The Smart Gear Guide for New 18-Year-Old Carriers

Texas LTC for 18 Year Olds – Essential Gear You Actually Need

New carriers make one big mistake: they buy gear based on TikTok trends, not reality. The truth? You don’t need a drawer full of tactical items. You need quality, consistency, and gear that works with your body, wardrobe, and lifestyle.

This guide cuts out the fluff and gives young LTC holders the essentials.

1. Your Holster Matters More Than Your Gun

Most young carriers pick a firearm carefully but grab the cheapest holster they can find. That choice can get you arrested, injured, or worse.

Your holster must:
• Fully cover the trigger
• Not collapse when empty
• Hold retention when shaking
• Ride comfortably for hours
• Keep your firearm invisible

Appendix carry (AIWB) is the most common for younger, slimmer carriers because it hides well and offers fast access.

2. Belts: The Overlooked Foundation

If your belt is flimsy, your gun will print, shift, tilt, and show.

Choose:
• Reinforced nylon
• Leather gun belts (14–16 oz)
• Ratchet-style EDC belts

Your belt and holster together determine whether your gun stays truly concealed.

3. Concealed-Carry Clothing for Young Adults

Young adults wear lighter, slimmer clothes. That means you need:
• Darker colors to hide printing
• Slightly longer shirts
• Sweatshirts or flannels in winter
• Athletic-fit pants with real belt loops

Avoid thin shirts that cling, deep V-necks, or anything that hugs the waist tightly.

4. Lights: Handheld vs Weapon-Mounted

You don’t need a weapon light on day one. Start with a strong handheld light (1,000 lumens or above). It helps you:
• Search safely
• Identify threats
• Avoid unintentional muzzle exposure

Weapon lights come later, once your skills are built.

5. Medical Gear: The Most Ignored Item

Young carriers rarely think about trauma gear. But if you carry a firearm, you also carry responsibility for outcomes.

Start with:
• Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W)
• Compact pressure bandage
• Disposable gloves

This belongs in your backpack or car—not your pocket.

6. Range Gear for Skill Building

You don’t need everything, but you do need the basics:
• Electronic ear protection
• Clear eye protection
• Magazine loaders
• A discreet range bag

These tools help you train consistently and stay comfortable.

Call to Action

Gear doesn’t make you skilled. Training does.
Let In Focus Training guide you through both.

Sign up for our self-paced Texas Online LTC Course: https://infocus-training.com/texas-online-license-to-carry/

Prefer face-to-face coaching and a guided range day? Book an in-person class here: https://infocus-training.com/tx-license-to-carry-in-person/

Satisfied Customer

“Awesome Class the instructor Anthony was very hands on, very patient very knowledgeable about everything!”

Enroll Now!