I Carry: Ruger American Compact Pro in a CrossBreed SuperTuck Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together an ideal everyday-carry kit. Today, we have a Ruger American Compact Pro pistol in a CrossBreed SuperTuck IWB holster. We also have a Sneaky Pete Plan Ahead Belt, a CrossBreed Gideon Pocket Mag Carrier, a Gerber STL 2.0 folding knife and a Striker B.A.M.F.F. tactical flashlight.

Gun: Ruger American Compact Pro ($579)

Ruger unveiled its next-generation striker-fired handgun at the 2016 SHOT Show. Called the American, this patriotic pistol line since expanded to encompass several different models, including this Compact Pro, which lacks the manual thumb safety found on other versions.

Ruger paid special attention to the ergonomics in this gun, equipping it with a grip module that can be adjusted to better fill the palm of a shooter’s hand. The frame also features an upward swell at the rear, designed to lower the bore axis.

The Ruger American Compact Pro is available in 9mm and .45 ACP and is slightly smaller than comparable compact double-stack pistols on the market, all with a magazine capacity of 17 rounds in 9mm.

The Holster: CrossBreed SuperTuck IWB Holster ($84.75)

For a comfortable daily carry holster, it’s hard to go wrong with the CrossBreed SuperTuck. Like all of the company’s holster options, the SuperTuck features a molded Kydex shell form-fitted to the profile of the pistol you’re carrying in order to ensure solid friction retention.

The backing on this particular model is horsehide rather than more-common cowhide. Why horsehide? The skin features a tighter grain, making it a little stiffer and more resistant to water and sweat, definitely a benefit in warmer climates.

The Mag Carrier: CrossBreed Gideon Pocket Mag Carrier ($24.95)

When concealing a spare magazine, it’s essential that it be easily accessible and oriented correctly to allow for a quick reload in a self-defense situation. The Gideon Pocket Mag Carrier is designed to keep a spare magazine hidden in a pocket while maintaining it in a consistent position. The carrier also features a wing that catches on the edge of a pocket, ensuring that you don’t pull the carrier out during a reload.

The Flashlight: Striker B.A.M.F.F. Tactical Light ($39.99)

Extra versatility in an everyday-carry flashlight is never a bad thing, and the BAMFF flashlight from Striker features a unique dual-LED design that allows it to be used as a powerful spotlight at a distance or an area light for close-up illumination. The light features six different modes, including high, low, SOS and strobe. Maximum output is 400 lumens with a battery life of 2 hours.

The Knife: Gerber STL 2.0 Folding Knife ($20)

When it comes to a daily-carry knife, we want something that’s easy to carry, right? Well, the Gerber STL 2.0 folder is about as easily carried as it gets, measuring just 3.4 inches long and weighing only an ounce and a half. It’s still plenty utilitarian for tackling daily tasks, thanks to a 2.6-inch drop-point blade made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

The Belt: Sneaky Pete Plan Ahead Belt ($59.95)

For concealed carry, the Sneaky Pete Plan Ahead Belt works well at securing a firearm and holster, but this belt has another benefit that’s hidden away. At the rear of the belt are two small pockets secured by hook-and-loop closures. These pockets are perfect for stashing away a variety of small emergency items, whether it’s cash, a spare house key or even small first-aid supplies.