How do you carry your handgun while backpacking?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,421
Hello! It's been a LONG time since I've posted, which equates to not much time outdoors. Just got done with 6 months of chemotherapy and surgery with round #2 of cancer. I'm in the "all clear" zone for now, and I'm ITCHING to get out into the wilderness!

I've been struggling to find the best way to carry my gun with me while backpacking. Ideally, I'd like quick access to it, and have it comfortably concealed. I'm not an ultralighter, but I am careful with how much weight I carry, especially after surgery. My current pack has a very minimal waist belt that prevents me from carrying that way. I don't think I want a drop leg holster, and the SafePacker just seems huge and bulky. The only thing that seems like it would work is the Chest Holster from Survival Sheath, but they don't have my gun for a mold (Springfield XD sub compact 9mm), and they seem to be pretty sketchy when it comes to customer service.

What other options are out there? Some protection from the elements would be nice too, as it's always raining in Oregon.

Thanks for the advice, let me know if I need to provide more info on anything.
 
Glad to see you back and on the mend.. I'm a strong advocate of not ever being separated from my mission critical gear with a handgun being one of them. Your two options you mentioned earlier might really be your best choices.

A drop leg is a great wilderness choice especially with the handgun outfitted with a weapon mounted light. You always have it with you and it is out of the way! Blade Tech has a super system now that let's you easily move the holster from a drop leg to a belt or to a chest rig in seconds. Same holster but three separate attachments.

You could have the belt attachment on with the pack but you'd use the drop leg. Once stopped for your RON you could quickly transfer to the belt carry in a few seconds!

I also have two of Robert's chest rigs (Survival Sheath) for night time and cannot be more pleased. He is a great guy but busy. Give him another chance. Maybe he could borrow a mold???
 
Instead of a drop leg setup, have you considered a belt mounted option with a 1.5-2 inch drop? This type of setup will allow you to clear your pack's waist belt and still maintain a quicker draw position. Specifically speaking, you should take a look at the Safariland ALS holster with a 1.5 inch drop.
 
I would check out some of the chest packs from Hill People Gear. I have the Kit Bag. It's excellent for handgun carry plus other daily gear, and it doesn't look "tactical" or like you're obviously carrying:

http://hillpeoplegear.com/
 
How about a Blackhawk Sherpa on the shoulder strap, muzzle up? It holds an XD45 at any angle I can think of.
 
First, congrats on your recent win over the big C! I wish you all the best!

As to concealed carry with a pack, I have been experimenting with that for a while. I have tried a RIBZ pack but found it to bulky for my taste. It may be worth a look though. I also really like the looks of the Hill People Gear chest packs suggested above. I haven't tried one yet, partly because I didn't care for the RIBZ on my chest.

What I have settled on for now is the Osprey Grab Bag. It is small, light, and easily carries a compact size handgun - plus it is only 25 bucks. The pics below are with a Glock 26 with a factory +2 extension on the mag, so I think a XD sub should fit fine. This bag attaches to the shoulder straps on any (I assume) pack so it will not need to hang from your belt. It also detaches easily and converts to a waist pack when walking around camp. The other plus for me is that it doesn't look tactical at all. I don't have a lot of miles on it yet but so far I'm liking it.

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Congratulations on your victory and resilience! And thanks for this post, as I've been wondering the same. I'll be interested to see everybody's posts.
 
Remo1 said:
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THIS looks great. I've got an Osprey pack, so should work perfectly. Love that it converts as well. Does the gun flop around much? What's the inside of it like? Just one big pocket?

I'll head out to look at one tomorrow! I'd used a small silnylon stuff sack in the past, but didn't like how it just floated around.

(And thanks for the congrats. Cancer sucks!)
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. I've asked this question in a few different places, without nearly as helpful of a response. I love Blade Forums!
 
peripatew said:
THIS looks great. I've got an Osprey pack, so should work perfectly. Love that it converts as well. Does the gun flop around much? What's the inside of it like? Just one big pocket?

I'll head out to look at one tomorrow! I'd used a small silnylon stuff sack in the past, but didn't like how it just floated around.

(And thanks for the congrats. Cancer sucks!)
Click to expand...

Glad to give you an option to look at. In my limited experience it doesn't flop around too much - perhaps because it is so close to the shoulder strap. The inside is one big pocket with a mesh divider, and there is a stretchy pocket on the outside.
 
First off, congratulations! I'll add my prayers to those already said for your full and complete recovery!

Generally I carry my sidearm in an older "Tanker" style holster. The one I have is made of really tough nylon (I've had it for almost 25 years:eek:) and can be positioned either under the arm or on the chest - handy when carrying a pack. Throw a button up shirt or jacket over it and its fairly concealed. These hoslters can be found many places and generally fit several weapons; mine has carried a Charter Bulldog, S&W Model 10, 4506, Glock 22 and 19:)
 
i carry the same way i do every other day, in my Bianchi paddle holster at 3 oclock.
ive always thought that if i NEEDED my .357 RIGHT NOW thats exactly where i will looking to find one, so i see no need in changing things up.

imo for where i am located this is an ideal trail gun....




Uploaded with ImageShack.us
 
This may or may not interest you, but the lighter the gun, the easier it is to carry. With an empty weight of 11.4 ounces, the 340PD is light enough to go in a pocket. I've heard people say they carry their mini-Glock or similar sized weapon in a pocket, but I can't imagine doing it.

There's a lot of talk about how brutal it is to shoot full-house .357's through such a light gun, but my 110lb wife can do it, so it's not that bad.

I've got a safe full of handguns and this is pretty much the only one that gets any trail time. No matter how you carry, light weight is always nice.

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There is a company called, DIAMOND D CUSTOM LEATHER, they are out of Alaska and make some serious holsters. One is a chest carry rig which would fit your need perfect. Check em out.
 
Remo1 said:
Glad to give you an option to look at. In my limited experience it doesn't flop around too much - perhaps because it is so close to the shoulder strap. The inside is one big pocket with a mesh divider, and there is a stretchy pocket on the outside.
Click to expand...

Picked one up today with a 25% off discount! GREAT size for my gun.
 
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