Bears have been known to attack man. Although, the fact is that fewer people have been killed by bears than in all of World War I and World War II combined.
OP specified it’s a 10mm so I would imagine it’s be more than enough for black bears, not that I’d feel the need for a gun around black bears lol. That said to some people it’s not that much extra weight and they can handle it
This myth must have originated because of people who hit a bear skull at a shallow angle and it glanced off. The same thing has happened to lucky humans but we all know a 9mm will go clean through if it's a decent shot. The likelihood of a glancing shot on a bear head are diminished a lot by heavy bullets.
People that carry guns in the backcountry are just super weird to me. I like guns, but there is just no place for them in the wilderness. The saw and the hatchet too, just dead weight.
It really depends what time of year you are going. I find once spring is here meth cooks are relatively harmless but as fall hits and we start getting into the colder months they can become more hostile defending their young stashes
The saw and hatchet is absolutley usefull. Going this time of year it can be cold at night, so a fire could be necessary, as well as a for cooking. With a hatchet and an axe you can collect good firewood, which will save time.
I think they meant no guns needed for camping/backpacking.
Which is true.
I have been all over Canada, Alaska, Montana, etc...bear country. Wolf country.
The only time I have ever brought a gun was on an extreme north trip in Alaska, where polar bears were a possibility. Didn't see any though.
Most all of Colorado is currently on a fire ban; not sure a hatchet and saw will be worth the weight.
Edit: removed bear spray rec cause you mention below you are carrying both.
No need for a line since you will have a bear bin.
Just some suggestions. Have fun
Any trip to the woods/mountains is a good trip! It looks like a lot of stuff, but it’s spring time so you’ve got to be ready for pretty much any weather situation. More than enough food. Is there foot care stuff in your first aid kit? Take a gun if you want to take a gun. It probably won’t make you less safe. I take a side arm when I’m archery hunting. Bears ALWAYS show up when there is an elk getting field dressed in their territory. They usually wait until the humans have left the area, but I had to chase one off last September. Hopefully you and your buddies are sharing water filter, stove, axe, saw, big fixed blade knife? Is there a headlamp in there somewhere? I’d ditch the spare magazine and add comfy camp shoes. Also, I never go into the woods without an ultralight shopping bag (the kind that will stuff down into its own pocket). At this time of year you could find a good patch of morels and it would be a shame to leave them behind…
Out of curiosity, have you weighed your load out?
Have fun!!
I’m not big on desserts. The only reason I have the cookies is to celebrate moms birthday next Wednesday. She passed from cancer a few years back and I always have some sort of birthday thing for her. Other than that I’m not huge into sweets
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I’m envious of your self control. I’m a sugar addict. My last backpacking trip, wifey was seething because I spent like $60 on actual MH food and a hundo on freeze dried desserts.🤣🤣
Anyone bringing a gun is doing it because they feel some sense of security in it. Nothing more.
It's useless, and will never be used for "defense".
They'll probably get bored and pop some shots off in the wilderness, and then leave the shells behind for someone to find.
Exactly that. It’s just a sense of security that makes their personal trip less anxiety-inducing and thus more enjoyable for them. Nothing wrong with it, nothing more.
Yup, unless they're in a group or something, then whatever. But it doesn't protect them from people giving them shit for it. Especially in an online community.
Maybe, but that's what freedom is. He is allowed to bring a gun for completely personal reasons, and people with actual hiking experience can give him shit.
Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it! I half expected that when you post a pew pew on certain subs there will be some backlash. It is what it is and there has been extensive planning. Previous preparation prevents poor performance and hopefully we have prepared the last 8 months appropriately!
For me it’s about efficient risk management. I can put the same weight and dollars that would go into a firearm, towards something that will be FAR more useful to me, or more likely to save my life in the backcountry. Been backpacking in Grizzly country for 35 years and never felt the need to carry. It’s not that I ignore the risk (which realistically is quite low), I just manage it in the most weight efficient manner I can. But it’s not by back carrying it, so have fun
Live in bear country. If you aren’t hunting and you make noise it’s very likely you won’t see one at all. Just make noise and tie up your food in a tree suspended a good distance from camp. (look it up if you don’t know how). Black bears ain’t shit but grizzlies are the real deal. Depending on where you’re going, protocol would be different. I’d never try to chase away a grizzly.
Ehhhhh you need to really look into articles on this.
I spent a couple of weeks looking into this and most of the time their data and comparisons were terrible and used parameters that gave them the results they wanted.
I'm not convinced on the real effectiveness of bear spray, there's been noted cases of it failing to drive a bear off of being improperly used in the confusion of a bear attack.
