Molle gun holster and LBV vest for backpacking?

foxx

foxx

Joined
Sep 5, 2010
Messages
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So, here's my situation. I don't have hips, enough to carry a heavy gun on my belt. Not to mention that when backpacking, my waist is covered by my back's belt. I've tried to carry my 9mm, full metal frame, on my hip and it isn't going to work.
If I want to carry a pistol, I have to put it on my chest. Most chest rigs seem to go in one place, and aren't that adjustable, they are made to go in one place. That place may not work with my straps, or my own comfort, plus I don't like the look of any of them.

I have ordered a 5.11 VTAC Load bearing vest, with molle straps. What I want is to have extra magazine pouches, flashlight, ferro rod, water bladder(as option), and of course a pistol holster all on the vest. This would, hopefully, all fit with my backpack straps, and allow access for the gun if ever needed.
I see some horizontal, some vertical, and some angled cordura/molle holsters out there, many are cheap. I've seen a few that are US made, more expensive, but maybe they are worth it? Like this one..http://www.elitesurvival.com/index.php?p=product&id=41&parent=4 There is also one from BLOCS http://www.specialforces.com/tactic...e-system/blocs-molle-holster-horizontal-mount
Any suggestions, or advice in this matter? I've ordered the vest, and now I need to get a sheath. Hopefully it will also fit my S&W 586 L frame 4" revolver.
Anybody have experience with these sheaths, or similar, any warnings or advice is welcome. And thanks!
 
How about a drop leg holster? Backpacking with a load bearing vest seems a bit odd....
 
That would still put the weight on my pant belt, right? The backpack is already pushing them down, I just don't need any weight on my waist.
The vest I'm getting seems pretty thin, it's a mesh vest with molle straps. http://www.specialforces.com/tactic...e-system/blocs-molle-holster-horizontal-mount
I'll also be using this set up for shooting in the woods, hiking, and being around camp. I will also hold some of my "survival" gear when in the woods, knife, flashlight, ferro rod, map, water bladder.
 
Are you going to be traveling in a semi-public area? I carry a glock 27 or kahr pm-9 in a molle US first aid pouch/or 511 padded pouch. The pouch can be attached to the waist strap without you liking like a "Modern Warfare trooper".
 
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I like the Blackhawk serpa holster. They also make this to adapt to molle.

SERPA Platform Ambidextrous
18-772-IMG1.jpeg
 
WJC01 said:
Are you going to be traveling in a semi-public area? I carry a glock 27 or kahr pm-9 in a molle US first aid pouch/or 511 padded pouch. The pouch can be attached to the waist strap without you liking like a "Modern Warfare trooper".
Click to expand...

That sounds interesting. I have added items to my backpacks belt before, but didn't like it. I know, I don't want to look so "tactical" on the trail, but I can open carry in my state, and where I backpack. Consider also that I will use this set up other times, like shooting with friends on private land. I don't think I'm so concerned with what other people think I look like on the trail. Those light hikers, runners, and other unprepared folks dress how they want, if they are scared by a molle vest, oh well.

Essentially, I'm trying to take weight off my waist, and have the gun attached to me even when I drop my backpack. I don't want to look too tactical, but without a concealed carry permit, I have to open carry. In the future, I will get a smaller pistol and the CC permit, but I'll still want the larger .357 or 9mm on me in the woods, and won't need to conceal anyway.
 
I've been thinking about getting a vest like that for the same reasons that you have. Having a Flashlight, basic 1st aid and survival stuff in/on a vest that you always wear sounds good to me. Good luck on your search for a compatible holster that you like. Please let us know how your search goes.
 
Hill people gear

Oh, open carry only, huh.

Hmm maybe a chest rig with just molle loops then add a holster and pouches...
 
Why not the Ribz front pack? It has enough space for a pistol plus plenty of survival gear. It won't be as fast of a draw as an actual holster, but I
think it's a really good option for keeping your essentials handy. Plus a quality MOLLE rig, plus pouches, plus a holster would end up costing a lot more than a front pack.
 
I looked at the Ribz front pack, and that would suffice for concealed carry while backpacking. It could hold other gear that one needs on the trail, or "survival" gear that you might want on your person at all times. Sure the Ribs could be used to the same ends, but I forsee a sweaty torso, having to look for the gear, and only wanting to use it when backpacking.
I may find that the molle vest doesn't work for me, and that may come after some cost. I've already ordered the vest and two double mag pouches. I plan on attaching some gear, mocking up the pistol(unloaded) to see if I like the weight and feel. The vest will hopefully give me quick access to pistol, knife, flashlight, compass and leatherman, not only on the trail, but when shooting in the woods. I like the vest due to it's mesh construction, load distrubution, water bladder pocket, and how I can change the arrangment and size of the vest. We shall see how I like it. If I do, I'd like to get this holster..http://www.elitesurvival.com/index.php?p=product&id=41&parent=4 or at least one that is angled. Any suggestions for an angled cordura molle sheath? Edwood suggestion a SERPA style, and those seem great for plastic/kydex molded sheaths. In my case, I don't see anyone making those type of sheaths for both my pistols, a Star model 30MI and a S&W 586 4". One sheath for both? Can a guy hope?
 
Hill people is probably a better ccw set up than ribs. I am thinking Of picking up a Ribz to checkmout
 
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