Can anyone give me some information on what holsters they use for sidearms while backpacking. I am headed on a back country fishing trip into Griz country and will be carrying a Taurus 44mag ultra-lite. The pack I'll be using is an Osprey. There really isn't any place to carry a holster on the hip belt or shoulder straps that I can tell. I found one on the net that fits like suspenders on the chest. I have even considered mounting it underneath for easy access. Any help or info is greatly appreciated.

Don't have one myself yet but a few here have the Kifaru KU(ultralite) Koala. That is what I'm getting. I have a KU 3700 pack on order and when I get over that finacial bruising the Koala is next.

I've used a chest holster and shoulder holster with good results. Carrying a big .44 in a shoulder holster felt very lopsided, plus there's no guarantee that any old shoulder holster works well with a backpack. I like a chest holster better, and the only time it's ever been in the way was when climbing over a big fallen log. It didn't have any issues with the backpack straps.

I think Simply Rugged and Passport Holsters make chest rigs. I don't know the make of the one I used because it was a loaner.

I have used the Wilderness Safepacker and the Kifaru Koala. I prefer the Koala, but the Safepacker worked well and fit over my waist belt. Another option is the Hill Bros Kit Bag (www.hillpeoplegear.com). It's a smaller version of the Koala.

Scott

You wont run anything else after you try a kit bag. I had a Koala before and it does not even compare to the kit bag. A lot more comfortable and just the right size. www.hillpeoplegear.com

Another vote for the HPG Kit Bag. I had a Koala and while nice, found it bulky for my use. Prior to that, I ran a Safepacker for years that has been relegated to a travel case at this point. The chest pack rocks. Carries all my essentials including my handgun.

Is there anyway to put a holster inside of the HPG rig? Nothing fancy, just to cover the trigger and keep the pistol from floating around. Kind of like how the Koala has velcro for a holster.

There's not much room in there for a holster, especially if you have a larger gun. Once it's tight against your chest, there is no real way for it to float around. If you have any amount of gear in the pockets, that also snugs up the gun. I've not had "floating" issues and I usually carry a 3" S&W 60. By default, the trigger is covered.

Another vote for the Kit Bag. It's PERFECT in so many ways-----------comfort, accessibility, organization, size, price, USA made. Great for hiking, backpacking, mtn biking, and probably motorcyle riding (just haven't got the bike yet). I've got two Kit Bags, and recommend them with confidence.

A pistol won't really float around much, however if you're concerned, I'd suggest an Uncle Mikes IWB holster------the cheap ones with the pocket clip that completely collapse w/o a pistol. You could probably safety pin the holster inside the KB so it doesn't follow the pistol during the draw.

I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm just concerned that my gear in the pouch might snag the trigger. I wouldn't be putting anything too big in there. Just a Glock 30.

The handgun pocket is separate so there is no way your other gear could catch on it unless you put it in with the handgun.

I saw that it was but I'm just concerned the edge of a Leatherman or something like that creating a bulge and snagging the trigger.

There are lots of other handy spots in it to stash your Leatherman. I guess you need to handle one to see what I mean, but I carry a Glock in mine without worry.

That's good to know. That makes me feel better about that. How easy is it to open? The Koala has pull tabs but this uses the zipper pulls. Do they stay pretty well in the same spot or do they (the pull tabs on the zipper) flop around? I like the HPG, the suspension looks better and it doesn't cost extra. It's also smaller.

I've researched this a ton.....I have almost pulled the trigger so many times on custom leather rigs. El Paso Saddlery, Simply Rugged, Mernickle, etc.

I really think the Hill People Gear chest rig probably the best. It's on my short list of things to get this month. And honestly, I would almost make the gun choice fit the rig. I just don't see a monster 460 as deployable in a "Need to use it right now" situation.

I indend on running a worked over Ruger BH in 45LC with 310grn Leadheads.

Evan had a long list of what handguns fit in their bags from various users. Pretty interesting.