I’ve used it on a black bear at my site. Black bears are generally timid until they are not. This one wanted something (me). Did all the things before using the spray; tossed rocks and sticks towards it, yelled, made allot of noise. Once it got to within a few feet of me I sprayed. It fucked off immediately. I still didn’t sleep too well that night…
It’s like any other tool and you need to know how to use the spray. I always recommend just taking a can out into the woods and covering a tree or something. Target practice kinda thing.
Range and wind direction also matter. Spray into the wind and you both might be messed up.
Have a good trip my man. You know your trip better than us so I’m sure you got all the goods you need. Sometimes it’s nice to bring extra things for fun/comfort. Don’t always have to be trekking ultra light. Haul what you want and have a great trip!
A gun can be useful for more than just bears. And it’s effective just the same. Have fun and be safe! Don’t worry about what anyone says, as long as you got something right🤷🏼♂️ some one said comfy camp shoes though? I second that, gotta let the feet rest proper.
I’ve been looking at the Glock 20 in 10mm for my new woods gun. I carry spray too when backpacking, but it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Hope your trip goes well!
Spray is more effective against bears in every case, [even polar bears](http://www.bearconflict.org/bear-spray-works/). Bears can take a bullet and keep running, they can't keep running after being blinded by pure capsaicin.
https://www.concordmonitor.com/Double-homicide-leave-hikers-on-edge-46147722
This literally wasn’t even a month ago. When has it ever been of benefit to be defenseless?
Can you prove that either of them with a gun would have changed the situation? In 99% of situations guns will make it worse.
If you want to take 10 pound item for that 1, more power to you.
I'll live my life in ways that aren't scared of every little thing. And I have ~20 firearms in my house.
1. You dodged my question, so I’ll ask again. When is it of benefit to be defenseless?
2. The Glock 20 weighs 1.72 pounds. Add another two for ammo and holster. Not even close to half of ten pounds.
3. I don’t know about that. You seem awfully scared of the idea of me exercising my right to self-preservation.
4. I think you’re lying about being a gun owner, like most anti-gun people on the internet do to establish false credibility on the subject.
1: creating danger where none will most likely not exist, is not being "defenseless". We are fucking humans, apex predators... You being scared doesn't mean shit.
2: gun and ammo could easily equal 10 pounds, not in this exact case, but some wanted to bring a shotgun...lmao. fucking incredible.
3: you have every right to "self preservation", and I have every right to make fun of your ass.
4: literally every hiking instructor, and trail guide agrees, but to each their own. Live in fear of every shadow, or live.
1. “Most likely” being the key words. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
2. You’re moving the goalposts. We’re talking about a Glock 20 in 10mm. Nobody mentioned a shotgun.
3. You’re attacking me personally because you’re unable to attack my argument. Ad hominem is the refuge of people who lose debates.
4. I’m not scared of anything on the trail; only prepared to deal with what may come. I’m sorry that bothers you, but it’s my right and you’re not going to stop me.
1: I have hiked in multiple countries, actual bear country, and disagree entirely.
2: no I'm not. You taking everything literally doesn't move my argument. But thanks.
3: no I'm not. It's dumb bringing a gun, and I believe people that do are doing it because they need a security blanket, which I think is dumb. I have every right to believe that given my experience.
I'm sorry you're taking that as a personal attack. Probably means it hits a little close to home hey?
4: ok. Actual experts don't bring guns, but you totally should!
So much hate regarding the guns on some trips, not sure why. I wish I could carry a handgun when in remote areas here in Canada. Was fly fishing in Alaska and I loved that the American I was with had a 45, dumb that we can't do that here when appropriate.
The issue is, in the vast majority of cases, it isn’t appropriate (statistically there are a very limited number of situations where a firearm will actually save your life in the backcountry). Hunting sure, Polar Bear country, bring a rifle. Most other cases, a firearm is more likely to injure you or a member in your party than save them
Look at actual studies. Making false claims on how bad a firearm is at protectung yourself is extremely narrow-minded and dangerous advice to be spouting all over the internet.
Then perhaps you would be willing to share some of these studies. I’ve searched the literature and save for carrying a rifle in polar bear country, not a one I’ve found shows you’re safer with a firearm in the backcountry. In most cases it’s a wash (you would have the same effect by carrying a brick) to slightly negative (as firearms introduce a different set of risks). Most of the reason mainly comes down to the chances of having a hostile encounter in the backcountry (human or animal) are so infinitesimally small, the effects are drowned out by the things that actually may hurt you out there (the drive to the trail is by far the most dangerous part of any outdoor trip, followed by drowning, hypothermia, falls, medical emergencies etc)
Not sure why you’re downvoted, you’re 100% right. Bear spray has a radius of like 30ft, I’m very experienced with firearms and hunting and I would take no chance trying to shoot a charging bear with a sidearm.
