Whether you’re hiking the Smoky Mountains, West Virginia trails or Michigan backwoods, carrying a concealed handgun while on the trail provides peace of mind. From personal experience, I never go on a hike or backpacking trip without my concealed carry handgun — it offers a sense of security every outdoor enthusiast deserves. In this guide, we’ll explore the best handguns for hiking, the best backpacking guns, and the most comfortable holsters for hiking with a gun to help you stay safe and prepared.
Top Reasons to Carry a Concealed Handgun While Hiking or Backpacking
Hiking excursions can vary from a walk along a well-traveled bike path to an extensive trip with a backpack containing food, water and shelter. Distances can range from 1 mile to many, even crossing state lines. The type of hike you take will influence your choice of concealed handgun to pack.
Whether you’re walking a popular trail or truly backpacking with a gun into remote terrain, it’s essential to have a reliable firearm suited for your needs. Depending on the environment, you may face threats from both wildlife and people, so choosing the best gun for backpacking is critical.
Protection From Wildlife When Hiking With a Gun
Carrying a concealed handgun for protection against predatory animals such as black bears is especially crucial when hiking in areas with dangerous wildlife. These encounters may be rare in the lower 48 states but they do happen. Both black and grizzly bears have been responsible for fatal encounters in recent years, including predatory attacks on hikers and campers in Montana, Idaho, California and Arizona. Even peaceful settings such as a hot tub or picnic can turn dangerous if bears are nearby.
Grizzlies, which are expanding their range in parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, are particularly aggressive when surprised or when cubs are present. A .44 Magnum or 10mm semi-auto loaded with hard-cast bullets is a common recommendation among backcountry experts for stopping power.
Black bears, while generally less aggressive, are more likely than grizzlies to launch predatory attacks on humans. Experts advise fighting back aggressively during an attack. In cases involving sows with cubs or nighttime camp intrusions, even black bears can be deadly.
Mountain lions also pose a risk in western states. While attacks are rare, they tend to be predatory in nature — and cougars often stalk lone hikers or children. Recent fatal and near-fatal encounters have occurred in California, Colorado and Washington. In these situations, firearms — including .357 Magnums and even .22 Long Rifle — have been used effectively in self-defense.
Defense Against Aggressive Dogs on Trails
Dog attacks — particularly by pit bulls and large unrestrained breeds — are a rising concern even in suburban parks and trails. In some instances, dog owners fail to leash or control their animals. Carrying a firearm offers an additional layer of protection, especially when hiking with children who may be more vulnerable to an attack.
A .380 ACP or 9mm handgun can be sufficient for defense against aggressive dogs in more populated areas. However, stronger calibers may be warranted depending on the frequency and severity of attacks in your area.
Self-Defense Against Criminals While Hiking or Backpacking
In many cases, human threats pose a greater danger than wild animals. For example, the Appalachian Trail has seen attacks in the past. Some hiking areas are located in or near regions with higher crime rates. Choosing the best handgun for hiking gives you a practical and potentially lifesaving tool in these unpredictable environments.
Using a Backpacking Gun in Survival or Emergency Situations
A firearm can also be used for signaling or emergency foraging. Some government-designated “frontier” areas in the lower 48 are incredibly remote. If you’re lost for several days, the right backpacking gun could help you survive by harvesting small game or firing signal shots in an SOS pattern. Where legal and appropriate, a quality .22 handgun can be a great companion for small-game hunting. This is a lightweight and versatile option when selecting your backpacking gun.
How to Choose the Best Handgun for Hiking or Backpacking
I’ve long followed a simple formula when selecting a handgun for the trail: the more remote the location, the heavier the caliber. Choosing the best handgun for hiking is about balancing power, weight and confidence. Your firearm should match the terrain and threats you expect to face.
Since I haven’t had the opportunity to hike in Alaska — or the few places in the lower 48 where brown bears roam — my top-end caliber picks include the .357 Magnum, .357 SIG, .40 Smith & Wesson, 10mm and .45 ACP. Of these, I most often carry the .357 Magnum or .45 ACP. If I ever hike Alaskan backcountry, a .44 Magnum would be my defensive starting point.
I remember hiking with a female friend in remote West Virginia. Just as we started out, a pickup truck with dog kennels in the bed rolled up beside us. The driver asked if we’d seen his hunting dogs. When we said no, he began acting suspiciously, giving her an unsettling look. I stepped in front of her to block his view. Though I noticed a lever-action rifle in the truck’s rear window, I knew I could reach the seven-shot Smith & Wesson 386 PD .357 on my hip faster. Fortunately, it didn’t come to that.
Whether you’re day hiking or backpacking with a gun, it’s important to carry a handgun that matches the risk level of your environment. When hiking with a gun, especially in isolated areas, confidence in your firearm’s caliber and reliability can make all the difference.
Best Handguns for Hiking in Urban or Populated Areas
In areas where large wild animals aren’t a concern, such as paved bike paths or parks in more urban or suburban settings — a smaller-caliber handgun is often sufficient. For these environments, handguns chambered in .380 ACP, .32 Magnum, .38 Special or 9mm typically offer more than enough protection for everyday trail use. If you’re hiking with a gun on well-traveled routes, these lighter options keep things comfortable without sacrificing your sense of preparedness.