Think it's like $105 and it will work with many handguns, not like a custom El Paso Tanker....which was on my short list.

I've got a couple EPS Tankers too. One for a 7.5" BH/Bisley, and one for a 5" 1911. They're very nice, but don't have the versatility of a Kit Bag, lacking both the "in plain sight" concealment and all that nice storage for smaller items.

Best piece of gear for the money that I've bought in a long time. I cannot compare to Koala but I did not like the look of the x-back harness on the Koala compared to the kit bag. Get your hands on one and you realize how much thought went into it.

Versatile is right. Here's two more uses. My son carries his GB mini hatchet in his. The bag comfortably fits under a cheap orange life vest, over one of the more expensive three buckle type vests.

The bag almost never leaves my person.

Son, July 1 at a place called Sunrise:



Yours truly, two days ago at a remote cove on Waldo Lake:

My scandium J frame rides in a pocket type holster in a cargo pants pocket. Anything heavier would be a bother. When I've carried heavier, I go old west style with a gunbelt slung below the hip belt of the pack. Wth that said, the kit bag looks interesting.....how does it work with the shoulder straps on the pack?

Don

IME the Kit Bag really shines when used in conjunction with a backpack. It has included hardware that mounts to the shoulder straps of your pack so that the pack straps bear the weight of the KB while wearing a pack, rather than the KB's harness. Once the pigtail straps and hardware are attached to your pack, you can then quickly detach your pack from your KB when you want to dump your pack. BTW, in case I wasn't clear, the KB goes on first, harness and all, then the pack can go on and off at will while the KB stays on your chest.

The Kit Bag allows you to not only keep a large handgun readily and secretly accessible, but also most of the odds and ends that end up in shirt/pants pockets and the top pouch of your pack. It's VERY nice to have all that stuff right there on your chest in an organized fashion, and to avoid dumping your pack just to get something from the top pouch. IMO this convenience would make the Kit Bag a winner even for folks who don't carry a handgun.

Regarding comfort, I haven't found the KB's harness to interfere with pack fit. But my favorite pack is a Kifaru, which doesn't rely on the shoulder straps being snugged down to carry weight. I haven't tried the KB with my Barney's pack which has big cushy straps.

I've been looking for a holster of some type for a Glock 10mm to go on the side of my hip belt of my MRanch. I like the looks of the kit bag, but I have been using a badlands bino bag/pocket thats really similar and can't use both.
Anyone have a trick for hooking to the hip belt??

Well you guys sold me on the kitbag. I do hike and ride a bike enough that I should get more use with it concealed than another type of holster. It looks to be very comfortable and from the comments here it will be. I will let everyone know after the pack trip if I'm completely happy with the purchase. Thanks for all the feedback.

I think you'll be very happy with your decision. The only issue I had to adjust too was the slight rubbing that sometimes irritated my wooly chest. I got used to it, but I did fidget a little in the beginning. Just a heads-up if you're a sasquatch too.

Kifaru makes an adapter that attaches to PALS webbing. You can then use any holster than would normally ride on a belt.

HERE

I'm still wondering how you knew I was as wooly as Bigfoot? Since I moved back to Bama there have been no more sightings of the creature in the NW.

I just run a mitch rosen with a 329 in it. I weave the sternum strap through it and it rides fine. when I get to my area and de backpack, I still have a useful sidearm holster. small ight and multi purpose.

If you are going to have to unzip a handgun for defense in any bag you might as well put it in the pack. Don't kid yourself about being able to unzip and present a weapon in the heat of the moment. You mentioned bear defense and I know how quick a black bear can be on you even with a rifle in hand aimed downrange at him. God help you if you need to clear leather at all ...let alone unzip a bag. If it ain't in your hand your probably not going to make it...zipping it up is a joke if your serious about defense. A handgun doesn't need to be comfortable, it needs to be to be "comforting".

