Thru Hike Concealed Carry

Published on December 21, 2016
Duration: 8:13

Thru-hiking presents unique concealed carry challenges due to sweat, friction, and backpack interference. Traditional methods like IWB holsters are often unsuitable. A recommended solution involves a concealed carry pouch attached to the backpack's waist strap for accessibility, with off-pack carry methods needed for town stops. Regular firearm maintenance, especially rust prevention, is critical in humid conditions.

Quick Summary

Thru-hiking requires adapting concealed carry methods. Traditional holsters fail due to sweat and pack interference. A recommended solution is a pouch on the backpack's waist strap for accessibility, with off-pack carry needed for town stops. Regular firearm maintenance is vital to prevent rust.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Thru-Hike Concealed Carry Defined
  2. 00:54Personal Experience: Ice Age Trail Carry
  3. 01:24Challenges of Traditional Carry Methods
  4. 03:00The Waist Strap Pouch Solution
  5. 04:20Off-Pack Carry & Town Stops
  6. 05:30Maintenance & Rust Prevention
  7. 06:27Holster Choice & Weight Management
  8. 07:02Trail Threat Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges of concealed carry for thru-hiking?

Thru-hiking presents challenges like excessive sweat and friction that make traditional holsters (IWB, OWB) uncomfortable and damaging to skin. Backpack waist belts also interfere with hip-mounted holsters, causing significant discomfort and rashes.

What is a recommended concealed carry solution for thru-hiking?

A recommended solution is using a concealed carry pouch attached directly to the backpack's waist strap. This allows for accessible and comfortable carry while hiking, though a separate plan is needed when the pack is removed.

How should firearms be maintained during a thru-hike?

Due to moisture from sweat and rain, weekly firearm maintenance is crucial. This includes field stripping, cleaning, and applying rust-preventative lubricants to prevent rust and pitting on the slide and barrel.

What are the primary threats encountered while thru-hiking with a firearm?

The primary threats encountered were aggressive people and dogs. While the firearm was not drawn, hiking sticks were effectively used to deter aggressive farm dogs on the trail.

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