), I used to be all about black vests with lots of pockets, and big guns and lots of magazines and ammo and such. However, I slowly realized there are a lot of in-between stages between everyday life and the Zombie Apocalypse (capitalized to acknowledge its coming). Thus, I have focused a lot on trying to look as "normal" as possible, while at the same time being as prepared as possible. My compromise has been to be able to walk around a public camp ground without attracting any unnecessary attention. Thus, high boots, cargo pants, and perhaps a backpack and waist pack aren't out of the norm, but an EBR slung across my chest IS. I have tried to gear my stuff to be at least somewhat concealable (I only have my concealed carry IWB holster, and use that for all camping purposes as well), and my mag carrier is attached to my waist pack. I can zip up a jacket or vest and conceal it for the most part (I mean, at least off-hand it doesn't necessarily look like I'm packing heat, just that I have a bunch of stuff in the vest pockets).
But, obviously there are some disadvantages. The first and probably most obvious one is weapon readiness and retention. A chest rig with straps is probably one of the best ways to carry a pistol, both in ready access, and in safety. If I fall down a hill while carrying IWB, there is a decent chance my firearm will come out. At the same time, I might lose up to a full second in the draw from my IWB holster (positioned at ~12:30) with my waist pack sitting over it, compared to having my pistol in a chest rig or even on my hip.
I do know what is technically legal and what isn't (for the most part), but basically I try to wear gear that would not get me hassled by even a cop who doesn't know the law. For example, while it is technically legal (in Oklahoma) to carry a Machete when out camping, if I were at a public camp ground and a Park Ranger saw me, he might come ask me a few questions. Thus, I stick to the legal limit of a 4" fixed-blade knife, concealed, (which is good enough for what I want anyways, and it is also something I can EDC unlike a machete or larger survival knife). Just the same, it is legal for me to open carry while in the outdoors, but there is still a good chance I could get the cops called on me if I ran into some other campers who didn't understand that, or that an officer or ranger who wasn't as fond of firearms as we are might come question my intentions. Even if I just ran into another camper, displaying a shiny stainless semi-automatic pistol on my chest or hip might give a negative first impression for a more traditional guy walking around with a Walnut .30-30, which could potential cause problems, or at least prevent us from sharing the afternoon / a meal together (or whatever).
Anyways, long story short, I have been trying to "dress down" my gear enough so that I could potentially walk into Walmart with it on--even my backpack--and not really worry about causing any trouble (though I know i'd probably look crazy heh).
What do you guys think about that / how do you deal with the problem of maintaining stealth? How much do you guys regularly sacrifice weapon and supply readiness for the peace of mind of not looking threatening (until you want to)?
