I’ve purchased a 629 Mountain Gun for carrying in bear/lion country and I’m looking for suggestions for a holster. I’m focused on a leg/thigh holster as I usually have a large waist pack on my hip and I want a holster that will always be on me. Meaning that if it’s on the pack, and I take the pack off at spike camp to do whatever, I’m away from it. I know it may make me look like some kind of Soldier of Fortune wannabe clown, but I’m not worried about that.

So I haven’t begun to shop around, it looks like there is an endless market of holsters, but I was hoping some of the hunters/hikers in here might have some suggestions? Any and all comments appreciated, thank you!

A leg or thigh holster is a tactical item that will ill serve a hunter/hiker. Wearing one will become very annoying very quickly, it places the weapon weight exactly where it will be most felt, and will feel clumsy-because it is. It offers no advantage over a belt or shoulder holster, and the above disadvantages, and none of them are cheap into the bargain. I much prefer a belt holster, and then a shoulder holster if no belt holster can be accomodated. I have used them all, a shoulder holster for years as a military aviator, a belt holster as a uniformed cop and detective and the thigh rig on the SWAT Team. It has its place in a tactical situation as the weapon is carried below the arc of a long gun on the strong side, and is easily accessed from unusual body positions (lying down, hanging out a window, climbing a ladder, etc.). None of those situations are likely to be a problem for the non-tactical individual. I always preferred a belt rig even in tactical gear, even if it had to be a cross draw because of carrying a long gun on the strong side.

Ok, I can see your point with that. I guess maybe I was thinking more a belt holster that hangs down a bit, with a thigh strap? I don’t want a shoulder/chest holster and I need something that will be out of the way of the hip pack.

Am I getting warmer?

I agree with AKA....

I have worn a thigh holster for work a BUNCH. Their main claim to fame is that they position your handgun below your heavy vest.

For "field" carry, with a back pack, or without, on horse back, ATV, or Snow Mobile, etc., I have found the best holster for a S&W 44 Mag is the DeSantis Dual Action Hunter, worn cross draw.

The Galco or the Banchi cross draw holsters are good, but the DeSantis is the most comfortable, IMHO.

Walking any distance with a thigh rig is a PITA, seriously. We issued them on our team, which I spent 18 years on, so I have a bit of experience with thigh rigs.

I am not sure that this would answer your need , but have you tried a "border Patrol type holster ? That type of holster would put the revolver butt at the belt line rather than above it and I never found it uncomfortable to wear for extended times back in the day.

Most cross-draw holsters are comfortable for me. You might give one a look.

The Simply Rugged Chesty Puller system (named in honor of the noted American military hero, I guess) also offers a different take on carrying a heavy revolver.

I'd rather carry on my thigh than not carry at all, but IMHO there are several better options for the scenario you describe.

When I hunt I also wear a waist pack and my .44 is in a Bandelero style holster and works great for me.

For back packing with my large pack I use an old Roy's Pancake holster, cross draw and towards the front of the body. The waist belt on the pack goes behind the holster. It works well for me. The thigh holster isn't a good idea if you intend to walk very far and the dropped border patrol holsters swing around so much it wouldn't be any better.

I'd suggest a P6DA from Bob Mernickle. www.mernickleholsters.com I have one for SAs but Bob makes the same holster for DAs & autos too. It rides high out of the way & has belt slots to allow strong side or cross draw carry. It's a very secure holster & the quality is top notch.
Frank

__________________
US RIDE FOR THE BRAND OR LEAVE

I started wearing one of those lovely things, in 1973. Had to wear one off and on, for the next 30 years. Are they fast to get into. NOPE! Are they secure. Yeah, probably too secure, when you are in bear country. A thigh holster is there to compliment your long gun. Not the other way around. And its below your barrier vest.
Like the other guys said, they are really a pain. In bear/lion? country, you want leather, you want heavy, and you want fast. You won't get that with a thigh holster.