Most people think about their holster. Far fewer think about what holds the holster to their body. That platform — the mount between your belt and your Safariland — is where draw speed, comfort and consistency are actually decided. True North Concepts built an entire system around that idea, and a handful of other brands have built the perfect accessories to go with it.
This guide walks through the full ecosystem: which TNC platform suits your use case, which leg strap works best for your loadout, and which holster pad will keep you comfortable through a long shift or a multi-day operation.
Step 1: Choose Your Foundation
True North Concepts makes three holster platforms. They all share the same core philosophy — machined 6061 T6 aluminum instead of polymer, so your holster stays exactly where you set it — but each one is built for a different situation.
The MHA (Modular Holster Adapter)
The MHA is the original. It is the choice for people who want maximum compatibility. It works with Safariland 3 hole pattern holsters and the entire family of QLS, MLS and ELS quick locking systems. It gives you 20 degrees of cant adjustment and three ride height positions. Available in solid colors and Multicam patterns.
The MHA also has a lifetime no questions asked warranty. It is backed by the kind of confidence you only see from brands that know their product works.
Best for: shooters who run QLS and want a proven, widely compatible platform. Also great for competition, training and law enforcement duty use.
The RHP (Rigid Holster Platform)
The RHP is the more refined version. It uses a Groove and Boss interlocking system that locks the platform to your belt with zero movement. You get 30 degrees of cant adjustment, three height positions at 0.525 inch increments, a curved back face for body contact and recessed hardware pockets that protect the screws from impact and abrasion.
The RHP supports belts up to 2.25 inches wide and works in mid ride mode by default. It comes in Black, Earth Brown and Olive Drab.
Best for: anyone who wants the most rigid and stable setup available, especially for high movement use like training, patrolling or rapid transitions.
The RHP Patrol (RHPP)
The RHPP is the compact version of the RHP. It measures 6.25 inches compared to 7.50 inches on the standard RHP. That shorter profile makes a real difference in vehicle comfort — it does not dig into your thigh when you sit down and it clears the door panel more easily during egress.
It shares the same Groove and Boss system and 30 degree cant adjustment as the full RHP. The main difference is that leg strap attachment requires the TNC DAB spacer rather than direct mounting. It comes in Black and Earth Brown.
Best for: law enforcement and security professionals who spend significant time in vehicles. Also a good fit for people who find the standard RHP too long for their body type.
Step 2: Add a Leg Strap
A leg strap adds a retention point below the belt, which prevents the holster from swinging forward during movement. Two options work especially well with TNC platforms.
True North Concepts Leg Strap Kit
The TNC Leg Strap Kit is the native option. It attaches directly to the MHA and RHP without any additional hardware and gives you four wearing modes depending on how much retention and positioning you need. Available in a wide range of colors.
Forge Concepts Holster Leg Strap
Forge Concepts built this strap because they were frustrated with what was available. Standard elastic straps create pressure and bunching after a few hours. Stiff nylon straps do not have enough give for real movement.
Their solution is a 1 inch wide strap that combines a short section of elastic with high quality nylon webbing. The elastic section gives you natural movement without the hotspot you get from a fully elastic strap. A heavy duty grommet creates a natural pivot point and lets you mount the strap exactly where you want it. Available with a standard side release buckle or an AustriAlpin Cobra FM buckle. Made in the USA, Berry Compliant.
Best for: extended wear situations where comfort over time matters as much as retention.
Step 3: Add a Holster Pad
The holster platform sits against your body. After a few hours, that contact point creates heat, pressure and discomfort — especially when you are running body armor on top of everything else. A holster pad solves that.
Qore Performance ICEVENTS® Holster Pad
The ICEVENTS Holster Pad uses fusion bonded honeycomb TPE — the same material Qore Performance uses in their plate carrier padding. It is 90 percent air by volume. The Aero version weighs around 0.3 oz, the Classic around 0.5 oz. The honeycomb structure creates a standoff between the platform and your body, which reduces pressure and allows airflow.
The Aero version is shaped for Safariland UBL and CUBL. The Classic version fits the TNC MHA, RHPP, Blue Force Gear adapters and G Code RTI. Both are made in the USA and available in black only.
Best for: anyone who wants maximum comfort with minimum weight. Ideal under body armor or for warm weather use.
Shaw Concepts Side Kick V2
The Shaw Concepts Side Kick V2 takes a different approach. It is a full holster pad with MOLLE slots on both wings, giving you extra attachment points next to your holster for small pouches, a tourniquet or other accessories. It uses closed cell foam padding and includes a 1 inch thigh strap with an elastic comfort section.
The Side Kick V2 mounts to the bottom screw post of your holster system, so it works with UBLs, MHAs, QLS systems and more. It is reversible for both left and right hand users. Weight is 2.5 oz. Made in the USA, Berry Compliant.
Best for: anyone who wants to use the space next to their holster for additional gear. A popular choice for officers who need a tourniquet or gloves accessible at the holster line.
The Full Picture
These products were built independently but they fit together naturally because they are all designed around the same standard — the Safariland 3 hole pattern and the platforms that carry it.
A realistic full setup looks like this: an RHP or MHA as the base, a Forge Concepts or TNC leg strap for retention, and either the ICEVENTS pad for pure comfort or the Side Kick V2 if you need the extra attachment space. Each component does one thing well and does not get in the way of the others.
All of these products are available at Geartown. If you want help putting together the right combination for your specific use case, feel free to reach out.
