OC on the AP trail

[dp2002]

What has been your experience hiking the Appalachian trail while open carry?

[scruff]

If you've ever been backpacking, you realize that backpacks have large, padded hip belts that transfer the weight of the pack to your hip bone. You can't do 10-20 miles a day with 40 lbs hanging off your shoulders. There's no way that I know of to wear a holster on your belt when you're wearing a backpack.

I tried a thigh rig, but kept hitting it with my trekking pole, and thought it would cause a chafing problem after many miles, so I don't OC - the gun goes in the pack. Backpacking gear selection is always about compromises.

[Armor Snail]

A bandolier holster might be the ticket. That or a cheap nylon Blackhawk! with retention strap could be fastened to your pack. It just takes a little rigging.

[Edg]

Chest rig for sure....JK. I would prefeer to conceal on the AP so as not to cause anyone else to assume anything about me.

[West Chester]

What section of the trail are you talking about? No problems on the PA section... but good luck on the other state sections, you might go to jail.

[dp2002]

What section of the trail are you talking about? No problems on the PA section... but good luck on the other state sections, you might go to jail.

HAHA!! PA only.

I guess I should have been more specific, sorry about that.

I have the gear and holster situ all figured out. My revolver is cross-draw on the waist belt of the pack, but is noticeable to others... so Open carry. I prefer to carry conceal so am not familiar with open carry, even in the woods.

Are other hikers you have encountered on the trails cool with open carry or do you catch flak.

[ThatCrazyMtnGuy]

I've OC'd on the trail several times in the Michaux State Forest section (I live nearby). All day hikes, where I wasn't carrying a big frame pack, just a regular day pack. No problems. Not even sideways looks. Even passed a couple of Marylanders doing a several-day trek, they were nice, chatty. I think like anywhere else, either no one notices or cares.

[aberforth]

I've OC'd doing part of the trail through Micheaux State Forest with no issue. I tend to wear the weight support belt of the backpack a bit higher than most (and my actual belt a bit lower), so I had no problem getting a mag carrier and holster onto my belt. Never got a comment from the other hikers my party encountered on the trail, and was easily able to flop my shirt over it when entering Caledonia State Park. YMMV

[Pilot321]

You can attach a holster to your chest strap like others have said. Their are also holsters that cover the entire gun and disguise it, but you must then have a LTCF.

[dp2002]

Hikers are the coolest... must be all that mountain air.

Thanks to all!