Mac,

well put, i'm glad you like my theory <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

but as for you mall-ninja comment: yes, in some ways I agree. If you look in an REI, or even Cabela's catalog, you don't see people in thigh rigs. In fact, you don't see people in thigh rigs at all outside of the military. I guess thats because most people don't need to access their big gear any faster than the time it takes to remove your pack. I personally prefer the rig, despite the non-sheeple-friendly appearance, because of three main reasons

1. I've found that I can draw a drop-leg, kydex-sheathed knife faster and more comfortably than any other carry position.
2. Storing heavy gear like a flashlight in a thigh rig will flop around a lot less than if you have it in a traditional cargo pocket.
3. If you're hiking light, without a pack, they make at ideal place to store a water bottle, without the aforementioned flopping problems (see #2)

That said, If I was going on a hiking trip with people at my school, the thigh rig wouldn't come along. Because people have seen them only in a military context, it'd be roughly equivalent to me getting a crew cut, wearing full camo, and blousing my trousers in black leather jump boots. If you spend a lot of time wilderness hiking where you need quick access to a fixed blade, or you want a large water bottle without having to bring a pack, then a thigh rig might be very useful to you. If, on the other hand, you spend a lot time on trails that might be frequented by other people, or you frequently hike in the company of civies, then a small fanny pack or messenger back might be a better solution.

my...well, not 2 cents, more like

my buck-fifty

-Cloak