Holster options for backpacking?

[JamisJockey]

I've got two nice handguns, a Ruger Security Six and a Taurus PT145. I'm going to do some backpacking this summer, and would probably carry the Ruger.
I've looked at the safepacker, but am curious about some other options. Something that would hang off the waist belt on my pack would be ideal, and I'd prefer concealment just to keep from freaking out the hippie-hiker-sheeples.

 

[Josey]

I see a problem. That Velcro strap. I wouldn't trust it. The simple solution is a tactical chest pack. If you wear a light anorak or golf vest the weapon is concealed. Do you have a CCW? The better choice would be a padded cordura pistol belt with a cordura fanny pack holster. Uncle Mikes, Safariland and Bianchi make them. www.galls.com

 

[DougB]

I used to carry a small .357 in a very inexpensive "Hunter" holster that would snap over the waistbelt of my backpack, and when I wasn't carrrying the pack, would go on my regular belt. But it wasn't at all concealed, and did sometimes get a cool reception from other hikers (or at least I sensed that it did).

The last few years, I've been using a small rectangular fanny pack that is really designed to carry a camera. I think the brand is "Eagle" something. The waistband zips into a pocket in the back of the pack when not in use. I attached a couple of small snaps to the shoulder straps of my backpack so I can snap the small fanny pack, by D-rings it already had, to the snaps so it hangs on my chest. I works pretty welll (even slightly counter balances the weight of the pack. My handgun is readily accessible (I generally leave the zipper partially opened so I can easily slip my hand in to draw). I also carry snacks, compass, small flashlight, camera, etc. in this small pack. When I'm not carrying the backpack, I wear the fanny pack in the normal way. I also transfer my fishing gear to to it when I get to camp. The only real downside is that if I load it very heavily it bounces against my chest as I walk and can get annoying.

I look forward to hearing how others deal with this - maybe I'll get some ideas for improvement before this summer's trip.

Doug

 

[JNewell]

Take a look at something like the DeSantis or Galco fanny packs. If you buy some extra plastic hardware (at a backpacking store) you should be able to rig them up so that they buckle into your waistbelt (so they are secure but don't have to go all the way around). It's not the fastest, but it is a very good compromise between availability and concealment. I've seen a fair number of hikers with these over their waistbelt to keep things they want access to handy.

 

[Secmat]

I've used the ActionPac with good results while in the woods.

http://www.action-direct.com/257.htm

 

[JamisJockey]

I see a problem. That Velcro strap

I didn't think about that velcro!

Do you have a CCW?

Yes. Depending on the number of cars at the trailhead, I may not be abject to open carrying, although I see concealment as the way to go. Theoretically, I might accidentially stray onto National Park land, however, not being 100% sure of the boundries and all...carrying in Nat'l Parks is prohibited I do believe.

I've been using a small rectangular fanny pack that is really designed

I'll look into something like that, or maybe one of the codura or nylon fanny packs that has been suggested.
Keep 'em coming, lots of good advice so far!

 

[TallPine]

Seems to be one of those problems for which there isn't a perfect solution.

Personally, I don't care about what other people might think. They can either be"cool" about me carrying a weapon, or they can be cool towards me. If they don't like it, then I figure maybe they don't have the best of intentions and I would just as soon let them know that I am not to be messed with. Anyway, where I go I am likely to see more bears than people.

I don't like having the gun on the backpack belt because I want it on me at ALL times.

What I got by with was carrying OWB on my leather jeans belt in the 1.00-2.00 o'clock position rather than my usual 4.00 o'clock behind the hip. Anyway, just far enough forward that the grip doesn't bang or catch on the packframe. Ran the backpack belt between the holster and my jeans, around my hips below my jeans belt as per usual. A crossdraw setup might work as well or better, as the grip would be pointed away from the packframe.

I think the best rig might be one of those "tactical" thigh holsters that would ride below all the backpack rigging and would still be readily accessible. But I have only seen those made for semi-auto pistols, not a large frame revolver.

I've also wondered about those large cargo pant pockets for concealed carry in a similar position. Some of the old cowboys carried their "hogleg" in a pocket on their chaps rather than a belt holster. But I am not into buying a $50 to $80 pair of pants just to go backpacking.

My kids got a couple of those miniature ("hobbit") horses, and it sure got me to thinkin' about training one of those to pack. They don't eat like a big horse, and you could almost always find enough grass for them. Then I could get out from under the dang backpack altogether Just have to train them to load and ride in the back of the pickup.

 

[JNewell]

those large cargo pant pockets

My experience with those is that the waistbelt of the pack usually cuts off enough of the pocket that access is s-l-o-w. In my case at least the fannypack in the front is faster.

Someone mentioned not wanting the gun in the pack. I agree, it's way slow and also raises issues if you leave your pack for some reason, even briefly. With the fannypack you can quickly reconfigure the thing for waist wear or just carry it in one hand.

 

[roscoe]

I vouch for the Safepacker. It does not rely on the velcro to hold the pistol in, or the Safepacker to the pack - the strap wraps around the whole pouch and is held closed and to the back belt with a fastex buckle. I like it because it puts the firearm out of the way; I don't like carrying something on my chest. Incidentally, I carry a CZ75B with it (with one extra magazine).

Plus, it does not look like a firearm, for those times when you don't want to advertise.

Incidentally, this topic has been discussed frequently, here and at TFL. Do a search.

 

[MissileCop]

I'll back Roscoe up on the velcro not being an issue. I'm fondling.....uhhh...looking at my Safepacker right now.

With the fastex buckle unfastened, I gripped the velcro flap at the bottom and tried to pull down. Pulling it down in front of the main compartment required some effort, but the velcro did separate. Pulling down from the backside of the compartment, I was not able to separate the velcro at all.

It's made of quality material, and should hold up well.

I bought mine this fall so that I would be prepared for hiking and kayaking this spring. C'mon Spring!!!!

If anyone asks me, it's a first-aid kit. Because it's the first thing that's coming to my aid if I'm ever unfortunate enough to be in a SHTF situation.

Now go spend your money!!!

 

[ID_shooting]

Not sure how it is in Utah, bit up here in Idaho I woldn't worry about conceling it. People will look at you funny if you arent packing, especially if you in Grizzly country. Just remember, you can allways tell it's grizzlly poop because it has bells, pepper spray cans, and .357 slugs in it

 

[Unisaw]

I use a fanny pack turned around to the front. I also keep my map and snacks in this fanny pack. Use of a fanny pack has two big advantages IMO: (1) many backpackers use them to carry their map and snacks even when they aren't carrying a gun, so I have never had anyone look twice, and (2) it allows you to keep the gun with you even when you have taken off your backpack.

 

[VaughnT]

Though I've not used it, I have heard good things about the construction of the packs made by www.maxpedition.com and available online.

The one pack, in particular, is designed to hang around your waist and down the leg, rather like a drop-leg tactical holster. With a bunch of pockets, you can carry what you like for dayhiking all the while having a holstered sidearm in the backmost pocket.

I did get a kick out of that chest rig, though. It's pretty cool to look at, but I think it would get a lot of looks on the trails.

Kinda reminds me of those harnesses that S&R members wear their radios on when searching avalanches and such. For bikers and joggers, I could definitely see this being useful for carrying a phone, medkit, gun, and snacks.