CCW methods for backpacking

[PAC 762]

I usually carry a 1911 IWB. However, pressure from the kindey strap makes this uncomfortable while backpacking. How do you guys carry while backpacking? Are shoulder holsters any good?

If it matters, I use an ALICE ruck for backpacking. Additionally, I do not want to carry openly, which may scare the sheep.

 

[Old Dog]

OWB in a Kramer belt scabbard; very comfortable, very concealable, usually hike with an internal-frame pack, don't normally carry enough to need to use waist strap. Tried a Galco Miami Classic with a Commander once when backpacking, totally didn't work for me.

Additionally, I do not want to carry openly, which may scare the sheep.

Our PacNorthWest sheep don't frighten so easily, but the deer and the elk get spooked when they see guns ...

 

[Thernlund]

I used one of these for years to carry a 1911. To an untrained eye it doesn't appear to be a firearm.

http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=51&osCsid=83e5dc37e4a5796aa6119c51a21fab1a


-T.

 

[Zach S]

Look at the safepacker. Dont know how well it works, as I've never used it myself, but I have read good reviews about it.

T beat me to it.

 

[CCH]

I've used the Safepacker for years and other than a pretty slow draw, it works well for the use you've described.

 

[Rexster]

The Safepacker is excellent! No, it does not look like something containing a firearm, especially if carried with other outdoor gear. It was invented to be compatible with backpacks.

 

[Zach S]

I used to use a knock-off of a Bianchi M13 chest harness when offroading and hiking, but concealment kinda sucks unless its cold enough to wear a coat.

 

[weisse52]

+1 on the Safepacker. Secure with a number of ways to mount and carry. I use it for my 1911's. No one has picked up that I am carrying like they do with the fanny pack.

 

[PAC 762]

Thanks! That safepacker looks like just the thing I need, although it seems a little pricey for a nylon bag.

 

[still442]

I also hike with a Safepacker. Its far more than a nylon bag - it holds your gun and reload perfectly, has a much faster draw, and is very well made in the USA.

I also have the Wilderness belt and one of their Safari bags - great stuff.

 

[TallPine]

How do you guys carry while backpacking?

I've only backpacked once since I started wearing a sidearm. Before that in Alaska I/we carried a 12 gauge pump.

I carried open in a "strongside" OWB holster, but I had to slide it around towards the front when wearing the pack (I put the hip strap below my waist, and between the holster and my jeans). I didn't see any sheep, either bighorns or domestic, but I did see some motor bikers who gave me a funny look (so?). I also saw a bear, but he didn't seem to care either way.

 

[jlbraun]

Safepacker is the way to go.

I reviewed it here.

 

[Cosmoline]

How do you guys carry while backpacking?

I don't bother with CCW while backpacking. I usually carry a rifle over the shoulder and/or on a quick release sling of my own design. For slab sided rifles and shotguns a scabbard over the shoulder is good. For heavy handguns a belly holster like the AK Sportsman is best. I hate belt carry esp. for large magnums as it causes lower back problems and is a flat out stupid way to carry things while hiking. You want your hips to be free to move.

 

[jdorian]

I'll definitely connect a holster to the waist straps, it might not be well concealed, but I'll find a holster that hides that it is a gun.

 

[Unisaw]

I usually carry in a fanny pack that is worn in the front. I keep my map and trail snacks in the front pocket. No one has never suspected that I was carrying a firearm.

 

[roscoe]

Safepacker - I have two, and they will make them out of custom colors if you call and ask.

 

[Pilot]

My Gregory backpack has mesh pockets on either side at the bottom. I carry my CZ-75D PCR in the right mesh pocket in a nylon Uncle Mike's holster.

 

[usp_fan]

My pack has a floating top pouch. There is a strap that runs across the top of the main bag to cinch the mouth closed and this is under the Floating pocket. I thread this strap through my holster, and conceal my pistol under the floating pocket. I can simply reach up behind my head, run my hand between the main pack and the top pouch, and retrieve my USPc.

This doesn't work if you use your top pocket to sandwich gear like a sleeping mat for carry.

 

[Mainsail]

This is what I use. The holster attaches to the pack straps and is very comfortable, even with the Alaskan in it. Taking off the pack with the holster is easy too, just one extra quick-release to undo. That safepacker looks like a pain in the butt. As mentioned, I also live where the sheep aren't usually frightened and wouldn't care if they were.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Open carry. Either on foot or on horseback. I'm in the wilderness. I don't have to hide it. Nor do I want it incombered if needed out there.

 

[xpun8]

Mainsail, I was looking for that picture, but I couldn't recall where I'd seen it, here or OCDO.

 

[TimboKhan]

Additionally, I do not want to carry openly, which may scare the sheep.

I can dig that attitude, but I don't follow it when I am in the wilderness because I WANT people to leave me alone. For me, I usually carry in a cheapo nylon holster in the woods and leave it at that. I would never advocate using one of those cheapos anywhere else, but I like that they can take a beating, that they are cheap, and that they usually have very good retention. Plus, they are lighter than most other holsters. The safepacker is pretty awesome as well.

For fishing, I honestly just carry a .22 in my fishing vest. It's easy to get too, out of the way, and I don't have to worry about it getting wet because I carry it pretty high up in the vest. Either that, or I throw my little Taurus 605 in one of the zipper pockets.

Maybe it is too my disadvantage, but wilderness carry to me is an area where concealibility, the ability to draw lighting fast (which I can't do under any circumstance) and all the other stuff just sort of gets tossed out the window.

 

[theken206]

I was gunna say go with a drop leg rig but your talking concealed so I think the afromented ideas are good enough.

 

[MCgunner]

The kidney belt on my pack rides pretty high, room for a belt below it, so I open carry in a full flap nylon holster. That safepacker does sound good if you want it less obvious, though.

Since I started my small engine business in "retirement", I haven't had a lot of time, especially after March, to do any backpack/hiking. I had more time when I punched a clock.:banghead: It's a full 16 hours ride for me to the mountains, so I can't just take a day off and go.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you don't like that pack above then give the Chesty Puller by Simply Rugged a look. They make great products that are designed for use in the outdoors.