CC'inng While Hiking
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22-rimfire
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May have to look into the kit bag Rock6 uses for hiking. I often have a handgun with me hiking, but unless I belt carry, it is usually inside my pack (usually day pack) which is not a quick access location. It is usually my regular carry S&W 442 revolver. Have not had any trouble with bears or been stalked to my knowledge by an animal, so the 38spl is okay for me. It at least makes you feel in more control of your surroundings relative to dangers associated with being out in the woods alone. I still grab a 22 quite often. LCR lately. This is one of the reasons I have been interested in the 3" LCRX with the exposed hammer in 38spl. It would be safer for me and I would more than likely shoot it better than the 442.
I haven't hiked in the Rockies in years. So, the biggest dangers in Eastern woodlands are black bears and people followed by wild dogs.
I frequently am loaded down with camera equipment, so it is sometimes an effort to add the handgun.
I suspect many of you will chuckle about this.... I just tried using trekking poles for the first time. Footing can be tenuous at times this time of the year in the woods. Had them for a couple years, but always suspected they weren't strong enough. I was wrong. They are amazingly strong. I only carry one as I like to have the other hand free, but I can see the utility of using them especially going down hill versus cutting a walking stick. I don't know anything about trekking poles as far as what is better or whatever.
I haven't hiked in the Rockies in years. So, the biggest dangers in Eastern woodlands are black bears and people followed by wild dogs.
I frequently am loaded down with camera equipment, so it is sometimes an effort to add the handgun.
I suspect many of you will chuckle about this.... I just tried using trekking poles for the first time. Footing can be tenuous at times this time of the year in the woods. Had them for a couple years, but always suspected they weren't strong enough. I was wrong. They are amazingly strong. I only carry one as I like to have the other hand free, but I can see the utility of using them especially going down hill versus cutting a walking stick. I don't know anything about trekking poles as far as what is better or whatever.
packpike
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I hike in the NC/SC/GA area 1-2 times per year. About the same as the OP (~10 miles per day). I have been carrying my G30S IWB as I usually do at home with the only difference is that I use a holster with a 'sweatguard' on the trail. When I need to get to it I unsnap the buckled on the pack and then can use my normal draw motion. I'll most likely be switching over to my G29 for this spring's hike and going foward.
Inazone
Member
After trying various IWB options for concealed carry while hiking, I switched to a Hill People Gear pack. I don't recall what model (bought it used) but it has been perfect for my purposes. I've carried up to a full-sized Sig, but now prefer to go with a slimmer Bersa BP9cc and allow a bit more room for things I want easily accessible, such as a water filtration straw, small first aid kit, flashlight, etc.
(The water bottle shown has since been replaced with the aforementioned straw, but the point is, it's a very practical setup.)
(The water bottle shown has since been replaced with the aforementioned straw, but the point is, it's a very practical setup.)
Terlingueno
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Agree.
brewer12345
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I guess the difference when I am hunting is that there are rarely other people around. I don't much care what other people think about me carrying while hiking, but I am also there to have a good time and not be hassled.
The mountain lions are mostly what worries me. Black bears and two legged predators are concerns, but mostly where we hike I see few people and the bears usually don't want to get close to you. With the kids along there is more than enough noise to give the bears notice we are around. Lions are another story. So the kids know that in mountain lion territory the order of march is an adult (usually me, armed) in the lead with the dogs, kids in the middle of the string, and another adult (usually my wife, with pepper spray) bringing up the rear. No point in making it easy for a lion to pick off a small straggler.
On people's attitudes and likelihood of spotting semi-discreet hiking guns:
A few years ago my wife and I were hiking on the Beartooth Plateau in Montana/Wyoming. At the trailhead there are blaze orange signs a full 4x8 feet warning that this is grizzly country.
We had gone up one valley, over the ridge, and were coming down the adjoining valley. We'd just walked by a couple of ginormous piles of bear scat. We happened on a camp of a couple of guys and stopped to chat. They were fishermen, and from NJ. They were A)camped right by the stream/trail (where everyone, including bears travel), and B) were cleaning fish in camp, and C) cooking right by their tent. And they were going on and on about how a hiker had come by carrying a shotgun, and they thought that was ridiculous, because A)there weren't any bears around and B)a shotgun was useless for bears and C)only wackos would be armed. I mentioned that this was in fact grizzly country and there was copious bear scat just up the valley, but it didn't seem to register.
They were friendly enough to us. I guess they didn't notice the 329PD on my pack belt. In fairness, the belt is black cordura, and so is the flap holster with the gun. Anyway, we wished them well and made sure we camped well away from them. We didn't hear any screams that night, so I guess no bears came after their fish guts or cooking smells.
(in case people aren't familiar with good camp hygiene in bear country, you don't gut fish or cook where you sleep - you cook and then hike a bit farther, or in any event walk 50 or 100 yards away from where you sleep to cook. And you try not to camp in places that are obvious thoroughfares, so a bear won't stumble on you by accident while passing through)
A few years ago my wife and I were hiking on the Beartooth Plateau in Montana/Wyoming. At the trailhead there are blaze orange signs a full 4x8 feet warning that this is grizzly country.
