My mother-in-law is considering a Glock 42 for taking with her on day-hikes in the woods and bedside at home.  She's expressed that she does not want to get into every-day-carry, and is not interested in a traditional holster on-the-body.  She's looking for something discrete, so no drop-leg holsters, exposed shoulder or chest rigs, etc.  Any recommendations on alternative carry means that would fit her needs?  I know there are fanny-packs out there.  Any experiences with the "Safepacker"?  At this point in time her hikes are just a few hours in length, so no bulky packs or anything like that.  Typically a small bag with camera and water/snacks from what I understand.

I'm just excited that she's interested in carrying, and going to be as supportive as possible in what she thinks she wants rather than try to sway her towards something different than the Glock 42, or going after a holster rather than a non-body-holster-based carry method.  She typically takes bear spray out with her, but is looking for something a little more as a deterrent for critters walking on 2-legs instead of 4.  Thanks in advance for your comments and advice!

Hill people gear kit bag

A gun you can't get to "NOW!" Is worthless


If you have time to get to it....you have time to avoid the confrontation/danger.

That's my choice when bicycling. It's a great bag for the purpose.

I'll add the Hillpeoplegear kit bag to the list of recommendations for her - thank you guys.  Looks like it gives easy access, and fits her non-holster request.

Was looking online after making the first post last night and saw the Maxpedition Versipack - anyone have experience with that?

Thanks for your help!

Maybe she wants a perpetual motion machine too?

As Ranger_556 mentions, if she ever needs the gun she'll need it immediately, not whenever she can detangle it from inside a pack or safepacker.  The Hill People bag is favored by some but I still don’t like it for a couple reasons; the applicable one being that it requires an exaggerated arm motion from your off-side arm to keep it clear of the muzzle.  This requires a lot of practice and even then it’s iffy whether she’ll remember it during a panic situation.  She also sounds like the type of person that would find a chest pack ridiculous looking.

You could take the big buckle off her pack’s waist belt and (it makes me almost vomit to suggest) thread a sneaky-pete holster on her pack belt, or even a regular holster if she’s not averse to open carry.

We will see how long,  not wanting to get into everyday carry, turns into carrying everyday.
She is still going to use a holster, just carrying it inside of a bag?

I have the HPG.  Its great.  

I also think maybe a belly band?

PISTOL WEAR

I typically use a small camera case on the hipbelt of my backpack or an older Galco Escort buttpack*.  The buttback style works well when wearing a daypack since they typically have smaller belts on them.  The camera case has a Velcro closure flap that is quick and easy to open and a small piece of folded foam in the bottom half keeps the gun in position.  The buttpack has a couple of patches sewn on it and is pretty non-descript unlike some of the styles out there.  Folks on gun forums always say that fanny packs scream gun, but for outdoor activities they're still fairly common.  I'm not saying I'd do anything illegal, but I've never had anyone bat an eye at my gear even when talking to various law enforcement types on trails or in the park offices.  

Obviously this post isn't applicable to those who want to OC.      



* Galco has gone full retard on the price of the Escorts.  There are plenty of less expensive options that will work.

I carry my G43 in the snubby kit when I run or go on a hike. It's a small footprint and would easily accommodate the G42. I have a Kydex trigger guard holster tethered to the inside for additional retention and to cover the trigger.

I have a Pistolwear PT-1 in a drawer. The G43 is just a little too big to carry in it, but the 42 will work. One thing I've noticed is the draw is cumbersome from the PT-1. If you're doing a lot of movement, the gun may shift on you. It always did with me. It would end up sideways almost every time I ran. It's a nice piece of gear. The neoprene back insulates the gun from swear very well. In the HPG, the sweat soaks right through. Be aware of that.

I'm a big proponent for the Kit Bag, but for your MIL's needs, it may not be the best choice.  For CCW, has she considered something like the Flash-Bang?  Depending on the type of pack and how long of hikes, my wife loves it...just not for distance backpacking.  For conventional open carry but concealed, there are several cell-phone cases designed for open carry and quick access which may be another good option.  The don't scream gun, but are quickly accessible.  

ROCK6

THE WILDERNESS TACTICAL Safepacker is a dandy

Try Diamond D leather works in Wasilla Alaska. Their guide chest holster is worth checking out