I'm all about lightweight for backpacking, but won't compromise personal protection. I do downsize what I carry to the local threats and that's it. In the woods the smallest/lightest I'll go is a airweight 357 J-frame. That's typically in areas with snakes and two chambers have shot shells in them. Otherwise it's a G23, or 10mm, or in big bear cases, a 44mag. Typically in the woods, I've got some sort of 10mm on me. Most weight around 40ozs +/- loaded. To save weight, I'll cut other items from my pack but the gun, medkit, and fire starter kit remain full size.
