Hiking can be done for exercise, adventure, exploration, and more. You can find trails near even the most urban areas, so even you city-dwellers can get in on it.
It’s a safe endeavor most of the time, too. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a med kit, a means to call for help, and a gun (if you can).
However, before you set yourself loose in the wilds of North America, you’ll need a good hiking handgun.
And just what is a hiking handgun?
I’m so glad you asked.
Today, I’ll run you through what makes a gun a good option for a hiking buddy. We’ll also look at some carry options as well.
Finally, I’ll list a few of my favorite hiking guns and holsters for each!
Summary of Our Top Picks
Best 10mm Pistol10mm, Reasonably priced, reliable, and easy to find holsters and upgrades
Best SA Revolver.41 Magnum, enough oomph to protect you but still easy to carry and shoot.
Best Power Packing Revolver.44 Magnum, Lots of wallop and heavy on the recoil, but will protect you from most of what you will encounter on the trails
Table of Contents
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What’s a Hiking Handgun?
A hiking gun allows you to protect yourself while on the trail.
Out in the wild, you face numerous threats…snakes, coyotes, mountain lions, bears, and even two-legged vermin that might need ballistic dissuasion.
That’s a ton of potential threats. So, before you choose a hiking gun, you might want to do a mini-threat analysis. By that, I mean evaluate where you’re hiking and what kind of predators you might encounter.
The threats in Alaska look a bit different than those in Florida or Maine. So there isn’t just one hiking gun to rule them all.
But before we dive into some of my preferred guns for hiking and camping, let’s look at some of the factors you should consider when choosing a hiking handgun.
Requirements for a Good Hiking Gun
Reduced Weight
When searching for the right handgun for the trail, take weight into consideration.
Once you hit the ground hiking, you’ll learn that weight matters, and the more weight you have, the more weighed down you’ll feel. Remember that old adage, “Ounces are pounds, and pounds are pain?”
Yeah, it applies here, too.
That said, lightweight is a relative term. Lightweight for a hiking handgun is different than lightweight for a concealed carry gun.
Hiking handguns are not hunting handguns, so you can easily trim weight. The more you can reduce without losing power, the better.
Ease of Carry
Lightweight is one factor, but so is overall size.
You’ll want to reduce size here and there to make the gun handier. One of the best ways is to trim barrel length.
Once again, hiking handguns are not hunting handguns, so you can trim down on the barrel and grips a bit. You’ll want a gun that’s easy to carry but also easy to shoot.
Think about it; you might need to shoot it with one hand. A lighter, shorter weapon is easier to use with a single hand.
Powerful…?
Hiking handguns are the perfect example of the term power is relative. Conduct a threat analysis and see how much power you need.
For instance, I live in an area that doesn’t have large bear populations, mountain lions, or other large scary creatures.
Powerful to me is a 10mm. But generally, I carry a 9mm on most hikes…or occasionally a .22 LR handgun. That’s all I need to be safe from the threats in my area.
Base the power level you need on the threats existing in your area.
You might need a .44 Magnum…or a 9mm might be perfectly acceptable, too.
Hiking Gun Holsters
If you have a hiking handgun, you’ll need a good holster for it.
A quality holster protects the gun, ensures safety, and makes it easy to access your gun when needed.
Beyond that, hiking often offers rough or unpredictable terrain. Choosing a holster with proper retention is critical.
You’ll need a holster that clings to your weapon with some real gusto.
For hiking carry, there are three different types of holsters you should consider for hiking handguns.
Shoulder Holster
Shoulder carry places the weapon under your arm and off your waist.
With it off your waist, it becomes harder to submerge it when you cross streams. Not to mention, it prevents it from getting snagged when crossing through thick vegetation.
Not impossible, but harder…so still take care.
As a shoulder rig, you still have concealment. Some states prohibit open carry at any time, so concealment might still be an issue.
Chest Holster
A classic means for carrying a hiking gun is via the chest. Basically, the holsters are placed across the chest.
Like a shoulder holster — the gun is off your waist and well protected. When you pack a big revolver, chest carry is convenient and comfortable.
Chest rigs offer quick access to your gun and maximum mobility. The downside is these rigs are essentially open-carry rigs.
On The Waist Holsters
Carrying your hiking handgun on your waist might not elevate the gun, but it’s still super comfortable, easily accessible, and capable of being concealed.
Hiking handguns should be carried outside the waistband for comfort and mobility reasons. Nobody wants to get poked and prodded on a hike.
When you carry on the waist, you have to be mindful of the environment, but it’s still a safe and proper way to pack a hiking handgun.
