DG53 Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:49 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:49 AM This summer I will spend a decent amount of time hiking in Montana and Wyoming. I will be toting my Glock 29 with me and am trying to decide what is the best holster option. I have a kydex IWB holster for it now, but think I will want something more comfortable while hiking. I like the stealthgearusa onyx IWB hybrid holster a lot, but wonder if a kydex OWB holster is a better idea. All of the hiking will be day trips, so I won't be wearing a heavy backpack, just a daypack. Can't really decide which is the best way to go. Thoughts? Suggestions? BTW...the Glock 29 is what I have and what I plan to carry. I know a full sized revolver in 454 might be better for bear deterrent, but that is not happening. My 10mm is what is coming a long with me and my family. Thanks all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderCover Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:06 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:06 AM OWB Kydex is the way to go. Stays close to the body, held snug by the belt, great retention while moving and quick access. But there is a down fall, Dirt, Dust and Rain will mostly likely be in contact with the pistol. If you don't have a Bear Mace Spray, I suggest to get one. This is not only for bears but for other wild animals & can be used for a self defense mace. I carry one along with my pistol when I go backpacking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:23 AM Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:23 AM OWB Kydex is the way to go. Stays close to the body, held snug by the belt, great retention while moving and quick access. But there is a down fall, Dirt, Dust and Rain will mostly likely be in contact with the pistol. If you don't have a Bear Mace Spray, I suggest to get one. This is not only for bears but for other wild animals & can be used for a self defense mace. I carry one along with my pistol when I go backpacking.Any suggested brands for OWB holster? And yes, both my wife and I will have bear spray on us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderCover Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:32 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:32 AM I got mine on eBay for $30 and I love it so much I got 3 for my other pistols. It's a no name brand. Though I have the makers business card it's 5B Tactical Gear seller Burch6790. If he does not have one for your pistol ask him if he can make one & most likely he will. Very nice guy to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderCover Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:44 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 02:44 AM Darn, Now I want to go backpacking. I love backpacking & primitive camping. When you go hiking, are you camping out, how heavy are your packs & will you be filtering water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorvinion Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:22 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:22 AM If your day packs have a hip belt it will probably interfere with most holsters.I still haven't found a great solution for concealing while wearing anything with a hip belt. Something to keep in mind: Montana and Wyoming have more than a few reservations. If you are on a reservation, tribal laws for firearms apply and many tribes prohibit concealed carry without permission of the tribal police or judge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderCover Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:50 AM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:50 AM If your hip belt on your backpack is to thick & will interfere with the holster that I suggested, get the Serpa Paddle Holster instead. The back of the Serpa paddle holster is large enough to pass over the hip belt and will secure it down. The retention on the Serpa Paddle is excellent esp if you will be moving a lot. I have one for my Glock 27 and works great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:31 PM Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:31 PM If your hip belt on your backpack is to thick & will interfere with the holster that I suggested, get the Serpa Paddle Holster instead. The back of the Serpa paddle holster is large enough to pass over the hip belt and will secure it down. The retention on the Serpa Paddle is excellent esp if you will be moving a lot. I have one for my Glock 27 and works great.I'm just wearing a day back and do not need to use the hip belt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeavyDuty Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:55 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 01:55 PM I would be looking at a retention holster - you don't want to inadvertently squeeze the gun out of the holster during strenuous activity. I like Safariland ALS rigs like the 637x for retention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yeti Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:49 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 03:49 PM While not a direct answer to your question for IWB or OWB, I have had good experience hiking (carrying a pack) with an older version the Blackhawk Nylon Alaska Guide Holster with G20s and G29s (may want to inquire about gun fit with current model). The Diamond D chest holsters made in Alaska are also great. A Safepacker from Wilderness Tactical Products on a belt or pack straps is good for a more concealed look. For a simple belt holster, a Serpa with a paddle kit works fine provided you are comfortable with the position of the retention release. Some people seem to have issues there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neumann Posted March 21, 2015 at 04:30 