I use a leather crossdraw holster that is just below my hip belt. It works fine on horse back too.

I's still be lucky to get off a well aimed shot at a bear set on getting into me...that's the truth.

Obviously you have no idea how a Kit bag or a Koala works. It is just as fast as a cross draw holster for me. It is called "practice", you do that enough and you can easily get your gun out with speed. I have already drawn "real life" from a kit bag and a Koala once at bears that were less than 10 yards away. I have had no problems getting out my handgun.

You are the exception, not the rule, and I commend you on your speed and your ability to face bears. I also commend you on your dedication to practicing such a skillful draw from a zipped bag.

My opinion is still the same regarding a "zipped up" defensive weapon. If this rig doesn't have a zipper as I thought originally than I am mistaken but my opinion will remain the same regardless when it comes to access.

You can have your opinion and I'll have mine.

Go ahead and watch the you tube video on the Hill People Gear website, you will see what i am talking about. Access is alot faster then you would think.

Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nXfp1zsJ0BE

While not my style, it appears to be quick provided you have both hands free. I do like the design and I like the storage as a stand alone kit...of course I woould just fill it with more junk. Neat design just not for me. Here's a shot of me with a pack on and my crossdraw holster in Colorado, it's what works for me.

Is that a Bisley Vaquero?

Nothing wrong with a cross-draw belt holster, or strong side for that matter---------like you said, whatever works for YOU. As the owner of a decent pile of nice leather though, I still find the Kit Bag to be an great invention. If I felt I was in REAL danger of a Brown Bear attack, I'd probably opt for an Marlin Guide Gun or Rem 870 riding in a Kifaru Gunbearer (if wearing a pack) or in my hand if not. For my needs, the Kit Bag is plenty fast, and its only concession is the need for two free hands rather than one. Since I shoot with two hands anyway, the one that rips open the bag is right where it needs to be as the support hand as the pistol clear the bag. Even when drawing from leather my support hand always goes to my chest while my gun hand is grabbing the pistol, so it's a natural (conditioned) response. Consistency is nice.

If I was strictly concerned about a fast presentation, I'd probably stick with one of the custom kydex holsters that attaches directly to MOLLE webbing. But for the compromise of concealed carry, the KB is top notch, with added benefits beyond just a holster.

It does have a zipper but you don't really unzip the bag, you rip it open. It is a two handed operation if you're going to do it with any speed. Weak hand rips the bag away and the strong hand grasps the gun. Much faster than you'd think, especially if you actually try it. It would definitely be slower than a standard holster with one hand though. I suspect you might be surprised by a time trial between a leather cross draw holster with strap in place and the Kit Bag. Would depend on the user of course.

CCH is right on and you can trust what he says. He turned me onto the HPG bag and it's everything everyone says. I'm a Kifaru junkie but the HPG is what you want.

Good point, I completely missed that part. The strap either makes it a two hand operation, or slows the draw while the gun hand releases the strap first before drawing. I tend to keep straps undone for that reason, only snapping them down if I foresee a reason. IIRC Elmer/Skeeter/Jordan used the same approach with their strap holsters. I'm definitely not them, but why reinvent the wheel if they've noodled out the issue already.

I remember one campout where I left my EPS Tanker strap undone, and I got a few helpful reminders and silent glances from friends who were from "gun guys." One dude I met on the trail even asked me why I had a pistol in the first place. All this is completely avoided with the Kit Bag.

I've been using a El Paso Saddlery tankerman's holster for my short Super Blackhawk. The leather is thin enough not to be a problem under the pack straps. It's a little heavy for the width of the strap but acceptable. I think it'd be great for your Taurus.

I used to pack an identical .44 in an uncle mike's vertical shoulder holster. I was surprised a bit, but it didn't conflict with the shoulder straps or hip belt either.

With my frame packs, high ride hip holsters typically work ok, they fit in that gap between the pack frame, webbing, and my hip bone. With an internal frame pack or big day pack with a belt that fits tight clear around, that doesn't work out.

