How do you carry your handgun while backpacking?

[Espi]

I did a bit of a search and didn't come up with much.

Has anyone found a holster that works for backpacking? I normally leave mine at home but have been doing a bit more backpacking solo. I am in the market for something smaller than what I have and wondered what others use.

I have a leg holster but don't like the feeling of it around my leg. I usually just strap it to my compression straps on my pack but, I would prefer something kind of low key but easy to get at.

[ASUAviator]

I occasionally carry my S&W 38 special, depends on my mood. Typically I carry a single action, 9 shot 22 on most outings. Sometimes I like shooting a few rounds here and there. (obviously picking up my brass after ). I have a redhead hip holster for both, it works good and keeps them out of the way.

I realize 22's arent powerful rounds but I feel they are adequate and better than sticks and stones if some freak event were to arise. But they kill more people than any other round. To me, shot placement is everything. Im pretty sure a warning shot would be enough to deter any attack.

[Azbackcountry]

The S&W 329 PD (also called the Alaskan Backpacker model) is an ultralight 44 mag with a 2.5" barrel, weighs in at 27oz. Definitely do more damage than that little .38

That is a very, very nice pistol. It's also a $1000 pistol! I just couldn't put a weapon that nice through mud, water and sand like I do my .38. I can understand everyones point that the .38 special is inadiquit, but all I want it to do is buy me some time to gain control of the situation. For weight, power and price this is about as good as I can do. I do like the Ruger LCP in .357mag, it is the same weight as my .38 and is less than $500. Thank for all the input. I've been wanting to see what and how everyone else was carrying. Great topic

I understand on the price point. I really did not want to drop that kind of coin on a revolver but was headed to wolf and griz country for an extended time, so I opted for some so called "knock down" power. I don't hesitate to get it wet and dirty, but then again I maintain it very well so I'm not worried about a little mud, dirt, or water. When out and about here in Az very rarely do I carry the 329 PD.

[PLC92084]

@Azbackcountry
For what it weighs, I'd carry it everywhere... My 44mag weighs a bunch more than the 329 but I'm used to it; still, I only carry it when I have to...

[Bradshaws]

@Azbackcountry
If I were in bruin country, I wound most defiantly pony up the dough for a weapon like the .44mag or bigger.

I wish I could say I take care of my weapons like I should but..... I don't . but I try ;)

[base871]

If I'm on an inner city hike or near a populated area, I carry a Glock 27 in a blackhawk serpa with 135gr Hydroshocks conceled to not freak out the antigunners. If I'm deep in the backcountry, I open carry a snubby .357 with 158 gr Hydroshocks in a cheap uncle mikes sidekick holster.

A few years ago I was carrying the Keltec Sub2000 folded up in my pack. It ended up being a big POS and stovepiped every round.

I'm more worried about the 2 legged animals than the 4 legged ones.

[Alston_Neal]

Most times I carry a Beretta .380 w/ 13 round mag loaded with Hydra Shok. With a spare mag that's 27 rounds, so with my shoosting abilities that means I'm going to end up still beating them about the head and shoulders with an empty gun.
Oh and since my wife so nicely added my full name to a public forum when she registered me, here's a heads up.......I don't leave home without it. ;)

[skatchkins]

Most times I carry a Beretta .380 w/ 13 round mag loaded with Hydra Shok. With a spare mag that's 27 rounds, so with my shoosting abilities that means I'm going to end up still beating them about the head and shoulders with an empty gun.
Oh and since my wife so nicely added my full name to a public forum when she registered me, here's a heads up.......I don't leave home without it. ;)

I was under the impression that my HydraShok's are good for my "people magazine" but my "animal magazine" was better off with full metal's since they didn't slow as much, i.e. should penetrate hide better. I used to top the animal mag off with a snake shot but I hadn't been bothering with it as of late.

And yes, I always carry all my guns too when I'm not at home except the 12 that is rigged up to one of the doors or is it the window? I can't remember ;)

[skatchkins]

A few years ago I was carrying the Keltec Sub2000 folded up in my pack.

Awesome I played around with getting their SU-16c for a backpack gun.

[Alston_Neal]

@skatchkins
Good point on the Hydra Shok and hide angle, I hadn't thought of that.

[base871]

True, the SD rounds out there are better suited for creating good hydrostatic shock on soft fleshy people tissue. Animals are a different story.

Use what the hunters use, soft points. Provides good penetration and expansion. I had some winchester 158 gr SP bullets that I loaded a few years ago and got some good velocities from, but never used them in my carry gun.

I only use factory SD ammo in my carry gun as if I ever did have to use it, I could provide lot #s to the courts instead of trying to explain why I loaded some super hot man killing bullets!