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 04:30 PM I don't do long hikes, but I take short trails when visiting parks out west. So far I've used an IWB holster, because they're easier to conceal (and not spook people who aren't used to seeing civilians with firearms). However an OWB is a lot more comfortable, particularly with a bear-sized handgun. A conventional shoulder holster is easily concealed under a jacket or vest, and can hold a full-sized handgun without dragging your pants down as you walk (a 4" .44 Magnum weighs over 46 oz). A backpack complicates things. The waist belt may interfere with access to a typical belt holster. If concealment is not important, possible solutions are a tanker style holster, where the gun is in front of your chest at a diagonal - accessible. A cross-draw holster remains accessible, or a military style holster with (Patton-style), or even a thigh holster. Backpacks I have (mostly for cameras) can be worn with a conventional shoulder holster in place. The shoulder strap goes above and behind the holster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt555gs Posted March 21, 2015 at 04:45 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 04:45 PM There is no need to ever conceal carry in either state you're going to. Why would you even consider an uncomfortable IWB holster there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocFaberliss Posted March 21, 2015 at 09:45 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 09:45 PM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoRonin70 Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:27 PM Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:27 PM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. I've been looking at those for an additional field carry option, or to put my PMR-30 in when I go hiking, since I belt-holster carry my own Glock 29SF when I'm out in the field. Mine has a modified light on it, so it's very difficult to get a holster to fit it. To the OP: However, I'm planning on just having a custom OWB concealable/field holster made and both bobapunk and Blackhawk067 were recommended to me for that. You might want to try the custom option, especially if you run a light on yours, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:55 PM Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:55 PM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page.Runner's kit is an interesting option. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:57 PM Author Share Posted March 21, 2015 at 11:57 PM There is no need to ever conceal carry in either state you're going to. Why would you even consider an uncomfortable IWB holster there?Mostly don't want to freak out the sheeples in the national parks. Montana and Wyoming residents are not the issue, it's the other tourists we will encounter. I want to be descreet and not looking to freak someone out that is not used to seeing a gun on a civilian's hip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocFaberliss Posted March 22, 2015 at 01:20 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 01:20 AM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. I've been looking at those for an additional field carry option, or to put my PMR-30 in when I go hiking, since I belt-holster carry my own Glock 29SF when I'm out in the field. Mine has a modified light on it, so it's very difficult to get a holster to fit it. To the OP: However, I'm planning on just having a custom OWB concealable/field holster made and both bobapunk and Blackhawk067 were recommended to me for that. You might want to try the custom option, especially if you run a light on yours, too. I'm certain someone could make an insert based on the Armordillo Xfer to accommodate lights. Or get an Xfer and just rig a 550-cord pull for it. I really like the kit bags, personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoRonin70 Posted March 22, 2015 at 02:13 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 02:13 AM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. I've been looking at those for an additional field carry option, or to put my PMR-30 in when I go hiking, since I belt-holster carry my own Glock 29SF when I'm out in the field. Mine has a modified light on it, so it's very difficult to get a holster to fit it. To the OP: However, I'm planning on just having a custom OWB concealable/field holster made and both bobapunk and Blackhawk067 were recommended to me for that. You might want to try the custom option, especially if you run a light on yours, too.I'm certain someone could make an insert based on the Armordillo Xfer to accommodate lights. Or get an Xfer and just rig a 550-cord pull for it. I really like the kit bags, personally. Those kit bags would make it so that you wouldn't even need an insert, or at most the Fricke Zacchaeus Holster laced into it that those Hill People folks have helpfully available on the same page that you listed. I don't like IWB, preferring an OWB or some sort of bag carry like you recommended, or my other preferred carry, the Wilderness Tactical Safepacker (looks like a small hipster messenger bag, doesn't print at all, and you can attach it to your belt and/or cross sling it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorvinion Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:01 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:01 AM Mostly don't want to freak out the sheeples in the national parks. Montana and Wyoming residents are not the issue, it's the other tourists we will encounter. I want to be descreet and not looking to freak someone out that is not used to seeing a gun on a civilian's hip.Honestly you are probably more likely to freak out Rangers than you are tourists.A lot of Rangers don't care for the change in law, but some don't