Backpacking with a pistol...best place to carry it??

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Backpacking with a pistol...best place to carry it?? (Page 1 of 3)

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:13:10 PM EDT

I've always just taken my small little KelTec PF9 with me on backpack trips. It's small enough to put in a side pouch without much issue.

I'm going backpacking in a few days again, but this time I would like to take my 1911 with me. It's big enough where I can't just put it in a pocket in my pack, plus....I don't want to have to dig for it if I ever should need it in a hurry. I've got a few different options as far as holsters go (MTAC IWB CCW holster, 2 different generic OWB holsters, and a "tactical" type thigh holster)....but not of them really work will when you have a big pack on that has a large hip belt on it.

For those of you who go backpacking a lot...how to you carry your pistol with you?? I want something that will be comfortable, but still give me quick assess to it. I'm not worried about concealing it.

Thanks!

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:14:18 PM EDT

[#1]

In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:15:30 PM EDT

[#2]

I OC when I am backpacking. No reason not to. It is far more comfortable.

XD40 in a SERPA on a paddle usually.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:16:41 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

+10,000,000,000.00

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:18:12 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:18:12 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

He steps up to the plate and hits one out of the park!

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:18:35 PM EDT

[#6]

Flap holster on my strong side hip.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:19:25 PM EDT

[#7]

Thigh rig. Hip holster will interfere with the waist strap on your back pack.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:20:36 PM EDT

[#8]

Replace 1911 with glock 30 or 29 and place on side in IWB holster.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:21:09 PM EDT

[#9]

Get the MTAC. I find that a 1911 carries very nicely in an IWB at 3 oclock for me. It's a slim gun with a slim grip, even though it's long.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:21:12 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:22:07 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

Thigh rig. Hip holster will interfere with the waist strap on your back pack.

Depends on the person, I suppose. My holster rests below my pack's waist belt and I don't have it attached to a thigh rig.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:22:41 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:

Quoted:

In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

I carry appendix when hiking, riding bikes, etc. No chance of falling on it, doesn't interfere with packs or belts, and with a gun the size of a PF9 (which I also carry) it's very comfortable. Just don't shoot your dick off.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:22:50 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

drop leg attachment...use a thigh ride holster

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:23:08 PM EDT

[#14]

Anyone have any pics of them wearing a pack with their hip holster?

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:23:43 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

No kidding. Not many real backpackers here, I think.

I carry a S&W 642 in a pocket holster.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:25:33 PM EDT

[#16]

Chest holster made by Diamond D Leather - Guides Choice Chest Holster. Diamon D Leather

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:28:07 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
Chest holster made by Diamond D Leather - Guides Choice Chest Holster. Diamon D Leather

That's a pretty cool rig...not sure I want to spend $160 for it though.....

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:28:23 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:

Quoted:

In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

Aren't 40 pound packs the reason you bring the wife along?

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:29:42 PM EDT

[#19]

You could always put the gun on the belt of the pack.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:31:30 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Chest holster made by Diamond D Leather - Guides Choice Chest Holster. Diamon D Leather

That's a pretty cool rig...not sure I want to spend $160 for it though.....

You could beat that price by $40 by going to Simply Rugged holsters, buying one of their pancake belt holsters for $60, and a Chesty Puller conversion for another $60.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:32:58 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
You could always put the gun on the belt of the pack.

Yeah, that's always an option. I might try it if I can figure out a good way to secure it....not sure I want the gun flopping around with the holster just hanging from the this nylon strap that goes around the padded hip belt on the pack. Might try to figure something out.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:35:37 PM EDT

[#22]

http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/ctl/ProductDetails/mid/1916/ProductID/2/Default.aspx

I've used wilderness saferpackers, the Tactical Tailor pistol pouch-lunara or something like that, the Kifaru Koala and the Eagle Biafra Run Pouch, I think the Hill People chest rig is the best set up. The pistol stays on you when your pack comes off. The koala is just too large for a chest rig for me. I'd like to try the Hill people Runner's kit rig, I think that might be cooler in warm weather.

I did remove my hill people chest rig on one really long and hot hike in the mountains this summer, however there was no pistol in it because we were out of the country. It clips to a molle pack easily.

I can't imagine hiking with a pistol in a thigh rig, I am surprised someone suggested that.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:35:51 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
I've always just taken my small little KelTec PF9 with me on backpack trips. It's small enough to put in a side pouch without much issue.

I'm going backpacking in a few days again, but this time I would like to take my 1911 with me. It's big enough where I can't just put it in a pocket in my pack, plus....I don't want to have to dig for it if I ever should need it in a hurry. I've got a few different options as far as holsters go (MTAC IWB CCW holster, 2 different generic OWB holsters, and a "tactical" type thigh holster)....but not of them really work will when you have a big pack on that has a large hip belt on it.

For those of you who go backpacking a lot...how to you carry your pistol with you?? I want something that will be comfortable, but still give me quick assess to it. I'm not worried about concealing it.

