Holsters

I understand that some people don't think a gun is necessary in the wilderness. But let's skip that debate, at least for this thread. I'm bringing my gun.

Now I have to think about the best way to carry it. A gun in my backpack is no good if I only have seconds to react to a charging animal. So I need a holster. But which holster?

I've been looking at this Bandolier. I like that it has a flap to protect the gun from rain, but I'm not so sure the holster strap would be compatible with my backpack straps.

Do you think it would be better to go with a traditional hip holster?

If I'm not concerned with concealment, I carry in a cross-draw. Whatever you choose needs to be compatible with your backpack and other gear.

I have carried pistols in many ways and under many conditions.

I have always used a combat harness (cavalry holster) when using my ALICE pack but I would think that a "cross draw holster" (per Russ's suggestion) would probably work best under most conditions. Carrying a pistol stuck behind my belt works well but that method is very hard on the pistol and is meant for the short term.

I think it's strange that I have never thought of trying a cross draw holster, but I'm a wee bit strange anyway.

Carrying the pistol in a cross draw holster would make the pistol a part of your "in the woods" EDC and that means that you would have it on you if & when you needed it.

I was only 'charged' once by a Kodiak while we recovered a heart attack vicim ( town butcher and quess what his J3 was full of?)I had a .375 H&H already shouldered and ready to fire. I did, but only to get his attention. The distance that bear covered in a few seconds got mine. A secure holster is necessary, but if you meet by suprise Old Ehpraim on the trail your hand better be your carry rig.

If I'm carrying a pack then lik Russ I go with the cress draw, but if I'm with out a pack I like my tankers rig (a Leather US M7). I also have a holster attached to the frame of my alice pack, between the pack and and my back where not concealed but still out of casual view. All three ways are comfortable and easy to get to.

It kinda depends on what weapon you are planning on carrying. Is it a 2" five shot .38, or a 8 3/8" .44 mag?

Back when I used to backpack, I often carried either a 3" .357 mag, or my S&W 4013 in a small fanny pack, located in front, under the hip belt of my pack. I also like the GI "tanker" holsters, if I don't want to conceal the weapon. I "customized" mine with a different sholder strap, wider on top, with a mag pouch on the strap above the holster itself...

I know I'm a new guy here but have been a Marine for 18 years now and for best comfort my bet is with a thigh holster, but if you are trying to blend in with the populace and conceal the weapon the ches tor shoulder rig will probably do the trick.

I like the belt holster, right hand side because I'm right-handed. My dominant hand is already there, so I don't waste even a second reaching deftly into a jacket or down to my thigh. Also, thigh rigs require a certain degree of coordination to draw while moving, which is an extra waste of time. One second can matter a lot.

If I've donned a fully loaded backpack, I suppose the bandolier with the strap under the pack straps and the bandolier draped across my chest is going to be about ideal for transport purposes and still have a chance at quick deployment. Hip holsters won't be functional if I am wearing a padded hip belt on the pack, which I'd do with any pack weighing more than about 10 lbs. A crossdraw might end up with the gun hanging up on the shoulder belt on the draw. There may be a way to custom rig a crossdraw using the shoulder belts of the backpack.

If you are surprised on the trail and your gun ain't already drawn, then it's likely the attacker, be it man or beast, has the drop on you and you aren't going to get a shot off unless the gun is already in hand. Like Chris said.

It's a 6" .357 mag.

In a populated area I would keep it in my backpack and out of sight, but out in the woods I would be more concerned about accessibility than concealment.

Sh-t happens. But it's not practical to be holding a gun in my hand 24/7. I'll just have to do my best to avoid being surprised in the first place.

One option, if you don't want it to be obvious, is this "Safepacker" holster from Wilderness Tactical Products.

http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=51&osCsid=06708e57eef2e769cda9709271f067a0

If you are not worried about concealment then I would definately go with the thigh holster. It does take a little bit of practice to get good at the draw, but it is out of the way of your rucksack and the waist belt will not impeed your draw.

I carry my pistol in a holster I made, modeled after this one here: http://www.rusmilitary.com/images/makarov_holster.jpg
I carry it on my belt either left or right side depending on whether I'm wearing a belt. It's not a very fast holster, but its still much faster then my pack, and it does a good job of protecting my weapon.

In that case, I would go for some kind of chest/bandoleer rig...