Industry-leading prices on quality products. Check out what's on sale today!
SHOP NOWThis video breaks down five practical firearms for hiking and camping with a focus on self-defense in remote areas. The hosts compare pistols, rifles, and revolvers for weight, capacity, and effectiveness on the trail.
The hosts introduce a list of five firearms suited for hiking and camping, focusing on self-defense rather than hunting. They emphasize that in remote areas cell service is unreliable and response times are long, so personal protection is critical. Potential threats include large animals such as big cats and other wildlife, as well as unpredictable people encountered on backwoods trails or in parks. The goal is defensive capability, not offensive use. They frame the discussion around weapon systems that balance practicality, portability, and effectiveness for someone carrying a pack, using tools like OnX to navigate trails, and needing a firearm that can realistically be kept on the body or in a backpack during extended time outdoors.
The countdown starts with a controversial choice: a bolt-action rifle for the pack. They highlight the CZ 600 Trail as an example, noting that it comes in calibers like 5.56, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39, and feeds from standard STANAG magazines. The rifle weighs about 6.1 pounds unloaded and offers adjustable length of pull, making it relatively light and adaptable. It is described as feature-rich and available for under roughly a thousand dollars. While bolt guns provide access to powerful rifle calibers and strong terminal performance, the hosts acknowledge that many hikers prefer more compact options. They point out that some people do hike or camp with bolt guns, but consider it less common than carrying a handgun.
The discussion shifts to handguns, starting with .45 ACP as a personal preference for hiking. A 1911-style pistol, such as a Tisas M1911 A1 clone, is mentioned as a familiar platform with good ergonomics and strong terminal effects in .45 ACP. The drawback is limited capacity, often around seven or eight rounds, though double-stack 1911-style pistols and polymer .45 pistols can increase capacity. Carry methods like belt holsters or fanny packs are suggested, along with spare magazines. They then move to 9mm handguns, using a Glock 17 as an example but stressing that any reliable 9mm pistol or even a 9mm PCC could fill the role. They note that 9mm offers higher capacity, manageable recoil, and widespread familiarity, and that certain 9mm loads can perform well even through intermediate barriers, though it will not match rifle calibers for power.
For a more substantial option, they recommend any semi-automatic 300 Blackout firearm as a strong choice for trail defense. The caliber is praised for its performance in short-barreled platforms and at typical hiking distances of 50 yards and in. While subsonic 300 Blackout loads are effective, they emphasize that supersonic ammunition delivers significantly more energy and is preferred when noise is not a primary concern. They mention that through a suppressor, supersonic 300 Blackout can provide roughly three times the energy of certain subsonic loads, such as a Barnes 110-grain bullet. The CMMG Dissent is used as an example of a compact 300 Blackout semi-auto with an MSRP around $1,800, sometimes found closer to $1,600. The hosts note that suppressed 300 Blackout is excellent, but the added size and weight of a rifle plus a backpack, water, clothing, and food can become burdensome on long hikes.
Revolvers rank high on the list due to their reliability and effectiveness at close range. The hosts explain that revolvers are less susceptible to many of the malfunctions associated with semi-automatic pistols and can be fired in contact with a target, such as pressing the muzzle against an animal, without inducing a stoppage. They reference classic wheelguns like Colt Pythons and powerful .44 Magnum revolvers, noting that .44 Magnum recoil is substantial and not everyone can manage it, but a solid hit can be decisive. Capacity and slower reloads are acknowledged as limitations. They also touch on proper revolver grip, contrasting it with semi-auto techniques, and mention that many outdoors enthusiasts are comfortable with wheelguns. Revolvers are included partly because of their strong terminal performance and partly because of their enduring popularity among people who spend time in the woods.
Before revealing the top pick, the hosts offer honorable mentions. Lever-action rifles, such as Marlin or Henry models in calibers like .45-70 or .357 Magnum, are praised for being relatively lightweight, accurate long guns that carry a reasonable number of rounds and fit well in a pack. The main drawback is overall size when added to an already full hiking backpack. They also mention pistol-caliber carbines as another option, including compact 9mm or 10mm PCCs like the Grand Power Stribog A3S, MP5-style clones, and a folding carbine equipped with an Aimpoint T2 and Unity riser. These platforms offer small overall size and familiar handling but still add noticeable weight. The hosts frame these as viable but secondary choices, recognizing that many hikers will ultimately favor more compact sidearms for regular use on the trail.
Loading... 