So now that we know what to look for in guns and gear, let me tell you what handgun models I recommend!
Best Hiking Handguns
1. Glock 20
As far as I am concerned, Glock made the Glock 20 just for me. I love the 10mm, and I love quality firearms with decent capacity.
The G20 gives me 15 rounds of 10mm on tap for any environment or situation.
As far as hiking handguns go, the G20 offers tons of versatility. It’s powerful enough to stop bears with the right load but also appropriate for coyotes, mountain lions, and even snakes and two-legged vermin.
Because it’s a Glock, it’s reliable, accurate, easy to handle, and even affordable. Glocks are easy to customize, and swapping out the crappy plastic sights will be a must.
Other than that, the gun is plug-and-play.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want all the deets? We’ve also given the G20 its own review!
Holster It: Safariland 7378
I might dislike Safariland’s naming conventions, but I do love their holsters.
Safariland designed the 7378 for concealed carry, so it’s an applicable option for concealed carry states.
Albeit, a Glock G20 in an OWB holster might print if your shirt isn’t sufficiently baggy.
However, you won’t drop your G20 by accident. Safariland’s ALS system pins the gun in place and will not release the gun until the thumb release is pressed.
It’s made from polymer and comes with Safariland’s awesome reputation.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Ruger Blackhawk .41 Magnum
Single-action Western-style revolvers kick all the butt.
Seriously, these guns rule, and for hiking, they offer you an easy carrying option. The Ruger Blackhawk comes in various configurations and calibers.
The .41 Magnum with the 4.62-inch barrel is the perfect combination of power and easy-carrying potential.
I’ll never forgive American shooters for not giving the .41 Magnum its due. It’s underrated but powerful and controllable.
You can deal with big bears if necessary, as well as hogs, coyotes, and anything else that crosses your path.
The Ruger Blackhawk’s single-action trigger delivers a short and crisp trigger pull that allows for outstanding accuracy.
The trigger is backed by big robust sights and a comfortable cowboy-style grip.
Plus, it’s an affordable option in the big-bore revolver world.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holster It: Galco Single Action Outdoorsman
A classic cowboy gun needs a classic holster, right?
Well, the Galco Single Action Outdoorsman gives you a leather OWB holster in a classic configuration. A thumb snap provides retention, and the holster protects the Blackhawk perfectly.
Be picky when it comes to leather holsters. Bad leather holsters are unsafe and leave a lot to be desired.
Galco makes outstanding leather holsters, and the Single Action Outdoorsman shows they know what they’re doing.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. CZ P10C (Optics Ready)
Yep, your average 9mm still makes for an awesome hiking gun.
CZ created the P10C a few years back, and they created the best stock striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol on the market.
This is the gun I often pack, and for my area, it’s perfectly suitable for the threats I encounter.
A 9mm can deal with the average-sized hog, coyote, wild dog, and whatever two-legged vermin I may encounter.
Lord forbid I walk upon a cottonmouth snake, but if I do, a 9mm isn’t overkill either.
The P-10C is controllable, lightweight, easy to carry, and reliable.
I own a standard P10C, an early model, and if I had the option at the time…I’d have gone with an optic-ready option. Red dots make shooters faster, more accurate, and extend their effective range.
What’s not to love? Add in a light, and I have a gun I can use regardless of the external conditions.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Don’t forget to check out our full review of the CZ P10C!
Holster It: PHLster Floodlight OWB
A gun with an optic and a light requires a specific holster, and the PHLster Floodlight is that holster. It accommodates a TLR 1 or Surefire X300U, suppressor height sights, and an optic.
This rig only offers passive retention, but it’s easily adjustable to ensure the holster grips the gun.
PHLster makes an outstanding holster, and the Floodlight OWB is compatible with various firearms. It’s universal in the best way possible.
Not to mention, it’s modular and allows for a wide variety of different mounting options from G-Code, Tek Lok, and Safariland.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Have you tried the PHLster Floodlight? If so, rate it below!
4. Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .44 Magnum
If you like ’em thick but short, then the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is for you.
Ruger trimmed the barrel to 2.5 inches, and the madmen chambered the gun in .44 Magnum. That’s a very little barrel for a very powerful cartridge.
It just so happens to be much lighter and easier to carry than a standard Super Redhawk.
This big-but-short gun packs six rounds of .44 Magnum and will make short work of animals as big as aggressive brown bears.
Big sights and the ability to cock the hammer make it easy to be accurate with the gun.
While small, it packs a huge grip that makes everything more comfortable.
It still recoils like a wild bull bucks, but it’s not painful.
