For many years of my outdoor activities, on foot & horseback, I holstered my OD 3" M66. If it was too hot for cover clothing I used a pommel holster & doubt anyone knew what it was. Something as small as a J frame is still going to be a burden hiking long distances unless you are very clever about concealing in a pack of sorts.
Only once... on a remote trail... my horse & I were tracked by a pack of aggressive coy-dogs at the limits of of visibility in the underbrush. I went as far as to open my vest & tuck it behind the grips for access. I was very glad that I reached a gravel road as dusk fell & gave him his head... quickly opening the first mile of distance. He earned a bath when we reached the barn, all sweated up.
I hand made my holster... a near copy of a Bianchi 5BHL with slight influence from Safariland.
