Alien Gear

The ShapeShift Modular System

The ShapeShift system is Alien Gear’s flagship product—a modular holster platform where a single Kydex shell fits into multiple carry configurations. The same shell that serves as an IWB holster in the morning can be mounted in an OWB paddle holster for range use or converted to an appendix carrier for different carry positions. The shell is retained by a quick-release mechanism that allows swapping between configurations in seconds without tools. For shooters who carry in different positions depending on clothing or activity, the ShapeShift system eliminates the need to purchase multiple holsters for the same pistol.

Cloak Tuck—The Classic IWB

The Cloak Tuck is Alien Gear’s original IWB holster and remains one of the most comfortable IWB designs available. The neoprene backer distributes the holster’s weight and the pistol’s mass across a larger area of the torso, reducing hot spots and pressure points that develop with rigid holsters during all-day carry. The Kydex shell provides positive retention with an audible click and a cant angle adjustment. The Cloak Tuck is available for hundreds of pistol models and is particularly well-regarded by shooters who carry larger pistols—the G17, G19, and M&P full-size—that are more challenging to carry comfortably all day in a rigid holster.

Retention and Safety

All Alien Gear holsters feature passive retention—the Kydex shell is molded precisely to the pistol’s outline, holding it securely without a manual retention device. The retention level is adjustable on most models via retention screws that control how firmly the shell grips the pistol. A properly adjusted Alien Gear holster retains the pistol securely through vigorous movement while allowing a smooth, consistent draw stroke. The holster covers the trigger guard completely, preventing trigger contact by anything outside the holster. For concealed carry, passive retention holsters are appropriate for most carry situations outside of law enforcement duty use where active retention may be required.

Fit and Pistol Compatibility

Alien Gear produces holsters for an extensive list of pistols spanning virtually every popular carry and duty gun. Glock 17, 19, 43X, Sig P365, P320, S&W M&P Shield, Springfield Hellcat, and hundreds of other models are available. The Kydex shell is manufactured to the specific pistol model, not a generic fit, ensuring proper retention and a clean draw stroke. When ordering, specify your exact pistol model including any mounted optic—holsters are available in optic-compatible versions for red-dot-equipped pistols. Light-bearing holsters are available for popular weapon light models as well.

Choosing Between Alien Gear Options

For most everyday carry shooters, the Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB is the starting recommendation—maximum comfort for all-day IWB carry with good retention and adjustability. For shooters who want flexibility between carry positions, the ShapeShift starter kit is worth the additional investment. For appendix carry specifically, Alien Gear’s appendix-specific models offer a more forward cant and a shorter ride height optimized for that position. OWB holsters are ideal for range use and open carry where concealment isn’t required, providing full-length trigger guard coverage with easier access than IWB designs.

Where to Go Next

Alien Gear holsters pair with carry pistols across our full lineup. For top carry pistol recommendations, see our Concealed Carry page. The 9mm Pistols page covers the most popular holster-compatible carry guns, and our Snub-Nose Revolvers page covers revolver carry options.