What do you pack for backpacking?

simonrichter · August 24, 2013, 03:15 PM

When I go on a longer hike, I normally take an OC spray (pepper mace) and a flare pen with me. Just in case and doesn't weight more than an additional sandwich would. There are not too many dangerous four- and two-legged creatures in the local woods and pastures, at least not as many as in the common city (two-legged then, for sure).

However, if I was allowed to (which, alas, I'm not) I would instead take a tiny .22lr with me which is a little more versatile and convincing, in case. I do so for example when I camp on our own (large) property, it's simply a good feeling to have a little more than a stick when there is only a tarpaulin between you sleeping and the pitch black night, even if there's no actual danger.

I just wondered what you would (or do) carry for backpacking and for which purpose - just the unspecific "in case", or explicitly SD, defense against predators, or foraging, survival...

TXAZ · August 24, 2013, 03:43 PM

For Backpacking, I bring a satellite phone on week or longer hikes. If its the right season for the wrong animals I bring Mike D, who doesn't mind carrying a .45 and .30-06. If I were to carry I'd bring a P229 with 1 magazine with alternating ammo.

40-82 · August 24, 2013, 05:11 PM

Depends on where I'm backpacking. If it's a summer trip in the Virginia woods, a small 22 revolver would be adequate. If the hike is along a salmon stream in coastal Alaska in August, no rifle I own is too big.

lamarw · August 24, 2013, 05:11 PM

In your scenario, one of my Browning break down SA-22's.

In my neck of the woods, I would probably carry my full size Sig P250 in .45ACP. We have wild hogs and there has been a sighting of a Bigfoot in our County.

Actually, I don't hike or camp since I got my fill of it in Nam.

g.willikers · August 24, 2013, 05:38 PM

When out in the woods and camping, my choice would be a short barreled, large caliber revolver and a very large knife.
If firearms aren't an option, then a good, solid walking stick that also can accommodate that very large knife into making a spear.

Deaf Smith · August 24, 2013, 05:55 PM

Quote:

What do you pack for packpacking?

Simple!

S&W 629-1 4 inch .44 magnum in El Paso 1942 holster.

And Tyler-T company is now up and running. The gun above has a Tyler-T brushed aluminum grip adapter on it now!

Action job to. And today I shot it at 10 yards with 240gr Spear half-jacketed HPs at 1000 fps. One ragged hole with all 6 shots!

Deaf

9ballbilly · August 24, 2013, 07:16 PM

For hiking, fishing, and backpacking I currently carry an early Charter Arms bulldog .44spl. with 3" bbl. Easy to pack and enough punch for anything I might run into, including CCI shot shells for snakes. I think the bottom line always comes back to carrying what you're comfortable with and can shoot well.

amd6547 · August 24, 2013, 07:39 PM

After years of backpacking and carrying various handguns from a 22mag mini revolver to a six inch 44mag, my backpacking handgun of choice is...
The Tokarev in 7.62.
Light enough, compact and thin, highly penetrative, and able to reach out to 100yds. Utterly reliable.

MattShlock · August 24, 2013, 08:12 PM

The small one is 11 ozs. in 22 Mag. and the big one is a single shot 22 Mag. and weighs one pound.

In real bear country, lower 48, a small .357 and in Alaska a 5-shot .44 Mag.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528323

Blacktimberwolf · August 25, 2013, 01:50 PM

I pack a Walther P22 with two mag. loaded with HV HP ammo.

PPQ226guy · August 25, 2013, 04:13 PM

G20.....should handle anything around my neck of the woods.

tony pasley · August 25, 2013, 08:29 PM

tried and true 1911a1

timd · August 25, 2013, 08:49 PM

If its in bear country, I take my brother. I know I can always out run him...

btmj · August 25, 2013, 10:19 PM

LOL... If I was hiking in grizzly bear country, I would bring my shooting buddy.... he would probably bring a 10 gage shotgun loaded with 000 buck AND his 35 Whelan model 70, or maybe his 45-70 Marlin... or he might buy that 375 Ruger hawkeye he's been eyeing... But for sure he would have two capable long guns and two capable handguns...