We had gone up one valley, over the ridge, and were coming down the adjoining valley. We'd just walked by a couple of ginormous piles of bear scat. We happened on a camp of a couple of guys and stopped to chat. They were fishermen, and from NJ. They were A)camped right by the stream/trail (where everyone, including bears travel), and B) were cleaning fish in camp, and C) cooking right by their tent. And they were going on and on about how a hiker had come by carrying a shotgun, and they thought that was ridiculous, because A)there weren't any bears around and B)a shotgun was useless for bears and C)only wackos would be armed. I mentioned that this was in fact grizzly country and there was copious bear scat just up the valley, but it didn't seem to register.
They were friendly enough to us. I guess they didn't notice the 329PD on my pack belt. In fairness, the belt is black cordura, and so is the flap holster with the gun. Anyway, we wished them well and made sure we camped well away from them. We didn't hear any screams that night, so I guess no bears came after their fish guts or cooking smells.
(in case people aren't familiar with good camp hygiene in bear country, you don't gut fish or cook where you sleep - you cook and then hike a bit farther, or in any event walk 50 or 100 yards away from where you sleep to cook. And you try not to camp in places that are obvious thoroughfares, so a bear won't stumble on you by accident while passing through)
Zerodefect
member
I just use what appears to be a scuba lead weight pouch on my packs waist belt. Maybe it's a leftover scuba pocket or a maxpedition pocket. Don't know. I made a kydex plate thay holds the pistol correctly and covers the trigger.
But it violates the "CCW on ones person rule" every time I take the pack off. So I clear my Glock and bury it in my sleeping bag compartment when I get towards a town where my pack may be left at the front of a store.
But it violates the "CCW on ones person rule" every time I take the pack off. So I clear my Glock and bury it in my sleeping bag compartment when I get towards a town where my pack may be left at the front of a store.
In the summer when riding our bikes with friends on trails I carry my gun the same when I'm in the city IWB appendix. I carry a 642 .38sp and feel it is adequate for whatever i may come across. my wife carries a .22lr snub the same. these people we ride with don't have a clue we carry. If you want more power a .357 or .44 would be just as easy to conceal on the trail.
v-fib
v-fib
22-rimfire
Member
They were from NJ, that 'plains it.
Hiking in grizzly country is a whole different ball game than what I am used to. I'd probably be lugging around my M57 in this case even if I didn't want to.
buck460XVR
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The difference is some folks have been walking in the woods their whole lives, know what's goin' on and do it on their terms without worrying about being PC to others that are less familiar. Then there's those that are there hiking because it's the newest fad promoted in their "Fit Outdoors" magazine. Next month it will be Fat Tire biking and the hiking gear will be put on the next neighborhood garage sale. The day OCing is promoted in it, they will be the first in line to buy Bandoleer rigs and thigh holsters. Hopefully with a cute little monogram on it somewhere.
There's also a big difference between confidence and showboating, apparently some folks do not know the difference.
Hey, you're the author who painted his imaginary Napoleonic woodsman looking down his nose upon all the unarmed folks with contempt. There are some for whom a gun is just a gun and others for whom a gun has a more compensatory significance.
jamesjames
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I have modified an army gas mask pouch or claymore pouch as a holster. Its nylon OD green, it has a belt loop on the back that fits pack belts, and it does not have the traditional gun shape. I just create a holster inside by cutting and gluing closed cell foam to hold the gun in a up-right grip presentation. there's room for a spare mag or speed loader depending on whether I'm carrying a 329 PD or a Beretta 96.
I can carry it unzipped on top for quick access or zip the top for full concealment. Either way, the pouch just says canteen bottle to anybody who gives it a second look.
I can carry it unzipped on top for quick access or zip the top for full concealment. Either way, the pouch just says canteen bottle to anybody who gives it a second look.
That's pretty much what I do, but also with an untucked shirt. I also carry OWB the same way. If I am walking in the woods when it is dark during archery season, I will open carry until daylight (or after dark) and position the waist belt of the pack between my body and the gun. That is a little goofy, but it is only for a short part of my day. If I bump into something in the dark, it likely will be a ground fight from the start.
buck460XVR
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Neither the woodsman or the contempt are imaginary. Contempt, like respect, is something that generally is earned. Seems the contempt most folks have for OCing comes from a single picture of the two dumbarses in a Chipotle OCing their EBRs. While most have never experienced anything similar, they consider all OCers of the same character. I have many experiences of coming across other hikers on the trail. Those that would be offended by someone OCing a firearm in the woods, have other qualities that also qualify them for my contempt. Things like more respect for their outerwear matching their hiking boots than the impact they have on the environment they are trashing/abusing. Folks who think they know what should work better for me than myself. Folks that make ridiculous statements like this....."I admit when I see someone open carrying in the woods, I usually assume they are inexperienced or a yahoo.". Now, while this may be true in Chipotle, generally folks that open carry in the woods have a legitimate reason, are doing so legally, responsibly and safely. To assume anything else is pretty shallow and short-sighted.
