Carrying While Camping

[Paladin132]

A few questions for those that may carry during excursions into the wild.

1. How do you carry? I am having a devil of a time carrying with a backpack.

2. Where are some friendly places to camp and hike in the East. I've gone two places that by state law and websites are legal, and had to leave because I found signs posting no firearms.

Any general thoughts on carrying while camping?

[Guest bkelm18]

A few questions for those that may carry during excursions into the wild.

1. How do you carry? I am having a devil of a time carrying with a backpack.

2. Where are some friendly places to camp and hike in the East. I've gone two places that by state law and websites are legal, and had to leave because I found signs posting no firearms.

Any general thoughts on carrying while camping?

State Parks are posted but do not apply to HCP holders. By law you can carry in state parks regardless of posting. Same with National Parks (you just can't carry in bldgs in NPs). While backpacking I either carry IWB or in an OWB holster. A firearm in a backpack is useless if you need it fast. Generally I stick to Frozen Head, GSMNP, and Big South Fork.

[Paladin132]

Do you wear a backpack with the weight distributed on the hips? I stuck mine in a shoulder holster the other day, a holster that is new because I never use it, and it was a pain but I thought being around my hips would dig into me.

Thanks on the sites, I will check them out.

[JReedEsq]

Does anyone know if KOA facilitie(s generally speaking) have postings?

[JReedEsq]

As for carry methods, I can't carry on my waist when I carry a large backpack with a kid. I resort to pocket carrying a baby Glock in highly populated areas,or else I use a drop leg rig in lesser populated areas.

[Guest bkelm18]

Do you wear a backpack with the weight distributed on the hips? I stuck mine in a shoulder holster the other day, a holster that is new because I never use it, and it was a pain but I thought being around my hips would dig into me.

Thanks on the sites, I will check them out.

Usually yeah. Another method I use is sorta similar to a thigh holster, it's a Maxpedition Thermite. It's not specifically designed to hold a firearm but if you tighten down the compression straps, it holds a service size handgun nicely. Technically, the waist straps of backpacks should ride above your hips, and if you can find a holster that sits low enough it shouldn't interfere with the backpack. I sometimes use a Fobus paddle holster as well.

[Oh Shoot]

Put a MOLLE holster on your pack one way or another even if pack doesn't have PALS, where you can reach it while strapped up.

You can get 'em cheap, too.

- OS

[Hiker]

I either carry in my pocket (S&W Bodyguard) or stick in top of my pack Glock 19. I'm comforted by them being close if I hear banjos.

[peejman]

I find drawing from a belt holster while wearing a pack with a hip belt is difficult at best. Currently I pocket carry when I've got the little one on my back. I've considered something like the Safepacker or Blackhawk so I can carry something a little bigger. I do recall seeing that someone had a clone of the Safepacker at a much lower price, but I don't recall where at the moment. I've also got a 5.11 PUSH bag that I like. I've not used it for hiking yet, but I expect I will when the little one gets big enough to walk on his own.

[ttocswob]

I either carry in my pocket (S&W Bodyguard) or stick in top of my pack Glock 19. I'm comforted by them being close if I hear banjos.

Hey, I resemble that remark!

BTW I never hike with my banjo.

To the OP: I don't hike with a backpack, sometimes with a day pack and/or fanny pack. With the latter, an Uncle Mike's nylon holster on the belt works OK. I use a shoulder rig for the big revolver when hunting. And as suggested above, the drop-leg is one military inspired solution, as is the MOLLE.

Bottom line - try any or all of the above with your gear, and find what works for you.

[Paladin132]

Peejamin I am right there with you on drawing from underneath the pack's belt. Hiker unfortunatly I have not yet added a pocket pistol to my collection... Hrmmmmm maybe a good excuse to do so someday right?

I am not comfortable with the MOLLE or drop leg (although both would be ideal) for the simple reason that I want it concealed. If no one sees it then chuckleheads can not panic about a gunman loose in the woods. Its like walking around in ranger panties. People just treat you different if they know you have a weapon about your person. On top of that is the confusing state of carry laws. Signage saying "No firearms" but the law and policy of the park says if you have a permit you may carry places a undo burdon on the person in handcuffs to go to court, loose their rights, etc. I prefer to just have people oblivious.

