Best Guns for
Hiking & Backpacking
The best firearms for hiking, backpacking, and wilderness carry — bear defense, snake country, and backcountry self-defense.
How We Selected These Picks
Backcountry firearms must be lightweight, weather-resistant, reliable after pack abuse, and effective against both human threats and wildlife. These picks cover different terrain and threat environments.
The Best Options Available Today
Price: $649
Private Sale: $510–$620
15+1 of 10mm with hardcast bullets — the best all-around backcountry pistol. Handles bear, predator, and human threats. Polymer resists weather. Proven.
Price: $1,199
Private Sale: $900–$1,200
6-shot .454 Casull handles every North American predator. 2.5″ barrel in a compact package. The serious bear country choice.
Price: $549
Private Sale: $380–$490
13.5 oz — the lightest powerful revolver made. Handles .357 Mag or .38 Special. For weight-conscious hikers who still want meaningful capability.
Price: $349
Private Sale: $280–$390
22 WMR cylinder (included with .22 LR cylinder) provides meaningful small game and snake capability at minimum weight.
Price: $519
Private Sale: $380–$480
17.8 oz, 10+1 or 12+1 capacity. For hikers who prefer 9mm — enough gun for most backcountry threats.
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