So how was the hike? Did you do the full distance? How about some pics?
Did you move the holster / gun to your person at camp?
Backpacking with a Firearm
- Thread starter Barmcd
- Start date
So how was the hike? Did you do the full distance? How about some pics?
Did you move the holster / gun to your person at camp?
A lightweight snub or auto, in the pocket or backpack I guess.
But I see no reason for not bringing at least a speed strip. 5 extra rounds will not weight much (or extra mag if auto). Could even vary rounds- snake shot, hardcast, jhps. Gives a few options.
You're thinking rationally.
I spend a ton of time in the woods and exploring state/national parks. I've met a ton of cool folks, but also some hair raising weirdos and crazies.
Some folks are homeless or on the run and off their meds. They just go live in the woods. No witnesses? I dunno.
I think it's nuts not to stick an airweight type or lcp type in a pocket. Cheap insurance.
Carry a reload for whatever you bring. That's the minimal to me.
I don't so much mind if it's a small 22, 380, 9mm, 38 etc. Whatever is small and pocket sized.
Even just a naa mini fold out grip and a 10 rd 22lr speed strip. You could signal and have better than foul language or a knife/stick if the balloon goes up.
9/10 if it goes up in the outdoors, you're on your own to handle it.
It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be. We did less than 10 miles a day except for one long day of almost 20 miles which almost did me in. We cached food and water every two campsites so I didn't have to carry much of a load.
I slid the holster out of the backpack and into my waist band every time it wasn't on my back and other people were nearby. Parts of the trail are deserted and other parts fairly crowded. I'm glad I did it, but I can't say I'm looking to do it again!
This is exactly what came to mind when reading the original post. I wonder if a fanny pack could be attached to the belt on the back pack? For those that aren't familiar back in the 80's they made concealed carry fanny packs that had a special concealed compartment which could be opened VERY quickly with a single rip cord revealing the pistol mounted in a Velcro holster. I still have one somewhere.
"I" would be taking my XD-S... but my XD-S is .45acp. Does the OP have a 9mm or .45acp XD-S?
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tactikel
Member
If your only concern is an aggressive/malevolent human carry the lightest center fire you deem adequate. I’d opt for a J frame or an LCP type. 98% of the time it will be not needed. Check all local, state, and federal regs about firearms before you go.
BTW a camp hatchet or a good sized fixed blade knife can be quite an effective deterrent, and likely will already be in your kit.
BTW a camp hatchet or a good sized fixed blade knife can be quite an effective deterrent, and likely will already be in your kit.
Rick McC.
Member
I haven’t “backpacked,” slept on the ground, or in a tent since Uncle Sam released me almost 50 years ago. That was quite enough for me!
That said; If I was doing that type of stuff I’d be carrying. I do every day anyway...
That said; If I was doing that type of stuff I’d be carrying. I do every day anyway...
Rick McC.
Member
I used to use this Sneaky Pete holster back when I’d ride:
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:Jimfern
Member
Last year I did a multi-day hike in the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire. I barely needed to use my pocket knife and didn't even consider bringing a pistol. I'm very fit and was had a 25 lb pack. I'd focus more on preparing your body for the journey, but YMMV as the kids say. Good luck and I hope you enjoy our great State early in the year before it gets too hot.
https://www.nps.gov/appa/
Buckeye63
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I have hiked for over 45 years.. not as serious as I used to .. but I still do ..
My father bought me a cheapo RG German 8 shot 22LR when I was 13 … it was my companion for at least 7 years … I replaced it with another RG .. model 39 6 shot 38spl .. which I carried 158Gr LRN in it … I carried it for a decade… always went bang .. didn’t care if it got wet .. or banged around… I dispatched a couple of feral dogs with it ..other than that .. it punched paper and stumps … I gave it to a friend that had no firearm… about 20 years ago .. as far asI know he still has it …
I carry a Glock 23 or 20 or a Charter Arms 40 S&W revolver nowadays…and my hikes are mostly work related… walking fence line or checking springs … When walking over my family’s old home place .. vast and wooded .. I carry a 12 ga single shot shotgun..
My Dad would carry a Winchester Model 37 20ga .. at times when he made the trek
But if I hiked / camped like I used to .. it would be a Glock 20 .. good pistol chambered in a great round…
If Im walking in the park or just in the neighborhood.. I carry a 23 … I like a larger frontal area .. of a 40 /10mm anytime I may encounter 4 legged threats
My father bought me a cheapo RG German 8 shot 22LR when I was 13 … it was my companion for at least 7 years … I replaced it with another RG .. model 39 6 shot 38spl .. which I carried 158Gr LRN in it … I carried it for a decade… always went bang .. didn’t care if it got wet .. or banged around… I dispatched a couple of feral dogs with it ..other than that .. it punched paper and stumps … I gave it to a friend that had no firearm… about 20 years ago .. as far asI know he still has it …
I carry a Glock 23 or 20 or a Charter Arms 40 S&W revolver nowadays…and my hikes are mostly work related… walking fence line or checking springs … When walking over my family’s old home place .. vast and wooded .. I carry a 12 ga single shot shotgun..
My Dad would carry a Winchester Model 37 20ga .. at times when he made the trek
But if I hiked / camped like I used to .. it would be a Glock 20 .. good pistol chambered in a great round…
If Im walking in the park or just in the neighborhood.. I carry a 23 … I like a larger frontal area .. of a 40 /10mm anytime I may encounter 4 legged threats
For fun while back packing or maybe even intimidation of a two-legged aggressor, a .22 is fine. Revolver or Auto, they're both fun and not too obnoxious in use. (Pic below: M-18 Smith in .22 LR...their model 66, 67 and 69 in .39 spl, .357, or .44 mag are virtually the same weight ~38 oz.)
