>>2817290Alaska fag here who’s lived and worked in bear country for a decade.
Become proficient with bear spray and a 44 or a 10mm and carry both. I prefer a .44 revolver because AK is wet and it’s easy to get shit muddy. I trust the simplicity of a revolver over a semi auto. If 5-6 shots ain’t enough, you’re fucked anyways.
Bear spray is highly effective under the right conditions. The gun is for the times that bear spray will not be as effective (windy days).
I do solo shit all the time but just know you will always be safer with someone else. The number one way of getting yourself into trouble is accidentally surprising a bear. Yell “Hey Bear!” Or whatever when in the trees and brush. Talk loudly with your bud if you have any buds.
I recommend having your rain fly for your pack easily accessible or have a plastic grocery bag in your hip pocket of your pack. For curious bears checking out camp or slowly approaching you on the trail, flapping that sum-bitch in the air will without fail make em turn and run like a house cat. Unless it’s aggressive and it wants to fuck with you. Then go for the spray or gun.
