Handgun holster while wearing a pack?

[pd]

Years ago I used the Superday on day hunts with the built in holster, it wasn't bad but tough to get the pistol out very quick. Nowadays I use an X2 pack & since then I've picked up a hip holster for my 357mag with a 4" barrel. I put it around my waist at the hip & strap my pack on over it, I've done this for several years now & it's very comfortable. You can see the leather holster & gun barrel sticking down as I carry it.

  ElkNut1

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Hey ElkNut1 (nice photo, by the way).  I am not sure that I follow you.  You strap the waist belt of the X2 OVER the holster??  How do you access the firearm?  Please take a photo for us.  Thanks.

[Alchase]

I also have the X2, I use a Blackhawk Serpa II, mounted off hand on the belt of the X2.

[Elknut1]

Pd, I have the pistol in a hip holster, the whole unit is on my pants belt. This means if I remove my pack I'm still wearing the pistol. If I'm wearing the pack over my pistol I just unclip my pack waist belt & it exposes the pistol to grab for. It's pretty fast access.

  ElkNut1

[Jonathan_S]

I take the buckle off my pack belt, slide the holster on and put the buckle back on.

[pd]

Here is my current solution.  I have been working on this for a while, and this is what I will try this coming hiking season.  I looked far and wide for a bag or pouch to hold my XD 4" S&W40.  I don't need a quick draw, but I do want something handy.  I don't require a holster, and I want to keep the sidearm out of the weather, if possible.

I found a bag (the COVRT Pistol Pouch) at 5.11 Tactical: http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/COVRT/COVRT-Pistol-Pouch.html

I had the local seamstress sew loops onto the back of the pouch.  She used automobile seatbelt webbing.

The bag can be worn high on the shoulder straps (above the chest straps), or low on the shoulder straps (resting on the waist strap). 

If you don't like this solution, go with the example from ElkNut1.

I will post pictures separately.

[pd]

COVRT photograph #2

[pd]

COVRT photograph #3

[Fireant11]

Check out Tactical Tailors in Lakewood (and on the web).  They specialize in tailoring items for law enforcement and the military.  I've got a Camelback pack and wanted a holster for my 357 mag.  They built one for about $35 that clips on my shoulder strap of my pack. 

It works great and is readily available.

[pd]

Check out Tactical Tailors in Lakewood (and on the web).  They specialize in tailoring items for law enforcement and the military.  I've got a Camelback pack and wanted a holster for my 357 mag.  They built one for about $35 that clips on my shoulder strap of my pack. 

It works great and is readily available.

Photograph, please.

[briancorneal]

I do like the custom pack strap bag.  I'd like to check out tactical tailor and see what they can do for me.  I always thought a custom item would come with a "custom" price, but $35 is pretty reasonable.  I'd also like a pic or two though.

[Fireant11]

Haven't tried posting pics before.  Hope this works!

[fisheral87]

My method sound similar to elknut's. I am using a rigger style belt with a leather holster under a waist pack to carry my pistol. Waist carry for me is the most comfortable, I can see the drop leg being problematic, but that custom job looks good too.

Al

[Joeman3285]

Here's the one I use up in Ak when I'm doing exploration work in bear country.  Works well with my .44.  It hangs on your chest so it doesn't get much in the way of a pack.  You just have to play with the chest strap a little.  It's really nice for going through thick brush as it doesn't catch anywhere near as bad as a hip or thigh holster.   

http://www.alaskasportsmanproducts.com/

Here's another one that I haven't used but is in a similar vein. 

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

[jackelope]

The problem with those is interfering with bino's.

[coyote_out]

If you drop them down so that they kind of rest on your hip belt, they probably wouldn't interfere that bad.  Idk though, I haven't tried either.