Backpacking+concealed carry

[rnr4me]

How 'bout the chestey puller ?

 

[jv]

I bought several accessory pockets and attached them to the backpack's big, fat, padded hip belt and shoulder straps. One of the rectangular ones has a thumb-break holster inside, held in place with velcro. Keeps the rain off and it's very handy and very secure.

 

[AK103K]

I never liked the idea of the gun attached to my ruck. If I have to drop it, the gun goes with it. If its in a holster on your body, or in a fanny pack, that is separate from the ruck, then its with you no matter what.

 

[.38 Special]

I like packs with pouches on the hip belt. I reserve the one on the left for snacks, GPS, etc. and the one on the right for the Taurus 85.

If I ever need to quick draw I am hosed, but I am not completely helpless either.

 

[Dave Hicks]

As someone said what CCWs you have is a critical issue.

If you are talking AT there are a lot of jurisdictions and local park regs in addition to the NPS question.

For me (VA & UT) outside of the "park" issues:

GA, NC, TN, VA, WV,... PA....................... = OK
.......................... MD,..., NY, ................ = Forget it
...........................................MA, NH, ME = OC but tricky

 

[roscoe]

The Safepacker is almost always the right choice. Easy access, not obviously a gun, carries reloads, attaches to your belt or backpack waistbelt, comes in different colors, built like a rock, price is right, etc.

 

[MadMercS55]

I've been using a Maxpedition 3-day pack for awhile now with great results. It has a zippered compartment for a camelback system and will also hold a medium sized semi-auto even with the camelback in place. For me, the zipper is positioned so I can reach back with my right hand, unzip and have easy access to my pistol. Depending on the hike I often carry a Maxpedition Jumbo versipack in addition to the backpack, and I can also keep my sidearm nicely concealed and easily at hand there too. My normal hiking sidearm these days is a Sig P220. I've been debating on getting a Glock 20 in 10mm as my dedicated outdoors pistol, but haven't gotten to it yet.

 

[dairycreek]

I don't pack anymore. Too old and too lame. But, when I did, I found that a belt pistol pack by BAGMASTER worked well for me. It can be secured to your belt either by a metal clip or with regular belt stays. Holds gun, extra ammo, and can have more room for a lot of "stuff". Pretty inexpensive and incredibly well built.

 

[SsevenN]

I am having trouble deciding how to carry it so that it is protected from moisture and concealed yet is readily available. Most of my backpacking is done on the Appalachian Trail and I do not wish to make other hikers feel ill at ease, therefore open carry is not really an option, but I am not willling to sacrifice the safety of myself and my companions by leaving my firearm behind.

Ignore this if it has been hashed out, I did not pre-read the thread.

There are specific holsters made for hiking. Yes, they ride on the outside of the belt like a traditional holster, but look nothing like a holster.

I can't recall the name of the product, but I bought it off Midway USA.
It looks like a carry case for binoculars, but will hold a Full Size handgun of almost any model safely and comfortably.

This holster also allows for "quickdraws".

The front side is Velcro'd in place, with a strap securing a water-resistent cover over the top.

After "popping" the top you have quick access to a previously 100% covered handgun.

Ahh. I found a Pic..........

http://www.exxcess.info/detail.aspx?ID=222

 

[DMZ]

I never liked the idea of the gun attached to my ruck. If I have to drop it, the gun goes with it. If its in a holster on your body, or in a fanny pack, that is separate from the ruck, then its with you no matter what.

I usually open carry a 3" .357 Mag. But have gone to a fanny pack as I can carry it away from camp, say down to the river for a bit of fishing, and it holds a few Quickstrips as well.

 

[skinewmexico]

Carry a Kel-Tec. Meets Rule #1 of a gunfight. And it will fit in a pouch on your hip belt.

 

[sam700]

I got to agree with a couple of the previous posters, the safe packer is the way to go. It's specifically made for backpackers and it doesn't look like a holster.