I'm a little bit in awe at how more and more people are advising minor caliber pistols for woods bumming. Sure, a 9, 40, or 45 will take care of mountain lions & feral dogs, but the stopping power of these rounds are questionable enough even on humans. Methinks the prudent thing to do is have something capable enough for the most dangerous beast in your area. Minor calibers may cover you for 98% of potential encounters but guns are made for THOSE 2% times.
I would definitely agree with this poster's point that discretion is the better part of valor with bears. My body doesn't work anymore for such things, but I did enough backpacking back in the day and also saw enough bears of all kinds. Never needed to shoot one and I think it would have been a bad idea to convert a bear encounter to a bear fight by shooting, both for me, and for the bear. The one time I felt a need to go after a critter it was with some skunks that were way too bold in camp and I took care of that with a few hefty and well pitched stones.If a bear's rummaging through your tent and food... leave it alone. Don't think about shooting it.
The 357 makes enough noise when fired that it will scare the beejeebies out of anything or anyone. Get a hunting round and practice with it
If I could open carry I'd pack a rifle - in a battle sling. But such is not allowed by the current rules.
I disagree. The 2-legged predators are more dangerous, even in the woods. There have been high-profile murders in Yosemite, Arizona and others.Since most of the dangers in the woods - are primarily of the 4 legged variety