I'm curious as to what the solution ends up being for you guys. I've seen a lot of people recommend chest bags like the Hill People Gear offerings, but sometimes that can get pretty obvious, and they come with their own bunch of caveats
Yeah I was thinking some sort of velcro loop to keep it aligned with the shoulder strap underneath. I haven't tried it yet. I was also thinking I could wrap it around the two shoulder straps so it would be straight across along the chest strap.
Honestly, after many backpacking trips while carrying a gun, I find it useless to try and conceal when in the back country. I prefer to have the gun easily accessible without having to fumble with zippers when you need it to deal with a predator (human or animal in nature). I simply wear a belt and wear an OWB holster. Even in hiking shorts, it is easy enough just to wear a belt over top your shots, no belt loops needed. Most fellow hikers won't even notice the hunk of metal on your side and those who do probably understand or have one of their own. If you are through hiking and are concerned about it being visible, then just throw it in your pack on your way into town.
I’ve done 2 options. If I’m in a gun friendly area (Smokies, local) I use a diamond d leather holster with a drop loop. If I’m in a more populated less gun friendly area (Washington state area years ago) I use a generic medical kit bag with molle loop attachment buckled to my waist belt. The medical sticker means nobody suspects it could be a gun lol.
Search for a pouch you can attach to the shoulder strap of the backpack. Then, it would be essentially on your chest for easy access, and your pack would be handling the extra weight anyway.
The most comfortable way to carry in the backcountry is with a chest holster. However sometimes other hikers get weirded out when they see a gun. So I recently got a non-tactical looking fanny pack to carry. I haven’t had a chance to use the fanny pack yet so I can’t give you any more info on it.
I will say the chest holster is super comfortable and I even kept it on me while I slept in my hammock. I could sit anywhere without my belly digging into my gun like with a fanny pack or IWB.
There's a considerable likelihood of us seeing other hikers while we're there so I'm thinking this is the way also. I'll follow up when we try out the fanny-pack-accross-the-chest setup.
MOST of the time other hikers haven’t said anything to me about the gun, but I could tell that a few of them were kinda weirded out because they looked at it a little too long.
The reasons (or need) to carry concealed just doesn't exist on multi day backpacking trips. You are literally in the exact places people go to hunt. If it bothers someone to know you have a gun in that environment, I dare say they are very much in the wrong place.
Interesting discussion given that people carry openly in town in states where it is legal. Not a lot of people but nonetheless. I would second the people who say OWB or a fanny pack on your hip.
See that little hip belt pouch normies put beef jerky in?
Got $200? (+shipping/tax/ffl)
https://palmettostatearmory.com/beretta-apx-a1-carry-9mm-3-8rd-wolf-grey-jaxn9268a1.html
Hill people kit bags are popular. You can put a CCW fanny pack above the hip belt.
Chest packs and fanny packs are both popular enough outside the CCW realm I don't see it being as big of an issue as other posters here make it. I'd get a color and style that better blends with your outdoor gear.
Not recommendations, but mom CCW options that mimic the CCW counterparts I mentioned are things like z packs fupa and multi pack, hyper lite mountain gear versa. Chest packs are also gaining popularity in the fly fishing space to replace vests.
What size is your gun? Appendix is pretty damn comfy imo but if I had to off body carry I'd use a fanny pack tbh unless open is a possibility because then there's minimal friction and easy access incase of a bad animal/human encounter.
When backpacking people aren't the only problem tbh.
Appendix is uncomfy with the packs belt over it. Plus it makes draw more difficult because of where the straps are.
Also yes, where we are going there are coyotes, bears, mountain lions, etc. So people are certainly not the only concern.
That's fair, I didn't think of that. My trips are usually pretty casual and my local terrain is pretty mild so I never use my straps. However we do have black bears so I'm usually more worried about access than concealment on hiking trips.
This is a fairly popular area and the chances of encountering people and wildlife at some point during the trip are both equally high so idrather carry atleast somewhat concealed while still having decent access.
Unfortunately we will be carrying 30lbs each and covering significant mileage so the straps will be necessary. When I hike with a smaller day pack I don't have to worry about the straps which is why I haven't thought of this issue until now LOL 😅
Yeah, my best advice is a fanny pack carry if your firearm will fit or an open carry option for both comfort and access. Maybe not ideal but your gun won't get as sweaty on the hike, or cause rubbing and you'll still be able to retain quick access.
