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View Full Version : Backpack holster/holder?



jmk1138
01-21-2012, 01:34 PM
I'm looking for suggestions/thoughts:

I usually keep a backpack (nothing fancy, just like something high school have) with a couple of snacks, water, tools, etc. in my trunk. When I go for a hike I often load up a little more water, sunscreen or whatever and put it on.

I'd like to use this (or get something similar) to hold my j-frame. I've googled a bit but cant find any sort of pack with a holster/holder that is not overkill and too expensive.

Any input?

Husky44
01-21-2012, 02:17 PM
Why are you carrying the pistol? If it's for SD, I can't see any way of having a pistol accessible on or in the backpack while carrying it hiking. Are you trying to conceal, or wanting open carry? In Alaska, carrying while hiking is completely normal, and most people open carry, with either a cross-draw shoulder holster or some sort of chest rig, either of which can be adjusted to work with a day pack or bigger backpack. You can find some relatively inexpensive convertible chest/shoulder rigs on the web for this purpose, most are made from nylon. If you need a link, PM me. They sell them all over the place up here, but the brand I'm thinking of escapes me.

Since a good hiking pack puts everything pretty much behind you, I can't see a good way to have a pistol in your pack and have it accessible for SD. You might be able to rig some sort of waist holster on a hip belt of a pack, but a chest/shoulder rig will be more secure.

Hope this helps. Sorry if I misread your intent.

JFootin
01-21-2012, 02:33 PM
Probably won't help, but I found a nice looking, compact black nylon fanny pack with SS zippers for $3 at an air conditioned indoor flea market about an hour north of Atlanta along I-85. It has a compartment perfectly sized to fit my CM9; a smaller, thinner one in front of it for my wallet; and a smaller one in front of that for my change purse. To the right is a cell phone pouch with a velcro flap that can also work as a spare mag carrier. It is amazing what you can find at a large, well established flea market for next to nothing. :D

jmk1138
01-21-2012, 02:33 PM
So my hiking bag can double as a bug-out bag, if necessary. So I have a second weapon, if necessary (for me or for my un-armed ally/wife/son).

And when I say "hiking" I'm pretty sure it's not what you're thinking of. I live in an urban area that has what most people would call "hills" and we just drive a few minutes, then hike for an hour or two.

I'm really just exploring options. I figure that if I can find one more use for the stuff I already use, then I have another backup plan. I like to have options.

I like to explain it this way:
"How many backup plans do you need?"
"One more."

jmk1138
01-21-2012, 02:34 PM
Also, it needs to be a little bit bigger than a fanny pack. I keep my dog's collapsible water bowl, treats for him and stuff like that in the backpack.

Husky44
01-21-2012, 05:40 PM
Sounds like OC isn't an option; if it's a BUG, then you might not be looking for immediate accessibility? If that's true, then I'd find a pocket holster that you can use to put it in your backpack.

If accessibility is important, then JFootin's idea of a fanny pack (worn on the front, I would think) for your gun, with your backpack for everything else, might be a good concealment option.

I do lots of day hikes too. We tend to carry even for those. I get bears in my yard; as soon as I step out the door I'm in bear country. If it's just me, or me and the dog, I don't worry about a gun too much; it's when I have others with that the gun becomes more important. I figure me and the dog can negotiate a reasonable agreement with Mr. Bear. When others are along, I can't always control their response, so the gun's more important.

I still like the shoulder holster option (concealed under appropriate weight jacket or shirt, open in front), or the fanny pack. Of course, if it's a BUG, you didn't tell us where your primary is. May all be moot. Still just trying to help.

MikeyKahr
01-21-2012, 06:15 PM
Maxpedition has some great options and choices. http://www.maxpedition.com/

They are a bit on the pricey side, but high quality and you can find good deals on EBay and elsewhere.