Lone_Gunman
Member
A hip holster would be covered up by my backpack hip belt. A shoulder holster would be easier to access but you have to wear a cover garment, not just an untucked shirt.
What do you backpackers do?
What do you backpackers do?
How do you carry your gun when backpacking?
- Thread starter Lone_Gunman
- Start date
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Shoulder holster - High Noon Undertaker.
I have several internal frame backpacks and it
Fits perfectly with them all.
As far as I know there are no laws against
Open carry in the back country.
With exception of the present brouhaha about carrying in National Parks.
isher
I have several internal frame backpacks and it
Fits perfectly with them all.
As far as I know there are no laws against
Open carry in the back country.
With exception of the present brouhaha about carrying in National Parks.
isher
Lone_Gunman
Member
In some places that would be OK, but I am not sure how it solves all the problems. You would still have a problem carrying on a belt wouldnt you?
I guess I am sort of asking what specific holsters work best when carrying a pack. I would like the option of being able to conceal if I felt like it, but have no problem with open carry in areas where that is ok and won't call a lot of special attention to me.
Ruger p345 .45 in a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack attached to belt at 4:00. NAA mini .22mag w/ snakeshot IWB at 1:00.
The Versipack is great for longer hikes as it carries food, water, and emergency gear quite well too.
For very short hikes i go OWB w/ kydex paddle for the .45. I just wear a long shirt, jacket or sweater to cover it up.
The Versipack is great for longer hikes as it carries food, water, and emergency gear quite well too.
For very short hikes i go OWB w/ kydex paddle for the .45. I just wear a long shirt, jacket or sweater to cover it up.
Lone_Gunman
Member
So how do you wear that Versa Pack when you have a backpack on?
The concealment problem in your OP - I took it to mean a shoulder holster was preferred but covering it was problematic.
Like rondog, I have three M3 type shoulder holsters - one for a M1911 .45, one for a 3/3.5" n frame, and one for a 4" L frame. Covers any caliber and gun I might need or want to carry. To me, flexibility about carrying comfortably or the weapon that is correct for the job is more important than "calling attention to myself." If it's legal to carry openly, and it's more comfortable/convenient/safer, I put that ahead of what some liberal might think.
As side note, I do find the M3 shoulder holster draws less attention than other types. It doesn't jut off your side like a hip holster making for an irregular/broken profile that passers by notice so readily. Also, the earlier M3 type is much better than the M7 type. That was a classic example of an answer looking for a problem. Dumb.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Who makes the M3 style holster you have? It looks pretty nice.
dmazur
Member
El Paso Saddlery makes a shoulder holster very similar to the M3 pictured. They make them to fit a specific model, including different 1911 lengths (Govt, Commander, Officer's), and SA and DA revolvers.
They are a little pricey, compared to the "knock-offs" available at some discount houses, but they are top quality and will last a lifetime.
They are a little pricey, compared to the "knock-offs" available at some discount houses, but they are top quality and will last a lifetime.
dmazur said:
I have one of those from my 3/3.5" N frames. It is drop-dead neat looking and let me see if I have a picture...
For the GI I have a WWII surplus one (Sgt. Proal wasn't using it any more...
). The one rondog pictured above is just a GI surplus one.
RedAlert
Member
Check out the "Wilderness Safepacker" as it looks like camping gear and yet is specifically designed to carry your pistol concealed. Works in the city too.
http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?products_id=18
Ralph
http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?products_id=18
Ralph
Go to eBay and search for "M3 holster". I just bought a new one for $42.50 +shipping, $49.50 total. Or search Google, lots of sources for repros. Some look better than others. What Price Glory offers one with a 12" longer strap, but it's $60.
The one I just bought on eBay looked nicely dyed in the photo. I bought one from a local surplus store for $32.99, made by Texas Hill Country (turned out to be an M7, I didn't know there were two kinds. Has two straps and fits differently), and it's raw and undyed. Nice quality though, but a plastic buckle on the strap. There's also quite a few original WWII vintage M3's on eBay, but they're much pricier.
B yond,
The OP is talking about backpacking. Imagine 35+ lbs trekking backpack here.
Lone Gunman,
The best I can think of for concealing while packing is a pocket pistol or small revolver in a cargo pocket. Can't normally get to a regular pants pocket with a hip belt in the way. When I backpack I tend to carry a full size .45 auto in a drop leg holster, or an 18.5" 12 gauge if I plan on encountering dangerous critters.
The OP is talking about backpacking. Imagine 35+ lbs trekking backpack here.
Lone Gunman,
The best I can think of for concealing while packing is a pocket pistol or small revolver in a cargo pocket. Can't normally get to a regular pants pocket with a hip belt in the way. When I backpack I tend to carry a full size .45 auto in a drop leg holster, or an 18.5" 12 gauge if I plan on encountering dangerous critters.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Yes, the backpacking I am talking about would be multiple days, carrying small tent and sleeping bag, and my pack will be about about 25 pounds.
amd6547
Member
In my case, I use an internal frame North Face backpack which has a zipper pocket on either side just above the waist belt. I can easily reach these pockets while wearing the pack. The pistol is in a cheap Uncle Mike clip on holster for wear around camp.
Most pack manufacturers offer accessory pouches that attach to your pack straps or waist belt. These are also offered by third party pack gear manufacturers. Some are meant for cameras. These don't scream "gun pouch"...When I see a MaxPedition bag, I know there is a firearm present.