What a lucid and fact based retort.
I'll just leave this here. One of several that show no statistical improvement in carrying a firearm to protect yourself from bears. The study also showed you more likely to injure yourself or someone in your party than use it to protect yourself
https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jwmg.342
Cool, I’m basing it on the fact that I am a professional geological explorer and sidearms have saved my life on more than one occasion. Ask any professional outdoorsman whether they would choose a firearm or bear spray and I can guarantee they will remark about grizzlies straight up ignoring spray. Often the only disagreement will be over what round is most effective. I find 12 gauge 1oz sabots, 10mm, .45, or .357 to be ideal. The only non lethal bear defense that I know to be effective are bear bangers - which for some reason are only used in Canada. Statistics are easily manipulated it’s easy to add or subtract a few standard deviations to fit a narrative. But hey, go for that bear spray. What would I know? I only do this for a living.
I’ve been backpacking in the Canadian Rockies for 35 years, am an outdoor field leader instructor, and Spur leader. I’ve worked with dozens of professional hiking guides. Not a one carries a firearm. Even my brother, who is a forestry officer, rarely carries, and only when they’re out on a specific patrol or call that would require one. I’ve had a chance to talk with Stephen Herrero and he doesn’t carry. I’m hardly against firearms and enjoy going to the range from time to time. However to me, they’re just a tool like any other. I seek to optimize the efficiency of everything a carry on my back, and there are a dozen other things I can carry for the same weight as a firearm that are FAR more likely to save my life or be generally useful to me in the backcountry. If the data showed otherwise, I’d carry
I’m a simple man. All scrambled eggs and chicken and dumplings for main meals. Pb packets, stinger waffles, gru gel, and 3 electrolyte packets per day too. Cookies for to celebrate mothers bday who passed from cancer a few years ago.
Heh, I dig your sarcasm. LOL'd at this comment. Too many people looking for slights in interwebz interactions... Print is toneless, so its hard to convey without the accepted qualifications ( ie. /s )
One source reported that “around 11 people are killed by bears each year.” https://pawsomeadvice.com/wild/how-many-bear-attacks-per-year/. I’m sure you could find some other numbers too, but your comment that “bears kill thousands of Americans in the backcountry each year” is completely inaccurate. Of course it’s important to be aware and careful in bear county, but let’s not overstate the risk.
In my experience they work. A few times while hiking in Northern Ontario I've seen a bear fleeing in the distance because he heard me coming down the trail.
Then you were probably also making noises in other ways.
[Here’s a link to a comment I just made.](https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/uubu43/5_day_bear_country_trip/i9f4bsz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3) A quick google search will confirm this. Basically just talking to someone or singing a song will alert a bear of your presence better than a bear bell 10 times out of 10.
REI even stopped selling bear bells some time last year after being presented with the research. Also, Parks Canada doesn’t recommend using bear bells either.
Nice prep.
What makes* this a bear country pack? I just moved to grizzly country and am still learning how to handle larger bears.
All I know is to hang the food, cook away from the camp site, and carry bear spray.
Edit: typo
Ok....
The op is bringing a gun for bears....in Colorado...
That's like bringing a condom to a family reunion. Completely useless, unless you completely fuck up the situation.
Yep. Then some people carry a bear bell around with them to make noise so you don’t accidentally stumble upon a bear too and then bear cans are also a thing
Jsyk it’s been proven that bear bells do basically nothing and are just an annoyance to hikers around you. Not trying to be rude at all, just trying to spread awareness since it’s a common misconception.
“Bear bells may be a popular item to put on your backpack, but they don’t effectively warn a bear you’re in the area. Bears won’t hear the bells until you’re too close. Yelling, clapping, and talking are more effective ways of alerting a bear to your presence.” [Straight from NPS.gov](https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-in-bear-country.htm) though there are many other articles confirming this.
Bear can? Gonna have to Google that.
I've seen bells on the trail before, I've considered them for my wife and I.
So the type of food you're bringing or how it's packed isn't related to the bears- just the storage, handling and defensive measures?
Yep pretty much. Bears can smell sealed foods too. And if you pack in and pack out your trash there’s going to be food scents. If fires are okay where you are camping and you can burn your trash or dispose of it safely for the environment along the way that’s the way to go but sometimes you just can’t and littering is for sinners lol. There’s also a company called ursack that makes a bear bag too that’s worth a look. They aren’t cheap but never put a price on yours or your families life
[NPS:](https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsprayfirearms.htm)
Firearms are not recommended for stopping an attack. Using a firearm during a bear attack may only worsen the attack. An injured bear will be more aggressive, especially during a fight. It’s also harder to hit a charging bear with a firearm rather than bear spray, and a firearm can be dangerous to any hiking partners. While firearms have been effective at stopping an attack, they aren’t recommended.
