If you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, camping, or backpacking, you know that safety should always be a top priority.
Carrying a reliable firearm is one of the best ways to ensure your safety.
There are plenty of options to choose from, and depending on your preferences, the area you want to explore, and the activities you wish to do, your weapon of choice will change.
It can be challenging to pick the right firearm for the job.
However, the list below will give any outdoor enthusiast the tools they need to keep them safe in the wild.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight option for easy carrying, a powerful gun for protection against dangerous predators, or a versatile firearm that can handle multiple scenarios, this list got you covered.
So, let us dive in and explore the 9 Best Guns for Hiking, Camping, & Backpacking for 2023.
Note: There is STRONG evidence that the Biden administration is steadily working towards the banning of ALL long rifles. These include ALL rifles that they deem an ‘assault weapon‘, many of which are listed below.
It is STRONGLY recommended that, if you’ve been on the fence on buying a long gun, you get off that fence and buy one ASAP.
Table of Contents
#1. Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 8.03”
- Weight: 30.71 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
The Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol is the ideal handgun to keep you safe while hiking, camping, or backpacking.
It can easily fit in your pack, or you can comfortably carry it in your holster with its 30.71-ounce design.
What makes the Glock 20 Gen4 really shine is its fifteen-round capacity chambered in 10mm.
With this combination, you have enough power to take down a bear or other large predator with an excellent balance of capacity and power.
It also features an aggressive grip texturing and interchangeable backstraps for a custom fit for enhanced control and accuracy.
One of the best features of owning a Glock is its easy customization with aftermarket parts, which allows you to fine-tune its performance to match your preferences.
It even includes an accessory rail on the bottom to attach your favorite laser or flashlight.
If you are looking for a high-powered handgun with a hi-tech polymer frame, the Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Mossberg Maverick 88 – Security With Top-Folding Stock – 6 Shot 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Type: Pump Action Shotgun
- Barrel Length: 18.5”
- Overall Length: 39.5”
- Weight: 5 lb
- Capacity: 5+1 Round
The Mossberg Maverick 88 – Security With Top-Folding Stock Shotgun is a reliable shotgun that is an excellent choice for any outdoor activity.
It features an ATI Shotforce Top-Folding Stock, which gives you enhanced control for engagements while allowing it to be compact in your pack.
The synthetic stock makes it perfect for any weather condition, and the 18.5” blue barrel gives you improved accuracy and longevity.
Its 12 gauge design and five-round tube give you the power and capacity to hunt or take down large predators.
Pump action shotguns are known for their reliability, and the Maverick 88 has dual extractors, twin action bars, and an anti-jam elevator to ensure your weapon works when needed.
If you are looking for a reliable weapon with plenty of power, the Mossberg Maverick 88 – Security With Top-Folding Stock Shotgun is a top pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2″ Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 2”
- Overall Length: 7”
- Weight: 26 oz
- Capacity: 6 Round
If you are looking for a reliable revolver that is powerful enough to take down any predator, the Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2” Revolver is an excellent option.
One of the main benefits of owning a revolver is that they are very reliable weapons with limited moving parts, making them ideal for split-second engagements.
It has a six-round capacity making it perfect for taking down any target with its robust .357 Magnum design.
Colt constructed this weapon to last with its heavy-duty stainless steel frame with a double action you can count on.
With a compact 7” overall length, it will provide plenty of stopping power while still being comfortable for an all-day carry.
The Colt King Cobra Carry .357 Magnum 2” Revolver is perfect for the outdoorsman who wants power and reliability for any situation, from personal defense to bear defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 .22LR Semi-Automatic Rifle
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Type: Rifle
- Barrel Length: 16.13”
- Overall Length: 35”
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Capacity: 8 Round
The Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 .22LR Semi-Automatic Rifle offers everything you need to survive in the wild.
It is chambered in .22LR, making it perfect for hunting small game while keeping a small footprint in your pack, weighing just 3.5 pounds.
Its .22LR allows you to carry more ammo without adding that much weight to your pack.