Most pack manufacturers offer accessory pouches that attach to your pack straps or waist belt. These are also offered by third party pack gear manufacturers. Some are meant for cameras. These don't scream "gun pouch"...When I see a MaxPedition bag, I know there is a firearm present.
Lone Gunman, if your pack is going to be that light, you may also consider wearing a pack adjusted so the torso length is too short. I have a small, maybe 1500 cu. in., pack that's too short for me that I use for light trips. It rides high enough, and the hip belt is thin enough that I can get away with wearing a belt holster like a serpa.
That still doesn't address the concealment issue. . . nevermind.
That still doesn't address the concealment issue. . . nevermind.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Most of my backingpacking is in the east... the gun I carry is usually a Ruger SP101 or S&W J frame in 357 mag with a 3" barrel. I feel that is plenty of gun for the Appalachians.
However, the trip currently planned is in the Rockies, and I am not sure I want to go with a gun that small. I would like to take a S&W 29 or 629. This is what is creating my problem. I do not see myself being able to put a 629 into a small pouch on a belt or a pocket on cargo pants.
Maybe I just ought to stick with the 357, as I think I can conceal that easier. I just dont want to get eaten for lack of too small of a gun.
However, the trip currently planned is in the Rockies, and I am not sure I want to go with a gun that small. I would like to take a S&W 29 or 629. This is what is creating my problem. I do not see myself being able to put a 629 into a small pouch on a belt or a pocket on cargo pants.
Maybe I just ought to stick with the 357, as I think I can conceal that easier. I just dont want to get eaten for lack of too small of a gun.
When I'm backpacking (which is hardly ever), I usually carry a tactical thigh rig for my sidearm, or use the belt straps with the backpack as the belt for my pistol holster. Otherwise, I'm sporting a fanatical vest with a cross draw holster attached (MOLLE style).
But i'm a weird-o.
But i'm a weird-o.
indiandave
Member
I carry mine in a fanny pack ment for camaras rotated so it's in the front. I can keep a camara and my 642 nice and handy.
Fumbler
Member
Sounds like the original poster needs a chest harness.
Check these out:
http://www.grizzlytuff.com/
If I were going to buy one then I'd get one of those.
I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy so instead I made one myself for my Super Redhawk. It's very similar to the Girzzly Tuff.
I like chest holster because my SRH is too big for a hip holster, it's easy to access the gun from any position, and I can wear a pack when hunting and still carry a revolver.
If you already have a holster (which I assume you do) for your 29 then you could probably rig up some straps to attach to the holster for chest carry.
Just go to an outdoor store and buy some 1" flat webbing (not tubular, that's too bulky), some 1" sliders, and maybe a quick disconnect clip.
Play around with it, you'll figure out how to make it work.
As far as concealment, just drape an extra t-shirt over it. No one will think it's a gun. It'll look odd, but won't look like a gun.
Check these out:
http://www.grizzlytuff.com/
If I were going to buy one then I'd get one of those.
I'm a do-it-yourself kinda guy so instead I made one myself for my Super Redhawk. It's very similar to the Girzzly Tuff.
I like chest holster because my SRH is too big for a hip holster, it's easy to access the gun from any position, and I can wear a pack when hunting and still carry a revolver.
If you already have a holster (which I assume you do) for your 29 then you could probably rig up some straps to attach to the holster for chest carry.
Just go to an outdoor store and buy some 1" flat webbing (not tubular, that's too bulky), some 1" sliders, and maybe a quick disconnect clip.
Play around with it, you'll figure out how to make it work.
As far as concealment, just drape an extra t-shirt over it. No one will think it's a gun. It'll look odd, but won't look like a gun.
amd6547
Member
I would carry your 357mag. When I backpack, I try to keep the weight down, and the firearm is part of that. My main concern are two-legged predators. In the Rockies, I would add a good can of bear spray.
I have carried a 44mag on a backpack trip, and found it to be a pain in the a**. Carried a 38 snub many times, and it was just about right. My favorite now is a Tokarev pistol. The pistol itself is fairly light and compact, was cheap to purchase, so I don't worry about trail abuse, and is mil-spec tough. 7.62x25 has plenty of penetration in FMJ, and is flat-shooting out to 100yds. Plus, can be had in JHP.
As you have found in this thread, most responses are from people who have never carried a full pack over rough terrain, and have no clue what adding a 4lb revolver plus ammo and carry rig will do, let alone wearing an extra t-shirt to conceal it.
I have carried a 44mag on a backpack trip, and found it to be a pain in the a**. Carried a 38 snub many times, and it was just about right. My favorite now is a Tokarev pistol. The pistol itself is fairly light and compact, was cheap to purchase, so I don't worry about trail abuse, and is mil-spec tough. 7.62x25 has plenty of penetration in FMJ, and is flat-shooting out to 100yds. Plus, can be had in JHP.
As you have found in this thread, most responses are from people who have never carried a full pack over rough terrain, and have no clue what adding a 4lb revolver plus ammo and carry rig will do, let alone wearing an extra t-shirt to conceal it.
highorder
Member
I carry a Sig P6 wrapped in a bandana in one of the mesh pockets on the side of my pack. (where waterbottles and snacks go)
Its easy to get at, and simply concealed.
Its easy to get at, and simply concealed.
runrabbitrun
member
I like that solution the best so far (post number 4)...
But since I don't have that type rig,
I'll just carry with the holster I have on my military style utility belt.
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