Backpacking Gun

[Tinelement]

This is by far the coolest backpacking accessory that I have seen in a long time. Is there someplace that I could see one locally or is it by web order only?

I don't know of anywhere local. I ordered mine online. They are a great addition. I carry pistol and / mags in the large left pouch with plenty of room for other stuff. Obviously not an uber fast way to draw, but helluva lot quicker than having it in your backpack. And when you drop you pack, the Ribz can stay on.

[Wulf202]

g20

safepacker

[DeusExMachina]

I don't know of anywhere local. I ordered mine online. They are a great addition. I carry pistol and / mags in the large left pouch with plenty of room for other stuff. Obviously not an uber fast way to draw, but helluva lot quicker than having it in your backpack. And when you drop you pack, the Ribz can stay on.

Is it padded? Looks like a good place for rangefinder and binos

[Tinelement]

It is not padded.

[SA Friday]

Smith and Wesson make an air weight in both 357 and 44 mag. They are crazy light with Sc frames and Ti cylinders. Both will also make you just let the animal kill you after shooting one round of defensive ammo since it will ultimately hurt less than pulling the trigger again. If you are a super bad-ass and want one of these, PM me and I'll let you know where there's a used one an ex-Ranger has on consignment.

IMO:
Ruger SP101 if you want a 357
S&W 629 with a 4" or shorter barrel if you want a 44 mag
Glock 20 or 29 if you want a semi-auto.

You want enough weight to the gun that Newton's 3rd law is respectively observed. You don't want so much weight to the gun it's difficult to carry. IMO, the three above fall within the "just right" category. I personally carry a 629 Mountain Lite when out there, but I will eventually pick up a G20 or 29. For around here, it's enough. Nice thing about the 44 mag is CCI shotshells smoke squirrels out to about 12-13 feet without turning them into mush.

[paddywagon]

SA you mention the Smith's. I will definitely second that being I carry a 386PD and have for several years. They are crazy light and with full stoked loads she kicks like a mule and barks like a rabid dog. It is definitely not a revolver that one shoots for enjoyment (unless with 38 spls!) Everyone I have ever let shoot it usually gives me the "you have got to be kidding me" look after the first round and after they finish the other 6 they hand it back and say "I'm good!" It was one of the best anniversary presents my wife ever got me!

[Zombie Steve]

If the Alaskan is too much, I would just carry whatever you normally carry concealed. IMO, threats from four legged critters falls somewhere below lightning strike on my list (really).

I still think one of the best all around compromise gun is a 4" .357 mag. I've had a 686 that's accompanied me on many a trip.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

IMO, threats from four legged critters falls somewhere below lightning strike on my list (really).

I recently read this: and books.
My fear for bears (especially in CO) has dropped way off to almost none.
On the other hand, my fear of mountain lions has shot way up.

I recently got a G20 for this purpose. I've messed around with Buffalo Bore HC, but what I really prefer is just some good heavy Underwood.
I seriously cannot see hitting a cat with it, though. $0.02

[crashdown]

Just picked up a Smith model 60 pro.
It's a 357, so you have wide variety of ammo choices in two calibers.
It has a 3 inch barrel so good sight radius for shot placement.
Front sight is a night sight, so great for low/no light conditions.
Rear sight is adjustable if your ammo varies enough to adjust P.O.A/P.O.I.
I have or have had plenty of the smaller PD/ Nightguard pistols, but they are an up close defensive gun in shorter barrels. The Smith 60 Pro should be able to make longer shots if needed.
I picked it up because of all the lion activity in my area, and will be sighting it in this week. It will be my trail gun if all works out. I have most of the guns suggested, but this thing is so light, and potentially accurate it might be my new favorite for hiking.

[Zombie Steve]

I recently read this: and books.
My fear for bears (especially in CO) has dropped way off to almost none.
On the other hand, my fear of mountain lions has shot way up.

I recently got a G20 for this purpose. I've messed around with Buffalo Bore HC, but what I really prefer is just some good heavy Underwood.
I seriously cannot see hitting a cat with it, though. $0.02

200 pound dude with a knife... 150 pound mountain lion... yeah, I like horsepower, but I'm still ok with a .45 Colt, 1911, .357 mag. Whatever you carry in town will most likely serve you well in the hills here too (just don't tell my wife... I need more wheel guns!).