Well worded. One never knows what threat may come your way and having your "poin-ed stick" available quickly is sometimes important. I'm not trying to be some kind of Bad ass, but when I'm out in the wilderness with my wife in a tent and I hear something that is not right, I will use any and all resources to protect what is mine.Interesting see all the responses here and the differing views. Not political, just the regional and other country perspective per se.
I carry a 1911 Officer Model .45 - Backpacking, hiking, Search/Rescue, Camping etc it is with me.
Couple stories:
First, about a year ago, we were camping in our tent trailer, my wife and kids, and father in law. We were up around 9pm playing games and at one point, I faintly heard what seemed a growling sound. I didn't acknowledge it as I just figured it was my imagination or just a noise, but a moments later, I heard it again. Only this time, my father in law and I locked eyes as he heard it too. We both said "did you hear that!" I jumped from the table and unholstered from my hip, my father in law jumped up and went to his gun case; locked in the front of the trailer. I ran out of the trailer thinking there was a bear, mountain lion, etc and started to search around the camper with my flashlight and the spots on my Jeep. After about 2 minutes of fumbling with his gun case, my father in law joined me outside to search also. He started looking around in the bushes, brush and forest also. ...after about 5 minutes of this, my wife announced "guys, I think I found the bear!" To our surprise, she had found my then 6 yo son asleep in his bunk, snoring like a bear! We all had a good chuckle about the situation.
Second, a few months back on a camping trip, in the hustle to get out of the house to get a good spot for Labor Day Camping, I forgot my carry weapon in my safe! I went the entire weekend without my .45, and let's just say I did NOT sleep as well as I do when I have it. I tossed at night and slept with my axe next to my head. It was unnerving and made me realize how comforting having a firearm can be. I will not make that mistake again.
Lastly, On a Search and Rescue mock sar mission, it was myself and 4 other searchers (two of which were deputies) and when we came to a break for food/water, one of the members asked "who all is carrying?" It turned into an instant show and tell where everyone pulled their weapons and set them on a stump.....I was happy to see I had the biggest hand cannon of them all. HAHA. Even one of the Deputies announced "My God man, you carry your 1911 locked, cocked and loaded??!!" I told him there isn't any other way!
Guns aren't for everyone, and you have to be conscious, safe and situationally aware when you have them. I am blessed my Sheriff and Police Chief are pro-carry in our county....so many don't have the opportunity in CA.
Carry proud, carry safe!
I carry my .45 Beretta at all times, in the city or not for both two legged and 4 legged issues.
When doing light hiking, I carry in my Hill people gear chest pack. It's got a couple of compartments for the few things you need when not hiking far, and the one rear pocket specifically for my gun.
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/ProductID/37/Default.aspx