2nd Pic: Smith M-63 & 60 with 3" bbl's. One for fightin', one for fun!
But for real protection, a centerfire is better.
3rd PIc: a foursome of .357's, none of them particularly light weight, but all would do the job: 3" M-60, 4" M-66, 5" M-27, & 6" M-19. Smith still makes IIRC, a M-69 in .44 Magnum that weighs the same as the M-66 in this pic.
I'd gladly pack a duty sized revolver for most anything in the lower 48. A .357 packs plenty of punch and can be had in 8 shot variations for those convinced that capacity matters. If the size and bulk of a duty size piece concerns you, get a M-60 Smith with a 3" bbl. and be happy.
A .44 magnum suitably loaded will do for most any thing but the weight (necessary for adequate DA control) becomes a factor.
Question is, are you more concerned about the extra two pounds of weapon weight, & if so, carry nothing at all and depend on the odds going in your favor. But if the danger potential is realistic, either rearrange your hiking itinerary or carry something that'll do the job, and the extra weight be damned. Best regards, Rod
2nd Pic: Smith M-63 & 60 with 3" bbl's. One for fightin', one for fun!
But for real protection, a centerfire is better.
3rd PIc: a foursome of .357's, none of them particularly light weight, but all would do the job: 3" M-60, 4" M-66, 5" M-27, & 6" M-19. Smith still makes IIRC, a M-69 in .44 Magnum that weighs the same as the M-66 in this pic.
I'd gladly pack a duty sized revolver for most anything in the lower 48. A .357 packs plenty of punch and can be had in 8 shot variations for those convinced that capacity matters. If the size and bulk of a duty size piece concerns you, get a M-60 Smith with a 3" bbl. and be happy.
A .44 magnum suitably loaded will do for most any thing but the weight (necessary for adequate DA control) becomes a factor.
Question is, are you more concerned about the extra two pounds of weapon weight, & if so, carry nothing at all and depend on the odds going in your favor. But if the danger potential is realistic, either rearrange your hiking itinerary or carry something that'll do the job, and the extra weight be damned. Best regards, Rod
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crstrode
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Those that consider the extra weight as a no-go should rethink several things. For example; hiking barefoot and naked will save a lot of weight. It will likely keep many adversaries distant as well.
That is the true meaning of carrying "nothing at all"
Choctaw
Member
Yep. You don't need a firearm until you need a firearm.
Thanks for the laugh, crstrode....well said. Rod
Bwana John
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Wilderness Safepacker
youtu.be
Safepacker holster
Wilderness Safepacker holster in use
The Safepacker is the best, most versatile and truly utilitarian holster in the world. With its low-profile, unconventional looks, you could call it the "un-...
youtu.be
RetiredUSNChief
Member
I second the fanny pack.
And remember, a fanny pack can also be carried on one shoulder, across your chest.
And 90 miles is a long hike to be carrying something heavy with all the rest of the stuff you'll be toting.
And remember, a fanny pack can also be carried on one shoulder, across your chest.
And 90 miles is a long hike to be carrying something heavy with all the rest of the stuff you'll be toting.
OLDE RETIRED COASTIE
Member
My wife has the perfect packing pistol. is a charter arms 32 H & R mag, loaded as hot as you can get. May not seem like a lot, but the truth is that 32 H & R is a good packing gun, Either that or the 327 smith, would be a good choice.
Is small enough to fit in a pocket or anywhere else and enough power with 6 rounds to do the job.
Is small enough to fit in a pocket or anywhere else and enough power with 6 rounds to do the job.
ExtremeSquared
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People who don't backpack are going to get mad about this, but weight is a hard budget.
A firearm's weight worth of water or electrolytes has affected outcome of more situations than a firearm and I will always stand by that claim.
That said, I often carry a plastic subcompact. In group trips generally one in three of us carry.
ditmo
Member
This is my everyday carry gun. Put the DAO hammer on it. I always have this on me. I carry larger firearms a lot as well, but this one is just easy and way better than a sharp stick. If I don't want to bother the 32H&R gets the nod. I have a S&W 317 snub I've used on hikes. That thing is really light. 8 shots of 22lr is better than a sharp stick too.
.38 Special
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I have been doing more "fastpacking" lately, which is basically backpacking except with running between campsites instead of hiking. A 20 pound pack is considered extremely heavy, and many folks look at 15 as sort of a hard limit. After all the sacrifices have been made to get down to that kind of weight, tossing a two-pound gun into the bag takes on a whole new meaning, and I'll admit to skipping it on more than one occasion...
357smallbore
Member
Best advice for backpacking and hiking.
I'll never go out in the woods, forest without any of the below.
Hiking 101. Go with someone and tell people where you are going and
when you'll be back.
Hiking 102. Carry a fire starter, a knife of some type and a handgun
Hiking 103. Take plenty of water, energy snacks and light jacket
I'll never go out in the woods, forest without any of the below.
Hiking 101. Go with someone and tell people where you are going and
when you'll be back.
Hiking 102. Carry a fire starter, a knife of some type and a handgun
Hiking 103. Take plenty of water, energy snacks and light jacket
Boy scouts, be prepared