The Super Redhawk Alaskan isn’t for everyone, and it does take some practice to master. However, it packs lots of power in a small package.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our full review of the Super Redhawk, too!
Holster It: Gunfighters Inc. Kenai Chest Rig
Chest rigs are often made from leather, but the Kenai chest rig goes modern with a dose of nylon and Kydex to produce a modern chest rig.
Gunfighters Inc. molds their holsters for a specific weapon, and this ensures safety and excellent retention.
It also provides a comfortable means to carry the big Super Redhawk. It’s also easy to access and gives you total mobility for your arms and hips.
As far as holsters go, the Kenai is super modern and provides you with one of the best chest rigs on the market.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Colt Delta Elite
I love the Delta Elite. I first heard of it when I read Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter and followed up with a Jane’s identification guide.
Sure, I have a bias, but the Delta Elite is still a great hiking handgun.
It’s a 1911 at heart, so it’s thin and relatively easy to carry.
It still packs a punch with 10mm rounds in its 9-round magazine. Plus, the single-action system and 1911 ergonomics combined with great sights make it easy to shoot.
Rail gun is optional, but I can attach a light; I will. The standard Delta Elite is enough, but the rail gun is a little sweeter.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holster It: Blackhawk Omnivore
The Blackhawk Omnivore is an OWB rig made of Kydex and requires a rail or light to carry your gun. It’s very affordable and simple to use and wear.
The wide variety of Blackhawk attachments makes it possible to carry the Omnivore on a chest rig, under a shoulder, or paddle, belt loop, or even MOLLE mounts.
It offers active retention and makes drawing smooth and easy. I’ve used a Blackhawk Omnivore for years without issue, and it’s a great hiking holster.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. S&W Model 60 3-inch
A lot of the guns mentioned so far are quite large and heavy but would be considered moderate-sized at best for field guns.
The S&W Model 60 is not just relatively small but small in general. This 5-shot J-frame packs .357 Magnum power in its small frame.
The longer barrel makes it easier to shoot than a snub nose, and the small frame makes it easy to conceal.
.357 Magnum can deal with most moderate-sized critters. Small bears, coyotes, and hogs are easily dispatched, as are two-legged vermin.
The Model 60 offers an exposed hammer which means single action is easily engaged for accurate shots. As a small-sized revolver, it’s also super easy to carry and comfortable for concealed carry.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holster It: Craft Holsters Shoulder Holster System
A little gun is perfect for shoulder holster carry. It’s small and doesn’t pull down on your shoulder as you work and move.
The Craft Holster Shoulder Holster System is all leather and provides you with both a holster and pouches to carry spare ammunition in speed loaders.
It’s superbly adjustable and comfortable for hikers, both big and small.
Also, it offers a leather thumb snap for maximum retention. This holster is easily concealed and well-suited for keeping your gun away from the woods and water.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Heritage Arms Rough Rider 4.5-inch model
Yep, a cheap .22 LR revolver might be one of the best hiking guns.
For years I strapped on a Rough Rider whenever I went on an ATV or horse ride, and of course, on hikes.
In my area, I face a number of threats, but snakes are the most common.
I often try to avoid them, and I have backed down from a rattlesnake more than once. However, I’m not going to be defenseless 45 miles from a hospital.
A .22 makes short work of reptiles and even coyotes and wild dogs.
The Heritage Arms Rough Rider is a single-action rimfire revolver that is superbly affordable and fun to shoot.
Its lightweight design (especially the 4.5-inch variant) is easy to carry. All in all, it’s accurate, reliable, and well-suited for hiking.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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We got a little goofy reviewing the Rough Rider 16″, but check it out!
Holster It: Bull Creek Leather Western Holster
Lots of holsters out there cost almost as much as the Rough Rider. The Bull Creek Leather Holster provides a leather western-style holster at a fraction of the price.
It’s built for the Rough Rider and fits the smaller frame single-action gun well.
A simple thumb snap makes retention a non-issue. The leather is saddle-grade and perfectly acceptable for hiking use.
Plus, at the price point, it’s tough to go cheaper without going into the crappy holster world.
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Final Thoughts
Hiking handguns are their own specific category which calls for a weird combination of power, an easy-to-carry design, and a certain level of versatility.
While the above list can get you started, remember, when choosing a hiking handgun, examine your potential threats.
Go with a firearm that can deal with those predators efficiently.
What’s your hiking handgun? And why is it your choice? Let us know in the comments below! Before you hit the trail in your local national park, be sure to read the rules for carrying in national parks!
