Chest pack for hiking

foxx said:
I got a Hill People Gear Recon Kit bag recently. I have yet to really get to use it. I've loaded it up, wore it around the property, attached it to my backpack, just to experiment. But, I really got it for concealed carry while backpacking and hiking.
It's made very very well, and so comfortable that I could forget I'm wearing it. I don't think it looks "tactical" or like military gear at all. It's only got a few strips of MOLLE and those end up covered if you use them at all. The recon bag is only 1" deep, I can see the ground and my feet with it on. YMMV if you start adding gear to the MOLLE like a large camera case, binoculars, etc..
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I'd really like a way to carry my Glock on my chest while hiking and mountain biking. How does the Hill People bag work for you? I want to easily access my gun without having to remove my Camelbak and dig through it, and carrying in a holster while biking isn't an option.

I want a way to carry so my gun is easily accessible, but not right out in the open (as in using a Serpa holster on a Molle chest rig). Washington is an open carry state, but I realize that looking like Rambo with my gun thrust out in peoples faces is not a diplomatic move for those not used to seeing guns carried (like a lot of the people on the trail).
 
Mountainman38 said:
I'd really like a way to carry my Glock on my chest while hiking and mountain biking. How does the Hill People bag work for you? I want to easily access my gun without having to remove my Camelbak and dig through it, and carrying in a holster while biking isn't an option.

I want a way to carry so my gun is easily accessible, but not right out in the open (as in using a Serpa holster on a Molle chest rig). Washington is an open carry state, but I realize that looking like Rambo with my gun thrust out in peoples faces is not a diplomatic move for those not used to seeing guns carried (like a lot of the people on the trail).
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The HPG Kit Bag is the best option I've found for exactly that. I've tried IWB holsters (uncomfortable and inaccessible), I've done OWB rigs, Wilderness Safepacker, RIBZ pack, different fanny pack methods, etc. The Kit Bag allows you to functionally carry it with a backpack and is extremely fast to access. I did a short video where I was even able to quickly access and draw with the hiking poles strapped to my hands. I do use the Kydex trigger guard for retention, but it's not needed from a safety standpoint or for securing your pistol. As mentioned, I wear it backpacking with a full 40+pound pack, day hikes, mountain biking, kayaking and one of HPG's employees even used it rock climbing/rappelling. For a discreet method to carry your firearm for numerous outdoor activities, I haven't found or used anything better...

Got to say Wenatchee is a beautiful area. I went to CWU and had more than a few trips to that area...just love it!

ROCK6
 
I got mine because I can't find anything better. For my needs, backpacking and hiking, I cannot find a better CC method. It doesn't look like a holster, it's easy to access, but also holds other gear, so it just seems like a chest pouch to others on the trail.
I got the Recon Scout, but considered the Snubbie. I have a Ruger SP101, the gun is a bit long for the Snubbie's dimensions. Well, that's what I suspect, it could fit, but I didn't want it to be too snug. You need some room to get a fast draw.
For running or mountain biking, there may be times that you want the stabilizer straps, IDK? I don't plan on running with mine, because, if I'm running, I must be out of bullets.:D
 
foxx said:
I got mine because I can't find anything better. For my needs, backpacking and hiking, I cannot find a better CC method. It doesn't look like a holster, it's easy to access, but also holds other gear, so it just seems like a chest pouch to others on the trail.
I got the Recon Scout, but considered the Snubbie. I have a Ruger SP101, the gun is a bit long for the Snubbie's dimensions. Well, that's what I suspect, it could fit, but I didn't want it to be too snug. You need some room to get a fast draw.
For running or mountain biking, there may be times that you want the stabilizer straps, IDK? I don't plan on running with mine, because, if I'm running, I must be out of bullets.:D
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Hey foxx, I was able to easily fit my S&W 686 Plus, 7-Shot, 3" barrel in the Snubby. It does take up most of the room, but it still fine for quick access. You won't get much else minus your ID in the front pouch though. I did get the Snubby for running and it works well. I haven't done anything more than a couple of (very slow) miles with it. It's growing on me for a much more compact option. I'll just be running with a compact 9mm (most likely my G26 or Kahr).

ROCK6
 
Thanks Rock,
I don't know if I'll need another chest rig, but it's good to know what can fit in the Snubby. I own a 4" S&W 586 and I also have a "full size" 9mm that I may want to carry at some point. Not to mention, I'm experimenting with strapping in my current OWB holster inside my Recon. This would serve three purposes, 1. holster is with me if I want to carry on my waist and 2. the trigger is covered, just in case, and 3. it keeps the smaller Ruger from moving around inside the larger compartment space.
I'm trying some different methods to do this, but essentiall the dummy loop lines up perfectly with the belt loop of my Side Guard holster. I can push the loop through the belt opening and just slide a stick, small caribiner, etc through the loop. Heck even a spork would do the trick, anything that keeps the dummy loop from sliding through the belt loop of the holster.
 
Thanks for all the inputs folks!
I'm still not sure whether I will pull the trigger on a chest pack (Fishpond or HPG) or find a couple of good pouches to attach to the shoulder straps of my backpack...but I do appreciate alot every feedback I got here.

:cool:
 
I have a Ribz setup, think its the older design, picked it up real cheap. Have not really used it yet, and can't really decide if its good or not. The pockets are too small for a full size Glock, that was one disappointment.

Those of you with Ribz setups, what are you using it for?
 
you may really like this, look up RIBZ pack. it is a pack that goes on like a backpack but rests on your lower rib area i got one a few weeks ago LOVE it not a single problem and if you want it heres a promo code for 20 dollars off to use at checkout. "nutnfancy"
 
ROCK6 said:
The HPG Kit Bag is the best option I've found for exactly that. I've tried IWB holsters (uncomfortable and inaccessible), I've done OWB rigs, Wilderness Safepacker, RIBZ pack, different fanny pack methods, etc. The Kit Bag allows you to functionally carry it with a backpack and is extremely fast to access. I did a short video where I was even able to quickly access and draw with the hiking poles strapped to my hands. I do use the Kydex trigger guard for retention, but it's not needed from a safety standpoint or for securing your pistol. As mentioned, I wear it backpacking with a full 40+pound pack, day hikes, mountain biking, kayaking and one of HPG's employees even used it rock climbing/rappelling. For a discreet method to carry your firearm for numerous outdoor activities, I haven't found or used anything better...

Got to say Wenatchee is a beautiful area. I went to CWU and had more than a few trips to that area...just love it!

ROCK6
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ROCK,

A belated thanks for the excellent info. I really appreciate a real-world review from someone who's done exactly the things I want to with a chest carry rig. I'll have to start looking into making this my next gear purchase, I think.

We moved to Wenatchee at the beginning of the summer, and really like it. It's got much more of a small town feel than Spokane had, and shopping is much closer. I haven't had much time to get up in the mountains yet (3 kids and suddenly a fourth on the way), but the Cascades look amazing from here.

There have been mountain lion sightings just south of town in the hills, as well as numerous tracks seen, so having my Glock ready to hand will give me a lot more peace of mind when I do get out more.
 
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