Jeff, you ever been on the AT? It's not grizzly country where at least there's a potential reason to carry.
A "light" handgun is a minimum of 3/4lb with ammo... most are far more. Personally I carry as few pounds as possible, and most serious about the pastime are looking for ways to lose pounds, not add them.
But internet backpackers are different...
Thinkin' I got scarred for life by Deliverance.......
My perspective on these things changed when I had girls. Me solo? Meh. What could happen, really. Me and my ladies? That's 3/4 pound I'll pack happily.