Packin' While Paddlin'

[Deuce]

I just read a discussion on solo tripping and several of the participants indicated that they never went on one without a pistol. I've never felt the need for one (unless I count the time we were besieged all night by a surfeit of skunks ), but what about you guys? I'm just curious (read bored ).

[cj5752]

I just read a discussion on solo tripping and several of the participants indicated that they never went on one without a pistol. I've never felt the need for one (unless I count the time we were besieged all night by a surfeit of skunks ), but what about you guys? I'm just curious (read bored ).

If ever I am headed to a place I needed a pistol I would stay home. I carry because of the unknown. A pistol can be used as a survivol tool as well as a defensive tool(Dogs,Convicts, or crack heads.) It doesn't make you more or less of a man. It's just a tool.

[Baseinba]

I carry almost all of the time. That includes on the river. After needing (wanting) it and not having it I make a point of always having with me. On the river there is very little need but as a scout I am prepared. Granted it takes exiting my kayak digging thru the dry bag so needless to say there will not be a fast draw.

[WhiteOak1]

As Captian Call said "Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it."

[prophet]

[Deuce]

You got a purty mouth.

[Richard]

I have never owned a gun. Never needed one. Doubt if I ever will. Paddlers are not something to be feared.

[Deuce]

Paddlers are not something to be feared.

You've obviously never seen me shirtless. I've been mistaken for Bigfoot many times.

[okieboater]

I think the most danger on paddle trips is the travel time to and from.

Since I normally drive long distance on the interstates and stop at rest stops often for a nap, I feel protection is needed for that time for sure. I have had instances along I40 rest stops where a weapon in my hand would have made me feel much better.

I have been on several river trips over the years where I would have felt a lot safer with a pistol. Not from paddlers but from individuals that just showed up at camps that were accessible from nearby roads or trails. It is pretty scary for several yahoos (obviously on some pill or alcohol) stumble into camp and start asking questions.

There are a bunch of news articles covering attacks on AT trail hikers with killings of hikers on almost annual basis.

I do carry a powerful bear spray on my river trips and feel it is a good defense against animal attacks and should do a decent job on human attacks.

I think having a pistol concealed on your person or vehicle is a personal decision and can be a life saver. I have been on many river trips where others have a conceal carry license and had their weapons along. Made me feel a bit safer.

It is very unfortunate that we live in a time where river trips are dangerous from humans a lot more than the river!

[summerbee]

weighing in at a whopping 135# and standing nearly 5'6" tall, I am an intimidating sight to behold when I travel the backroads alone. Yes, men must fear me when they see me step out of my truck to set up camp. I've seen it in their eyes ...or maybe that was just the reflection of my glock.

[Butch Crain]

after 35 years of soloing the backwoods & logging roads of Louisiana, south Arkansas & southeast Texas I've decided to buy a pistol

resisted for years - had a few cringe worthy encounters, but never actually needed to defend myself

with increased access to many remote areas (recreational and residential development being the primary long term sources, but resource extraction unmanaged is also a source) there's just not anyplace that's really safe

now have grandchildren old enough to hit the woods and rivers with me - hopefully we'll all continue my good luck, but as somebody said, better to be safe than sorry

that includes getting adequate (and ongoing) training with firearm safety and handling - my guess is that more people are killed by mishandling of guns than the number that could have been saved if they had been armed to defend themselves

[Wildwood]

My traveling companion is a Smith & Wesson Lady Smith .38 Special. I travel remote areas too much to be without it. Rest stops bother me, too.

[AR-Nimrod]

Just think of it as insurance. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[Deuce]

Some interesting responses. I'm not sure what I was expecting.

[okieboater]

The times they are a changing!