For those of you who go hiking.. What type of protection do you have?

I usually carry my .45 on my hip when I am out in the forest. Do those of you who don't carry a gun feel safer when you see someone who is carrying a gun?

If I seen someone in danger in the forest I would not hesitate to use my gun to save them. I feel safer if the people I am with are carrying. Even seeing a random person carrying. Of course I live in the sticks and most people have been hunting.. so there's that.

I know people in the city probably go target shooting at the indoor range if they own a gun.
I was watching some YouTube videos and I had thought about this and decided to ask you all.

Please don't turn this into an argument about gun rights and such.

Thanks in advance for your response.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Scribbles · 36-40, F

I don't feel safe around guns at all

The things I bring hiking; snack, water bottle, compass if I think my phone will get no reception. a small first aid kit, and a multi tool.

ColoradoKid · 46-50, M

@Scribbles I can understand how someone is uncomfortable around guns. My Dad was a cop.. and seeing him with one all the time probably had a lot to do with my interest in them. He died by one. I still had the interest though. My step dad being a hunter taught me. I have a real respect for them. Every animal I killed I thanked God for the food. I used to be afraid of chainsaws tbh. I started learning about them and what not to do. I own one now and enjoy cutting my own fire wood..

fanuc2013 · 51-55, F

@Scribbles So, you are protecting yourself against hunger, thirst, providing a means of summoning help in an emergency, and possibly a means to save your life in the event of an injury. So, what's wrong with having a means to protect your self against two-legged or four- legged predators?

Scribbles · 36-40, F

@fanuc2013 there is nothing wrong with self defence. I just don't feel safe around guns. I don't feel comfortable having one. I have my own personal reasons for this.

And who says I don't have any means to take care of myself? I'm not hiking in the wilderness, I'm hiking on trails with plenty of people jogging with or without their dogs.
Occasionally over my lifetime, I'll get a weirdo who will attempt to helicopter their penis at you or mug you, or piss in front of you, watch you longer then is polite, or jog with you and start up a conversation and make a pass at you but that's harmless.

There are alternate means of self defense then guns. I have no problem using words, using my fists or legs and feet. People all over the world hike without guns all the time. I will happily count myself as one of them. Because it's what I choose for myself.