Majority of hiking we do is the same place we hunt. Not much danger from critters. Coyotes are always a possibility and black bear a slight chance. In the Blue Ridge area of NC white trash on meth (or just ran out of meth) are the biggest problem by far. Too sorry to work and looking for easy to sell items not hard to steal. They’re not really looking for conflict but if confronted in the act who knows. All said my ‘hiking’ carry is the same as everyday carry; a G23 with 165 grain hollow point Montana Gold handloads. Now & then I’ll swap out a 4” 38 Special or 4” .357 in a Bianchi #111 strong side/cross draw option. Cross draw is very handy in many circumstances particularly when using a backpack.

“When Tyranny becomes Law, Rebellion becomes Duty”

Colossians 3:17 (New King James Version)
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."