How do you like to carry your sidearm and mags when wearing a backpack? Back in "the day" when I was an active backpacker my pistol went in my pack as things were friendlier then, fewer people on the trail past the first few miles, and the areas I went had few predators. Naturally the waist belt on a pack interferes with holsters (and forget about IWB!) The simplest and lightest solution is a pouch added to a shoulder strap like in the video below. It's pretty limited to what you can carry but flies nicely under the radar. I've been looking at Hill People Recon and Heavy Recon chest packs. For non SHTF situations looks like a handy way to keep a pistol and a few mags handy while not attracting attention. It can be worn like shown below or can be attached to your pack straps. I like that in the standard configuration I can drop my pack and still have my sidearm handy You can also attach mag pouches to the front, but that makes it harder to quickly access a pistol. For a more obvious SHTF/Bug Out/Get Home situation, it would be nice to have a solution that makes it easier to access pistol and mags. Here is an interesting mod to a 511chest rig that allows reasonable easy access to pistol, mags and a knife: I like that it is still light weight and breathable keeping that pack in mind. Still not ideal as pistol access is a bit clumsy due to the compromise. Going with a full blown tactical vest gives more flexibility, but lacks breathability and adds additional weight. It probably gives better support to keep mags and sidearm in place. Larger folks might have problems finding vests that will fit Ideas? Thoughts? How do you like to pack heat while packing gear?
I'm so old that I date back to when Kelty was the top of the line. I don't camp or backpack anymore, but if I did there seem to be some pretty good chest holsters available now and that's the way I'd go. I also wouldn't carry concealed in any way. If I need a gun, there probably isn't time to unzip a pouch or something similar. I live in the mountains in the woods next to a creek, so I can be in the woods and still sleep in a comfy bed. My backpack days are behind me, but you go and enjoy yourself, it's good times.
Planning on a return to backpacking in about a year when I have dropped more weight and undergone some strengthening exercises. This isn't just about recreation, it's also about getting home (or away from home) under SHTF.
I do it old school, drop leg holster strong side, and mag carriers on the the side! I have the right to be armed while out and about, and any one I run into is not going to care! Been doing the old cowboy double pistol drop leg recently, (cause it's cool) and that gets more attention now days then a single double stack 1911 ever did! Funny ol world aint it, when the pair of hawg legs is more menacing looking then the 1911! When Flying, a chest rig is the ONLY way to go, as I am wearing a 5 point harness which interferes with every thing, and even outside the plane, it's easy enough to access! Ironically, this is when i'm most likely to run into Bears or Big Cats!
Saw were one wack-a-doodle chopped up a couple on some trail couple of weeks ago,Killing one....Bet someone wished they had a hog-leg!
Never done well with drop holsters - I like to keep my legs as free and unencumbered as much as possible. Also, the extra weight is more for that leg to carry when it's the one stepping forward. To me it's a bit like increasing the weight of a spinning wheel being a greater burden than if the weight were being carried. That said, it's still a great way to go for those who like them and should be considered as an option. Do you have a preference for brands and styles? Same for chest rigs. Agreed about open carry and generally I don't give a 5h!t what others think, but sometimes concealed has advantages. Open carry is faster and can not only save your life but the life of the idjut who thinks you aren't armed.
I had Danny TwoFeathers in Douglas Az make my drop leg setup, and its convertable, so i can carry standard or cross draw, or a single pistol, or pair! Chest rig was custom made by Ted Blocker in Tigard Or, was a 6 month back log! The newest hybrid was made by Ryan Judy @OregonHolsterco, but i think he may have quit making holsters, as I cannot get ahold of him, and Jason dosnt know where he is ether! I modified the Hybrid that Ryan made so that it would also fit my "H" Harnes, and it can take ether holster, the 8 inch Ruger Old Army, or my STI 6 inch 1911 double stack! Cannot beat these set ups!
If I am hunting ,my side arm is in a shoulder holster, my knife at the small of my back paralleling my belt . I've gotten so that I don't care to have things on my hip . Reason being that If I must crawl/crab or if I fall and roll , things only hip become more of a liability than asset. When I am not hunting then it is no big deal and I have my phone ,pocket knife and flashlight on my hip .