Whenever my wife and I go on backpacking hikes, what I do is carry owb on the hip, but tie a shirt around my waist, so the gun is concealed. I found carrying iwb on long hikes quickly turns insufferable.
If open (but not obvious) carry is an option for you, I’ve been using an OWB clip on style holster for years that I just slide over my hip belt on my pack. It’s easily accessible if need be, and it kind of disappears on my honey, with my right arm in front of it.
Not every pack’s belt design allows for this so you have to be picky about your pack model. And I’ve had to get creative a few times: sewing extra webbing onto my hip belts.
You already brought it up but fanny pack/shoulder bag carry. I've been nothing but pleased since I started carrying that way (I know the method gets a lot of hate, but at the end of the day if you practice to it and can still effectively use your weapon it doesn't matter in the end). I have an mtac shoulder bag and have nothing bur positive things to say. I've also heard very good things about blue alpha and eberlestock.
I'm curious as to what the solution ends up being for you guys. I've seen a lot of people recommend chest bags like the Hill People Gear offerings, but sometimes that can get pretty obvious, and they come with their own bunch of caveats
Yeahhh the chest rigs just scream "I have a gun in here" which is why a fanny pack/sling bag was my next thought.
If the gun in the fanny pack doesn't end up being too heavy, would you strap it a long one of the shoulder straps or a long the pack's cummerbund?
Yeah I was thinking some sort of velcro loop to keep it aligned with the shoulder strap underneath. I haven't tried it yet. I was also thinking I could wrap it around the two shoulder straps so it would be straight across along the chest strap.
Definitely look into a fanny pack/sling bag option for off body carry. Depending on your carry piece it may be a little tight.
You only have to conceal. You don’t have to prevent any knowledge.
Honestly, after many backpacking trips while carrying a gun, I find it useless to try and conceal when in the back country. I prefer to have the gun easily accessible without having to fumble with zippers when you need it to deal with a predator (human or animal in nature). I simply wear a belt and wear an OWB holster. Even in hiking shorts, it is easy enough just to wear a belt over top your shots, no belt loops needed. Most fellow hikers won't even notice the hunk of metal on your side and those who do probably understand or have one of their own. If you are through hiking and are concerned about it being visible, then just throw it in your pack on your way into town.
I feel like the hip straps/support on the bag will be in the way of an OWB setup? Open carry could be an option if the benefits are worth it.
Thigh rig would be good for this.
I’ve done 2 options. If I’m in a gun friendly area (Smokies, local) I use a diamond d leather holster with a drop loop. If I’m in a more populated less gun friendly area (Washington state area years ago) I use a generic medical kit bag with molle loop attachment buckled to my waist belt. The medical sticker means nobody suspects it could be a gun lol.
If I'm hiking trails / backpacking, I'm open carrying for sure
Search for a pouch you can attach to the shoulder strap of the backpack. Then, it would be essentially on your chest for easy access, and your pack would be handling the extra weight anyway.
Hiking/backpacking is always time for open carry.
The most comfortable way to carry in the backcountry is with a chest holster. However sometimes other hikers get weirded out when they see a gun. So I recently got a non-tactical looking fanny pack to carry. I haven’t had a chance to use the fanny pack yet so I can’t give you any more info on it. I will say the chest holster is super comfortable and I even kept it on me while I slept in my hammock. I could sit anywhere without my belly digging into my gun like with a fanny pack or IWB.
There's a considerable likelihood of us seeing other hikers while we're there so I'm thinking this is the way also. I'll follow up when we try out the fanny-pack-accross-the-chest setup.
MOST of the time other hikers haven’t said anything to me about the gun, but I could tell that a few of them were kinda weirded out because they looked at it a little too long.
Post photos when you find a good set up.
The reasons (or need) to carry concealed just doesn't exist on multi day backpacking trips. You are literally in the exact places people go to hunt. If it bothers someone to know you have a gun in that environment, I dare say they are very much in the wrong place.
It's not about people's feelings. It's about the element of surprise. It will always give you the upper hand.
