Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

[The Zebra]

I've used the search and didn't find what I was looking for so here goes:

I just bought a TAB biathalon sling. My hopes were that I could be able to use my small camelback pack or "padded war belt" to carry other equipment such as extra mags/ammo, rangefinder, weather instrument, small tools, TAB shooting mat, etc...

I would like to know how others pack their gear while using a biathalon sling. One of my "perks" is that I am using the AI AX chassis so it folds to make the overall package shorter (38" when folded with suppressor attached).

I have my TAB rear bag "slung" over the bipod and also have a 2 mag pouch that I can use from Triad Tactical. I tried putting the extra mags in the pouch and on the sling but it didn't solve my other equipment problems.

I've thought about one of the gunslinger type bags but it seems as though something like that would eliminate my need for the biathalon sling all together.

Intended use: packing rifle and gear on long hunting trips and hopefully also being able to use it in tactical competitions.

Any info or links to threads I missed would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stan Owens]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

I leave a "space" for the rifle to hang on the rear of my spec ops padded gear belt.

 

[Stan Owens]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

You can also reverse carry a small backpack, if more gear is needed.

 

[The Zebra]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

Thanks Stan. I've considered your first suggestion. My belt is a bit crowded and I would have to really think about what to remove but I think I can do it. If my first aid pack wasn't so big (read "wide"), it would be a lot easier.

I was really intent on using the camelback for hydration purposes so reverse carrying it may be what I end up doing. Just don't know how well that will actually work. Was thinking about some sort of "messanger" type bag that would hang to one side.

 

[finbox]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

I got one to..but it's kinda pointless if you have a backpack, I've never really used it. propaly put it up for sale.

 

[Mike]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

I've been using a TAB Biathlon for a while. You can make room on your belt or vest, or just put it over your pack.

 

[The Zebra]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been using a TAB Biathlon for a while. You can make room on your belt or vest, or just put it over your pack. </div></div>

Mike,
do you have any experience slinging it on top of your pack? If so, how well does it work?

 

[bth87]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: finbox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got one to..but it's kinda pointless if you have a backpack, I've never really used it. propaly put it up for sale.</div></div>
If you decide to sell let me know i may be interested...

 

[SRSDriver]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

I use a small camelback with the biathlon sling, and it works OK, but I'm not all that sold for running. If I was sliding along effortlessly on skis, mabe.

For going light and a long distance, hiking, I think it would be good. For running, it still allows too much bounce, and your back will show it, even if you have a camelback padding it. Plus, taking the gun off your back, the camelback will inevitably have gotten tangled in your scope caps and start popping things off.

ETA - To be fair, the camelback I used had some wierd mesh strap thingies that grabbed onto the scope covers. If the camelback is reasonably smooth without too many straps, it will work pretty good.

 

[The Zebra]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

I'm using a Camelbak Mule (military version). It would be perfect for the gear I have and some H2O but I don't see a good way to put it on top of the slung rifle. My rifle currently utilizes the Night Force bikini cover so I don't have to worry about it getting hung up on anything.

 

[finbox]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

pm's repled to, going to post it up in the for sale area

 

[marduk185]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

the rifle is the backpack. velcro or otherwise affix all needfuls to the rifle and biathlon sling as needed. i mean how much crap does one need to tote anyway. prison purse yer secondary and extry mags.

 

[Mustafa]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

Extend the straps and put it over the backpack. It works pretty well. Also, I use my biathalon sling like a 3 point sling and run it across my chest sometimes.

 

[JohnnyC]

Re: Biathalon sling: How to pack other equipment???

Check out the Hill People Gear Kit Bag. It's a little chest bag that's got enough room for mags, Kestrel, lrf, etc. It's probably not big enough for all that and the shooting mat, but I figure that could easily be clipped to a belt with a carabiner. I'm actually going to pick one up one of these days.

http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/t.../8/Default.aspx

Anything else could be put on a belt.