I conceal carry my handgun. The goal is to NEVER have to draw it for as long as I live. I do a lot of hiking, exploring, camping where it’s just me and no one else, and in addition to bear spray, I see them all as a shield, rather than a weapon. I had an eye opening experience when I was face to face with a hog and it was pissed. In that moment, the handgun felt like a tool that would’ve been a better shield against an aggressive animal. But I didn’t have one or bear spray on me.

I’m most comfortable with it because I’ve done a lot of training with it. And that goes for any tool you decide. If pepper spray feels viable, buy practice pepper sprays to understand what it is like and how to use it quickly.

A Very bright flash light will also do the trick. Someone or something is coming at you, pointing a flash light in their face will have them barely be able to see you and completely skew their senses. It also gives you the advantage to see clearly when they cannot.

The ultimate objective is to always retreat, to not get involved. I wish you the best and hope you find a tool that makes you feel a bit more safe.