[Jim_H]

the only predator that worries me (is) the armed idiot. If they can't get there by ATV, they would be straying too far from beer.

I understand there are more attacks by this predator than by bears in AZ every year.

[jeffmacewen]

I don't carry while backpacking in wilderness areas because I feel pretty confident that I won't run in to the only preditor that worries me, the armed idiot. If they can't get there by ATV, they would be straying too far from beer.

That's the only reason I carry, as well...

[dysfunction]

yea, I'm not sure that I'd trust any handgun to stop a bear.. I normally prefer at least a 30 caliber rifle for that sort of thing.

[jeffmacewen]

Many times a handgun won't stop a human, either...but I got your joke.

[Thoreau]

Been carrying a Springfield XDm-40 (16+1) on my hikes for a while now, and have never encountered any issues. The only snag with it is if I were to decide to carry my full load of camera gear, I'd have to switch from my paddle holster (Blackhawk Serpa... LOVE the retention mechanism and knowing that my boom boom stick isn't gonna fall out while scrambling up rocks/boulders) to the thigh-mount version. Guess I'll see how that works on some upcoming trips where I will indeed be packing in the 73 metric tons of camera gear. =)

[Strand]

Look at Blackhawk's Omega series for a standard thigh rig, it has a snap thumb break, easy to adjust size, and will allow you to leave a weapon light on the rail if you care to do so. Not as nice as the serpa panel style thigh rigs, but probably a lot more comfortable.

Or try their Special Ops holster, it's a half thigh rig (rides lower than a paddle but higher than a normal thigh holster - only has one thigh strap), has a thumb break, is easy to adjust for size, and has an external flap that can be held open with velcro, or closed with a polymer buckle. Your gun is then double retained, and even covered.

They can both be found under the nylon category on Blackhawk's website. I own both, and they fit my Sig P226, 250, 220, and my full sized and commander size 1911s easily. I really like the Spec Ops because of the extra flap and the comfort as it doesn't flop around as much as most thigh holsters.

[jeffmacewen]

I think they're having a sale right now, too...