Hiking day pack + pistol

I don't think any of the day packs will be easily accessible. Something like this with an open pocket that doesn't zip is about as close as you can get. But you still need to take the pack off, or have someone reach in, get the gun and give it to you. I've used this technique in the past and counted on my wife to get the gun out.

Ascend Jackson Daypack | Cabela's (cabelas.com)

They aren't cheap, and you can't carry a lot of other gear, but lately I've been using this chest pack. It can be worn alone with just about everything you'd need except water. Or worn along with a daypack. Used properly a gun is well concealed and quick to deploy. There is an instructional video near the bottom of the page.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

I attach my phone and GPS to the outside webbing. There are 2 pockets, one for the gun, the other for any other gear you can get in it. I've had mine on before and had other hikers ask me about it. I always open the 2nd pocket to show them the gear stored inside. They never noticed the 2nd compartment and have no idea there is also a gun in there.

This is the one I have, but they make other versions smaller and larger.

Same bag without the webbing. This wasn't available when I bought mine. This might be even better around people. Not as militaristic looking.

Hill People Gear | Real use gear for backcountry travelers

Maybe a single strap or sling type? I use one for camera gear, urban day pack, and its much faster to get into. They are usually full-side loading and zip, not top loading.
Example but I could not find the one I have.
View attachment 1006954

Keep it on your hip.

Dan Forrester said:

Can anyone recommend a small hiking pack that will also allow relatively quick access to a pistol.

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I guess I’d have to know what “relatively quick access” means. It seems to me that access to a handgun in any daypack (especially when the pack is carried on a person’s back) wouldn’t be anywhere near as “quick” as if said handgun was carried on that person’s hip, while leaving the daypack for water, snacks, maybe a lightweight windbreaker and a small first aid kit and/or sunscreen.
That’s the way I do it on my exercise hikes around home. Except I also carry pepper spray in another holster on my belt - in case the sight of my hiking staff isn’t enough to scare off the ornery farm and ranch dogs that like to yell at me for trespassing on "their" sections of a public road.

For quick access, I'd look into a fanny pack solution. One thing I've learned about backpacks is the stuff you need always settles to the bottom, especially hardware. Better still is to keep the weapon on your person, in case you and your pack go separate ways.

Dan Forrester said:

Can anyone recommend a small hiking pack that will also allow relatively quick access to a pistol.

This is only for day hikes so all I usually bring along are two or three 32oz Nalgene bottles, some dried fruit, and a pistol. Usually a Sig P232 or Ruger SP101.

I’m currently using an old North Face school backpack but I’m ready to upgrade.

Thank you,

Dan

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How imperative is concealment?
Eta if concealment is really a concern, then something like this would probably work: https://www.cheaperthandirt.net/voo...EtrEYkKP_1mN3NY8tfcVl6iTRYD202gRoCpg0QAvD_BwE
If open carry is an option, then I'd suggest a chest carry with appropriate sized essentials bag.
Eta again, @jmr40 hill people solution would also be something worth considering.

Hmmm. There are alligators, black bears, pythons, cougars, coyotes and feral pigs in FL. I would not keep my gun in a backpack. I would carry as I do here when hiking in. PA — in a belt holster or a chest holster. I carry food and first aid in a fanny pack that has two water bottle holders. I also carry a water filter in the pack. This is a generic pack bought on eBay a few years ago.

I wouldn't mess around. My gun would be kept where it can be pulled out Now.

Otherwise I would carry a solid 3' stick (and it can supplement a gun). Not a bad idea for something to Bite Onto.

In a sudden ambush , it’s a perfect time for the Zipper or buttons on a pouch to go Full “Murphy’s Law”——

Or a cheap LCP2 in a pocket holster in your front pocket. That’s what I do. Hiking, mowing, pressure washing the house or sitting on the back deck watching the hummingbirds. I personally (for what that’s worth) would not want to carry a firearm unless it is on my body. Inside the waistband with a long t shirt covering it is another option besides pocket carry. Pocket carry is simply more comfortable for me especially while hiking. No rubbing against my love handle.