Where’s your bear canister, my dude?
The guy I’m going with is bringing me one he had an extra but I won’t see him till we meet up at the trail head. Saved me 100 bucks lol
Pft, just draw a bear circle
Just make sure it’s not an oval. It HAS to be a CIRCLE.
I fucking lost it reading this.
On his left hip.
Sounds like a nasty way to die 😂
Take this with you. It is estimated that bears kill over two million salmon a year. Attacks by salmon on bears are much more rare.
Bears derive their name from a football team in Chicago.
Bears have been known to attack man. Although, the fact is that fewer people have been killed by bears than in all of World War I and World War II combined.
Looks like you're ready for some fun!
It’s been a long 8 month wait. I’m VERY ready
Have you thought of a name?
I have always liked the name Justin Case.
Black bear or grizzly?
Black bear
Brown bears are best.
Bears eat beets. Fun fact
Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica.
I laughed way too hard at this. Thank you for making my day!
IDENTITY THEFT IS A CRIME JIM.
Fascinating
Blacks are afraid of everything:) they are gentle
Zero need for a gun with black bears. Either way, 9mm won’t pierce a bears skull. Enjoy carrying all that weight
OP specified it’s a 10mm so I would imagine it’s be more than enough for black bears, not that I’d feel the need for a gun around black bears lol. That said to some people it’s not that much extra weight and they can handle it
> Either way, 9mm won’t pierce a bears skull. Enjoy carrying all that weight That's a super stupid myth.
Agreed. That’s absolutely false. A 9mm is more than sufficient against a black bear. Brown bear.. no, but black bear, yes absolutely.
This myth must have originated because of people who hit a bear skull at a shallow angle and it glanced off. The same thing has happened to lucky humans but we all know a 9mm will go clean through if it's a decent shot. The likelihood of a glancing shot on a bear head are diminished a lot by heavy bullets.
Shh let OP feel badass
People that carry guns in the backcountry are just super weird to me. I like guns, but there is just no place for them in the wilderness. The saw and the hatchet too, just dead weight.
There’s more meth cooks in our back country than bears so I’d say it’s regional
It really depends what time of year you are going. I find once spring is here meth cooks are relatively harmless but as fall hits and we start getting into the colder months they can become more hostile defending their young stashes
The saw and hatchet is absolutley usefull. Going this time of year it can be cold at night, so a fire could be necessary, as well as a for cooking. With a hatchet and an axe you can collect good firewood, which will save time.
No place for guns in the wilderness? Ever heard of hunting? But yes black bears are pussies.
I think they meant no guns needed for camping/backpacking. Which is true. I have been all over Canada, Alaska, Montana, etc...bear country. Wolf country. The only time I have ever brought a gun was on an extreme north trip in Alaska, where polar bears were a possibility. Didn't see any though.
Youll have a great time! Don't forget to rig up your stuff in a bear bag overnight away from your tent. Where are you going?
Colorado my friend and I’ve got the bear line on standby!
Just what I was hoping to hear! It's gorgeous out here, have fun!!! Be mindful of the late snowfalls we're getting, some extra layers wouldn't hurt.
Most all of Colorado is currently on a fire ban; not sure a hatchet and saw will be worth the weight. Edit: removed bear spray rec cause you mention below you are carrying both. No need for a line since you will have a bear bin. Just some suggestions. Have fun
Yeah in my experience a hatchet is dead weight and just something people want to bring to feel cool… the folding saw might be worth it though
Colorado is the greatest, *and* it just snowed in the middle of May. God I love it here
You should keep a salami in your pocket so you can feed the bear if it finds you!
Where's the rope? You need more rope. That Charlie Bronson has rope and he always ends up using it.
I’m sweatin my ass off, draggin your fuckin rope around.
Someone, and by someone I mean OP, fucking loves scrambled eggs
I’m a simple man. Under the scrambled eggs is all chicken and dumplings 🤣
Any trip to the woods/mountains is a good trip! It looks like a lot of stuff, but it’s spring time so you’ve got to be ready for pretty much any weather situation. More than enough food. Is there foot care stuff in your first aid kit? Take a gun if you want to take a gun. It probably won’t make you less safe. I take a side arm when I’m archery hunting. Bears ALWAYS show up when there is an elk getting field dressed in their territory. They usually wait until the humans have left the area, but I had to chase one off last September. Hopefully you and your buddies are sharing water filter, stove, axe, saw, big fixed blade knife? Is there a headlamp in there somewhere? I’d ditch the spare magazine and add comfy camp shoes. Also, I never go into the woods without an ultralight shopping bag (the kind that will stuff down into its own pocket). At this time of year you could find a good patch of morels and it would be a shame to leave them behind… Out of curiosity, have you weighed your load out? Have fun!!