Me ? I would probably bring a Glock 19 or Ruger GP-100, or a 1911.... I always figure that a 2 legged predator is more likely to ruin my breakfast than a 4 legged one is...

Koda94 · August 25, 2013, 10:28 PM

for defense against predators, I hike in trail running shoes and tell my buddies they are going to need their heavy sturdy hiking boots.

NWPilgrim · August 26, 2013, 03:20 AM

Mostly I carry on the trail the same as in town: my G27. If I am going hiking or camping in large black or brown bear country then I take my M29 4" .44 mag. But most areas the black bear are small enough I am comfortable with the G27.

Dragline45 · August 26, 2013, 11:15 AM

I do most of my camping in Maine or Vermont where the biggest threat is black bears, although all the years I have camped there I have only seen one off in the distance and it was never a problem, and that wasn't even near out camp site we were a few miles away at that time. Until I get a .45 my woods gun has been my Beretta M9 with 147gr 9mm+P. My buddy who usually accompanies me on my camping trips carries a can of bear mace so I think the combination of the two is enough to save our behinds if need be. I also keep a big buck knife sheathed on my left side.

jglsprings · August 26, 2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Deaf Smith

240gr Spear half-jacketed HPs at 1000 fps

Deaf, I'll pay you a dollar a piece for each one of those 1/2 jackets. Those have always been my favorite 44 bullet. I wished they still made them!

Deaf Smith · August 26, 2013, 04:27 PM

jglsprings,

I only have maybe 50 left!

But once they are gone I go to Montana Bullet Works 250gr SWC gas checked slugs with same powder charge.

http://www.montanabulletworks.com/home.html

They make ALOT of real good ones, all the way to 320 gr .44 slugs!

Deaf

481 · August 26, 2013, 06:42 PM

Where I hike/backpack, there is little chance of encountering the largest predatory species in my area, the black bear. Since two-legged "problems" are a more likely encounter, I simply pack the Glock 17, loaded with 147 gr XTPs, with two extra magazines of the same ammo.

BigJimP · August 26, 2013, 06:57 PM

In continental US where there are no Grizzly ...a 4" .357 mag is plenty of gun ( like a S&W model 19 or 66)..in a medium sized frame...

In Northern states where they are Grizzly...or in Alaska...its a different matter .... ( .44 Mag is ok / but I'd rather have a 12ga short barreled shotgun with slugs)....

Deaf Smith · August 26, 2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

In Northern states where they are Grizzly...or in Alaska...its a different matter .... ( .44 Mag is ok / but I'd rather have a 12ga short barreled shotgun with slugs)....

Agreed. I love my big .44 above but a 12 gauge with Brenneke 'Black Magic' slugs would be my pick. Sure I'd take my hogleg but the shottie would stay near me.

Deaf

jhenry · August 26, 2013, 09:56 PM

When actually backpacking as opposed to hiking,I generally have a .22 pistol of one flavor or another with me. Sometimes a Glock 23. When hiking or scouting an area I will have the Glock as a minimum or perhaps my Ruger SBH.

peacefulgary · August 27, 2013, 12:41 AM

When I hike I like to go as light weight as possible.
My Ruger LCP in my pocket is just about perfect.

The only creatures I have ever had a problem with when hiking was hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, and other people!

