Gear Review: Ultimate Holsters Cloud Tuck Hybrid IWB Holster and Ultimate IWB Mag Pouch (P238 & P226R)

Back at the end of May I penned a highly positive review of Ultimate Holsters’ Cloud Tuck Rapid IWB Holster and Mag Carrier. I still stand by it and the Cloud Tuck Rapid is still my go-to IWB holster for my SIG P238.

But with the P238 situated at the small end of the sub-compact spectrum, I was left curious whether the Ultimate Holsters IWB experience translated to larger frame pistol configurations like my P226R. If so, the P226R would surely see extended use over the P238 as the year crept into the warmer months.

When carrying large pistols on my waistline I prefer to house them in a holster that has two points of connection to my belt/pants which helps spread the weight of the loaded gun.

The Cloud Tuck Rapid holster that I rely on is a single clip rig so I looked to Ultimate Holsters’ Cloud Tuck Hybrid, a dual-clip IWB model. When paired with their Ultimate IWB Spare Mag Pouch the set (above) fit the bill.

Given the differences between the Rapid and Hybrid models, it wouldn’t be completely fair to compare them when the main consideration to be tested is firearm size.

The simple solution? I picked up an additional Hybrid for the P238 and paired it with the Ultimate Holsters P238 Mag Carrier I already had on-hand to create two comparable sets to try (above).

The basic difference between Cloud Tuck Rapid (above, left) and a Cloud Tuck Hybrid (above, right) holsters is how they attach to the belt.

The Rapid utilizes a single, 1.5-inch wide polymer clip just as the Mag Carriers do. The Hybrid incorporates the standard two points of attachment mounted to an extended backer.

The Hybrid’s two-clip system and backer provide easy canting, three-position vertical adjustments for each belt clip, as well as two types of clips to choose from – polymer belt clips (above, center and right) or steel UltiClips (above, left).

UltiClips are a hinged flat-steel system that utilizes a hook with a 50-pound rating to secure the holster to your pants. It is not designed to attach directly to a belt. Simply slide your pants under the hooked clip, fold-down the tab and the holster is locked in place.

Your belt can then be tightened over the top of the clips, pants, and holster, concealing the tabs. For small, lighter weight pistols Ultimate Holsters claims the system can even work well without a belt. However, they do recommend the use of a belt, “if possible”.

The Cloud Tuck’s backer is made of the same great-quality USA-born leather; very well-finished with a black stain. It is soft but firm. Clearly Ultimate Holsters takes care to keep their stock of leather materials from becoming dry.

As is the case with all of their models, firearms retention can be adjusted by tightening or loosening each of the four rubber spacers connecting the Kydex shell to the backer.

On the reverse side of the backer you will find an industry first and arguably one of the best features of Ultimate Holsters products.

The bright blue, medical-grade, silver-infused, antimicrobial, soft pad which they call their “Silver Lining” reduces odor, creates a moisture barrier between you and your gun, and promotes quick drying after use.

Each holster is made-to-order and you can tell the craftsmen at Ultimate Holsters pay close attention to the details.

The stitching that helps hold the glued layers of the backer is tight and consistent throughout. Appropriately-sized, high-quality hardware ensures the brass female parts are sucked up into the antimicrobial backer and the screws don’t protrude from their counterpart.

Furthermore, each backer is tailored to eliminate accidentally depressing of the firearm’s magazine release when outward pressure from the user’s body is exhibited onto the holster.

The Kydex used in making all of Ultimate Holsters models is high-quality and very rigid for 3-millimeter material. The carbon fiber look really pops and also has a true-to-life texture. The holster’s edges are finished very well; all silky-smooth.

After using a half-dozen Ultimate Holsters rigs I’ve found the shells to be precisely molded, particularly around the trigger guard, which is a critical area for proper firearm retention.

If appropriate for the model of handgun, the shell will be molded in such a way that it will help prevent the gun’s magazine release button from being depressed enough to disengage with the magazine when holstered (see above).

Almost all of the pieces of Ultimate Holsters gear I’ve tried have included their fantastic carbon fiber pattern Kydex shells. However, for the P226 I also got my hands on a plain black shell (above) which was finished just as nicely but only measured 2.5-millimeters thick.

What’s more, there are a total of five carbon fiber color options to choose from (above). And if carbon fiber isn’t your thing, the Cloud Tuck Rapid’s shell is also available in blood red, pink, purple, and black. Still not satisfied? Name your “custom infused” color at checkout.

Configured with UltiClips, the Hybrid holster for SIG P226R was easily positioned on my hip in IWB fashion and was secured to my K Rounds Conceal Carry Tactical Gun Belt. The padded antimicrobial backer wrapped around the side of my body and cushioned any potential discomfort.

I was quite pleased by the minimal amount of printing the Hybrid allowed from a P226R. The holster did an outstanding job of keeping the firearm close to my body even during sprints and jumping.

