[Pond, James Pond]

When I think of carrying a pistol in the woods I think of it in a holster outside of my clothing exposed to all the heat or cold of nature.

I agree but rock and a hard place.

I have to balance up the likelihood of needing a gun against a bear etc and the higher likelihood of bumping into some villagers picking berries and mushrooms (in summer) and essentially brandishing if the gun is not covered up.

Law states that a carried handgun needs to be concealed...

I have to trust my dogs raisig the alarm to anything in proximity!
The times I did go out foraging last summer, with the .44, I did release the retention strap on the shoulder rig I have now.
I have also recently ordered a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake. The shoulder rig was not very comfortable.