Cameleon has made concealed carry purses for over thirty years, and the line has grown to more than two dozen bags across four materials and three price tiers, which makes it hard to know where to start. This guide sorts the whole lineup by series, explains what changes between them, and points to the bag in each that most people should buy.
Vegan leather: the core line
Most Cameleon bags are vegan leather with metal hardware, padded compartments and an included hook-and-loop holster, from $80 to $140. Handbags: Bella ($95.99), Remi, Emma, Darcy, Lissa ($119.99), Mia ($129.99), Zoey ($139.99). Totes: Sage, Myla ($109.99), Evelyn ($139.99). Compact quilted: Venus ($99.99), Flora ($109.99), both with the Cameleon Tail for pepper spray. Start here with the Bella or Darcy.
Cut-proof strap bags
The Artemis ($39.99), Calypso ($79.99) and Matilda ($89.99) are the value tier, with cut-proof wiring in every handle and strap. The Matilda is a 16-inch tote with a 14-by-8 compartment.
Backpack
The Amelia ($149.99), vegan leather with a drawstring main compartment and an 8-by-8 pocket with a universal holster for a full-frame pistol.
Leather: Juno, Maia VT and Hephaestus
The step up. The Juno series is pull-up leather: the Gaia ($209.99) shoulder bag with double side entry. The Maia VT series is vegetable-tanned leather that develops a patina: the Sophia saddle bag ($209.99). The Hephaestus series is genuine leather in earthy tones: the Tyche ($229.99), 12 by 11 by 4.7 with an 8.5-by-9 compartment, and the Ares ($209.99). Also in leather: the Constance petite tote ($189.99) and the Quin bowling bag in white with navy trim ($209.99).
Smith & Wesson licensed
Leather bags made by Cameleon under the S&W name: Slim Crossbody ($179.99), Structured Handbag ($239.99), Flat Tote and Travel Tote ($249.99).
What is the same across all of them
- A separate, padded compartment for the gun, with its own zipper.
- An included holster on hook and loop, repositionable for either hand and any angle.
- Ambidextrous access, usually from either side and often the top.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cameleon purse should I buy first?
The Bella for value or the Darcy for everyday size.
What is the difference between the vegan leather and leather lines?
Material and price. The compartments and holsters are the same design.
What is Maia VT?
Cameleon's vegetable-tanned leather series, which ages into a patina.
Do Cameleon bags fit a full-size pistol?
The Darcy, Mia, Evelyn, Amelia, Gaia and Tyche do. Compact bags like the Venus fit compacts.
Are Smith & Wesson purses made by Cameleon?
Yes, under license.
The bottom line
Vegan leather for value, Maia VT for a bag that lasts decades, Smith & Wesson for leather with a name on it. See all of them in the concealed carry purse collection.
Related reading
Best concealed carry purses
Smith & Wesson concealed carry purses and totes
Best concealed carry purses for women