seem to mind, or if they do mind they don't say anything. If my wife is any indication of the typical tourist, you wouldn't be noticed.The year after the law was changed I saw a handful of people carrying on trails in Glacier. Wife who was by my side the whole time saw none. Of course, whatever you are comfortable with is the best way for you.Since you are going to be carrying bear spray, it may just be easier to carry that and nothing else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:18 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:18 AM OWB G17 w/ Surefire x300ultra with a loose button down hiking shirt over it. Walked right by Rangers and other tourists with a giant bulge. I didn't buckle my hip belt since it was just a day hike. Most people just assume it's some kind of pouch or fancy pack or medkit on your hip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocFaberliss Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:35 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 04:35 AM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. I've been looking at those for an additional field carry option, or to put my PMR-30 in when I go hiking, since I belt-holster carry my own Glock 29SF when I'm out in the field. Mine has a modified light on it, so it's very difficult to get a holster to fit it. To the OP: However, I'm planning on just having a custom OWB concealable/field holster made and both bobapunk and Blackhawk067 were recommended to me for that. You might want to try the custom option, especially if you run a light on yours, too. I'm certain someone could make an insert based on the Armordillo Xfer to accommodate lights. Or get an Xfer and just rig a 550-cord pull for it. I really like the kit bags, personally. Those kit bags would make it so that you wouldn't even need an insert, or at most the Fricke Zacchaeus Holster laced into it that those Hill People folks have helpfully available on the same page that you listed. I don't like IWB, preferring an OWB or some sort of bag carry like you recommended, or my other preferred carry, the Wilderness Tactical Safepacker (looks like a small hipster messenger bag, doesn't print at all, and you can attach it to your belt and/or cross sling it). I'm not sure I'd carry a Glock in it without a trigger cover, personally. Revolver, USP (decocked) or something similar, sure. If I was set on belt carry, well, I should be picking up a 7.5" Redhawk in a couple weeks. Swap the Leupold for a red dot, and you have plenty of bear medicine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoRonin70 Posted March 22, 2015 at 05:54 AM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 05:54 AM What works for me while hiking is a Hill People Gear Recon/Runner's Kit Bag. It's worn across the chest, giving a draw similar to an aircrew holster, and also has a front pouch for a small boo boo kit, cellphone, or pogey bait. Can either be worn under your load, or can attach to the straps of your pack. Use a MIC or similar trigger-only holster, or have a local kydex maker build you an insert. http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/Default.aspx Kit bags and their in-house minimalist holster are on that page. I've been looking at those for an additional field carry option, or to put my PMR-30 in when I go hiking, since I belt-holster carry my own Glock 29SF when I'm out in the field. Mine has a modified light on it, so it's very difficult to get a holster to fit it. To the OP: However, I'm planning on just having a custom OWB concealable/field holster made and both bobapunk and Blackhawk067 were recommended to me for that. You might want to try the custom option, especially if you run a light on yours, too. I'm certain someone could make an insert based on the Armordillo Xfer to accommodate lights. Or get an Xfer and just rig a 550-cord pull for it. I really like the kit bags, personally. Those kit bags would make it so that you wouldn't even need an insert, or at most the Fricke Zacchaeus Holster laced into it that those Hill People folks have helpfully available on the same page that you listed. I don't like IWB, preferring an OWB or some sort of bag carry like you recommended, or my other preferred carry, the Wilderness Tactical Safepacker (looks like a small hipster messenger bag, doesn't print at all, and you can attach it to your belt and/or cross sling it).I'm not sure I'd carry a Glock in it without a trigger cover, personally. Revolver, USP (decocked) or something similar, sure. If I was set on belt carry, well, I should be picking up a 7.5" Redhawk in a couple weeks. Swap the Leupold for a red dot, and you have plenty of bear medicine. That's why I use a Siderlock on my Glock trigger. It literally does not slow down my draw and shoot speed in the slightest since my finger passes it on the way into the trigger guard, but absolutely prevents the trigger safety blade from being depressed until it's clicked off. I use that currently in my Safepacker, and I practice drawing and shooting about 200 times at least every other (and often every) day, without a single hitch. I've used a chest pack as well, but a larger and more cumbersome one than the ones you linked to (which is why I am liking those!), with the same no-problem results. But, the Fricke Zacchaeus trigger cover is a nice addition to make sure things not only don't go boom, but also stay nicely into place if you lace it down into the pack tightly enough. As for belt carry and bear (or other hungry beastie) problems, I just swap out my barrel for a 5" compensated KKM barrel and run Underwood loadings of 140 grain Xtreme Penetrators at close to 1,550 fps and 745 ft/lbs of energy (25"+ of penetration, and will go through bone like a buzz saw) alternated with Underwood 220 grain hardcasts closing in on 1,250 fps and