Hiking is a rewarding activity, regardless of how many times you repeat it. There are a lot of things that you can experience on it. From the views to the challenges, everything is mixed into a mortar-and-pestle of adventure.
However, there’s no certainty that hiking or backpacking is safe. Along the way, there’s always the possibility that you’ll encounter threats–whether it is in the form of a four-legged or two-legged creature. In this situation, you would really wish that you were fully protected.
Bringing a gun in hiking is an issue that puts many outdoor enthusiasts in a dilemma. Should I bring a gun? And if I will, how should I do it?
To determine whether or not you need a firearm in your adventure, you should read this blog.
Potential Problems Of Carrying A Firearm While Hiking
Truth be told, carrying a weapon while hiking can be a challenge. And I am talking about the physical ordeal of carrying one while you are on foot. Of course, for other reasons, there’s a separate discussion for that.
Keep in mind that firearms can be bulky and heavy, even concealed carry ones. You’ll definitely feel their weight because they aren’t a part of our bodies. Most of the time, concealed carriers aren’t an issue, especially if you got a holster for them. But if you put them into the context of hiking or backpacking, things could get a little awry.
Regardless of the duration of your hike, carrying a gun will require you to do additional preparation. You would need to address matters like which gun should give you much comfort and which type of concealment should work for you (if you intend to conceal the gun).
These are the considerations that you need to take into account before you carry a gun on your hiking trip. However, we also need to discuss the next inquiry before we proceed.
Is It Legal To Carry A Firearm While Hiking?
Believe it or not, the worst fear of many hikers isn’t bears or any wildlife: it’s humans. For instance, female hikers tend to believe that they would be powerless if they were to be attacked by another human; they think that they would get overpowered, especially if they are unarmed.
But of course, there’s always the legality of this matter. Is it legal to bring a gun while hiking or backpacking?
Honestly, the answer to this question is quite complex. Americans who own a gun must register it to the corresponding authorities. Hence, if you are a registered gun, then it is probable that carrying it anywhere is legal.
However, that’s just the surface of the matter. For instance, in lands that are managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS), a person can’t bring a firearm without it being compliant with the state laws where the land is situated. This means that if the state law in your area prohibits the possession of firearms among civilians, then you can’t bring one.
It’s evident that laws related to gun possession vary from one state to another. Hence, it is important that you check the park, forest, or land administration for the policies regarding it. In this way, you will avoid apprehension by the police or local rangers. Of course, don’t forget to remain compliant with several US federal laws. Be always on the lawful side of things.
We also have to mention state properties. There are certain states that prohibit firearm possession in their protected parks. Examples of these states are New York, Connecticut, and Maryland. If you bring a gun to their parks, you’ll automatically put yourself in the jail line. Ignorance isn’t excused by the law.
Be mindful of your trail. It is quite enjoyable to cross borders and explore trails that are outside your destination. That’s the beauty of interconnectedness! However, keep in mind that some zones are no-gun zones. If you hop into these areas, you’ll be seriously in trouble. As much as possible, you should be prudent and stay on your trail to ensure that you’ll not get in conflict with the law.
Why Should You Carry A Gun While Hiking?
Not surprisingly, a lot of hikers and backpackers are not interested in carrying a firearm while outdoors. They tend to feel safe, especially in protected forests and lands.
However, there’s always a possibility for things to go upside-down. Sudden threats can emerge in moments that you don’t really expect. And once the danger involves an aggressive human or animal, you would want yourself to be armed. Otherwise, it would be difficult to respond at all.
Of course, we aren’t scaring you here. We are just stating that these unwanted encounters can happen while you are outdoors. If you find yourself in these situations, your survival will really be on the line. Having a gun with you should be able to respond properly. After all, your attackers would not give you the chance to get your firearm from your armory or car.
Now, how frequently do these threats take place? While the statistics vary from one place to another, it is said that attacks in the middle of the trail or campsite are quite low. That being said, many people find themselves safe while they are in the mode of recreation.
But at the same time, this doesn’t discredit the importance of firearms while hiking. So should you carry one while on the move? It depends. If you are going into bear country or in an area where there is aggressive wildlife, you might bring one to scare them off. If you feel that the times are too uncertain and your life is in peril, then you might want to carry a gun.
However, in areas that are protected by local rangers and police, you may opt not to carry one instead. If you think that you need to carry a gun every day, then it is not wrong that you should get one while you are hiking, camping, or backpacking.
How To Carry A Gun While Hiking?
Now that you have decided to carry a gun on your trip, it is time that you learn how to do this properly. Interestingly, there are numerous ways you can carry a weapon on your trip. You are no longer restricted to those hip holsters. Whether you want a concealed carry or an open one, the market will be able to provide you with several choices.
Many of these carry options are intended to fit with your backpacks. So you need to practice how to balance your pack since a weapon means an added weight.
Of course, keep in mind that you can’t just decide for yourself whether or not you want an open carry. Local laws may have specific rules when it comes to this matter. Some states allow you to carry your guns openly as long as you have a permit. Others prohibit it entirely.
You also need to take into account your preferences. If you are used to bringing concealed-carry weapons, then you should opt for concealed carry. It is much more comfortable, and you no longer need to adjust. Concealed carriers are great because they don’t draw attention. For us, a gun should be hidden in plain sight.
Here are some of the carry options you have for these guns:
- Drop leg holsters – These holsters are attached to the legs. Specifically, they put your pistol against your thigh without blocking the hip belt. The concept is ideal, but many reported that it is quite uncomfortable. You see, these drop holsters tend to move around while you are walking or hiking. If you can’t get a good drop holster, the straps may get too tight or too loose.
- Drop holsters – A drop holster is an alternative to the conventional drop leg holsters. This particular holster is affixed just below the belt line. They conveniently fit with battle belts, which, in turn, offer better stability than drop leg holsters. Furthermore, they don’t come with many straps.
- Chest holsters – A chest holster is a carry option for hunters and individuals who simply want to be able to respond quickly. As its name implies, this particular holster places your gun within your chest area, ensuring that you can get it immediately when the need arises. There are numerous designs for chest holsters. But make sure that the one you get doesn’t get in the way with the straps of your backpack.
- Concealed chest rigs – These chest rigs are quite similar to your regular pouches. They are mounted to your chest and come with a shoulder strap. Unlike chest holsters, these chest rigs are designed to hide your gun.
- Garment concealment – You can also find other carrying options that let you hide your gun under your shirt or jacket. They are a nice choice if you really want not to tell other people that you have a gun.
- Inside your backpack – People are also encouraged to simply put their guns inside their pack. This is the most conservative choice, especially if you think that you don’t need to defend yourself anytime soon. But then again, putting your gun inside your back limits their accessibility. When the situation suddenly comes, you might not be able to get them right away.
Conclusion
The decision to bring a gun on your hiking trip always depends on the perceived need. At the same time, it requires full compliance with the law and any applicable restrictions.
Hiking should be fun and safe. But at the same time, you can’t deny that there are certain threats that may come your way. If ever you’ll get stuck in this situation, better pray that you have something that can help you protect yourself.