Thanks!

I have carried my G-19 under the hip belt 100's of times. You just need to practicing releasing the hip belt prior to drawing. After you are moving for 5 minutes, you forget it is there.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:36:31 PM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Chest holster made by Diamond D Leather - Guides Choice Chest Holster. Diamon D Leather

That's a pretty cool rig...not sure I want to spend $160 for it though.....

Hit a gun show and find an m7/m9 shoulder holster...I found one for $20

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:37:15 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

No kidding. Not many real backpackers here, I think.

I carry a S&W 642 in a pocket holster.

Probably the reason I took my G19 off my belt and kept it in my backpack when taking an extended hike in the Grand Canyon.

Short hikes, stays on the belt.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:37:43 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:

You could always put the gun on the belt of the pack.

Yeah, that's always an option. I might try it if I can figure out a good way to secure it....not sure I want the gun flopping around with the holster just hanging from the this nylon strap that goes around the padded hip belt on the pack. Might try to figure something out.

Look at the wilderness safepacker

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:39:47 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

drop leg attachment...use a thigh ride holster

Drop legs suck enough for short hauls.

My recommendation is to use a Wilderness Safepacker (from the guys who make the belts so many here like so much).

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=catalog&parent=171&pg=1

It easily attaches to most sternum straps or hip belts, or anywhere, really.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:39:50 PM EDT

[#28]

PS, If I am hiking backcountry off the trail, I just Open Carry. I have an ALS with a add-on that drops it a bit. Gives me most of the benefits of a Thigh Rig without the drawbacks.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:40:21 PM EDT

[#29]

cross draw chest rig.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:40:42 PM EDT

[#30]

Quoted:
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/ctl/ProductDetails/mid/1916/ProductID/2/Default.aspx

I've used wilderness saferpackers, the Tactical Tailor pistol pouch-lunara or something like that, the Kifaru Koala and the Eagle Biafra Run Pouch, I think the Hill People chest rig is the best set up. The pistol stays on you when your pack comes off. The koala is just too large for a chest rig for me. I'd like to try the Hill people Runner's kit rig, I think that might be cooler in warm weather.

I did remove my hill people chest rig on one really long and hot hike in the mountains this summer, however there was no pistol in it because we were out of the country. It clips to a molle pack easily.

I can't imagine hiking with a pistol in a thigh rig, I am surprised someone suggested that.

This one is new to me. Mi gusto mucho.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:40:45 PM EDT

[#31]

I use a chest holster. On the waist doesn't work with the waist belt of the pack. Thigh holster is not comfortable if you're hiking any distance. Holster on the belt of the pack doesn't work if you have to or want to ditch the pack. YMMV

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:40:47 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've always just taken my small little KelTec PF9 with me on backpack trips. It's small enough to put in a side pouch without much issue.

I'm going backpacking in a few days again, but this time I would like to take my 1911 with me. It's big enough where I can't just put it in a pocket in my pack, plus....I don't want to have to dig for it if I ever should need it in a hurry. I've got a few different options as far as holsters go (MTAC IWB CCW holster, 2 different generic OWB holsters, and a "tactical" type thigh holster)....but not of them really work will when you have a big pack on that has a large hip belt on it.

For those of you who go backpacking a lot...how to you carry your pistol with you?? I want something that will be comfortable, but still give me quick assess to it. I'm not worried about concealing it.

Thanks!

Didn't that dig into your side like crazy with the hip belt pressing the gun into your side?? I don't see how you could ever strap a hip belt OVER a holstered gun....just sounds very uncomfortable...especially if you are hiking for hours and hours a day.

I have carried my G-19 under the hip belt 100's of times. You just need to practicing releasing the hip belt prior to drawing. After you are moving for 5 minutes, you forget it is there.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:42:09 PM EDT

[#33]

In your hand.

always be ready for danger

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:42:43 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
In your hand.

always be ready for danger

Thanks...why didn't I think of that....

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:43:23 PM EDT

[#35]

That is what I have on my ALS holsters. I hate drop legs, they suck for walking!

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:43:51 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In a holster, on your hip. A pistol in your backpack is as good for self defense as the granola bar next to it.

How do you put a pistol on your hip in a holster, and then strap a 4" wide hip belt from you 40lb backpack on top of it????

Have any of you guys actually worn a real pack before (not trying to sound like a smart ass).

drop leg attachment...use a thigh ride holster

Drop legs suck enough for short hauls.

My recommendation is to use a Wilderness Safepacker (from the guys who make the belts so many here like so much).

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=catalog&parent=171&pg=1

It easily attaches to most sternum straps or hip belts, or anywhere, really.

That safepacker is a pretty sweet setup!! Best idea so far! Thanks!

