Hands Free Backpacking / Backcountry Rifle Sling

[.30WCF]

So here is something I’ve been testing the last two years. It’s kind of like Randy’s gun bearer, but it integrates a normal sling with a neoprene grip with a pack sling.

I couldn’t find just what I wanted, so I set up the sewing machine in the sweat shop, and had my 9 year old make (4) for my hunting group. Last years were adjustable with longer pigtails ( bottom pic ) and were adjustable in length. This year I’m running a fixed attachment point on the shoulder strap.

Those of you that are into backpacking may appreciate the sling. Those of you who don’t backpack will surely be amazed by my agility and grace in the tumbling and cheer arena. I’ve been thinking about American Ninja Warrior.

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[Nickofthewoods]

I like the quick deployment of the rifle you demonstrated! Whether overnight backpacking or day hunting from the truck, I'm usually wearing a backpack as well as my chest pack, constantly stopping and looking at things with my binos so I'm not sure it would work for me having the rifle hanging out in front like that. Other than that I think it's a cool and simple setup you made. I am currently trying to come up with a sling retention system using the same magnetic connectors that I use to connect my fishing chest pack to my net lanyard - so the rifle will not slide off my shoulder but can still be deployable. I'll post up if it works well. Thanks for sharing this!

 

[.30WCF]

I like the quick deployment of the rifle you demonstrated! Whether overnight backpacking or day hunting from the truck, I'm usually wearing a backpack as well as my chest pack, constantly stopping and looking at things with my binos so I'm not sure it would work for me having the rifle hanging out in front like that. Other than that I think it's a cool and simple setup you made. I am currently trying to come up with a sling retention system using the same magnetic connectors that I use to connect my fishing chest pack to my net lanyard - so the rifle will not slide off my shoulder but can still be deployable. I'll post up if it works well. Thanks for sharing this!

I use the FHF bino harness and have the rangefinder hanging off the side of it. It’s no issue for me.


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[Grassymike]

My favorite part is your 9 year old making these for you. Looks like a good system. What is the non slip stuff sewed on the back side of the slings ?

 

[Solid Wild]

What pouch are you using to hold the butt of the rifle in?

 

[moxford]

Reminds me of the Kifaru GunBearer. Nice work.

Downside to that style of carry ... flagging your hunting partner when climbing slopes!

 

[Rufus]

Very cool. Thanks for posting this.
-Rufus

 

[.30WCF]

Reminds me of the Kifaru GunBearer. Nice work.

Downside to that style of carry ... flagging your hunting partner when climbing slopes!

Valid point, but…

I tend to grab it and point it to the side a little when that is a concern.

That’s a steep incline if I’m actually flagging someone.

If your climbing with your hands and feet, your flagging them either way.

Good thing the guns not loaded until your ready to shoot.


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[.30WCF]

My favorite part is your 9 year old making these for you. Looks like a good system. What is the non slip stuff sewed on the back side of the slings ?

Oversized mouse pad from Office Depot. It’s probably 16”. The fabric side that the mouse would ride on is towards the sling. The grippy side that would be on the desk is against your shoulder.


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[.30WCF]

What pouch are you using to hold the butt of the rifle in?

Badlands rifle boot. I find it doesn’t catch the rear sling stud as bad as some of the more fitted ones.


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[.30WCF]

My favorite part is your 9 year old making these for you.

Yeah, I get a free lifetime warranty with them.


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[theddguide]

That looks pretty nifty to me.

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[wirehead]

Very cool

 

[#publiclands]

Anyone use the one from First Lite?

 

[TedO]

Great little invention! Would be easy to set up multiple packs with that as well. Nice work!

 

[asmxxiv]

I like this. Have tried 3 different pack gun bearers and none is perfect. I feel like this is the closest to a simple reattachment to the pack, in the instance where you may have to make an additional move on an animal or group of animals after deploying the rifle.

 

[Kleos]

I like that your getting your ROI (Return of investment) out of your kid! I still have many more years until I see that haha!

Jokes aside, looks great!

 

[mgstucson]

I went with the slik sling, but I really like this idea. I will make myself one.

Thanks

 

[Timnterra]

Awesome idea, so simple yet effective and easy thanks for sharing

 

[Elk Racer]

I run the Kifaru set up which this is similar to and works best for me. I really like the sizes of the pocket the rifle sits into. Nice work,