Rifle Strapped to Pack

[ian_padron]

Wondering if I should pick up a gun bearer from Kifaru or a similar setup, rather than strapping my rifle directly to my pack.

Not sure how sensitive the scope is in terms of being strapped down and keeping its zero.

Anyone have experience, good or bad, with strapping their rifles directly to their packs for an extended hike in?

[7mag.]

Wondering if I should pick up a gun bearer from Kifaru or a similar setup, rather than strapping my rifle directly to my pack.

Not sure how sensitive the scope is in terms of being strapped down and keeping its zero.

Anyone have experience, good or bad, with strapping their rifles directly to their packs for an extended hike in?

I do it a the time. Never had an issue.

[Duckslayer89]

Wondering if I should pick up a gun bearer from Kifaru or a similar setup, rather than strapping my rifle directly to my pack.

Not sure how sensitive the scope is in terms of being strapped down and keeping its zero.

Anyone have experience, good or bad, with strapping their rifles directly to their packs for an extended hike in?

I used the grab it last trip and it worked awesome. Used the lash it strap across the forearm part of the rifle under the end of the scope and put the butt down into the grab it, it kept all the pressure off the scope and wasn't tweaking on the rifle. I was worried to about the scope getting knocked around. IMO the gun bearer didn't look very comfortable I'm not sure if you can use trekking poles with it from what I remember

[Branden]

I have done both. I have carried my rifle strapped to my pack 100's of miles and haven't had issues with it. When strapped I run one strap between the scope mounts and action and one a little higher. The scope isn't ever strapped.

The gun bearer worked very well also. Even using trekking poles. I will use the gun bearer if not using my rambler from now on. I like it better then strapping it. My buddy and I got into an area that was brush covered. The gun bearer worked better since the barrel was lower then his gun strapped.

But it does take a little getting used to the gun in the gun bearer.

Regards, Branden

[Karl Blanchard]

Gun bearer works awesome but when you are loaded heavy, it will definitely put more pressure on your hip and can get uncomfortable.   I hunt with the gun bearer but when packing a load I strap to the pack.  Butt pad goes in a small belt pocket that I have on the side of my pack, and then use the side compression straps to hold the rifle.  Works perfect

[teanawayslayer]

Never had a problem strapping to my pack.

[jtw]

I've only strapped my gun to my bag. Never had issues but as previously mentioned I dont strap the scope at all. Ive always done it the way mystery ranch shows in their metcalf video.

[300rum]

I think it depends on the quality of your setup.  If your rings and scope are set up correctly and are tight you won't have a problem.  I have a scope that I had put on by (what I I would call) a master gunsmith in 1994 or 1995.  I haven't touched this scope since and it is as accurate as the day I sighted it in.  I have had it on horses, dragged it on a cart behind a bike, lashed it on the back of my pack, wrapped bungee's around and through the scope and never had it move.  The stock looks like a three year old found his dad's hammer and played carpenter with it but in all those years and a couple dozen animals, it has never moved.   

[Bill W]

I liked keeping my gun in a sleeve or sock of some sort.  If it's just stuffed in a pack it's bound to pick up rub spots.

[ian_padron]

Awesome insight guys. I think I'll keep er strapped to the pack!

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[plentycoupe]

Kifaru gun bearer is awesome!

I have done both but since I started using the gun bearer I haven't had an issue. I use trekking poles as well.
I love the fact that with it I can be hiking and have my rifle up and ready in a second. I haven't need to shoot that quick yet but who knows when the hunting gods will hand you a favor and a nice buck will just be standing there looking at you!

[MtnMuley]

I personally have no use for the gun bearer. I even bought one designed for the new Kifaru bag I bought and still don't like it. I like vertical barrel down gun holders on my packs and have sold several friends on the same style who previously used side mounting set ups and gun bearers.

[bradslam]

Hiking out in the dark last year during high buck, I had my rifle strapped down inside of the full-length side pocket of my Exo 5500 while I was descending the steep way-trail I was on.  Lower on the mountain, in the timber, I turned around to find a large cougar less than 30 yds behind me.  I yelled at it loudly, only to have it start walking toward me!  At that moment I was definitely wishing I had the rifle in a Gun Bearer instead of strapped down in my pack, as I wouldn't have had time to take my pack off and get the rifle out if the cougar decided to make it's move.  I then yelled as loud as I possibly could, which made it stop and crouch down.  I ended up deciding to keep my pack on and keep bear spray pointed at the cougar as I eased backwards down the trail yelling at it the whole time.  It followed me for several minutes, staying about 20 yds away, and then disappeared (I think I felt worse after that, since I had no idea where it was).  Eventually, I made it safely to my truck and let out a major sigh of relief.  Not a fun experience, but something for others to think about.  In the future, for some situations I will definitely have my rifle in a Gun Bearer.

BTW, I am experimenting with using the lower section of a Stone Glacier Weapon Sling combined with the upper section of a Kifaru Gun Bearer to get the weight off of the hip belt and more on the frame.

[ian_padron]

Hiking out in the dark last year during high buck, I had my rifle strapped down inside of the full-length side pocket of my Exo 5500 while I was descending the steep way-trail I was on.  Lower on the mountain, in the timber, I turned around to find a large cougar less than 30 yds behind me.  I yelled at it loudly, only to have it start walking toward me!  At that moment I was definitely wishing I had the rifle in a Gun Bearer instead of strapped down in my pack, as I wouldn't have had time to take my pack off and get the rifle out if the cougar decided to make it's move.  I then yelled as loud as I possibly could, which made it stop and crouch down.  I ended up deciding to keep my pack on and keep bear spray pointed at the cougar as I eased backwards down the trail yelling at it the whole time.  It followed me for several minutes, staying about 20 yds away, and then disappeared (I think I felt worse after that, since I had no idea where it was).  Eventually, I made it safely to my truck and let out a major sigh of relief.  Not a fun experience, but something for others to think about.  In the future, for some situations I will definitely have my rifle in a Gun Bearer.

BTW, I am experimenting with using the lower section of a Stone Glacier Weapon Sling combined with the upper section of a Kifaru Gun Bearer to get the weight off of the hip belt and more on the frame.

HOLY COW MAN!!! Nothing to get the old heart thumpin' like a stand off with a cat that's for sure🐺. I had a similar experience back in February just outside of Liberty...and I didn't have a gun or spray at all. Lesson learned.

Do you have any pics of that hybrid setup you're experimenting with?

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[Pathfinder101]

I just strap mine on.