Not worried about black bears much at all. Only cougars around here are of the human variety. Have hiked several stretches of the AT in NC with numerous females. Gary Michael Hilton killed a couple not far from where I trout fish. I hike and camp a lot in the back county in WNC. I carry a pistol with a minimum .40 when I am out, humans bother me way more than any critter we have around here. Never had the need for bear spray, have been glad I had a pistol several times. And, Yes I have the mind set and training to use it.
Carry what you want, it is your personal decision that you have to live or die with. Never met Montana Marine, but have never known him to be arrogant or give bad advice.