I'm with @Jimster and pocket carry. I carry a small handgun always. I will carry a second handgun in the waist pocket of my large day pack or in a holster on my hip.
@.308 Norma mentioned a hiking pole or stick is a good idea. Good for dogs, snakes and defense in general. It's already in your hand and ready to use.

There is a fairly staggering number of backpack makers making a huge array of backpacks for a large variety of uses spanning a fairly broad array of prices. It is quite the rabbit hole to fall down. I just spent a few months researching and selecting a fairly high-end pack for EDC to replace my old Kelty. Given the number of packs I looked at I am hesitant to give specific recommendations but would suggest the following brands you might look at for the feature set you want.

Alpha One Niner (I bought the Evade 1.5 full)
Mystery Ranch
Goruck
Camelbak
Hill People Gear
Eberlestock
Osprey
Kelty

These are just a few brands, there is lots more but these were the ones high up on my list. There are tons of review videos and websites out there that can help you research and pick out a pack that will do what you need.

That said I agree with several other posters, my handgun stays on my hip and the rest of the gear goes in the pack. If the pack is larger enough and heavy enough to need/benefit from a waist belt then the handgun moves to my chest in a separate harness.

Friends don't let friends wear fanny packs.

I usually sew a canvas cross-sleeve with plastic stiffeners in the inside bottom of a common book bag or day pack to hold any weapon that I may need while hiking, bicycling or walking. My most recent design included velcro closures and a velcro strip attached to the plastic liner to stabilize whatever holster that I am currently using.
I have used these set-ups to carry everything from '58 Remingtons and Super Blackhawks to Ruger Mk.I Targets.

I’d vote for buying a quality lightweight pack from a small cottage company like mountain Laurel designs , or ULA. AND a quality IWB holster.
I dislike most commercially available packs as they have a lot of unnecessary straps and dodads attached that you never use and just make the packs heavy.

When hiking with a backpack I use one of the Hill People Gear chest rigs. Can't tell you how many folks I've run into on trails that think nothing of it.

The issue I had was trying to wear a pistol/holster and use a pack waist belt. This is when the chest rig shines and they're really not all that big/cumbersome.



https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/2

Dan Forrester said:

Can anyone recommend a small hiking pack. . .

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My experience with real backpacks has given me a great appreciation for lumbar (vs shoulder) load bearing. I'm heavily biased toward lumbar packs until the load is large/heavy enough to justify a real (internal frame) backpack.

Its similar to whats been posted but I just came across this a bit ago; https://www.amazon.com/M-Tac-Tactical-Shoulder-Concealed-Handgun/dp/B0794M8W1V/?tag=gddeals19-20

Dan Forrester said:

I must say out of everything I have seen so far I think I’m going with the Hill People Gear Runners Kit Bag. I really seems to check all the boxes for me.

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Hill People Gear have well thought out and well made products.

I love my Hill People Recon Kit bag but bear in mind it's for cooler weather or low humidity climates..

A few years ago I made a pretty big project out of finding a good way to carry a full size revolver while wearing a "real" backpack. I never did come up with a good solution. The closest I saw was the Hill People chest pack, and I really just didn't want to wear that big old thing.

I haven't done any serious backpacking in the last few years so haven't pursued it, but it seem to me that having an extra pouch sewn onto the left side of the pack and fitted with strong Velcro would make an ideal "crossdraw" rig providing both fast access and perfect concealment. I've never actually seen it done, and don't know why.

I bought a single sling bag for day hiking and boating. We often boat with friends or family. Sometimes it is big water, Gulf, or wilderness areas. I wanted something to carry a jacket and a couple of water bottles... maybe a granola bar, billfold, phone, and a handgun...etc.
I ended up getting a single strap bag and universal Velcro adjustable holster, both from Amazon. I had some shoulder issues at the time, but still like the single strap after the shoulder healed up.
I will try to get some pics of it later this evening.
It has suited me well.

jmr40 said:

It can be worn alone with just about everything you'd need except water

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I use these in my Hill People chest bag for water

https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Sof...ywords=platypus+bladder&qid=1624651492&sr=8-7