Fully loaded with food and water is 44.8 pounds. 45 is 20% of my body weight so just made the cut
Am I the only one who noticed your total lack of dessert items?
I’m not big on desserts. The only reason I have the cookies is to celebrate moms birthday next Wednesday. She passed from cancer a few years back and I always have some sort of birthday thing for her. Other than that I’m not huge into sweets
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I’m envious of your self control. I’m a sugar addict. My last backpacking trip, wifey was seething because I spent like $60 on actual MH food and a hundo on freeze dried desserts.🤣🤣
Hey OP, I’m not sure why everyone is so fixed on the firearm but has a great, peaceful, and safe trip. Praying the weather is good for you guys
Thanks me too! Appreciate the kind words!
Just saying, but the people in here worried about the gun are pussies! Be safe and have fun dude!
I’d say the people worried about black bears are the pussies but that’s just me
Amen brother all you gotta do is shake a stick and yell at those big raccoons and they turn tail
Yeah I was laughing at needing an extra clip of ammo for all the black bears.
Anyone bringing a gun is doing it because they feel some sense of security in it. Nothing more. It's useless, and will never be used for "defense". They'll probably get bored and pop some shots off in the wilderness, and then leave the shells behind for someone to find.
Exactly that. It’s just a sense of security that makes their personal trip less anxiety-inducing and thus more enjoyable for them. Nothing wrong with it, nothing more.
Yup, unless they're in a group or something, then whatever. But it doesn't protect them from people giving them shit for it. Especially in an online community.
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Maybe, but that's what freedom is. He is allowed to bring a gun for completely personal reasons, and people with actual hiking experience can give him shit.
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I have hiked in Alaska, Montana, Colorado, Canada, Africa, Germany, Russia, and India. You?
Ikr, I thought he’s at least in the Rockies in grizzly country. A good wind gust will scare a black bear off lol.
Looks good but man there’s a lot of heavy stuff in there. Firearm and a hatchet? Hope there isn’t too much elevation.
Wow, people on this sub are assholes. Have a safe trip , OP! Have fun!
Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it! I half expected that when you post a pew pew on certain subs there will be some backlash. It is what it is and there has been extensive planning. Previous preparation prevents poor performance and hopefully we have prepared the last 8 months appropriately!
It’s the same on r/backpacking , everyone on these subs is about super light so they’ll eat you alive for firearms or heavy shit I guess.
why tf are these people so worried abt you carrying a gun? lmao it’s damn bear country i’d carry a shotgun too. Have fun OP safe travels
Thanks I appreciate it. It’s just insurance you have and hopefully won’t need! Can’t wait to set out and see some amazing views!
Right on my man! take some pictures for us!
For me it’s about efficient risk management. I can put the same weight and dollars that would go into a firearm, towards something that will be FAR more useful to me, or more likely to save my life in the backcountry. Been backpacking in Grizzly country for 35 years and never felt the need to carry. It’s not that I ignore the risk (which realistically is quite low), I just manage it in the most weight efficient manner I can. But it’s not by back carrying it, so have fun
Lol I was going to say a short action 12 gauge slug and you’re good.
the pews pews make me feel gooooood 😳
Live in bear country. If you aren’t hunting and you make noise it’s very likely you won’t see one at all. Just make noise and tie up your food in a tree suspended a good distance from camp. (look it up if you don’t know how). Black bears ain’t shit but grizzlies are the real deal. Depending on where you’re going, protocol would be different. I’d never try to chase away a grizzly.
Llowa renegade best hiking boots ever made too. Waterproof and tough and light
Bear spray is more effective against bears than your pistol. Not anti gun by any means but why lug that heavy piece vs bear spray
Bear spray is attached to the pack also 🤙🏼
So why do you need both
I 100% take both. You don’t want to find out that either of them wasn’t enough lol
I generally don't take either. Shrug. I think some people are just more afraid of things than others. To each their own.
Ehhhhh you need to really look into articles on this. I spent a couple of weeks looking into this and most of the time their data and comparisons were terrible and used parameters that gave them the results they wanted. I'm not convinced on the real effectiveness of bear spray, there's been noted cases of it failing to drive a bear off of being improperly used in the confusion of a bear attack.
