Alien Gear
Alien Gear Holsters has built one of the most loyal followings in the holster market by solving the two problems that plague most carry holsters: comfort for all-day wear and flexibility to fit multiple pistols. Their neoprene-backed holsters distribute pressure across a wider area than stiff leather or Kydex designs, and their ShapeShift modular system allows the same shell to convert between IWB, OWB, appendix, and shoulder carry configurations. Impact Guns carries the Alien Gear lineup for shooters who want a premium holster solution without premium pricing.
Read our full Alien Gear Holster Buying Guide ↓
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alien Gear Holsters
What is Alien Gear known for?
Alien Gear Holsters is a Post Falls, Idaho manufacturer producing one of the most popular IWB (inside the waistband) holster systems in the US market — the ShapeShift and Cloak Tuck series. Alien Gear differentiates through their interchangeable shell system: the same holster base accommodates different Kydex shells for different pistol models, allowing buyers to change shells as they change carry guns without replacing the entire holster. They back their products with an iron-clad Forever Warranty and a 30-day free trial period. Alien Gear covers an extremely broad range of pistol models with their shell system.
What is the Alien Gear ShapeShift system?
The ShapeShift is Alien Gear’s modular holster platform — a base that accepts interchangeable shells to convert between IWB, OWB, appendix carry, and shoulder holster configurations. One ShapeShift base with multiple shells and attachment systems can cover most carry positions with one purchase. The modularity is the primary selling point for buyers who want flexibility in how and where they carry without purchasing multiple separate holsters.
How does Alien Gear compare to Crossbreed?
Both are hybrid IWB holsters with a leather or neoprene backing and Kydex shell. CrossBreed uses leather backing for a traditional feel; Alien Gear uses a neoprene backing that many users find more comfortable in hot weather. Both are well-regarded for all-day comfort. CrossBreed has a longer production history; Alien Gear offers the interchangeable shell advantage. For buyers who carry one pistol exclusively, CrossBreed is a strong choice; for buyers who rotate carry guns, Alien Gear’s shell system offers more value.
See Also: All Holsters • Safariland • IWB Holsters • Concealed Carry • Pocket Holsters