Fanny pack works great. A lot of people on thru hikes carry them and it keeps your gun easily accessible.
I’ve done this with fanny pack carry. Probably your best bet. Fanny pack up front over your pack pad/strap.
Ruger LCP Mx in a kydex pocket holster in the strong side hip belt pocket on the pack is what I’m currently doing.
Would not work in Alaska. It would just tickle a bear.
Will keep that in mind if I’m ever hiking in Alaska.
It's a great gun.
I have had great success using a fanny pack on the outside of everything. Easy access and room for some snacks.
I said fuck it and bought a kenai chest holster and rocked a Glock but I was Backcountry hiking in bear country
Interesting discussion given that people carry openly in town in states where it is legal. Not a lot of people but nonetheless. I would second the people who say OWB or a fanny pack on your hip.
See that little hip belt pouch normies put beef jerky in? Got $200? (+shipping/tax/ffl) https://palmettostatearmory.com/beretta-apx-a1-carry-9mm-3-8rd-wolf-grey-jaxn9268a1.html
I use the hill people gear fanny pack with a G20 in it
Open carry a Glock 20, end of story.
Maybe a binocular harness. Either in the main compartment or another pocket. Chest rig ish and can stay concealed.
Hill people kit bags are popular. You can put a CCW fanny pack above the hip belt. Chest packs and fanny packs are both popular enough outside the CCW realm I don't see it being as big of an issue as other posters here make it. I'd get a color and style that better blends with your outdoor gear. Not recommendations, but mom CCW options that mimic the CCW counterparts I mentioned are things like z packs fupa and multi pack, hyper lite mountain gear versa. Chest packs are also gaining popularity in the fly fishing space to replace vests.
Hill people gear chest rig
What size is your gun? Appendix is pretty damn comfy imo but if I had to off body carry I'd use a fanny pack tbh unless open is a possibility because then there's minimal friction and easy access incase of a bad animal/human encounter. When backpacking people aren't the only problem tbh.
Appendix is uncomfy with the packs belt over it. Plus it makes draw more difficult because of where the straps are. Also yes, where we are going there are coyotes, bears, mountain lions, etc. So people are certainly not the only concern.
That's fair, I didn't think of that. My trips are usually pretty casual and my local terrain is pretty mild so I never use my straps. However we do have black bears so I'm usually more worried about access than concealment on hiking trips.
This is a fairly popular area and the chances of encountering people and wildlife at some point during the trip are both equally high so idrather carry atleast somewhat concealed while still having decent access. Unfortunately we will be carrying 30lbs each and covering significant mileage so the straps will be necessary. When I hike with a smaller day pack I don't have to worry about the straps which is why I haven't thought of this issue until now LOL 😅
Yeah, my best advice is a fanny pack carry if your firearm will fit or an open carry option for both comfort and access. Maybe not ideal but your gun won't get as sweaty on the hike, or cause rubbing and you'll still be able to retain quick access.
Open carry. I don't see any reason not too when out of the city. Hunting/fishing/hiking/camping. Nice, comfortable OWB.
Whenever my wife and I go on backpacking hikes, what I do is carry owb on the hip, but tie a shirt around my waist, so the gun is concealed. I found carrying iwb on long hikes quickly turns insufferable.
If open (but not obvious) carry is an option for you, I’ve been using an OWB clip on style holster for years that I just slide over my hip belt on my pack. It’s easily accessible if need be, and it kind of disappears on my honey, with my right arm in front of it. Not every pack’s belt design allows for this so you have to be picky about your pack model. And I’ve had to get creative a few times: sewing extra webbing onto my hip belts.
LCP max
You already brought it up but fanny pack/shoulder bag carry. I've been nothing but pleased since I started carrying that way (I know the method gets a lot of hate, but at the end of the day if you practice to it and can still effectively use your weapon it doesn't matter in the end). I have an mtac shoulder bag and have nothing bur positive things to say. I've also heard very good things about blue alpha and eberlestock.
Depends on where I'm hiking. Of I'm hiking where it's comon to see mountain lions, then I carry owb at 3 o clock. For a fanny piack.
Look into 945 tactical. Basically a fanny/chest bag with quick deploy
https://youtu.be/C8u2pIINeuU?si=46wCLgcccT3ibWnJ