Another significant feature is its collapsible design, allowing you to easily store it in your pack.
The AR-7 can be easily disassembled, and all its hardware, including its barrel, will fit inside the impact-resistant stock.
When you need to use it, the AR-7 can be quickly assembled without any tools.
It has two eight-round magazines, a 16.13” steel barrel, and adjustable sights, providing precision shooting for any small game.
If you are traveling through bear country, you may want to have a backup weapon with a higher caliber.
Technically a .22 LR can kill a bear or other large predator, but you will likely just upset them.
The AR-7 is perfect for any backpacker that wants a collapsible rifle for small game hunting.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Kel-Tec Sub2000 9mm PCC Rifle Glock 19 Mag
- Caliber: 9mm
- Type: Carbine
- Barrel Length: 16.25”
- Overall Length: 30.5”
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
- Capacity: 15 Round
The Kel-Tec Sub2000 9mm PCC Rifle Glock 19 Mag is a pistol caliber carbine that uniquely blends precision, power, and capacity.
Backpackers will love the foldable design of the Sub2000, which allows it to easily fit in your pack with a 16.25” x 7” design.
With the Sub2000, you will have the versatility of equipping it with 9mm ammunition while improving accuracy with its 16.25” barrel.
It also comes with an adjustable stock to get the perfect length of pull, and it also comes with intuitive sights for easy target acquisition.
Another benefit is that it includes Picatinny rails in the handguard to customize your loadout with a foregrip, stop, or sight.
It has a stock capacity of fifteen rounds, but it accepts all standard Glock 19 magazines.
If you want a compact carbine perfect for handling most game, the Kel-Tec Sub2000 9mm PCC Rifle Glock 19 Mag is an easy choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts
- Caliber: 9mm
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 3.9”
- Overall Length: 7.15”
- Weight: 22.4 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
The PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts is an excellent option for hikers who want an easy to carry 9mm pistol with a high capacity and advanced features.
PSA designed this thing to be compact, lightweight, and durable with its polymer frame, 3.9” stainless steel barrel with a DLC coating, and a stainless steel slide with a Cerakote finish, which makes it perfect for any situation.
It features extreme carry cuts, providing smoother edges for a snag-free draw and holster.
Shooters will also love the ergonomic grip shape with its aggressive grip texturing to provide extreme comfort and control.
With its flat-faced trigger, you will have improved finger placement for consistent pulls for tighter shot groups.
It is chambered in 9mm, allowing you to take advantage of the many ammunition options available with the caliber, and it has a fifteen-round capacity making it perfect for self-defense.
The PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts is an ideal choice for anything from hiking, camping, or self-defense.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. Colt Python (6”) .357 Mag Revolver
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Type: Revolver
- Barrel Length: 6”
- Overall Length: 11.5”
- Weight: 46 oz
- Capacity: 6 Round
The Colt Python (6”) .357 Mag Revolver is a powerhouse of a firearm that can take down any target.
It features a beautiful stainless steel frame, an American forged stainless steel receiver, and a walnut target grip.
Addtionally, it has an interchangeable front sight and an adjustable rear sight to give you consistently accurate shots.
It is important to note that the Python is a monster of a gun weighing 46 ounces with an 11.5” overall length.
With its size, it may not make the best carry weapon for long hikes, but with its 6” stainless steel barrel and .357 cartridge, it can take down large predators with precision.
It has a six-round capacity, which is perfect for engaging any target, and can accommodate .38 Special cartridges for those who want less recoil.
If you want power, accuracy, and durability, the Colt Python (6”) .357 Mag Revolver is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Savage Arms Model 42 Takedown 410 Gauge/.22LR Break Open Shotgun/Rifle Combo
- Caliber: .22LR, 410 Gauge
- Type: Rifle/Shotgun Combo
- Barrel Length: 20”
- Overall Length: 35.75”
- Weight: 6.1 lbs
- Capacity: 1/1 Round
With the Savage Arms Model 42 Takedown 410 Gauge/.22LR Break Open Shotgun/Rifle Combo, you get a unique firearm that gives you the versatility of either using .22LR or .410 Gauge rounds.