Ultimate Holsters’ Mag Pouch for P226 is by far my favorite to-date. I use it more frequently than any other magazine holster. Even when I’m carrying concealed OWB with my K Rounds OWB Pancake holster I have it on my other hip. It is extremely comfortable and has provided me with very reliable retention of my 15-round magazine.

And, of course, it is also extremely concealable.

For those wondering about the SIG P238 I set up with plastic belt clips, the Hybrid holster may as well be a magician – it just disappears with even a thin shirt or jacket over it.

The polymer clips hooks secure easily to a thick EDC belt and even though they feel somewhat more flexible than I’d prefer, they reliably keep the holster in place.

Both models provide the clearance needed for safe re-holstering in IWB rigs.

And while there will always be some “flop” with holster backers, the Ultimate Holsters models have yet to let me down.

Finally, as noted earlier, the UltiClips are not meant to be attached to an EDC belt. In the photo above you can see that if one were to do so, the tabs would protrude out from the beltline.

This creates a situation where any number of things – shirt, jacket, seatbelt, a bag’s shoulder strap – could become hooked on the clips and potentially un-clip them from the belt.

After several months of using the Cloud Tuck Hybrid for P266R and P238 and Mag Pouches, Ultimate Holsters has once again impressed me with their IWB carry options – but this time across the board from large frame to small frame and magazine carriers, too.

Most importantly, the holsters retain their guns/magazines adequately throughout vigorous activity. They allow for quick, decisive drawing and presentation of the weapon, and quick access to additional magazines. Re-holstering is aided by the wide-mouth design of the Kydex shells.

Finally, the nice leather backer with silver-infused pad makes wearing the holsters and carriers an extremely comfortable experience while helping to reduce order and moisture from sweat.

So it turns out that regardless of the size of pistol, Ultimate Holsters’ Cloud Tuck Hybrid holster and Mag Pouch for the SIG P238 and P226R are top-notch options that deliver a very reliable and pleasant experience well-worth considering for everyday IWB carry of your sidearm.

Specifications: Ultimate Holsters Cloud Tuck Rapid IWB Holster (SIG P226 & P238, Carbon Fiber Finish)

Price as reviewed: $84.99 MSRP

Ratings (out of five stars):
Design: * * * * *
Ultimate Holsters’ Cloud Tuck Hybrid is a very high-quality, made-to-order, dual-clip holster that does a phenomenal job of bringing both small and large pistols close into the users body for excellent concealment and reliable draw of the firearm. The antimicrobial pad makes the platform very comfortable to wear and the wide-mouth top allows for easy re-holstering.

Firearm Fit: * * * * *
Very precise fit to both the P226R and P238 with extra care taken to properly fit the trigger guard and protect the magazine release.

Retention: * * * * *
Easy to adjust four-point retention system allows for precisely the correct amount of retention. Polymer clips and UltiClips keep holster secured to belt and/or pants.

Durability: * * * * *
High-quality Kydex and leather / medical-grade backer, combined with top-notch hardware allow the Hybrid holster to stand up to the rigors of every day carry and more.

Finish: * * * * *
The leather backer is well-finished with consistent dark black stain throughout, which looks great. The carbon fiber pattern Kydex has an impressive look and nice texture. All edges are rounded and smooth.

Overall: * * * * *
Ultimate Holsters’ Cloud Tuck Hybrid IWB holster is highly adjustable, made of high-quality materials, offers two double-clip options, is precisely molded, incorporates an antimicrobial backer, and is amazingly comfortable. No matter the size of your concealed pistol, this holster will help you keep it completely concealed.

Specifications: Ultimate Holsters Ultimate IWB Spare Mag Pouch (SIG P226 and P238, Carbon Fiber Finish)

Price as reviewed: $45.00 MSRP (Currently on sale on their website)

Ratings (out of five stars):
Design: * * * *
Ultimate Holsters’ IWB Mag Pouch is a simple, fully-adjustable Kydex/leather hybrid carrier with an integrated leather / antimicrobial backer and single clip belt attachment. Magazines can be reversed within the carrier.

Magazine Fit: * * * * *
Excellent fit to the magazine, leaving enough room for solid grip on magazine and easy re-holstering.

Retention: * * * * *
Four-point adjustment of retention allows the user to set the perfect amount of retention to reliably hold the magazine in the pouch. The rubber spacers help reduce over-tightening on the magazine and increase the reliability of drawing the magazine.

Durability: * * * * *
High-quality Kydex and leather / medical-grade backer, combined with top-notch hardware allow the Hybrid holster to stand up to the rigors of every day carry and more.

Finish: * * * * *
The leather backer is well-finished with consistent dark black stain throughout, which looks great. The carbon fiber pattern Kydex has an impressive look and nice texture. All edges are rounded and smooth.

Overall: * * * * *
Ultimate Holsters’ Ultimate IWB Spare Mag Pouch is a very high-quality, reliable, and comfortable carrier that will make your magazine disappear.