Introduction: For outdoor enthusiasts who are also responsible gun owners, combining hiking with carrying a holstered gun on your hip can be a unique challenge. Finding the right hiking bag that accommodates both your outdoor gear and your firearm is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. In this blog, we'll explore the factors to consider when selecting a hiking bag to carry a hip holstered gun, ensuring that you're prepared for any situation while exploring the great outdoors.
1. Safety First: Before delving into bag options, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that you are well-versed in gun safety, proper holstered carry, and applicable local laws. Carrying a firearm while hiking comes with a higher level of responsibility, and you must be prepared to handle your weapon responsibly at all times.
2. Choosing the Right Bag: When selecting a hiking bag for carrying a hip holstered gun, consider the following factors:
a. Accessibility: Look for a bag with easy and quick access to your firearm. Some bags offer dedicated compartments or pouches specifically designed for carrying a gun on your hip.
b. Holster Compatibility: Make sure your chosen bag is compatible with your chosen hip holster. Some bags have adjustable straps or pockets designed to securely hold holstered firearms.
c. Comfort and Fit: Opt for a hiking bag that fits comfortably on your body and doesn't impede your movements while hiking. Adjustable straps, padded shoulder harnesses, and chest straps can all contribute to a comfortable fit.
d. Size and Capacity: Choose a bag with sufficient space to carry your hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, and other gear, while also accommodating your firearm. Consider both the bag's internal capacity and external attachment points for additional gear.
e. Concealment: If discretion is important to you, select a bag that conceals the presence of your firearm well. Subtle design elements and strategic placement of pockets can help maintain your privacy.
3. Bag Options to Consider: Here are a few hiking bag options that can work well for carrying a hip holstered gun:
a. Tactical Backpacks: Many tactical backpacks are designed with firearm carry in mind. Look for models with easily accessible compartments for your gun, along with multiple pockets for gear organization.
b. Hip Packs or Waist Bags: These compact bags are worn around your waist and offer quick access to both your firearm and essentials. They are often lightweight and ideal for shorter hikes.
c. Crossbody Sling Bags: Sling bags worn diagonally across your body provide a balanced and secure way to carry both your firearm and hiking gear. Look for models with adjustable straps and designated compartments.
d. Concealed Carry Backpacks: These backpacks are designed specifically for concealed carry and often have hidden compartments for your firearm. They combine practicality with discretion.
4. Personal Experience: I personally have experienced hiking with a 10 mm firearm on my hip.
a. Montana Hiking Trip: During our hike in Montana, I carried a 10 mm S&W M&P 2.0 open carried on my hip with a red 45-liter Gregory hiking pack on my back. This particular pack has hip belt pockets that strap around your waist to help carry the load of your pack filled with your hiking items. Here are my conclusions with this pack while carrying a gun on your hip: The pack itself is very useful and roomy for all your hiking needs, but the hip belt around your waist really becomes a hassle and discomfort after a long hike and potentially creates a safety issue due to the hip belt getting in the way of the gun. Every mile or so, I would need to adjust my pack and hip belt to where my gun could be easily accessed if any threat was to get too close to me or my party. I recommend buying a backpack that does not have the hip belt pockets if you are going to carry a gun on your hip while hiking.
Conclusion: Finding the perfect hiking bag to carry a hip holstered gun requires careful consideration of safety, accessibility, and comfort. By choosing a bag that meets your needs and preferences, you can ensure that you're fully prepared for your outdoor adventures while responsibly carrying your firearm. Remember that safety and adherence to local laws should always be your top priorities when carrying a weapon in any outdoor setting.
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