible. So how do you effectively carry, and conceal, your firearm for a run? Here are a few options. 

Belly Bands

If versatility is the game, belly holsters are the name. The major benefit to this type of concealed carry is that you can, usually, get away with carrying several types of handguns and magazines fairly inconspicuously, even while running. With the right shirt, virtually no one will know that you are carrying it. The most important thing to remember is to practice drawing and replacing your weapon for the best experience. 

Ankle Holster

Sometimes you just have to forgo concealed carrying for the sake of convenience. For carrying while jogging, ankle holsters are one of the more obvious answers. Not only will it take weight off of your hip line (reducing any chance of pantsing yourself!). However, any “concealability” goes out the window when you’re wearing running shorts. What you lose in stealth you make up for in accessibility. This is an option that you may need to try out a few times before deciding. 

Chest Packs

Arguably one of the most effective carrying options, period. If you feel comfortable/capable of running with one, chest packs are the best way to go. You get rapid, easy access, take the weight off your hip, plus you look really cool while wearing one. What’s more, you never have to take your eyes off the target while removing anything from the chest pack. 

Practical Running Tips

Be aware of your surroundings

Seems simple enough, but when you’re running it’s very easy to slip into a groove. You’re running your usual trail, only focused on putting one foot in front of the other, and you lose your spatial awareness. If you have to or choose to run alone, stick to well-lighted paths, areas with consistent foot or vehicle traffic (please don’t run in the road, but next to it), and places with good cell reception. 

Buddy System

Piggybacking off the previous point, if you don’t the ability to change up your running locations, find someone to run with you. A friend, partner, spouse, or even a four-legged furry friend! The idea of “strength in numbers” isn’t just for giggles. When there are more people, making more noise, you’re less likely to have a chance encounter with something or someone that could harm you.  

Sweat Ain’t Sweet

If you run, then you know that no matter what time of the year it is, you’re more than likely going to sweat. All that ammonia, sweat, and dirt can not only make your running gear smell…ripe, but they can also wreak havoc on your firearm. Any external bluing will be ruined and internal steel components can be compromised. Most holsters designed specifically for runners help to keep the firearm away from the body, and sweat, but you should still be cleaning your gun regularly. 

Practice Makes Proficiency

You’ll never be perfect with every single firearm, but you can be proficient with the one you choose to run with. Practice as often as you can not just firing your weapon, but drawing it from the holster and replacing it. Learn the basics of cleaning and maintaining your weapon for continuous and reliable use. This will guarantee your constant safety, no matter what. 

GrabAGun and Carrying While Jogging

At the end of the day, your safety and protection are the most important thing. If carrying while jogging is not an option in your state, there are countless other ways to protect yourself, as we’ve mentioned above. For those that are looking for more holsters or handguns for sale, GrabAGun is the only name to rely on. We have all your carrying while jogging needs available and at unbeatable prices. Come get what you need from GrabAGun today! 

–Kellie Krevosky