Mainsail,
I'm glad you've started this thread. We have similar goals and issues around carrying a large handgun with a backpack. (For me it's a SW 686+ instead of an Alaskan, but same general issue.)
I have
another thread in this revolver forum where I've been exploring the issue of how to carry a large, heavy handgun, including (but not restricted to) while wearing a pack. (I also want a system of carrying that revolver while in camp without a pack on; that's the easier part, but I don't want an OWB that is going to be uncomfortable for 10 hours, let alone keep pulling my pants down.)
I, too, am a pack walker, and plan to do everything from 5 mile day hikes to 10 mile overnighters (no 20 miler's for me, thanks
). Same issue, though: traditional OWB belt holsters won't fit on a backpack padded waist belt (which, for those who haven't carried one, is HUGE,
nothing like a regular belt), and wearing a shoulder harness under the shoulder straps could indeed be pretty irritating.
So, I haven't found my optimum answer yet. I'm still considering the following, even though I admit they are not optimum:
- Simply Rugged's Pancake (for carry without a backpack) set up on a "chesty puller" system for a pack (see this page on their web site; scroll down near the bottom to "chesty puller". You can click on the image for more images of the system.) This option would allow the same holster to be used as an OWB and as a shoulder/chest carried rig.
- A chest holster like the one Cosmoline recommended, or the similar one by Simply Rugged called "Grizly Tuff" (same issue though: straps under the pack straps)
- Getting really innovative now, I've considered having a holster - either leather or synthetic - either modified or custom built with an attachment system specifically for a waist belt on a pack. I'm not sure yet what that would look like, but if we can send a space craft to Mars, I'm pretty sure we can accomplish this lesser task
I'm not giving up hope yet that such a thing as number three already exists out there somewhere. I keep visiting threads like this thinking someone on THR has one or knows of one and will say, "Oh, sure, here it is." So far, no luck. But it's nice to know there are two of us looking. Just imagine the difference in consumer pressure on companies like Desantis and Galco when there are two people looking for such a rig instead of one.
One possible solution may involve a company called
Kifaru that makes a backpack weapon carrying system called "
gunbearer". It's set up for long guns instead of handguns, but the point is, they may have something under design, or may be willing to consider such a project. I may contact them.
Actually, I think I'm going to invite Rob of Simply Rugged into this discussion. He may have some ideas, or even be able (and more likely than the larger companies) to design something workable for a backpack. I'll keep you posted.
OK, reading with interest. I hope we can come up with a good solution that doesn't break the bank.
Nem
, so something more solid that wraps around the entire belt with two snaps (or a buckle?) would be a better idea. 
