How to Choose the Best Walther PDP Compact Holster

Whether you're purchasing a holster for your new Walther PDP Compact or considering an upgrade to your current carry setup, it’s essential to find one that complements this high-performing pistol.

So, what should you focus on when selecting a holster for your Walther PDP Compact?

The best Walther PDP Compact holster should be just as low-profile, durable, and well-engineered as the firearm itself. Key features to look for include a thoughtful design, adjustability, and top-notch safety features to ensure you can carry securely and confidently.

Before you make your final decision, take the time to understand the design and features of this Walther model so that you can select the holster that best suits your needs.

About the Walther PDP Compact

The Walther PDP Compact is a feature-rich, 9mm striker-fired gun, designed with concealed carry and daily use in mind. The PDP is the most versatile pistol Walther offers, and its compact size makes it easy to carry while still offering exceptional performance. One standout feature is its Performance Duty Trigger, which provides a smooth, consistent pull for enhanced accuracy and confidence. The ergonomically designed grip features an aggressive texture, offering superior control even in high-stress situations.

With an optics-ready slide and modular grip system, the PDP Compact allows for customization to suit individual preferences. Its robust construction, combined with adjustable white dot sights, ensures durability and precision, making it suitable for both new and experienced shooters alike. Whether you’re seeking a dependable concealed carry option or a range companion, the PDP Compact delivers reliable performance and versatility.

Walther PDP Compact Specs

What to Look for in a Walther PDP Compact Holster

Now that you have a clearer understanding of this pistol’s design and intended use, it’s time to find a holster that pairs perfectly with this versatile carry pistol.

Holster Type

The first step in your holster search is deciding where you plan to wear it, as this will guide you to the right type of holster.

Given its compact size, the Walther PDP Compact is most commonly carried inside the waistband. However, thanks to its small frame, it can easily be carried in a variety of traditional positions, such as the 3-5 o’clock or appendix carry.

This choice is crucial, as not all holsters are designed to accommodate every carry position. For example, while our Vedder Holsters LightTuck® is a versatile holster suitable for nearly any position, models like our SideTuck® are specifically tailored for appendix carry, or the 1-2 o’clock position.

Once you’ve determined your preferred carry position, you can narrow down your options by eliminating holsters that don’t fit your needs. Then, you can dive into the finer details, such as material choices and customization options. If you’re unsure which carry position is best for you, be sure to check out our “Concealed Carry Positions: Ultimate Guide” article.

Material

Holsters are primarily made from three materials: leather, Kydex, and nylon.

While nylon holsters are common, they are generally not the best option for concealed carry due to their lower durability compared to other materials. Additionally, they lack the ability to retain their shape once your firearm is removed, making reholstering more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Leather holsters are another popular option for concealed carry, known for their comfort and long-lasting nature. However, they can become sticky when exposed to water, sweat, or humidity, and while durable, they may wear out faster than Kydex holsters.

Kydex, on the other hand, is the most popular holster material available today, and it’s easy to see why. Kydex holsters offer unmatched durability, concealability, and adjustability. These holsters are heat-molded to fit a specific firearm model precisely, providing a secure fit, and despite being made from thermoplastic, they are surprisingly comfortable.

For those seeking the durability of Kydex paired with the comfort of leather, a hybrid holster offers the best of both worlds. With a sturdy Kydex shell and comfortable leather backing, hybrid holsters combine the benefits of both materials.

You can check out our entire selection of Kydex and hybrid holsters here to learn more about the benefits of each. 

Adjustability

For everyday carry pistols like the Walther PDP Compact, it’s essential to choose a holster that offers adjustability to ensure comfortable and effective concealment.

One key feature to look for is adjustable retention. This feature lets you customize how easy or difficult it is to draw your firearm, which not only accommodates your personal preferences but also enhances safety.

Adjustable cant is another important aspect, allowing you to tilt your weapon forward or backward to find the ideal position for comfort, concealment, and accessibility. Many of our Vedder Holsters are designed with up to 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant, offering a superior range compared to other holsters that may only tilt in one direction.

Finally, adjustable ride height lets you position your holster higher, lower, or anywhere in between on your waistline. Whether you prefer deep concealment or a holster that sits higher, you have the flexibility to adjust to your preference.

Customization 

No two carry setups are identical. Everyone has unique preferences, needs, and tastes, and with a wide range of aftermarket firearm accessories and modifications available, it's essential to find a Walther PDP holster that can accommodate those.

Fortunately, every Vedder Holster is handcrafted to order and tailored to fit your specific firearm. We offer a variety of Kydex colors, and our holsters come with full sight channels, plus the option for modifications to fit a wide range of lights, lasers, and optics.

Additionally, our holsters are available for both right- and left-handed users and come with different belt clip sizes. You can also add optional attachments, such as our holster claw, and some models include features like sweat shields and combat cuts.

If you have a modification that isn't listed on our site, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with the details, and we'll do our best to craft a holster that fits your needs.

Design

A holster’s design goes beyond just style, color, and adjustable features. Some design elements are crucial for safety and should never be overlooked.

The most vital design aspect is the fit of the holster. For Kydex holsters, your firearm should fit so precisely that you hear and feel a satisfying “click” as it locks into place. This sound isn’t just reassuring, it ensures your weapon stays securely in the holster without shifting or falling out.

Vedder Holsters for the Walther PDP Compact are crafted to such high precision that once your pistol is holstered, there is minimal movement. Holsters with less accuracy can be unsafe and may cause unnecessary wear on your gun.

In addition to a precise fit, a fully enclosed trigger guard and durable clips are essential. Without sturdy clips, your holster won’t stay securely attached to your belt, leading to the risk of it sliding or falling off during the day.

