Trail running pistol carry options

[packgoatguy]

My wife and I enjoy running the miles of trails behind our house... but it's country that has been known for coyotes, lions, and even wolves from time to time. I haven't been able to convince her to carry a pistol for protection when she runs alone... she is quite petite and the few carry options she has tried all have bounced too much. She has options to carry my sigp365 or keltec p17 22lr, or even a bear spray would be better than nothing... any suggestions?

 

[ProRoad]

I use a West Slope Pro 180 slim chest pack w water bladder. I carry my S&W Shield. The front pocket is a phone holder for video taping a run or ride. Its very stable on the body. If I were to buy again, I would choose the option without the phone video window. https://westslopegear.com/?country=US

 

[Wprinkle]

Glock 42 with an IWB holster with FabriClip was recommended to me and it is fantastic!! Wear it when running every day.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have a few of the HPG chest packs, my wife (5'2 115lbs) has the smaller version and hikes/runs/skis with it all the time.

I have one as well I leave by the door, it has one my my 10mms, toilet paper, other stuff I might need. I put it on any time I'm headed out from home.

 

[P Carter]

Bear spray in the water-bottle holder of any running vest or running belt.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Bear spray in the water-bottle holder of any running vest or running belt.

what the hell is a "running vest"??? that can't be a real thing that people spend money on...

 

[Choupique]

I like the hill people kit bags with the runner's strap. I use the medium recon bag. Easily holds a glock 26 and cell phone. I use a trigger guard holster that's tied to the inside of the bag so if I rip the gun out the trigger guard comes off, but otherwise the trigger is covered while it's in there so it's safe.

 

[Kurts86]

what the hell is a "running vest"??? that can't be a real thing that people spend money on...

https://www.scheels.com/p/salomon-adv-skin-12-hydration-backpack/1133-LC2464300/

The idea is to carry water and gels for extended trail runs/races. They are almost a uniform in the trail running world.

 

[renagde]

I carry my G43 in a Phlster Enigma, not while running but I'm sure it would work well. Allows you to wear a holster under sweat pants, shorts etc.

 

[P Carter]

what the hell is a "running vest"??? that can't be a real thing that people spend money on...

Yes, they are common and work really well for long runs. Only worth it for multi-hour runs, though I see people wearing them now for 1 mile jaunts, which is silly.

Here’s the look (that’s bear spray in the front right pocket):

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Yes, they are common and work really well for long runs. Only worth it for multi-hour runs, though I see people wearing them now for 1 mile jaunts, which is silly.

Here’s the look (that’s bear spray in the front right pocket):

View attachment 1008605

back when I was into ultra running, Id take a water bottle and make a hand thing with tape so I could just lightly hold it while I ran. Then some company came out with a fancy version of that.

 

[P Carter]

back when I was into ultra running, Id take a water bottle and make a hand thing with tape so I could just lightly hold it while I ran. Then some company came out with a fancy version of that.

Same - I had a duct-tape handheld. It worked but was terrible: got sweaty, my hand froze when there was ice in the bottle, then the water heated up when the ice melted. The new vests are amazing.

 

[Justin (Raz) Rasmussen]

How fast and accurate is she with a pistol? Will she wear it every time? Bear spray and a bit of practice deploying it while running is probably the way. Phlster Enigma or a Hill People kit bag are two great options if she goes with handgun option.

 

[Hoosker Doo]

I carry my G43 in a Phlster Enigma, not while running but I'm sure it would work well. Allows you to wear a holster under sweat pants, shorts etc.

I wear a phlster Enigma daily, including occasional running and jumping and I imagine it would do great on the trail and you can wear it with anything

Edit to add: I use it with my p365x

 

[WoodlandCritter]

When I'm running I pocket carry my LCR (1 7/8" barrel) in .357 with a little square of foam between it and my leg to keep from chafing. The .38 version is a few oz lighter and probably more suitable for a petite lady.

I like how it doesn't require changing a holster or anything, just take off my big pistol, grab the little one, and go. Also pocketing means I can run shirtless without showing my gun.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Grabbed a pmr 30 last year and a slick little chest rig that was recommended on here, I always have the wife take it when hiking behind our place, it’s light, and can sent some serious hate and is loud AF,

 

[HighUintas]

I have ran a few times using my chest holster, which is a Wasatch holsters brand very similar to the Kenai. It's not exactly comfortable, but works well and I can stop on a dime and draw easily. I also wore my RUNNING VEST to carry other necessities. I think with some padding on the chest side, a chest holster is just fine. Just make sure you have the tension adjusted properly. I caught a toe, faceplanted, and the gun went skittering across the ground.

I can't imagine running in the summer heat with one of the HPG chest packs. It seems it would be too hot.