Concealed vs. Open carry while hiking
- Thread starter cracked91
- Start date
Michael Bane
New member
Interesting thread, and one dear to my heart (as the author of the soon-to-be reissued TRAIL SAFE and the episode of THE BEST DEFENSE, airing today, on carrying in the backcountry).
I live in rural Colorado and spend a lot of time in the backcountry. Depending on where I'm hiking, the time of year, etc., I alternate between CCW and open carry. On USFS/BLM land in Colorado I generally open carry a .44 Special S&W revolver in a Simply Rugged pancake holster (which makes the relatively heavy Hamilton Bowen custom revolver carry pretty easy).
On trails where I'm not sure what land is being crossed, I go to concealed carry (often just my regular daily carry gun, a Para Carry 9 semi).
As a rule of thumb, if I'm hiking in a new area or someplace I don't know, I will go with concealed. I've come across rather unpleasant poachers in some areas, and it was comforting to have my hand on the concealed pistol while having conversations with same. My Sweetie asked me why I violated my rule and got closer to the poacher than I would in an urban situation. I told her he had a long-barreled shotgun which he carried at a high ready with both hands, and I wanted to be able to step inside the radius of the shotgun barrel to block/grab the gun if I had to shoot.
In the winter, I often opt with either a concealed chest holster (from Survival Sheath Systems) or a cheapie old shoulder holster from Uncle Mike's...that allows me to access the gun through the vents on the front of my shell jacket...and what's more natural in the winter than tucking one's hand inside the jacket to keep them warm?
Michael B
I live in rural Colorado and spend a lot of time in the backcountry. Depending on where I'm hiking, the time of year, etc., I alternate between CCW and open carry. On USFS/BLM land in Colorado I generally open carry a .44 Special S&W revolver in a Simply Rugged pancake holster (which makes the relatively heavy Hamilton Bowen custom revolver carry pretty easy).
On trails where I'm not sure what land is being crossed, I go to concealed carry (often just my regular daily carry gun, a Para Carry 9 semi).
As a rule of thumb, if I'm hiking in a new area or someplace I don't know, I will go with concealed. I've come across rather unpleasant poachers in some areas, and it was comforting to have my hand on the concealed pistol while having conversations with same. My Sweetie asked me why I violated my rule and got closer to the poacher than I would in an urban situation. I told her he had a long-barreled shotgun which he carried at a high ready with both hands, and I wanted to be able to step inside the radius of the shotgun barrel to block/grab the gun if I had to shoot.
In the winter, I often opt with either a concealed chest holster (from Survival Sheath Systems) or a cheapie old shoulder holster from Uncle Mike's...that allows me to access the gun through the vents on the front of my shell jacket...and what's more natural in the winter than tucking one's hand inside the jacket to keep them warm?
Michael B
grymster2007
New member
That's a good point and in my case I could get my gut inside the barrel radius, while still maintaining plenty of maneuver room with the rest of my body outside the barrel radius. You might have that same luxury.... unless of course it's just all those camera's on you...
