Suggestions for load bearing systems? Plus rifle mag pouches, etc.

[D-Day]

Well, I may be camping with some friends in Colorado in the summer, and I'll be taking my rifle and pistol with me. I did the same when I camped in the White Mountain National Forest last year with friends.

Before the trip, I had it in mind that I was gonna get some military gear so I could carry 4 spare mags for my M1A, and spare mags for my 1911. Yeah, not a great idea after the fact, even though it never came to fruition (weight testing around home afterwards).

Since I didn't have the money I needed until closer to the trip, I had limited time to try and acquire stuff online and figure out which items would be compatible with which. I originally wanted the Blackhawk load bearing suspenders, since they looked the most comfortable - but little did I know it didn't include the belt and belt pad. I tried ordering it from 3 different places, and none were in stock.

So, off to the local military surplus store. Picking up some standard Alice suspenders, belt, etc., and Molle mag pouches, this was a serious mismatch of equipment. Black suspenders, OD belt, digicamo Molle pouches...yeah. Very under prepared.

Anyway, even though I brought it along on the trip, I never used it because I didn't feel a need for it. Throughout the entire hiking/camping, I only carried my rifle with one mag in it, and one mag in my pistol.

Later on testing out my rag-tag system, the weight of (4) .308 20rd mags was way too much for hiking. I'm not going to war. Although I suspect carrying 4 mags on a proper, matched load bearing system would be much easier when it's not all screwed up.

I have learned from this, and when hiking in Colorado I will probably revert to the same idea of one mag in each gun for weight purposes. However, I would like having the comfortable option of a load bearing system, for stuff like night vision, flashlight(s), some spare batteries, any essential items on the trail, etc.

This time I would like to carry only 2 spare mags for my rifle, and a few for my pistol, as an option.

So, what would be your suggestions for a good, comfortable load bearing system for mags and some other items? It's gotta be comfortable, and it's gotta be strong. I don't want a sagging, chafing piece of crap.

Thanks for your input.

 

[X-Rap]

I would carry a handgun with extra mag reload or revolver with extra ammo. I would be sure it would hit minute of grouse as well as be adaquate for defense from 4 & 2 legged creatures. Shucking the weight of the rifle will allow for a fishing rod or a better sleeping pad plus some spare ammo or 22 plinker in the pack.

 

[Monkybrainz]

you can put suspenders on this. comes in differnt collors, holds everything

 

[D-Day]

Interesting.

X-Rap, I don't mind carrying my rifle. This will be for hiking away from the camp. So this won't include having to carry tent, food, sleeping bag, etc. along with it. This will just be on day patrols, er, hiking away from camp.

 

[Monkybrainz]

also found a simular one in cammo/ with suspenders, with side bags. i'll post it when i find it again, cabelas has one like it but much more expensive

 

[X-Rap]

Its just me but I'm mostly a one gun guy when I hit the hills. If its hunting season it is a rifle and otherwise its a hand gun.
I would say the exception would be during archery when I will also usually carry a handgun due to the increased aggressiveness of the local bears and cats. I have also taken to packing a light 380 most of the time but would likely leave it during strenuous hunting trips.
A rifle during fishing time would be excessive baggage to me.

 

[Monkybrainz]

x-rap, i bow hunt too, but was told i cant bring my pistol out when i hunt bow, better safe then sorry? or just leave it at home???

 

[X-Rap]

Some states have game laws that prohibit carrying a fire arm. In Colorado I am not aware of any prohibition, in fact handguns are excluded in regulations about loaded weapons on or in motorized vehicles.
I am not certain but I believe this affirms the RKBA in both the Fed and State Constitutions by the state.