It has dual 20” carbon steel barrels with the .22LR up top and the .410 gauge on the bottom.
The downside to this weapon is that you only get one Round in each chamber.
However, it gives you the versatility of choosing which Round you fire with the selection lever on the hammer.
Another significant feature is that it can easily be broken down with a push of a button, quickly reassembled, and comes with a bug-out bag.
Other features include ambidextrous hand orientations, an adjustable rear sight, and a carbon steel receiver.
If you want two weapons in one, the Savage Arms Model 42 Takedown 410 Gauge/.22LR Break Open Shotgun/Rifle Combo is an excellent option.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#9. S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6″ Optics Ready 10MM Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm
- Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 7.9”
- Weight: 29.3 oz
- Capacity: 15 Round
If you want a pistol packed with features with a larger caliber and an excellent capacity, the S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is perfect for you.
Since it is chambered in 10mm, it gives you enough power to take down a bear.
Pairing its power with a fifteen-round capacity gives you plenty of ammunition for any scenario.
But, the M&P 2.0 is more than power and capacity with its many advanced features to give you an unmatched shooting experience.
For added precision and comfort, the firearm has an optimal 18-degree grip for a natural point of aim, an enhanced grip, and four interchangeable palmwells for the perfect grip.
It also includes an M2.0 flat face trigger for consistent trigger placement, an optics-ready slide, a low barrel bore axis for enhanced recoil mitigation, and an extended rigid embedded stainless steel chassis for reduced flex and torque.
The S&W M&P 2.0 TS 4.6” Optics Ready 10mm Pistol is a high-performance pistol that gives you the power and features you need in the wilderness.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
What Features Are Essential For Hiking, Camping, & Backpacking
If you are planning a hiking, camping, or backpacking trip, it is critical to consider what features you will need to keep yourself safe in the wilderness.
While many people may think that bringing a gun on a camping trip is unnecessary, the truth is that it can be a valuable tool in certain situations.
Whether you are facing a dangerous animal or an unexpected human threat, having a reliable firearm can ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.
So what gun features should you look for when selecting a firearm for your outdoor adventure?
Size and Weight
First, you will want a firearm that is lightweight and easy to carry.
A large and heavy gun will weigh you down and take up unnecessary space inside your pack, making it difficult to travel in the wilderness.
When considering what weapon you want, consider your firearm’s overall size.
Pistols and revolvers make an excellent option to store in your pack or a holster, making them a simple choice.
However, collapsible rifles and shotguns offer a different shooting experience making them a clear choice for long-distance shooting or hunting.
Caliber
You will also want to consider the caliber of the gun, as well as its stopping power.
A larger caliber firearm will be more effective against larger animals or aggressive humans, but lower caliber weapons will provide more precision and less recoil.
Features
Other essential features to consider include the type of action, the barrel’s length, and the magazine’s capacity.
A longer barrel may provide greater accuracy, but maneuvering in tight spaces will also be more difficult.
Also, a larger magazine capacity can be helpful in certain situations, but it makes your gun heavier and more challenging to carry.
Types
Each weapon type has benefits and disadvantages.
Revolvers are reliable weapons that allow for a larger caliber but have a lower capacity.
Standard pistols can have a large capacity and are easy to use and carry.
Carbines and rifles offer enhanced precision and range, making them perfect for hunting and long-range engagements but they take up more space.
Pump-action shotguns are reliable weapons that are powerful and offer a wider spread.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what features you need for your hiking, camping, or backpacking trip will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Be sure to research your options carefully and choose a firearm that is reliable, lightweight, and easy to handle.
With the right gun by your side, you can enjoy your outdoor adventure with greater confidence and peace of mind.
References
Choosing The Right Size Handgun
Pistol Vs. Rifle Vs. Shotgun: What’s The Difference?
See Also
9 Best Handguns For Bear Defense
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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