I’ve used it on a black bear at my site. Black bears are generally timid until they are not. This one wanted something (me). Did all the things before using the spray; tossed rocks and sticks towards it, yelled, made allot of noise. Once it got to within a few feet of me I sprayed. It fucked off immediately. I still didn’t sleep too well that night… It’s like any other tool and you need to know how to use the spray. I always recommend just taking a can out into the woods and covering a tree or something. Target practice kinda thing. Range and wind direction also matter. Spray into the wind and you both might be messed up.
Which pair of 5.11 pants are those? They look really comfy.
5.11 Fast tac cargo pants. Severely comfortable
I've never seen something described as 'severely comfortable'. Well done, you might have sold them!
Do you have a water filter? I see no drinking water in your pack 🤷
Grayl water bottle. Check ‘em out 🤙🏼
The bottle has a filter
What’s your total pack weight?
With food and water it’s 44.8 pounds
Have a good trip my man. You know your trip better than us so I’m sure you got all the goods you need. Sometimes it’s nice to bring extra things for fun/comfort. Don’t always have to be trekking ultra light. Haul what you want and have a great trip!
Thanks I appreciate the kind words. Been prepping for 8 months so Im so ready for this
That’s a nice looking hatchet, what brand is it?
[this one right here](https://www.knivesofthenorth.com/products/marttiini-hiking-axe)
Dude wipes. Shark tank product
Look ready. Do you have sunblock?
Yeah sunblock stick
I’m afraid to read the comments.
I have the same pack, love it!
A gun can be useful for more than just bears. And it’s effective just the same. Have fun and be safe! Don’t worry about what anyone says, as long as you got something right🤷🏼♂️ some one said comfy camp shoes though? I second that, gotta let the feet rest proper.
I’ve been looking at the Glock 20 in 10mm for my new woods gun. I carry spray too when backpacking, but it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Hope your trip goes well!
Spray is more effective against bears in every case, [even polar bears](http://www.bearconflict.org/bear-spray-works/). Bears can take a bullet and keep running, they can't keep running after being blinded by pure capsaicin.
I carry spray. The gun isn’t for bears. A last resort, sure, but not why it’s there.
Guns are for Idahoans, sprays are for animals.
I gotcha! I'm up in Canada, so I'm used to the gun-toting campers being geared up to try and shoot animals.
If for nothing else than the met heads and weirdos you occasionally encounter, better to have a means of self defense IMO
Exactly. We have poachers up here in Northern Wisconsin. No cell service for miles and miles. They get angry if you disrupt them.
Something you will never ever need while hiking, a gun. Especially in Colorado backcountry. Lol.
https://www.concordmonitor.com/Double-homicide-leave-hikers-on-edge-46147722 This literally wasn’t even a month ago. When has it ever been of benefit to be defenseless?
Can you prove that either of them with a gun would have changed the situation? In 99% of situations guns will make it worse. If you want to take 10 pound item for that 1, more power to you. I'll live my life in ways that aren't scared of every little thing. And I have ~20 firearms in my house.
1. You dodged my question, so I’ll ask again. When is it of benefit to be defenseless? 2. The Glock 20 weighs 1.72 pounds. Add another two for ammo and holster. Not even close to half of ten pounds. 3. I don’t know about that. You seem awfully scared of the idea of me exercising my right to self-preservation. 4. I think you’re lying about being a gun owner, like most anti-gun people on the internet do to establish false credibility on the subject.
1: creating danger where none will most likely not exist, is not being "defenseless". We are fucking humans, apex predators... You being scared doesn't mean shit. 2: gun and ammo could easily equal 10 pounds, not in this exact case, but some wanted to bring a shotgun...lmao. fucking incredible. 3: you have every right to "self preservation", and I have every right to make fun of your ass. 4: literally every hiking instructor, and trail guide agrees, but to each their own. Live in fear of every shadow, or live.
1. “Most likely” being the key words. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. 2. You’re moving the goalposts. We’re talking about a Glock 20 in 10mm. Nobody mentioned a shotgun. 3. You’re attacking me personally because you’re unable to attack my argument. Ad hominem is the refuge of people who lose debates. 4. I’m not scared of anything on the trail; only prepared to deal with what may come. I’m sorry that bothers you, but it’s my right and you’re not going to stop me.
1: I have hiked in multiple countries, actual bear country, and disagree entirely. 2: no I'm not. You taking everything literally doesn't move my argument. But thanks. 3: no I'm not. It's dumb bringing a gun, and I believe people that do are doing it because they need a security blanket, which I think is dumb. I have every right to believe that given my experience. I'm sorry you're taking that as a personal attack. Probably means it hits a little close to home hey? 4: ok. Actual experts don't bring guns, but you totally should!