32 Leave a Reply
Paradise valley chest holster for my Glock 20
All leather and made in Montana . Use for Elk season . Love them
My hiking handgun of choice these days is a Taurus Tracker .44 Remington Magnum with a 5 shot capacity and a 4 inch barrel. Carried in a Gould & Goodrich thumb-break leather hip holster. I chose this because of the explosion of the black bear population here in Vermont. Add to that my advanced years (almost 70). When I was a much younger lad I always sported a Ruger New Model Singles Six in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in a Bucheimer Flap hip holster and felt quite well protected while afield. I also carry a good knife. Always.
I use my EDC, a Kimber Compact Stainless in 45ACP (4" barrel) that I carry concealed in a SOB IWB made by Nate 2 (squared) when I'm hiking and also keep a NAA 22 WMR e/w holster grip in my front pocket, especially when the rattlesnakes are out. I have a G20 (10mm), but recently acquired an S&W M&P 2.0 in 10mm that I am wringing out loads with and will consider using it for my hiking/backpacking trips when I can find a decent holster. I used to carry a Ruger Redhawk w/4" barrel and still do when I am not concerned about concealing it. PS - I live in AZ
Can you give a quick caliber to critter guide? I want a gun to (open) carry hiking (north-central Arizona). We have all sizes of animals, from snakes to javelina to bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, and bears. I'd like to minimize the variety of ammunition I buy and store, but it sounds from the article like 9mm would not be a good hiking choice (though even a .22LR is probably better than nothing). Would a few 9mm slugs just be an annoyance to a bear or lion?
A few well placed shots would dispatch a cat, but a bear?? Also I wouldn’t count on getting in multiple shots, you may only get one. Big cats are quiet and fast. I would suggest minimum of .357 mag. on up to an RPG. Stay safe out there!
Many thanks!
RPG... LOL. (but yeah)
I mean, the FNX 45 tac May not be light. But with 15+1 45acp there isn’t much to fear in my neck of the woods from 2 or 4 legged Vermin.
I'm concerned with my muzzle covering people hiking behind me with the shoulder holsters. So that leads to the chest rig. What is the best way to cover one on a warm hiking day in states that don't allow open carry?
In Colorado we have numerous threats running around in the woods, the most unpredictable being the two-legged kind. I carry a 45-70 bush gun in a scabbard on the side of my pack, easy to draw and weight is low as I have modified most of the wood hardware. G19 in an OWB holster as well. This year I am moving to a 4" S&W 500 in a Guides Choice Leather Chest holster. I am guessing moving from 2 guns to one may drop my weight by close to 5lbs. The Smith 500 can handle anything I will come across in CO.
Solid suggestions overall, but I respectfully disagree on recommending the Blackhawk Omnivore. It's bulky and juts outward from the waist like a police officer's duty holster, making it snag-prone. The Omnivore's "universal-fit" holster body is oversized for most pistols, meaning there are big gaps and cracks along the top of the holstered pistol for debris to fall in and get stuck. Finally, the thumb release mechanism feels flimsy. Instead, get a Safariland 6378 or 7378 holster and the 565BL hi-ride belt loop. Or a leather pancake holster with a thumb break.
Great analysis. My favorite woods gun, and the one I keep in the tank bag of my dual sport bike, is a Sig P220 SAO in 10mm. I also own a G20 and Delta Elite, but the Sig fits me better, has a very good trigger, and points naturally. 9 rounds of Underwood 200g flat nose provide excellent protection.
I prefer a long gun. With a 5.9 lb POF .308 with a padded Vickers sling, there’s nothing in the US that it can’t deal with. Also, when the 2 legged vermin see it they give a wide berth. Fine for hiking, not so much for running. That calls for a Taurus.38 with +P ammo. The LCR in .357 is also a good choice. Practice is required for any firearm.
Great Summary. I would love a 10 mm but for now I have a S&W .357 Combat Magnum in a chest rig and a companion Henry Side gate also in .357 for the back country. For less rural area, I feel safe with a S&W 443 in my pocket. Keep up the great work.....Love the 5x5 Drill target.
Where's the Judge? I'm much rather be able to pop a venomous snake with a .410 than a .22...
I'm with you its the Judge for me!
Excellent read! I run trails and recently started solo camping (in Florida). I have issues racking the slide. What is the best revolver option that would be light enough to carry while running but offer max protection? TIA!
Hey Lisa!