However, if you frequent parks where aggressive dogs are a common sight, it may be worth considering the heavier calibers recommended for more remote areas. This is especially true if you’re hiking with young children, where any threat becomes more serious. Choosing the best handgun for hiking means thinking not just about wildlife but also real-world threats you might face even close to home. And if you’re hiking during the warmer months, be sure to check out these summer concealed carry tips to stay discreet, cool and comfortable on the trail.
Pairing your firearm with a reliable hiking handgun holster ensures quick access if needed and adds an extra layer of confidence during your outings, no matter the environment.
Best Guns for Backpacking: How to Choose Based on Weight and Distance
When selecting a concealed carry firearm for the trail, you need to weigh both the gun’s size and the distance of your hike. Are you taking a short walk around the neighborhood, or are you backpacking with a gun for multiple days where every ounce matters?
The best backpacking gun strikes a balance between power, reliability and trail comfort — and should be weather-resistant enough for multi-day treks. A Glock — especially chambered in 10mm — makes a dependable trail companion. It’s rugged, simple to operate and lightweight enough not to weigh you down. Smith & Wesson offers the widest variety of trail-worthy revolvers and semi-autos, with options that suit everything from remote Alaskan hikes to Florida swamplands. Ruger trails close behind with equally capable and durable models.
The best gun for backpacking is one that’s both weather-resistant and comfortable to carry over long distances. If your firearm becomes a burden, you’re more likely to leave it behind — or worse, not carry it when you need it most. Always opt for a handgun that fits your adventure and gives you confidence in unpredictable environments.
Best Gun Holsters for Hiking: Comfort, Access and Safety
When you’re covering miles of rugged terrain, comfort and accessibility are key. For extended treks, the best holster for hiking is typically an outside-the-waistband (OWB) design. These holsters minimize pressure points and hot spots, making them far more comfortable than inside-the-waistband (IWB) options during long hikes.
Depending on your gear setup, a shoulder rig, chest holster or secure drop-leg hiking handgun holster can also provide excellent access without interfering with your backpack or waistband. A snug-fitting chest holster is particularly effective for large-caliber revolvers or semi-autos such as a 10mm, especially when paired with heavy outerwear or backpacks.
Whether you’re backpacking with a gun in remote wilderness or enjoying a quick hike near home, carrying a concealed handgun means you’re never caught off-guard. In isolated areas — such as the Appalachian Trail or many national parks — encounters with both wildlife and dangerous individuals can occur. A well-chosen handgun and a dependable backpacking gun holster can be the deciding factor between being prepared and being vulnerable.
Always check your surroundings and comply with federal and state laws, particularly in national parks under Public Law 111-24. Refer to the USCCA guide to federal concealed carry laws for specific regulations. For multi-state trips, use the USCCA Reciprocity Map to verify your permit is recognized in each jurisdiction. Ultimately, the best hiking holster supports safe, comfortable carry wherever the trail takes you.
Why Preparedness Matters on Every Hike
Whether you’re navigating quiet park trails or trekking deep into bear country, carrying a handgun while hiking or backpacking isn’t about fear — it’s about being prepared. From unexpected animal encounters to human threats and survival emergencies, the right firearm and holster can make the difference between vulnerability and control. Just as you’d pack water, navigation tools or weather-ready gear, your firearm should be part of a thoughtful safety plan rooted in training, awareness and legal responsibility. The wilderness doesn’t always give warnings — but with the right mindset and equipment, you’ll be ready for whatever the trail throws your way.
Sources
BodyGuard Belt: BodyGuardBelt.com
Glock: USGlock.com
Ruger: Ruger.com
Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com
This article is a compilation of previous blog posts and CCM articles authored by Scott W. Wagner, Dick Fairburn and Dorsey Kindler.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of carrying a handgun while hiking?
Carrying a handgun while hiking offers protection from both human and animal threats. Whether you’re in remote wilderness or a local park, the ability to defend yourself against aggressive dogs, mountain lions or even bears can be lifesaving. A concealed firearm can also serve in emergencies for signaling or small-game hunting. More than anything, it helps responsible hikers feel prepared and in control.
What is a good pistol to carry while hiking?
The best hiking pistol depends on your environment. For urban or suburban trails where the most likely threats are aggressive dogs or potential attackers, lighter calibers such as .380 ACP, .38 Special or 9mm are often sufficient. In more remote areas, experienced hikers often carry .357 Magnum, 10mm or .45 ACP for increased stopping power. Always consider weight, reliability and comfort for long-distance carry.
What is the best pistol to carry in bear country?
In bear country — especially where grizzlies are present — larger calibers are strongly recommended. Experts suggest handguns chambered in 10mm or .44 Magnum, ideally paired with hard-cast or solid-copper bullets for deep penetration. Semi-automatic pistols such as the Glock 20 in 10mm have become increasingly popular due to higher capacity, faster follow-up shots and easier handling under stress.
