Concealed Carry Holster for Hiking / Backpacking

[Jeff Lynch]

I'm going to be hiking/climbing in Big Bend National Park (Texas) and am looking for advice on a concealed carry holster for someone wearing shorts a hiking shirt (untucked) and backpack.

I use a DeSantis Cozy Partner IWB for day to day activities but it's tough to hike and climb with this inside my waistband.

Suggestions?

 

[nebmike]

I tend to find paddle and/or pancake holsters (either leather or Kydex) to be the most comfortable for extended wear while hiking, etc., especially if you have to do it concealed.

If you're wearing a backpack with a waist belt, then carrying on the hip can be tricky. I dont usually conceal when I'm in the mountains, so I use either a drop-leg set up or chest rig along with a backpack.

 

[Faulkner]

Depends on the size of the gun too. What do you plan on carrying?

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I carry a "fanny pack" from Cabelas, with their logo stamped on the front. It holds my S&W 36 and a 6 round speed clip. There's also a place for a cell phone. I've tried packs designed for handguns but they look to much like.........handgun packs. I like to use something that blends in with what many other hikers are carrying. And by the way, another advantage of this type of pack: If someone were to threaten me and ask for my wallet I'd say sure, just a second, it's right here in my pack.

 

[white cloud]

this is a very interesting question. i do a lot of long distance hiking and back packing. i hope others will chime in.

i am considering one of these:

Safepacker Concealed Carry Holster, Concealed Weapon Holster

does anyone have any experience with these?

 

[Harrison]

I think that if I was going to hike very far into the Big Bend, for a gun, I would want a minimum of a 357 mag, with a min. brl lenght of 3". There are all sorts of dangerous critters in the Big Bend, both two and four legged.

 

[Jubz]

You might want to check out the belly bands from Pistol Wear, encloses the entire gun.

Pistol Wear - Holsters for Concealed Handguns

 

[Desert Pete]

My hunting pack doubles as my day pack. It has pockets in the waist band that will hold a small revolver or semi-auto.

 

[Jeff Lynch]

I plan to carry my M&P 9c into Big Bend and it's the two legged animals that have me the most concerned this year. My photo-pack doesn't have a waist belt and I usually carry my GPS on one shoulder strap and my 2-Way radio on the other. In Texas we have to carry concealed with a CHL, even in a national park so I'm looking for a small belt pouch (molle style) with a velcro closure to carry on my strong right side. I'd much prefer to open carry using a holster but a Class A Misdemeanor will get me a 90 day suspended CHL.

If I can't find something that fits my gun I'll probably have one made by the same guy that custom designed my pack. Maybe there's a market for something that doesn't look like a "man bag".

 

[biggs357]

If you have a Revolver and you aren't carrying a pack then get a pancake holster like this,if you have a pack then you might want to think about a sholder holster.If you want to carry a smaller semi-auto then get a 17.00 fishing vest with wide front pockets so you can zip it up and go.It's what i use when i'm fishing or camping.

 

[Combat_Diver]

Jeff, since Big Bend is in Brewster county and their javelina season is from September 1, 2010-August 31, 2011 why not get a hunting license and carry openly?

I've only been down there once and that was in Dec 91 working with the Border Patrol. Carried a M9 and M16A2 loaded which we did see a bunch of javelinas (didn't shoot even thou I did have my Texas hunting license). Rucked in and then lived in a hide sight for a week 100m from the Rio Grande.

CD

 

[tommy F]

I carry several revolvers when I go to the woods. The M65 4" 357mag works well with pancake strong side and uncle mikes shoulder when wearing heavy clothing. I usually carry a M36 2" 38spl in a pocket holster.

Tommy

 

[Jeff Lynch]

Open Carry at Big Bend?

Jeff, since Big Bend is in Brewster county and their javelina season is from September 1, 2010-August 31, 2011 why not get a hunting license and carry openly?

I've only been down there once and that was in Dec 91 working with the Border Patrol. Carried a M9 and M16A2 loaded which we did see a bunch of javelinas (didn't shoot even thou I did have my Texas hunting license). Rucked in and then lived in a hide sight for a week 100m from the Rio Grande.

CD

Great idea and thanks! I was under the impression that CHL holders couldn't open carry anywhere in Texas. I'll look into the hunting license.

 

[anomad]

this is a very interesting question. i do a lot of long distance hiking and back packing. i hope others will chime in.

i am considering one of these:

Safepacker Concealed Carry Holster, Concealed Weapon Holster

does anyone have any experience with these?

I've spent a fair share of time enjoying the great outdoors and love the safepacker. I have used a glock 19 and 26 and j frame in their respective size safepackers.
They are expensive, but indestructable. never call attention strapped to a camel bak or backpack. Keeps the gun and spare ammo out of the elements and protected from bumps and scrapes. Easy to detach for in the car or tent.

 

[syeary1]

I've been carrying a full-sized 1911 using just an IWB holster for years while backpacking (500+ miles last 2 years alone). Alternating positions is the key. When I really need to conceal, I clip it in just right of the belt buckle. At some point this generally becomes uncomfortable and I begin periodically alternating between a far more comfortable unclipped position (cinched in tight w/ belt) just in front of the right hip. This is less concealed, but with the backpack, straps, etc. it's still concealed. When it get's dark and/or concealment is not an issue, I can also clip it inside/under my pack's kidney strap for a total comfort/drying out. When the pack comes off, you can still switch to a standard position behind the hip. I use a DeSantis leather holster with an Uncle Mike's clip for easy manipulation. Perspiration can be an issue though - I carry a stainless gun.

 

[off road]

The OP is old....but I will pipe in here for the fanny pack. I can nicely carry a 329NG in an Uncle Mikes Gun Pak Belt Pouch, 'Federal' size (which they seem to have discontinued). The 'Original' size will hold smaller frame guns nicely, and even the 3" 360sc which I love because it is ultralight.