ClydeFrog · August 27, 2013, 07:31 AM

I'd look at Henry's versatile .22LR survival rifle. It's compact & designed for the USAF SERE(survival escape resistance evade).
For a pistol, I'd look at a Glock gen 04 model 22 or 23 in 40. You can convert it to .357sig 9mm or with a kit(slide barrel magazines etc) to .22LR. You can also add a white light or laser aimer for low light/night time situations.
Glocks are robust & well engineered. You can put custom or after market parts on them with little effort.
You can also buy a 22/23 series then get a sub compact 27 pistol as a BUG or back up.
It would be smaller but could take a lot of the same magazines & parts.
Clyde
www.gunsamerica.com www.Glock.com
www.surefire.com www.glockstore.com www.customizeyourglock.com
www.glockworx.com

August 24, 2013, 03:15 PM	#1
simonrichter Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Austria Posts: 758	What do you pack for backpacking? When I go on a longer hike, I normally take an OC spray (pepper mace) and a flare pen with me. Just in case and doesn't weight more than an additional sandwich would. There are not too many dangerous four- and two-legged creatures in the local woods and pastures, at least not as many as in the common city (two-legged then, for sure). However, if I was allowed to (which, alas, I'm not) I would instead take a tiny .22lr with me which is a little more versatile and convincing, in case. I do so for example when I camp on our own (large) property, it's simply a good feeling to have a little more than a stick when there is only a tarpaulin between you sleeping and the pitch black night, even if there's no actual danger. I just wondered what you would (or do) carry for backpacking and for which purpose - just the unspecific "in case", or explicitly SD, defense against predators, or foraging, survival... __________________ "Get off of my lawn!" Walt Kowalski . ISSC PAR .223

August 24, 2013, 03:43 PM	#2
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	For Backpacking, I bring a satellite phone on week or longer hikes. If its the right season for the wrong animals I bring Mike D, who doesn't mind carrying a .45 and .30-06. If I were to carry I'd bring a P229 with 1 magazine with alternating ammo. __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes Last edited by TXAZ; August 25, 2013 at 08:44 PM.

August 24, 2013, 05:38 PM	#5
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	When out in the woods and camping, my choice would be a short barreled, large caliber revolver and a very large knife. If firearms aren't an option, then a good, solid walking stick that also can accommodate that very large knife into making a spear. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

August 24, 2013, 07:39 PM	#8
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	After years of backpacking and carrying various handguns from a 22mag mini revolver to a six inch 44mag, my backpacking handgun of choice is... The Tokarev in 7.62. Light enough, compact and thin, highly penetrative, and able to reach out to 100yds. Utterly reliable. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

August 25, 2013, 08:29 PM	#12
tony pasley Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2006 Location: western north carolina Posts: 1,641	tried and true 1911a1 __________________ Every day Congress is in session we lose a little bit more of our Liberty.

August 24, 2013, 05:11 PM	#3
40-82 Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2013 Posts: 178	Depends on where I'm backpacking. If it's a summer trip in the Virginia woods, a small 22 revolver would be adequate. If the hike is along a salmon stream in coastal Alaska in August, no rifle I own is too big.

August 24, 2013, 05:11 PM	#4
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	In your scenario, one of my Browning break down SA-22's. In my neck of the woods, I would probably carry my full size Sig P250 in .45ACP. We have wild hogs and there has been a sighting of a Bigfoot in our County. Actually, I don't hike or camp since I got my fill of it in Nam.

August 24, 2013, 07:16 PM	#7
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 611	For hiking, fishing, and backpacking I currently carry an early Charter Arms bulldog .44spl. with 3" bbl. Easy to pack and enough punch for anything I might run into, including CCI shot shells for snakes. I think the bottom line always comes back to carrying what you're comfortable with and can shoot well.

August 25, 2013, 01:50 PM	#10
Blacktimberwolf Junior member Join Date: August 14, 2013 Posts: 74	I pack a Walther P22 with two mag. loaded with HV HP ammo.

August 25, 2013, 04:13 PM	#11
PPQ226guy Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 101	G20.....should handle anything around my neck of the woods.

August 25, 2013, 08:49 PM	#13
timd Junior Member Join Date: January 25, 2009 Posts: 8	What do you pack for packpacking? If its in bear country, I take my brother. I know I can always out run him...

