re: Heading to the Appalachian Trail for a 51 mile trek ...

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I usually hike in the fall and spring in bear country. I've seen a few and they've all tucked tail and ran, but I just want to be able to at least change their mind if they decide to test me. I have a Kimber Solo 9mm that I've considered taking, but I don't think that could stop a big pissed bear even if I landed 3-4 rounds on it.

The Exped pillows are awesome and tiny in the pack. I use Crocs for camp shoes and deep water crossings. They're light and easy to hook to the pack.

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I've come face to face with a bear on the Georgia AT and I don't know who was more scared - me or the bear. The bear took one look at me and took off like it was on fire. But it scared the pis* out of me. I also had a bear come by the Mt. LeConte shelter very late one night in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Sucker sounded like a rhino coming through the woods and it sniffed around the corner where I was sleeping, probably about two feet from my head, but separated by stone and the front of the shelter had a bear proof gate (that they have since taken down).

Yeah, my 380 will do nothing to a bear. I'd just shoot hoping the noise will scare it, or shoot my hiking buddy in the knee so I can get away faster or something.

Thanks for the tip on the pillow. I will definitely get one before the 40 miler.