How to Care for a Hybrid Holster

Hybrid holsters are one of the best you can buy if you’re looking for that perfect combination of comfort and durability for concealed carry. But if you want your holster to keep taking care of you, it’s important to take care of it, too. 

With the proper care, a hybrid holster will last for many years, even with daily use. Conditioning the leather and ensuring both the shell and backing are kept clean, dry, and well-maintained will go a long way in extending the lifetime of your holster. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to clean, store, and perform regular maintenance on your hybrid holster to keep it functioning and looking its best. 

What is a Hybrid Holster? 

You’ve heard of Kydex holsters, and you’ve heard of leather holsters. And a hybrid of these two is exactly what it sounds like. Hybrid holsters combine the security and precision of a Kydex shell with the comfort and durability of a leather backing. 

This combination is known for being among the most comfortable for concealed carry, not only because the wide leather backing is flexible and molds to your body, but also because this wider footprint evenly distributes the weight of your gun. Although hybrid holsters can be made with a Kydex shell and a nylon or other backing, leather is preferable as it’s just as durable and long-lasting as the Kydex itself. 

At Vedder Holsters, we craft our hybrid holsters with a premium 10- to 12-ounce cowhide or horsehide leather backing. Our horsehide backings are made from genuine Horween leather, which has a reputation for being the best on the market, for good reason. Made from full-grain leather with natural moisture-resistance, this leather has a higher fiber structure, natural durability, and a beautiful marbled appearance than most.

Our hybrid holsters are also built with a .080” Kydex® shell. This lightweight, durable, and semi-flexible thermoplastic is heat-molded for a precise fit to your exact firearm model and does a great job of keeping your weapon safe and secure when holstered. 

How to Care for a Hybrid Holster

Properly caring for a hybrid holster involves giving special attention to both of its parts: the Kydex shell and the leather backing. 

Kydex Shell

Caring for a Kydex holster shell is pretty simple. For regular cleaning, all you need to do is wipe the shell down with a damp cloth to remove surface-level debris, taking care to avoid the leather backing as much as possible. Doing this regularly will help remove any particles that have made their way inside and help prevent wear and tear on your gun’s finish.

To clean more visible dirt, simply use a cloth to wash your holster’s shell with lukewarm water and soap (again, avoiding the leather backing). Be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent water spots! For heavier cleaning, use a short, stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub the shell with soap, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Most mild detergents and multipurpose cleaners work well for cleaning Kydex. However, some cleaners can actually do more harm than good to thermoplastics and should be avoided. For a list of products you should/shouldn’t use, check out this list from Kydex.

Leather Backing

The leather backing of your hybrid holster will last just as long as its Kydex shell if you take good care of it. And it doesn’t take much. Keeping leather clean and dry is the most important part of ensuring it holds up for years to come. 

To clean your holster’s leather backing, simply wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using soap, water, or other cleaning products on this portion as much as possible, as these can degrade the leather and cause it to crack over time. And once the leather cracks, there really isn’t much you can do to repair it. 

Applying a quality leather conditioner once every three to six months (depending on how often you use it) should be enough to keep it in excellent condition. To do this, ensure your leather is clean and dry. Then, simply take a small amount of conditioner and rub it into the leather using a soft cloth. Once it’s absorbed, take a clean cloth and give it a quick buff. 

Not only is leather conditioner a great way to keep your hybrid holster looking shiny and beautiful, but it’s also the best way to buff out any marks or scratches in the leather and prevent new ones from forming. Although it won’t make these marks disappear, it allows you to smooth them out until all that’s left is a unique and beautiful “patina” in the leather. 

How to Stop a Hybrid Holster from Squeaking

When it comes to leather products, squeaking is par for the course. Especially when you combine it with metal hardware. Walking around with a squeak in your step can be pretty irritating, though, and makes concealed carry a little less covert.

But don’t worry. There’s a pretty easy fix to this problem. Regularly conditioning your holster’s leather backing will go a long way in preventing it from squeaking. But if you’re still experiencing issues, we recommend applying a bit of baby powder to any problem areas, such as behind the metal clips or around the hardware. This should help restore the silence — and your sanity! 

How Often Should I Clean My Holster? 

If you’re wondering how often you should be cleaning your hybrid holster, the short answer is “when it’s dirty.” The longer answer (and the one you probably came here for) is that with regular use, you should give your holster a good wipe down at least once a month. 

A more thorough inspection and cleaning should be done every three or four months, or as needed. If you use your holster every day, you may find that regular maintenance is needed more often than if you wear it less consistently. 

Certain scenarios may require more frequent cleaning, as well. If you live in a hot or humid climate, for example, a weekly cleaning may be necessary during the summer months. The same is true for those who carry in grittier work or outdoor situations, where dirt and debris may make contact with their holster. Left dirty, this grime can rub against your firearm, causing unnecessary wear. 

Performing Regular Maintenance on a Hybrid Holster

It’s rare that a hybrid holster needs any significant maintenance. But, once in a while, you may need to replace a screw, switch out a belt clip, buff out a scratch in the leather, or make some other light repairs to keep your holster in its best shape.

We offer a variety of parts and accessories that you can use to add to or replace the current hardware on your Vedder holster. The most important thing to remember when doing so is to use a Turbo-Fuse™ Blue Threadlocker to ensure your holster’s hardware won’t loosen over time. 

Threadlocker is also good to use whenever you’re adjusting your holster’s retention, cant, or ride height, so once you have it where you want it, you don’t have to worry about readjusting again.

To keep everything clean and organized while making adjustments or repairs, our Vedder Holsters Gun Cleaning Mat or EDC Tray can help.

How to Properly Store a Hybrid Holster

The best way to reduce wear on a hybrid holster — both the shell and the leather backing — is to minimize its exposure to the elements. Proper storage is essential for keeping it in tip-top condition. 

Heat and humidity are a hybrid holster’s worst enemies. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause the leather to become dry and crack over time, as can prolonged contact with moisture. Kydex, too, may become damaged when exposed to extreme heat, as the moldable thermoplastic can lose its shape when left in high temperatures for too long. 

The best place to store your holster is in a room-temperature environment. And if you must leave it in a hot place like your car, do your best to minimize any direct exposure to extreme temperatures (try under the seat or in the glove compartment rather than on the dash, for example).

Beyond that, storing your hybrid holster in a safe place away from sharp or abrasive objects can help prevent surface scratches and keep your holster looking its best. Dresser drawers, closets, or an EDC Tray work well.

Summary

Regular cleaning and maintenance of a hybrid holster will go a long way in extending its lifespan and ensuring it looks and functions great for years to come. Wiping down your holster’s shell, regularly conditioning its leather backing, and storing it away from heat and humidity is the best way to keep it in top condition. 

Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex and hybrid holsters tailored to your firearm. Not sure which holster is right for you? Take a look at our interactive comparison tool to view holsters side-by-side and filter by feature. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system. 

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