August 25, 2013, 10:19 PM	#14
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	LOL... If I was hiking in grizzly bear country, I would bring my shooting buddy.... he would probably bring a 10 gage shotgun loaded with 000 buck AND his 35 Whelan model 70, or maybe his 45-70 Marlin... or he might buy that 375 Ruger hawkeye he's been eyeing... But for sure he would have two capable long guns and two capable handguns... Me ? I would probably bring a Glock 19 or Ruger GP-100, or a 1911.... I always figure that a 2 legged predator is more likely to ruin my breakfast than a 4 legged one is...

August 25, 2013, 10:28 PM	#15
Koda94 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: Cascadia Posts: 1,294	for defense against predators, I hike in trail running shoes and tell my buddies they are going to need their heavy sturdy hiking boots. __________________ lightweight, cheap, strong... pick 2

August 26, 2013, 03:20 AM	#16
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	What do you pack for packpacking? Mostly I carry on the trail the same as in town: my G27. If I am going hiking or camping in large black or brown bear country then I take my M29 4" .44 mag. But most areas the black bear are small enough I am comfortable with the G27.

August 26, 2013, 11:15 AM	#17
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	I do most of my camping in Maine or Vermont where the biggest threat is black bears, although all the years I have camped there I have only seen one off in the distance and it was never a problem, and that wasn't even near out camp site we were a few miles away at that time. Until I get a .45 my woods gun has been my Beretta M9 with 147gr 9mm+P. My buddy who usually accompanies me on my camping trips carries a can of bear mace so I think the combination of the two is enough to save our behinds if need be. I also keep a big buck knife sheathed on my left side.

August 26, 2013, 04:27 PM	#19
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	jglsprings, I only have maybe 50 left! But once they are gone I go to Montana Bullet Works 250gr SWC gas checked slugs with same powder charge. http://www.montanabulletworks.com/home.html They make ALOT of real good ones, all the way to 320 gr .44 slugs! Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

August 26, 2013, 06:42 PM	#20
481 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Posts: 540	What do you pack for packpacking? Where I hike/backpack, there is little chance of encountering the largest predatory species in my area, the black bear. Since two-legged "problems" are a more likely encounter, I simply pack the Glock 17, loaded with 147 gr XTPs, with two extra magazines of the same ammo. __________________ QUANTITATIVE AMMUNITION SELECTION

August 26, 2013, 06:57 PM	#21
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	In continental US where there are no Grizzly ...a 4" .357 mag is plenty of gun ( like a S&W model 19 or 66)..in a medium sized frame... In Northern states where they are Grizzly...or in Alaska...its a different matter .... ( .44 Mag is ok / but I'd rather have a 12ga short barreled shotgun with slugs)....

August 26, 2013, 09:56 PM	#23
jhenry Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Location: Ozarks Posts: 1,840	When actually backpacking as opposed to hiking,I generally have a .22 pistol of one flavor or another with me. Sometimes a Glock 23. When hiking or scouting an area I will have the Glock as a minimum or perhaps my Ruger SBH. __________________ "A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer

August 27, 2013, 12:41 AM	#24
peacefulgary Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2011 Location: USA Posts: 714	When I hike I like to go as light weight as possible. My Ruger LCP in my pocket is just about perfect. The only creatures I have ever had a problem with when hiking was hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, and other people!

August 27, 2013, 07:31 AM	#25
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Henry USAF .22lr rifle, Glock 23 .40S&W..... I'd look at Henry's versatile .22LR survival rifle. It's compact & designed for the USAF SERE(survival escape resistance evade). For a pistol, I'd look at a Glock gen 04 model 22 or 23 in 40. You can convert it to .357sig 9mm or with a kit(slide barrel magazines etc) to .22LR. You can also add a white light or laser aimer for low light/night time situations. Glocks are robust & well engineered. You can put custom or after market parts on them with little effort. You can also buy a 22/23 series then get a sub compact 27 pistol as a BUG or back up. It would be smaller but could take a lot of the same magazines & parts. Clyde www.gunsamerica.com www.Glock.com www.surefire.com www.glockstore.com www.customizeyourglock.com www.glockworx.com