What do you take when you go backpacking?

[Gelgoog]

What kind of handgun..(or rifle dare I say?) do you take when you go backpacking up in the woods.

 

[bpl]

I haven't backpacked in over a year, but hope to change that this fall. Anyway, I bought a Glock 20SF and a safepacker holster to carry it in. 16 rounds of 10mm (and maybe +15!) should be sufficient for any predator, 2 legged or four, that I might encounter here in PA!

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

.357 blackhawk

Big enough to handle anything around me, and tough enough to survive an accident (fall, etc.)

 

[MICHAEL T]

When I backpacked I carried a AR-7 and extra mag along with a 100 rounds of 22 in pack. A 38 snub on hip

 

[friscolatchi]

M&P 340 in the Adirondacks for the summer with 158 jhp. 629 during hunting season.

 

[Clifford]

It depends on if I am in high or low country(bears or not in az). High country I carry a 6" model 28. Low country I will carry one of my 5" colts in .45 or .38 super, but normally it's the model 28.

 

[Grizfire]

Usually a 1911. Not the best, but not bad either.

 

[cook45]

1911...good for just about anything

 

[Gelgoog]

wow some heavy guns here...is no one worried about weight?

 

[AStone]

is no one worried about weight?

Wow. What a perfect segue for me.

SW 642 in .38 spl (airweight).

Not worried about bears where I am. No griz here, and I've been backpacking enough to know how to avoid bear encounters (like absolutely no food in the tent).

My concern in these wilderness areas are crackheads.

 

[Clifford]

I have done a lot of backpacking in my time and never been concerned about the weight of my handgun. Yes weight matters but I would sooner not pack enough food than not pack a sidearm and need it. When we go 35-45 lbs is the normal pack weight and extra 2-3lbs on the hip don't Seem to matter, thou I would think trying to carry a 5-9lbs rifle on a backpacking trip would bug me.

The handgun in the correct holster works great, but I would be hard pressed to pack a rifle In a sling and have it accsesable and comfortable. JM2C.

 

[kanewpadle]

S&W M&P R8 Scandium frame 357. Big but very light for a large frame gun. Eight rounds of Double Tap and two full moon clips in a side pocket.

 

[AStone]

When we go 35-45 lbs is the normal pack weight and extra 2-3lbs on the hip don't Seem to matter...

I'm happy for you, sir. I wish I could say the same.

Perhaps because it's because I'm a smaller person (tall and skinny).
I will go to lengths to shave even ounces, let alone pounds,
especially as the pack inches up above 40 lb.

 

[Prepster]

Wow, I feel like quite the outcast in this group. When I go backpacking/hiking, I take my Ruger Bearcat in stainless steel. My primary concern is the ability to have food if I run out, get lost, etc. The Bearcat isn't going to replace your favorite rifle, but it can take rabbits and squirrel at reasonable handgun distances. I can put 100 mini-mags in my pack and add a negligible amount of weight. In an absolute pinch it's better than nothing for self-defense, although that isn't something I'm super-worried about, because Vermont has minimal crime in its cities, let alone its trails. As far as critter defense, I do the same level of prevention that all of you surely do.

I feel comfortable with a .22 revolver out in the wilderness, but I won't hate on those who like to have a .44 mag, 1911, or something else. If self defense was my primary goal, I wouldn't pick a .22 lr either.

 

[federalfarmer]

Nothing. A couple of knives.

 

[Oro]

wow some heavy guns here...is no one worried about weight?

Three ways to handle that:

1) A horse
2) A shoulder holster,
3) (my favorite): A shoulder holster while on horseback.

It depends upon where I am going. We have three distinct wildlife habitat ranges around here within a reasonable drive:

1) Lowlands with no bears, a 1911 in .45acp
2) foothills: L or N frame .357 or a .44mag N frame.
3) Grizzly area - .44mag N frame, and if mounted also a 30-30.

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

I have a quality belt, and a quality holster. I really do not notice the weight of my blackhawk.

 

[Oyeboten]

1911 in an old GI hip-belt Flap-Holster...or, Colt New Service in .45 LC, ditto...

 

[Dr.Rob]

6 shot small frame stainless .357 snubnose revolver, 18 rounds total.

 

[Quiet]

(.45ACP) S&W Model 325PD = for personal protection aganist 2 & 4 legged predators
(.22LR) Iver Johnson Model 844 = for plinking and snakes
(5.56x45mm) Kel-Tec SU-16CA = for personal protection. carried folded in half in pack.
(.303British) Long Branch No4Mk1 sporterized carbine = when hunting.

 

[memphisjim]

i took food a sleeping bag and a tent

 

[junkman_01]

I take a Kel-Tec P-11 on all hiking/camping trips.

 

[DMZ]

Two gun carry

Small frame, 3", .357 and w/12 additional rounds. Also carry a Ruger Bearcat with a box of HV ammo.

 

[wnycollector]

Ruger security six snub loaded with doubletap 180gr hard cast FP's, plus 3 speed loaders all inside a government sized safepacker.

 

[CoRoMo]

On all hikes under 20 miles roundtrip, I never go without my 4.5" Ruger New Model Blackhawk .357 magnum, and it is loaded with full house loads.

On occasion, when I hiked alone into the deepest backcountry for quite lengthy treks, I'll add a 12ga. O/U to the setup.