It was great to see my thread blow up to 7 pages, always love a discussion. From what i have read it seems like us Californians think similar, we are in more threat of the local serious gang problems that often lurks in the wonderful nature tagging up rocks, smoking dope, and what not other illegal behavior. In addition to that sometimes we become illegal citizens when we responsible people want to possess a firearm while on our hikes, etc. Although for you peeps who live in 'gun friendly' states, say the same thing but are totally legal to do so, and all i have to say is good for you guys, i hope one day in CA it will be legal to carry while on our hikes or in regular day lives.
Lastly, for the people who live in Europe etc. I can see where you're coming from, no need for a gun probably because it's impossible to even get one, and maybe, maybe no one else has one pertaining to the thugs. And so, animal encounters are rare by means, but i see where you're coming from.
Nevertheless, i know i'm prepared.
I will also like to add that, i think hiking with females has a higher risk. For one, i'm looking for that word, 'accountability' 'liability' i don't have that word. I'm not trying to be sexes but, i had a truck and trailer broken down on the road before, and i got many strange vehicles pulling up and saying ' hey i could drive your wife, girl friend to the gas station etc, ' I'm like yeah right! I'll come back to it.