Maybe take a look at the Ruger LCR 5 shot revolver. This is truly a 21st century revolver with its polymer and metal alloy frame. I own one of these and use it for hiking, running, and personal defense. I use a Desantis nylon pocket holster and slip it into my dominant hand front pants or shorts pocket. You can barely tell that it is there, very light weight and not much of an outline from the gun. You can get it chambered in .38 special and it will handle the +P rounds (higher pressure). Also comes in .357 caliber which would be good against bigger animals, but I heard it would take some practice as “the kick” is very notable, as the LCR is a very light gun. I have no personal experience with the .357 version. I also have a speed loader made by 5-Star Firearms, part number J2-357/38. At the time of this writing, the loader is about $20. Hope this helps, Buck
Hi thanks so much! That is great info and I’ll be checking it out :)
With any small frame revolver - especially if you're going to load +P, check out getting some hogue grips for it. It will make it easier to control... I put +P ammo in my wife's S&W bodyguard and she pulled the trigger once, handed it back and said - "don't do that again!" The hogue grip made it easier to handle...
S&W 340 (no-internal-lock)
I recommend the Ruger SP101. 38 special or 357 mag, I have recommended it to at least 3 of my female friends. They all love the gun and we are all still friends, so there is that!
Hey Lisa! I really like the Ruger LCR and the SP101 for revolvers. If you want a semi-auto but struggle with the slide, though, the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is a great option! My mom has arthritis and a nerve issue that impacts her right hand. As a result, she struggles to rack the slides of most semi-autos; but she's able to do the Shield EZ model. Just figured I'd mention that as well.
Backwoods I have the Glock40 10mm (same basic platform as the Glock20 but a longer barrel)
With flat tip Buffalo Bore ammo it will stop anything. Anything.
More local I hike with my Glock 48 9mm, single stack. Super light and easy and will take care of anything short of a bear, Moose or Elk.
Hiking out at Fort Robinson, Nebraska I packed an Uberti 357. Cougar are native to the area. We were secure.
I'll second the nomination for the Glock G20. There was NO semi automatic on the market that was able to get me to quit packing big bore revolvers. Then one day I decided I needed a semi auto in case I need to hunt aggressive mutated radioactive ducks in the wasteland of the future... and so I got the G20... and within thirty minutes it became my favorite handgun of all time. I no longer pack anything else except that Glock 20. I did swap out the sights, initially to Ameriglo Hackathorns, but now it wears Heine Slant Pro Straight Eight Night Sights. This Glock is the gun that will have to be pried out of my dead fingers!
PS, in case you're wondering, I carry it in a Gunfighters Inc Ronin holster.
I have a Ronin (and the thigh rig) for my G19. Absolutely love it. How’s the G20 carry OWB? I was thinking I would probably always wind up with it on my thigh because of the size of the weapon, but I’m curious how comfortable it is OWB during a hike. I pretty much always carry concealed if possible and that’s definitely easier to do OWB.
Not happy with the Glock 20 holster. I don't like a release on my holsters. Especially when in the woods.
I haven't found OWB that I like for the g20. My next step is custom.
Glock 29...just sayin'
Hi a good write up as usual , that said I'll simply suggest that folks think twice about a shoulder rig while doing any hiking with a pack. I hunt and spend a fair bit of time hiking with a pack on, scouting and when I find a good spot, carrying tools in to do trail maintance or tree prep. I found that shoulder rigs either interfere with the pack's shoulder straps, or constantly flag you hiking buddy walking behind you. Similar problem with any IWB or OWB carry option, they interefere with the way the waistbelt on most good packs sit, again at least for me. So I run Gunslinger's Kenai chest rig with a Ruger SR1911 Commander size 1911 or in the winter, a drop leg rig, mostly because the chest rig can get buried in layers of winter clothing. Thanks again for the great reviews.
Most of my hiking, fishing and hunting is in Florida. I often see snakes but usually not threatened by them. My biggest concern is rabid animals (like racoons, foxes). I, usually, carry 2 handguns, a small frame .22 LR HP or .22 WMR HP in a pocket or belt holster and my EDC in a 'tanker style holster'.
Holsters need to be able to work in conjunction with backpacks, changing layers of clothes that often come with a hike, and the actual movement of hiking. In my years of hiking in Alaska and PacNW, I don't know anyone that uses shoulder holsters because of these reasons. Hill People make awesome chest packs that conceal well and are practical, those and similar disserve some attention. A bit surprised no references to lighter single stack 40 or 45's made your list like a Kahr or XDS 4" but a heavy 1911 does.
The best hiking weapon is a fire team, backed up by a quick reaction force on standby.
It turns out violent people wanting to harm others go hiking (read that as looking for prey meaning you too.)
A person would be a fool to go on a wilderness trek we like to call hiking without being armed