I don't generally carry a gun in the woods for bear protection, altho I would never consider camping in Grizzly country without having a gun on me. I live in Black Bear country and realize how minimal the threat is, as long as I am careful to let them know I'm there and to keep myself from getting in between ma and her little ones. Kinda a basic hiking skill......just like bear proofing your campsite. I generally carry a gun in the woods for hunting(yes I hunt with a handgun most of the time), protection from two legged predator(generally the biggest threat), and to protect my dog and others around me, generally from the possibility of a rabid animal(pretty common around here after the snows melt) and the biggest threat, a dog running at large. Biggest problem I have with today's new age hikers is their thinking they are in the woods and can now let their dog run. Even tho they have no control over it. I can't count on my hands the number of times, while looking for morels or Jerusalem artichoke, dogs like this have come running away from Ma and Pa Hiking Poles and come after my dog(on a leash). Most of the time a few swats with my hiking stick or a swift kick in the ribs does the trick, but there have been times when my grand-daughters are with me that I have been tempted to draw my weapon. Ma and Pa Hiking Poles generally show up out of breath and are very apologetic, and then ask me why I feel the need to carry a gun......
Sounds like it doesn't take much to earn your contempt. Also I sincerely hope that description wasn't supposed to be a self-portrait. Could be some aggrandizing issues to address there. For every one OC woodsman I've come across (hunters excluded) hiking as you describe, I've come across at least 2 of the doomsday prepper types test-driving their apocolypse gear. And look at you talking about trashing/abusing the environment while you're cutting sapplings for hiking poles and foraging about. You might have heard of Leave No Trace. It's more than just a saying, and it could stand to be practiced a lot more. I spend my weekends doing trail maintenance as is, so no need to lecture me on the abuse of nature. I also don't care what the other people in the woods are wearing when we're out working, whether they are kids in Patagucci or old timers in wool and flannel.
buck460XVR
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On any of the public land I may hike/hunt forage, it is illegal to cut any live tree, this includes saplings. Has been forever. Just FYI. Doesn't have to be pretty or stylish. Plenty of dead and down stuff to pull a hiking stick from. Dead wood is also lighter and leaves no sap residue on your hands after you shave the handle down smooth. Folks who have never done so wouldn't know I guess. Picking morels and digging Jerusalem Artichokes when done responsibly is no more detrimental and leaves no more trace than your trail "maintenance"...probably less. Anyone with even a slight amount of woodsmanship would know this. Good of you to keep 'em up nice tho, so other folks can find their way. Most of the trails I walk are not maintained, nor are they on a map. Foraging is and has been a way of life around here forever. I also hike when the wild blueberries are in season along with wild raspberries and Black Caps. Fall mushrooms are also a target and fill my game bag more often than Pheasants or Grouse. This tends to be when folks are most likely to be guarding their "grow". A good time to be armed. Used to do the Ginseng thing, but now feel it is too heavily pressured around here and needs to be left alone. I do not have an issue with newbies finding the outdoors. I think that the introduction of folks to Mother Nature at a up close and personnel level is what may save it. My issue is with those, new and old that want me to be politically correct to them and when I'm not, they automatically assume I'm a idiot. When in actuality, they do not have a clue. I do not assume that Ma and Pa Hiking Poles are idiots, but tend to believe it only when they prove it to me. I wish others would do the same.
Sounds like you and I hike on different ends of the spectrum. Hard to judge folks when you haven't walked in their hiking boots. What once was wild and undeveloped is now commercialized and in vogue. What used to be path is now a groomed trail and a ugly scar winding thru the woods. Hiking the Appalachian Trail to hikers is a lot like riding the Dragon on a motorcycle. While it's fun, and folks maker a big deal outta it, it does not define how good a person is at it, cause just about anyone can do it. Odds are if we met on the trail, we'd get along just fine, OC or not. At 62 years of age, I don't present the appearance of much of a threat to others, even with a gun on my side. Just don't let your dog run loose uncontrolled and I won't have to go all Doomsday Prepper" on you........
While I'm not sure I understand how a 10 mile afternoon motorcycle ride falls in the same category as hiking 2200 miles over the course of 4-6 mo, I do agree we'd probably get along just fine if we passed on a trail. And don't mind the audacious hiking apparel that is so common these days, sure some of it looks goofy but when you're keeping up a 20-25 mi/day pace, the weight savings are worth the appearance. I'll try to remember not to judge the OC crowd so harshly on my end.
There is a technique for that, I've always heard it called a "PCT hang". You hook your food bag to your hang line with a carabiner, toss your line over a tree branch and then feed the line back through the carabiner. Hoist the food bag all the way up as high as it will go and then tie about a foot-long sturdy stick into your line with a couple hitches. When you let it back down, the stick will hang in the carabiner and not go through, keeping the bag from coming down. No line to cut. You really don't need the carabiner and could just run it back through a loop in the line, but the biner is convenient.
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