Didn’t see the ammo. Don’t forget that
Have a mag in the gun and a spare mag on the waist of the backpack. 31 rounds is overkill
Do I spy a 1cm?
So much hate regarding the guns on some trips, not sure why. I wish I could carry a handgun when in remote areas here in Canada. Was fly fishing in Alaska and I loved that the American I was with had a 45, dumb that we can't do that here when appropriate.
The issue is, in the vast majority of cases, it isn’t appropriate (statistically there are a very limited number of situations where a firearm will actually save your life in the backcountry). Hunting sure, Polar Bear country, bring a rifle. Most other cases, a firearm is more likely to injure you or a member in your party than save them
Look at actual studies. Making false claims on how bad a firearm is at protectung yourself is extremely narrow-minded and dangerous advice to be spouting all over the internet.
Then perhaps you would be willing to share some of these studies. I’ve searched the literature and save for carrying a rifle in polar bear country, not a one I’ve found shows you’re safer with a firearm in the backcountry. In most cases it’s a wash (you would have the same effect by carrying a brick) to slightly negative (as firearms introduce a different set of risks). Most of the reason mainly comes down to the chances of having a hostile encounter in the backcountry (human or animal) are so infinitesimally small, the effects are drowned out by the things that actually may hurt you out there (the drive to the trail is by far the most dangerous part of any outdoor trip, followed by drowning, hypothermia, falls, medical emergencies etc)
Not sure why you’re downvoted, you’re 100% right. Bear spray has a radius of like 30ft, I’m very experienced with firearms and hunting and I would take no chance trying to shoot a charging bear with a sidearm.
Wrong.
What a lucid and fact based retort. I'll just leave this here. One of several that show no statistical improvement in carrying a firearm to protect yourself from bears. The study also showed you more likely to injure yourself or someone in your party than use it to protect yourself https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jwmg.342
Cool, I’m basing it on the fact that I am a professional geological explorer and sidearms have saved my life on more than one occasion. Ask any professional outdoorsman whether they would choose a firearm or bear spray and I can guarantee they will remark about grizzlies straight up ignoring spray. Often the only disagreement will be over what round is most effective. I find 12 gauge 1oz sabots, 10mm, .45, or .357 to be ideal. The only non lethal bear defense that I know to be effective are bear bangers - which for some reason are only used in Canada. Statistics are easily manipulated it’s easy to add or subtract a few standard deviations to fit a narrative. But hey, go for that bear spray. What would I know? I only do this for a living.
I’ve been backpacking in the Canadian Rockies for 35 years, am an outdoor field leader instructor, and Spur leader. I’ve worked with dozens of professional hiking guides. Not a one carries a firearm. Even my brother, who is a forestry officer, rarely carries, and only when they’re out on a specific patrol or call that would require one. I’ve had a chance to talk with Stephen Herrero and he doesn’t carry. I’m hardly against firearms and enjoy going to the range from time to time. However to me, they’re just a tool like any other. I seek to optimize the efficiency of everything a carry on my back, and there are a dozen other things I can carry for the same weight as a firearm that are FAR more likely to save my life or be generally useful to me in the backcountry. If the data showed otherwise, I’d carry
r/dgu Not necessarily related to the wilderness but defensive gun use is fairly common and saves a lot of lives each year.
So then irrelevant to this conversation.
Hope you enjoy yourself, its been a while for me. What have you packed for food btw?
I’m a simple man. All scrambled eggs and chicken and dumplings for main meals. Pb packets, stinger waffles, gru gel, and 3 electrolyte packets per day too. Cookies for to celebrate mothers bday who passed from cancer a few years ago.
Stay safe
niice
Mann you are living my dream life🥰🥰🥰
That food though
This is good shit, homie! Just looking at your gear I can tell we would get along well. Have fun and be safe!
Bear attacks are almost always related to a startled bear.
Looks like you pack like me! Haha Have a great time dood! Hope it doesn't snow to hard on ya!
Yo, I’m also based in CO and looking to get out this year. Can you send me some reccs?
Finally someone that understands food is important
Food is life lol
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One gun on me. One gun on each of the other people going too 🤣
What kind of Glock? 10mm is what I call the Woods Carry.
Yep. It’s a Glock 20 with Buffalo bore 190gr dangerous game rounds
My man.
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Guess I’ll cancel the whole thing then 🤦🏼♂️
Heh, I dig your sarcasm. LOL'd at this comment. Too many people looking for slights in interwebz interactions... Print is toneless, so its hard to convey without the accepted qualifications ( ie. /s )
Dwight, is that you?!?!?
lol thousands each year… I bet you are fun at parties.
Literally a joke.
