Thigh rig views

[Bruce_A]

I'm thinking about buying a thigh rig to wear when I go backpacking to prevent it from interfering with the kidney pad and waist belt like it would with a hip holster and would like some input on thigh rigs, or would it be to mall ninjaish ?

[Hawkcreek]

I used to drop leg sub-loads on both sides (back in the .mil day), if I didnt I felt lopsided. Sub-loads also need to have the thigh strap(s) done up pretty tight to prevent them from flopping around. They also add weight to your leg so depending on how far/fast you hike it may be an issue. The bunching under the thigh straps could also cause issues.
The few times I had to walk long distances (training humps/ OP's in the desert) I moved my drop leg rigs to my daypack (or left them in the barracks if it was training). Did some long patrols with them on but those were pretty slow paced etc.
It probably doesnt sound like it but I actually like drop holsters and the like. You just have to recognize like everything else they do have their drawbacks.

ETA: I had several rifle mags on my left leg and my knife/survival kit on my right. However either one was easily as heavy or heavier than most pistols if that makes a difference to you.

[556mp]

I prefer to carry in the same place, all the time. I trained and continue to train with my weapon on my hip, I carry my weapon on my hip, and I hike with it there as well. If you learn muscle reflex to go for the hip, and its on your thigh... well...

[Yellow Lab]

With all of my combat gear on I prefer the thigh rig. It works better for me.

I would like to get one of these for backpacking.

http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php

[grifter_v2]

I have tried thigh rigs and such while backpacking and just found the whole thing a bit on the awkward side. I finally picked up some strap material and some fastex buckles and turned in one of my old molly holsters into a chect rig. it gets my weapon out of the brush and right infront where i can access it without worrying about my pack getting in the way, i can post pics if you like

[Lichen]

I have a really nice thigh rig but it just plain feels weird. If you don't want to wear it on your regular belt, strap on an ALICE belt.

[Jon308]

I use a thigh holster, it makes carrying a pack a lot easier, it also works well on 4 wheeler, I prefer hip carry but a pack is all most impossible to carry hip holster . After a day or so it becomes natural and you almost forget its there.

[One Legged Josh]

I tried a thigh rig once, my right leg was much too short for it. (not even joking)

[ezra45]

Not to give disrespect to anyone here but unless you are a cop or uniformed military or civilian contractor deployed, to me, a thigh rig just looks too mall ninja, especially on a hiking trail.
Again, and I emphasize, no disrespect meant. I prefer a chest rig if the firearm is to be open carried
I suppose that some people think me a bit weird for carrying that way but I am not insulted if they do.
I can see it being used with an ATV; especially if one is on trails in bear country.

There are a couple of gun stores near me where the younger employees wear black thigh rigs and double rigs. I find myself avoiding being waited on them because to me, in that environment, it destroys the credibility of anything they will say to me.

Regards,

ezra

[medic68]

I am seriously old school. Having carried daily my entire adult life and I have no use for a thigh rig. I'm sure if my training had been with them I would feel different about them but either a chest rig (as mentioned earlier) or a good OWB rig are the ones I am comfortable with in the field.