I dont need a gun, lol. If you ever see me you will understand why. First of all, I would have to figure out just what type of gun I would carry. Then I have to figure out what ammo to put in it. Then I would want a back up and have to do the same process. In the process of remembering to check for my gun before I leave a site, I would loose my eye glasses lol. Then I would be setting off my detector as I usually dont detect flat ground. I would set on it or get the seat belt stuck in it when getting in and out of the truck. Then by the time I took to pull it, take off the safety, aim, and squeeze the trigger I could have just walked away. I have had the two legged varmits get nosey before and if they can out climb me they can have me. No one has has had me yet. Snakes, bears, mountain lions, well seen plenty. Short of stepping on a snake, never in 35 years been bothered. As the temps near 100+ degrees here in the summer, the weapon would get very hot and add to my misery. Even the added weight of 2 pounds makes a difference when climbing vertical surfaces, which I climb as high as I can to get at the good stuff. I didnt buy a light detector so I can add a gun to my weight. If it dont dig, detect, or hold samples it better be Jerky or water. I would consider one in the truck just in case as you do have some nutty people out there. but I really really would never feel right about shooting a person. I have seen what the business end of a gun does, and its a sight I wish I didnt have to live with. A cop may be too heavy to carry, but my Cell Phone isnt, and its best to just get the info to the police or ranger and let them handle it. It also goes back to being aware of your surroundings. I never did understand shooting anything you didnt plan to eat. Hamburger is $2.00 bucks a pound so its too much work and expense, to buy the license, permits, tags, and then pay for the camping trip just to eat wild meat. I can think of a lot of folks who dont carry guns. I personally donmt believe they should be allowed in the city limits, or public areas. I am more afraid of a concealed carry guy having a sugar fit and shooting me than a snake biting me in the desert. Second amendment has nothing to do with it. I say carry six or seven guns if it makes you happy, dont shoot yourself in the foot.