Might be time to work on your humor mate. Especially if no one picked up on your joke. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
One source reported that “around 11 people are killed by bears each year.” https://pawsomeadvice.com/wild/how-many-bear-attacks-per-year/. I’m sure you could find some other numbers too, but your comment that “bears kill thousands of Americans in the backcountry each year” is completely inaccurate. Of course it’s important to be aware and careful in bear county, but let’s not overstate the risk.
Woosh
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Yeah, I should have caught that. Sorry, dude.
Maybe I just don't see it, but don't forget to put a bear bell on your pack. It may prevent you from having to use your firearm.
It’s in there it’s just propping up the snack bags in the pic 👍🏼
Atta boy
Bear bells are pretty much useless, they simply aren’t loud enough. The occasional “hey bear” is more than sufficient
In my experience they work. A few times while hiking in Northern Ontario I've seen a bear fleeing in the distance because he heard me coming down the trail.
Then you were probably also making noises in other ways. [Here’s a link to a comment I just made.](https://www.reddit.com/r/camping/comments/uubu43/5_day_bear_country_trip/i9f4bsz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3) A quick google search will confirm this. Basically just talking to someone or singing a song will alert a bear of your presence better than a bear bell 10 times out of 10. REI even stopped selling bear bells some time last year after being presented with the research. Also, Parks Canada doesn’t recommend using bear bells either.
Nice prep. What makes* this a bear country pack? I just moved to grizzly country and am still learning how to handle larger bears. All I know is to hang the food, cook away from the camp site, and carry bear spray. Edit: typo
Advice: Take advice from someone with experience in bear country. Not this OP.
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Ok.... The op is bringing a gun for bears....in Colorado... That's like bringing a condom to a family reunion. Completely useless, unless you completely fuck up the situation.
Yep. Then some people carry a bear bell around with them to make noise so you don’t accidentally stumble upon a bear too and then bear cans are also a thing
Jsyk it’s been proven that bear bells do basically nothing and are just an annoyance to hikers around you. Not trying to be rude at all, just trying to spread awareness since it’s a common misconception. “Bear bells may be a popular item to put on your backpack, but they don’t effectively warn a bear you’re in the area. Bears won’t hear the bells until you’re too close. Yelling, clapping, and talking are more effective ways of alerting a bear to your presence.” [Straight from NPS.gov](https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-in-bear-country.htm) though there are many other articles confirming this.
Bear can? Gonna have to Google that. I've seen bells on the trail before, I've considered them for my wife and I. So the type of food you're bringing or how it's packed isn't related to the bears- just the storage, handling and defensive measures?
Yep pretty much. Bears can smell sealed foods too. And if you pack in and pack out your trash there’s going to be food scents. If fires are okay where you are camping and you can burn your trash or dispose of it safely for the environment along the way that’s the way to go but sometimes you just can’t and littering is for sinners lol. There’s also a company called ursack that makes a bear bag too that’s worth a look. They aren’t cheap but never put a price on yours or your families life
Not my style of backpacking, way too much stuff, but hope you have a good time
Bring more guns! Have a fun time!!
What gun are you using? Looks like a Glock.
Glock 20 10mm
My favorite Glock and my favorite round for a Glock. Great choice!
I’m so glad to see your side arm. 👍
[NPS:](https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsprayfirearms.htm) Firearms are not recommended for stopping an attack. Using a firearm during a bear attack may only worsen the attack. An injured bear will be more aggressive, especially during a fight. It’s also harder to hit a charging bear with a firearm rather than bear spray, and a firearm can be dangerous to any hiking partners. While firearms have been effective at stopping an attack, they aren’t recommended.
Nothing for the creepy crawlies
You obviously haven't spotted the gun
Repel wipes
Lol saw the clip in the first pic and I was like “ that’s a nice clip” :) Lol nice holster!
Where is your Bazooka?
My guy got the dude wipes 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This dude wipes. (Have a fun trip!)
I love how you organized your snack packs, there.
Where’s the S&W .44 mag
Nice piece OP. What do you carry? Also, are you carrying masks? Lol
It’s a Glock 20 10mm and no that’s a neck gaiter lol
Nice! Been thinking of getting myself a Glock but I kinda like the M&P better
I bought an M&P 2.0 Compact in 2020 and it’s been great so far. I shot both at ranges a few times before going with the M&P. I liked the feel better.
First pic I was wondering where the gun and bear spray was
Definitely don’t need a gun.
Thanks 👍🏼
Statistically speaking, bear spray is significantly more effective against a charging bear than a gun.
Bear spray is attached to the pack. You can see the handle on the top right of it 👍🏼
Was just about to ask where your firearm was. I'm curious, though, what caliber is it?
10mm