Those that carry a pistol while having their backpacks on, what have you found to be the best way to carry without the pack being in the way? I carried a small pistol in the past with just a mic holster. Any other tips?
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
Most of our members are lightweight backpackers who find firearms to be cumbersome and unnecessary for their purposes, but we do have some folks who hunt and others who carry, so that the subject comes up from time to time. To get you started, here are a few threads where this subject was discussed in the past:
The only time I have considered carrying a firearm is when hiking in areas with gators. A pocket attached to the shoulder strap provides easy and relatively quick access for a small firearm yet allows it to remain concealed so as not to make others uncomfortable. One can also keep other items in the pocket such as a phone.
I have no problem with firearms, just not a big fan of open carry for general hiking. I am not a hunter but view that as a different situation that doesn't usually make hikers uncomfortable, at least not me.
Almost tripped over this nice fella. He is bigger around than I am.
The only time I carry a firearm while backpacking is when hiking the Texas/Mex border, or with a grizzly threat. I manage a nature preserve and sometimes carry one when doing trail maintenance for defense against dogs. Otherwise, they are a brick. In 50 years I've never had a problem with people or wildlife that a gun would solve, while hiking.
That said, a paddle holster like Fobus makes, works well and is easy to conceal. They clip on pack straps, your belt/waistline, comfortably. A pistol is useless unless you can get to it in an instant and have some proper training under your belt. Consider also the defensive potential of pepper spray and trekking poles. I've held dogs off with trekking poles (mine are re-tasked ski poles).
The moderator has pointed to other posts - this is more of a hiking forum as they point out. I am both an occasional hunter - I used to cull pests - and a former soldier. I am totally comfortable carrying firearms, but seeing civilians with them gives me the heebie-jeebies. I see very little point in carrying a pistol. I think its utility is more psychological than anything else. If you ARE going to carry one - it has to be accessible otherwise what's the point? This would rightly freak folks out. If you are really concerned about crocodiles (I've hiked in places like that), then nothing short of a long arm will do the job. Similarly in, say, Alaska. Alternatively - just keep out of the way! Far easier. If carrying a long arm (rifle) - that's a whole new set of issues. I'd keep the pistol at home locked in a safe. Noone else seems to need it, even in bear country. For what its worth, in the army if I had to carry a pistol it was simply in a hip holster on my webbing belt. Cheers Reggie
I don't want this to be a flame war or argument as I am not an expert and know little about crocodiles. However, I think your info on alligators is not entirely correct. Google "swamp pole gun" and one should find the most common caliber to kill an alligator is a .22LR. This is in order minimize damage to the hide.
A shoulder strap pocket can be accessible and concealed. Just leave the zipper partially undone.
I agree that for most people the utility is more psychological than anything else.
No argument or flame war here! Everyone has their own opinions. People always get too opinionated about these things - I don't want to contribute to that. In Australia crocs are protected, so getting small ones for hides is not on the plan. Its only the big ones that you need to worry about. Even then, you'd be lucky to see them before they got you. Given sidearms are very difficult to obtain permits for in Oz, and open carry is non-existent, it's a moot point. Cheers, Reggie
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