carrying while hiking to campsite, need better suggestions.

dp2002813 · 08-14-2012, 16:42

I have been bouncing around different ideas for carrying while hiking to the campsite.

The Problem:
My pack is a comfortable 8000cu in with a belt that leaves no room for a IWB or OWB holster. I have a Safepacker holster for the waist belt, but it is not a very quick access rig.

A guide holster, great option, is none too comfortable because one of its straps will sit under the pack shoulder strap... not very agreeable over 10-20 miles with 75-100lb. pack weight.

Same and more for a shoulder holster rig.

Question:

I have a western style holster rig that will sit below the pack waist belt and can be accessed quickly.

I'm not a big fan of open carry, however, what would you think of this raggedy man with a 100lb pack walking towards you, western holster and gun on thigh? all legal of course.

barring CA, NY, NJ, MA, CT, MD, etc. Would you call the cops? just laugh quietly to yourselves?

In need of better options. Thanks in advance!

troy_v · 08-14-2012, 20:45

My solution for concealed carry is a Tactical Tailor Luna Concealed Carry Pouch for my Glock 29.

But I hike and backpack with Eberlestock packs because of the molle hip belts. I mount the Lunar pouch on the molle hip belt.

When I backpack in areas that I don't expect to encounter other humans, I open carry via a SERPA holster on that molle hip belt.

Kingtubby · 08-14-2012, 23:01

In my neck of the woods, open carry is the norm and widely accepted. Just the other day I walked up on a 70's something couple rock hunting with their grand and great grandchildren on the river. I was legally several miles from public access and smack dab in the middle of their 5 million dollar spread. We had a nice conversation, I congratulated them on their recent purchase, told them I admired their slice of paradise, fished it relatively often, and would visit again in the fall for the prespawn. I then fished on to the next access point. Nobody reacted in the least to the fact that my g20+1 was openly chest holstered.

Depends on where you are and why youre carrying as to how youll be recieved. I think that goes for most situations though.

As far as what i would use in your described situation, I would use a holder that fully loops (no clip ons and standard belt holsters dont work well either, dont fit over the plastic belt clip) around your backpack belt with a good retention loop for the gun too. You want it so theres no chance it will get loose and will add minimally to your already heinous load. I got a simple but utilitarian handmade leather holster from a guy in sweetgrass mt that works like a charm. PM me if you want his contact info.

BuckeyePPC · 08-15-2012, 08:35

Agree with the where you are part. Past Saturday 4 of us were hiking and shooting rabbits north of Benson, AZ. 2 open carry 9mm, 1 concealed carry .380. We were also carrying 1 .22lr rifle, 1 .22mag rifle, 1 .410shotgun and 1 12ga. shotgun. No big deal on BLM land. Later we went to lunch at a local restaurant and no one looked at us and our open carry. Granted this is a rural area and a lot open/conceal carry so again, no big deal.

Zombie Steve · 08-15-2012, 14:16

I just open carry the blackhawk in a cowboy rig here in CO. Nobody says a thing, at least not to my face.

dp2002813 · 08-16-2012, 10:09

Thanks all!

Troy,
the Luna concealment pack is great, very much like the safepacker. But, I might just look into that one instead for the N-frame. My Eberlestock is most excellent. Never thought I could carry 100lbs comfortably.

Knigtubby,
in the South at the moment. For my needs, the .45 or SP101 .357mag are all I really need for both critter and BG SD. The single action is also .357mag.

Now when I go to Montana or Wyoming for a bit of backwoods hiking, I'll carry a .44mag. That is one I'm thinking a Simply Rugged holster will work. I called the company and they stated that their tribute holster can be made with molle straps. Also, a kifaru holster for a long gun will be along for the hike.

The real troubling thought I'm having is a "what if". What if I get surprised by a bg and have to surrender the pack.. that all the SD guns are on?

Do ankle holsters work with all that hiking? Pocket carry?

It is sad to think this way, but it does happen on the Appalachia trail... which is why I would not venture past Virginia. Dang Yankees!

No, I did not understand that very well until I moved to the South. So many of those Yanks is K-wazy.

Actually, most are sane, its the politicians that are nuts.

KnotDR · 08-20-2012, 04:16

http://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/t...6/Default.aspx

Hill People Gear chest rigs stays with you when you remove your pack. The tactical tailor pouch is fine if you don't mind the pistol coming off with the pack. You can take the TT pouch off and put it on your belt with the molle loops if you decide to camp and leave your larger pack.

Personally there is no way I would hike with an ankle or pocket holster. They are more annoying while walking for long distances than they are worth. I guess you have to balance that vs. having a concealable back up pistol

whitebread · 08-20-2012, 09:26

When in the woods I carry my G20 with a Blackhawk drop-thigh holster. My gear never gets in the way. Any one else I see in the woods (rare) has a gun as well.

ChuteTheMall · 08-20-2012, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by dp2002813

in the South at the moment.....
The real troubling thought I'm having is a "what if". What if I get surprised by a bg and have to surrender the pack.. that all the SD guns are on?

Do ankle holsters work with all that hiking? Pocket carry?

It is sad to think this way, but it does happen on the Appalachia trail... .

In the South, if the BG makes you surrender your pack, he'll make you drop your pants and squeal as well. Ask Ned Beatty.

That Lunar system looks interesting.......

.

Myke_Hart · 08-21-2012, 05:56

You need the Guides Choice Leather Chest Holster.

The strap can be on either shoulder and does not interfere with your back pack or other straps because it lays flat.

I have one for my smith 500 and it is very comfortable.

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

I can post pics if you would like.

Even works for the women folk.

purrrfect 10 · 08-21-2012, 06:49

Open carry

Myke_Hart · 08-21-2012, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by dp2002813

Question:

I have a western style holster rig that will sit below the pack waist belt and can be accessed quickly.

I'm not a big fan of open carry, however, what would you think of this raggedy man with a 100lb pack walking towards you, western holster and gun on thigh? all legal of course.

I would say it was just another responsible mountain man headed my way.

jeremy_283 · 08-21-2012, 14:46

Have you though about getting an OTAPIN for it?

bustedknee · 08-21-2012, 19:41

Modify this to fit your straps.
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Produc...2/Default.aspx

I know a guy that can make you this, modified to your wishes. PM me if interested.

757CC · 08-22-2012, 16:16

Another vote for drop leg holster!

Edward78 · 08-25-2012, 20:07

If you are comfortable with a open carry rig I would use a drop leg holster and if not what I do when hiking with a backpack I carry my Crossbreed holster and G26 in my back pack and I put it on once I get to my camp site but I also have my LCP or 38 Snub in a pocket holster in my front strong side pocket.

Ed

countrygun · 08-25-2012, 22:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuteTheMall

In the South, if the BG makes you surrender your pack, he'll make you drop your pants and squeal as well. Ask Ned Beatty.

That Lunar system looks interesting.......

.

I always think the answer is in a lighter gun, in keeping with my feeling that there is always a reason for another gun.

I am loving my Charter Arms Bulldog, .44 special. Yu can get it in 2 or 3" fixed sight or 4" adjustable. The 2" runs a whopping 20 ounces and you can carry it almost anywhere and not notice it.