Have any of you fugking morons heard of a paddle holster and a towel?
You put the paddle holster on your strong side while wearing a backpack, and take five seconds to affix it to yourself when you stop on the trail or for the day. If the plastic between the paddle and holster become too worn from hip belts, buy another fugking paddle holster.
Drape a towel over it. I have done this for ten years through Yellowstone, Glacier, and wilderness areas.
Plaid shorts and Aviators let both human and wildlife know that you are not to be fugked with.
HPG kit bags are tough to beat.