Whether you’re hiking the Smoky Mountains, West Virginia trails or Michigan backwoods, carrying a concealed handgun while hiking provides peace of mind. From personal experience, I never go on a hiking or backpacking trip without my concealed carry gun. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best handguns for hiking, the best backpacking guns and the most comfortable holsters for hiking with a gun.

Top Reasons to Carry a Concealed Handgun While Hiking or Backpacking

Hiking excursions can range from a walk along a well-traveled bike path to an extensive trip with a backpack containing food, water and shelter. Distances can range from 1 mile to many, even crossing state lines. The type of hike you take will influence your choice of concealed handgun to pack.

Whether you’re hiking a well-traveled path or venturing deep into the wilderness, it’s essential to have a reliable concealed carry gun for hiking. Depending on your environment, you may face threats from both wildlife and people, so choosing the best backpacking gun is critical.

  1. Protection against predators. Carrying a concealed handgun for protection against predatory animals like black bears is especially crucial when hiking in areas with dangerous wildlife. Such encounters are less common in the lower 48 states than they are in Alaska but not nonexistent. Having the right handgun for hiking could mean the difference between life and death in an unexpected situation.
  2. Safety from criminals on the trail. In most cases, this is a greater concern than the threat of dangerous animal attacks. For example, authorities have yet to catch the Appalachian Trail serial killer, as far as I know. Some hiking areas originate, pass through or are sited in areas with higher crime rates.
  3. Emergencies while backpacking. A gun can be used for signaling or emergency foraging. Did you know there are still areas classified by the government in the lower 48 as “frontier?” Hiking and backpacking in these remote areas might mean needing to survive by foraging if lost for several days. You may also need to signal rescuers for help.
  4. Small-game hunting with a concealed gun. In appropriate areas, a good .22 is a great additional companion for plinking or small-game hunting in the woods.

Concealed Carrying in Remote Areas

I’ve long believed in a simple formula to determine which handgun to pack on a hiking trip. The more remote the area, the heavier my choice of caliber. Since I, unfortunately, have never had the opportunity to hike in Alaska or those areas of the lower 48 where brown bears make appearances, my top-end caliber choices are the .357 Magnum, .357 SIG, .40 Smith & Wesson, 10mm and .45 ACP. Of those caliber choices, the .357 Magnum and the .45 ACP are the two I carry most frequently. Alaskan trails demand a .44 Magnum handgun as the defensive starting point.

I remember one time I was hiking with a female friend in remote West Virginia. A pickup truck with dog kennels in the bed pulled up just as we were starting. The driver asked us if we had seen the hunting dogs he had let run. When we said we hadn’t, he took to eyeballing my friend. I moved in front of my friend, ending the peep show without incident. Though I saw a lever-action rifle in the back of his truck, I was confident I could get to my seven-shot S&W 386 PD .357 on my hip faster. Thankfully, it wasn’t needed.

Hiking and Concealed Carrying in Populated Areas

Where large wild animals are not present — such as on most bike paths or parks in more densely populated areas — handguns chambered in .380 ACP, .32 Magnum, .38 Special and 9mm are generally more than adequate. However, if you hike or walk in parks where you notice people walking pit bulls, you may want to consider carrying in the calibers I suggested for remote areas — especially if you hike with young children.

Which Gun for Carrying While Backpacking?

When choosing your concealed carry firearm, you need to consider the weight of the handgun and the distance of your expedition. Are you going for a walk down the street or backpacking for a few days (in which case every ounce matters)? A Glock, for example, makes a wonderful trail companion, especially in 10mm. S&W has the widest selection of trail-worthy revolvers and semi-autos available to cover you from Alaska to Florida. Ruger follows behind in a close second. Pick a weather-resistant gun that won’t make you uncomfortable because of its weight.

Best Holsters for Hiking With a Concealed Handgun

For long hikes, the best holster for hiking is an outside-the-waistband holster. Inside-the-waistband holsters may become uncomfortable on long treks. Consider a shoulder rig or a secure hiking handgun holster to ensure comfort and quick access during your hike.

Hiking with a concealed handgun ensures peace of mind, whether you’re backpacking in remote areas or taking a day hike close to home. When hiking in remote areas, especially in places like the Appalachian Trail or national parks, carrying a concealed handgun is essential for self-defense. Criminals may prey on isolated hikers, and encounters with wild animals such as bears and mountain lions could be life-threatening. A concealed handgun can provide protection in these unpredictable environments. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, especially regarding firearm possession in national parks under Public Law 111-24. Remember to choose the best backpacking gun and holster for hiking to suit your needs, and always follow local laws regarding firearms.

Sources

BodyGuard Belt: BodyGuardBelt.com
Glock: USGlock.com
Ruger: Ruger.com
Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com