I like the safepacker... It covers the weapon and could fit on the kidney pad belt of a pack handily. I also liked the Maxpedition Thermite idea but think it would stick out a little more and would require some Appalachian Engineering to ensure the weapon does not move around inside the pack.

ttocswob - Glad to know you do not hike with your banjo... No one should have bluegrass inflicted upon them unwillingly Back OT: I am looking to see what has worked for others and what gear might work so I can do just that - try it out myself.

I hiked one day, short day hike, with my Maxpedition bag and carried as I always do, on my hip. I like having some gear on me all the time, and the woods are no different. I also like having plenty of water so I added a camelback. Problem is the satchel style maxi bag slides around and unbalances at bad moments. Besides I wanted to do more shakedowns and get some ruck sack training in to buff up the muscles associated with that so I can do some back country camping by fall. So I am trying to get the gear down and the physical side set up by doing it on day hikes.

[Makiaveli]

Its like walking around in ranger panties.

OT I know, but I have to ask?????

[Paladin132]

Really short running shorts like old school swim trunks. Little to revealing for me. Lol. I think the USMC uses them as their PT shorts.

[Guest bkelm18]

I also liked the Maxpedition Thermite idea but think it would stick out a little more and would require some Appalachian Engineering to ensure the weapon does not move around inside the pack.

What are you carrying? A compact gun would probably shift around a bit in the Thermite, but anything Glock 19 sized fits just fine. There also comes a point when you have to stop worrying about what other people will see and start considering your own safety when carrying. No one will see a gun buried in your pack but you're SOL if you actually need it in a hurry.

[camp]

No change here, pocket carry while camping

[Paladin132]

I have been carrying a H&K USPC or a 4" 1911 when I carry. I only have one other thing smaller and I shoot it poorly, as well as only having a single holster setup for it.

On top of it I suppose I could use a smaller weapon if I had one, but I would not want to honestly in the woods because of the critters one can run into. At the moment getting another weapon isn't in the budget as my debt limit is quite fixed. Thus I am looking to figure out a good method to use what I have and I'll save a bit to get a new rig or something.

Open carrying is so much more easy but in today's atmosphere I just font want a swat team descending on me at the trailhead.

[Lumber_Jack]

I have a Condor Tornado drop leg holster that I really like. I'm a forester and spend a lot of time in the woods carrying too much equipment to wear a belt holster. I thought the leg hosted would chafe or rub but it worked great. Might work for you, might not, but it only costs $20 so for that it's worth a try. And it's adjustable to fit any handgun. I've carried a G19, Kimber pro, Springfield TRP, all fit great

http://www.airarmory.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=166&name=Condor%20Tornado%20Tactical%20Leg%20Holster

Edited August 8, 2011 by Lumber_Jack

[MacGyver]

I pocket carry a j-frame when I'm wearing a pack. A properly adjusted pack and hip belt sits high enough that it doesn't interfere at all.

[MississippiBoy]

I don't camp or hike with a pack, but a smartcarry or thunderwear might work in that situation. They can be adjusted to carry at diffferent positions (sometimes I use it as a strong side IWB). I know that it is not the quickest, but it works.

[gregintenn]

Pocket carry works for me most of the time, whether camping or what.

[Guest rocktheglock]

try using a maxpedition jumbo versipack, thats what i use.. one zipper and you have access to your pistol

[Paladin132]

I really have to budget sometime for a good pocket firearm, but as I am able to make what I have work all the time I never have... Besides, in the woods I am not thinking a .380 or the like would be the best of choice given cats, dogs, and even bears which could be in a bad situation. Now, yes I know before someone points out, that .45 ACP and .40 are both not the greatest for a larger animal, but it would be better than the smaller pocket pistol calibers. Either way... I am still trying to figure my way through this situation.

[JReedEsq]

I'd suggest you get the Maxpedition or similar. I've never open carried except hiking and no one has ever said anything in the woods. You'll be far better protected with a platform you've practiced with.

[Guest bkelm18]

You'll be far better protected with a platform you've practiced with.

+1. There's no need to reinvent the wheel. If it works for you, then that's what you should go with.

[Paladin132]

The Maxpedition satchels move to much for a long hike, especially with a backpack on top of it. I guess I could wear it and put the strap around me, but it's overkill and still change the balance.

If I had the money I'd snatch up the safepacker. Anyone know of a good bag for the straps on a rucksack that would be a good recommendation along those lines?