Carrying while backpacking
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mc5aw
Member
Depends what firearm is being carried. You might want to check out a chest rig, as it won't get hung up on a pack's belt.
briarjumper12
Member
I've used a Safariland thigh rig for my 4006. I don't like the thigh rigs. They tend to flop around, bang on things as you walk by and don't work too good when it's time stretch out for a short break.
I too have been looking for the best carry method with a backpack. As of now I just use smaller packs without the hip belts.
I have also tried the Chesty Puller from the maker in Alaska. It's not the solution either.
I will be watching this thread to see if any body has any good suggestions.
JY
I too have been looking for the best carry method with a backpack. As of now I just use smaller packs without the hip belts.
I have also tried the Chesty Puller from the maker in Alaska. It's not the solution either.
I will be watching this thread to see if any body has any good suggestions.
JY
ColbyBruce
Member
Try a cross draw on your backpack waist belt.
canoeguy
US Veteran
A holster that carries the handgun lower on the belt works for me, like a Hunter brand holster. I do a bit of hiking with a pack that has a belt and found the following work good, holstered gun on trouser belt and belt secured on pack:
Ruger Single action in a Hunter leather holster.
Glock 17 with a Blackhawk Serpa.
4" Model 10 or 64 in a G.I. leather flap holster.
Works not so good:
4" Model 10 or 64 in a Bianchi #5BH
Any sort of "High Ride" or Pancake style holster, even with a compact pistol such as a Ruger SR22.
Ruger Single action in a Hunter leather holster.
Glock 17 with a Blackhawk Serpa.
4" Model 10 or 64 in a G.I. leather flap holster.
Works not so good:
4" Model 10 or 64 in a Bianchi #5BH
Any sort of "High Ride" or Pancake style holster, even with a compact pistol such as a Ruger SR22.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
After 3 knee operations and a hernia I can't do any heavy-duty backpacking, but I do carry a day pack while hunting to carry knives, saw, lunch, thermos, etc. I use a cross-draw thumb-break Model 5-X holster for the 4" Model 29. No conflict with the dap pack straps and I can sling my rifle over the right shoulder with no interference.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
I've backpacked in "State" forests not state parks, that said I always open carried. 20-30 years ago it was always a 1911(or A1) in a nylon holster that I Alice clipped to the hip belt. (Spare ammo was 1-21 round mag. of SD rounds in the side pocket of the pack.) The last trip in the hills was a Colt Cobra in a thin foam IWB holster, inside the adjustment strap of the hip belt, a speed loader in an outside pocket and a box of plinking 38's for entertainment. We have CCW now, but in the hills I like a visible weapon. On a fall trip a long time ago, one of our party had a 20 gauge coach gun in a scabbard on his pack (If you have a long gun you would like to have a valid hunting license, it makes things go easily if the rangers don't think you're poaching). Long guns are a lot of weight if you don't need them. A good cover story is you're getting in shape for next seasons elk hunt out west. Ivan
carrying while backpacking
Carry in a fanny pack worn on the front, belt slightly loose, Put on pack, snap pack belt under fanny pack, tighten pack belt. Fanny pack hangs over pack buckle, gun stays with you if you have to drop pack. I carry my 4" 629 like this.
Carry in a fanny pack worn on the front, belt slightly loose, Put on pack, snap pack belt under fanny pack, tighten pack belt. Fanny pack hangs over pack buckle, gun stays with you if you have to drop pack. I carry my 4" 629 like this.
Maccabeus
Member
I typically carry a light weight J-frame in the cargo pocket of my shorts as a BUG.
A 4513TSW in a cheap leather bianchi IWB I've had for years worn in front appendix style (although, I wear mine more centered than typical appendix style). The back pack waist band straps over the pistol/holster, but not in an uncomfortable way. Nor does it interfere with accessibility.
In the other cargo pocket of my shorts I put a couple extra mags in a holder for the 4513 which balances out the weight of the BUG when walking.
A 4513TSW in a cheap leather bianchi IWB I've had for years worn in front appendix style (although, I wear mine more centered than typical appendix style). The back pack waist band straps over the pistol/holster, but not in an uncomfortable way. Nor does it interfere with accessibility.
In the other cargo pocket of my shorts I put a couple extra mags in a holder for the 4513 which balances out the weight of the BUG when walking.
Waywatcher
Member
Welcome to the forum!
I backpacked 6 days in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana using this method. Worked great; gun accessible and comfortable.
The past couple of trips I've actually just hooked a paddle holster cross draw on my waist belt. (Think someone already mentioned this) This only works if I'm using my multi day pack since it has a thick padded belt. I have noticed some rubbing if I'm hiking hard or have to do a lot of scrambling but for the most part it rides pretty comfortably. I've thought about the fanny pack idea but I just can't bring myself to wear one 
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I carry this way too. Works really good for 4 inch revolvers and autos (or less), bigger boomers get on the heavy side but heck..... it's a counter weight for the overgrown backpack I carry.
Arik
Member
I used a nylon (cheap to test) shoulder holster for my M&P45. Ehhh...so so. Wasnt too bad but the backpack pushed on the gun making it stick out from underneath my armpit a bit. Not totally uncomfortable but not ideal.
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badge 851
US Veteran
•Personal Defense - K frame snubnose 357 Magnum in a Don Hume® J.I.T. Slide; or Galco® High Ride Silohette holster.
• Critter Defense 4" 41 Remingron Magnum in a Galco® FLETCH Holster.
shortdog
Member
I have been carrying like this for more than 20 years when backpacking. Keeps the gun clean, out of sight, and readily accessible without getting in the way. Also gives you a handy place for things like sunblock, chapstick, bug repellent, etc.
bennettfam
Member
My 642 rides in a small camera pouch attached to the shoulder strap. Easy to access quickly, and subtly disguised. When I drop the pack the .38 gets transferred to a fanny pack or cargo pocket. Slick!
TrailRated
Member
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I carry my 686 4" bbl in a custom chest pouch. Think of a chest pouch for binoculars and you get the idea. It works great and has very easy access.
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