I really love low-profile carry options. Not just for EDC but for all manner of tactical gear. I’m not high-speed enough to actually need most of this gear, but that doesn’t mean I can’t LARP (Live Action Role Play) as Jason Bourne. One of my latest pieces of gear is the Unity Clutch, which is not a very small purse carried by women in formal wear. It’s an elastic band full of pockets and Velcro. It’s designed to be a belt meant to contain all your gear and even your guns. I’ve been both LARPing and actually using the Unity Clutch as an average Joe. Let’s figure out if it’s for you.
So what is the Unity Clutch?
Well, it’s like a belly band. However, it’s also more than that. Or it can be exactly that. I’m being as clear as mud. It’s not exactly a belly band, but it certainly can be. A lot of belly bands aren’t exactly great, but a few certainly stand out. Modularity is the name of the game.
The Unity Clutch does fit around your torso like a belly band, and it’s heavily elastic and secures via hook and loop. It doesn’t utilize a holster. In fact, you have to add your own. There are several pockets, the number of which varies depending on the size of the Clutch. The small gets six pockets, the medium gets seven pockets, and the large gets eight pockets. Each pocket features a velcro interior.
Instead of the Unity Clutch providing a holster, you produce your own. You attach Velcro to the holster and slide it into a pouch, and boom. It’s fixed. You have plenty of pockets, and you can carry strong side, appendix, or in other less desirable conditions like cross-draw.
That’s how this whole system works. You place whatever gear you want or need in each pocket. A little velcro here and there, and boom, you have whatever you need wherever you need. Prior to installation, you need to remove whatever pieces are used to attach the gear. This means removing clips, MOLLE straps, etc.
Style and Design
The whole band is made from an elastic material that features a two-way stretch design. The pockets or cells, as Unity calls them, vary slightly in size and feature the same elastic material. They can be convinced to grow slightly in size.
Two of the pockets have an optional open bottom. They are held closed by more Velcro, and the design makes them more accommodating if the pistols need a little extra room for threaded barrels, comps, or whatever else. Another pocket features both Velcro and a shock cord to attach and retain whatever you need to carry.
On the backside, a non-abrasive anti-slip material keeps the thing from sliding around when worn against the skin or clothing. It’s seriously tough to even physically rotate with your hands and arms. It stays stuck and still.
A huge sandwich of hook and loop material secures the belt and keeps it closed. It’s large and very capable. The belt doesn’t come loose when you run, jump, sprint, etc. The Velcro sandwich works well and makes it easy to get a good tight fit.
Concealed or Not, Here I Come
The setup is designed to be carried in a low-profile method. It can be carried strapped across the waist and under a shirt or carried in a bag loaded and ready for quick deployment. Obviously, the more gear you have loaded into the Clutch, the harder it will be to conceal. A gun and a few spare mags are nothing. A full fighting loadout might be a bit more challenging.
A handgun and mags fit under a T-shirt. A handgun, extra mags, a TQ, a knife, AR mags, and more might need a light jacket or heavier overshirt. I suggest black or plaid because they tend to hide things well. It might be better to leave this kind of kit in a bag and deploy it when necessary.
The Clutch is very much a multiuse tool. As an average Joe, I carry concealed, and that’s it. If you are a police officer working plainclothes or crowd control or any other job, you might need an additional loadout without drawing attention. It can be quick to don for security personnel and convenient to keep stashed for easy use.
It’s a tool designed for anyone who might need some extra gear on hand and needs that gear concealed. For a prepared citizen, it’s a convenient option that’s lower profile than a plate carrier, chest rig, or even a standard battle belt.
Loadouts and Setups
I’ve been using and wearing the Unity Clutch quite a bit and experimenting with a variety of load-outs. Some are more practical than not for my use. Here are the three examples I’ve worked up for fun.
The Fighting Loadout
The first is the most overt. I loaded the Unity Clutch down with a Glcok 19 equipped with a light. Two spare magazines are held in Taco mag pouches. I stashed two AR mags in rifle Taco pouches on top of that. Next, I used stashed a Spartan blades CQB knife and a tourniquet in a pouch.
It’s big and heavy but still very comfortable. It doesn’t shift or slide down your body, and the pouches and pockets all remain locked in place. Drawing magazines and the handgun is simple. The pouches stay put with nothing more than Velcro.
The EDC Loadout
The EDC loadout is much simpler and reduction of the fighting loadout. I ditch the knife and AR magazines as well as one of the spare pistol mags. If I need anything more than that, I am in a pretty dire situation. This kit conceals much easier. You can carry the handgun in a tucked-in shirt without issue.
Moving it from an appendix or a strongside position isn’t difficult either. The belt itself is plenty comfortable against bare skin, but like most belly band style setups, the Clutch will get warm. You’ll certainly sweat under the Clutch.
The Runner’s Loadout
I’ve also found the Clutch to be fairly useful for running purposes. Unlike a lot of options, it’s not obstructive or painful. It’s not overly large, and it’s quite comfy. There is even a runner’s version of the Clutch. However, the standard version works fine for me. For running, I drop the kit down to just a gun and holster.
Specifically, a P365. This smaller platform is easier to carry. I carried nothing but the gun — I dropped the TQ and spare mags entirely. I only added an OC option in the form of a small can of pepper spray. This is mostly for dealing with unruly dogs, and it’s often safer and easier to OC spray them.
In a Clutch
The Unity Clutch is a multiuse tool designed for a wide variety of users. It’s comfortable, very modular, and quite well made. I think Unity has made an awesome option for a variety of roles. From concealed carry to police work, the Clutch has you covered.