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:44:07 PM EDT

[#37]

I've modified a a few pouches that have most of the weight carred by the shoulder strap and then secured by the waist belt. Discreet and comfortable.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:44:54 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I've always just taken my small little KelTec PF9 with me on backpack trips. It's small enough to put in a side pouch without much issue.

I'm going backpacking in a few days again, but this time I would like to take my 1911 with me. It's big enough where I can't just put it in a pocket in my pack, plus....I don't want to have to dig for it if I ever should need it in a hurry. I've got a few different options as far as holsters go (MTAC IWB CCW holster, 2 different generic OWB holsters, and a "tactical" type thigh holster)....but not of them really work will when you have a big pack on that has a large hip belt on it.

For those of you who go backpacking a lot...how to you carry your pistol with you?? I want something that will be comfortable, but still give me quick assess to it. I'm not worried about concealing it.

Thanks!

Didn't that dig into your side like crazy with the hip belt pressing the gun into your side?? I don't see how you could ever strap a hip belt OVER a holstered gun....just sounds very uncomfortable...especially if you are hiking for hours and hours a day.

I have carried my G-19 under the hip belt 100's of times. You just need to practicing releasing the hip belt prior to drawing. After you are moving for 5 minutes, you forget it is there.

It has never chafed me. Feels weird for a couple minutes and then I never notice it unless I think about it. I use a Raven Concealment Phantom holster. Admittedly, I never carried for more than two days that way.

I didn't think it would work till I tried it.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:45:43 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
In your hand.

always be ready for danger

I bet it makes it hard to wipe your ass doesn't it?

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:47:15 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/ctl/ProductDetails/mid/1916/ProductID/2/Default.aspx

I've used wilderness saferpackers, the Tactical Tailor pistol pouch-lunara or something like that, the Kifaru Koala and the Eagle Biafra Run Pouch, I think the Hill People chest rig is the best set up. The pistol stays on you when your pack comes off. The koala is just too large for a chest rig for me. I'd like to try the Hill people Runner's kit rig, I think that might be cooler in warm weather.

I did remove my hill people chest rig on one really long and hot hike in the mountains this summer, however there was no pistol in it because we were out of the country. It clips to a molle pack easily.

I can't imagine hiking with a pistol in a thigh rig, I am surprised someone suggested that.

I use the Safepacker attached to the backpack's hip belt.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:48:58 PM EDT

[#41]

use a MOLLE compatible holster and attach it to your waiststrap or shoulderstraps on your ruck. i did a ton of backpacking in the Beartooth Wilderess with this set up on an arcteryx internal frame pack. more comfortable than the rest and ready to go when you need it. avoid all belt type holsters, it'll only be uncomfortable when you throw it on.

i'd used a el cheapo blackhawk double retention MOLLE holster and threw it on my left shoulder strap, similar i guess to a crossdraw shoulder rig. just remember to use at least a single (at least) or a double retention rig, a lot of stuff can get lost on a hike.

whatever is more comfortable to you though.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:53:12 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
In your hand.

always be ready for danger

I bet it makes it hard to wipe your ass doesn't it?

Real men don't wipe their ass.

Sanitation is for pussies, and takes away a natural odor defense while making you vulnerable to attack.

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:55:29 PM EDT

[#43]

My backpack's hip belt interferes with using a hip holster. I use a bandolier holster slung across my chest. It is fast acess for my xd40. If you are going to carry in the back country, take a .40 or .45 to defend yourself against the 2 or 4 legged critters!

Posted: 1/5/2012 6:56:19 PM EDT

[#44]

I am only wearing my daypack here, I dropped my main ruck at camp but you can see how low the holster rides. The adapter puts it down about three or four inches. Does NOT interfere with the kidney pad on the main ruck at all, the belt rides just below it and I can draw fine.

That in an ALS with a G-20 in it BTW. Bear and Sasquatch defense pistol.

I like the seperate belt set-up. I can drop the main pack and keep the pistol.

Notice how perfectly the shade of green on the Glock Frame matches the Spruce foilage. Renders me practically invisible!

Posted: 1/5/2012 7:00:38 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

Quoted:

http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/ctl/ProductDetails/mid/1916/ProductID/2/Default.aspx

I've used wilderness saferpackers, the Tactical Tailor pistol pouch-lunara or something like that, the Kifaru Koala and the Eagle Biafra Run Pouch, I think the Hill People chest rig is the best set up. The pistol stays on you when your pack comes off. The koala is just too large for a chest rig for me. I'd like to try the Hill people Runner's kit rig, I think that might be cooler in warm weather.

I did remove my hill people chest rig on one really long and hot hike in the mountains this summer, however there was no pistol in it because we were out of the country. It clips to a molle pack easily.

I can't imagine hiking with a pistol in a thigh rig, I am surprised someone suggested that.

I use the Safepacker attached to the backpack's hip belt.

With some packs I would some times hit my arm on the safe packer. I started using the tactical tailor because it's low profile, but the safe packer is a good design. It does keep you cooler than a chest rig.