Tom

how about you guys split the difference with a cross draw kit bag



Made this one for a hard rock miner friend of mine who has taken to carrying a .454 because of "those pesky moose". It's a one off custom called the "thirty eight and a half".

No plans to put it into production, and custom work like this is only done as a personal favor. Just thought you might get a kick out of it.

I feel honored knowing both the hard rock miner (a rugged individual) and the story behind the name.

Bisley 45 Blackhawk

I like all the point smade about those chest kits...OK...Let me just get to the real reason I won't have one...God should strike me down if he sees my revolvers in anything synthetic, kydex around a Single action makes is simply unnatural. My holster is a 120 style with an extra long strap (like Elmer recommended) so I can release the strap as I chop up and grasp the pistol with one hand. Of course I also still wear wool so I may be a bit behind the times....

The whole point is that NO ONE will see your SA wrapped in nylon or if they do, you aren't going to be trying to garner style points at that moment. Besides, if God is a true traditionalist, a Ruger (while a superior using gun) isn't going to cut it for him and you will be smote mightily for your failure to carry a vintage Colt SAA. EK was known to drop his gun into his boot if necessary to remain inconspicuous. I'm betting he wouldn't turn up his nose at the HPG Kit Bag given his practical nature. He seemed to like things that worked.

OK bro, you get a pass from me. No more explanation needed. As you might have noticed from my avitar, I've got some pretty strong feelings about wool too--------and leather, walnut, blue steel, carbon steel knives, manual hubs and faithful wives. I've got one whole dresser drawer dedicated to wool socks, and a closet with probably 50% of Filson's catalog in it (or close), rounded out with Pendleton shirts and mil-surp wool. In other words, explain no more!

If the Kit Bag wasn't THAT GOOD I'd be using my leather holsters even more than I already am. BTW, as a "true believer", MY Bisley's are blued.

f'ers, my wife hates you all btw


so do I need to order the lifter straps to use with my backpacks or is just the pack the way it comes enough?

was mildly surprised and disappointed that my Kifaru Koala I had to buy add ons to use it with the backpack.

got one in the shopping cart, just waiting to see if I need to order the lifter straps as well. TIA

oh did I mention my wife hates you guys?

No amount of lobbying to God will allow ANY Colt SA to propel a 45 caliber slug weighing 310grs at 1200fps. And EK's boot was still made from leather!

You can have you opinion on what he would use also but there's no way I'd make that call.

Point taken on the blued guns! You got me on my stainless Blackhawk...I have no excuses for that.

Self-imposed limitations are always the saddest and silliest.

I disagree. The self-imposed ones are based on the individual's total background, experiences and makeup. He sets his limits and goals, and those are what works for HIM. Limitations imposed by external forces--------government, institutions, family, that limit a person's potential are the saddest. If a guy chooses "traditional" outdoor gear, how are his decisions not as correct as someone who dons plastics head to toe? Enjoying the outdoors is an individual experience, and thus the individual must make choices that maximize that for HIM. If it was only about exercise, everyone would go to the gym.

2legit - The standard Kit Bag comes with one set of docking straps. It's easy enough to switch the docking straps between packs, some folks just like to keep a set permanently mounted on their day pack and trip pack. It's a bummer to get out on the trail and discover that your docking kit is still on your other pack at home.

Helluva statement...is that it, or do you have something of value to add to this adult coversation?

thanks evan, I'm obliged

7-8 bucks is pretty cheap for handy

Personally, I have started carrying a G20SF in a Safariland 6004.

Yeah, it's "tacticool" looking etc...

I just can't find room on pack webbing/belt I am using and the chest rigs don't feel good to me.

YMMV

After trying several options over the years, I decided on a Diamond D Custom Leather Guide's Choice chest holster for most of my field use.

The Hill People Gear Kit Bag has made onto my Christmas list, though.

Best - M