Firearms and Hiking/Backpacking

I used to carry a .45 but way too heavy. Then I switched to a Markarov, but it is fairly heavy too. Since I had been backpacking about 15 years and had never had to use any gun I switched to a lighter and smaller Charter Arms Pathfinder .22 mag with a 6" barrel. After carrying that through some wicked uphills with a 45 pound pack I switched to a North American Arms mini master .22 mag with the 4" barrel. Like 10 oz's. True you couldn't kill a bear with one but despite hiking with bears they always run off around here anyway, and you could probably frighten one off with it. Also most bad guys would be intimidated by any gun.

Probably the best thing for me would be just to not carry one since years of experience tell me I have never needed one. Still I don't totally feel comfortable being miles from anything without one so I've kinda opted for the lightest thing I could get. I thought about the titanium frame 38's and stuff but I can't really justify the expense for 5 or 10 days a year.
 
I carry a gun everywhere I can legally carry it. This includes when I jog, bike, or camp and hike. After everything is said and done. I went with a 4" 357. It's big, but I wear it in a shoulder holster and it is suitable for everything from self defense to hunting game...if I had to.

Go with something you know, will carry, and fits all your needs. Then work out the kinks. The one time you leave it at home will invariably be the one time you need it. After carrying constantly for 10 years out hiking and camping, I have not had a single reason to use it. Yet I still bring it with me everywhere I go.
 
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