over 760 ft/lbs. With a 15 round magazine of those, plus one in the chamber, I should be good to go with regard to not getting eaten! That will also fit nicely into an open-end holster, as well as one of those chest-packs. Not to say that a magnum wheelgun is anything to sneeze at. I used to have a scoped Super Redhawk with a 9.5" barrel that I sold 20-something years ago after I got out of the military and moved back to Illinoying, which I still regret getting rid of. Someone I know is trying to convince me to buy his S&W .500 HIVIZ with a Leupold Vari-X II 4 scope on it, but dropping $2 grand on a gun that shoots $2–3 bullets is not something that I think I can sneak past my better half. Not to mention the holster or carry options I'd need for that start to get into the ridiculous! Plus, I'd feel like I was cheating on my Glock 29 SF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klaxongreg Posted March 22, 2015 at 09:21 PM Share Posted March 22, 2015 at 09:21 PM I got my Alien Gear holster in. Man is it 100% more comfortable. Much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobapunk Posted March 25, 2015 at 01:56 PM Share Posted March 25, 2015 at 01:56 PM I'd use something like this: If you are using a pack with a hip belt. The belt loops can be swapped out for MALICE Clips and you can mount it right to the pack belt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted March 26, 2015 at 01:15 AM Author Share Posted March 26, 2015 at 01:15 AM I'd use something like this: If you are using a pack with a hip belt. The belt loops can be swapped out for MALICE Clips and you can mount it right to the pack belt. I'll have to try this out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:37 PM Author Share Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:37 PM Update: In the end, I ordered a Bravo concealment OWB kydex holster and a StealthgearUSA Onyx IWB hybrid holster. The Bravo holster arrived first and, while comfy, it just did not conceal well. The grip jutted away from my body. I ordered pancake style loops to see if that would help and while it was better, still not good enough. Too much printing. It is on its way back to be returned. Too bad, cause I really wanted to make it work. The Stealthgear Onyx arrived last week. I have other stealthgear holsters and this one did not let me down. Really comfortable to wear and the thinkness of the Glock 29 did not get in my way. Once it is on, it stays in place and it conceals very well. Even when I put the longer Glock 20 magazine in the gun. The real test will be the three week road trip out west where it will get most of its use. I will let you know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WPxx Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:46 PM Share Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:46 PM If you run into some hot weather, perspiration could be an issue with IWB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:52 PM Author Share Posted June 9, 2015 at 02:52 PM If you run into some hot weather, perspiration could be an issue with IWB.Yeah, I know, but if you are not familiar with the Stealthgear Oynx, check it out here: http://stealthgearusa.com/products/stealthgear-onyx-iwb-holster-glock-27-40-cal?variant=515424369 It is going to be as breathable as an IWB can be and has a breathable layer that keeps the moister away from the gun. This will be a good test as it will be warm in Wyoming and Montana in July. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD123 Posted June 9, 2015 at 03:39 PM Share Posted June 9, 2015 at 03:39 PM I think you made a good choice. I'm a fairly active type of person so I've gone mountain biking with my LCP on me in various methods of carry; IWB, OWB, inside the pocket, off body carry in a small pack. If you're going to sweat, make sure that you wipe the gun down after you're done. I went mountain biking and my LCP got wet from me sweating. I didn't think to wipe it down afterwards and the next day I could see that it was getting ready to start to rust so I immediately broke it down, cleaned and oiled it. Rain is one thing, sweat is another because of the salt. On a personal note, if I'm going through bear country, I'll most definitely be carrying my Super Redhawk 44mag. I'd probably carry the G29 as a BUG also lol. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/09/e7ddb619fbbb111a3ec982cc723ace78.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/09/54af67aac0e53b1cf65a0f2d46bb7e2a.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DG53 Posted June 9, 2015 at 04:09 PM Author Share Posted June 9, 2015 at 04:09 PM I think you made a good choice. I'm a fairly active type of person so I've gone mountain biking with my LCP on me in various methods of carry; IWB, OWB, inside the pocket, off body carry in a small pack. If you're going to sweat, make sure that you wipe the gun down after you're done. I went mountain biking and my LCP got wet from me sweating. I didn't think to wipe it down afterwards and the next day I could see that it was getting ready to start to rust so I immediately broke it down, cleaned and oiled it. Rain is one thing, sweat is another because of the salt. On a personal note, if I'm going through bear country, I'll most definitely be carrying my Super Redhawk 44mag. I'd probably carry the G29 as a BUG also lol. I am definitely going to bring a simply cleaning kit to clean off the gun. That is a good idea I had not thought to do. I hear ya about a large caliber revolver, but I think I will stick to 15 rounds of 180 grain, 10mm and pray I do not need it. Being very careful and loud comes first, bear spray second, firearm as a last resort. I like the 29 for two legged predators as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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