carrying a rifle in the Kuiu 7200

[swampdog112]

I'm leaving in a few weeks for a 7 day backpack hunt in Idaho and I'm trying to decide how I want to pack my rifle. Last year I put the butt of the rifle in the side pocket and used compression straps to cinch it up tight. No real complaints but I was wondering if there's a better way. I've seen guys use the rifle holder attachment kuiu sells for a vertical carry and I've also seen a modified angled carry using the same attachment. I like the look of the angled carry once we get up to the ridge but we've got a long steep hike to get up to the ridge where we'll be spending the week. It seems like the angled carry would put the barrel right into the dirt if I slip on the way up.

Pictures of your carry methods would be great! Thanks!

 

[Matthoek21]

Just wondering why not run it up from one of the bottom side pouches(for water bottles) through the long side pocket that has two zippers and is designed to haul rifles or spotting scopes? That seems like the perfect way to carry to me, but what do I know I'm just a bow hunter.
Have you watched the videos on packing the kuiu 7200? Those helped me with some stuff.

 

[grizzly]

I didn't like my rifle weight all on one side so I ended up cinching it between the pack and the frame so that it was centered between my shoulder blades and pressed tightly against my back. It is harder it get it out for a quick shot, but it was the most comfortable for me while hiking.

 

[LaHunter]

kifaru makes the 'gun bearer'. This is what I have been using for the past 2 years with my Icon Pro 5200. It has a larger rifle butt holder than most other systems and the carry height is adjustable. That helps keep your rifle barrel from sticking up too high. I connect it to the 2" webbing strap on my waist belt. You can carry your rifle in the vertical position using the side compression straps of the pack or you can carry your rifle in the forward 'under arm' position for quicker access.

 

[Doe Nob]

Not a great pic, but I kept mine in the side as reccomended. On that pic my lid is flipped open. I could get the zipper all the way around the scope for another level of protection. I keep my scope and tripod on the other side. My water bladder I am running a 96 oz badlands bladder clipped to the cinch straps in the center. Weight was slightly off center but I only noticed that shouldering the pack. Once it was on everything ran pretty even.

 

[MF 76]

I have carried my rifle on the side and in the rifle holder I bought from Kuiu right in the middle of the pack. I like the middle because it centers the weight . Only thing i dont like, is that it puts the weight of the rifle out on the end of your pack away from your body. Kind of back heavy feeling to me. I am more comfortable carrying it, and switching shoulders. In short there is no perfect way to carry the dam thing with a heavy pack. I usually switch from the pack to carrying the rifle multiple times if it is a long hike.

 

[SunnyInCO]

kifaru makes the 'gun bearer'. This is what I have been using for the past 2 years with my Icon Pro 5200.

I am ordering one today. Excited to try it in the field.