The trigger guard should also cover your Walther’s trigger completely, leaving little to no space (or “daylight”). A holster with inadequate trigger coverage could allow debris or objects to enter and reach the trigger – something you certainly want to avoid.

Every Vedder Holster is designed with a full-coverage trigger guard to keep your weapon secure and safe from any external interference.

Comfort

Firearms like the PDP Compact are designed for everyday carry, which means your holster needs to be as comfortable as possible.

Fortunately, this gun is lightweight, making it easy to pair with a variety of holster styles. However, if comfort is your top priority, there are a few important factors to consider.

The most comfortable option is typically a hybrid holster. The leather backing of a hybrid holster not only adapts to your body’s shape over time but also helps distribute the weight of your firearm, making it feel lighter and more stable.

If you prefer an all-Kydex holster, holsters that make contact with your body at two points can provide the same weight distribution as a hybrid holster. Kydex holsters with adjustable features also allow you to reposition it until you find that “sweet spot” of comfort and concealment. 

For additional comfort with a Kydex holster like the LightTuck®, consider using the Vedder HolsterPad. This cushioned layer fits between your holster and your body and can be adjusted for a custom fit. You can also leave it longer to wrap around the muzzle end of the holster to prevent discomfort during appendix carry.

Lastly, while inside the waistband is often the preferred method for carrying the Walther PDP Compact, many users find that outside the waistband holsters offer even greater comfort. If you're having trouble finding a comfortable IWB option, trying an OWB holster could provide the solution.

Concealment

When it comes to everyday carry, concealment is key, and this is especially true for the Walther PDP.

Designed for concealability, this pistol's compact frame and subcompact size make it an ideal choice for backup or concealed carry. Pairing this efficient pistol with a bulky, uncomfortable, or snag-prone holster would defeat its purpose.

So, what makes a holster truly concealable?

The first thing to consider is the holster’s shell. To prevent printing and ensure effective concealment, the shell should be smooth, snag-free, and as thin as possible while still maintaining durability.

Next, pay attention to the clip. Many holster clips are made of bulky plastic, which can cause printing. Opt for a holster with a thin, steel clip for the best concealment. Our patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip, made of smooth spring steel, hides easily even under a simple T-shirt.

Optional accessories can also enhance concealability. Features like pancake clips, holster claws, and holster wedges help pull the holster closer to your body, making concealment even easier.

Warranty

While factors like comfort, concealability, and adjustability should certainly be top considerations when selecting a new holster, it’s just as important not to overlook the significance of a solid product warranty.

A warranty not only provides peace of mind, ensuring that if your holster has an issue, you can have it repaired or replaced, but it also shows that the company behind the product is confident in its quality.

At Vedder Holsters, we offer a 30-day risk-free trial and a lifetime warranty with every product. This means if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase or if something goes wrong later, we’ve got you covered. You can learn more about our warranty policy here.  

 

Best Walther PDP Compact Holster Options

Now that you know what to look for in a high-quality holster, let’s get straight to the point. Here are our top recommendations for Walther PDP Compact holsters that stand out from the crowd.

Best Walther PDP IWB holster

Everyone has unique needs when it comes to concealed carry, and your holster choice should reflect that. Let’s explore the best Walther PDP Compact concealed carry holster for IWB carry based on different preferences.

Starting with the top IWB pick for this model, the Vedder Holsters LightTuck® takes the crown. This Kydex holster is adaptable enough to work with nearly any carry position. It boasts fully adjustable retention, three ride height options, and a 30-degree range of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight, tuckable, and equipped with our patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip, it’s a standout for inside the waistband carry.

For those seeking maximum comfort, a hybrid holster may be the way to go. Both the Vedder Holsters RapidTuck® and ComfortTuck® are designed for the 3-5 o’clock position, featuring premium cowhide or horsehide leather backing that comfortably molds to your body. The RapidTuck® offers adjustable ride height and cant for added customization.

Another excellent choice for the PDP Compact is the Vedder ProTuck®. This hybrid holster combines the comfort of the ComfortTuck® with two points of contact for a secure fit that contours naturally to your body. It’s built for the 3-5 o’clock position and offers fully adjustable retention.

Finally, if you want to carry a spare magazine alongside your Walther, consider the Vedder SideTuck®. It combines the popular LightTuck®’s concealability with the added benefit of a custom Kydex mag carrier, featuring adjustable retention, two points of contact, and a claw attachment for better concealment.

Best Walther PDP OWB Holster

If you prefer outside the waistband carry, selecting the right holster is crucial for both comfort and functionality. Here are our top picks for the best holster for Walther PDP Compact pistols, based on your preferences.

One of the top choices for OWB carry with this model is the Vedder Holsters LightDraw®. This Kydex holster is engineered for both function and comfort. With adjustable retention and a double-sided, fully reinforced shell, it allows for smooth one-handed reholstering.

For those seeking a hybrid OWB holster, the Vedder Quick Draw is an excellent option. Featuring a premium leather backing and two built-in belt loops, this holster is designed for both comfort and easy access, making it ideal for various OWB positions.

If paddle holsters are more your style, the Vedder ProDraw® stands out. This holster is the most adjustable of the OWB options, offering adjustable retention and 15 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight and fitted with our OWB Paddle Clip, it’s easy to put on and take off, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Summary

Whether you prefer an inside the waistband or outside the waistband concealed carry holster, finding the right fit for your carry system is crucial.

Ultimately, the best Walther PDP Compact holster for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to consider the features that matter most to you, weigh your options, and make an informed decision based on what you've learned about quality holsters.

Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.